#BBB NEWS| Banks, Officials Behind 23,000 Ghost Workers To Be Prosecuted – Finance Minister

Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun, on Thursday revealed that the Bank Verification Number (BVN), and Integrated Payroll Personnel Information System had helped the Federal Government discover 23,000 ghost workers in the civil service.

Mrs. Adeosun made the revelation when she appeared before the Senate Committee on Finance to defend her ministry’s budget yesterday.

She lamented that having ghost workers in the civil service had caused grave leakage to Nigeria’s revenue.

Mrs. Adeosun also explained how the use of the BVN assisted the IPPIS to detect the fraud perpetrated through the creation of ghost workers.

#BBB NEWS| INEC Announces Re-Deployment Of Administrative Secretaries And Election Dates [PHOTO]

The Independent National Election Commission (INEC) announced a “routine re-deployment” of nine administrative secretaries on January 29th.

The statement, signed by the INEC Secretary Augusta Ogakwu, said that the affected secretaries are to conclude their handover exercises by February 3rd.

A public notice, also signed by Mrs. Ogakwu on February 1st, 2016, announced the approved dates to conduct elections as ordered by the Court of Appeal. The forthcoming electoral exercises will be held on: February 13th (Adamawa State), February 20th (Kaduna, Plateau, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Taraba, Imo States), March 4th (Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa States), March 12th (Akwa Ibom, Cross River States), March 19th (Rivers State).

The new posts for the Administrative Secretaries and the INEC election documents can be found below:

#BBB NEWS| Nigerian Lawyer Dodo Interrogated On Halliburton Scandal

Damian Dodo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, was interrogated for eight hours by agents of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday, according to a statement by EFCC spokesman Wilson Uwujaren.

The EFCC reports that it has stepped up investigations into the notorious Halliburton scam and that Mr. Dodo’s questioning is connected to this probe.

Sources close to the investigation disclosed that Mr. Dodo was being questioned for his role in the alleged $26 million bribery of a former minister and five other Nigerian lawyers.

The former minister involved is said to be former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation Muhammed Adoke.

#BBB NEWS| Snoop Dogg Partners With Canada-Based Weed Company, Tweed

Snoop Dogg’s life-long contact with weed has turned into a profitable endeavor for the LBC representer. Vice reports that the 44-year-old partnered with Tweed, a Canadian medical marijuana company.

The joint venture entails the sale of some of Tweed’s stocks in return for exclusive content and branding from Snoop’s LBC Holdings outlet.

In a statement, the D-O-G-G shared a little bit of background info on why he chose to partner with the marijuana entity. “There are real social and medical benefits from the cannabis industry, and the world is seeing this positivity in a whole new way.” He later continued, “Canada has been at the forefront of the business model, and I look forward to being a part of the road ahead.”

#BBB NEWS| DOPE!! Apple Announces First Scripted-Series Starring Dr. Dre

Dr. Dre’s lucrative partnership with Apple stems back to his historic $3 billion Beats by Dre deal in 2014. Now, the Cali native will expand his talents to the scripted-series realm with the conglomerate.

The Hollywood Reporter announced that Apple and Dre will produce a six-episode show titled Vital Signs. It’ll also star the Aftermath leader which per the site is “described as a dark semi-autobiographical drama (featuring at least one orgy scene).”

The director for the show includes music video visionary Paul Hunter, and receives writing credits from Empire’s co-executive producer Robert Munic.

#BBB NEWS| Kanye West Signs Brooklyn’s Desiigner To G.O.O.D. Music [PHOTO]

On Thursday (Feb 11), during Kanye West’s The Life of Pablo album premiere at Madison Square Garden, Yeezy announced one addition to the G.O.O.D. Music roster.

As Brooklyn’s Desiigner watches his “Panda” single soar to over 1.5 million plays on SoundCloud, he can now celebrate his new record deal with Mr. West.

Just last week, the two gents were spotted in L.A. while running around LALA land together. We think this means Kanye’s first Brooklyn rapper is destined for the limelight.

Stream his breakthrough record below.

#BBB NEWS| Will Smith’s ‘Concussion’ Inspired Teen To Decline Football Scholarships

Will Smith’s latest movie, Concussion, may not have hit the box office as hard as expected, but it left a lasting impression on one high school senior.

John Castello, a student from Pennsylvania, said that the film, which showcased the traumatic brain injuries that some NFL players experience, prompted him to decline 12 football scholarships at a dozen universities.

“The head injuries were a huge reason for my decision,” he told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “I’ve liked both football and basketball for some time. I wasn’t totally sure what I wanted to do. Then, that movie Concussion came out and some interviews came out. I watched one interview with Dr. Omalu where he was talking about [former Steelers center] Mike Webster. After watching that, I said it’s not worth it.”
The movie, which was released this past Christmas, saw Smith star as Bennett Omalu, a Nigerian doctor who approached the NFL with information about the damaging effects of football. Castello said the possibility of dementia, confusion, memory loss, and aggression as a result of the rigorous field activity in exchange for a full-ride through school just wasn’t worth it.

#BBB NEWS| EFCC Declares Tompolo Wanted

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Thursday declared a former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, wanted.

The anti-graft agency in an advertorial signed by its Head of Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, said it declared Tompolo wanted following two bench warrants issued against him by a Federal High Court in Lagos, where he has been charged with N45.9bn fraud.

In the said advertorial which carried a photograph of Tompolo, the EFCC described him as a 47-year-old, dark-complexioned man from Okerenkoko, Gbaramotu Kingdom in the Warri South-WestLocal Government Area of Delta State.

The wanted Tompolo, whose address was given as No. 1, Chief Agbanu Street, DDPA Extension, Warri, Delta State, is said to speak both Izon and English languages.

#BBB NEWS| Kanye West Reveals The Meaning Behind The Title ‘TLOP’ And Track List [PHOTO]

It’s never a dull moment with Kanye West. Like, never! Just days before the release of his highly-anticipated album, Kanye West changed the name from Swish, to Waves to the mysterious TLOP. Many were perplexed as they attempted to guess what the cryptic four-letter acronym actually meant.

Wednesday evening (February 10) ‘Ye finally announced his title which stands for The Life of Pablo.

After announcing the album name, Kanye took to Twitter and also showed fans the final track list.

#BBB NEWS| EFCC ‘Investigating’ Okonjo-Iweala, Diezani, Aluko

The former Minister of Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, is being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in connection with corruption cases perpetrated during the last administration, the chairman of the anti-graft agency, Ibrahim Magu, said on Monday.

Magu, who spoke during the budget defence session with the House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes, added that a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke, is also under the EFCC radar.

Kola Aluko, a close associate of the former Petroleum minister, alleged to have helped in taking a large chunk of the nation’s funds out of the country, is also being investigated by the commission.

Magu, who responded to questions by a member of the committee, Hon. Razak Atunwa , on whether the two  ex-ministers and Aluko were included in the EFCC investigative list, said “very soon, we will go into the petroleum industry.”

#BBB NEWS| NBA: Blake Griffin Suspended 4 Games For Punching Clippers Staff Member

Blake Griffin was suspended four games without pay on Tuesday for punching a team staff member, and the Los Angeles Clippers will dock the star forward’s pay for an additional game because he broke his shooting hand.

In all, Griffin will lose $859,442 from his season salary of $18,907,725.

A team spokesman said the suspension will begin when Griffin is healthy, cleared to play and active. He was expected to be out four-to-six weeks while his hand heals from the Jan. 23 incident in Toronto.

The spokesman said the fine was issued by the Clippers, with the NBA assisting in the investigation of the incident as well as in the disciplinary process. No other punishment from the league is expected.

#BBB NEWS| Bobby Shmurda’s Trial Has Been Pushed Back

It appears as if Bobby Shmurda has been handed another L. The “Hot N—a’s rapper trial date has been pushed back. Originally slated for February 22nd, Shmurda will now see a judge on May 11.

According to reports, Kati Cornell, the director of public information at the office of the special narcotics prosecutor in New York said Judge Abraham Clott separated the cases between Shmurda and other member of the GS9 crew who were arrested in December 2014 on murder and weapons charges.

#BBB NEWS| Omari Hardwick Credits Denzel Washington With Saving Him From Homelessness [VIDEO]

Before Omari Hardwick became known as the good, but sometimes bad guy on the STARZ drama Power, he was a struggling actor trying to make in Hollywood like everyone else.

During a sit down with “The Real’s” Loni Love, Hardwick speaks candidly about his hardships before making it big. As a substitute teacher and football coach, as luck would have it, Hardwick became a mentor to Denzel Washington’s son John David. From there, Hardwick was able to form a relationship with the Academy Award winner and his wife Pauletta.

“They perfectly and appropriately didn’t help me out,” 41 year old said. “They gave me shelter when I didn’t have a place to stay or whatever but they sort of allowed me to be close enough to the family so I sort of transitioned into getting an agent…the whole thing…doing all these odd jobs.”

#BBB NEWS| LeBron James Reflects On Kobe Bryant’s Career Ahead Of Wednesday’s Matchup

Just last year, Kobe Bryant announced his retirement from the league which rattled his fans and peers. While many believed his NBA career was nearing its final run, the Black Mamba confirmed speculation in a lengthy note.

With his tear-jerking appearance on the hardwood nearing, the reality of No. 24 no longer taking center court is starting to hit a few of his fellow players, namely LeBron James.

In an interview with ESPN, the Cleveland Cavaliers small forward said Bryant’s presence will still be felt even when he’s no longer facing off against the 5-time championship winner. “Anytime I even watch his games, even when I’m not playing him, it’s always like, very emotional just knowing it’s his last hurrah,” James said. “And he’s done so much, not only for the Lakers organization, but for me as a kid growing up watching Kobe and things of that nature and also competing against him.”

#BBB NEWS| Lupita Nyong’o And Ava DuVernay In Talks For Sci-Fi Thriller

Just two months after Lupita Nyong’o voiced Maz Kanata in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, another sci-fi flick might be in her future.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, not only are executives talking with Nyong’o to star in the thriller Intelligent Life, but they also want Ava DuVernay to direct the picture.

The movie, which is a redo of a project previously helmed by Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow, chronicles the journey of a U.N. worker who represents humans in the event of alien contact.

Eventually, the employee falls in love with a woman who is an alien. Reportedly, Nyong’o would play the woman in the middle of the extraterrestrial contact.

#BBB NEWS| Swizz Beatz Says DMX Is In “Great Spirits” Following Hospitalization [PHOTO]

News broke on Tuesday morning (Feb. 9) that famed rapper DMX collapsed after enduring chest pains and breathing difficulty.

TMZ reports that although X has suffered from asthma in the past, his team sought to look for his inhaler during this health scare, but found that he had no pulse upon their search. Prayerfully, he was resuscitated by first responders.

With well wishes for a speedy recovery sent to the Mount Vernon native from his fans and peers, his frequent collaborator and friend, Swizz Beatz, shared good news with the masses on Twitter.

The producer said he spoke to X on the phone and revealed that “he’s good and in great spirits Thanks for all the blessings.”

#BBB NEWS| Kanye West Rants About Bill Cosby And Apologizes To Michael Jordan [PHOTOS]

With just days before the release of Kanye’s new album TLOP, Mr. West hopped on Twitter Tuesday night (February 9) to speak his mind (like he doesn’t do that regularly) about a few issues.

One of which is disgraced comedic legend and philanthropist Bill Cosby.

#BBB NEWS| Inside The Massive Fraud In Buhari’s 2016 Budget

On Tuesday December 22, 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari walked into a joint session of the National Assembly and presented the first annual budget proposal of his administration, ambitiously tagged: “The Budget of Change”.

After highlighting the economic challenges that confronted the country due to the fall in oil prices, the president vowed the budget would cut waste from government spending and its funds would only be used for public good.

“We are determined to ensure that our resources are managed prudently and utilized solely for the public good,” Mr. Buhari said. “To set the proper tone, one of our early decisions was the adoption of a zero based budgeting approach, which ensures that resources are aligned with government’s priorities and allocated efficiently.”

The breakdown of the line items of the 2016 Appropriation Bill, however, shows that what the president said cannot be farther from the truth.

#BBB NEWS| Metuh Kept N50m Of Dasuki’s N400m For Himself, Says Witness | TheCable

Olisa Metuh, spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), took N50m out of the N400m given to him by Sambo Dasuki, former national security adviser (NSA), diverting the money, which was meant for “security services”to personal use.

Junaid Sa’id, a detective at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), made the claim on Tuesday at the resumed court trial of the PDP spokesman.

According to Sa’id, who was testifying against Metuh before Justice Okon Abang of the federal high court, Abuja, Metuh used part of the slush funds – about N500m – received from the office of national security adviser (ONSA) to buy property at Banana Island, Lagos. “Investigation revealed that after payment of N400m by ONSA, a total sum of N366m was paid into the same account by one Kabiru Ibrahim, who also paid in N150m; Capital Field Investment Limited paid in N91m, and one Eyitonye, paid in N82m,” he said. “These funds formed the naira equivalent of $2m, which the first defendant [Metuh] gave to one Nneka Ararume in cash.

#BBB NEWS| COZA Pastor, Biodun Fatoyinbo Holds All-white Birthday Party In Dubai [PHOTOS]

Popular Abuja pastor, Biodun Fatoyinbo of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) held a lavish all-white yacht party in Dubai to celebrate his birthday in January this year.

In attendance were US based popular pastor, Mike Murdock, International singer Tye Tribett and others.

He also had a birthday dinner as well at the seven-star Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai. See more photos after the cut...

#BBB NEWS| UNAIDS Plans Antiretroviral Manufacturing Plant In Nigeria

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, in conjunction with the Nigerian private sector, is planning to build an antiretroviral manufacturing plant in the North East of Nigeria.

According to a statement, the financial involvement of local and international pharmaceutical companies, National Medicines Regulatory Authorities and multilateral organisations would be assured.

The statement also announced that the Executive Director, UNAIDS and Under-Secretary-General, United Nations, Mr. Michel Sidibé, would be visiting Nigeria from February 7 to 10 to share the 2016-2021 UNAIDS’ strategy with the Buhari government.

The visit would also enable him to get the government’s feedback on how to roll out the strategy and fast track the response to end AIDS by 2030 in Nigeria.

#BBB NEWS| Ooni Of Ife Visits Egba Monarchs, Preaches Peace

The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Sunday continued his peace moves in Yorubaland with a visit to the Alake of Egbaland, Adedotun Gbadebo, and the Osile of Oke-Ona, Adedapo Tejuoso.  (pictured above) Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi Photo Credit: Premium Times

Mr. Ogunwusi, while speaking at the Alake’s palace, said Ife belongs to all Yorubas, saying he was just selected as a custodian of the land. He also called on all monarchs not to arrogate power unto themselves.

He said his visits to his colleagues in Egbaland was a great opportunity he would forever cherish.

“In my life I will continue to worship and praise God. Example of my praise is today’s visit, I will continue to worship God.

“God loves Yoruba more than the Hebrews‎. We Yoruba don’t appreciate ourselves. I plead with all of us to always appreciate God. If there is love in Yoruba land, it is then we start appreciating each other,” the monarch said.

#BBB NEWS| Abacha Loot: SERAP Appeals World Bank’s Decision On Spending

The Socio-Economic Rights Accountability Project (SERAP) has released a press statement detailing their appeal of what they have termed the “patently insufficient information on the spending of recovered stolen funds by the late General Sani Abacha” provided by the World Bank.

Read the press release in its entirety below:

#BBB NEWS| Between Olumo And Aso – Reminiscences from OGUN At 40 By Wole Soyinka

“Why?” demanded my  argumentative friend, “ is it always you people? “ Why do you make so much trouble? Always Ogun, Ogun, Ogun! – are you the only state in the nation?” And he proceeded to reel off a number of names of notorious “trouble-makers”, dead and living, pin-pointing their birthplaces in Ogun State.” It was a teasing, rhetorical question, no answer expected. If one had been required, I would have volunteered, as a birthday present to Ogun:  Ise ab’ojumu. Sometimes Iwa ab’ojumu.

A pursuit (or character) of what is right. Just conduct. The people of Osun articulate something close -  Omoluwabi.  Both, and a number of allied formulations, hover around that basic foundation of all humane pursuits – Justice.  Perhaps we are simply more vocal, more persistent about it.

The precedent body of this mixed birthday offering is contained in a lecture that I first delivered nearly a decade ago, in Abeokuta.  I shall resort to that lecture once or twice for purposes of invoking a comparative ‘state of the state’ – then and now - but only in the context of governance characterization that enables us to grasp the essence of ab’ojumu, not to make any invidious assessments.