Ahmad Silkida reacts to Nigerian Army declaring him wanted, says he will return to Nigeria soon

Journalist Ahmad Salkida, has reacted to the Nigerian Army declaring him wanted after releasing a video from Boko Haram last weekend exclusively sent to him. In a statement he released, Ahmad says he is currently out of Nigeria but will seek to get a flight back to Nigeria so he can honor the Army's invitation. Read his statement below...

My attention has been drawn to a public notice put out by the Nigerian Army and signed by Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman, Acting Director, Army Public Relations. The statement declaring me wanted seeks culpable grounds to punish me on account of “last two videos released by Boko Haram terrorists and other findings…” by the Army.

Clearly, my status as a Nigerian journalist who has reported extensively, painstakingly and consistently on the Boko Haram menace in the country since 2006 is an open book known to Nigerians and the international community. Equally, my total allegiance and sacrifice to the Federal Republic of Nigeria is self evident. I have stayed within the creed of professional journalism in my work.

As a testimony to the credible and professional values of my access, since May 2015, l have been to Nigeria three times on the invitation of Federal Government agencies. I made personal sacrifices for the release of our Chibok daughters.

Finally, the Army is aware that I am not in Nigeria presently. In the coming days I will seek to get a flight to Abuja and avail myself to the Army authorities. Indeed, my return will be hastened if the Military sends me a ticket.
Thank you.
Ahmad Salkida.

Woman jailed for newborn baby kidnapping

A South African court Monday handed down a 10-year prison term to a woman who kidnapped a newborn baby from her sleeping mother in hospital 19 years ago, local media reported.

In passing the sentence, a judge in the High Court in Cape Townemphasised the seriousness of the crime by the 52-year-old woman, News24 said.

The kidnapping victim, who her family named Zephany Nurse, was taken from a maternity ward at Groote Schuur Hospital in 1997. Her kidnapper raised her as her own.

The girl's real identity came to light in February 2015, when her younger biological sister began attending high school and pupils pointed out her remarkable likeness to a final-year student.

The younger girl told her parents, who met the older girl and immediately thought she could be their long-lost child.

The judge said the crime was premeditated and too serious not to warrant a jail sentence.

Zephany, who is now said be pregnant, was raised under a different name and has shunned the media spotlight on the case.

6 killed in rebel attack - police

Six people have been killed in an attack by Renamo rebels inMozambique, police said Monday, the latest in a string of violent skirmishes between opposition fighters and government forces.

"Armed men from Renamo ambushed a vehicle on Friday, firing at it until it caught fire," police spokesman Daniel Macuacua told AFP.

"Six people were burnt to death."

All the victims were civilians, though their identities have not been released.

"We are still looking for any potential survivors who may have escaped," Macuacua added.

Renamo, which waged a 16-year civil war that ended in 1992, has refused to accept the results of 2014 elections when it was beaten once more by the ruling Frelimo party, in power since independence 40 years ago.

Since 2013, tensions have risen and Renamo fighters have again taken up arms in a battle that it says is against a Frelimo elite who have enriched themselves at the expense of the country.

Peace talks are underway, but authorities blame the stand-off for an uptick in violent attacks in northern and central parts of Mozambique.

In May, 13 bodies were found in the restive centre of the country where security forces and Renamo rebels have frequently clashed, while the Mozambican Human Rights League (LDH) claimed at least 83 summary executions had been reported since the start of the year.

Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama has been living in hiding since October 2015 after he escaped two attacks against his convoy.

He claims government troops are continuously attacking his stronghold in central Gorongosa in an attempt to lure him out or kill him.

The clashes have intensified in recent months following Dhlakama's declaration in December that he would take power in six of Mozambique's 11 provinces which he claims he won in the 2014 elections.

Enyimba players arrive Cairo and train ahead of must win CAF Champions League match (photos)

Enyimba players on Sunday arrived at Cairo, Egypt and trained at the Petrosport Stadium ahead of their must win clash against Zamalek in the CAF Champions League.Zamalek defeated Enyimba 1-0 in the first leg in PortHarcourt, Nigeria. More photos after the cut.

Photocredit: Adepoju Tobi Samuel 

Celebrities cover Complete Fashion Magazine's Summer edition

Sheyi Shay and Falz The Bahd Guy make bold cover celebrities for Complete Fashion Magazine's latest Summer issue.

playSheyi Shay for Complete Fashion Magazine's Summer issue

The fashion magazine chose singer Sheyi Shay and rapper Falz The Bahd Guy as cover stars for their vibrant summer issue which features four bold covers which also stars CEO of Sony West Africa Michael Ugwu and beauty enthusiast Lola OJ for the beauty editorial.

playFalz The Bahd Guy for Complete Fashion Magazine's Summer issue

All done colourful, rich and with bold summer vibes, the edition is complete with a 'complete fashion' woman, 'complete fashion' man, beauty as well as the lifestyle section with interior decoration inspiration and more.

playMichael Ugwu for Complete Fashion Magazine's Summer issue

The issue is out on newsstands. What do you think of the cover stars?

Credits:

Photography: Ademola Odusami @laahphotography

Make up: Zaron Cosmetic

Hair: My Hair Limited

Hairstylist: Wale For My Hair Limited

Styling: Tosin Ogundadegbe @Thestyleinfidel

Art Direction: Onah Lucia @onahlucia

Creative Assistant: Smart Courage @infoworldcharming

Mademoiselle Aglaia debuts stunning designs for new bridal line.

The Nigerian fashion brand showed stunning details on glamorous bridal dresses for the brand new collection. Already established as a ready-to-wear brand as well as bespoke and couture brand, the bridal line infuses all beautiful elements for the breathtaking pieces.

playMademoiselle Aglaia debuts Bridal Line

The looks feature styles with intricate details including tulle, lace, beading, bardot styles, show stopping trains and more to make dramatic statements on the dresses. The styles are all done tasteful, modern with sexy/sultry undertone to it making the ultimate Mademoiselle Aglaia bride an adventurous one.  The stunning line also feature options for bridesmaids.

playMademoiselle Aglaia debuts Bridal Line

"I thought about how weddings appear to be the happiest day in a bride’s life and decided that I want to also make clothes that would tell a story and become part of a lasting and emotional experience” the brand's creative director Mariam Afolabimentioned the inspiration in a release for the collection.

playMademoiselle Aglaia debuts Bridal Line

Would you wear looks from Mademoiselle Aglaia for your wedding? Check out the pieces.

Former Aston Villa footballer dies after being tasered by police

Former Aston Villa striker Dalian Atkinson has died after being tasered by police in Telford, Shropshire. The 48-year-old died 90 minutes after he was hit by a stun gun on Monday morning August 15, at around1.30am in the Trench area of Telford, Shropshire, UK.

West Mercia Police can confirm that officers responded to a report for the concern for the safety of an individual at approximately 1.30am this morning at an address in Telford," the force said in a statement.

"Upon arrival Taser was deployed and a 48-year-old man, who subsequently received medical attention, was pronounced dead at approximately 3am. West Mercia Police are unable to comment any further as the incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) as is normal procedure, and will assist the IPCC with their inquiries."

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said Atkinson was being taken to Princess Royal Hospital when he suffered a cardiac arrest. He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving the medical facility.

"We were called by West Mercia Police to an address in Meadow Close in the Trench area of Telford at about 1.45am this morning. An ambulance was dispatched and upon arrival found a man who had been Tasered. As he was being conveyed to Princess Royal Hospital, his condition deteriorated and he went into cardiac arrest. Despite the efforts of the crew and hospital staff, it was not possible to save him and he was confirmed dead at hospital, shortly after arrival."

Former team-mate Tony Daley, who played for Aston Villa at the same time as Mr Atkinson, tweeted: "Devastating news...RIP Dalian" with an image of a broken heart.

Another former player, Ian Taylor, said: "Just heard news re my old team mate Dalian. Deepest condolences to his family. Only spoke to him last week as well. Sad sad news

Atkinson was a top flight striker in the 1990s, with a goal for league runners-up Aston Villa against Wimbledon. He went on to score at Wembley in 1994 as Villa beat Manchester United to lift the League Cup. Atkinson ended his career playing in South Korea in 2001.

Source: The Independent