Balotelli completes AC Milan transfer

The former Manchester City striker has put pen to paper and completed his move to San Siro, ending a two-and-a-half year controversy-filled spell at the Etihad Stadium

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has completed his move to AC Milan, signing a four-and-a-half-year contract. The two clubs agreed a deal on Tuesday afternoon for £20 million that will be spread over five years, while the Italy international is taking a pay cut on his £110,000 per-week to join the Serie A side. The 22-year-old Italy international brings an end to a controversial two-and-a-half-year stay in England with Roberto Mancini's side, during which he scored 20 goals in 54 league appearances, helping the club to win both the Premier League title and FA Cup, before moving back to his homeland. AT THE DOUBLE? 4/1Mario Balotelli is 4/1 to score two or more goals for AC Milan against Udinese with William Hill

Official: Beckham completes Paris Saint-Germain move

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star returns to European football until the end of the season and will donate his salary to a French charity

Paris Saint-Germain have announced that they have secured the services of former England skipper David Beckham on a free transfer. The 37-year-old, who had been without a club ever since leaving LA Galaxy back in December 2012, travelled to Paris on Thursday to complete the deal, and has signed a contract until the end of the season after passing his medical. "David turned down offers from all over the world, so we're happy to have him here," PSG president Nasser Al Khelaifi stated at a press conference. "He will be a part of our big project, our big dream, to become one of Europe's biggest clubs." Beckham himself, meanwhile, was overjoyed with his transfer to Paris Saint-Germain and is pleased to be part of their project. "I'm very lucky, I'm 37 years old. I got a lot of offers, more than I've had in my career. I chose Paris Saint-Germain because I can see what the club are trying to do. I can see the players the clubs are bringing in," the midfielder said. "Paris is an exciting city, and now there is a club which will have a lot of success over the next 10-15 years.  I'm very honoured to be a part of this project. I'm very excited and honoured with that. I've been successful with every club I've played for throughout the years. "I don't want to play for another English club because I have a lot of history with Manchester United. I've always said that I don't want to play for another English team. "How much can I give? I have a lot of experience in the game, over 13 or 14 championship trophies, played with some of the biggest clubs in the world, and I'm still being successful at 37 years old. I haven't lost any pace because I never really had any pace." Beckham went on to reveal that his salary at PSG would go straight to an unnamed local children's charity. "I won't receive any salary. It will go towards a children's charity in Paris. I'm very proud to do so." Beckham will wear the No.32 shirt in the French capital.

Babangida Seeks Action For Unity, Development

Former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), has expressed his optimism on the continued existence of the country. This was just as he advised the Federal Government to strengthen its unity and development. Speaking in Lagos,yesterday, at the public presentation of two books written in honour of one of the nation’s past Minister for External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Babangida said that the Nigerian Project was ``the most appropriate mechanism`` for addressing the nation’s current challenges. The books, “Nigeria and the World:  Bolaji Akinyemi Revisited,” which was edited by the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute for International Affairs, Prof. Bola Akinterinwa and ``Perspectives on Nigeria’s National and External Relations, ``, edited by Professors Thomas Imobighe and Warisu Alli attracted several dignitaries. Babangida also lauded Akinyemi’s services to the nation spanning 40 years and said such contributions have made him even more relevant to Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives. Former President said, “My position is dictated by my conviction that Nigeria is precious enough to be saved. And this deserves an investment of our time and resources, to make the Nigerian Project a success. “All we need is a new mind set about the Nigerian Project. Let us, therefore, begin by admitting our mistakes of the past, `` he said. According to the former leader, it was imperative for the country to urgently revisit issues bordering on the principle of federal character, saying “we can face the country’s challenges together, united in the spirit of her greatness”. He lauded the efforts and sacrifices made by past governments and well meaning Nigerians towards the survival of the Nigerian Project just as he stated that “In a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious nation, principle of federal character is a sensible one, and there is no alternative to it. “What needs to be done is to ensure that each national group has a sense of belonging. We need to arrive at a consensus, which will move this nation forward,” he said.

INEC Threatens To De-register ANPP

The All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) may join the list of proscribed political parties in the country if it fails to satisfactorily explain to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), why it is flouting the 1999 Constitution. LEADERSHIP gathered that INEC was threatening to withdraw the political party’s registration certificate over a technical matter concerning change in party constitution as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. In a letter dated January 28, 2013 signed by the INEC’s acting secretary and addressed to the ANPP National Chairman, Ogbonaya Onu, the commission asked the party to show cause why it should remain to function as a political party having flouted section 222(b) of the 1999 Constitution.

100 suspected robbers attack Brinin-Gwari, kill three policemen

ABOUT 100 armed robbers on Thursday unleashed terror on the residents of Birnin-Gwari  town, in the Brinin Gwari Council of Kaduna State,  killing three policemen in an operation that lasted two hours. The  robbers also razed a police station and two banks in the area, according to the Kaduna State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Aminu Lawan. A resident of the area who spoke on condition of anonymity said the robbers struck in the early hours of Thursday. "They headed for the police station in the area and engaged the policemen on duty in a gun duel. They shot sporadically for hours and overpowered the policemen on duty. "Thereafter, they went to  two banks located in the town where we  heard a deafening sound of a bomb across the town. They vandalised the banks and break their ATM machines," the resident narrated. The incident came barely 24 hours after  the Emir of Birnin Gwari, Alhaji Zubairu Jibril,  raised the alarm that armed robbers had taken over his domain. The emir said the  men of the underworld  were in charged of affairs in the area. Jibril spoke when he led other traditional rulers, politicians and traders on a courtesy visit to the Kaduna State Governor, Dr. Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, to make a formal complaint about the activities of armed bandits in his domain. He said the robbers raped wives of victims, and that over 7,000 heads of cattle were stolen by the bandits. The Emir had said,  "From November last year, when we had the Dogondawa incident, the government  promised to do something the late governor and the General Officer Commanding, One Division,  were there, but till now, my people are still waiting for the action of the state government. The situation has worsened. They are doing what they like and they are heavily armed. "Except in Birnin Gwari town , in other villages in my domain, I am not in charge, and  you are not in charge too." In October last year, the sleepy town of Dogodawa in Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of  the state was jolted as unidentified gunmen went haywire, killing 20 people in the process. Those killed  in that attack were mostly Moslem worshippers returning  to their houses in the early hours. A source told our correspondent  that the Thursday  attack which occured at about 12 mid night and  lasted  for about two hours  left the police station in ruins.

Beyoncé on lip-synching controversy: 'I sang over pre-recorded track'

Beyoncé launched into an impromptu performance of the national anthem at her Super Bowl press conference today (January 31). As the 31-year-old walked on stage for the media event, she asked the assembled journalists to stand, before performing a live rendition of 'The Star-Spangled Banner'. Upon finishing the song, she simply asked: "Any questions?" The move was a clear attempt to silence her doubters, after it was reported that she lip-synched her performance at President Obama's inauguration. When asked about the controversy, the 'Countdown' singer admitted that she sung over a backing track at the presidential ceremony but defended her decision. "I am a perfectionist," she explained. "I did not have time to rehearse with the orchestra [at the inauguration]. It was a live television show and a very important moment for me. "Due to the weather, due to the delay, due to no proper sound check, I did not feel comfortable taking the risk... so I decided to sing along with my pre-recorded track, which is very common in the music industry. And I'm very proud of my performance." When asked if she planned to sing live at her Super Bowl half-time show, she replied: "I always sing live."

2 Divas & a Divo! Goldie, Kween & Denrele Pose Off for SIMS Magazine

Only Denrele can out pose 2 divas! The Channel O presenter features on the cover of the new issue of SIMS Magazine alongside Nigerian musician/Big Brother StarGame contestant Goldie. We also spotted Denrele in another photo alongside another music star Kween.

Kate Henshaw joins Banky W as the New Brand Ambassador for Samsung West Africa (Mobile)

The news broke via That1960Chick last week and now it has been confirmed that Kate Henshaw is the new brand ambassador for Samsung West Africa. Kate joins music superstar Banky W on the Samsung brand ambassador list. You can read an excerpt from the press release below. Samsung Electronics West Africa has unveiled its 2013 brand ambassadors for its Mobile Division. Movie Industry Icon Kate Henshaw and Star musician, Banky W, will be working together to raise awareness for Samsung mobile products and ultimately contribute to making Samsung phones the preferred brand in the West Africa sub-region. Henshaw was officially unveiled as brand ambassador at a media breakfast meeting organized by Samsung. Speaking at the unveiling, Managing Director, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Brovo Kim stated that Henshaw and Banky W represent the values that Samsung has stood for over the years. “The Samsung brand stands for qualities of innovation, change, discovery, self-expression and excellence in performance. And these very same qualities are epitomized by Banky W and Kate Henshaw, whose quality and depth of work as well as versatility as artistes have endeared them to Nigerians today. We are indeed very proud and privileged to have them as our Brand Ambassadors.” Kim further described its signing of Kate Henshaw as an opportunity for Samsung to reach out to its customers through Nigeria’s movie industry. “We want to further connect with our customers at all touch points, especially through film as it is one of the passions of people in West Africa.” he explained. Samsung plans to leverage Henshaw in its brand advertising as well as product advertising for mobile phones. Congrats Kate! Veteran actress Kate’s profile keeps rising. She was a judge on “Nigeria’s Got Talent” in 2012 and great to see her kick off 2013 with a bang.

BN Exclusive: Ini Edo, Chidi Mokeme, Uche Jombo, Julius Agwu, Genevieve Nnaji, Omoni Oboli & More at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards Nominees Announcement in Lagos | Photos

Genevieve Nnaji & IK Osakioduwa Yesterday BN brought exclusively to you the first photos and full list nominees of the inaugural Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards…. The nominees were announced during a special hour-long edition of lifestyle series 53 Tags: Ade Bantu, Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards, Alex Ekubo, Ashionye Ugboh Raccal, Biola Alabi, chidi mokeme, Chineze 'Xandria" Anyaene, Damilola Adegbite, Denrele Edun, DJ Xclusive, Dolapo Oni, Doris Simeon, Ehizojie "Ehiz" Okoeguale, Eku Edewor, emem isong, Femi Brainard, Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi, Funmi Holder, Gbenro Ajibade, genevieve nnaji, Gideon Okeke, Goldie, Helen Paul, ik Osakioduwa, ini edo, Iretiola Doyle, Jide Kosoko, julius agwu, kalu ikeagwu, Karen Igho, Kunle Afolayan, Linda Ejiofor, Lizz Njagah, Nomuzi Mabena, Obi Emelonye, OC Ukeje, Olisa Adibua, Omoni Oboli, Osas Ighodaro, rukky sanda, Saheed Balogun, Segun Arinze, Tewa Onasanya, Tomi Odunsi, Tunde Kelani, uche jombo, uti nwachukwu, Victor Olaotan, Yaw

EFCC ARRESTS 20 YAHOO BOYS

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested twenty suspected internet fraudsters. The arrest which was carried out in a joint operation with officers of the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Benin, followed intelligence report on their activities. They were nabbed in a surprise raid on their Cyber office tucked in an old building located on Siluko Road, Benin City.   At the point of arrest, the fraudsters had in their possession forty five (45) laptops of different make, twenty eight (28) telephone sets, eight (cool internet mobile modems and one Nissan car with registration number USL 375 AG. The suspected fraudsters who are mostly in their twenties includes: Idehen Obabueki, Adesa Lucky, Usuagu Uche, Eloghosa Olikiabor, Larry Edomwonyi, Amowie Maike, Francis Ezegbede, Itua Samuel and Endurance John Egbeifo. Others are Amego Ovenseri, Iyen Ighodaro, Philip Agbodori, Lucky Robinson, Nnadi Obinna, Osabuohien Osahon, Chinenu Eze, Peter Sunday, Solomon Ogu, Niyi Femi and Osagie Aghedo. The suspects have made useful statements. Most of them confessed to be engaged in online dating of foreigners particularly widows. They also confessed to using different pseudo names and faces to deceive their prospective victims. They will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded. 

PASTOR OYEDEPO RECEIVES OVER 700 CARS AS GIFTS

The general overseer of Canaanland, Bishop David Oyedepo received over 700 cars from his flock, as gifts. "This actually happened a few weeks back but I'm only just hearing about it. According to sources in the know, during Winners Chapel Cross Over service on Tuesday January 1st in Canaanland, Ota, Ogun state, worshipers of the church made donations of over 700 exotic cars to the church. People who felt they had been richly blessed in 2012 came to the cross over service with different donations, most significant was the number of exotic brand new cars and SUVs that flooded Canaanland. The people who donated them dropped the keys and documents of the cars during offering. The church auctioned the cars at very cheap prizes to its members. Some cars were sold for as less as N300k."

CRAIG DAVID TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM IN 2013

Craig David has revealed plans to release a new album in 2013. The singer has been working on the follow-up to 2010's Signed Sealed Delivered and has described the collection as having a "garage feel". "The new album is what I'm working on right now with Marshall, hopefully for a 2013 release," David told Pardon My Blog.  "It will take the R&B route as that is what I love; the direction is kind of a selection of songs that will eventually cement into an album.   "There is a garage feel on the album, just need to make the production a lot fresher for sure." The star also hopes to team up with Drake on a track after meeting the Canadian rapper earlier this year. "Weirdly enough over New Years was the first time we met," David said of Drake. "I think the guy is on top right now, he is a lyricist and has this R&B twist so when we met we had this mutual admiration for each other.  "We got introduced at a restaurant and we exchanged details and when I've got the right record at least now I have his contact. On a record with me and Drake we'd have to go all out."

Ashley Cole returns to England squad for Brazil friendly

The Chelsea full-back is set to earn his 100th cap and Osman retains his place, while Roy Hodgson names just two goalkeepers following injuries to Fraser Forster and John Ruddy

Roy Hodgson has recalled Ashley Cole to his squad for the friendly match against Brazil on February 6, handing him a chance to win his 100th cap after the Chelsea left-back missed the 4-2 defeat to Sweden because of injury. The 24 man group also sees Everton's Leon Osman retain his place in the Three Lions squad for the first game of 2013 whilst youngsters Jonjo Shelvey, Raheem Sterling and Wilfried Zaha are expected to drop down to the under-21s. Chris Smalling also returns to the England fold after almost a year out of contention following an injury-plagued spell for Manchester United, while Hodgson names just two goalkeepers in Joe Hart and Jack Butland with Fraser Forster and John Ruddy sidelined with injury. The Wembley fixture is one of a series of fixtures to help mark the Football Association's 150 year anniversary and will act as a warm-up for the World Cup qualifiers in March against San Marino and Montenegro.

jokes to keep your day going

For a long time Akpos has been battling with a leak in his roof. One night there was a very heavy down pour, he had to move from one corner of his house to the other to avoid drops from his roof. This made him have sleepless night. The next morning he decided to fix his roof, after scouting for ladder in his neighbourhood, he tried to climb to the roof. Climbing wasn't easy, he panted and sweated but successfully climbed to the roof, as he was about to fix the damage, he heard a knock on his door. He yelled from the top of his voice, "who is that?" A tattered looking beggar showed up at the ground and said, "excuse me, can I see u?" Akpos asked "what is it you want to tell me?" The beggar said, "just spare me one minute". Akpos climbed back to the ground, looking tired and asked "what can I do for you?" The beggar said "can u give me N20?" Akpos thought for a while and said "FOLLOW ME". The two of them started climbing to the roof, panting and gasping for breath, they got to the roof, after panting for one minute Akpos turned to the beggar and said "I DON'T HAVE" A professor and his illiterate Wife went for an interview, on getting their the interviewer said the interview would be conducted one after the other. The professor first before his Wife. Interviewer.....Q1 Who is Ancient philosopher that was born 384 Before Jesus Christ ? (BC) Professor.......Aristotle Interviewer.......Q2 when did he Die ? Professor......322 year Before Christ was born (BC) Interviewer Q3 Did he leave any theory ? Professor..... Yes but not scientifically Prove. After the interview, the Professor told his Wife the three Answer before she was call on for her Own interview Interviewer..... What is your Name madam? Madam....... Aristotle Interviewer........when were you born ? Madam.........322 year Before Christ was born (BC) Interviewer.......Are you Mad ? Madam..... Yes but not scientifically Prove. A bus conductor was asking a passenger for the transport fare. conductor:Oga wey ur money? The man:I am a staff. conductor:u be police The man:no conductor:u be soldier The man:no conductor:u be navy the man: no conductor:so which staff u be,ogbeni pay men joor. The man:I be boko haram member! The remaining passenger shouted Oga no mind the bus conductor jare,driver next bus stop please.

PROSTITUTES NATIONWIDE PROMISE NIGERIANS FREE SEX IF SUPER EAGLES WIN GOLD

Association of Nigerian Prostitutes (ANP) has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria for moving on to the quarter finals stage of the Orange African Cup of Nations, South Africa 2013, urging them to go for gold. ANP, in a statement issued through its national secretary, Jessica Elvis, urged the national team to make the country proud by moving on to the finals and returning with the trophy.

“We want to congratulate the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, for qualifying for the next round of the competition. We want to assure them of our usual support and partnership, we want them to bring back our lost glory in football. Jessica, speaking further, added that the association would declare one week of free sex if the Eagles win the trophy .“To show our support for the national team, we’ll be declaring one week free sex if the Super Eagles can win the trophy,” she added. Investigation revealed some members of the association are in South Africa ‘supporting’ the national team. The Super Eagles would be confronting the Ivorian national team, the Elephants, in a knockout stage on Sunday.

jamb warns jambites

The Joint Admissions Matriculation Board, JAMB has warned all students sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination,UTME, slated for April 27,2012 to beware of fake online registration.

Jamb registrar, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde made this known at a media parley in Lagos. He said out of the over 1 Million candidates that registered for the exam,over 4000 applied for the e-exam. He said the online exam is to check various series of examination malpratices. He warned that students should only register at Jamb accredited cybercafes and not indulge themselves by giving their datas to people and go home to wait for their slip the next day. He disclosed that 'jamb accredited registra

MAN MURDERS HIS GIRLFRIEND AFTER CATCHING HER IN BED WITH ANOTHER MAN

A man allegedly fatally beat up his girlfriend after reportedly finding her in the company of another man in her bedroom, police have reported.

Police identified the woman as Maybe Last Dube. Police spokesperson said the incident happened on Sunday between 10pm and 11pm. He said Dube died at Gweru Provincial Hospital after her boyfriend, Garikai Mpofu (32), in a fit of rage, banged her head thrice against a stone. "On the said date, it is alleged that Mpofu visited his girlfriend Dube at her house and failed to locate her. He later spotted her at the back of her bedroom with another lover. The other lover (whose name has not been given) fled the scene upon noticing that he had been spotted," said Police. He said Mpofu grabbed Dube and banged her head thrice against a stone. He alleged that Mpofu also kicked Dube all over her body. He only stopped when the woman pleaded for mercy. "The two then proceeded to Mpofu's house where the suspect assaulted Dube with an electric cord all over her body. The suspect later woke up his 62-year-old father asking him to ferry Dube to Shurugwi District Hospital" He said Dube's condition deteriorated and she was transferred to Gweru Provincial Hospital. Asst Insp Mahoko said the matter was reported to the police who attended the scene and arrested Mpofu. "On the same day that Mpofu was arrested, a police report was made to the effect that Dube had died. Her body was conveyed to Gweru Provincial Hospital mortuary for a postmortem," he said.

50 Cent Calls Out Rick Ross! Thinks He Faked Shooting!

That is one serious allegation! But 50 Cent is sticking by it as he is just not buying Rick Ross’ drive-by shooting story. Rick was supposedly driving when another car drove up to his and shot at him while he was leaving Miami’s LIV with one passenger in the car. He ended up not being shot, but shell casings were found at the scene where he then crashed his vehicle. But 50 Cent ain’t sold on the tale of a person who couldn't get one shot to actually hit the car as he posted a pic of Rick’s car on Instagram (below) along with the message: “Hahaha fat boy hit the building?lol it looks staged to me. No hole's in da car.”

devilish children: 2 Sons Kidnap 74-yr-Old Father, Demand N5m Ransom

Two suspected children from hell have been arrested in Anambra State for allegedly kidnapping their father. The two brothers, Ifeanyi and Obinna, aged 44 and 33 respectively, were arrested by the State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), led by Supol James Nwafor, after they were implicated in the alleged abduction of their father, Chief Mike Onwukamuche. The two sons were said to have demanded for N5 million ransom from their father. According to investigation, the 74-year-old victim was abducted in Ojota and taken to Obosi and was allegedly held hostage for one week by the suspects. Both Ifeanyi, who was the victim’s heir and his younger brother, Obinna, according to investigation decided to kidnap their father because he did not give them money to support the upkeep of their families when they requested. The two alleged evil brothers were unmasked by their younger brother, Dr Emeka, who suspected a foul play when their father suddenly disappeared. The younger brother suspected that his elder brothers must be connected with their father’s disappearance. He followed up his suspicion with lodging a formal complaints with the SARS whose operatives swung into action immediately and effected the arrest of Ifeanyi and Obinna and their friend, who owns the house where the victim was held hostage. Ifeanyi explained his role to CrimeWatch: “ I am the first son of my father, Chief Mike Onwukamuche and I have to kidnap my father. I am a businessman, I travelled to Thailand and I was dealing on drugs before I was deported. In November 2012. I told my father that I was handicapped and that I needed some money to start a business. But despite the fact that my family was suffering he kept on promising and I have no means of livelihood. I organized with my younger brother, Obinna, who was in the same situation and we arranged with my friends to kidnap him. “The four-man gang of kidnappers including Obinna participated and kidnapped my father from Ojoto and took him to Obosi, and kept him in my friend’s house for one week.” “We demanded N5million from my father. My father is a businessman and he sells baby wears at Onitsha and he has a lot of landed property in Onitsha. But he refused to assist us. It was my junior brother, Dr Emeka who reported to the police that our father had disappeared and reported the case to the police and we were arrested”. Another suspect, Obinna explained his role: “I followed the kidnappers to kidnap my father. I asked my father to give me money to start another business because my business was not doing well. My father has enough landed property in Onitsha. “I asked him to give me N3m to start another business but he refused. We arranged with my elder brother, Ifeanyi and other kidnappers and kidnapped my father and kept him in one of the kidnappers’ house. My father spent one week with the kidnappers but my father didn’t know that I was part of those who kidnapped him.” The Onwukamuches hail from Idemili Local Government Area of Anambra State. Obinna said: “We haven’t collect the money (ransom) but we were about collecting it when men of the SARS arrested us.” Another suspect, Obi told CrimeWatch that they the victim. We carried out the kidnapping with Obinna, his son who was my friend and took him to my own house where he spent one week there. “We demanded N5million from him before the SARS came and rounded us up,” he said. The Anambra state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ballah Nasarawa told CrimeWatch that it was one of the victim’ children, Dr Emeka Onwukamuche who came to report to SARS and his brothers, Ifeanyi and Obinna who confessed to have kidnapped their father before the father was released from where he was kept. CP Nasarawa explained that they demanded for N5million and Chief Mike Onwukamuche couldn’t believe that his sons were the architects of his abduction until when the two sons confessed to him that they were the one who masterminded his kidnapping The victim expressed shock about the incident, “ I couldn’t believe it that my own first son could arranged with his younger brother to kidnap me because they wanted me to give them money to start business. They were requesting for N3m to start another business. I promised to give them but that they should be patient. I sent Ifeanyi abroad but when he got there he sold drugs and he was deported back home. Obinna was given money to do business but he squandered the money and requested for another N3m. I promised to give them the money but that they should give me more time.” He said that it was his junior son; Dr Emeka who came to his rescue by reporting the case to SARS in Awka when he saw that I had disappeared from the house. He said that he has disowned the two sons and said they should not come back to him and that they should face the consequence of their action. CP Nasarawa said that the three suspects would soon be charge to court.’

Arsenal launch last-ditch David Villa bid to test Barcelona resolve

Sevilla 2-3 Barcelona : David Villa Despite Arsene Wenger's public stance that a move for the Spanish forward is "dead" the club have been encouraged by the striker's willingness to move to England Arsenal have tabled a bid for Barcelona striker David Villa, Goal.com understands. The offer, believed to be between £10-11million, has been submitted as the Gunners test the resolve of the Catalan giants to hang on to Spain's all-time record goalscorer. Wenger has admitted his interest in Villa but said this week that Barcelona have resisted selling the 31-year-old and his public stance is that the move is “dead”. However, privately Arsenal have been given encouragement that a deal could still be possible on the last day of the window and are preparing to make one final push for the forward.

Omarion nakedness gets out on twitter

One of MMG singer Omarion‘s ex-girlfriends took out her revenge on him by posting a naked mirror pic of him online. Omg I am so speechless...

What can you say about this.

PHOTOS: Woman With Long Hair

Dai Yue Qin, betterknown as Miss Dyq, is the Queen of long hair in China.  Born in April 1964 in Tong Xiang (Zhejiang province, South China), she began to grow long hair at about 14. Everybody admired her two long and thick black shiny braids so she decided to cut it off never.  After graduation she worked in a carpet factory in Suzhou for 10 years, then returned to her hometown and worked at a big hotel. As her hair-length of 3,30 meters raised more and more attraction she joined several long hair competitions and has won prizes till now.  In 2001 she moved to the U.S. where her friend lives. In 2005 she visited her family and friends in China and again attended some contests and long hair shows. It takes her about 1 to 2 hours to comb her tresses which are 420 cm in length now (almost 14 feet!). The washing of that shiny flood of hair needs 5 to 6 hours every two weeks. -->

Miley Cyrus Wears Tiny Bikini Doing Yoga Moves on the Beach: Pictures

Miley Cyrus is finding her chakra in paradise. On a recent vacation to Costa Rica with fiance Liam Hemsworth, his brother Chris Hemsworth and wife Elsa Pataky and other in-laws, the 20-year-old singer actress hit the beach in a bikini. While her fiance and his brother were snapped surfing, the Hannah Montana star preferred a more mellow form of exercise: Yoga

PHOTOS: Hottest celebrity bikini bodies In a slew of snapshots taken in the surf and sand Jan. 21, Cyrus displayed her taut, toned physique in a tiny black two-piece (later changing into a sports top) as she showed of her flexibility and master-level yoga moves including the "downward dog" and other classic poses.

The "Party in the U.S.A." singer, predictably, shared her serene state of mind during the trip via Twitter. "Bliss is unchanged by gain or loss," she wrote Jan. 21. "Para para paradise.. . Rare to get a moment to thank the universe for all my blessings in the form of yoga in a place like this.' Miley Cyrus practices yoga poses on the beach in Costa Rica Credit: INFphoto.com PHOTOS: Miley's skimpiest outfits

Miley Cyrus practices yoga poses on the beach in Costa Rica Cyrus showed plenty skin as well on the March cover of Cosmopolitan mag -- wearing a white blazer and low-cut white pants but no bra or shirt beneath. Inside, she counted her sexy fiance as the greatest source of contentment these days. Miley Cyrus practices yoga poses on the beach in Costa Rica "Number one is my relationship with Liam," she said. "That's what I feel the most confident in because you never know . . . I'll literally look at him and be like 'You are hot, dear god!'"

Tyler Perry: Oprah "Strained Her Back" Picking Up My Flower Arrangement Birthday Gift

Tyler Perry's well-intentioned birthday gift to longtime pal Oprah Winfrey didn't go over quite how he expected. The actor, director and screenwriter sent Winfrey a huge bouquet for her 59th birthday, but Winfrey's joy was short-lived, Perry shared on his Facebook on Wednesday, Jan. 30. "I like to send really large flower arrangements to people for whatever occasion," Perry wrote in a message under the heading "I feel so bad." "Well, I sent one to Oprah yesterday for her birthday. She strained her back picking it up. No joke!"

Omawumi, Ice Prince Debut In Yvonne Nelson’s New Movie

Yvonne Nelson, Majid Michael, Omawumi, Iceprince, Francis Odega R&B singer Omawumi Megbele and rapper Ice Prince are set to kick off their acting careers in a movie produced by Ghanaian actress Yvonne Nelson. Titled ‘House of Gold‘, Yvonne Nelson’s third movie production will also feature Nollywood hunk Majid Michael and Francis Odega. Not much has been said about the movie as producers are yet to reveal full details. Omamuwi, Majid and Francis were pictured together on the movie set. The picture was posted on Nelson’s Instagram page.

Ghanaian Actress, Nana Ama Mcbrown In Car Accident

Ghanaian actress, Nana Ama Mcbrown was involved in a near-fatal car accident early Wednesday morning. The beautiful actress was on her way from a movie location in the company of her boyfriend Maxwell Mensah when a car came at them from the side bashing into their Land Rover SUV, according to multiple reports. NET gathered that the accident happened on the George W. Bush highway in Lapaz, a suburb of Accra, Ghana at about 2am, leaving McBrown, 38, unconscious. She has since been rushed to the 37 Military Hospital, Accra. Nana is a household name in Ghollwood, starring in several Ghanaian movies and winning a strong followership amongst Ghanaians for her remarkable roles in critically acclaimed movies like My Own Mother, Friday Night and Pastors’ Club.

Boko Haram leaders flee hot Mali to Nigeria

Security agencies are working on fresh clues that Boko Haram leaders may have been relocating to Nigeria from Mali. Some key operational bases of the sect, such as Kano, Bama, Potiskum, Damaturu and Maiduguri, are under watch because security agencies suspect that some Boko Haram (Western education is a sin) leaders are in hiding in these places. But, despite the ceasefire announced by a faction of the sect, the Federal Government has ordered the military and other security agencies to be on the alert. The Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke(SAN), said the government was waging a war against terrorism to avoid erosion of the nation’s democratic values. Security agencies are working on fresh clues that Boko Haram leaders are retreating back to Nigeria from Mali where foreign forces, including Nigeria’s, have routed Islamist pushing to take over power. Mali is believed to be stronghold of al-Qaeda, which is believed to be backing the insurgency in some part of Nigeria. A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “We are sucking that the ceasefire by a faction of Boko Haram might be a consequence of the devastating effects of France and the UN Intervention Mission forces in Mali. “There are intelligence reports indicating that some key leaders of the sect have retreated to Nigeria from Mali. That is why we have placed some of their operational bases under watch, despite the ceasefire. These bases are in Kano, Bama, Potiskum, Damaturu and Maiduguri, among other border towns.” Responding to a question, the source added: “The government is cautious on the declaration of ceasefire because it might be a ploy by the retreating Boko Haram leaders to regain the control of lost bases and unleash more devastating mayhem on the country. “We cannot afford to take things for granted or be carried away by the proclamation of a ceasefire. The Chief of Defence Staff, Vice-Admiral Ibrhim Ola Sa’ad, has asked Boko Haram leaders to prove their commitment to the ceasefire within 30 days.”

It’s Back To School For Skales…

After touring in the UK, US and staging (along with his EME crew) one of the most successful music concerts of 2012, it’s back to the books for rapper Skales. The 20-year-old who is studying Office Management at Lead City University in Ibadan put up a photo of himself on campus, looking bright and happy. An earlier photo however shows the contrast – ‘Schooling in Nigeria means Alota frustration’, he wrote. Skales is in his final year and will be graduating in 2013. With a music career already looking pretty bright, he’ll have more time to focus on  dominating the Nigerian music scene.

Photo credit: Instagram/Skales

AFCON 2013: Togo Advance To Quarterfinals For The First Time Ever!

Togo have made history by reaching the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals for the first time ever, drawing 1-1 with Tunisia in a drama-filled encounter that saw Tunisia miss a penalty kick. Togo will now face the impressive Burkina Faso in the next round. Serge Gapke’s opening goal was cancelled out by a Khaled Mouelhi penalty. But Mouelhi went on to his the upright with another penalty in the second half. The first real scoring chance of the match came in the seventh minute when Serge Gakpe attacked down the left flank and crossed from the byline for Floyd Ayite, but his effort went just wide. With Togo looking the sharper of the two teams, Emmanuel Adebayor put a shot wide of goal a few minutes later. After good build up play down the right by, the ball found its way to Adebayor, but he could not place his attempt on target. Then Togo did find the back of the net, although replays show that Serge Gakpe’s run was from a slightly offside position. It was Adebayor’s through ball, in the 13th minute, that Gakpe ran onto, and swivelled brilliantly as he slid a left-footed shot across goal and into the corner. Tunisia’s first chance came after 17 minutes when Yousseff Msakni made some space for himself, but was let down by his shot, which trickled harmlessly towards the goalkeeper. Shortly afterwards Togo were at it again. A quick counter attacking move saw the ball zip down the right flank before a cross found Adebayor, but the ball took a wicked bounce before he could volley goalwards and his shot skewed wide. Against the run of play Tunisia won a penalty when Dare Nibombe was adjudged to have pushed Walid Hichri over inside the box during a corner kick scramble, a decision that the Togolese were furious about. Khaled Mouelhi stepped up and coolly slotted his spot kick to the right of the goalkeeper. Early in the second half Tunisia had a penalty appeal turned down as Oussama Darragi felt he was fouled, but referee Daniel Bennett was having nothing of his rolling around on the floor. In the 63rd minute, some great work by Adebayor down the right saw him beat two defenders, but his cross was aimless and Tunisia cleared the danger. Seven minutes later Adebayor thundered a header onto crossbar after getting onto a right wing cross. Then the drama unfolded with referee Bennett in the thick of the action. First Adebayor went down under a challenge from the Tunisian goalkeeper. No penalty said the referee, to the dismay of the Togolese. Soon afterwards, Bennett awarded a penalty on the other side of the field and the Togo team erupted with anger, which saw three yellow cards flashed in a matter of seconds. But Tunisia’s Khaled Mouelhi put his penalty attempt onto the post, after sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. Togo keeper Kossi Agassa made two very good saves in optional time to deny Tunisia a winner and the goal that would have taken them into the knockout stage.

MJ's Private Doctor Sued, He Tried to Bang Me In His Office

Michael Jackson's former private doctor is being sued by a woman who claims the doc tried to prescribe her some private sexy time during a scheduled appointment ... TMZ has learned. The guy being sued is Dr. Allen Metzger -- who went on tour with MJ and even videotaped the singer's wedding to Debbie Rowe. He also testified at Dr. Conrad Murray's manslaughter trial. According to the lawsuit ... which reads like a bad Penthouse Forum letter ... Metzger got realllly handsy with a patient named Victoria Oliver during a 2010 exam. Oliver claims ... during one physical exam she asked if everything was OK ... and he responded, "Delicious" ... referring to her body.In her suit, filed in L.A. County Superior Court, Oliver claims he escalated his gropiness in 2012 ... when he placed his hand under her blouse. Oliver claims she protested ... but Metzger responded, "Why don't we close the door and really have some fun."Oliver claims the doc then complimented her shoes ... and then snuck around behind her and groped her breasts from the back while pressing himself against her body. In her suit, Oliver claims she was humiliated ... and says she now suffers from mental anguish and emotional distress. She's suing for unspecified damages. We called Metzger for comment but haven't heard back.

Circular Pedestrian Bridge China

intresting engineering:-

Circular Pedestrian Bridge and overpass, which allows people to avoid the roundabout traffic of Lujiazui Road. The Oriental Pearl Tower can also be accessed from this bridge to connect people to cafes, shopping malls, office buildings and a transit station. Built nearly 20 feet above the street, the pedestrian bridge has many escalators and stairways for entrances and exits and because of the contemporary design, the long spans between each column allows people on the street level to have a pleasant viewing experience.

Pure White Gold Mercedes Benz

The 18K white gold used in this car Owned by Abu Dhabi, an oil billionaire , This stunning car features the newly developed V10 quad turbo with 1,600 horsepower and 2800nm of torque 0-100km/h in less than 2secs, 1/4 mile in 6.89 secs running on biofuel. That is NOT stainless steel.It is WHITE GOLD.

BEHIND THE SCENES – TONTO DIKE SHOOTS ‘HIGH’

Its Poko baby! That Tonto Dike is now a musician is no longer news. The Nollywood actress released two singles last year; ‘Its Ova’ featuring Snypa; and ‘High’. Finally the videos to those singles are out. Hip Hop World was at the shoot for the latter record and brings you some exclusive pictures of what took place behind the scenes. ‘High’ was directed by Gbemi Phillips and according to the Director of Photography, Dan Mc Cain, shot on 5K lens which is about five times the resolution of HD! So apart from Poko’s vivaciousness on your TV screens, the audience can expect to see quality also. Enjoy!

akpos to make your day

Girlfriend: Darling, could you pls give me 25k for my bathing soap? Akpors: What ???? Are you washing away your sins? ____________________________________________________ Ochuko: Akpors why are you drinking in front of the mirror? Akpors: My doctor told me to watch my drinking ____________________________________________________ Teacher: What do u call a bee that lives in America? Akpors: USB ____________________________________________________ Akpors: Go and water the plants .. Servant: its already raining sir. Akpors: So what, take an umbrella and go ____________________________________________________ 1st girl: My boo actually got me a BB porsche dis val!, 2nd girl: Mine got me BB ferrarri ____________________________________________________ This guy used a day looking for radio in his BB phone coz it says "Battery Low For Radio Use"

Police Pension Scam - EFCC Re-Arrests Yusufu, Pension Boss

Dissatisfied with the slap on the wrist sentence that was handed to the convicted former Director of Pension in the Police Affairs Ministry, John Yakhubu Yusufu, by an Abuja High Court on Monday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday, disclosed that he has been re-arrested over alleged involvement in another N300 million fraud. Consequently, lead prosecutor for the anti-graft agency, Mr Rotimi Jacobs, yesterday, entered a fresh four-count criminal charge against him before the Abuja Division of Federal High Court. Besides, investigations by Vanguard also revealed that Yusufu will be docked before trial Justice Adamu Bello today. The ex-Pension boss had confessed before the Abuja High Court that he connived with seven other civil servants and stole about N23billion from the Police Pension Fund. Shortly after he pleaded guilty to a three-count criminal charge that was preferred against him by the EFCC, trial Justice Abubakar Thalba who relied on the provision of section 309 of the Penal Code, sentenced him to two years imprisonment with an option of N750, 000 fine, a sum the convict quickly paid amid cheers from his friends and family members. Nevertheless, Vanguard gathered that his joy was short-lived, as operatives of the anti-graft commission swooped on him at his residence and whisked him back to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja where he was grilled and detained for subsequent prosecution today. In the fresh charge against him a copy of which was secured by Vanguard, the accused person, on or about February 14, 2012, knowingly failed to make full disclosure of his assets and liability in the Declaration of Assets Form he filled and submitted, adding that he failed to declare that he owns a company known as AY-A Global Services Limited. He was said to have used the name of the company and lodged in a fixed deposit account with a bank, the sum of N250 million, N10 million in a fixed deposit account with another bank, and another N29 million which he was said to have instructed one Danjuma Mele to lodge in his company account in the name of Jidag Technical Services Ltd with yet another bank. According to the EFCC, the offence is punishable under section 27 (3) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment e.t.c) Act Cap E1 2004. Yusufu was hitherto facing trial alongside a Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Atiku Abubakar Kigo and six others, Esai Dangabar, Ahmed Inuwa Wada, Mrs. Veronica Ulonma Onyegbula, Sani Habila Zira and Christian Madubuike. EFCC had alleged that the accused persons conspired and sequentially withdrew monies from Police Pension funds in an account domiciled at First Bank of Nigeria and shared it among themselves, adding that the 3rd accused person, Inuwa Wada, collected N18million from Unity Bank Plc, as his reward for retaining the Police Pension Account with the bank. The commission maintained that the fraud was perpetuated between January 2009 and June 2011.

New BlackBerrys Are Ready, But RIM Seeks Carriers, Apps

Research In Motion has finally produced the phones. Now, the BlackBerry maker is relying in large part on outsiders to get them into the hands of consumers.    Research In Motion Ltd. has finally produced the phones. Now, the BlackBerry maker is relying in large part on outsiders to get them into the hands of consumers. After several delays and 18 months without a new smartphone, RIM plans to unveil two new BlackBerrys on Wednesday in a last-ditch effort to regain ground lost to Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co. The support it gets from wireless carriers and software developers will help determine whether they catch on. The problem for RIM is that its much-diminished market share has eroded its leverage with both of those groups. Carriers looking for a counterweight to the iPhone and devices running Google Inc.'s Android system have lined up to distribute the new BlackBerrys. But they are also locked in negotiations to lower the fees they pay RIM to use its software and computer network. And while RIM has convinced developers to adapt some 70,000 apps for its new models, it has had to fill some big gaps—like an app for Facebook—by building its own versions. The result is RIM faces some deep disadvantages as it goes up against the market's leaders. Rameet Chawla, founder of Fueled, a New York company that develops apps for companies such as Hallmark and Porsche, said that around six to nine months ago it stopped getting requests from clients to develop apps for the BlackBerry platform. The strengthening duopoly of Apple and Android, he said, "is further crowding out all of the other options." RIM Chief Executive Thorsten Heins is to take the stage in New York on Wednesday to launch the phones and show off features the company hopes will resonate with consumers. The company is staging simultaneous events in Toronto, London, Dubai and Johannesburg, among other cities. RIM's market share has eroded substantially since it last released a new phone in August 2011. Apple and Android accounted for an estimated 87.1% of global smartphone shipments in 2012, up from about 68.1% in 2011, according to research firm IDC. RIM's share, meanwhile, fell to 4.7% last year from 10.3% in 2011, according to IDC. Carriers don't like the idea of a duopoly and are hoping that RIM or another operating system can mount a strong challenge. In an interview last week, AT&T Chief Financial Officer John Stephens said the BlackBerry "has had a good tradition to it, and we're hoping it will be successful." RIM wants carriers to order as many phones as possible and heavily promote them in stores. But carriers want to cut back the service fees they pay RIM and are using the BlackBerry launch as leverage, people familiar with the matter said. Wireless carriers pass through about $7 to $10 a month per corporate customer to RIM for use of its software and computer network that securely transmits email, Macquarie Capital analyst Kevin Smithen estimates. For retail BlackBerry customers, carriers pay about $2 a month, Mr. Smithen estimates. "Carriers are saying if you want us to order more devices, you have to give us a break on these service fees," said Mr. Smithen. "There is some horse trading going on." RIM wouldn't comment on the discussions, but said in its most recent filing that it "anticipates further declines in its service revenue in the coming quarters, which could be significant." The service fees will account for about 37% of RIM's estimated $11.3 billion in revenue for the fiscal year ending in February, according to Macquarie. Macquarie estimates that RIM service and software revenues will fall about 14% in the next fiscal year to about $3.6 billion. The uncertainty around service fee revenue, which has provided a stable source of cash flow, could also complicate RIM's ability to sell some or all itself, analysts said. Applications are also another area of uncertainty. Because the new BlackBerrys run on a new operating system, the applications that worked on older BlackBerrys won't work. RIM executives acknowledge the company can't afford to fall behind on apps and have been crisscrossing the globe over the past several months trying to convince application developers to support the new operating system, called BlackBerry 10. They've also been helping developers modify apps built for the Android operating system so they can be used on BlackBerrys. Last September, RIM said top applications such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Foursquare will be available for its new phones. But it is unclear whether other popular offerings such as Netflix, Instagram and Skype will be available among the 70,000 apps it has lined up. That's a lot of apps, but it is well behind the 800,000 available in Apple's App Store. And for many companies, there is little incentive to spend the money or manpower building and maintaining apps for an as-yet unproven platform. Facebook Inc. opted not to build its own app for BlackBerry, so RIM is handling it itself with help from the social networking giant. "We worked closely with RIM so that Facebook BlackBerry 10 users will have a good Facebook experience," Facebook spokesman Jonny Thaw said.

Shan George's Mum Cheats Death

The news of the ailing mother of star actress, Shan George went viral a few days ago on the net but the good news now is that the mother who has been hospitalised now for a while is getting better, according to Shan herself. The fair-skin screen diva disclosed that the health of her ailing mother is improving day by day and she is appreciating the love and support her teeming fans have shown her. “Thanks to all my loved ones who have been sending me goodwill messages and prayers these past months concerning my mother’s illness, she’s getting better by the day. As an only child, my mother has been my everything, though we step on each other’s nerves many times, and death is inevitable, I love my mother and I pray she stays with me a little longer. This is not a pretty picture but I still thought I should share with u all. God bless,” she said.

Omotola Storms Atlanta Studio With Bobby V

Nollywood actress and cute mother of four lovely kids, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde has hit a music studio in Atlanta, USA, with award-winning American singer, Bobby V. Omo Sexy, as she is called, is making a statement that not only core professional Nigerian singers can roll with top American stars, as she, as a very successful actress in Nigeria, can also rub shoulders with respected American music stars. She is always setting the standard for others to follow. She hopes to boost her music career further when her new album drops in a later date. NB: Following a lawsuit brought against American singer, Bobby V (formerly called Bobby Valentino) by British singer, Bobby Valentino, the original trademark owner of the name, Bobby Valentino, we are compelled to update our earlier post to correct any confusion the misplaced of name may have cause. Thank you.

Brymo Gets First Car, 2010 Camry

Not many people will believe that the Ara Mbe crooner, Wale Ashimi popularly known as Brymo is just picking his first car after all these years of his musical effort. The award-wining dude and Chocolate City singer has acquired an auto, 2010 Toyota Camry for a whopping N7m recently, as we learnt, in Lagos after all these times his song has been hitting the airwaves. The talented singer who recently released his debut album is already reaping the rewards of patience and hard work. Sources close to the artist say he’s very happy about his new acquisition as it’s his first car. For a singer as good as Brymo, this is only the beginning. Remember he promised us ‘Ara’, we can’t wait for more. Congrats Brymo!