2 herders arrested for killing Lagos resident over crushed cow (Punch)
Two yet-to-be-identified cattle herders on Monday reportedly stabbed a man to death in protest against the killing of a cow around Agemowo, in the Badagry area of Lagos State.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the herders were crossing the expressway with their cattle when a commercial bus crushed the cow to death.
Angered by the development, the herders accosted the driver and demanded payment for the dead cow.
It was learnt that the request for payment led to an argument that degenerated into a fight, as the herders allegedly stabbed the victim to death. Read more
Lagos residents lament indiscriminate dumping of refuse on roads (Guardian)
Lagos residents have lamented the return of heaps of refuse on major roads and markets in the metropolis.
They lamented that the refuse is left uncleaned for weeks, by the state Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), especially in markets.
According to them, the mounting refuse often finds its way inside drains and waterways, thereby hindering the free flow of rainwater.
As a result, some traders and residents have resorted to dumping their refuse inside drains in most areas. Read more
Actress Rahama Sadau’s leg chain sparks debate on Twitter (DailyTrust)
Nollywood actress and film-maker, Rahama Sadau, has given candid responses to various Twitter users who reacted to a picture of her wearing a leg chain.
In a post shared by the user named @Anonymous_engr1, the actress was pictured with veteran actor, Gabriel Afolayan. The tweep requested an explanation for the leg chain she wore, saying, “Can someone help me explain @rahma_sadau”
The actress responded by saying, “Hello Anonymous, that’s an expensive REAL GOLD. Hope that answers your question.”
Another user named @Muazu also reacted to her reply, wanting to know the significance of the leg chain she wore. He wrote; “That’s not the answer he wants. He’s asking about what’s the essence of putting that leg chain”
The veteran actress also proceeded, by giving him a candid reply. She wrote, “Fashion.” Read more
Hijab: MSSN urges Lagos govt to sanction erring principals (Vanguard)
The Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, MSSN, Lagos Unit, has has asked the Lagos State Government to issue a circular on the recently delivered judgement by the Supreme Court approving the use of hijab in all schools in the state.
Addressing a press conference on the apex court judgement on Hijab at the Lagos Secretariat Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja, the President of the group, Miftahudeen Thanni urged the government to caution its officials against harassing Muslim females wearing the hijab, adding that issuing the circular would curb “overzealous” teachers and principals from contempt of court.
He said, “This is not to castigate the Lagos State Government but to appeal for the prompt implementation of the Supreme Court judgement.
“We waited patiently to get the judgement and we were lawful throughout. Read more
Kanu appears in court today, calls for calm (Punch)
Ahead of the case coming up on Tuesday (today) before Justice Binta Nyako of a Federal High Court in Abuja, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has called on his supporters to “maintain absolute civility in their conduct, as have always demonstrated.”
The IPOB leader, who is standing trial over alleged terrorism, also said he was fully prepared for the court appearance as he is in good spirit.
Kanu’s lawyer and leader of his legal team, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, disclosed these in a statement issued on Monday after a routine visit to his client in the headquarters of the Department of State Services.
He wrote, “We conducted our routine court-ordered visit to our indefatigable client – Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu at the DSS headquarters. “Today’s visit was unique because it was basically to harmonise the final legal strategy for tomorrow’s outing. Onyendu is fully prepared for his court appearance tomorrow, and he is in good spirit. We are confident that justice will be done tomorrow too. Read more
Again, IPOB declares sit-at-home today in South East (Guardian)
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared another sit-at-home in the South East today. Its spokesman, Emma Powerful, said the decision is due to the appearance of their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in court today.
The usual Monday sit-at-home in the zone still keeps residents indoors as banks, markets, shops and other commercial centres remain closed in Anambra and other South-East states.
Civil servants in Anambra stayed away from work, as members of the pro-biafra group continue to issue threats to residents.
A statement, yesterday, by IPOB reads: “We had announced that any day our leader, Kanu, would appear in court, everybody will, in solidarity with him, stay at home. Read more
National Awards: NNMA raises alarm over attempt to defraud Nigerians (DailyTrust)
The Nigerian National Merit Award (NNMA) has called on the general public to disregard information from an unscrupulous organization posing as a committee of the national awards.
In a signed statement, the Secretary of the NNMA, Mr Namadi Ibrahim, noted that the said organizations are craftily using the award name, logo to defraud innocent people.
He said, “The attention of the Nigerian National Merit Award (NNMA) has been drawn to publication by some unscrupulous organizations who are parading themselves as a committee of the Nigerian National Merit Award and are in the process of conferring awards on some unsuspecting Nigerians. The organization is also requesting money from those to be awarded.”
Mr Ibrahim added that the NNMA board would never demand any form of payment from interested applicants. Read more
Widow cries out for help over domestic violence by in-laws (Independent)
A 44 years old widow, Mrs Fidelia Emejor has cried out over domestic violence and abuse from her late husband’s family.
Narrating her ordeal when she visited the office of Women’s aid collective (WACOL), in Enugu, Mrs Emejor said she has been facing hardship and domestic violence since she lost her husband, Mr Paul Lewechi in 2017.
According to her, “I feel so bad today because I remember the death of my late husband. Since the passing of my husband, I have been facing untold hardship due to domestic violence and abuse from my husband’s brothers. The arrowhead in this wicked act is Mr. Joseph Emejor who has been making life miserable for me since the unfortunate incident.”
“My late husband was the first son amongst five (5) men in the family, others are Comrade John Emejor, Mr. Chinedu Emejor, Chibuzo Emejor, and Chibuike Emejor.” Read more
Posthumous award holds for Orlando Julius in Ibadan (Leadership)
The legacy of the late legendary musician, Orlando Julius Ekemode, will be highlighted and celebrated at the Tunde Odunlade Arts And Culture Connexions Center on Sunday, June 26, 2021.
The legendary saxophonist died on April 14, in his home in Ilesha and was buried on May 28, 2022.
In his honour, the cultural centre will be having a tribute and a posthumous award for him. Also a special award will be for his widow, Latoya Adoke, a reputable musician and dancer.
Part of the highlights is a new film by ace movie director, Tunde Kelani named ‘Ololufe’ which has Orlando Julius hit song ‘Ololufe’ as the movie soundtrack. Read more
Police arrest suspected killer of APC chieftain Gulak, others in Imo (Channels)
Police authorities in Imo State say they have arrested one of the suspected killers of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ahmed Gulak.
Mr Mike Abattam, the Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Police Command, disclosed this while briefing reporters on Monday in Owerri, the state capital.
The suspect identified as Anosike Chimobi from Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area (LGA) of the state was apprehended one year after Gulak’s death.
Gulak, a former aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan, was murdered by a group of armed men on May 30, 2021, during a visit to Imo State. Read more
Credit Suisse bank found guilty over money laundering charges (BBC)
Credit Suisse has been found guilty and fined for involvement in money laundering related to a Bulgarian drugs ring.
Switzerland’s criminal court found that the bank did not do enough to prevent members of the crime syndicate from profiting off the trafficking of cocaine in to Europe.
It was fined around £1.7m and ordered to pay £15m to the Swiss government.
The bank denies wrongdoing and said it would appeal against the ruling.
A former Bulgarian tennis player, Elena Pampoulova-Bergomi, who worked at the bank for a period, was found guilty of money laundering by Switzerland’s highest criminal court and received a 20-month suspended prison sentence. Her £1.7m fine was also suspended. Read more
Elvis Presley 24-hour free streaming channel goes live (Variety)
The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll is getting a hunk, a hunk of streaming love.
The Elvis Presley Channel is now available on platforms in the U.S. representing 100 million-plus devices, offering a continuous, linear free stream of Elvis concerts, documentaries, specials and movies as well as other lifestyle and entertainment programming. The channel is operated by Cinedigm, which launched it in partnership with Elvis Presley Enterprises and Authentic Brands Group.
“It’s about honoring Elvis and the brand, and doing it in a big way,” said Erick Opeka, Cinedigm’s chief strategy officer and president. “Elvis Presley is an iconic performer whose global appeal transcends across generations and a diverse range of fans.”
The Elvis Channel features two 12-hour blocks (aka “wheels”) of content. Cinedigm will regularly refresh the programming on the channel, with upwards of 175 hours of Elvis and Elvis-adjacent material expected to be featured each month. Read more
Kendrick Lamar closes Glastonbury with powerful plea for women’s rights (TorontoStar)
Rapper Kendrick Lamar has closed this year’s Glastonbury Festival with a powerful headline set that saw him chant “Godspeed for women’s rights” as fake blood poured down his face from a crown of thorns.
Lamar, 35, ended his new song “Savior” by chanting “they judge you, they judge Christ. Godspeed for women’s rights” before dropping his microphone and walking off the stage at the music festival Sunday.
The dramatic protest came two days after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to strip away women’s constitutional protection for abortion.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper was among big names including Diana Ross, Billie Eilish, Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen to feature at the festival in southwest England, which welcomed back 200,000 music fans for the first time since 2019 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Read more
Johnny Depp could reprise Captain Jack ‘Pirates’ role with $301M deal (NYPost)
To tweak a legendary line from Johnny Depp’s best-known franchise: “This is the day you will always remember as the day you almost cancelled Captain Jack Sparrow.”
Embattled actor Johnny Depp is rumored to be getting paid over $300 million to return to “Pirates Of The Caribbean,” after getting unceremoniously dumped from the franchise in 2018 amid abuse allegations by ex Amber Heard. A source close to Disney allegedly dropped the bombshell in a new interview with Aussie outlet Poptopic.
“The deal is reportedly for Johnny Depp to return as Jack Sparrow,” the little leaking birdie claimed to the Down Under entertainment website.
The 59-year-old “Donnie Brasco” star had played the swashbuckling buccaneer in five
“Pirates” movies over the last 15 years, before Disney dropped him from the sixth and final instalment in wake of 36-year-old Heard’s 2018 Washington Post op-ed Depp claimed defamed him as a domestic abuser. This reportedly caused the “Edward Scissorhands” icon to lose out on a $22.5 million payday. Read more
Top Gun: Maverick becomes highest-grossing movie of the year worldwide (FilmNews)
Top Gun: Maverick has soared past the $1 billion (£810 million) mark at the global box office, making it the highest-grossing movie of the year so far.
The action movie, the long-awaited follow-up to 1986’s Top Gun, broke records on its opening weekend in May and has continued to hold steady at the box office every week.
Over the weekend, Top Gun: Maverick’s fifth weekend in cinemas, it crossed the $1 billion benchmark, with its box office takings now at $1.006 billion (£813 million) after only 31 days on release. It also managed to achieve the feat without playing in China or Russia.
Tom Cruise’s latest blockbuster is the first movie of 2022 to reach that milestone and the second in the Covid-19 era after Spider-Man: No Way Home. Read more
Former Hollywood actor jailed for burgling Newcastle home after missing last bus home (ITV)
A former Hollywood actor has been jailed for burgling a Newcastle city centre home after missing the last bus home while drunk.
Jason Hoganson’s life spiralled out of control after playing a significant role in the movie Empire State in 1988 as he struggled to deal with the success and a traumatic childhood.
The 51-year-old’s drink and drug abuse and offending over the years has now seen him rack up more than 100 convictions, a court heard.
His latest offence was committed on 19 April this year just after midnight when he entered a property on Groat Market, in Newcastle. Read more
South Africa police investigating deaths of 21 teenagers in bar (VOA)
South African authorities say the owner of a bar where at least 17 teenagers were found dead and four others died while receiving medical care is expected to face charges. Police investigating the mysterious deaths in Eastern Cape province say they have not ruled out the possibility the teenagers were poisoned.
South African police say they are investigating and awaiting autopsy results after the teenagers’ bodies were found at a bar early Sunday morning with no visible cause of death.
Brigadier Thembinkosi Kinana is a police spokesman.
“Whilst we understand the urgency of this matter and the anxiety of the public, in particular the affected families who want answers. We urge that we allow sufficient time for our detectives to finalize those investigations. I must also add that we have not made any arrests at this stage,” he said. Read more
Super Falcons arrive in Morocco ahead battle for 10th continental title (Guardian)
Nigeria’s women football national team, Super Falcons, arrived in the capital of Morocco, Rabat, yesterday, from Casablanca, ahead of the 2022 African Women Cup of Nations, which kicks off on Saturday in four centres across the North African country.
Nigeria are the defending champions and they seek to win their 10th crown in 12 editions of the championship, which pits the best African countries in a battle to decide the best football playing nation among the lot.
According to thenff.com, the Super Falcons have opened their camp in Rabat, where they will train for seven days before their opening game against the biggest challengers, South Africa, on July 4.
Nigeria will also play against Botswana on July 7 and Burundi on July 10 in the group phase of the competition. Read more
Wike excited as Rivers United wins 2021/2022 NPFL title (Leadership)
Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has congratulated state-owned football club, the Rivers United, for emerging the winner of the 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title.
Rivers United was officially confirmed the champion of the 2021/2022 NPFL season following Plateau United 1-2 away loss to Akwa United at the weekend.
Wike, in a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Monday, commended the players and coaching staff of the state-owned football club following the memorable victory which ended their five-year NPFL title chase.
The governor, who attributed the achievement of Rivers United to the talented team’s determination, said it was most heartening that by virtue of the league win, the club will represent the country at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League next season. Read more
Mikel Arteta’s dream 25-man Arsenal squad for 2022-23 including Gabriel Jesus and Raphinha (Mirror)
Mikel Arteta has been wasting little time bulking up his squad as Arsenal prepare for a return to European competition.
The Gunners may have missed out on a spot in the Champions League on the final day of last season, but they still have Europa League football to look forward to. That means more games, and more games means more players may well be needed.
Arteta has already overseen a number of new additions, with Gabriel Jesus set to become the fourth new arrival when his move from Manchester City becomes official. And, after already adding Marquinhos, Fabio Vieira and Matt Turner, the manager now has the task of putting together a 25-man squad for the Premier League season.
Arsenal have been handed a boost with the recognition that William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli will qualify as homegrown players for the upcoming campaign. However, the Premier League and Europa League have different rules regarding what qualifies a player as homegrown. Read more
Newcastle consider hijacking Man Utd plans for second defender after Sven Botman medical (Express)
Newcastle United, joined by West Ham United, are ‘seriously considering’ hijacking Erik ten Hag’s plans to sign a new left-back this summer. Eddie Howe is eyeing further defensive reinforcements once Sven Botman completes his move to Newcastle ahead of his first full season as manager.
Botman has arrived on Tyneside to undergo a medical and officially join Howe’s squad in somewhat of a coup for the Magpies. But it doesn’t sound like they will be finished attempting to bolster their defence in their inaugural summer transfer window under Saudi-backed ownership.
According to Sport 1, Manchester United are interested in signing Raum and a Hoffenheim departure after just one season is ‘likely’. However, they are joined by Newcastle and West Ham in considering a move for the Germany international, who is understood to be open to leaving the Bundesliga outfit.
Newcastle’s reported interest is a surprise, considering they have just splashed £15million to make Aston Villa left-back Matt Targett’s loan move permanent. Meanwhile, West Ham are looking to replace Aaron Cresswell ahead of another season in European competition. Read more
Mark Cavendish misses out on a spot in the Tour de France (DailyMail)
Mark Cavendish will not ride in the Tour de France after the British rider was named as a first-reserve rider by Belgian team Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl on Monday.
Cavendish had made his case for Tour de France selection after winning his second British road race title on Sunday, saying he will win stages if selected.
The 37-year-old equalled the all-time record for stage wins last year and was hopeful of breaking the record at the July 1-24 race.
However, Cavendish will now be on reserve along with Florian Senechal while Julian Alaphilippe is not in the eight-man team. Read more
Brittney Griner’s trial in Russia on alleged cannabis possession to begin July 1 (ABC)
More than four months after she was arrested at a Moscow airport for alleged cannabis possession, a Russian court has set the start date for the trial of U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner for Friday.
The Phoenix Mercury star was also ordered to remain in custody for the duration of her criminal trial. She could face 10 years in prison if convicted on charges of large-scale transportation of drugs. Fewer than 1% of defendants in Russian criminal cases are acquitted, and unlike in the U.S., acquittals can be overturned.
On Monday, the court in the Moscow suburb of Khimki extended Griner’s detention for another six months after she appeared for a preliminary hearing held behind closed doors. Photos obtained by the AP showed her appearing in handcuffs. Griner had previously been ordered to remain in pretrial detention until Saturday.
Several officials and experts familiar with Griner’s case told ESPN’s T.J. Quinn that a trial — and a conviction — were always likely developments, as they were for Americans Trevor Reed and Paul Whelan. Regardless of whether Russian prosecutors present compelling, specious or flat-out fabricated evidence against Griner, the sources said it doesn’t change the basic dynamic: Russia has indicated that it is willing to negotiate her release, and the legal proceedings are simply a pretense to put a sheen of legitimacy on the saga. Read more
Carlos Alcaraz backs himself to upstage the icons at Wimbledon (Tennis365)
Rising Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz has backed his game to bring him success on grass and believes he can win Wimbledon this year.
Alcaraz said that his aggressive style of play would suit grass and he felt assured in his own abilities despite admitting that he hadn’t had the best build-up to the tournament.
The youngster has a pair of ATP 1000 titles in the bag already this season and his confidence is becoming something of a trademark.
“You think that you are able to adapt your game to grass court,” Alcaraz said. Read more
