*100 suspects nabbed for cultism, violent crimes in Lagos (Guardian) *Trafficking: Nine women intercepted at Lagos airport (Nation)

100 suspects nabbed for cultism, violent crimes in Lagos (Guardian)

Operatives of the Lagos State police command have arrested about 100 suspected criminals in the state. Of the number, 86 suspected cult members were nabbed in Ikorodu area of the state with 11 pistols recovered from them, while others were picked in other locations.

They were arrested on Saturday at about 6:00a.m. by the Special Strike Force on Social Miscreants, established by the Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu. The Strike Force, acting on credible intelligence, first arrested 21 cult suspects at Adamo Community, Imota.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Bala Elkana, in a statement yesterday said the suspects who belonged to two rival cult groups, Aiye and Eiye confraternities, mobilised from Emure and Adamo communities to unleash terror on residents of Adamo and environs. Read more

Trafficking: Nine women intercepted at Lagos airport (Nation)

Nine women were on Sunday intercepted by operatives of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to prevent their being trafficked outside the country.

The NIS in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Sunday James, said the womenwere arrested at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.

He said they were to be trafficked through the airport to Lebanon, Cairo, Dubai and India on Ethiopian, Peace, Egypt and East Airlines.

“Four of them claimed to be traveling to take up employment without knowing their employers, neither were they aware of the nature of job they were going for,” James said. Read more

Sanwo-Olu meets Amu traders, allays fears of government’s takeover of plank market (Guardian)

The Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has assured traders at Amu plank market in Mushin Local Government Area of the state of government’s support. Sanwo-Olu, who gave the assurance during a visit to the market yesterday, which was gutted by fire between Friday night and Saturday morning, also allayed fears of the traders of government’s takeover of their land and property.

He urged the traders to remain peaceful and law abiding, adding that those who do not have any business around the area should stay away to avoid further injuries.

The fears of the traders were laid to rest as the rumour mill hag gone agog that the market would be repossessed from the traders after evacuation of the debris and handed over to a private developer as is usually the situation with collapsed buildings or burnt markets, which end up being forfeited to the state government. Read more

We’ll make Badagry tourist sites competitive, says commissioner (Nation)

Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture Mrs Uzamat AkinbiIe-Yusuf has identified the need to create awareness about the tourism potential in Badagry, to attract attention to the town.

AkinbiIe-Yusuf, a pharmacist, spoke when she led a delegate from the ministry to Badagry, as part of her familiarisation and on the spot assessment of tourism potential in the state.

Having toured the sites, she said that there was need to promote the state’s tourism, using the Badagry narratives, especially in attracting foreign tourists.

The commissioner said: “With what I’ve seen in Badagry, it shows we have lots of activities going on here, hence the need for us to harness these tourism potentials and make them competitive with others across the world. Read more

Police smash robbery syndicate that steals vehicles from churches (Vanguard)

Two suspected members of a syndicate that specialised in stealing vehicles from churches in Lagos have been arrested.

Also, three teenagers, who specialised in attacking motorists trapped in traffic and commuters at bus-stops in Lagos, were, weekend, arrested.

The car theft syndicate’s modus operandi included posing as worshippers in churches to move vehicles parked, while other worshippers are engaged in church activities. Read more

Coronavirus: Ivory Coast tests woman for China virus (BBC)

Health officials are dealing with a suspected case of coronavirus in Ivory Coast, the country’s health ministry has announced.

An unnamed student, who returned to the West African country from Beijing on Saturday, is undergoing further tests after showing flu-like symptoms.

If confirmed, it will be the first case of the deadly virus in Africa.

The virus, which first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan, has spread to over 2,000 people and killed 56.

The 34-year-old woman is currently in isolation, officials said. Read more

Three rockets ‘hit US embassy’ in Baghdad in latest unclaimed attack (Metro)

A series of rockets hit the US embassy in the Iraqi capital on Sunday, security sources have revealed. As many as five Katyusha rockets crashed into a riverbank near the embassy in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone, in the latest unclaimed attack on US bases. Three of the rockets fired are understood to have directly hit the embassy, a security source told AFP. An Iraqi security official confirmed one rocket landed inside the embassy walls, however there were no casualties or any serious damage caused in the attack, a statement from US Joint Operations Command said. Read more

Coronavirus: Death toll rises to 80 as China extends holiday (BBC)

The number of people killed in China by the coronavirus has risen to 80, with almost 3,000 confirmed ill.

The national new year holiday has been extended by three days to Sunday, in an attempt to contain the outbreak.

Wuhan in Hubei, the source of the outbreak, is in lockdown and several cities have imposed travel bans.

Health commission officials said on Monday the number of deaths in Hubei province had climbed from 56 to 76, with four deaths elsewhere. Read more

Invasion Day protests as Australia marks anniversary of British colonisation (Metro)

Thousands of people joined Invasion Day protests across Australia as the country marked the continent’s colonisation by the British. Officially recognised as Australia Day, the public holiday is celebrated with fireworks, concerts and citizenship ceremonies, in honour of the first British settlers who arrived in 1788. However, for indigenous Australians, who inhabited the land for 65,000 years, it can be seen as a day of mourning that marks two centuries of pain and suffering. It was formally established as a nationwide celebration in 1994 but thousands have called for it to be abolished to respect the history of indigenous communities. Read more

Boris Johnson to light up Westminster red, white and blue to celebrate Brexit day (Metro)

Boris Johnson has unveiled the Government’s full plans to mark Brexit day. The Prime Minister will deliver a special address to the nation to mark the historic day. Downing Street will be illuminated with a light display designed to symbolise the ‘strength and unity’ of the UK’s four nations. Union flags will line Parliament Square and the Mall, while Government buildings on Whitehall will be lit up in red, white and blue throughout the evening. A countdown clock will also be projected onto Number 10’s black bricks from 10pm on January 31. Read more

Grammys ceremony opens with tribute to Kobe Bryant (BBC)

The 2020 Grammys ceremony has opened with a heartfelt tribute to basketball player Kobe Bryant, who died on Sunday.

“Tonight is for you Kobe,” declared pop star Lizzo, opening the show with her stirring ballad Cuz I Love You.

Host Alicia Keys then dedicated the show to Bryant’s memory, with an a-capella version of It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye, accompanied by Boyz II Men.

The show is taking place at the Staples Center, where Bryant played his entire career with the LA Lakers. Read more

Grammy: No show for burna boy as Angelique Kidjo wins (Guardian)

Burna Boy who had Nigeria buzzing after being nominated for the Grammy Awards in the World Best Music Album category has lost to Beninese singer-songwriter, Angelique Kidjo.

The Grammy Award for Best World Music Album is an honour presented to recording artists for quality albums in the world music genre.

Angelique Kidjo beat Burna Boy, Altin Gün, Bokanté & Metropole Orkest Conducted By Jules Buckley, Nathalie Joachim & Spektral Quartet to win the award. Read more

NBA legend Kobe Bryant dies in California helicopter crash aged 41 (Metro)

Basketball legend Kobe Bryant has been killed in a helicopter crash in California.

The 41-year-old, who spent his entire 20-year NBA career with the LA Lakers, was one of nine people on board a helicopter when it crashed outside the city of Calabasas, which is situated to the west of Los Angeles, at around 10am on Sunday morning. His 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, was also on board as the pair were travelling to the Mamba Academy in Thousand Oaks for basketball practice.

Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli, 56, his daughter Alyssa Altobelli and wife Keri Altobelli were also on board the helicopter. Read more

Neymar remembers Bryant with celebration (BBC)

Neymar paid tribute to late basketball legend Kobe Bryant with a goal celebration in Paris St-Germain’s win at Lille.

Confirmation of the five-time NBA champion’s death in a helicopter crash came during the Ligue 1 game.

Neymar gave PSG the lead with a 20-yard curling effort in the first half.

After scoring a second-half penalty, he held up two fingers on one hand and four on the other, marking Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers shirt number 24.

The Brazil international, who is a basketball fan and had met Bryant, also bowed and pointed to the sky. Read more

LeBron James in tears after Kobe Bryant’s death in helicopter crash (Metro)

LA Lakers star LeBron James broke down in tears following the death of Kobe Bryant on Sunday. Bryant was killed alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others in a helicopter crash outside the city of Calabasas, which is situated to the west of Los Angeles. The 41-year-old was reportedly travelling with his daughter to the Mamba Academy in Thousand Oaks for basketball practice. James was a close friend of Bryant and footage from 12News caught the heartbreaking footage of the 35-year-old breaking down in tears shortly after he got off the LA Lakers’ team plane. Read more

Kobe Bryant: World sport stars and celebrities pay tribute to basketball legend (BBC)

Kobe Bryant was “one of the most extraordinary players” in the history of basketball who “inspired people around the world” to play the game.

The 41-year-old died in a helicopter crash in California on Sunday along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.

Bryant, who retired in 2016 after a 20-year career with the LA Lakers, was a five-time NBA champion and was named an NBA All-Star 18 times.

“The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna,” said NBA commissioner Adam Silver. Read more

Tiger Woods holds back tears during Kobe Bryant tribute interview (Metro)

 Tiger Woods held back the tears in a visibly emotional interview about Kobe Bryant’s death. The NBA legend died alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others in a helicopter crash on Sunday. Bryant was travelling with his daughter to basketball practice when the helicopter crashed outside the city of Calabasas, which is situated to the west of Los Angeles. Woods had just played the final hole at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines when he was told about Bryant’s death by his caddie Joe LaCava. Read more

OQ: Nigeria takes search for tickets to Tunisia (Nation)

After its failure to secure one of the nine tickets at stake at the ITTF World Team Olympic Qualification in Portugal, Team Nigeria continues its search for tickets to Tokyo 2020 at the African Olympic Qualifying Tournament holding FROM February 27 to 29 in Tunis, Tunisia.

Fifty four members of the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) excluding Egypt will converge in Tunis to battle in the singles and mixed doubles events.

After losing the sole continental slot to Egypt at the 2019 African Games, Nigeria for the first time competed at the World Team Qualifying Tournament in Gondomar, Portugal, but the team narrowly lost to Poland in the second round of the tournament to miss out leaving Egypt as the only African team competing in the team event in Tokyo.

According to the prospectus of the tournament in Tunisia, two players each in men and women from each African Association apart from Egypt; are expected to compete in the singles while one pair from each country including Egypt will compete for the continent’s sole slot in mixed doubles event. Read more

Rangers secure 1-0 away win over Egypt’s Pyramids FC (Guardian)

Enugu Rangers International yesterday stunned Egyptian rising power, Pyramids FC 1-0 in Cairo to end their four-match winning streak in the Confederation Cup group stage.

Ifeanyi George latched onto a long pass from Msonter Shimaga to skip past his marker and beat the advancing keeper in the 73rd minute.

The hosts were guilty of squandering some easy chances, including a glaring one from Ghanaian striker John Antwi with the goal at his mercy and a close-range header from Mohamed ElGabbas that was brilliantly denied by Nigerian keeper, Nana Bonsu. Read more

Real Madrid go top of La Liga with win (BBC)

Real Madrid went three points clear of Barcelona at the top of La Liga with a hard-fought win at Real Valladolid.

Defender Nacho scored the only goal with a header from Toni Kroos’ cross, his first La Liga goal in two years.

Casemiro thought he had given Madrid the lead earlier on but his header from Kroos’ free-kick was disallowed by the video assistant referee for offside.

Lowly Valladolid had the ball in the net late on but Sergi Guardiola was offside when he hooked home. Read more

Lobi beat Nasarawa to regain top spot as Plateau draw with MFM (Guardian)

Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club (MFM FC) yesterday failed to secure a win against visitors and former league leaders, Plateau United, as they were held to a goalless draw played at the Temple Stadium in Agege, Lagos State, in one of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) fixtures of match day 17 played across the federation.

Lobi Stars, however, took over the number spot of the NPFL, after inflicting a 2-1 defeat on Nasarawa United at the Aper Aku Stadium. Lobi’s Chigozie Obasi and Samad Kadiri were the heroes, as they ensured that the former league champions climbed to the top spot of the top flight league.

Rivers United played a disappointing goalless against Wikki Tourists in Port Harcourt, while Sunshine Stars also failed to record a win over inform Kano Pillars at the Akure Township Stadium. The Akure-based team was held to a 2-2 draw in an exciting encounter. Read more

Ighalo keeps mute over Man Utd speculation (Nation)

The 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) top score, Odion Ighalo remains calm despite transfer rumours over the weekend linking him to Manchester United in the English Premier league.

After their 2-0 defeat to Burnley at Old Trafford last week, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer indicated that the club – six points behind fourth-placed Chelsea after successive defeats – are in need of ‘quality’ signings, with Paul Pogba as well as Rashford currently side-lined.

Ighalo and Algerian Islam Slimani who is currently with Leicester City but on loan at Monaco, were two of a number of players Manchester United reportedly have looked at as they try to bring in a striker on loan following the long-term injury to Marcus Rashford. Read more

Federer, Djokovic, Barty, Jabeur for Australian Open quarter-finals (Guardian)

Roger Federer reached another milestone because his victory over Hungarian Marton Fucsovics placed him in a 15th appearance in the last eight at the Australian Open. Novak Djokovic proved too strong for speedy-footed Argentinean Diego Schwartzman as Ashleigh Barty delighted the host country when she outlasted American Alison Riske 6/3; 1/; 6/4. However, Coco Gauff’s Cinderella run was terminated by fellow American Sofia Kenin, 6/7; 6/3; 6/0.

Diego justified himself in the battle of ground-strokes, on account of his famed court coverage. Djokovic won the first set 6/3 on a single break of serve. Diego lost his serve in the opening game of the second set but he broke back immediately and held to lead 2-1. Diego clinched his serve to take the fifth game after a 23-shot rally that ended with his forehand passing shot. After Djokovic leveled, a second break of serve had him serve out the set 6-4. Read more

Gerrard ‘shocked’ as Hearts strike blow to Rangers’ title challenge (Vanguard)

Steven Gerrard admitted he was shocked by how poor his Rangers side were as they suffered a 2-1 defeat at bottom-of-the-table Hearts in his 100th game in charge.

Gerrard’s men had not lost in the Scottish Premiership since early September and looked to have ended some stiff first half resistence from the Jambos when Ryan Kent opened the scoring two minutes into the second half.

However, Hearts secured their first win in seven league games under Daniel Stendel to claim a huge three points in their battle to avoid relegation. Read more

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