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Nigerian woman attends wedding of her partner to another woman. And then assumes bride's identity to stay in the UK

2012-01-27T22:36:00.001+01:00

Sham marriage: Olukayode Olusanya (left) and Zucina Sabina (right) sign the register, minutes before she left her 'husband' to return to her native Holland

A mother-of-four attended her partner’s wedding to another woman - moments before assuming the bride’s identity in a sophisticated immigration scam.

Illegal immigrant Esther Ogunrinde, 30, even took her daughter - one of the four children she had with the groom - to the ceremony, in Moston, Greater Manchester.

The ‘bride’, 28-year-old Zunica Sabina, was an EU national, who have the right to live, work and claim benefits in any member country, to marry Nigerian Olukayode Olusanya, 34, a court was told.

But minutes after posing for photographs, Sabina flew back to her native Holland with the £3,000 she had been paid for her part.
She left behind documents which were used by Ogunrinde (pictured left) to assume her identity.

The scheme meant Ogunrinde and her new 'husband' Olusanya could find work and avoid deportation.
The marriage even gave Olusanya the right under British law to remain in the country despite him being a failed asylum seeker from Nigeria.
Ogunrinde fooled three employers using an ID card which Sabina had left behind and declared as lost, in a scheme that lasted for three years before they were caught out.
On a previous visit, the sham bride had even set up a bank account and secured a national insurance number for Ogunrinde’s use, Joanna Rodikis, prosecuting, told Manchester Crown Court.

The ruse, which dated back to 2008, began to emerge last June after the UK Borders Agency was tipped off.
They say they were able to crack the ‘serious organised criminality’ by working with Dutch police.

The identity swap had begun even before the wedding at St John’s Church, Moston.
When Sabina was unable to attend church to apply for the banns of marriage, Ogunrinde stood in for her.
A court heard there was no suggestion church officials had any idea the wedding was a scam. Months later, the real Zunica Sabina flew in for the big day.
Olusanya was working as a nursing assistant at Stockport’s Stepping Hill Hospital at the time.
Ogunrinde had worked as a care assistant and cleaner, but had continued to claim food vouchers intended for asylum seekers.
The Nigerian couple, from Newton Heath, Manchester, appeared alongside each other in the dock, along with Sabina, from Amsterdam.

Sentencing, Judge Martin Steiger QC said the conspiracy had been ‘highly sophisticated’ with ‘ingenious features’.
Olusanya was jailed for 32 months after admitting two charges of conspiracy to acts to facilitate the commission of a breach of immigration law.
Gill Crossley, defending, said he had wanted to do better for his family and legitimise his eldest daughter whose birth had been hidden from the authorities because of the couple’s immigration status.

She read a glowing reference from former employers at Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Laura Foster, defending social worker and mum-of-one Sabina, told the court that she had been recruited for the scheme at a time when she was so cash-strapped and she felt she had no choice. She was jailed for 16 months.
Ogunrinde was spared jail after Ronan Maguire, defending, said she had ‘mixed feelings’ about the sham marriage, but had gone along with her partner, who was ‘determined’ to stay in the UK.

Judge Steiger said he could not ignore ‘humanitarian considerations’ in her case, since she had four children, ‘even if her continued reproduction’ had been in part an attempt to ‘cynically’ improve her hand with the authorities.

She must serve a 12-month suspended sentence and do 180 hours of unpaid work.
Both Sabina and Ogunrinde admitted a single count of conspiracy to acts to facilitate the commission of a breach of immigration law. Ogunrinde also admitted three charges of possessing false identity documents.

John Dilworth, head of the North West Complex Case Unit at Crown Prosecution Service said: 'The marriage was a sham in an attempt to defeat the immigration rules that protect UK borders.
'The Crown Prosecution Service will continue to pursue anyone involved in such offences and prosecute robustly.'

Culled from Daily Mail UK

Lovely birthday cake :-)

2012-01-27T22:09:00.001+01:00

Can't wait to buy this for my man...when I eventually have one. lol.

That's Miley Cyrus BTW, and that's the cake she bought her boyfriend, Liam Hemsworth, when he turned 22 some days back.

Nigeria's First Lady Arrives Addis Ababa With 32 Aides

2012-01-27T22:07:00.002+01:00

The first lady is currently in Ethiopia to attend the African Ladies Forum. And she went with 32 aides.

Banker Chioma Nwokolo, seeks help to combat deadly ailment

2012-01-27T22:07:00.001+01:00

Life for Chioma Nwokolo, a native of Awka-Etiti in Anambra State, couldn’t have been better. The pretty mother of two had dreams, one of which was to attain the peak of her career as a banker. At 33, and living happily with her husband, Chima, the lady, a former staff of Awka-Etiti Micro Finance Bank, lived and faced life with gusto like every other fulfilled woman.

But her life took a sad, dramatic twist and her joy was shattered late last year when she was diagnosed with chronic renal failure. With her condition worsening daily, she urgently needs the sum of 35, 000 dollars from the general public to finance her trip to India for a kidney transplant. The sad twist that marred her happiness and almost made her an invalid started in February 2011.

Despite having two beautiful children, Chioma still looked forward to being blessed with more. It was with this mindset that she hurriedly went for a pregnancy test when she started experiencing what she suspected to be pregnancy symptoms. When the results came out negative, she became alarmed and alerted her husband, a transporter in Lagos.

“I was having constant headache and was vomiting. I was happy to be pregnant and immediately went for a test to confirm my suspicion,” she said. After a series of tests at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Chioma was handed what sounded like a death knell: what she was experiencing were symptoms of chronic renal failure. The prognosis she got later from the hospital changed the course of her life and has sent the entire household down a sorrowful path. The frail looking lady disclosed that her condition allegedly worsened after a consultant at the teaching hospital prescribed a drug for her. This got her admitted in a hospital for over a month.

Her words: “I started having shortage of breath and blood. Everything just changed automatically after I took the drugs.”
It was a weak, fragile-looking Chioma that visited the corporate headquarters of The Sun Publishing Limited, supported by her husband earlier this week. She was in excruciating pains, exhausted and she spoke with so much difficulty. Most of the talking was done by her husband, who disclosed that he has exhausted his savings on his wife’s ailment and had to close his business to basically take care of her.

After settling his wife into a comfortable position on a chair, an obviously distraught Chima, the husband, buried his face in his hands. It was with bloodshot eyes and an unsteady voice that he later answered the questions asked by the reporter. With shaky hands, he rummaged through a polythene bag and produced two pictures of his wife. One showed her lying almost lifeless on a hospital bed and the other, which had little resemblance to the other, showed a beautiful, bespectacled and light complexioned woman. The two pictures were no doubt, world apart. “My sister, this is where life has pushed us to. Look at my wife, a very pretty lady. She has been reduced to almost a child that needs help at all times,” he said.

Chima explained that after he learnt about his wife’s condition, he brought her to Lagos for good medical care. He disclosed that between February 2011 and January 2012, he has spent over a million naira to procure drugs for his wife and for her dialysis sessions. The dialysis, he disclosed, cost N45, 000, per session while the drugs are very expensive. As a result of the financial crisis the family is facing, Chioma now undergoes dialysis treatment once in two weeks instead of thrice a week. The distraught husband lamented that his wife’s family members have abandoned them to their fate, adding that they told him to seek spiritual help for her.
However, their search for healing in spiritual homes and churches has also, not yielded any positive result or given Chioma reprieve from the ailment ravaging her body.

“They said I should be the one to take care of her as her husband. They just abandoned us to go through this alone. She has been through nine dialysis and needs to do more. I have closed down because of this problem. We have been to several churches where miracles are supposedly taking place all the time but the situation has not changed,” he lamented. Despite feeling overwhelmed by the situation, Chima is optimistic that God would intervene in the life of his wife. He’s appealing to well meaning Nigerians to help save her life.

With a sombre look on her face and wincing in pain, Chioma told Daily Sun that her husband has been her only source of strength. She also disclosed that her two children are presently living with her brother in Onitsha, Anambra State. Chioma can be reached through her numbers - 08052269443 and 08095125761. Anyone desirous of contributing towards saving her life can pay into her husband’s account number with UBA - Okwunna. P. Nwokolo - 03700520033638.

Culled from Sun News

IBB retires from politics

2012-01-27T22:06:00.001+01:00

The former military head of state announced yesterday that he will never seek any elective office again.

We appreciate that sir, thank you!

Duncan Mighty Completes Multi Million Naira PH Building

2012-01-27T22:06:00.000+01:00

The dance hall act has finally completed his multimillion naira building called PH 1st Court, which was initially thought to be his home but his manager has confirmed it's for office use. The building is located at Ebony junction, Rumuola, Port Harcourt and will be officially opened in March.

Snoop Dogg calls Kim K a hoe, cold blooded punk b**ch!

2012-01-27T22:05:00.002+01:00

When asked to advise Kim K's husband of only 72 days, Kris Humphries, Snoop Dogg launched a foul-mouthed attack on the reality star, calling her a hoe, punk b**ch, and some really degrading names. Watch the video above...

Photos of the day

2012-01-27T22:05:00.001+01:00

Yoruba actress Eniola Badmus aka gbogbo big girls, having a 'Meal'. :-)

Supreme Court sack five state governors

2012-01-27T22:03:00.000+01:00

The Supreme Court today terminated the tenure of the Governors of Kogi, Cross River, Bayelsa, Sokoto, and Adamawa.

In a judgment read by Justice Walter Onnoghen, the seven-member Supreme Court panel ruled that the tenure of the five Governors expired last year (May 2011) and declared their offices vacant. The Speakers of the Houses of Assembly in the five states took over as acting governors, pending the conduct of fresh elections in the states.

Gudubye....

The Nigerian Idol Final Speeds Up As Top 30 Show Ends

2012-01-26T22:29:00.001+01:00

Nsikak Umoh Mecino

Last weekend, Nigerian Idol returned from a recording break with all the action and music that makes it Nigeria’s biggest music reality show. Beginning from the results show, Ibinabo Romeo, Honey Adum and Lynda Giami made it into the final stages of the competition. The live recording also saw the last ten from the Nigerian Idol top 30 fight for a chance to get into the final stage of the competition. On the judges’ table, popular lyricist ‘IllBliss’ who was guest celebrity judge joined Jeffrey Daniel, Yinka Davies and Charly Boy.

Diwari

Menim

Sanzye

Stephen Onochie

“This final top 30 show has been a superb experience for all of us,” said Director Peter Bode. “The contestants understood what was at stake and they outdid themselves. We are proud of every single one of them and we expect that the viewers will continue to vote in their favourites.”

The show got off to a spectaular start with the upbeat performance of Nsikak Umoh who crooned ‘I want it that way’ by Backstreet Boys to the delight of the audience. Phunky Sings was next with an unforgettable version of Vanessa Williams ballad ‘Save the best for the last’. Sanzye gave a good show with her take on George Michael’s ‘Careless Whisper’. Sly 1 got the audience moving with with the reggae hit by Jimmy Cliff ‘I can see clearly’. For Stephen Onochie, it was a charged rendition of Peabo Bryson’s classic, ‘Celebrate my love’ which compelled Yinka Davies to join him in a soulful duet. Diwari ‘s performance of ‘Total Eclipse’ by Bonnie Tyler was emotional and remarkable, while Menim channelled a powerfully sensual Anita Baker with her presentation of ‘Sweet Love’. Another Love song made its way to the stage with the Diana Ross classic ‘Endless Love’, which was sweetly performed by Sophyn. A.Y.O performed one of 2011’s biggest songs, ‘Grenade’ by Bruno Mars that had the audience sing-along. The night of amazing performances was brought to a fitting end with Mecinda’s dramatized and powerful performance of the 90’s hit by Brandy ‘I wanna be down’, the audience and judges gave the diva-with-the-attitude a standing ovation for her outstanding effort.

After the results this week, the wild card show comes up next where the judges pick exceptional performers from the top 30 who will take to the stage once more to sing their hearts out for the viewers’ votes. There has been a lot of speculation from fans and followers of Nigerian idol as to what the final number of finalists on the show will be this season. Last year, it was a top 13 final even sister show, American Idol, maintains the same format. The producers of the show have chosen to keep mum about their plans on the show, assuring viewers that it would be worth the wait.

“We cannot say at this point, what new twists and turns we have this month, said Project Manager Tiwa Medubi. Essentially, it is up to our capable judges; the viewers will have to watch out for what happens next. We promise that it will be electrifying and unexpected, and they will definitely love it!”

Nigerian Idol is proudly brought to you by Etisalat in association with Pepsi and Sony. It is also supported by Air Nigeria, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Megalectrics (owners of Beat FM, Classic FM and Naija FM).

I want to show off guys...pardon me...:-)

2012-01-26T22:24:00.001+01:00

So yesterday I went to the US Embassy to get a Visa (My first attempt) and during the interview, the guy asked me what I do for a living. I replied - "I run the biggest entertainment blog in Nigeria.". He said really? And then he Googled it. What he saw on Google when you continue... hehehe!!!

Some of you will see it, some of you won't. :-)

I was hoping for a few months Visa but the guy gave me....well, let's just say he was very impressed. lol.

So enyi Amé, ama ri ra lera. Catch you guys soon..:-) So happy!!!

Serena Williams in a bikini. Guys take a deep breath...lol

2012-01-26T21:09:00.001+01:00

Just something to look at before you go to bed. I'm talking to the guys...*wink*

Basketmouth the rapper. Listen to his new single ft Wizkid & eLDee

2012-01-26T21:09:00.000+01:00

The comedian first started out as a rapper before he found comedy. Now he's going back to his first love - Rap music. Listen to his new music and tell us what you think...

Question of the day: Marry someone because your pastor says so?

2012-01-26T19:58:00.001+01:00

Should you marry someone because your pastor says they are who God wants for you? Some lady just told me that's the reason she got married two months ago.

Photo of the day: Arizona Gov flips out on President Obama in public

2012-01-26T17:11:00.001+01:00

Don't point your finger at our president, sé o mad ni? Yes, I'm claiming him...hehehehe!

Anyway, Arizona Governor, Jan Brewer, was photographed having a heated discussion with President Obama at the Phoenix airstrip yesterday. The two had a falling out a while back after Brewer signed a controversial law cracking down on illegal immigrants, which Obama opposes.

Wonder what she was saying to him. Obama is such a calm guy. Love him!

Boko Haram bomb another police station in Kano

2012-01-26T15:44:00.000+01:00

The wreck after the attack on Sheka police station last night

Boko Haram members last night January 25th, attacked the Sheka police station in Kano, bombing the place and shooting at police men, who took cover in a nearby primary school. Can't confirm how many people died in the attack, but witnesses said it was very likely that policemen were killed.

Dear students, refrain from masturbating in the shower. Hilarious letter...lol

2012-01-26T15:13:00.000+01:00

Get Onboard Mobile Money Powered by MTN!

2012-01-26T13:32:00.000+01:00

As the New Year unfolds, Nigeria’s leading Telecommunication network, MTN is partnering with GTBank to deliver a more convenient means of money transaction between family, loved ones and business partners across the country.

In partnership with GTBank, the newly introduced service “Mobile Money” is a secure, convenient and affordable way of sending money using an MTN mobile phone.

With this new exciting service powered by MTN, you can:

1) Send and receive money across the country with your phone.

2) Recharge your phone by purchasing airtime.

3) Pay bills e.t.c.

Mobile Money is a fast and convenient way of sending money when in an emergency or when paying bills, we have been able to create this new service which will be beneficial to a lot of Nigerians on the MTN network as well as Non-users

MTN Users can dial *500# and follow the instructions to activate MobileMoney service.

Visit www.mymobilemoneyng.com for more details.

You can also visit www.facebook.com/MTNLoaded or www.twitter.com/MTNNG to get additional details

Video: Woman Gives Birth In The Car While Her Husband Drives

2012-01-26T12:24:00.000+01:00

This video shows a live birth, so don't watch if you don't have the stomach for it.

A Texas man was speeding down a long highway trying to get his wife, who was in labor, to the hospital, but the baby pushed her way out, right there in the car! The birth was captured on the new dad's camera, who was driving and recording the birth at the same time.

The birth was quick and easy and the couple say they plan to keep the car so the baby, named Willow, can drive it when she turns 16!!

Rhythm Unplugged Comedy Concert 2011 featuring Apororo

2012-01-26T11:26:00.000+01:00

A must watch!

Subscribe to Flytime TV's youtube Channel to watch their latest Interviews, Concerts and Stand Up Comedy videos. You can also win tickets to Flytime Promotions events by subscribing.

Beautiful baby girl born without arms and legs in Bauchi (photo)

2012-01-26T10:40:00.000+01:00

A beautiful baby girl without hands and legs has been born in Sandigalua village in Zaki Government Area of Bauchi State.

The baby named Fatimah, was born on January 13th to the family of Ahmadu Didda, a peasant farmer and wife, Rukaiyya.

Another actor dies. RIP Lekan Lekinson

2012-01-26T10:28:00.000+01:00

The veteran Yoruba actor died yesterday January 25th in Osun state, after a prolonged battle with diabetes. May his soul rest in peace...amen.

Baileys celebrates with ‘Spoil Your Friends Day’

2012-01-25T21:49:00.000+01:00

“Friendship has been a vital element in the healthy development of individual and the society at large”. To this end, Baileys dedicated a day to “spoil your friends”. This day of friendship rightly tagged ‘Baileys Spoil Your Friends Day’ saw guests and Baileys celebrate friendship in style. They were treated to tranquil music, Baileys cocktails and encouraged to interact and deepen friendships. “People around us make our lives better by being there when we need them. So, the Baileys day of friendship is rightly tagged ‘Spoil Your Friends Day”.

Those were the words of Folakemi Brown-Emodi, Brand Manager Baileys at the Baileys Spoil Your Friends Day held recently in Lagos.

The ambiance was relaxed at the Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi where celebrities gathered to simply spoil themselves as well as their friends, enjoying the best of baileys cocktails while feasting on the sumptuous meals and dancing to cool and soft music.

It was truly an unforgettable evening, the unique kind needed to rekindle and revitalise friendships. Guests at the event indulged themselves and reconnected in a relaxed atmosphere distanced far from the everyday bustling.

In attendance were the likes of Big Brother Africa winner Karen Igoh and Denrele Edun, Nigeria’s foremost MC reputed for his extreme afro hair and high heeled foot wares. As is customary with the high energy Denrele, he lit up the atmosphere with rib cracking jokes and actually interacted with everyone present.

Maverick Afro-centric musician Yinka Davies, R&B songtress-Lami, musician and actress Ashionye Ugboh-Raccah, Naija rap queen - Sasha, artiste Manager Ngozi Omambala, Tosin Bucknor, Onos Bikawe, Bukky Nzeogu, Tolu (Toolz) Oniru and Linda Ikeji all graced the event which also took place in over 80 countries.

Bailey's Irish Cream is a unique Irish spirit made from a mix of cream, sugar, cocoa and the finest Irish spirits combined with triple distilled Irish whiskey which gives it a distinctive taste. The drink which contains no additives or preservatives has been around since 1974.

More photos below...

New Police IGP Abubakar Is A Religious Fanatic; Indicted Over Jos Crisis

2012-01-25T21:06:00.001+01:00

M.D Abubakar

Here's something you all need to know about your new acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar. Culled from The Will

Nigeria’s New Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed D. Abubakar is a religious fanatic, according to a White Paper released by the panel that reviewed the 2001 Jos crisis.

The Justice Niki Tobi led panel also indicted Abubakar for his "ignoble role in the crisis" and recommended that he be forced to retire immediate from the force, and even went as far as recommending his sack, if he declines a request to resign honourably, following his complicity in the killing of Christians in Plateau State during the religious crisis in that state.

If all this is true, then I finally give up on this government. Continue reading...

Justice Niki Tobi is a highly respected retired Supreme Court Justice.

Abubakar was an Assistant Inspector General (AIG) in charge of Zone 5, but was Plateau State Commissioner of Police during the crisis in 2001 during the administration of former Governor, Mr. Joshua Dariye.

The panel was constituted on September 7, 2001 to review and proffer solutions to the perennial religious crisis that has plagued the state, but its report was eventually made public on February 16, 2010, local paper The Nation reported.

A newspaper journalist that followed the panel’s investigations and several interviews conducted as part of its exercise told THEWILL on Wednesday that from the testimonies received from respondents, it was obvious that Abubakar took sides with the Muslim/Hausa community, while they massacred Christians during the conflict.

His appointment as Acting IGP is also coming at a time when the Boko Haram has placed a Fatwa on all Christians living in Northern Nigeria.

It is however not clear why the panel’s recommendation on his sack was not implemented. State Governments have little or no control over the police force or the Police Service Commission.

The White Paper released by the Plateau State Government said: "Religious fanatics should not be posted to head state police commands. The commission recommends that for his ignoble role during the September 2001 crisis which resulted in the loss of lives, the former Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, Alhaji M.D. Abubakar, be advised to retire from the Nigeria Police Force and in the event of his refusal to do so, he should be dismissed from the service."

The panel further said, "The non-implementation by government of the report of previous commissions of enquiries and in particular the report of the commission of enquiry into the riots of April 12, 1994 in Jos metropolis (the main features of which are very similar to the September 2001 civil disturbances) is a sure recipe for a repeat performance of such disturbances".

"There was strong and convincing evidence before the commission that: on April 11, 1994, just a day before the fateful day, Alhaji Yaya Aga Abubakar, the President of Jasawa Development Association, in the company of Alhaji Aminu Mato’s younger brother, Sanusi Mato, held a meeting at Masallaci Juma at Jos with the Jasawa community during which they resolved to carry out a demonstration the following day.

"So, Yaya Abubakar and Sanusi Mato were directly connected with riots. They were the leaders of the insurrection that brought disaster and shame to Jos metropolis, to Plateau State and to Nigeria, that brought death and destruction of lives and properties".

GOH! That body is 62 years old?

2012-01-25T21:06:00.000+01:00

62 year old billionaire designer Vera Wang, shows off her age defying body in a new shoot for Harper's Bazaar. Wow!