Pistorius Brother Faces Own Trial

The brother of South African athlete Oscar Pistorius - accused of murdering his girlfriend - is also facing trial over the death of a woman.

Carl Pistorius is charged with culpable homicide over the death of a woman motorcyclist in a traffic accident, his lawyer said.

The case has no relation to the charges against Oscar Pistorius over the shooting of Reeva Steenkamp, reports the BBC.

The Paralympic star - who was released on bail on Friday - denies murder.

The charges against Carl Pistorius over an accident involving his car in which a woman on a motorcycle died date back to 2010 but have only just emerged, local media reports say.

They were confirmed to the BBC by Pistorius family lawyer Kenneth Oldwage.

The accident took place in the town of Vanderbijlpark, an hour's drive south of Johannesburg.

Police conducted tests on Carl Pistorius and he was found to have no alcohol in his blood at the time, the BBC's Milton Nkosi in Johannesburg says.

He is due in court at the end of March, which means his trial may end before his younger brother Oscar's is due to begin on 4 June.

Carl Pistorius was a constant presence at his brother's four-day bail hearing.

Oscar Pistorius admits shooting Reeva Steenkamp at his home on Valentine's Day but denies murder, saying he mistook her for an intruder.

Bulldog Accidentally Shoots Owner

A Florida man has been shot in the leg by his own dog, police said.

Gregory Lanier, 35, told officers he was driving down the motorway when his dog kicked what he thought was an unloaded handgun sitting on the raised floor section between the passenger and driver's seat of his pickup truck, reports Sky News.

But Lanier soon discovered the 9mm Beretta had at least one bullet inside as it discharged and struck him in the left calf.

Lanier told police he "heard a boom, saw smoke and felt a burning in his leg" as the bullet entered and then exited his leg and struck the door panel.

The wounded man pulled his Ford F250 into a nearby petrol station, where the store clerk - a friend of Lanier's - called for emergency personnel.

According to the police report, Lanier told his friend the dog was jumping around in the truck and kicked the unholstered weapon. He also had a rifle in the truck, which he said was unloaded.

Lanier was taken to hospital for treatment.

His dog, which Sebring Police spokesman Steve Carr tells Sky News was a tan and white bulldog, was taken to a friend's home.

No charges have been filed.

GH¢200m For Jail Breakers

The Tema Regional Command has promised amounts ranging from GH¢200 to GH¢20,000 as reward for anyone who will offer information leading to the arrest of three suspected robbers who broke jail at the Tema Fishing Harbour Police Station last Saturday.

The jail breakers are Ebenezer Nyagbedzi, a 19-year-old tailor, Eliasu Mohammed, a 20-year-old scrap dealer, and Daniel Kwame Kumi, a 20-year-old mechanic apprentice.

Corporal Joseph Barabu, Tema Regional Assistant Public Relation Officer (PRO), told DAILY GUIDE that the police command had initiated investigations into the escape but asked for public assistance to arrest the culprits who escaped through the roof of the police station after breaking the ceiling of their cell.

The command has therefore appealed to the general public to assist the police to re-arrest the escapees.

He reminded the public that the police reward system was still in force, and that anyone who would assist the police to arrest the escapees or any other runaway criminal would be adequately rewarded.

The public can reach the police on the following numbers, 0303-202936, 0303-202937; and crime fighters, MTN/Vodafone short code 18555. The public can also report to the nearest police station.

Police at the Tema Fishing Harbour have been given 10 days to produce the three suspects who escaped after they were brought back from the Police Hospital in Accra, after feigning illness.

According to information by the Police Headquarters in Accra, if they failed to produce the jail-breakers, they would be penalized.

‘I Make $100,000 A Year PRETENDING To Be Handicapped’: Beggar Reveals The Shocking Con He Uses To Trick People

A man who pretends to be mentally and physically handicapped while he goes around the streets begging claims he makes up to $100,000 a year from his panhandling.

Added to the fact Thompson seems to have difficulty speaking and fully understanding, he manages to illicit a lot of sympathy from others – sympathy and money. Thompson was awarded $2.4 million in a lawsuit tied to a motorcycle accident from 1993, money he said he and his family spent.Gary Thompson, from Texas, gets around Lexington, Kentucky, in a wheelchair which he says he needs because he has difficulty walking. He also maneuvers his hands in a way that would lead the untrained eye to believe he had difficulty using them.

His sob story to passers by is that his family took the money he received when he was paralyzed in the accident. He does have some difficulty walking but is not totally paralyzed. When he was confronted about the scheme by LEX 18 news station, he laughed and said he doesn’t plan on stopping any time soon.

‘I appreciate you guys busting me,’ Thompson told a reporter. ‘Yeah, I’m really good at it, really good. I clear about 100,000 dollars a year doing this.

‘Anything from 60,0000 to 100,00 dollars. I am normal, it just helps to be mentally handicapped.’ Not only can Thompson speak and use his arms properly, but he has a degree in speech pathology that allowed him to mimic a mentally disabled person. The average household income in Kentucky is around $42,000 a year. Hailing from Austin, Texas, he claims to have pulled the same stunt there before moving to Kentucky.

Police there recently held a press conference about it warning people of the scam. After LEX 18 confronted Thompson about the alleged scam, he showed no remorse and simply wheeled himself off to beg right in front of a police station. Judy McKinney told Lex 18: ‘He got me! I don’t make that much money, but I reached into my pocket, and gave him everything I had. Six dollars at the time.’ Thompson has reportedly been charged twice this year over his scheme and pleaded guilty on both occasions

Two Nigerians Arrested Over Cocaine Importation

Two Nigerians who were recently nabbed by security operatives over 372 bottles of substances suspected to be cocaine valued at 12 million dollars on Tuesday appeared before an Accra Fast Track High Court.

James Ekeke Chukwu and Sammy Ikechekwu Benjy Eke, both businessmen are being held for engaging in criminal conspiracy and importation of narcotics without authority.

Eke was additionally charged for possessing 62 boxes containing 372 bottles of liquid substance suspected to be cocaine.

The court presided over by Mr Justice Mustapha Habib Logoh reserved their pleas and remanded them into Police Custody to reappear on March 12 pending further investigations into the matter.

The facts as presented by Mr Asiamah Sampong, Principal State Attorney are that during the month of December last year, the Narcotic Control Board (NACOB) through its foreign counterpart received an intelligence report to the effect that a cargo said to be containing quantities of cosmetics from Bolivia to Tema Port had narcotic drugs concealed in them.

On January 29 this year, the cargo which was consigned to a company called Consumables Lines Limited arrived at the Tema Port. Officers of the Joint Port Control Unit (JPCU) mounted surveillance on the cargo in a 40 footer container with Number MRK 257 48-45 GI belonging to Maersk Shipping Line Company.

Prosecution said in February this year, two clearing agents and witnesses in the case arrived with the necessary documents to clear the goods. Inspection of the import documents suggested that the cargo was billed to contain 22 pallets of assorted cosmetics.

According to prosecution, the container arrived with the seal number ML 014986 intact and the container was opened for inspection in the presence of the agents. During physical examination of the goods green bottles of liquid substances suspected to be cocaine were found sealed in surgical gloves.

The clearing agent denied knowledge of the narcotic drugs and the cargo but another agent told investigators that a second hand cloth dealer who was a client to Chukwu who introduced Eke to her as an importer of cosmetic products who wanted his goods to be cleared for him.

The agent further stated that she was therefore presented with the necessary documents in her office by the two accused persons and she (the agent) was formally engaged to clear the goods.

Prosecution indicated that further investigations led to the arrest of Chukwu at Aplaku Junction near Weija when he attempted to take delivery of the cargo.

Prosecution said Chukwu mentioned Eke as the owner of the container and stated that sometime in 2011, Chukwu told him (Eke) that he had the desire to import cosmetics from South America to Ghana.

Based on that Chukwu said he assisted Eke to register a company known as Consumables Lines Limited at the Registrar General’s Department.

Prosecution said Chukwu stated that in December 2012, Eke came to him with the import document of the cargo which was on high seas from Bolivia to Tema.

Eke was lured into the country and he blamed Chukwu and two others for concealing the drugs in the cargo of cosmetics.

Investigation led to the retrieval of 180,600 CFA, 18,700 dollars, 3,945 Naira and GHc680 from Eke, while GHc2,150 was found on Chukwu.

Prosecution alleged the monies were believed to be proceeds from the sale of narcotic drugs.

Prosecution further stated that the substances had been forwarded to the Ghana Standards Authority for analytical examination.

Dead Man Robbed!!!!

The woes of a bereaved family at Akurem in the Asawase Constituency in Kumasi deepened after the deceased was allegedly robbed at gunpoint by some suspected robbers.

The robbers reportedly took away the suit and other jewels that had been used to dress the dead person (name unavailable) whilst he was laid in state.

After that, the robbers turned the heat on mourners present and robbed them of their mobile phones and money before fleeing.

Sanni Abacha, a witness, said the sad incident took place at the Akurem School on Saturday around 5 am.

The deceased, a male, believed to be in his early 40s, had been laid in state for mounters to pay their last respect when the robbers pounced on the body.

The hoodlums, wielding deadly weapons including guns, ordered the mourners to surrender all their belongings or they would shoot them dead.

Abacha said the hoodlums then dashed for the dead body which was nicely dressed and laid in a coffin.

The robbers, without showing any mercy, started removing the nicely sewn suit which the deceased was wearing for the journey of no return.

After stripping the corpse naked, the robbers took away all the jewels and other valuable items used to dress it. Not satisfied with their booty, the hoodlums, at gunpoint, robbed all the mourners at the funeral.

After the robbery spree, the robbers jumped into a waiting car and fled. Sanni Abaeha said the bereaved family and residents were shocked to the marrow over the incident which had never happened in the area.

Despite the calamity that befell them, the bereaved family managed to arrange for a new suit to dress the dead man.

Sanni Abaeha noted that the deceased was buried some hours after the robbery, followed by a funeral in the afternoon on the same day.

Mario Balotelli Commissions Statue Of Himself In Iconic Goal Celebration Pose

Mario Balotelli used to be good value for at least one crazy headline a week, and quite often more.

Whether it was buying two Vespas while looking for an ironing board, giving tramps £1,000, rescuing kids from school bullies, inspiring his manager to throw a suitcase at him or setting off fireworks in his bathroom, the ever-entertaining Italian striker always had something going on.

His recent fatherhood and move to Italy appeared to have calmed him down slightly, however, and his on-pitch form since his move to AC Milan in January - which has seen him score four goals in his first four matches - appeared to have heralded a new era of sensibleness from the 21-year-old.

But just when we'd given up on him generating funny headlines, he goes and commissions a statue of himself to stand outside his new house.

Italian local newspaper Il Giornale di Brescia reports that Balotelli has commissioned a local artist called Livio Scarpella to build a statue of himself striking the now-iconic 'muscle man' pose he showed off after scoring a goal for Italy in the Euro 2012 semi-final against Germany.

"I showed him various sketches, but Mario wanted to be immortalised in his pose after the goal: showing off his muscles and with his expression challenging his opponents," Scarpella said.

While Scarpella says that he sees the statue presenting Balotelli as "an athlete from ancient times", it won't be the usual boring old limestone or bronze number you might find in Pompeii or Rome. Scarpella has very different materials in mind.

"The statue will be between the classic and pop style, in platinum and coloured bronze with the eyes made of precious stones."

In other words a ridiculous one-off that defies belief. Just like the man himself, then.

Doctor Who Took And Kept Nude Photos Of His Young Patients Commits Suicide

The Maryland gynecologist was a little too “eager” to see young patients. It wasn’t until investigators reportedly found inappropriate photos and videos and Levy killed himself that the pieces fell into place.

Levy was found dead in an apparent suicide in his Towson home this week. Detectives found more photos and videos of 

Levy’s patients in his home, though parents may never get the answers they wanted.

“Detectives have a lot of material that they have to comb through, servers and servers and hard drives and hard drives worth of information that needs to be forensically analyzed,” Baltimore police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said.

Nearly 100 women — all patients of the Johns Hopkins gynecologist — have come forward since the finding, fearing that they may be victims themselves. Police said Tuesday that some of the images were recorded using a secret camera inside a pen.

Investigators are checking into Levy’s entire career, looking for potential victims. Numerous civil lawsuits are expected to come out of the investigation.

Driver Shown 'Letting Toddler Take Control Of Car' Through Australian Streets In Act Described As 'Absolute Stupidity'

An Australian driver has been filmed allowing a toddler to steer a car through suburban streets while sitting on his lap.

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO

A video - believed to have been shot in Melbourne - was then posted online and shared on YouTube.

It has since been removed.

The footage shows the child  - who does not appear to be wearing a seatbelt - sitting on the lap of a male driver and holding the steering wheel.

On a number of occasions the driver can be seen then removing one hand from the wheel - letting the child steer.

The driver's right hand remains touching the wheel lightly as the child takes control.

Acting inspector Tim O'Conner, the Brimbank local area commander, told 3AW the stunt was one of 'absolute stupidity', 9news reports.

He said: 'It didn’t appear the child was wearing a seatbelt, you’ve got the possibility of an airbag going off - and we know how dangerous they can be to the people sitting in the seats - and also just the fact that it is a danger to other road users.'

If found the man could be charged with 'conduct endangering' and a number of traffic offences, he added.

'It is really a matter of sitting down and going through it (the video) again and make sure we cover everything off,' Mr O’Conner said.

'They're Being Disgusting': Ten-Year-Old's Horror When She Spotted Woman Performing Sex Act On A man In A Bank Foyer

A couple ended up in court after a 10-year-old schoolgirl witnessed them performing a sex act in the foyer of a Lloyds TSB bank in the early evening.

Gareth Healey and Phillipa Botting, both 23, pleaded guilty to outraging public decency by committing a sexual act in a public place.

A court heard how the 10-year-old schoolgirl and her aunt were waiting by a taxi rank when the child spotted Ms Botting performing a sex act on her boyfriend in the bank foyer in the centre of Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, south west Wales.

The young schoolgirl then turned to her aunt and told her that a man and woman were 'being disgusting', the Western Telegraph reports. 

She then described what she could see in the Lloyds bank foyer - which is kept open outside of normal office hours so customers can access cash machines.

The entire incident, which happened around 6.30pm on Wednesday, February 13, was captured by the bank's CCTV cameras and the pair were arrested.

Ms Botting held her head in her hands and stared at the floor as the CCTV footage was shown to the court.

Gareth Lewis, defending Healey, told Haverfordwest Magistrates Court his client's actions had been fuelled purely by drink and he was seeking help to address his problems with alcohol.

The couple, who live in Priory Court, Haverfordwest, were granted bail by magistrates on Monday and will return to the court to be sentenced on March 11th.

Whisker Away From Death: Moment Courageous Cat Battles With Zoo Crocodile And Wins

When a domestic cat came face to face with a crocodile it seemed the feline was about to meet a grisly end.

The hapless ginger and white cat found its way into the crocodile enclosure at a zoo in Jaipur, India,  

As one reptile glided up to the animal at the water's edge onlookers tried unsuccessfully to scare the moggy away.

But if the crocodile thought feeding time had come early and the cat would be its helpless victim, it had underestimated the fearsome feline.

As the croc poised to snap up the unusual prey in its jaws, the cat finally spotted the danger in the water to the relief of zoo-goers who assumed it would flee.

Instead it hissed at the crocodile and swiped out with its paw not once, but twice, scratching the croc on the snout.  The crocodile, perhaps not used to such feisty prey gave up and retreated back into the water.

The battle was filmed by Manu Chaudhary, 25, and her husband Vishal, 26, from Southall, Middlesex, who were celebrating their first wedding anniversary by taking in the sights of India.

Mr Chaudhary, who lives in New Delhi, India, said: 'While we were at the crocodile section we realised a cat had got in and was at the edge of the crocodile pond.

'We initially thought the cat was under the impression that it was a rat in the pond. 

'When the crocodile came up in the water we felt sure we were witnessing the last minutes of her life.

'We couldn't believe it though when the cat daringly warned the crocodile and then fearlessly slapped it twice.

'I was just screaming: "Oh my God, oh my God". We were amazed at what we had seen.'

In the video the couple can be heard crying: 'She's fighting, oh wow, that's superb. Look at it!'

The cat is seen scratching the crocodile before sauntering off.

Video shows battle of cat with crocodile at the zoo:

Nigerian Student Arrested For Drug Trafficking

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested a Nigerian student, Vitalis Dike, studying in Malaysia, for drug trafficking.

Dike was arrested at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, during the screening of passengers bound for Malaysia via a Qatari flight.

The suspect recently escaped death in the Asian country when he was arrested for being in possession of 1.430kg of methamphetamine.

Drug trafficking in Malaysia attracts the death penalty.

The 31-year-old suspect had 1.430kg of white crystalline powder that tested positive for methamphetamine concealed inside his luggage.

A native of Orlu, Imo State, Dike told PUNCH Metro that he was promised $4,000 to deliver the drugs in Malaysia.

He said, “I was asked to take an empty bag to Malaysia and in return get $4,000 but when I got to the airport, the drug was discovered.”

Confirming the arrest, NDLEA Airport commander, Mr. Hamza Umar, said the drug was industrially packed in such a way that the agency had to cut the sides of the bag open with a knife to discover the drugs.

The commander said it would take a professional to detect the drugs.

 In a related development, NDLEA officers at the Lagos airport discovered wraps of cocaine inside packs of baby powder meant for export to Gabon. The discovery was made inside a luggage containing artificial hair, perfumes and artificial nails.

The luggage was to be sent unaccompanied to Gabon via Askye Airline.

 A suspect, Ebele Iwegbuna, has since been arrested in connection with the discovery.

Iwegbuna, a native of Orifite in Anambra state, in his statement, claimed that he was asked to send the goods to Gabon.

He said, “I was given N130,000 by my childhood friend to buy female hair attachments, artificial nails and perfumes.

“My friend later called to say that somebody would give me children’s powder to add to what I bought. So the person called me and gave me the powder which I added to the goods. It was in the process of search that the cocaine was discovered. I am a technician and I specialise in the repairs of air conditioning units.”

NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Ahmadu Giade, who described the involvement of the suspects in drug trafficking as sad, urged members of the public to draw lessons from the arrests.

Giade said, “I want members of the public to learn from the experiences of the suspects. It is unfortunate that at a time when the country is making efforts to save her citizens who are on death row abroad, Dike is deliberately signing his death warrant.”

Nigerian Fraudster Jailed Two Years for Involvement in Lotto Scam

His inclination to crime is worrisome. Much before he turned 25, he had devised ways of cheating the British system. And in 2005, the UK Immigration Service caught him after finding out that he had used a forged stamp on his travel passport to enable him to work in the country. Quickly, he was deported to Nigeria.

At that time, Osas Odia, from Edo State, was just 25. It is not known how long he had worked before he was caught.

But he soon found his way back to the UK, after marrying a British nurse. The marriage is believed to have taken place in Nigeria. With a spousal visa, he got back into the UK and continued in his old ways.

Odia was said to have joined a group of Nigerian fraudsters who used different means of swindling unsuspecting members of the public. The fraud gang was said to have sent thousands of letters to people across the world telling them they had won millions in the lottery.  A lottery that never was. Many people in Nigeria received similar mails.

The scam letters told the recipients they would have to send money to 'unlock' their huge windfall, which they had won in the said lottery.

Perhaps greedy people fell for the scam without asking themselves whether they actually played any such lottery to win the huge sum that was supposed to be awaiting them. One victim, Betty McClellan, 62, wired £264,000 to the fraudsters to release her 'lottery win'.

When the big sum never arrived, Mrs McClellan was shot dead by her husband, Hersey McClellan, 63, in their Los Angeles home in 2010, for wasting the life savings of a family on a “gamble.” He then turned the gun on himself.

And that ended the story of the McClellans.

An elderly woman living in Bristol also lost £312,000 after she wrongly believed she had won £1.8 million in the Australian lottery.

But eventually, Odia did not escape justice. He was arraigned before a Crown court to account for his misdeeds. Prosecutor Andrew Evans said the loss of the money had a devastating impact on the Bristol woman.

“She was buying a new home and intended to settle the balance from the winnings she was expecting,” he told Croydon Crown Court. “She is now living in sheltered accommodation and feels vulnerable and extremely embarrassed and her family has lost their inheritance.”

The victims also included a farmer from Indiana who lost £339,000 in the hope of winning £14.9 million and a Venezuelan businessman who lost £163,000.

The police, which investigated the network of the scammers, identified 13 victims worldwide, who each lost an average of £207,000, after they became convinced they were due to receive huge pay-outs.

Odia's role in the conspiracy was to launder some of the money which was sent by the victims through three bank accounts in his name. The Nigerian pleaded guilty to conspiring to launder criminal property and was jailed for two years on Friday. Odia was allowed to finish his degree before he was sentenced.

Delivering his judgment, Judge Jeremy Gold QC told Odia: “You are a man of some ability and you have just completed a degree and I hope that means you will not be tempted to return to this sort of offending.  “You played a full part in laundering the proceeds of a sophisticated fraud.”

The revelations of the depth of the fraud and its devastating effect on some homes shocked Odia’s lawyer, Paul Brill.

According to him, 'He (Odia) is alarmed and upset by the nature of the fraud and did not realise people's life savings were being taken so callously in the way they were.

“His previous conviction was for a false stamp in his passport that allowed him to work. He is not workshy and has a strong work ethic.”

It is understood that Odia will be allowed to stay in Britain when he is released because of his marital status.

The gang’s leaders, who spent the money realised from the scam deals on property, were jailed at an earlier hearing for conspiracy to defraud.

Obinnam Nwokolo, 37, of Erith, was jailed for six years and four months and Uchechhukwu Onuoha, 40, also of Erith, was jailed for five years and two months.

Another money launderer, Sergius Ene, 44, of Ilford, was jailed for 16 months.

Several cases like this had caused a review of immigration laws and a fiercer relationship with immigrants in the UK.

Nigeria’s Arinze favoured as Pope Benedict XVI resigns

WITH the resignation of Catholic Pontiff, Pope Benedict XVI yesterday, Nigeria’s Francis Cardinal Arinze, 80, has become one of the favourites to lead the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics. If elected, he would become the first African to be elected as Pope in 1500 years. Arinze was a leading contender when Benedict was elected in April 2005.

Ninety-four months after his election, Pope Benedict XVI yesterday stunned the world, announcing that he would quit his headship of the Catholic Church on February 28 due to his “incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me.”

Pope Benedict XVI announcing his plan to resign, yesterday. AFP Photo.

The German-born Pope, 85, hailed as a hero by conservative Roman Catholics and viewed with suspicion by liberals, told cardinals in Latin that his strength had deteriorated recently and that he would step down on February 28 and the Vatican expects a new Pope to be chosen by the end of March. He has spent about seven and a half years on the saddle having been elected on April 19, 2005 when he was 78 – 20 years older than John Paul II, his predecessor.

When he quits in 16 days time, Pope Benedict XVI will be the fifth Pope to resign in the history of the church after Pope Gregory XII in 1415 – 598 years ago; Pope Celestine V, who resigned in 1294; Pope Gregory VI, 1046, and Pope Benedict IX, 1045.

Pope Benedict’s historic speech

In a three-paragraph, 351-word emotion-laden historic speech, Pope Benedict XVI, who asked for pardon for his defects and thanked the church for her support during his reign, said he would devotedly serve the Holy Church of God in the future through a life dedicated to prayer.

The speech read:

“Dear Brothers,

I have convoked you to this Consistory, not only for the three canonizations, but also to communicate to you a decision of great importance for the life of the Church. After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry. I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only with words and deeds, but no less with prayer and suffering.

“However, in today’s world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the bark of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me. For this reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of Saint Peter, entrusted to me by the Cardinals on 19 April 2005, in such a way, that as from 28 February 2013, at 20:00 hours, the See of Rome, the See of Saint Peter, will be vacant and a Conclave to elect the new Supreme Pontiff will have to be convoked by those whose competence it is.

“Dear Brothers, I thank you most sincerely for all the love and work with which you have supported me in my ministry and I ask pardon for all my defects. And now, let us entrust the HolyChurch to the care of Our Supreme Pastor, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and implore his holy Mother Mary, so that she may assist the Cardinal Fathers with her maternal solicitude, in electing a new Supreme Pontiff. With regard to myself, I wish to also devotedly serve the Holy Church of God in the future through a life dedicated to prayer.”

The contenders

Following the Pope’s decision, a list of papal contenders led by Nigeria’s Francis Cardinal Arinze, has emerged. Although there is no obvious front-runner – as was the case when Pope Benedict  was elected pontiff in 2005 after the death of Pope John Paul II.

To elect his successor are120 cardinals under age 80, who are eligible to vote in a conclave. Europe still has the most with 62 in the College of Cardinals followed by Latin America (21), North America (14), Africa (11), Asia (11) and Ocean one.

Cardinal Francis Arinze

Cardinal Arinze, 80, from Nigeria is one of the favourites to succeed Pope Benedict. Born in Nigeria, 1932, the 80-year-old would be the first African in 1,500 years to sit on the throne of St Peter, if elected.

He was baptised on his ninth birthday after converting. He was educated at Urban University in Rome and earned a post-graduate qualification from London University. Cardinal Arinze was ordained in 1958 and became the world’s youngest bishop, aged 32, in 1965. He was created cardinal in 1985.

Cardinal Peter Turkson

Considerably younger than his rivals, the Ghanaian is the current President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. Born to a Methodist mother and a Catholic father in 1948, he became a priest in 1975.

The 64-year-old speaks Fante, English, French, Italian, German, Hebrew, Aramaic, Arabic and Greek.

Head of the Vatican justice and peace bureau, he is spokesman for the Church’s social conscience and backs world financial reform.He was named Cardinal in 2003.

Cardinal Marc Ouellet 

The 68-year-old was born in Canada in 1944. He became the archbishop of Quebec in 2002 and was created cardinal in 2003. He once said becoming Pope “would be a nightmare.” 

He is currently head of the Vatican office that oversees the appointment of the world’s bishops.

Angelo Scola 

The Italian Cardinal was born in 1941. He studied philosophy at the Catholic University of Milan and was ordained to the priesthood in 1970.

The 71-year-old was created cardinal in 2003. He worked with Pope Benedict XVI on the theological journal ‘Communio’ and is a long-time ally of the Pope.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan

The 62 year-old, from the USA, became the voice of U.S. Catholicism after being named archbishop of New York in 2009. His humour and dynamism have impressed the Vatican, where both are often missing. But cardinals are wary of a “superpower pope” and his back-slapping style may be too American for some.

Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi

The Italian has been Vatican culture minister since 2007 and represents the Church to the worlds of art, science, culture and even to atheists. This profile could hurt the 70-year-old if cardinals decide they need an experienced pastor rather than another professor as Pope.

Cardian Odilo Pedro Scherer 

The Brazilian, 63, ranks as Latin America’s strongest candidate. Archbishop of Sao Paolo, largest diocese in the largest Catholic country, he is conservative in his country but would rank as a moderate elsewhere.

Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn

Cardinal Schoenborn is a former student of Pope Benedict with a pastoral touch the pontiff lacks. The Austrian Cardinal, 67, has ranked as papal material since editing the Church catechism in the 1990s.

Cardinal Angelo Scola  

The 71-year-old is archbishop of Milan, a springboard to the papacy, and is many Italians’ bet to win. An expert on bioethics, he also knows Islam as head of a foundation to promote Muslim-Christian understanding. His dense oratory could put off cardinals seeking a charismatic communicator.

Cardinal Luis Tagle

The only Asian candidate in the running, Cardinal Tagle, 55, has a charisma often compared to that of the late Pope John Paul.

The Filipino is also close to Pope Benedict after working with him at the International Theological Commission. While he has many fans, he only became a cardinal in 2012 and conclaves are wary of young candidates.

Can the Pope resign?

Pope Benedict XVI ’s shock resignation has raised questions on whether or not the leader of the Catholic Church could resign from office.

No Pope has resigned in modern times, and the last one to leave the post was Pope Gregory XII (1415) and before him Pope Celestine V (1294).

Under Canon Law of the Catholic Church, the only conditions for the Pope resigning if the resignation is done freely and is properly published.

The Pope’s spokesperson Federico Lombardi said yesterday that Benedict’s resignation was “in full compliance with church law”, and that he was not resigning due to any “difficulties in the papacy.”

But Pope Benedict’s decision to step down was seen as unusual given that most incumbents die in office.

Pope’s resignation surprising – Vatican Spokesman

Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said the Pope had not decided to resign because of “difficulties in the papacy” and the move had been a surprise, indicating that even his inner circle was unaware that he was about to quit.

The Pope does not fear schism in the Church after his resignation, the spokesman said.

The Pope’s leadership of 1.2 billion Catholics has been beset by child sexual abuse crises that tarnished the Church, one address in which he upset Muslims and a scandal over the leaking of his private papers by his personal butler.

Lombardi said the pope did not fear a possible “schism” but several popes in the past, including Benedict’s predecessor John Paul, refrained from stepping down precisely because of the confusion and division that could be caused by having an “ex-pope” and a reigning pope living at the same time.

A new leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Roman Catholics could be elected as soon as Palm Sunday, on March 24 and be ready to take over by Easter a week later, he said.

I’m surprised too – George Ratzinger, Pope’s 89-yr brother

The pope’s elder brother George Ratzinger, a frail 89-year-old priest who shares the pope’s passion for music, told reporters in the Bavarian town of Regensburg where he once conducted the cathedral choir that he had been “very surprised” to learn of his brother’s resignation.

“He alone can evaluate his physical and emotional strength,” said Ratzinger..

Bomb Explosion Kills One, Injures Policeman In Festac Town, Lagos - Full Story

A bomb, yesterday, exploded at Miracle Sand Beach, located under Festac link bridge in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State, leaving the chairman of the Local Dredgers  Association, Chief Oladele Pius, dead.

A Police Inspector simply identified as Sanni, also had his leg shattered by the explosion.

There were different accounts as to how the late Chief Oladele Pius was killed. A version of the account had it that the deceased was handed a letter bomb by an unknown person at about 11.30am, shortly after he resumed work.

Late Chief Oladele

Chief Oladele reportedly attempted to open the letter, when it exploded, killing him instantly.

Inspector Sanni, said to be with the deceased also had his legs shattered by its impact as he attempted to flee the scene.

Eye witnesses said Inspector Sanni begged passers-by to help his friend to the hospital. But rather than being pitied, the policeman was reportedly attacked by some persons, who accused him of planting the explosive substance. Sanni who was in mufti, was said to have brought out his identity card, which saved him from being lynched.

However, another version of the account had it that the late Chief Oladele was discussing with his police friend when the explosion occurred right under the low fence, where he sat.

A local dredger who identified himself as Adeola Peter said the deceased resumed work yesterday. Having parked his white Pathfinder SUV with Number plate LSR 957 AZ, the deceased made for his usual duty post, oblivious of the impending tragedy.

Thirty minutes later, he was said to have received a phone call, following which he drove out and returned in the company of Inspector Sanni and made straight for his usual sitting position on the fence. He reportedly called one of his staff simply identified as Dogo, to buy ‘Alomo Bitters’, a local gin which he shared with his police friend.

According to Adeola: “He sat under the dwarf fence having drinks with his police friend when the bomb exploded.  The bomb must have been planted where he usually sat. But I don’t think it was planted today because we have been working here since morning and if someone was doing such a thing in our presence we would have noticed.”

The injured victim of crying for help at the scene Photo Biodun Ogunleye

Another eyewitness, Mr. Thomas Wawe, a  motorist narrated thus: “The incident happened at about 12 noon as I was driving back to my office at Mile-2 area. All of a sudden there was a thunderous blast and everybody started running helter skelter.

“It took a while before people started gathering near the blast having made sure there was no more unexploded device. The sympathizers and rescue team recovered a man from under the bridge. I saw the leg of the man already ripped off and motionless. Apparently, the leg was severed as a result of the devastating effect of the explosion. Police men later arrived and condoned off the entire place. That was all I saw.”

Immediately the explosion occurred, news went round the entire area that members of the Boko Haram sect could have penetrated the area, a development that threw residents into confusion.

It’s caused by electrical fault — Lagos CP

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Umar Manko who was at the scene, described the explosion as a minor one, calling on Lagosians not to panic.

According to him, “there was a minor explosion here this morning. It’s not the kind that most Nigerians should be apprehensive about. It was just a mischievous person who played around with batteries and some other objects. The experts are looking at it now. But I can assure you that Lagosians have no cause to fear.”

Hours later, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, briefed journalists in his office, stating that the explosion was caused by an electrical fault.

According to him: “Contrary  to people’s fear that it was bomb blast, it was a mere electrical fault at the Amuwo Odofin Bridge. Anti-bomb experts have been called in to assess the situation and I will be adequately briefed later.

”From the investigation so far, it has been revealed that it was not a terrorist attack; not an act of Boko Haram, neither was it a bomb blast.

”I urged Lagosians to go about their lawful businesses without fear because Lagos remains a peaceful and safe state. It is not a question of letter bomb. This is not an incident that will attract fear. So, Lagosians should feel free.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Umar Manko at the scene of the blast

”The state is not under any attack from anywhere. We are investigating the matter and experts will report to me after their investigation.

Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, Comrade Ayodele Adewale, who visited the scene shortly after the incident occurred, advised  residents living around the Miracle sand beach where the incident occurred to look for alternative accommodation, disclosing that they might be asked to relocate, pending the outcome of  investigation.

Reacting to the incident, chairman, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Dr. Femi Oke-Osoyintolu, in a statement said: “An explosive device was detonated under the Festac Bridge close to Apple Junction today; we have one person confirmed dead and the other injured.  The situation is being handled by LASEMA, Civil Defence, the Navy, and the Police Anti-Bomb Squad.”

As sympathizers throng the scene of the incident, the deceased’s widow, said to have been informed of an explosion around the area, rushed  to the place to ascertain the state of her husband, only to see his remains. Unable to withstand the impact of the shock, Mrs Oladele slumped. She was immediately rushed  out to an undisclosed destination.

Already the scene of the explosion had been cordoned off by the Bomb Disposal Unit of the Nigeria Police with officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, also on ground to unravel the cause of the explosion.

My last moment with Chief

Meanwhile, the deceased’s bosom friend, one Mathias, who is still trying to come to terms with the tragedy, shared his last moment with him. The deceased according to Mathias, was with him until 12. 30am.

“He had been selling sand under that bridge for years. In fact, we were together until 12.30am when we retired. He called me yesterday morning to meet him at the office by 9.30am. But I could not make it at that time. I was therefore shocked to hear that he was handed a letter bomb which exploded and killed him in the process”

One person arrested    

Vanguard gathered that one person had been arrested in connection with the explosion. The suspect, a male, was said to be at the Area ‘E’ Police Command, Festac, where operatives have started investigation.

It could, however, not be ascertained whether the suspect was the person that planted the bomb or handed the letter bomb to the deceased. But Police sources at Area ‘E’ said investigation would ascertain that.

Meanwhile, NEMA has advised onlookers not to stay around the explosion scene. “When it comes to bomb blasts like this, there may be a secondary disaster waiting to happen and that may be more serious than the first because there are usually more people around. That is why we advise you to stay away from this place until it is fully cleared.” a NEMA official informed.

At the deceased’s Raji Rasaki Estate residence, uniform and plain clothed policemen were on standby, as sympathizers thronged to commiserate with Oladele’s widow.  The late Oladele and his wife as gathered, waited for 10 years before they were blessed with two children of ages 3 and 1.

Widows’ account

From his widows’ account, it was obvious that the late Oladele had premonition of his death right from when he resumed work yesterday. His first widow, Omolola who was with him under the bridge when the explosion occurred, told Vanguard that her husband had his breakfast at work. But all of a sudden, she said, he started complaining that he had stomach upset and that he needed to rush home to ease off.

“He left me and drove home with a promise to be back”, Omolola said.

At this point, his second widow, Seun, took over saying, “ when he got home, he rushed straight to the toilet and when he came out, he said he felt weak and did not feel like going out again; that he wanted to sleep.

He went upstairs to sleep. His  phone later rang and he answered. From the conversation, it was obvious that the caller was one of his customers, who said he was waiting for him (Oladele) at his place of work. He told the caller he was coming but went back to sleep.

Another call came in again. But he refused to pick it. When it rang again, our one- year -two- month-old baby took the phone to him but he refused to pick the call. He finally picked it when it kept ringing and got up from the bed, informing us that he was going back to work. I insisted he stayed back home and rest since he was tired but he said he needed to go since he needed to feed his children.

As he was about to move out, he called me to come and lock the gate. At that point, our baby started yelling. He even commented that  the baby’s cry was unusual and I told him he probably did not want  him to go out. He told me to go and cuddle him to sleep that he would be back soon”. Seun stated in tears.

Back at his place of work, his first wife, Omolola said:  “When he came back, I told him not to sit on the pavement he usually sat on because I noticed his clothes were stained behind.  He just dusted the stain with his hands and said he did not care and went to sit there.

The next thing I heard was a blast. I did not know where it came from. All I saw were people running here and there and I asked , baba da?, meaning where is my husband. At that point, I rushed to where he was seated, only for me  to see his body scattered all over the place”.

The late Oladele  is survived by his two widows and five children, born after 17 years of marriage.

Meanwhile when contacted, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Aderemi Ibirogba, declined comment, saying the state commissioner of Police had already spoken on the development and would not want to make further comment.

“The state police commissioner has briefed the governor on the development and investigation is already on. That is all I can say now. But I want to assure Lagos residents that they are very safe as adequate measures are already on ground to ensure maximum protection of lives and property in the state.”

Alleged power tussle behind blast

Body parts of  late Mr Oladele Pius littered the scene of  explosion when Vanguard visited yesterday. The man’s shoes, torn pieces of his blue jeans and patches of his blood were also all over the place. The blood was even on the roof of the bridge where the explosion flung it.

Eye witnesses at the scene of the explosion suspected a power tussle in the sand dealers’ association as being responsible for the incident. Oladele, was said to have risen from grass to grace as a snacks seller (puff puff), who rose to become leader of several sand associations in Lagos State.

North Korea threatens "final destruction" of South Korea

North Korea threatened South Korea with "final destruction" during a debate at the U.N Conference on Disarmament on Tuesday, saying it could take "second and third steps" after a nuclear test last week.

"As the saying goes, a new-born puppy knows no fear of a tiger. South Korea's erratic behavior would only herald its final destruction," North Korean diplomat Jon Yong Ryong told the meeting.

Without specifically referring to the nuclear test, Jon said North Korea had recently taken a "resolute step for self-defence", which he described as "strong counter-actions to a foreign aggressor".

"If the U.S. takes a hostile approach toward the DPRK to the last, rendering the situation complicated, it (North Korea) will be left with no option but to take the second and third stronger steps in succession," he added, without elaborating.

His comments drew immediate criticism from other nations, including South Korea and Britain, whose ambassador Joanne Adamson said such language was "completely inappropriate" and the discussion with North Korea was heading in the wrong direction.

"It cannot be allowed that we have expressions which refer to the possible destruction of U.N. member states," she said.

U.S. Ambassador Laura Kennedy said she found North Korea's statement profoundly disturbing.

"I also was particularly struck by the phrase 'heralding the destruction of the Republic of Korea' and find that language incredibly inconsistent with the goals and objectives that this body is intended to pursue," she said.

Naked Scammers Seduce, Blackmail Men On Web!!!

Who would have thought that getting naked and naughty with a stranger online could have negative consequences?

It turns out that in addition to the potential for walk-ins by significant others and soul-crushing lack of self-respect in the morning, would-be Internet Lotharios now have to worry about being blackmailed.

Police in Singapore are reporting what appears to be a ring (or rings) of online scam artists who use attractive women to "friend" victims on social sites, seduce them into cybersex on webcams and then threaten to post images or videos of them online if they don't pay up.

"They would commence a webcam conversation with the victims and initiate cybersex by undressing themselves first before persuading the male victims to appear nude or perform sexual acts in front of the webcams," the Singapore Police Force wrote in a post on its website. "Unknown to the victims, the suspects had recorded the acts."

According to the police, more than 50 such cases were reported in 2012, up from 11 the previous year.

In the wonderfully sensational style of journalism reminiscent of Next Media Animation's "animated news" (the Taiwanese folks who showed us Tiger Woods' 2009 traffic mishap and Steve Jobs turning into a ninja) Singapore TV station HD 5 created a 10-minute "reconstruction" of the scam.

It shows our hero Danny, a dorky student, being "friended" on Facebook by the lovely Lilly, who proceeds to talk him out of his pants on camera before abruptly disappearing. The tryst-gone-wrong is then followed by an e-mail and phone call from a shadowy dude demanding $50,000.

Poor Danny.

Graham Cluley, of Web security firm Sophos, warns that if such a scam spreads, it could encompass more than just blackmail.

"You can imagine how a man, believing he is being seduced online by a sexy woman, might be all too eager to click on a link she suggests or run a malicious program on his computer," Cluley wrote on his blog. "Before he knows it, his computer could be under the control of a hacker."

It was unclear Monday whether Singapore Police have made any arrests related to the scams. A message to the police force was not immediately returned.

Singapore Police warn potential targets to be wary of strangers befriending them on social networks and to avoid giving away personal details or "performing compromising acts" with people you barely know. The police also urge users to call authorities immediately if someone tries to extort money from you.

Cluley adds a simpler word of advice: "Be careful out there, and keep your trousers on, chaps."

Tuface Drops ‘Dance Floor’ Hot New Video

In May last year, Tuface released his fifth studio album, ‘Away and Beyond’ and ever since, video’s of the different hit tracks that make up the album have continued to quake the music industry… Tuface is far from over.

Only weeks to his much anticipated and ‘feverishly’ flamboyant Dubai wedding with heart rob Annie Macaulay, the singer has released the video of another wave making single ‘Dance floor’.

*Tuface

Tuface in the video filmed by Godfather productions show an even more matured side of him. He sings of a party without blood on it’s dance floor. The track was produced by Tuface’s close friend Femi Ojetunde.

Watch video here

Since the release of his ‘Away and Beyond’ album containing tracks like Omo Tosan, Dance In The Rain, In your eyes amongst others. Tuface has continued to drop video after video.

Ihe Neme video released in September last year, still rules the airwaves.

Police nab prophet, accomplice over fresh human parts

Two persons, one of them said to be a prophet with a white garment church, have been arrested by the Police in Lagos, following the discovery of fresh human parts in their custody.

Policemen attached to Ikotun division on patrol accosted two men at about 12: 30 p.m last Friday, with a Ghana-must-go bag. When they requested to know the content of the bag, one of the men bolted. When the bag was eventually opened, fresh human parts were found inside two containers....

The recovered parts included five fingers, a human heart, liver, kidney and intestines, all concealed in some plastics filled with water. The plastics were tied inside separate polythene bags and kept in the bag.

Apparently to avoid suspicion, the suspects added soup ingredients such as salt,tomatoes and two pairs of bathroom slippers in a separate nylon bag which they placed on top of the human parts.

However, during interrogation, the arrested suspect identified as Kunle Olaide, claimed the bag was given to him by his friend who bolted when they were stopped. On further interrogation, it was discovered that Kunle and his fleeing partner, slept in the church the previous night.

Kunle confessed to be coming from the church located in Egbe area Lagos when they were accosted by the policemen. His confessional statement led to the arrest of the prophet of the church, Dare Akinrosoye.

Sources at SCID said investigation so far revealed that their victim was recently killed. But the purpose and circumstances surrounding the killing were yet to be ascertained. Police sources said it was obvious the suspects were taking the human parts somewhere for spiritual 'operation'

One person confirmed dead in Festac Bridge explosion

The police have confirmed the death of one person in an explosion that occurred under the Festac link bridge, linking Festac Town to Amuwo Odofin Housing Estate.

The Area Commander of Area E Festac Command of the Lagos State Police Command, Dan Okoro, confirmed the death in a telephone conversation with PREMIUM TIMES.

Mr. Okoro said the dead was a leader of the sand dredgers under the bridge. Another source confirmed the dead to be the chairman of the association, who operate in the water under the bridge.

The police boss also said one person was injured in the blast. Our source said the injured is a policeman whose leg was damaged in the blast.

The police bomb squad are already at the scene of the explosion, although it is not clear what the cause of the explosion is, Mr. Okoro explained.

Dangote Rewards Super Eagles with N130m

President/Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has splashed the sum of N130 million on the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, for reaching the finals of the ongoing 29thAfrica Cup of Nations (AFCON) in South Africa.

The national team, Super Eagles reached the finals of AFCON 2013 by defeating the Malian national team 4-1.

A statement from Dangote Group Thursday explained that the gesture was part of Dangote Group’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) to promote and encourage sports development in Nigeria.

The donation is to acknowledge the exploits of the national team at the AFCON and stimulate them to bring home the coveted trophy.

Sports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abudllahi, speaking on the donation said: “Dangote has always demonstrated commitment to government and people of Nigeria. We are happy over the gesture shown to the players and the coaching crew. It is an example for other well-meaning Nigerians to follow.”

Football enthusiasts are commending Aliko Dangote on the gesture, describing it as a necessary tonic that would inspire the Super Eagles to win the final match on Sunday, February 10 against the Stallions of Burkina Faso.

Ephraim Ubong, a football lover and Super Eagles supporter believes that the donation would spur the national team to win the trophy.

Ubong, a staff of a creative agency in Lagos, charged other wealthy Nigerians and organisations to emulate Dangote by donating cash and materials to the national team.

The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, also known as the Orange Africa Cup of Nations for sponsorship reasons, kicked off from January 19 while the finals will be played on February 10, 2013. The competition is organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Starting from this edition, the tournament was switched to being held in odd-numbered years instead of even-numbered years so that it does not clash with the FIFA World Cup.

The winner of the tournament will qualify for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil as the representative from CAF.

Nigerian Woman Convicted For Visa Fraud In Ghana

A NIGERIAN lady who was desirous of owning a Ghanaian passport has been convicted for false declaration to acquire passport, by an Accra Circuit Court.

Edema Sandra, 28, is a Nigerian fashion designer resident in Lagos. She was arrested on December 24, 2012 at the passport office in Accra during an interview. She had earlier submitted an application for the passport through some agents in Accra but had to attend an interview where her biometric data would be processed for the passport.

Unfortunately, her name and accent gave her away as a Nigerian.

After a rigorous interrogation, the panel realized that Edema fumbled while trying to answer most questions posed to her. The Documentation and Visa Fraud Section (DVS) of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters was notified.

The Director of DVS, Supt. Francis Baah, who confirmed the story, said Edema was arraigned on January 4, 2013 after she admitted she is a Nigerian.

Though she mentioned some accomplices, she was unable to help police locate them. She was charged with false declaration for the purpose of acquiring a passport, and was found guilty and convicted.

Her sentence was however deferred till January 11, 2013, when she was sentenced to a fine of GH¢36,000 or in default serve a six-month jail term.