President Mahama's attempted killer is a confirmed Psychiatric Patient

 A brother of the 36-year-old man convicted for attempting to assassinate President Mahama says the BNI had information Charles Antwi had previously been treated for mental illness.

Charles Antwi was arrested last Sunday for carrying a gun to the Ringway Gospel Centre branch of the Assemblies of God Church, where President Mahama and his family fellowship. 

He was jailed 10 years yesterday without a lawyer, and some lawyers have criticized the trial judge for violating the suspect’s constitutional rights. 

Prior to his sentence, the prosecution had told the presiding judge that Charles Antwi was mentally sound, but his brother Kwame Opoku, with whom Charles lived before the incident, has exclusively told Joy News he led officials of the BNI to the Tafo Government Hospital where the convict had previously sought treatment for mental illness. 

Joy News’ Kwetey Nartey who visited the convict’s brother said Kwame Opoku was invited to the BNI offices when the brother was arrested. 

He told Joy News during the interrogation, the investigators realised Charles’ statement was not adding up. This prompted the security agency to follow him to the hospital and his hometown to ascertain his true state of mind. 

According to Kwame Opoku, the security officials were told at the hospital, at a taxi station where the brother worked, by a fetish priest and the mother that Charles Antwi was mentally unstable, and has been for five years now.
  He said Charles had travelled to Italy en route Libya but was deported. He said it was when he arrived in Ghana that they later detected that he was having a mental condition. 

According to him, all efforts by the family to get Charles healed have not been successful as his unstableness kept recurring. He had on some occasions threatened to kill his own mother, Kwame Opoku recounted. 

While in Accra, Mr. Opoku said Charles lived a normal life without the least suspicion of his intention to assassinate Ghana’s president. He never sighted a gun on him or spotted one in his belongings. 

All along, he said, Charles has been telling him plans to travel back to Libya with the support of a friend. 

Anytime Charles goes out like he did on Sunday, the thinking has always been that he was working on his travelling arrangement, Opoku noted. 

He was, therefore, surprised when news broke that his brother’s interior motive was to oust the first gentleman of the land. 

Whilst he languishes in jail, Kwame Opoku said the family is yet to meet and take the necessary steps that would ensure his release from prison. 

Meanwhile, many have criticised Charles Antwi’s incarceration due to his mental condition.

Buhari's corruption probe targeted at Jonathan's gov't

President Muhammadu Buhari will not extend his corruption probe beyond the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, the presidency has said.

Mr. Buhari, who is currently on official visit to the United States, has consistently vowed to investigate and bring to book, persons who looted the country’s funds.

The president said on Tuesday he will arrest and prosecute past ministers and other officials who stole Nigeria’s oil and diverted government’s money to personal accounts.

But the Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs to Mr. Buhari, Femi Adesina, said the president will limit his anti-corruption war to the immediate past administration in the country.

He said Mr. Buhari will not waste time in probing the administrations of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Abdulsalam Abubakar, Sani Abacha and Ibrahim Babangida.

He said even before he was sworn in to office on May 29, the president had categorically stated that he would not extend his corruption probe beyond the Jonathan government.

“If you recall, that was already settled before he got inaugurated as president. He has said he will not waste time digging into the far past,” Mr. Adesina said.

“The far past will includes Obasanjo and others. But the president has said he will not waste time to go that far.”

Before leaving office, Mr. Jonathan had said any probe by the new government would be seen as a “witch hunt” if it fails to go beyond his administration.
Speaking on criticisms over President Buhari’s decision to travel to the U.S. with his son, Yusuf, the presidential spokesperson said Mr. Buhari did not breach any rule.

He said it was a normal practice for presidents to travel with members of their families, citing the example of American presidents who travel abroad with their wives and children.

“There is absolutely nothing wrong with the president travelling with one of his sons. It is an acceptable and standard practice. He could go with up to four members of his family.

“Don’t forget that when former President Bill Clinton visited Nigeria while he was in office, he came with his daughter, Chelsea.

“President Barak Obama travels with his children and so the President of Nigeria can travel out with three or four of his children. Late President Umaru Yar’Adua used to travel with two of his sons and one of his grandchildren,” he said.

Mr. Adesina described the outcome of the president’s official visit to the US as “a roaring success on every side.”

“There are good returns. It is an investment that will yield very handsome returns.”

President Buhari Speaks-Out On Gay Marriage

President Muhammadu Buhari has rejected the gay marriage offer proposed by the United States of America.
The President is said to have argued that sodomy is against the law of Nigeria and abhorrent to our culture.
Femi Adesina, the spokesperson of the president, said that the issue of gay marriage was discussed during Buhari’s meeting in the US but he rejected the offer.

A post on Adeasina’s Twitter handle read: “The issue of gay marriage came up here yesterday. President Muhammadu Buhari was point blank. Sodomy is against the law in Nigeria, and abhorrent to our culture.”

The spokesperson later clarified when exactly Buhari made the comment. Apparently it was not during his face-to-face meeting with President Obama:

The same sex marriage issue came up at the joint session of Senate and House Committees on Foreign Affairs, not in direct talks with Obama.

It must be recalled that there were fears that the American Government would pressure Buhari into rethinking same-sex marriage as an option for Nigeria. Indeed so many groups within and outside Nigeria, came out to warn that the topic would be brought to the fore.
Nigeria is not the only African country that has taken a strong stance against gay marriage. Senegalese President also in a press conference during Obama’s visit had said ‘no’ to gay rights in his country.
However, it should be noted that Mozambique has just decriminalised its anti-gay law, while Uganda is also under pressure to reverse its anti-gay law.

The Nigerian government under the administration of former president Goodluck Jonathan signed a bill into law banning gay marriage with stringent punishments.

Homosexual acts are still a crime in 38 African countries.

Pregnant Kim Kardashian reveals she is 5 months pregnant

34-year-old Kim Kardashian revealed that she is 5 months along with her 2nd child and has gained 20lbs. She tweeted 'I secretly loved the rumors I was faking my pregnancy because I was so skinny! LOL Well can't hide it now!' she joked, adding: '5 month (20weeks) and 20lbs up.' Photo of the tweet after the cut...

Nigerian Army releases Résumé of the New Chief of Army Staff

Yesterday, Nigerian Army Headquarters through the Directorate of Army Public Relations released the résumé of the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Major General Tukur Yusufu Buratai. Read that after the cut...


Major General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff a seasoned military officer, was born on 24th November 1960 at Buratai town, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State. He had his Primary School Education at Buratai town. Thereafter, he gained admission into Government Teachers College Potiskum, Yobe State, where he graduated with distinction. The zeal to serve the nation made him to apply and gain admission into the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna as member of the 29 Regular Combatant Course (29 RC) on 3rd January 1981. On successful completion of his Officer Cadet training, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on 17th December 1983 into the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army.

Since his commission, he has attended several courses and seminars both here in Nigeria and abroad and also served in many formations, units and training institution where he held command, staff and instructional appointments as follows; he attended the mandatory Young Officers Course Infantry (YOC) and Anti-Tank Platoon Commanders’ Course both at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji. He also attended Watermanship Course at Amphibious Training School Calabar and Joint Operations Coaching Course, as well as Computer Appreciation Course. He attended Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) for his Junior Staff Course and Senior Staff Course in 1994 and 1999-2000 respectively. Similarly, Major General Buratai has also attended Management Course at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and International Conference for Directors of Planning, Research and Statistics. Others include Disarmament, Demobilization and Re-integration Course at Cornwallis Park, Nova Scota, Canada in 2000 and National Defence Course in Bangaladesh and the United Nations Staff and Logistics Officers’ Course in India, amongst others.


He was a Platoon Commander at 26 Amphibious Battalion Elele, Port Harcourt, from 19 January 1984 to 30 September 1986. He was a Military Observer at the United Nations Verification Mission II in Angola from 1 October to 30 August 1987. He was again a Platoon Commander at 26 Guards Battalion from 1 September to 15 November 1987 and later served as Company Second in Command (Coy 2ic) in the same unit from 15 September 1991 to 14 August 1994. He was also a Platoon Commander at the Lagos Garrison Command Camp from 15 August 1994 to 19 April 1995.
Major General Buratai has also served as Staff Officer to the Principal Staff Officer to the then Head of State at the State House from 20 April 1995 to 23 July 1998 before his appointment as Officer Commanding (OC) at 82 Motorized Battalion from 24 July 1998 to 11 July 1999. He was Second in Command to the Commanding Officer of 81 Battalion from 1 August 2000 to 12 April 2000. He served as General Staff Officer Grade 1 in Charge of Training and Operations (GSO1 Trg/Ops) at the Army Headquarters Garrison from 14 February 2001 to 31 July 2001. Thereafter, he became a Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) from 1 August 2001 to 16 March 2004 where he was awarded the prestigious “Pass Staff College Dagger” (psc(+)) appellation.
Subsequently, Gen Buratai served as Colonel Plans at the Army Headquarters Department of Army Policy of Plans from 17 March 2004 to 4 December 2007 and then Assistant Chief of Staff in charge of Administrative Matters (ACOS G1) at the Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre from 16 February 2009 to 29 December 2009 before his promotion to the rank of Brigadier General. He was again at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College where he served as Director of the Department of Land Warfare from 30 December 2009 to 27 January 2011 before his appointment as Commander 2 Brigade Nigerian Army where he served from 28 January 2011 to 25 January 2013. While at 2 Brigade Nigerian Army Port Hacourt, he was also the Commander, Sector 2 of Operation Pulo Shield Joint Task Force. On his promotion to the rank of Major General, he was appointed Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI), Jaji where he served from 26 January 2013 to 16 February 2014. On 17 February 2014, he was appointed Director of Procurement at the Defence Headquarters and was appointed Force Commander of the newly reconstituted Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) on 18 May 2014. Gen Buratai was appointed the 20th Chief of Army Staff on Monday 13 July 2015.

A highly decorated senior officer, Major General Buratai has the following Honours and Awards; Forces Service Star (FSS), Meritorious Service Star (MSS), Distinguished Service Star (DSS) and the Grand Service Star (GSS). Others include, Pass Staff Course Dagger (psc(+)), Fellow of Defence College (fdc), Field Command Medal (FCM), Training Support Medal (TSM) and the United Nations Medal for Angolan Verification Medal II (UNAVEM II). In addition, he has the following qualifications; Nigerian Defence Academy Certification of Education, Bachelor of Arts in History, Masters of Arts Degree in History and a Master of Philosophy Degree in Security Studies.

Man Utd: Victor Valdes for sale after reserves snub - Van Gaal

Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes will be sold after manager Louis van Gaal claimed he "refused to play" in the reserves.

The 33-year-old Spain international was a surprise omission from the pre-season squad currently touring the US.

"He doesn't follow my philosophy. There is no place for someone like that," said Van Gaal of his January signing.

Van Gaal also told a news conference in Seattle how he told striker Robin van Persie he had no future at Old Trafford after a round of golf at the end of last season.

And he was unconvincing when asked about the futures of club record signing Angel Di Maria and De Gea.

The Old Trafford club will not consider selling De Gea, whose contract expires in 2016, unless they receive a record fee for a goalkeeper.

Asked about De Gea's situation, Van Gaal added: "I cannot say anything. His attitude is fantastic. It is stupid to ask."

However, he did admit that a move for another experienced goalkeeper was "dependent on David De Gea".

Van Persie gets hero's welcome as he lands in Turkey ahead of his move to Fenerbahce

Robin van Persie is getting ready to leave Manchester United and move to Turkey club, Fenerbahce. He arrived in Turkey yesterday afternoon July 12th and was greeted by a fanfare of Fenerbahce supporters who were eager to meet him. The fans arrived in their numbers to have a glance at the Holland international as he arrived in private jet with his wife and two children. RVP, 31, is set to sign a 3-year deal worth about £240,000-a-week at Fenerbahce. More photos after the cut...

Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari sacks military chiefs

Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari has sacked the army, navy and air force chiefs..
Mr Buhari is expected to announce their replacements soon.
This move does not come as a surprise, as the president has repeatedly criticised the military's inability to defeat Islamist militants Boko Haram.
After losing most of their territory earlier this year, they have recently launched a series of deadly guerrilla attacks, killing more than 250 people.
The new military chiefs will be expected to work closely with neighbours Chad, Cameroon and Niger as the countries join forces to tackle Boko Haram.
The group has also stepped up attacks on these countries.
At least 12 civilians were killed in Cameroon in a suspected Boko Haram suicide attack on Sunday evening..
Two soldiers also died along with two bombers who blew themselves up in Fotokol, near the border with Nigeria.
Chad will be the headquarters of an expanded Nigeria-led regional force of around 7,500 troops.
Its formation has gained momentum since President Buhari took office in May.
On Saturday morning, 15 people died in the main market in Chad's capital, N'Djamena, when a man dressed in a burka blew himself up.
Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the attack.

President John Mahama(Ghana)commends female pilot for saving his life

President Mahama has commended the Ghana Armed Forces for preventing what could have been a fatal accident. 

The President and the First Lady escaped harm after the helicopter in which they were flying from Sunyani to Kumasi embarked on a ‘precautionary landing.’ 

The incident happened about 100 metres away from the Apatrapa Government Hospital in the Ashanti Region. 

The President, who was grateful for the timely intervention of the Ghana Armed Forces said, “I feel great pride for our armed forces. Great intuition shown by our heli pilots. I feel so proud. And at the controls was a woman.” 

I feel great pride for our armed forces.

Great intuition shown by our heli pilots. I feel so proud. And at the controls was a woman.

Audio: Nkrumah Circle settlers want June 3 Ghosts pacified...

Settlers in and around the Nkrumah Circle GOIL Filling Station that got burnt in the June 3 flood and fire disaster, are calling on traditional local authorities to pacify what they believe are ghosts of the lost souls.

The pacification they believe will fend off the constant ‘attacks’ they have been getting from eerie creatures they believe are ghosts of the persons whose lives got claimed in the accident.

Kasapa FM‘s Kwaku Opare, has been visiting the scene, and in a special piece titled Saman Ntwentwen, aired on Kasapa FM‘s weekly news documentary programme, Kasapa Dawuro, seeks knowledge on what is a strictly spiritual issue.

Aston Villa, Everton chase Ayew

Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Everton are chasing Ghana striker Jordan Ayew, according to French broadsheet L’Equipe on Sunday.

The English Premier League trio are joined by Borussia Dortmund as the Bundesliga side prepare to sell Ciro Immobile to Spanish side Sevilla.

Ayew, 22, is under contract with French Ligue 1 side Lorient until the summer of 2018.

His rich vein of scoring form last term-12 goals and five assists- helped Les Merlus to escape relegation narrowly.

French Ligue 1 outfit Lille are also interested in Ayew.

Inspirational Message of the day ..

Being a good person is like being a goalkeeper. No matter how many goals you save, people will still remember only the one goal you missed. Never worry about how ungrateful some people might be, for God himself knows your work and will reward you accordingly.

Learn from a candle which burns itself, lightening the ways of others. Live is such a way that even if you die, you will always be alive in the great memories of others that appreciate things. Stay blessed. Love you

See what a man wore to church today (photos)

A white shirt with an inscription on the back that says 'Doggy Style'. Is that an offensive t.shirt to wear to church?

Teenager who was raped in Abia state(Nigeria)commits suicide (see her pic)

This 14 year old girl named Chiawolam Comfort Umeh (pictured above) committed suicide on July 7th after she was gruesomely gang-raped by 3 men on June 28th at Iyienyi Village, near Okwoyi Community, in Isieke, Ibeku, in Umuahia North LGA of Abia State. Chiawolam was a virgin before she was defiled by the vile men. Read the full report after the cut.

Tupac Shakur's former group member dies ..

Hussein Fatal was a member of The Outlawz, formerly known as Outlaw Immortalz and Dramacydal, an American hip hop group founded by Tupac Shakur in late 1995 after his release from prison.

He was killed yesterday July 11th in a car accident. He was 38. Details surrounding the fatal car crash have yet to emerge. His sudden death has been confirmed by fellow group members EDI & Napoleon via their social media accounts.