The Curious Mind

Lunar eclipse The longest total lunar eclipse of the 21st century occurs on July 27 – this is what you need to know. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the entire Moon enters Earth’s shadow. The July 27 eclipse will last for 1 hour and 43 minutes, according to NASA . The Moon will turn a red or ruddy-brown color during the “blood moon eclipse,” Space.com reports. Skywatchers in the U.S will not be able to enjoy the rare event, unless they are willing to travel. The eclipse will be mainly visible in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia as well as some parts of South America. “For an especially long-lasting total lunar eclipse of 1 hour and 43 minutes to occur, the moon has to pass through the central part of the Earth’s shadow,” explains EarthSky. “The previous total lunar eclipse on January 31, 2018, didn’t last as long (1 hour and 16 minutes) because the moon passed to the south of shadow’s center; and the next total lunar eclipse on January 21, 2019 , won’t be as long eith...

Chief Michael Obi, 74, is the father of professional footballer and Super Eagles Captain, John Mikel Obi. He recently regained freedom from kidnappers for the second time. In this interview, the Jos-based transporter recalls his terrifying five-day experience, reasons why his famous son rarely comes home, and more.  You recently regained your freedom from kidnappers. Can you share your experience? Chief Michael Obi:  I was travelling home for a family meeting, early evening, in Enugu. I’d just reminded my driver to stop at the Ninth Mile to buy Okpa in case I fall asleep. Not quite long after a checkpoint, we heard gunshots ahead of us, so we stopped. My driver reckoned it was armed robbers, and tried to reverse the car. But another car from nowhere blocked us from behind, and the people within came and dragged us out. The kidnappers were six, well-armed and masked. They assaulted us, and dragged us into the bush. We walked for many hours, and when I complained tha...

Brazilian super star Ronaldinho could tie the knot in August with his two 'fiancees' Priscilla Coelho and Beatriz Souza. The two women are said to have been living 'harmoniously' with the former Barcelona star since December at his £5million Rio de Janeiro mansion. Ronaldinho, who is claimed to be “adept at polygamy”, started dating Beatriz in 2016 but continued his relationship with Priscilla, which began several years earlier. The women reportedly receive an “allowance” of around £1,500 from the footballer to spend as they wish. And it is claimed he always gives the two the exact same presents, including recently buying them matching perfume during a trip abroad together. Former World Player of the Year Ronaldinho asked both for their hand in marriage in January last year and gave them both engagement rings, according to Brazilian columnist Leo Dias. He will marry the two women at a private ceremony inside the Santa Monica condominium, in the upmark...

Arsenal’s longest serving manager, Arsene Wenger, has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of this season. Wenger Wenger revealed this in a statement published on the club’s official website on Friday morning. It reads: “After a careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season. “I am grateful for having had the privilege to serve the club for so many memorable years. “I managed the club with full commitment and integrity. “I want to thank the staff, the players, the Directors and the fans who make this club so special. “I urge our fans to stand behind the team to finish on a high. “To all the Arsenal lovers take care of the values of the club. “My love and support for ever.”

A FedEx employee was injured early Tuesday after a package explosion, believed to be bound for Austin and linked to previous bombings in the state’s capital, detonated at a distribution center in Schertz, Texas. The Schertz Police Department confirmed on Facebook that they responded to an explosion at the facility, which they determined came from the sorting area. NBC affiliate WOAI reported the package detonated while being transported from an upper conveyor belt to a lower one. The package contained nails and shrapnel, according to the San Antonio Fire Department.  The Washington Post  reports that the package was believed to have been headed for Austin, the site of four previous bombings. Police said “one person was treated and released at the scene.” The fire department added that the worker suffered a “non life threatening percussion type injury.” FBI San Antonio spokeswoman Michelle Lee said “we suspect it is re...

A judge has entered a ‘no-guilty’ plea on behalf of a man standing trial for matricide. The 18-year-old man, Agugu Adau, who allegedly killed his mother for refusing to hand over a charm he claimed was his inheritance, appeared before a Plateau State High Court on Tuesday. Adau, a resident of Kisaghyip village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, reportedly killed his mother who he accused of withholding a charm that was capable of making him disappear or reappear at will. He was charged with culpable homicide. The Police prosecutor, Mr U.F. Okeke, told the court that the accused committed the offence on December 29, 2016, saying that it contravened Section 221 of the Penal Code and is punishable with death upon conviction. The accused, in his plea, pleaded guilty to the crime and tried to explain how he killed his own mother. Justice Nafisa Musa, after listening to his plea, however, entered a ‘no guilty’ plea for him. “In a capital offence, the burden of ...

Runtown  Singer, Runtown, has been sued by his label, Eric Many, for an alleged breach of contract in an injunction filed at a Federal High Court, Lagos, on Monday. The label said the ‘Energy’ singer has been “deliberately breaching his contract,” The label also accused the singer, real name, Douglas Agu, of failing to fulfill his contractual obligations, recording an album without its consent, and performing at shows without approval. The record label two years ago sued Runtown, whose deal with Eric Many expires in June, over allegations similar to the ones he is currently being accused of. The legal dispute was settled out of court. This time around, the label is claiming that Runtown owes hundreds of millions. “He’s recording with artists like Del’B without the written approval of the label and without an Eric Many appointee at the point of recording as agreed in our contract,” a statement of claim read.“Runtown has also been appearing in venues and collecting ap...

Saif Gaddafi Saif Gaddafi, the second son of late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, is in a secure spot in Libya and will soon address the people in a televised speech, his lawyer said. A Libyan militia said in June 2017 that they had released Mr. Gaddafi’s son, whom they had been holding captive since 2011, when Libya descended into political unrest. “Saif Islam is now in Libya, in security, and will soon make a television appearance to address the Libyans,” the lawyer said. The lawyer confirmed that the son of the late Libyan leader would present his candidacy for the presidential post in the election this year. “The manifesto of Saif Islam is the project of reforms that lead to a dialogue, national reconciliation and the building of a modern state,” the lawyer said. In June 2011, shortly before Saif Islam Gaddafi was captured, the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for his arrest on suspicion of murder and persecution. He did not hold an official position i...

The Amnesty International has blamed the Nigerian Military for the abduction school girls from Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, in Yobe State. An investigation carried out by the group revealed that the Nigerian Army was alerted about the presence of Boko Haram in Dapchi hours before the abduction of the 110 girls. At least 5 calls were made to security officers alerting them of the presence of Boko Haram fighters, but all were ignored, the investigation revealed. The first call was made to the army command located at Geidam when the insurgents were spotted at Futchimiram heading to Gumsa. The military had reportedly done nothing. Several calls were reportedly made when the insurgents were spotted at Futchimiram around 2 PM, but the army commander said he was aware and was monitoring the situation. When around 3 PM the insurgents arrived at Gumsa, where they stayed until 5 PM, residents of the town called their people in Dapchi informing them the i...

Mo Hits Crew The Mo’Hits crew which broke up in 2012, appeared together at Davido‘s 30 Billion Concert in December, 2017 and even took back-stage pictures, and since then there has been rumours that the group may be cooking up something. Both D’Banj and Don Jazzy on their Instagram pages shared a video announcing the Mo’Hits Reunion Tour. The exact dates or venues or musicians performing were   not stated.

Leo of  BBNaija Leo claimed his eviction might not be unconnected with his pair, winning the Pepsi Roc Da Mat challenge and the Heritage bank Challenge. According to him viewers of the reality show did not vote ”Lifu” because they felt they won two challenges and should rather vote others who are yet to win anything. Speaking to African Magic, Leo said, ”Eviction was inevitable for us because we won the Pepsi and Heritage bank challenge.”I mean we have a VVIP ticket, capital, money in the bank. Recall that Leo, was on Sunday evicted alongside his strategic partner, Ifu Ennada after having the lowest vote.

President Buhari of Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday said he was ‘surprised’ that the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris disobeyed his directives to stay in Benue until the bloodletting between farmers and herdsmen was resolved. Mr. Buhari also said his government was deeply worried about the incessant attacks on Benue’s rural communities and vowed to end the menace “very soon”. The president, in the wake of public outcry that greeted the murder of over 70 persons by suspected herdsmen had instructed the IGP to relocate to the state until the carnage was contained. The police boss had reportedly spent less than 24 hours in the state before leaving; attracting more condemnation from Nigerians even as the presidency failed to reprimand him. Mr. Buhari, who met with farmers, herdsmen, government officials and other stakeholders in Makurdi on Monday as part of his visits to troubled states however, denied insinuations that he was not interested in what was h...

Jurgen Klopp has dismissed criticism of Trent Alexander-Arnold following his lacklustre defending for the opening goal in Liverpool's 2-1 defeat to Manchester United on Saturday. Alexander-Arnold was turned too easily by Marcus Rashford, who lashed into the far corner to give United the lead before the England forward took advantage of more haphazard defending from Liverpool to double the Red Devils' advantage. An Eric Bailly own goal gave Liverpool hope but they could not complete a second-half comeback at Old Trafford, with club legends Jamie Carragher and Graeme Souness taking aim at Alexander-Arnold. Klopp, though, has no interest in their thoughts on the teenage right back. Asked about their comments, he said: "I don't get it. If you wouldn't tell me [about it], I would never watch it. That makes absolutely no difference to me, what people say. "What did they say? They said we defended bad? If somebody said it was only Trent's mist...

The Red Devils boss was furious with his side after seeing them fall behind at Crystal Palace, but got the response he was after in a 3-2 win Jose Mourinho revealed that a foul-mouthed half-time team talk helped him to inspire Manchester United to a 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace. Having seen his side fall behind to an early Andros Townsend effort at Selhurst Park,  the Red Devils boss was fuming upon entering the away dressing room at the interval . Some home truths were handed out by the irate Portuguese, whose mood is unlikely to have improved as United then conceded to Patrick van Aanholt within three minutes of the restart. They were, however, to come roaring back, with  Chris Smalling, Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic sealing a dramatic victory  to put a smile back on their manager’s face. Quizzed on what he had said to his team during the break, Mourinho said: “I cannot tell you half of the things I told my team at half-time because there would be...

Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso has described Idris Ajimobi and Fateema Ganduje as 'zawarawa' meaning non-virtuous couple. Governor Ganduje over the weekend gave the hand of his daughter, Fateema, in marriage to Idris, the son of Oyo State governor, Abiola Ajimobi. The elaborate three-day wedding ceremonies had in attendance, President Buhari, APC National leader, BolaTinubu, twenty two State governors, among many others. Addressing his supporters in Kaduna on Saturday, Kwankwaso mocked the couple, saying they are ‘zawarawa’, contextually meaning non-virtuous couple. “Only few people are happy with the marriage of a single zawarawa because they are just one. We heard the eastern, the western, the southern and the northern entry points to Kano are all shut for the marriage of a single ‘zawarawa’ couple. “This shows a sharp departure from the Kwankwasiyya ideology in Kano State. Today, Kano was at a standstill because of this marriage,” the former gover...

President Wear of Liberia and President Buhari of Nigeria after a meeting at the presidential villa, Abuja President George Weah, on Monday, said Liberia would need at least 6,000 teachers from Nigeria. Weah said this while addressing State House correspondents at the end of a meeting he had with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He said he was in Nigeria on a mission of gratitude and respect for the roles that Buhari and Nigerians had played in maintaining peace and stability in the West African sub-region and particularly in Liberia. He noted that Nigerian teachers and medical volunteers to Liberia, under the Technical Assistance Corps Agreement with Liberia, had been crucial in boosting human capacity development in Liberia. Weah expressed the hope that the assistance could be considerably increased to address his country’s most pressing socio-economic needs at this time. He added, “More specifically, under the Bilateral Teacher Exchange...

A man identified as Phillip ended his life by drinking poison after allegedly catching his girlfriend with another lover. According to  reports, the incident happened at Bedore, Ajah area of Lagos. 

Residents of Shanghai begin celebration of the Lunar New Year at the Lunghua Temple early Friday morning, marking the year of the Dog. The Lunar New Year is the longest and the most important celebration in the Chinese lunisolar calendar. Legend has it that Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on New year's Day and named a year after each of the twelve animals that came and people born on each animals year are said to have some of the animal's personality trait...

 A Canadian woman who was ending her marriage decided the best thing to do was throw a divorce party with friends. Nicole Niesner and friends Nicole Niesner, 36, and her friends pulled out their old wedding dresses for the celebration, which was documented with photographs. The group of Saskatchewan women even recreated an iconic image from the TV show Friends. The party s Niesner decided on a celebration and reached out to a group of her close friends who arranged the rest of the celebration, including bringing the white gowns to her home in Regina. "I was super surprised, I had no idea it was happening," Ms Niesner told the BBC. "They just arrived with all these dresses." Ms Niesner said the evening helped her get over the sadness of closing one chapter in her life and starting the next. It also taught her about the importance of friendship. "Maybe I don't have the love of a marriage anymore, but I know I'm still loved by lots of ...

The Coalition for Nigeria, a third-force political group being championed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, appears to be a major platform that has continued to attract prominent and other members Dr.Obasanjo of the National Assembly, according to the PUNCH. Aggrieved members of the ruling All Progressives Congress and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party in both the Senate and House of Representatives are said to be considering Obasanjo’s platform to achieve their political goals in the 2019 general elections. One of the aggrieved lawmakers, who spoke to one of our correspondents on condition of anonymity for fear of persecution, said it was becoming clear that many of them would be denied electoral tickets by their parties and the option was to consider Obasanjo’s offer. The APC members, according to the source, include serving and former governors and members of the National Assembly. The APC senator from the North confirmed that the ex-President had r...