12 rescued, pastor arrested from Lagos ‘torture centre’ (Punch)
A pastor, Joesph Ojo, has been arrested for allegedly using his church as a rehabilitation centre for mentally ill people, including people suffering from various ailments and those involved in different forms of social vices.
The PUNCH gathered that Ojo was arrested after 12 allegedly ill people, who were chained in a dilapidated building close to his church, were rescued when men of the Lagos State Police Command stormed the church’s premises on Wednesday following a tip-off by Samuel Adam, the president of a nongovernment organisation, Eagle Crime Awareness and Prevention Initiative.
When our correspondent visited the church on Thursday, no fewer than four victims were seen in chains in the dilapidated building. Read more
Civil society groups, labour urge Sanwo-Olu not to privatise Adiyan, Igbonla waterworks (Guardian)
Civil society bodies, labour, and grassroots groups have urged the governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwolu to halt alleged plans to privatize the Adiyan II and Igbonla Water Works.
The groups comprising the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and its affiliate, Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations Civil Service Technical and Recreational Servicers Employees (AUPCTRE) also threatened for a showdown if the governor went ahead with the privatization plans.
The groups, who met in Lagos on the aegis of the ‘‘Our Water, Our Right Coalition,’’ said the “reports in Global Water Intelligence (GWI), published on October 17, 2019 was disturbing and smacks of respect for the views of Lagos citizens and trade union groups that have marched since 2014 and expressly rejected privatisation of the water sector.” Read more
Lawyers, others protest against bad Ota roads (Guardian)
Concerned members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ota branch, Ogun State and some residents have condemned the deplorable state of the roads within the town. The group, in a peaceful protest around major areas in Ota yesterday gave the state and Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to take decisive action on fixing the roads or face a nationwide protest.
The group displayed placards with various inscriptions such as: ‘Ota roads begging for government attention’; ‘Ota roads, hell on earth’; ‘Fashola, enough of this deceit, fix our roads now’; ‘Dapo Abiodun, will you allow bad roads to continue to kill Ogun people?; ‘Economic activities in ruins in Ota because of bad roads’ among others. Read more
Buhari, Obasanjo, Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, others eulogise Mobolaji Johnson (NewTelegraph)
President Muhammadu Buhari, his predecessor, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday extoled virtues of first military governor of Lagos state, Big-Gen. Mobolaji Johnson who died on Wednesday.
Mobolaji Johnson, who was the first military governor of Lagos state between 1967 and 1975, died in Lagos after a brief illness. He was 83.
In their condolence messages, Buhari, Obasanjo, Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu described Mobolaji Johnson as not only a gallant soldier but an incorruptible, detribalised and humane public officer with an enviable track record. Read more
Army begins Operation Identification nationwide today (DailyTrust)
Members of the House of Representatives Committee on Army yesterday expressed reservations about the Operation Positive Identification which the military begins nationwide today
The lawmakers had earlier called on President Muhammadu Buhari to prevail on the army not to embark on the exercise by which Nigerians are required to move about with means of identification. Read more
Operation Positive Identification: We’re after cross-border bandits, says military (Punch)
The Defence Headquarters has said Operation Positive Identification, which will begin on Friday (today), is meant to flush out “foreign combatants infiltrating our borders and conducting attacks.”
The acting Director, Defence Information, Col Onyema Nwachukwu, in an interview with one of our correspondents in Abuja on Thursday, said the exercise would focus mainly on bandits and criminal elements.
Nwachukwu said this just as a human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), sued the Nigerian Army, its Chief of Army Staff and the Attorney-General of the Federation, praying for an order stopping the Operation Positive Identification by the army. Read more
Witness tells court how Dikko allegedly diverted NAF’s N1.2b (Guardian)
Hammadama Bello, the 9th prosecution witness (PW9) in the ongoing trial of former Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Mohammed Dikko, before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, yesterday told the court that the defendant allegedly converted N1.2 billion belonging to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to his personal use.
Dikko is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a seven-count charge of money laundering and procurement fraud to the tune of N9.7 billion.
Under cross-examination by the defence counsel, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), the witness, who is an investigator with the EFCC, said that funds meant for NAF operations were diverted by Dikko to personal use.
The witness further revealed that not all the capital projects like building and equipping of hospitals, schools, conference centre and the renovation of barracks were sponsored from the tranche earmarked for them. Read more
Ghana Plans to Ban Rice, Poultry Imports (ThisDay)
Rice importers would be ordered to cease their trade in three years if everything goes as planned, Ghana’s Agriculture Minister, Dr. Owusu Afriyie-Akoto, has said.
The same applies to persons who import poultry products.
The policy, if implemented would also be similar to the situation with Nigeria, its neighbouring country. Read more
Mother ‘strangled to death by huge python’ in house filled with 140 snakes (Metro)
A mother was allegedly strangled to death by a massive eight-foot-python in a home filled with 140 snakes, police said.
Laura Hurst, 36, was found dead with the snake wrapped around her neck in the ‘reptile home’ in Battle Ground, Indiana on Wednesday night.
The home is reportedly owned by Benton County Sheriff Don Munson and is set up specifically for the snake collection. Read more
General election 2019: No 10 defends Brexit deal after Trump criticism (BBC)
Downing Street has defended the UK’s Brexit deal with the EU, following criticism from the US president.
Donald Trump said the US “can’t make a trade deal with the UK” under Boris Johnson’s EU withdrawal agreement.
But a No 10 spokesperson said the deal meant “we can strike our own free trade deals around the world, from which every part of the UK will benefit”.
Other comments made by Mr Trump led Labour to accuse him of trying to “interfere” in the election. Read more
CIA-backed paramilitary ‘death squads’ guilty of war crimes in Afghanistan – HRW (RT)
With aid and training from the CIA, Afghan paramilitary forces have carried out a spree of war crimes and other “grave” abuses against civilians – including torture and executions – an investigation by Human Rights Watch found.
Interviewing eyewitnesses, US special operators, and personnel in the Afghan military, the NGO documented over a dozen cases of “serious abuses” by US-backed forces between late 2017 and 2019, including “extrajudicial executions and enforced disappearances, indiscriminate airstrikes, attacks on medical facilities, and other violations of … the laws of war.” Read more
FIFA U-17 World Cup: Eaglets seek perfect record against Australia (NewTelegraph)
Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets will be wary of desperate Australia as they attempt to maintain their perfect run in the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup when the two teams clash in the last group game today.
Eaglets have already booked their place in the round of 16 following victories over Hungary and Ecuador but Australia, who have just point, are looking to progress with a victory over Nigeria as one of the best third placed teams.
The Aussie lost their opening encounter 2-1 to Ecuador before holding Hungary to a 2-2 draw. Read more
Nigeria’s best golfers set for 16th Elizabeth Wuraola Ojo tourney (Guardian)
It is that time of year once again when Nigeria’s best golfers gather to fight for honours and bragging rights at the Elizabeth Wuraola Ojo Memorial Golf Tournament.
The tournament will hold on November 8 and 9 on one of Africa’s best golf resorts, where the organisers, Toyota (Nigeria) Limited (TNL), have earmarked N5 million for the winner of the hole 13.
As usual, the tournament tees off on November 8 with the professionals starting their show by 7.00 a.m., while the amateurs, men and ladies, will take to the fray the next day from the same time. Read more
Match fixing: FIFA, CAF monitoring Nigeria, says NFF (Punch)
The Nigeria Football Federation has warned its members and officials against match fixing and manipulation in the 2019/20 Nigeria Professional Football League season, which begins on Sunday.
Head of the NFF Integrity Unit, Okey Obi, said FIFA and CAF were monitoring match-fixing and manipulations in the Nigerian league.
Obi threatened that the NFF would visit acts and practices capable of bringing the game to disrepute with “the heaviest sanctions possible, no matter whose ox is gored.” Read more
U-23 AFCON: Amapakabo lands in Egypt with 21 Olympic Eagles (NewTelegraph)
Nigeria’s U-23 head coach, Imama Amapakabo left the country’s shore yesterday with 21 players ahead of the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Egypt next month.
Dream Team VII will seek to retain the title won by the previous team when the third edition of the championship kicks off in Cairo on November 8.
Team captain Azubuike Okechukwu tops the list of foreign pros in the squad that departed Abuja on Thursday afternoon.
Defenders Anthony Izuchukwu, Sincere Seth and Olisah Ndah, midfielders Kelechi Nwakali, Muyiwa Olabiran and Ndifreke Effiong, and forwards Taiwo Awoniyi and Orji Okwonkwo are also in the final list of 21. Read more
LaLiga Set to Thrill Fans at 2019 Copa Lagos (ThisDay)
As the 2019 COPA Lagos Beach Soccer kicks off Friday at the Eko Atlantic City in Victoria Island, Lagos, Spanish Football League LaLiga, is set to thrill fans at this year’s edition.
he league which is a global partner of Beach Soccer Worldwide (BSWW), will be engaging fans with three days of intense and exciting activities starting today through Sunday, November 3, 2019.
As part of the activities line up, LaLiga will engage fans with a LaLiga themed fan zone where they will have the opportunity to experience the various LaLiga clubs. Read more
Pellegrini gives Antonio, Wilshere, Fabianski updates (Punch)
Michail Antonio could be available after the international break as several West Ham United work their way back to full fitness.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference as West Ham prepare to welcome Newcastle United to London Stadium on Saturday, manager Manuel Pellegrini offered updates on the recoveries of Antonio, midfielder Jack Wilshere and defender Winston Reid.
Winger Antonio has not featured in a Hammers match-day squad since suffering a hamstring injury at Newport County in August, for which he required surgery last month. Read more
Falode Applauds Sanwo-Olu, Shaibu as NWPL Super 4 Begins in Lagos (ThisDay)
The Chairperson of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWPL), Aisha Falode, has applauded the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for making it possible for the 2018/2019 Nigeria Women Premier League Super 4 to hold in Lagos.
Falode, noted that, Sanwo-Olu’s love for the women’s game made it possible for the NWPL to host the Super 4 in the state.
“The board of the Nigeria Women Football League wishes to sincerely thank the Lagos state governor for his magnanimity in hosting the NWPL Super 4, without much trouble. We are playing at the Agege Stadium, Lagos today because of the love and interest the governor show for women’s football development. Read more
Madrid to offload Modric in January transfer window (Punch)
Real Madrid will reportedly look to sell experienced midfielder Luka Modric during the January transfer window.
Modric won the 2018 Ballon d’Or for his outstanding form at club and international level, but the 34-year-old has struggled to make his mark in the early stages of the 2019-20 campaign.
Injuries have restricted the Croatia international to just five La Liga appearances, while his contract at the Bernabeu will expire at the end of next season. Read more
Stop coming from behind, 2007 champ Ibrahim advises Golden Eaglets (DailyTrust)
Ibrahim Said (L) challenges Donat Oro of Hungary during the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019 Group B match between Nigeria and Hungary at Estadio Olimpico de Goias on October 26, 2019 in Goiania. As they prepare to take on Australia in their last group match tonight at the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup, a member of the victorious squad of 2007, Mustapha Ibrahim has warned the set of 2019 to stop coming from behind to win matches. The five time world champions have so far recorded two comeback victories over Hungary in the opening match and Ecuador who they stunned 3-2 in their second group B match played in Goiania on Tuesday.
Barca players offered to delay salaries for Neymar (Punch)
Gerard Pique has suggested that members of the Barcelona squad were open to restructuring their salaries in order to boost the club’s chances of re-signing Neymar.
Throughout the summer transfer window, Neymar was strongly linked with a return to Camp Nou, just two years after moving to Paris Saint-Germain for a world-record fee.
However, due to issues with complying with FFP, Barcelona were forced to scrap plans to hand the Brazil international a second spell at the club. Read more
Five Nigerians reach Wheelchair tennis semi-finals (DailyTrust)
Alex Adewale and Wasiu Yusuf kept Nigeria’s flag flying at the 2nd Puma Engineering Wheelchair Tennis Championship in Abuja on Thursday following their qualification to the semi-finals of the ITF World Series event.
Top seed and defending champion, Adewale eased past Abdallah Athman of Kenya 6-2, 6-1 to set up a meeting with Tanzania’s Novartus Temba, a 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 conqueror of Kazeem Akanbi of Nigeria. Read more
Three female refs for U-23 AFCON (Punch)
The CAF Referees Committee has included three female referees and a Nigerian, Samuel Pwadutakam, as part of the 25-man list of match officials for the upcoming U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
The list, which was obtained by our correspondent, showed that 12 referees and 13 assistant referees were selected for the tournament scheduled for November 8 to 22.
CAF, in a statement on its website on Thursday, said the female referees were appointed for the second time as part of its commitment to develop female referees’ capacity. Read more
NNL succumbs to club owners, postpones resumption to Nov 22 (NewTelegraph)
The Nigeria National League might have succumbed to the wishes of the NNL Club Owners and Managers Association, who requested for a two-week extension for the commencement of the new season.
Despite rejecting in a release signed by the Chief Operating Officer of the second tier league in the country, Lawrence Katken, saying the league would resume as scheduled on Friday November 1, there was counter information to the contrary. Read more
Kienka, Azinge in action as curtain falls on AIICO Tennis tourney (Guardian)
Emeka Azinge, who came back from a set down to defeat Dele Osinga 2/6, 6/3,10/3 in his last game, is one of those competing for honours in today’s final of the AIICO Tennis Singles Championship holding at the Ikoyi Club 1938 Tennis Section. Also in the running is Sesan Dada, who also edged out Bola Ayorinde 6/3, 6/1 in the same Group B with Azinge, while Kalada Kienka from Group A is another top candidate in the AIICO Singles Tennis Championship.
The final of the championship comes up today on the tennis court of the prestigious club. Read more
Barty and Bencic advance to WTA semis in Shenzhen (DailyTrust)
Ashleigh Barty World No 1 Ashleigh Barty and Belinda Bencic both advanced to the semifinals after contrasting victories at the WTA Finals in China on Thursday. Barty progressed from the round-robin stage with a crushing 6-4, 6-2 win over Petra Kvitova in one hour and 28 minutes at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre. Bencic prevailed 7-5, 1-0 in 61 minutes after late replacement Kiki Bertens retired ill. Read more