This week in the Trump-Russia investigation — Republicans slam Mueller, intelligence officials get defensive, and top Democrat says Russia will be back


It was a relatively slow week in Robert Mueller's Russia probe, but some key revelations helped move the investigation forward.

Michael Hayden and CIA  (AP Photos/Susan Walsh)

It was a relatively slow week in special counsel Robert Mueller's probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election, but some key revelations helped move the investigation forward.

Here's everything you need to know about what has happened since Monday:

Anti-Mueller Republicans have been communicating with the White House: One of the Republicans who has been critical of Robert Mueller's investigation indicated that he has spoken to the White House about the issue, but maintains that the questions he asked about the two FBI agents who exchanged anti-President Donald Trump texts were motivated purely by the evidence. Two other Republicans have also spoken to Trump's administration about Mueller's investigation.The Justice Department still has not answered how it chose which of Peter Strzok’s text messages to release: Following the release of 375 text messages sent between FBI agents Peter Strzok and Lisa Page, the Department of Justice has still not explained how it chose which texts to disseminate from the 10,000 it had obtained. Department of Justice officials and legal scholars criticized Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein for his actions on the Strzok-Page affair.Intelligence officials spoke out about Trump allies railing against the FBI: Retired Gen. Michael Hayden, the former director of the CIA and the National Security Agency, was joined by several other high-level former intelligence officials this week in defending Mueller, his investigation, and the FBI from criticism by Trump and his political allies.Trump believes Mueller will exonerate him in a letter: Trump reportedly feels encouraged by the lack of any charges against him in the Mueller investigation, and is apparently telling friends and advisers that he believes he will receive a letter from Mueller exonerating him early next year. His lawyer Ty Cobb says he has "no idea" where Trump got this idea from.Despite recusing himself months ago, Nunes still holds sway in House Russia probe: Republican Rep. Devin Nunes still controls the House Intelligence Committee's subpoena power and he has used that power to subpoena only one financial institution: the primary bank for the DC-based opposition research firm Fusion GPS. Democrats see this as a partisan maneuver and encourage the House to subpoena banks with closer ties to Trump and his associates.Senate Judiciary Democrat says his committee has not done enough to prevent future Russian meddling: Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse said Congress is focusing on "peripheral issues" that will do little to prevent future Russian hacks in 2018 and beyond. In an earlier tweet, Whitehouse suggested that Sen. Chuck Grassley had taken orders from Trump to shift the focus of the Russia investigation to expose former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's connection to an anti-Trump dossier.The FBI warned Trump that Russia would try to infiltrate his campaign: During last year's campaign, the FBI warned both the Trump and Clinton presidential campaigns that Russia would likely try to spy on and infiltrate their teams and that they should report any suspicious overtures to the bureau. The revelation sheds new light on what Trump knew about Russian meddling and raises questions about why his campaign team did not report the many overtures it received from Russia-linked entities to the FBI as requested.

Mueller is currently spearheading the FBI's investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 election, including whether members of Trump's campaign colluded with Moscow to tilt the election in his favor. He is also looking into whether Trump sought to obstruct justice when he fired FBI director James Comey in May.

The ketogenic diet might burn 10 times more fat than the standard American diet

Pretty impressive.

Ketogenic diet study  (Photograph by ThitareeSarmkasat/Getty Images)

Many people who follow the ketogenic diet (a.k.a. keto) are obsessed with its ability to help you lose weight quickly—and keep it off.

Now, new research has found that the low-carb diet may have one especially huge perk going for it: It might burn 10 times more fat than other diets.

That’s the major finding from research published in the journal Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews. For the study, scientists took 30 adults who had been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, a group of health conditions that increase the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

They then randomly put them in three groups: One group ate a ketogenic diet but didn’t exercise, another ate a standard American diet and didn’t exercise, and a third that ate a standard American diet and exercised for 30 minutes a day for up to five days a week.

Here’s what they found: In 10 weeks, the group that was on the ketogenic diet had “significant” changes in their weight, body fat percentage, BMI, hemoglobin A1c (a test that measures a person’s blood sugar), and ketones (the result of your body burning fat for energy).

Their resting metabolic rate, which is the rate that your body body burns energy when you’re not doing anything, was more than 10 times that of people who ate a standard diet. “All variables for the ketogenic group out-performed those of the exercise and non-exercise groups,” the researchers wrote in the study.

In case you’re not familiar with it, the keto diet is a high-fat, low-carb diet that encourages followers to get a moderate amount of protein. Carbs are generally replaced with fats, and it’s thought that this shifts your body into a metabolic state known as ketosis.

The keto diet generally shuns sugar, processed foods, low-fat foods, grains and gluten, high-carb fruit, and vegetable oils. Instead, followers are encouraged to eat plenty of non-starchy vegetables, lean meats and fish, full-fat dairy, and nuts and seeds.

It’s worth pointing out that this study is small and it focused on people with a health condition—not otherwise healthy people. Still, the findings are definitely worth thinking about if you've been mulling over going keto.

SPORT: ESPN FC's updates from Real Madrid vs. Barcelona

Alejandro Moreno explains why Lionel Messi will be the X-factor in El Clasico after a difficult match against Deportivo.

ESPN FC is "OnScene" at the world's biggest club football game: Real Madrid vs. Barcelona, which kicks off on Dec. 23 at 12 p.m. GMT / 7 a.m. ET.

Barcelona go into this weekend's Clasico with a six-point lead at the top of the La Liga and an 11 point lead over Madrid, albeit having played a game more... But a Madrid win (after their success at the Club World Cup) would open up the title race again. 

Here's all the latest buildup from the ESPN team and our correspondents Sam Marsden (Barcelona) and Dermot Corrigan (Real Madrid).

THURSDAY, Dec. 21

Ronaldo misses full training for third day

Cristiano Ronaldo was again unable to take part in full Real Madrid training on Thursday morning. The forward also missed Tuesday and Wednesday's training sessions with his teammates and, although Real Madrid have not issued any specific update on the calf problem or any other potential injury, he was again unable to even work with the football today.

"The team have trained at Real Madrid City in continued preparation for the La Liga showdown with Barcelona, to be played at the Santiago Bernabeu this Saturday (1:00pm CET)," a club statement released afterwards said. "Ball work took centre stage in a session which saw Zidane involve Under-19s goalkeeper Moha. Cristiano Ronaldo trained alone out on the pitch, both with and without the ball, whilst Luca [Zidane] continued his recovery process."

Barca's latest training update is less dramatic

Barcelona goes to the polls

Barcelona are preparing for the Clasico but it's a big day in the city for other reasons. After October's unilateral referendum on independence, Spain's central government called regional Catalan elections for today. Among those expected to vote is Gerard Pique, who has called for the final result - whether it's a pro-independence, pro-referendum or pro-unity party that wins -- to be respected. "It's a very important day in the history of Catalonia," he wrote on Twitter. "The future is in our hands. We have the power with our votes. I'll add one thing: the final result will be the will of the Catalan people. Respect it." Once the results are in, thoughts can turn to Saturday's trip to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Late changes to Barca travel plans

Barca look to Ronaldinho for inspiration

One of Barcelona's best Bernabeu memories came over a decade ago now, in the 2005-06 season. It came at the height of the Frank Rijkaard era and featured a stunning performance from Ronaldinho. So good was the Brazilian on the day in the 3-0 win, scoring two of the goals, that even the Madrid supporters applauded him. Ronaldinho's throne has now been taken by Lionel Messi and he's had plenty of good moments in the Spanish capital, too. Will he provide another one on Saturday?

Player-cams for Ronaldo and Messi

Providing he makes it, Cristiano Ronaldo will be tracked with a dedicated player camera on Saturday, along with great rival Lionel Messi. A La Liga statement read: "Two cameras will get up-close and personal with the Portuguese striker and the Argentine forward, allowing supporters to feast their eyes on every last move made by the global stars.

"The same applies to the two men in the dugouts, with a pair of cameras set to be trained on Zinedine Zidane and Ernesto Valverde right from the first whistle. In an effort to make television viewers feel as if they were lapping up the action from a seat in the stands, the Bernabeu is also to be equipped with a virtual Be The Player camera, which features Intel's 360° technology and represents a first for a La Liga broadcast. This camera captures events from the player's perspective, offering spectators the same view of the match as their heroes."

Infographic detailing the big coverage El Clasico will get.

Ronaldo and Messi's personal rivalry 

Marca's cover Thursday morning played up the Ronaldo vs. Messi rivalry with the headline: "Level on 53 goals - Cristiano and Messi have the same goals in 2017. Their goal-scoring influence in Madrid and Barca victories is almost identical."

Inside the story detailed how their teams both win 75 percent of games when their main man plays, while Madrid winning 89.5 percent of their games when Ronaldo scores, to Barca's 88.9 percent victories when Messi scores.

The next generation

Future Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior is in the Spanish capital this week to visit the club's facilities and take in Saturday's Clasico, although the teenager -- still playing at Brazilian club Flamengo -- apparently removed a photo from Instagram which showed him en route on Wednesday.

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 20

Could Ronaldo miss El Clasico?

Real Madrid's main man has a problem, with Saturday's big game inching closer. Dermot has the latest here.

Barcelona injury news

Here's our man Sam with the latest ... 

BIG UPDATE and a potential blow for Real Madrid

Marco Asensio getting in the mood for the game

Rewind to 2007 and the Clasico where Lionel Messi announced himself on the grand stage. Sam takes a look at the Barcelona legend's hat trick in a thrilling clash as the Camp Nou.

To kick off your day, watch the ESPN FC Extra Time crew discuss the Clasico and what it may hold for Gareth Bale. Plus there's Antoine Griezmann chat in there too. 

TUESDAY, Dec. 19

Barcelona and Real Madrid both have issues to fix

Ousmane Dembele is back in training after he was ruled out for four months, but he won't be fit in time for ClasicoHere are five issues for Barcelona.

Real Madrid HAVE to win, while the future of Cristiano Ronaldo is up for debate. Here are five issues for Real Madrid.

How do Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's El Clasico stats stack up against each other?

Barcelona clean up at awards

No guard of honour

Barcelona director of institutional relations Guillermo Amor says the club will not be giving a guard of honour to Club World Cup winners Real Madrid before Saturday's La Liga Clasico at the Bernabeu.

SPORT:OnScene: ESPN FC's updates from Real Madrid vs. Barcelona

Alejandro Moreno explains why Lionel Messi will be the X-factor in El Clasico after a difficult match against Deportivo.

ESPN FC is "OnScene" at the world's biggest club football game: Real Madrid vs. Barcelona, which kicks off on Dec. 23 at 12 p.m. GMT / 7 a.m. ET.

Barcelona go into this weekend's Clasico with a six-point lead at the top of the La Liga and an 11 point lead over Madrid, albeit having played a game more... But a Madrid win (after their success at the Club World Cup) would open up the title race again. 

Here's all the latest buildup from the ESPN team and our correspondents Sam Marsden (Barcelona) and Dermot Corrigan (Real Madrid).

THURSDAY, Dec. 21

Ronaldo misses full training for third day

Cristiano Ronaldo was again unable to take part in full Real Madrid training on Thursday morning. The forward also missed Tuesday and Wednesday's training sessions with his teammates and, although Real Madrid have not issued any specific update on the calf problem or any other potential injury, he was again unable to even work with the football today.

"The team have trained at Real Madrid City in continued preparation for the La Liga showdown with Barcelona, to be played at the Santiago Bernabeu this Saturday (1:00pm CET)," a club statement released afterwards said. "Ball work took centre stage in a session which saw Zidane involve Under-19s goalkeeper Moha. Cristiano Ronaldo trained alone out on the pitch, both with and without the ball, whilst Luca [Zidane] continued his recovery process."

Barca's latest training update is less dramatic

Barcelona goes to the polls

Barcelona are preparing for the Clasico but it's a big day in the city for other reasons. After October's unilateral referendum on independence, Spain's central government called regional Catalan elections for today. Among those expected to vote is Gerard Pique, who has called for the final result - whether it's a pro-independence, pro-referendum or pro-unity party that wins -- to be respected. "It's a very important day in the history of Catalonia," he wrote on Twitter. "The future is in our hands. We have the power with our votes. I'll add one thing: the final result will be the will of the Catalan people. Respect it." Once the results are in, thoughts can turn to Saturday's trip to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Late changes to Barca travel plans

Barca look to Ronaldinho for inspiration

One of Barcelona's best Bernabeu memories came over a decade ago now, in the 2005-06 season. It came at the height of the Frank Rijkaard era and featured a stunning performance from Ronaldinho. So good was the Brazilian on the day in the 3-0 win, scoring two of the goals, that even the Madrid supporters applauded him. Ronaldinho's throne has now been taken by Lionel Messi and he's had plenty of good moments in the Spanish capital, too. Will he provide another one on Saturday?

Player-cams for Ronaldo and Messi

Providing he makes it, Cristiano Ronaldo will be tracked with a dedicated player camera on Saturday, along with great rival Lionel Messi. A La Liga statement read: "Two cameras will get up-close and personal with the Portuguese striker and the Argentine forward, allowing supporters to feast their eyes on every last move made by the global stars.

"The same applies to the two men in the dugouts, with a pair of cameras set to be trained on Zinedine Zidane and Ernesto Valverde right from the first whistle. In an effort to make television viewers feel as if they were lapping up the action from a seat in the stands, the Bernabeu is also to be equipped with a virtual Be The Player camera, which features Intel's 360° technology and represents a first for a La Liga broadcast. This camera captures events from the player's perspective, offering spectators the same view of the match as their heroes."

Infographic detailing the big coverage El Clasico will get.

Ronaldo and Messi's personal rivalry 

Marca's cover Thursday morning played up the Ronaldo vs. Messi rivalry with the headline: "Level on 53 goals - Cristiano and Messi have the same goals in 2017. Their goal-scoring influence in Madrid and Barca victories is almost identical."

Inside the story detailed how their teams both win 75 percent of games when their main man plays, while Madrid winning 89.5 percent of their games when Ronaldo scores, to Barca's 88.9 percent victories when Messi scores.

The next generation

Future Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior is in the Spanish capital this week to visit the club's facilities and take in Saturday's Clasico, although the teenager -- still playing at Brazilian club Flamengo -- apparently removed a photo from Instagram which showed him en route on Wednesday.

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 20

Could Ronaldo miss El Clasico?

Real Madrid's main man has a problem, with Saturday's big game inching closer. Dermot has the latest here.

Barcelona injury news

Here's our man Sam with the latest ... 

BIG UPDATE and a potential blow for Real Madrid

Marco Asensio getting in the mood for the game

Rewind to 2007 and the Clasico where Lionel Messi announced himself on the grand stage. Sam takes a look at the Barcelona legend's hat trick in a thrilling clash as the Camp Nou.

To kick off your day, watch the ESPN FC Extra Time crew discuss the Clasico and what it may hold for Gareth Bale. Plus there's Antoine Griezmann chat in there too. 

TUESDAY, Dec. 19

Barcelona and Real Madrid both have issues to fix

Ousmane Dembele is back in training after he was ruled out for four months, but he won't be fit in time for ClasicoHere are five issues for Barcelona.

Real Madrid HAVE to win, while the future of Cristiano Ronaldo is up for debate. Here are five issues for Real Madrid.

How do Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's El Clasico stats stack up against each other?

Barcelona clean up at awards

No guard of honour

Barcelona director of institutional relations Guillermo Amor says the club will not be giving a guard of honour to Club World Cup winners Real Madrid before Saturday's La Liga Clasico at the Bernabeu.

LIFESTYLE: Miss Adamawa emerges winner of legendary pageant


Miss Nigeria held last night and it was everything we expected and more

 (Fsbuq)

The pageant which celebrated it's 60th year held last night at Eko Hotel and thrilled audiences as Miss Adamawa was crowned Miss Nigeria 2017.

Miss Adamawa, Ehiguese Mildred Peace was named the winner of the Miss Nigeria pageant organised by Daily Times Nigeria.

 The 1st runner-up position went to Miss Delta, Rita Chinedu and Miss Ogun, Tolulope Ayanfalu came in a close 2nd.

UN slaps new sanctions on North Korea

The UN Security Council meets to discuss North Korea on December 22, 2017, at UN Headquarters in New York City. KENA BETANCUR / AFP

With China’s backing, the UN Security Council on Friday slapped new sanctions on North Korea that will restrict oil supplies vital for Pyongyang’s missile and nuclear programs.

The council unanimously adopted a US-drafted resolution that also orders the repatriation of North Korean workers abroad and earning revenue for Kim Jong-Un’s regime.

It is the third raft of sanctions imposed on North Korea this year and comes as the United States and North Korea are showing no signs they are willing to engage in talks to end the crisis on the Korean peninsula.

The resolution bans the supply of nearly 75 percent of refined oil products to North Korea, puts a cap on crude deliveries and orders the repatriation of all North Korean nationals working abroad by the end of 2019.

The measures are in response to North Korea’s test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on November 28 that marked an advance in Pyongyang’s drive to threaten the US mainland with a nuclear strike.

President Donald Trump has threatened to “totally destroy” North Korea if it attacks the United States while North Korea insists the world must now accept that it is a nuclear power.

Trump asked Chinese President Xi Jinping last month to cut off oil to North Korea, a move that would cripple its desperately struggling economy.

Tens of thousands of North Koreans have been sent to Russia and China to earn revenue for Pyongyang, working in what UN rights officials have described as “slave-like conditions.”

Crude oil supplies were capped at four million barrels per year and a ceiling of 500,000 barrels of refined petroleum products, including diesel and kerosene, was set for next year.

That will reduce the flow of fuel from a previous ceiling set by the council of two million barrels a year.

To prevent North Korea from circumventing sanctions, all countries were authorized to seize, inspect, freeze and impound ships suspected of carrying illegal cargo to and from North Korea.

A total of 16 North Korean officials, most of whom work in banking, were added to the UN sanctions blacklist along with the North Korean ministry of the people’s armed forces, which manages logistics for the army.

They will be subjected to a global visa ban and assets freeze.

“This resolution bites,” French Ambassador Francois Delattre said, adding that it increases pressure on Pyongyang.

“Maximum firmness today is our best antidote to the risk of war,” he said.

More pressure
Since September last year, North Korea has carried out a nuclear test — its sixth — and a series of advanced missile launches which are banned under UN resolutions.

The United States has led the drive at the Security Council to tighten sanctions aimed at piling pressure on Kim’s regime to come to the negotiating table.

Ahead of the council meeting, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said a unanimous vote would be important to send a clear message to Pyongyang that it must abandon its ambition to develop nuclear weapons.

Speaking in The Hague, Guterres said the “unity of the council is necessary to create an opportunity for diplomatic engagement for the de-nuclearization to be achieved through peaceful means.”

Last week, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told the council that the “pressure campaign must and will continue until denuclearization is achieved,” as he backtracked from his offer to hold unconditional talks with Pyongyang.

The council has also banned exports of North Korean coal, iron, lead, textiles and seafood, and restricted joint ventures.

The United States separately asked the council to blacklist 10 ships, including two Hong Kong-flagged vessels, for carrying banned cargo from North Korea.

China, however, raised objections at those sanctions and the request to ban the 10 ships from ports worldwide will again be considered on December 28.

Germany calls for 'dialogue and de-escalation' in Catalonia


Germany on Friday called for "dialogue and de-escalation" among "all Spanish actors" after snap elections in Catalonia saw separatists win a slim majority in parliament.

Catalan separatists won a crucial snap poll Thursday, plunging their region into further uncertainty after a failed independence bid shook Spain  (AFP/File)

Germany on Friday called for "dialogue and de-escalation" among "all Spanish actors" after snap elections in Catalonia saw separatists win a slim majority in parliament.

"We hope that it will be possible to overcome the present division in Catalan society and to shape a common future with all political powers in Spain," said government spokeswoman Ulrike Demmer.

"The federal government trusts that all actors in Spain will pursue this goal and will use all means of dialogue and de-escalation," she said, adding that whatever Catalan government is formed, it will need to work "within the framework of the country's legal and constitutional order."

Demmer also stressed that Germany sees the case as an "inner-Spanish matter".

Catalan separatists won a crucial snap poll Thursday, plunging their region into further uncertainty after a failed independence bid shook Europe and triggered Spain's worst political crisis in decades.

With turnout at a record high of 82 percent, Thursday's election handed a mandate back to the region's ousted separatist leaders after they campaigned from exile and behind bars.

Madrid called Thursday's vote after secessionists declared independence on October 27, a hugely divisive issue for the wealthy northern region, that has rattled a Europe already shaken by Brexit.

Ekiti people deserve more than ‘congos of rice, cash stipends’ – Guber aspirant, Segun Adewale


Otunba Segun Adewale, popularly known as Aeroland has faulted the stomach infrastructure scheme of the Ayo Fayose administration.

He said it was portraying Ekiti as hungry and poverty stricken people instead of helping them.

Adewale said Ekiti people deserved more than what he called ‘a Congo of rice and cash stipends’.

The guber aspirant, who kicked off his familiarisation visits across the state with distribution of many smart television sets, motorbikes and smart cell phones, said his desire to eradicate poverty in Ekiti through massive skills acquisition scheme and provision of enduring social amenities, inspired his ambition to become the governor of the state in 2018.

“Rather than giving Congos of rice, we are giving motorbike, flat screen television sets and smart phones to the people as our own Christmas gifts and Stomach Infrastructure for them.

“The moment you give them rice, you are not dignifying Ekiti, you are saying that is their worth, but we are saying they can get better deals in TV sets, phones and others.
This is to wake them up that they can get better things. If I have never held any political position in my life and can give these items out of my private pocket, imagine what I would do when I become the governor. We are giving 1000 telephones per ward in 177 wards in all 16 local government areas, 10 television sets per ward, and 10 motorbike for each of 16 local government areas. When we do this . people will now believe in themselves,” he said.

Adewale, an entrepreneur, philanthropist and grassroots politician in Lagos State and a native of Ipoti-Ekiti in Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State, said he was saddened by the fact that an average Ekiti man has been impoverished by successive governments and made to believe that his miserable condition cannot be made better.

“I am here to change the perspective of the people, their minds have been conditioned to poverty, successive governments have also stamped it that poverty is in Ekiti, so my people see that and resigned to fate.

“We will start by changing their mindsets which had been bastardised for years that they can be educated and still be poor. We will now convert the knowledge to wealth, we will make sure that you are not only educated, but you have a trade that currants as you wealth”, he said.

“For us to overcome poverty, we must change our people’s orientation, and establish technology and give adequate power. We will give huge grants to departments in universities to generate power for the state and sponsor many other productive ventures in the schools,” he said.

But reacting, Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Youths and Sports Development, Lanre Ogunsuyi, said the infrastructure scheme of governor Fayose had hugely saved many families from misery and lack, adding that if the scheme wasn’t good, other government and top politicians in the country wouldn’t have adopted it.

$48m fraud’: EFCC detains Jonathan’s campaign chief


How was $48,485,127  diverted from the accounts of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF)?

This is the knot Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is battling to untie.

Dr. Ngozi Olojeme, former NSITF chair, was quizzed for hours yesterday over the alleged diversion of the fund.

Olojeme, who was declared wanted a few weeks ago by the EFCC on the order of a court, turned herself in.

The EFCC has arraigned a former Managing Director of NSITF, Umar Munir Abubakar and four others for alleged diversion of N18billion.

The cash was said to be the Federal Government’s contribution to take-off grants and Employees Compensation Scheme (ECS) for Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

The others are Henry Ekhasomi Sambo, Adebayo Adebowale Aderibigbe, Chief Richard U. Uche and Aderemi Adegboyega.

According to a source, the ex-NSITF chairman reported to EFCC  after going underground for a while.

The source said: “We have been investigating over N62.3billion fraud in NSITF during Olojeme’s tenure between 2009 and 2015. Out of the sum, preliminary findings indicated that the ex-NSITF boss allegedly diverted $48, 485, 127.

“She allegedly used her account officer in First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) to collect the $48.4m from some NSITF contractors through a BDC operator.”

The Nation obtained the report on the probe. It states:  “That through this process, Dr. Ngozi Olojeme, the then NSITF board chairman, has collected $48,485,127 from her account officer at FBN, which cash he collected on her behalf being the dollar equivalent of monies paid to BDCs by NSITF contractors.

“She and others also diverted huge cash allocated for allowances of its staff  and compensation to contributors. Detectives actually traced some of the NSITF funds in the personal accounts of Olojeme and the former MD,  Umar Abubakar.

“For instance, Abubakar and others converted N18billion, being contribution from the Federal Government as take-off grants and Employees Compensation Scheme (ECS) for MDAs.

“The said sum was diverted into personal accounts by an e-payment mandate jointly signed by Umar Munir Abubakar and Henry Ekhasomi Sambo.”

The report added: “It was discovered that the NSITF accounts in First Bank and other banks have witnessed a total turnover of over N62,358,401,927 between 2012 and 2015 from the Employee Compensation Scheme contributions.

“That out of the N62b, the Federal Government contributed N13,600,000,000 while N48,758,401,927.80 was contributed by the private sector. That there were several payments to individuals and companies from the NSITF bank accounts for purported contracts or consultancy services.

“That some individuals and companies that received these payments, in turn, transferred part of the monies directly to the NSITF officials while others transferred huge sums to bureaux de change operators who changed them to dollars.”

The source said: “Olojeme has made useful statement to our team of investigators. We are probing clues that some of the looted cash had been diverted to the prosecution of the 2015 general election because Olojeme was the Deputy Chairman, Finance Committee, of the Goodluck Jonathan Presidential Campaign Organisation.

“From preliminary findings, she is likely to face trial like other top officers of NSITF.”

Pasuma’s Daughter Flaunts Certificate As She Completes Her NYSC - INFORMATION NIGERIA

Prolific Nigerian Fuji musician, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, also known as “Oganla”, could not hide his excitement as he celebrated a new height attained by his daughter who just completed her one year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Pasuma shared a picture of his daughter who is identified as Omobolaji on his Instagram handle on Thursday, December 21, to share her picture with and captioned it:

“Congratulations to my Daughter @rawkey_white Odetola Rokeebat Omobolaji Alhamdulillah Modupe.”

source: Instagram

Police declares popular Oil Marketer wanted


The Lagos State Police Command has declared a popular independent oil marketer and prime suspect of the Badoo cult killings in Ikorodu and Epe axis of the State, Alhaji Alaka Abayomi Kamal, wanted

The 51-year-old suspect, who is the owner of Alaka Petroleum, is wanted in connection with series of well-orchestrated killings and nefarious activities of the Badoo cult group. The notorious activities of the dreaded cult group had sent many to their early graves with cruel killings through the smashing of mortar and pestle on victims’ heads.

In a Special Police Gazette Bulletin issued under the authority of the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, with reference number CR 07/2017, Alaka who had earlier been arrested and released on bail by the police, was said to have frustrated attempts to rearrest him.

His declaration as a wanted man followed a warrant of arrest duly obtained from a Lagos State Magistrate Court.

According to the bulletin, “The above-named person (Alhaji Alaka Abayomi Kamal “M”) is hereby declared wanted by the Nigeria Police Force on CRO Form “5” issued by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Intelligence and Intelligence Department, Musiliu Smith Street, Yaba, Lagos.

“He (Alaka) is wanted for the offence of Badoo Cult Killings in Ikorodu and Epe areas of Lagos State. He was once arrested, and released on bail; since then it has been impossible to rearrest him.

“He is 5ft 8ft tall, dark in complexion, stout in stature, no tribal marks, speaks Yoruba and English. A Yoruba by tribe, 51 years of age. Home Address – No 22, PSSDC Magodo Estate, Shangisha, Lagos State. A business man with good set of teeth, brown eyes, oval face, small head, low forehead and always on white kaftan.

“If seen should be arrested and handed over to the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Musiliu Street, Yaba, Lagos or any nearest Police Station or call 08068169076 and 08125151772.”

The State Government and the State Police Command had earlier uncovered and demolished the alleged Badoo shrine belonging to Alaka in Agbowa area of Ikorodu on September 20, 2017 in an operation led by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Imohimi Edgal.

Nawa o! Fresh University Graduate Caught Trying To Use His Parents For Ritual (Watch Video)


According to a facebook user who shared the video below, he said "Fresh University Graduate Caught Trying To Use His Parents For Rituals , He said he's trying to help his parents"
Watch the video below...
NEXT
See Beggar Arrested With Guns In Lagos (Photo) Nawa o! Fresh University Graduate Caught Trying To Use His Parents For Ritual (Watch Video)


I Caught My Wife Giving Our 5-Year-Old Son ‘Bl0w Job’ – What Should I Do?


A man, 42, has threatened to divorce his wife after allegedly catching her giving his 5-year-old son bl0w job.

The man, who said he has been married to his wife for seven years, claimed his wife is not even remorseful over the incestuous act.

In a letter sent to True Confession page, the man, who gave his identify only as Jeff, said he was interested in seeking the opinion of the general public before he goes ahead with his decision.

Jeff, in the letter said when he confronted his wife, she claimed she was only trying to put the baby to sleep and there was nothing wrong in playing with her child.

“I am one man who doesn’t want to get third party involved in my relationship or family affair but this one is beyond me. I am married to my wife for seven years now and we are blessed with two kids – boy and a girl.

“My wife has been jobless since losing her banking job and we are waiting on God to provide another one. Though, I do all I could to make her comfortable even in her jobless state.

“However, I was shocked recently when I caught her sucking my five-year-old son’s private part.

“She was so carried away with the act that she didn’t notice when I entered the children’s room. When I confronted her, she said she was only luring him to sleep.

“She insisted that even at that, there was nothing wrong in playing with her son’s manhood. This is beyond me and I think the general public should help me to look into this,” he wrote.

The man who cautioned that his real identity must not be disclosed also refused to provide his wife’s mobile details for confirmation, but assured of tracking the story in order to get public opinion on what he tagged, ” my wife’s inordinate and sodomic act.”

 

His Mother Abandoned Him When He Was Born’ – FULL Story Of The Cute Little Boy Who Photobombed Viral Wedding Photo


A viral picture showing a cute little boy photobombing a wedding picture made rounds on the internet, with many applauding the photographer, and adoring the boy for his cheesy attitude.

Recall he share the photo with the caption: “I was about taking a shot when this lil man came right in front of me to pose for a shot,had to suspend my shot to take his first.

Moral lesson for me: Never look down on anyone, no matter how they dress or look. Also remember no one knows tomorrow.

You never can tell this lil man could be Nigeria President someday..” Days after the photo went viral, many folks on the internet called for the boy to be found, so little donations can be made towards his welfare.

He was immediately found of course, by the photographer, and someone even promised to sponsor the boy till University Level!

Read touching life story

The photographer, @ayaworanmedia, was at Oluwatobiloba’s home yesterday where he met with his father who revealed is separated from his mum.

Tobi’s father alleged that his mum abandoned him when he was a month old. Food items were given to Tobi’s family, the photographer then shared Tobi’s story.

Read below;

He is three years old and a product of failed marriage. According to his father, the boy was abandoned by his mother when he was barely a month old. His father, unable to cater for the boy, sought for a nanny who works in a daycare center, to take custody of the boy.

The nanny has been taken care of the boy since then. Though the father is a graduate of Electrical Engineering, he is jobless.

Though Oluwatobiloba has never seen the four walls of a school, he has a good command of English language considering his age. He speaks and understand English Language.

The father is appealing to well-meaning Nigerians to assists in educating the boy who is passionate, bold and intelligent.

Friends, let’s make help in unleashing the potentials of this young boy. Yes, we can!

15-Year-Old Housewife Pregnant For Another Man Kills Husband With Poison 2 Weeks After Wedding In Katsina


December 22, 2017 – 15-Year-Old Underage Housewife Pregnant For Another Man Murders Husband With Poison 2 Weeks After Wedding Becasue He Was Deformed By Ghastly Accident In Katsina

A housewife in Katsina, 15 years old, Dausiya Abdulmumini has murdered her husband, Saminu Usman, 27-years and her half brother, Muhammad Dasa after adding an allegedly poisoned substance in the dish she served her husband.

However, Dausiya’s Sister-In-Law, Shafa’atu Usman, 23 years old who ate three spoons of the poisoned dish, luckily survived the incident as she was said to have been rushed to the hospital where she was treated and later discharged.

The Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Gambo Isah who confirmed the incident to Vanguard Saturday, said it happened in Ungwar Dan Mayaki village in Bakori Local government area of the state. DSP Isah further said the husband and her half brother, Dasa, who unknowingly ate the left over of the poisoned food from the husband could not survived it as they were said to be brought into the hospital dead.

The PPRO who said a Samaritan, name withheld reported the case at the Bakori Divisional police station, said it was a forceful marriage case where the housewife, Dausiya was initially in love with her husband and suddenly felt she doesn’t love him again after he had had an accident (two weeks after their wedding) leading to his deformity – limping while walking and had also lost almost all of his teeths.

Again, DSP Isah noted that she (Dausiya) was said to be carrying a pregnancy belonging to another man.

Information gathered reveals that Dausiya’s parents were both dead, but before her daddy’s death he had willed her hand in marriage for Saminu Usman which led to her Uncle’s (Waasia) decision to follow the deceased father’s laid down instruction to marry her out to the deceased husband, Saminu.

The Police Public Relations Officer says the housewife, Dausiya is in the police costudy in Bakori and would be charged for culpable homicide and other charges. DSP Isah however said the incident happened on the 18th December, 2017.

Pretty Bride Cries Before Her Mother During Her Wedding In Adorable Wedding Photos



No matter your age, you always need your mother, that saying was demonstrated fully during a recent wedding ceremony.

At the wedding, the beautiful bride burst into tears while on bent knees before her mother as she received blessings and words of advice for her next journey in life… so touching.

See Photo below ;

Meanwhile, a pre-wedding photo a plus sized couple has had everyone go “awwww” – the couple looked every shade of adorable as they pose for the camera.