Another Disaster in the North

According to recent reports, several people have been confirmed dead after a bomb exploded inside a motor park in the Northern state of Gombe, today, 31st October 2014.

Members of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigerian Police Force, including Military personnels immediately swooped into action in a bid to rescue as many people possible.During the rescue operations, an official from the NEMA revealed that about 30 dead bodies had been recovered and is likely to rise as they proceed.

The bomb which went off at in the early hours of the day was said to have been planted inside one of the buses by an unknown person or group of people.  

A State Security Service (SSS) official was at the scene of the incident where he stated, “They left the bomb inside one of the vehicles at the park, the blast went off at about 9:30am. Up till now we don’t know the number of people, but it’s a very busy park so many people will have died in such a bomb blast.”

No group or person has claimed responsibility for this gruesome incident but all fingers are pointing to the notorious Islamic group, Boko Haram. Three suspects have also been arrested by security officials and investigations are ongoing to fish out more.

South-African Goalkeeper, Shot Dead

It has been confirmed that Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates captain Senzo Robert Meyiwa was shot dead on the 26th of October, Sunday evening near Johannesburg, South Africa. 

The 27 year old was killed when three armed men attacked a house in Vosloorus, near Johannesburg, where the deceased was visiting.

Reports suggest that two of the armed men went into the house containing seven people and were said to have requested for a mobile phone before shooting the footballer and fleeing on foot.

The reason for the shooting is still a mystery, but the South African Police have confirmed that no other person was hurt in the attack.

The South African Police Services confirmed the unfortunate incident on it's twitter handle when they tweeted; "We can confirm that Bucs keeper Senzo Meyiwa has been shot and sadly declared dead on arrival at hospital," 

"We must emphasize break of protocol. We know there are upset and hurt people at the house where the incident occurred and at hospital. Calm please.

They went further to ask for the cooperation of the public in catching the perpetrators and offered a cash reward to anyone who has any vital information that can lead to the arrest of Senzo’s killers.

“There was an altercation and Senzo Meyiwa was shot. The three suspects fled on foot after the shooting"

“We can assure South Africans that we will do all we can to bring Meyiwa’s killers to book. A reward of up to R150 000 is being offered for any information that can lead to arrests.”

The club chairman of Orlando Pirates, Irvin Khoza, in a statement, expressed his sadness and described the incident as a 'sad loss to Senzo’s family, especially his children, to Orlando Pirates and the nation'

South Africans all over the world have used all forms of social media to also express their sympathy including Senzo’s teammates, Tsepo Masilela and a Belgian-based goalkeeper, Darren Keet.

An England-based South African player, Dean Furman, also an International teammate to the deceased, took to social media to express his sympathy.

 "I am Beyond devastated at the loss of our captain and friend Senzo Meyiwa. Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this terrible time,” Furman tweeted. 

Andile Jali, also an international teammate to Senzo, tweeted ; “Just got a call and I was sleeping, but now I cannot sleep because of what I just heard,”

This unfortunate news came three days after a key South African athlete, Mbulaeni Mulaudzi, who was a former 800-meter world athletics champion, died in a fatal car crash in South Africa.

According to figures from the South African Police, More than 17,000 people have been murdered in the country between the periods of April 2013 and March 2014.

The 27-year-old captained the Bafana Bafana in their last four African Nations Cup qualifier matches against Sudan, Congo and Nigeria without conceding a single goal.

He also went on to play on Saturday in the South African League Cup which saw his team, Orlando Pirates, advance to the Semi-finals of the tournament.

Two-year-old girl dies of Ebola in Mali

It has now been confirmed that a two-year-old girl who was Mali's first case of the deadly  Ebola virus died on Friday, 24th October 2014.

Mali’s Health Minister, Ousmane Kone had earlier expressed optimism, saying that the girls condition was improving but this unfortunate news has proven otherwise.

If you can recall, on the 20th of October,  a two-year-old girl and her grandmother came into Mali from their Ebola stricken neighbours,  Guinea where the girl was examined by a health care worker at Quartier Plateau in Kayes and was later referred to Fousseyni Daou Hospital for further analysis.

The little girl was then admitted to the paediatric ward with Ebola-like symptoms which included high fever, nose bleeding, blood in her stool and cough.

Test results later showed that she had come down with typhoid fever before samples were  taken to the SEREFO laboratory, Mali, and shortly after, it was confirmed that her illness was as a result of the deadly Ebola virus.

The case was investigated, thus revealing the travel history of the two which showed that the girl's grandmother, on the 19th of October, 2014 journeyed to Kissidougou, Guinea from her home in Mali to attend a burial ceremony.

The two then made their way back to Mali via public transport through Keen, Kankan, Sigouri, Kouremale before arriving at Bamako; not forgetting the fact that the child started showing symptoms while travelling through Mali.

Also, an anonymous source in the health ministry stated that the child’s mother had died in Guinea a few weeks ago before the girl was brought to Mali where she spent some days in a place called Bagadadji.

Prior to the death of the child, the World Health Organisation warned that a large number of people could be in danger of contacting the disease due to the exposure of the sick girl while travelling.

Malian authorities alongside staff from the  US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) and experts from the World Health Organisation are making vital efforts to trace all the possible primary contacts of the deceased in order to forestall a possible outbreak of the deadly disease in the country.

There has been more than 9,000 reported cases of the Deadly Ebola virus which has claimed the lives of more than 4,900 people around the world. The World Health Organisation has described it as a 'Global Public Health Emergency', meaning that we must all join hands to fight the disease.

Some months ago, a Liberian / American , Mr. Patrick Sawyer transported the disease into Nigeria. Not long after, the disease began to spread across the country, it looked like there was no way out for the people but with cooperation and determination, the spread was halted and now, Nigeria has been declared Ebola- free by the World Health Organisation.

This is solid proof that the war against the disease can be won if the right steps are taken. Member Nations of the UNO are already donating all sorts of supplies to Ebola stricken countries and it has been announced by the World Health Organisation that experimental drugs will soon be available to those countries.

Remember, Ebola kills fast but the fear kills faster, know the facts and stay alive. Avoid unnecessary contact with people, wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizers.

Symptoms of the disease include high fever, sore throat, nausea, tiredness, headache, diarrhoea, bleeding from the nose/mouth and cough. The diseases can be gotten through contact with body fluids of already sick persons or contact with monkey/Fruit bats/ Monkeys which are hosts of the virus.

Mali Confirms First Case Of Ebola

The very first case of the deadly Ebola disease has been confirmed in another African country, Mali. Mali’s Health Ministry confirmed the case on the 21st of October 2014 after lab results from PCR testing was carried out on the suspect who turned out positive. Samples where later sent to the World Health Organisation for further testing and confirmation.

Mali’s Health Minister, Ousmane Kone, addressed the media where he revealed that the patient was a two-year-old girl who came into the country, accompanied by her grandmother from their Ebola stricken neighbours, Guinea.

The minister also went further to indicate that the girl's condition is improving due to early detection and treatment. He also stated that primary contacts of the girls have been identified and taken care of.

Further investigations have revealed that the girl's grandmother, on the 19th of October, 2014 journeyed to Kissidougou, Guinea from her home in Mali to attend a burial ceremony.

The two then made their way back to Mali via public transport through Keen, Kankan, Sigouri, Kouremale before arriving at Bamako. It has also been revealed that the child started showing symptoms while travelling through Mali.

An anonymous source in the health ministry stated that the child’s mother had died in Guinea a few weeks ago before the girl was brought to Mali where she spent 10 days in a place called Bagadadji. 

A day before the case was confirmed, she was examined by a health care worker at Quartier Plateau in Kayes, Mali and was later referred to Fousseyni Daou Hospital where the little girl was admitted to the paediatric ward with Ebola-like symptoms which included high fever, nose bleeding, blood in her stool and cough.  

Test results on the girl showed that she had come down with typhoid fever but efforts to revive her were futile. Samples were later taken to the SEREFO laboratory where it was confirmed that the illness was as a result of the deadly Ebola virus 

43 contacts, including 10 health-care workers have been traced and quarantined in an isolation facility where  they will be watched closely to prevent further spread of the disease.

The girl is currently being treated in an isolation centre with properly trained health-care workers to take good care of her.

In an attempt to curb the situation, the Malian Authorities have requested supplies from the World Health Organisation Including training their staff in Ebola Management, helping out in more sophisticated activities like contact tracing and proper investigation of the case. 

Prior to this unfortunate event, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) including an infection control expert and logistician from WHO were already on ground to ready the the people in case of any Ebola in the country. Other staff from World Health Organisation to be deployed to the country will include epidemiologists, a clinical management team, a contact tracing team, a logistics and social mobilization team.

The Deadly Ebola disease has claimed the lives of more than 4,900 people and has been described by World Health Organisation  as a 'Global Public Health Emergency'.

Symptoms of the disease include high fever, sore throat, diarrhoea, bleeding from the nose/mouth and cough. The diseases can be gotten through contact with body fluids of already sick persons, contact with monkey/Fruit bats/ Monkeys which are hosts of the virus. 

Balotelli Under Investigation By Police

Italian and Liverpool striker, Mario Balotelli is currently under investigation for allegedly threatening  a woman who's daughter was seen taking pictures of his Ferrari.

According to reports, the incident took place on Thursday when the 24 year old was on his way to visit his mother in Manchester, England.

Balotelli who was believed to have parked his car on a pavement at Wythenshawe was obviously irritated when he saw a girl taking pictures of his Ferrari which led him to approach the her.

According to claims made by the woman, Balotelli approached her in a threatening way after seeing her taking pictures of his car, which led her to call the police. 

The Greater Manchester City Police later released a statement in which they confirmed the incident and made it clear that investigations are ongoing to ascertain the validity of the accusation.

 The statement said ; "We received a report of threatening behaviour and we are investigating."

Balotelli is yet to comment on the accusation on him but is still being questioned by the police. Although the scenario isn't so serious, it still sends out a bad signal to football fans around the world about the strikers attitude.

Mario Balotelli who arrived at Liverpool from AC Milan on a £16 million deal in August has fallen under strong criticism from both fans and sport analysts.The latest came in Liverpool's3-nil bashing by an Anchelloti led Real Madrid In the Champions league when Balotelli was spotted swaping shirts with the Réal defender, Pepe after the first-half. 

When Liverpool Manager, Brendan Rodgers was questioned about the incident, he said ; "Any action with Balotelli over the shirt swap will of course be kept within ourselves. We had a conversation on the culture in this country and in particular, Liverpool, and that was it; matter closed."

His consistently poor performance is also an issue as he has been able to get only one goal in a total of ten appearances for the Reds which is not even a Barclays Premier league goal.

Speculation suggest that Liverpool might be forced to offload Mario when the Transfer Window opens up in January unless he improves immensely on his currently poor form. 

The selling of Liverpools most potent striker last season, Luis Suarez was seen as Good Fortune in the eyes of some football lovers due the unending troubles he brought to the club. To some, he was seen as "A bomb waiting to explode" and his £75 million sellout fee brought even greater joy to them, but the recently poor performance of Liverpool has exposed the great vacuum left by the Uruguayan International who single handedly carried Liverpool to a near Title victory in the Barclays Premier league.

His impressive run while at Liverpool earned him 31 premier league goals, making him the first Liverpool player to ever score up to 30 goals in a season and he was also honoured with the golden shoe award which he shared with Réal Madrid winger and Portuguese international, Christiano Ronaldo. 

Oscar Pistorius Sentenced To Five Years For Culpable Homicide

After almost two years of trial, South African Paralympic star, Oscar Pistorius was sentenced to Five years in prison for killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.

The Judge who presided over the case, Thokozile Masipa cleared Pistorius of murder but convicted him of 'Culpable Homicide'. She went further to slam Pistorius with a three-year suspended sentence after he unlawfully fired a gun inside a restaurant in a separate incident.

She addressed the entire court, saying that she considered her sentence "fair and just, both to society and to the accused".

According to her; "A non-custodial sentence would send the wrong message to the community. On the other hand, a long sentence would also not be appropriate either, as it would lack the element of mercy."

To the family of the deceased, she expressed optimism that her judgment will cushion the effect of losing  their relative , "hopefully, this judgment on sentence shall provide some sort of closure for the family", she said.

She also admitted a "feeling of unease" at what she described as an overemphasis on Pistorius' susceptibility.  

Judge Masipa also stated: "It would be a sad day for this country if an impression were to be created that there was one law for the poor and disadvantaged, and another for the rich and famous."

Prosecutor, Mr. Nel had called for a minimum 10-year jail sentence for the amputee sprinter but his request was argued by Pistorius' chief defence lawyer, Barry Roux who suggested community service and house arrest would be more suitable.

Mr. Nel Reacted to Barry Roux suggestion by describing it as " shockingly disproportionate "

He continued, "The deceased died in a small cubicle behind a closed door, three bullets ripped through her body."

Although, the 10-year jail sentence wasn't given and can still be appealed, the  parents of Late Reeva Steenkamp  expressed their satisfaction with the 5-year sentence and were ready to put the past behind after a rigorous trail. 

After the sentence, Pistorius was then led away from the court in a police van to Kgosi Mampuru prison in Pretoria where he will be kept in a one-man cell in the hospital wing.

Pistorius' chief Defence lawyer, Barry Roux stated that his client was expected to serve about 10 months in prison, while the remaining term will be served under house arrest. 

Speculation suggest that Pistorius was already aware of his possible as he was seen taking off his expensive watch and handing it to a relative before leaving the court.

A relative of the athlete, Arnold said in a statement : "We accept the judgment. Oscar will embrace the opportunity to pay back to society."

"Accept the ruling of court and let us move forward in this process and give us some degree of dignity and privacy", he added.

If you can recall, on Valentine's day, last year, the amputee sprinter was arrested for shooting and killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp at his house in Pretoria, South Africa.

While in court, the 27 year old admitted shooting her but blamed the unfortunate incident on mistaken identity, saying that he was frightened that there was an intruder in his house. 

 

His girlfriend, Reeva, a 29-year-old reality TV star and model was hit three times when Pistorius used his 9mm pistol to fire through a toilet cubicle door, hitting her on the head, arm and hip.

In his testimony, he said that he heard the bathroom window slide open which he assumed to be a burglar who had made his way into bathroom through a window which was not barred.

He said that he picked up his gun and told his girlfriend, Reeva to call the police, thinking that she was still in bed.

Pistorius added that he had a clear vision of the opened bathroom window and noticed that the toilet door was closed.

After contemplating the whereabouts of the supposed burglar or burglars, he said that he fired four shots at the door out of fear.

He then went back into the bedroom where realised that Reeva wasn't there and that was when it dawned on him that she might have been the one in the bathroom.

The athlete said he rushed back to the bathroom and broke it down with a cricket bat after realising it was locked.

When he got into the bathroom he said that he saw Reeva on the floor with her head on the toilet bowl and immediately carried her downstairs where he bumped into neighbours.

Judge Masipa questioned him about the credibility of his story, pointing out some statements in his testimony that were not factual.

 

She went further to de bunk statements that suggested he fired the shots as a result of reflex and accused him of arming himself with a lethal weapon which he obviously wanted to use.

NFF Eye Ruud Gullit; Appointment in Doubt over Ebola fears

It is no longer news that The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) is scouting for a foreign coach to succeed former Coach and Nigerian International, Stephen Keshi.

Individual reliable sources have revealed that the Nigerian Football Federation recently approached Ex-Chelsea boss and former Dutch international, Ruud Gullit who rejected the offer with fears over the deadly Ebola virus and kidnapping.

 

A representative of the Dutch man described the job as " high risk", explaining that there is a high level of insecurity in the country especially as the 2015 elections approaches and the possibility of contacting the Ebola virus is high.

According to one of the sources; “Gullit is not interested in coaching Nigeria, his agent told me the job is high risk. She spoke about Ebola and fears about terrorism in Nigeria and she said for those reasons, her client will not be keen.”

Another source stated; “The fear of Ebola in Nigeria is still very real even though the Nigerian government has announced it has successfully tackled the disease there,” 

“But the truth is that the World Health Organisation (WHO) is yet to certify Nigeria free of the disease.

“Also, Gullit is a top personality and he told the person who spoke directly to him today that he fears he may be kidnapped in Nigeria. What is clear is that these fears may not be only limited to Gullit. Most other top Dutch coaches will also stay away should they be approached for the job.”

NFF president, Amaju Pinnik told news reporters that his board is not looking to go through rigorous interviews but will look through past and present records of coaches after which they will approach and appoint whoever is deemed fit to coach the Super Eagles of Nigeria after necessary negotiations have been agreed. 

Under Dutch coaches, Nigerian football has recorded it's most successful run at international level. Dutch men, Clemens Westerhof and his assistant Bonfrere Jo

 led the then Green Eagles of Nigeria to their second African Cup of Nations title in 1994 and went further to qualify them for their first ever world World Cup, months later. 

2 years later, in 1996, Westerhof's assistant, Bonfrere Jo led the Green Eagles to win the Olympic gold in Atlanta, United State of America after beating Brazil and Argentina.

The Nigerian 1994 team who went-on to conquer the world in the 1996 Olympic games has been tagged as the best team ever produced in the history of Nigerian football. 

Several players in the team were playing full-time football in Top clubs/A-leagues  in Europe and were even acknowledged as world class players e.g Nigerian Ex-international, Victor Ikpeba who was known as "The Prince of Monaco"

Until an expatriate coach is appointed, you will recall that a consortium of caretaker  coaches led by Shuaibu Amodu has been saddled with the task of handling Nigeria’s remaining two qualifying matches next month  which will be against Congo in their capital city of Brazzaville and South Africa in the newly built Akwa Ibom stadium.

Boko Haram And Nigeria Sign Ceasefire Agreement

It has now been confirmed that the Federal Government Of Nigeria has signed a ceasefire deal with the Islamic militant group, Boko Haram.

This new development came as result of confidential meetings held by Federal Government officials, and representatives of the Boko Haram group.

 Danladi Ahmadu, who claims to be the secretary-general of the Islamic group confirmed that indeed a cease-fire agreement had been reached between the two parties. He also went further to assure the Federal Government that the abducted girls are unhurt and in  satisfactory condition.

A meeting which featured Cameroonian military officials was conveyed in Nigeria's capital city, Abuja, where the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshall Alex Badeh ordered all service chiefs to comply with the armistice between Nigeria and the Boko Haram group.

Hassan Tukur, advisor to President Goodluck Jonathan confirmed that both parties coveyed a meeting at Saudi Arabia which will feature highly rated Cameroonian officials and aided president of the Republic of Chad, Idriss Deby. The Major discussion in the meeting will be focused on the safe release of the abducted girls.

A Nigerian Journalist who is rumoured to be in direct  contact with the Islamic group took to his twitter account to express himself in relation to the ceasefire agreement between Nigeria and Boko Haram,

He wrote ;

 "I guess Nigerians are tired and at such, any news that offers respite on this protracted war between Nigeria and Boko Haram is always welcomed.

“Sadly anybody that demised such good news becomes Nigeria’s enemy. But the leadership of Boko Haram is said to be miffed that a nation of the profile ideology and magnitude of Nigeria, what high level of intelligent people is being easily encased in deceit and nobody seems to be asking tough questions.

 “What is most worrying here is government at the highest level and the intelligence formations in Nigeria has embraced this ‘good news.

“This shows lack of understanding of the reality that this is an ideology that can only be neutralised after long hard work that is yet to start,” he added.

“It also appears that government is more interested in shadows and bubbles, than in substance and clear headed engagement with the Boko Haram ideology.”

If you can recall, on the 14th of April 2014, a large number of of Boko Haram members in military camouflage and driving lorries, attacked a secondary school in the village of Chibok, where they kidnapped more than 250 girls between the ages of 13-18. Although some of them managed to escape, the rest have been at the mercy of the terror group for over six months now.

Months after their kidnap, Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau opened negotiations with the Nigerian Government, saying that the girls would be released on the condition that a given number of their key members in prison should also been released.

Several countries around the globe including The United States of America, Israel, China and Britain have offered to help Nigeria in securing the release of the kidnapped girls. Reports suggested that the girls have been located but Islamic group, Boko Haram have sent out warnings that any attempt to free the girls by force will result in casualties.

The "Chibok girls" scenario has attracted worldwide recognition and protests have been staged in all corners of the world for the release of the girls. A verified twitter account #BringBackOurGirls@DjGanyani has racked-in over 28,000 followers in a space of about 4-5 months.

Celebrities all around the world have taken to social media to call for the release of the kidnapped girls and have also been posting pictures of themselves holding placards with the inscription, "#BringBackOurGirls#", including the recent protest led by singer, Alicia Keys which was staged in New York City.

Scare in Madrid Airport over Ebola

It has been reported that four people who came down with high fever, suspected to be the deadly Ebola virus were on Thursday being tested in Spain for any trace of infection.

The suspected carriers of the deadly Ebola  virus included a passenger who came into Spain from Lagos, Nigeria on an Air France jet. According to eye-witnesses, the passenger started shivering during the flight and was immediately rushed to the Carlos III Hospital shortly after the plane touched down at the Barajas International Airport, Madrid.

The Air France spokesperson confirmed that the passenger had been quarantined; adding that sources at the airline implied that he wasn't infected with the Virus.

The other passengers were allowed to disembark while the return flight was cancelled to conduct a full decontamination of the jet in an isolated area.

Others include a primary contact of the infected Spanish nurse, Teresa Romero has also been blacklisted as an Ebola suspect and has been moved to the same hospital as the suspected Air France passenger where tests will be carried out and possibly a quarantine, Although contact was made before the Spanish nurse fell sick with the disease.

Another has been confirmed to be a member of the Red Cross who was on duty at Sierra Leone where he treated Ebola patients and eventually came down with a fever while at Tenerife, Canary Islands. His roomates, tho negative, were placed under isolation as a precautionary measure.

The Spanish Health Ministry also confirmed the inclusion of a missionary who was hospitalised when he showed signs of fever after returning to Spain from an infected Liberia where he tended to Ebola patients.

NFF Gives Keshi "The Boot"

Breaking news reveals that after a meeting was held by NFF officials in the early hours of Thursday, 16th October 2014, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) have decided to let Stephen keshi go despite the Super Eagles 3-1 win over the Falcons of Sudan. 

According to the NFF, this decision was taken in the interest of Nigerian football and the desire to ensure that Nigeria books a ticket to the 2015 African Nations Cup finals to be staged in Morocco. Nevertheless, Stephen Keshi, his assistant, the technical crew and his back room staff were praised for their accomplishments while in charge of the senior national team and in appreciation of their achievements, the NFF have granted Stephen Keshi, Daniel Amokachi and Ike Shorunmu an all expense paid coaching course of their choice in any country of their choice. 

The communique stated; “In recognition of their contributions to the Nigeria game, the Executive Committee also approved that the trio of Keshi, Amokachi and Shorounmu should proceed to any coaching course of their choice in any country of their choice to build their capacity, at the expense of the NFF. All their entitlements will be paid within the next fortnight.”

The Executive committee of the NFF also endorsed  the appointment of a group of caretaker coaches to oversee Nigeria’s remaining two matches against Congo which will be played in Brazzaville and South Africa which will be played in the newly built Uyo Stadium in Akwa Ibom state after which an expatriate coach will be appointed. 

The caretaker coaches appointed by the NFF includes, Shaibu Amodu as the head coach and will be assisted by Gbenga Ogunbote (Sharks FC Coach) ,Salisu Yusuf and Aloysius Agu 

The changes didn't stop there as the NFF went further to appoint former Nigerian International, Garba Lawal as the new Coordinator, popular TV presenter, Toyin Ibitoye as new Media Officer, Godfirst Chike as new Equipment Manager while the Team Secretary, Enebi Achor remains in place. 

It might also interest you to know that former Super Eagles boss, Samson Siasia has also been appointed to take the Nigerian U-23 team to glory as their head coach.

Another Nollywood Actor Dies

37 year old Nollywood actor, Clems Onyeka, was confirmed dead yesterday, October 14th after being caught up in a shootout when fully armed men attacked a bullion van in Asaba, Delta State.

 According to eye-witnesses, the van, believed to be carrying a large amount of money was trailed by unknown gunmen in a Toyota Sienna from Benin/Asaba Expressway until it was cornered and attacked at DBS Road.

 The gunmen were engaged by members of the Nigerian police force who where saddled with the task of escorting the bullion van  when unfortunately, a stray bullet hit and killed the actor.

Further reports unveiled that the driver of the van was lucky to escape with his life but proof of the unfortunate incident was glaring on the U & I Foundation building which was designed with bullet holes.

DSP of the Nigerian police, Celestina Kalu, confirmed the attempted robbery including the death of the Nollywood actor, Clems Onyeka. She stated that the gunmen retreated with the body of their member who was shot after being repelled by the security operatives. She also added that police was determined to track down and arrest the armed gang.

Bishop David O. Oyedepo emerges richest Pastor in the world

Latest reports from www.richestlifestyle.com has revealed the list of the top ten richest Pastors in the world and surprisingly, five out of the ten pastors in the list are Nigerians with Pastor David O. Oyedepo sitting at the top of the list.

Other Nigerian pastors in the list include: Pastor Chris Oyakhilome as 2nd, Pastor T.B Joshua as 7th, Pastor Ashimolowo as 8th and Pastor Chris Okotie as 9th.

Below is the full list of the top ten richest Pastors in the world :

10) Name: Pastor Joseph Prince 

      Net worth: $5 Million 

      Country: Singapore

• Pastor Prince Joseph is a well known Pastor, not only in his home country, but worldwide. His yearly salary has been estimated to be about $550,000 US dollars. Pastor Joseph Prince is presently the senior pastor of the New Creation Church located in Singapore. In 2008, it was reported that the Church’s financial income stood at $44.7 million US dollars.

9) Name: Chris Okotie 

    Net worth: $10 Million

    Country: Nigeria

• Pastor Chris Okotie was one a famous musician in the 1980s until he dropped his musical ambition to become a pastor and began his ministry 'Household of God Church' which was able to attract thousands of people. Apart from God, Pastor Chris Okotie is Crazy about cars which led him to aquire a fleet of cars; a Rolls Royce, Porshe  and other expensive rides.

8) Name: Matthew Ashimolowo 

    Net worth: $10 Million

    Country: Nigeria

• Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo is the General Overseer of 'Kingsway International Christian Center (KICC)' which is presently the largest Pentecostal church in the UK. The Church's financial income including their assests stands at about $60 million US dollars .

7) Name : T.B. Joshua 

    Net worth: $15 Million 

    Country: Nigeria 

• Prophet T. B Joshua is the present head and founder of 'Synagogue Church of all Nations (SCOAN)'.The Prophet is widely known for his unending humanitarianism and his ability to prophesy. He also owns a TV station called Emmanuel TV, which is a Christian television network used to extend the gospel   further. 

6) Name : T. D. Jakes 

    Net worth: $18 Million 

    Country: United States

• Bishop T. D. Jakes is the bishop of The Potter’s House which has a congregation of about 30,000 members. His ministry’s annual revival MegaFest attracts more than 100,000 people from different parts of the globe.

• 5) Name : Billy Graham

    Net worth : $25 Million 

Country : United States

• Billy Graham founded the Billy Graham Evangelist Association as far back as 1950. He came into the spotlight after his preaching was aired on social media all over the US. His net worth currently stands at $25 million US dollars.

• 4) Name : Creflo Dollar 

    Net worth: $27 Million 

    Country : United States

• Pastor Creflo Dollar is a founder of the World Changers Church International and also a Word of Faith teacher. His message '' it is the will of God for you to prosper in every way " has racked in millions of dollars to his ministry. He is currently worth $27 million US dollars and sits at the 4th spot in the list of top ten world's richest Pastors. No wonder his last name is 'Dollar' 

• 3) Name : Benny Hinn 

    Net worth: $42 Million

    Country : United States

• Pastor Benny Hinn is a well known Evangelist all over the world and is most famous for his miracle healing crusades. He is a half Israeli, half American who owns a multi-million dollar ministry. His net worth is estimated to be $42 Million dollars.

2) Name : Chris Oyakhilome 

    Net worth: $50 Million 

    Country : Nigeria

• Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is the founder of 'Christ Embassy' which lays claim to more than 40,000 members, mostly the high and mighty. He also owns his own magazines, newspapers, a TV station, a record label, hotels, satellite TV and real estate.

1)Name : David O. Oyedepo 

   Net worth: $150 Million 

   Country: Nigeria

• Bishop David Oyedepo is without any competition as he sits comfortably at the top of the list with a whopping net worth of $150 Million US dollars. He founded of the Living Faith World Outreach Ministry in 1981 and in 1989 he erected a branch in Lagos, popularly known as Winners Chapel . His ministry has grown to be one of the largest in Africa with thousands of members. He owns private jets and houses in the UK and the United States.