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Tag: London

  • Unidentified Nigerian dies in UK’s largest detention centre

    Unidentified Nigerian dies in UK’s largest detention centre

    The Home Office in the United Kingdom is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a Nigerian in the country’s largest detention centre.

    The yet to be named immigration detainee was found dead in his cell in Harmondsworth removal centre on Thursday evening.

    The deceased is believed to be in his forties.

    The Independent reports that he was discovered lying still in his cell by another detainee.

    Tapiwa Furumdi, 24, who has been in Harmondsworth for a year, was in the cell next to his when he died.

    Furumdi,from Zimbabwe,according to The Independent , said he heard the deceased expressing shock and anger.

    “Someone had gone into the room and found a body and started making noise. Apparently he was already dead. I heard something like: ‘This bloody immigration, look what they’re doing to us’,” he said.

    “When I looked in the room, his tongue looked all bloated out of his mouth. I’m still shaken up by it.”

    Furumdisaid officers attended the scene quite quickly, but that “it was quite apparent that he was already dead”. He said it was not clear how he had died.

    The 24-year-old said he didn’t know the man well, but that he was a “quiet guy”, adding: “He kept himself to himself, a really private person. He didn’t talk much at all.

    “I don’t think he was happy in here. It’s sad. I felt sorry for the guy.”

    A Home Office spokesperson said: “Any death in detention is a tragic event and our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of [the deceased].

    “The welfare of all those in our care is of the utmost importance. All deaths in immigration detention are subject to investigation by the police, the coroner and the independent Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.”

    The government has rejected widespread calls to end the indefinite detention of immigrants in the UK, claiming a time limit would “severely constrain” the ability to maintain effective immigration control.

    Campaigners have long urged ministers to introduce a 28-day limit on how long people can be detained in removal centres, saying the system is severely damaging for the wellbeing of detainees.

  • Reggae music icon, Majek Fashek hospitalized in London

    Veteran Reggae musician, Majekodunmi Fasheke better known as Majek Fashek aka ‘The Rainmaker’ has been hospitalized in a London hospital for an unknown but serious sickness and may need financial assistance to pull through.

    A source close to the musician said Majek was flown out of the country on Wednesday after he was diagnosed of an unknown illness that needed urgent attention abroad if he’s to have any chance of survival.

    The source mentioned some well-meaning Nigerians like Captain Hosa Okunbor, Hon. E.J. Agbonayinma and others as those footing his medical expenses but implied that the singer may need public assistance soon as the cost of his treatment is said to be huge.

    “All I can tell you is that he’s seriously illand in a London hospital, he needs our help and prayers,” the source told Vanguard.

    In the early eighties Fashek, who at the time went by the stage name Rajesh Kanal, joined the group Jastix with McRoy Gregg, and lead singer Black Rice. They were best known as the in-house band on the show Music Panorama on NTA Benin, and toured with fellow reggae group The Mandators. Jastix were also session musicians for upcoming reggae singer Edi Rasta, who would later be known as Evi-Edna Ogholi.

  • Why Otedola paid Christian Chukwu’s medical bills

    Why Otedola paid Christian Chukwu’s medical bills

    Billionaire oil and gas magnate, Femi Otedola has thrown light on why he stepped in to help former Captain and Coach of the Super Eagles Christian Chukwu get quality medical treatment abroad.
    Chukwu returned to the country this week after undergoing surgery and sundry treatments at the Wellington Hospital, Circus Road, St John’s Woods London.
    Speaking when the former Nigerian defender fondly called ‘Chairman’ paid him a ‘thank you visit’ yesterday in Lagos, Otedola said he was moved when he heard about Chukwu’s plight.
    “I was moved when I heard about Mr Chukwu’s situation because I remember that about 20 years ago, my father, the late Sir Michael Otedola also suffered a stroke from ingesting fake aspirin.
    “ This experience has over time, made me appreciate that good medical attention can give a good and prolonged life and that was what motivated me to rise up and assist Mr Christian Chukwu,” observed Otedola who was represented at the event by Ag. Chief Operating Officer of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Company Limited Mr Phillip Akinola.
    While admitting that the treatment expenses of Chukwu cost him N36.6million, Otedola revealed that he has derived joy in spending the money God blesses him with, to assist a fellow Nigerian who has done great things for the country.
    “In my circle of friends, many spend up to N50million to drink champagne and generally enjoy life, but at the end of it all what happens? It passes out of the body as waste. For me, therefore (and I also tell my friends) it is important to use such money to benefit others and put a smile on the faces of as many people as we can,” he reasoned.
    Otedola also hinted that this gesture was not a one-off thing. “People may not be aware but Mr Peter Fregene, another former Green Eagles’ goalkeeper is currently being assisted with his medical situation and we are confident that he will also come out of the hospital strong and healthy.”
    Interestingly, Otedola’s large heart is not limited to former sportsmen and women alone.
    He is currently also footing the hospital bills of a popular actor, Mr Victor Olaotan in a Turkish hospital. Olaotan was a lead character in the popular TV soap opera series, Tinsel.
    “For me, it is just my nature to give back to the society and these philanthropic gestures are just a tip of the iceberg. I am humbled by the gratitude being expressed by Mr Chukwu but I believe that all thanks belong to God and I thank God for putting me in a position to be able to be of assistance,” Otedola stated.
    In his response, Chukwu said only God can repay Otedola’s generosity towards him.

    The ceremony was witnessed by Chukwu’s wife, daughter and younger sister who accompanied him to London during his treatment there.

     

  • JUST IN: Ex-Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu returns to Nigeria after medical trip in London [Photos]

    Former Super Eagles coach Christian Chukwu has returned from his medical trip in London.

    Recall that billionaire businessman and former chairman of Forte Oil, Femi Otedola had earlier donated N18 million for the foreign medical trip of Chukwu.
    He was flown to a London hospital in company of his wife on May 17 to commence the treatment.

  • UAE ruler, Sheikh Muhammad loses 39-year-old son in London

    …Buried in Sharjah on Wednesday (today)
    Prince Khalid Al Qasimi, a fashion designer and son of the Emir of Sharjah, a city in the United Arab Emirates, Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi has been found dead in London home.
    The death of the 39-year-old businessman was confirmed on July 1.
    He was buried today in the city of Sharjah, which his father rules over.
    Tens of thousands of mourners attended the funeral of Al Qasimi, the owner of fashion label Qasimi Homme.
    His father, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi stood over his son’s body with his eyes closed as he joined in prayers at the King Faisal Mosque at 9am.
    According to The Sun, a quantity of Class A drugs had been found at the penthouse flat in Knightsbridge where his body was discovered but the police are yet to confirm or deny this.
    Officers were said to have found the drugs after being called in by medics;
    A source told the same publication: ‘There had apparently been a party where some guests were taking drugs and having sex.
    ‘It is suspected that Sheikh Khalid may have died suddenly as a result of taking drugs. As well as the police inquiry, an urgent internal probe has been ordered and staff have been ordered to keep quiet.’
    The source added that Qasimi enjoyed the freedoms that London offers but that his story ‘has ended tragically’.
    Three days of mourning have been announced in the United Arab emirate following the death of the “great philosopher and artist” in the UK.

  • APC crisis: Oshiomhole denies holding secret meetings with Buhari, Tinubu in London

    APC crisis: Oshiomhole denies holding secret meetings with Buhari, Tinubu in London

    Embattled National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole on Sunday denied meeting with a national leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu last week in London.

    Recall that there were reports at the weekend that the chairman met with Tinubu in Europe over his (Oshiomhole’s) interaction with the Department of State Services (DSS).

    But speaking with reporters in Benin City after attending the interdenominational service to mark Governor Godwin Obaseki’s second year in office, Oshiomhole said there was no reason for him to go to London to see Tinubu when he could easily see him in Lagos.

    He said he had unhindered access to Aso Villa to see President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The chairman said: ”What am I doing in London? Why will I go to London to see Tinubu when I can see him in Bourdilon (Ikoyi, Lagos)?

    “What are the issues between him and me that we are to resolve in London? The leader of the party, President Buhari, I have access to at the Villa all the time. I don’t need to go to London to see my leader through the Queen.

    “The truth is that once a news reporter succeeds in preaching one lie, he is obliged to preach several lies to sustain the one lie. Some of the media, having allowed opposition to misuse them to fake news, they now feel obliged to faking more news but I am here and I am fine.”

    Speaking about the grievances of some aspirants, Comrade Oshiomhole urged them to learn from President Buhari who contested for President three times without losing hope.

    He said it was impossible for all contestants to win at the primaries.

  • Oshiomole departs London for Nigeria

    The national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, has departed London to Nigeria.

    Multiple sources familiar with the ruling party’s chairman said he boarded a British Airways flight bound for Lagos from the British capital, and is expected to arrive later today.

    According to a report by Premium Times, the former Edo State governor met with the party’s national leader, Bola Tinubu, in London within the last two days. Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State, has been receiving medical treatment for undisclosed ailments in London.

    It was not immediately clear when Oshiomhole left Nigeria, but his departure was largely speculated as being prompted by an investigation into how he handled the APC primaries across the country. The exercise held between September and October, producing the party’s candidates for presidential, governorship and legislative offices.

    Several APC governors whom Oshiomhole apparently blocked from nominating successors have been publicly fuming with the party chairman.

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha and Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun have been particularly furious with Mr Oshiomhole, publicly accusing him of disregarding party’s constitution in the conduct of primaries and demanding his immediate removal.

    Both Governors Amosun and Okorocha believe Oshiomhole has the backing of Tinubu, whose influence over party affairs is widely acknowledged even though he does not hold a formal position.

    Oshiomhole has denied all allegations of fraud against him, and challenged whoever has issues with his leadership to leave the party.

  • Ibori loses appeal against UK graft conviction

    A former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori who was jailed in Britain for laundering tens of millions of dollars in stolen public funds through British banks and properties lost an appeal against his conviction in London on Wednesday.
    The Court of Appeal’s ruling against Ibori, is a relief for the British authorities at a time when they are trying to stem the flow of dirty money from overseas through London.
    Ibori, who in his heyday was one of Nigeria’s richest and most powerful men, pleaded guilty in a London court in 2012 to 10 counts of fraud and money-laundering involving sums amounting to at least 50 million pounds ($66 million).
    He received a 13-year jail sentence of which he served half, as is common in the British system, and is now back in Nigeria.
    Anti-corruption campaigners had hailed the case as a milestone for Nigeria, where no one of his stature had been successfully prosecuted, and for its former colonial ruler Britain, long seen as too complacent about the proceeds of Nigerian corruption being laundered in the UK.
    Ibori owned multi-million-pound homes in Britain, South Africa and United States, including an English country house near the private school where his children were being educated. He also owned a Jaguar and a Bentley and was buying a $20-million private jet at the time of his arrest.
    This contrasted sharply with the situation in Delta State, a maze of mangrove creeks criss-crossed by pipelines and plagued by violent conflict over access to oil money, where most people make do without electricity or clean water.
    Wednesday’s ruling will allow Britain to resume efforts to confiscate millions of dollars’ worth of assets and return them to Nigerian public coffers. The assets have been frozen for years while the case has been dragging through the courts.
     
     

  • [Photos]Tiwa Savage arrives London for #TheSavageTour

    Tiwa Savage landed in London on Sunday, August 19th, bolstering the excitement and anticipation surrounding #TheSavageTour.

    #TheSavageTour, organized by SMADE Entertainment, has garnered much attention from the media and fans of the songstress.

    The concert will be the first event at the Indigo to be headlined by a female Afrobeats artiste. It promises to be quite an electric night.

     

    The concert will hold at Indigo at the O2 on Friday, 24th August. Other artistes billed to perform at the concert include Don Jazzy, Reekado Banks, Mystro, and WSTRN, amongst others.

     

     

     

     

    Tiwa Savage, Teebillz reportedly file for divorce

  • Buhari returns to Nigeria today after vacation in London

    President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to return to Nigeria today after his ten-day-vacation in London, United Kingdom.

    His Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, confirmed this in to newsmen on Friday.

    Shehu, however, said he could not confirm the exact time the President would arrive the country today.

    “The President is expected back in the country tomorrow (Saturday).

    “For now, I can’t confirm the exact time he will land but protocol officials will alert us on time ahead so that we can move to the airport to receive him. He will definitely arrive in the country on Saturday.”

    Recall that Buhari had on August 3 started another round of vacation from Friday during which he remained in London, United Kingdom, throughout.

    The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, had in a statement on August 1 said Buhari would be away for 10 working days.

    He said Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo would be the Acting President during the period.

    The statement had read, “President Muhammadu Buhari begins a 10- working day holiday from August 3, 2018. In compliance with Section 145 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, a letter has been transmitted to the President of the Senate, and the Speaker, House of Representatives to that effect.

    “While the President is on vacation, the Vice President will be in acting capacity as President.

    “President Buhari will be in London for the holiday.”

    While the President was away, Osinbajo had sacked the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Mr. Lawal Daura, and asked that Mr. Matthew Seiyefa, being the most senior officer, take over in acting capacity.

    Daura’s sacking followed the invasion of the National Assembly by officials of the DSS.

    Osinbajo had also, while Buhari was away, ordered the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to overhaul the Special Anti-Robbery Squad following public outcry over the activities of the police unit.

    Meanwhile, Buhari on Friday rejoiced with the founder and Chairman of Honeywell Group, Ayoola Oba Otudeko, who turns 75 on Saturday.

    In a statement by Adesina, the President saluted the business magnate “for his vision, wisdom and dexterity in setting up businesses that cut across the oil and gas industry, flour mills, hospitality and transportation, providing services and employment that strengthen the Nigerian economy.”

    The statement read in part, “As Oba Otudeko celebrates his 75th birthday, the President shares the joyful time with members of his family, friends and community of business colleagues, acknowledging his many contributions to the development of the country through wise counsels to governments and willingness to serve on boards and committees that are focused on steering and buoying the economy.

    “President Buhari extols the warm heartedness and magnanimity of the business mogul for setting up the Oba Otudeko Foundation, which provides for the less privileged members of the society and inspires start-ups, especially among the youth.

    “The President prays that the almighty God will continue to strengthen Oba Otudeko, grant him longer life and more wisdom to keep expanding his investments in the country and beyond.”