4 suspected cultists nabbed in Badagry (Punch)
Men of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested four members of rival cult groups over nefarious and criminal activities.
They were said to have been nabbed in the Badagry area of the state for plaguing members of the community.
This was disclosed in a statement sent to Sunday PUNCH on Saturday by the state police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin.
Hundeyin noted that the arrest of the suspects followed a painstaking week-long investigation into incessant complaints of cult-related disturbances and killings in Badagry. Read more
2023: Lagos voters almost hitting 7m – INEC (DailyTrust)
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos says statistics show that the state currently has about seven million registered voters.
INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Lagos state, Mr Olusegun Agbaje, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.
According to him, if the number of new registrants so far in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) is added to those already on the register, the number will be about seven million.
“In Lagos state as of Monday (July 18), those who registered online are 640, 560 but many of them have not completed registration. Those who have completed the registration exercise are 451, 156.” Read more
Safe Termination of Pregnancy: 150 women groups ask Sanwo-Olu to lift guidelines’ suspension (ThisDay)
Over 150 Women Rights and Civil Society Organisations have called on the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to immediately lift suspension on the guidelines on Safe Termination of Pregnancy for Legal Indicators.
The groups maintained that women have rights to their bodily integrity and to life, stressing that the ‘Safe Termination of Pregnancy for Legal Indicators’ is meant to save women from preventable death.
Lagos State, through the Directorate of Family Health and Nutrition in the state’s Ministry of Health had on June 29, 2022, presented a 40-page policy document titled ‘Lagos State Guidelines on Safe Termination of Pregnancy for Legal Indicators’ to set out guidelines for safe termination of pregnancy within the ambit of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
The guidelines are meant to standardise and build capacity for medical professionals to save lives of pregnant women whose pregnancy continuation is a danger to their lives and physical health. Read more
Adeboye, Oyemade, others mentor youths at RCCG confab (Nation)
The National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, was a beehive of activities yesterday as thousands of young Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) worshipers converged to commemorate the 2022 “Youth Aflame Conference.”
Tagged: “Mountain Climbers”, the event drew participants from far and near as the organisers assembled an array of speakers to address various topics that would keep the young mind on the goals of building a successful future, working for God and enriching humanity with leaders and great talents.
Among the speakers were Pastors Leke Adeboye, Poju Oyemade, Tunji Adeboyejo, Bisi Akande, Jerry Eze, Kola Oyeneyin, Tomie Arayomi, and Adegbola Shaman.
While declaring the conference open, the host clergyman, Pastor Daniel Olawande, explained that the conference was put together for young professionals who would actualise the great vision of the transformative power of breaking barriers and planting success wherever they serve. Read more
Terry G, Spider Ryder, others set to dazzle at Lagos Music Fiesta (Sun)
Lagosians are in for a good time, as KIO Entertainment in conjunction with Vision One Group, is bringing undiluted music and comedy fun to the Mega City.
Tagged: ‘Lagos Music Fiesta’, the show will take place on Friday, August 12, 2022 at Blue Moon Beach Hotel, Oniru, Lekki, Lagos starting from 2pm to till dawn.
It would feature some of the finest Nigerian artistes including Terry G, Spider Ryder, Sugar Boy, Evagreen, Queen Sally, Mayorvibes, Rapatuala, K-Proxy, Muster Seed, Bazics, Pizzle Mountain, Kelvin Draze, Choozbee Akaa, Goodymore, and Rabadoza.
The event will also parade top comedians and dancers like MC Brainwize, MC Blacky, MC Red Lips, Amazing Dancers, Elit Dancers, and Swaggar Dancers among others. Read more
Ohanaeze Lagos: Council Of Ndieze, Elders reiterate stance against tenure elongation (Independent)
The council of Ndi Eze and elders council of the Ohanaeze have insisted that there is no tenure elongation in the bye-law of the Ohanaeze Lagos State and have maintained that a newly elected, Chief Sunday Ossai president has been empowered to oversee the affairs of the socio-political organisation.
The group in a press conference yesterday, stated that the Lagos bye-law stipulates a four-year single term for the occupant of the presidency, pointing out that Chief Solomon Ogbonna’s tenure was supposed to end on the 16th day of June 2022 but this was cut short through an impeachment due to observed excesses.
At the end of the meeting, a communiqué was issued which was read on behalf of the group by Eze Remi Anyamele, which reads in part, “The social media have been agog with propaganda, and inundated with the imaginary trajectory and negative polemics of Igbo history and culture, especially in Lagos. This infighting became manifest with the litany of voice notes, most of which were impolite and unacceptable for people like Ndigbo.
“In the light of the foregoing, it has become Germaine for the Ezes to make the following clarifications, that Chief Solomon Ogbonna was impeached by the general house during a general assembly meeting at Calabar Hall Ajao Road, Surulere on the 9th of June 2022, and by that singular action, he has lost his position as the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Lagos, the communique stated. Read more
Toyin Abraham, Okanlawon feature in “The Stranger I Know” (Nation)
The duo of Toyin Abraham and Deyemi Okanlawon have featured in Starling Pictures’ new film, “The Stranger I Know”.
The film stars were revealed as the leading cast of the film after the reveal of the film’s trailer on Friday, July 22.
The film also features Aderonke Moyinlorun, Akin Lewis, Bimbo Akintola, and Dayo Amusa. It was produced by Aderonke Moyinlorun and directed by Akin Tijani Balogun.
The Stranger I Know movie is scheduled to be in cinemas on August 19, 2022. Read more
Abuja-Kaduna train terrorists plan to kidnap Buhari, El-Rufai, prominent Nigerians in new video (Tribune)
Terrorists who kidnapped the passengers of Kaduna-Abuja train have vowed to abduct President Muhammadu Buhari, and Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai if their demands are not met soon.
The terrorists suspected to be members of Ansaru also stated that they will abduct other prominent Nigerians, as well as cause mayhem in the country.
In a new video, the group released on Sunday morning which is trending on social media platforms saw the terrorists flogging the remaining male passengers of the train.
While the female passengers were asked to line in front of the male passengers after they were flogged. Read more
Bandits kidnap 9 from Niger village, Police rescue 4 (Channels)
Bandits attacked a village in Munya Local Government of Niger State on Saturday, abducting up to nine people in the process.
The bandits attacked the village in the early hours of the morning, according to the Police Public Relations Officer, Niger Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun.
He said the police were, however, on the trail of the attackers and swung into action after being alerted about the attack.
“At about 05:20 hours, armed bandits attacked Kuti Village, via Sarkin Pawa in Munya Local Government Area where about nine persons were abducted,” he said at a press briefing in Minna, the Niger State capital on Saturday. Read more
Gunmen kill Adamawa councillor (Leadership)
The deputy leader of Song local government Legislative Council, Hon. Ishaya Babakano, has been killed by unknown gunmen in Adamawa State.
Babakano was killed on Friday night at his residence in Gudu Mboi Ward of Song LGA.
The Councillor was reported to have been shot dead few hours after being whisked away by the assailants in his hometown of Bannga.
Also, his son was said to have been shot in the process and he was said to be receiving treatment at a health facility in Song. Read more
Disney announces 2 new Marvel ‘Avengers’ films at Comic-Con (DailyMail)
Disney announced a slew of Marvel superhero movies including two new “Avengers” films Saturday at Comic-Con, as it offered screaming fans an emotional first glimpse at its upcoming “Black Panther” sequel.
The record-breaking Marvel movies have dominated Hollywood and global box offices in recent years, with 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame” briefly becoming the highest-grossing film of all time at more than $2.79 billion.
“I wonder if you guys wouldn’t mind looking ahead a little bit?” studio president Kevin Feige asked the wildly cheering hall of die-hard superhero fans toward the end of a raucous hour-plus presentation at a San Diego convention center.
“Avengers: The Kang Dynasty” and “Avengers: Secret Wars” will hit theaters in 2025, he then announced. Read more
George R.R. Martin calls out “toxic internet” culture over ‘Game Of Thrones’ backlash (NME)
George R.R. Martin has criticised the “toxic internet” culture over the Games Of Thrones finale backlash.
The writer behind the hit HBO show spoke about the largely negative reaction to season eight while talking to The Hollywood Reporter about the upcoming prequel series, House Of The Dragon.
“The fucking toxic internet and these podcasts out there saying that season eight left such a bad impression that people say, ‘Oh, I’m never going to watch them again’,” Martin told the outlet.
“I don’t trust them anymore.” Read more
Box Office: ‘Nope’ makes contact with projected $44.5m opening (Variety)
Jordan Peele’s “Nope” is successfully sending a message to moviegoers: get out… and go to a theater.
The Universal release is expected to net a $44.5 million opening this weekend from 3,785 theaters, marking Peele’s third consecutive film to debut at the top of the domestic box office.
The first indication that “Nope” might just be a summer box office hit came from its Thursday previews, which brought in a strong $6.4 million. Early projections saw the sci-fi horror film making $45 million to $60 million by the end of its opening weekend. The film is coming in a hair under those estimates.
“Nope” is projecting a debut a notch above Peele’s first film, 2017’s “Get Out,” which opened to $33.7 million, but a good deal lower than Peele’s sophomore effort, 2019’s “Us,” which opened to $71.1 million. Both films wound up totaling about $255 million worldwide. To match that milestone, “Nope” will have to rely on solid word-of-mouth in the weeks ahead. Read more
Steven Spielberg’s ‘The Fabelmans’ sets world premiere at TIFF (Collider)
With the theatrical release of Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans only a few months away, it has now been announced that the film will make its world debut at the 47th Toronto International Film Festival which runs from September 8 to September 18, marking the filmmaker’s first appearance at the event.
The film will serve as a semi-autobiography and is loosely based on Spielberg’s childhood. The film will center on a family in post-World War II Arizona as a young man discovers a family secret while also learning about the power of film. The exact date of the film’s premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival remains unknown. After its world premiere, the film will have a limited theatrical release beginning on November 11 before expanding nationwide on November 23.
Alongside The Fabelmans, other films expected to premiere at the Toronto Film Festival include Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, directed by Rian Johnson, Bros, starring Billy Eichner, The Woman King, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, Clement Virgo’s Brother, and My Policeman, starring Harry Styles. Read more
Legendary rapper turned Congressman Doitall shares advice Tupac gave him (AllHipHop)
New Jersey rapper-turned-politician Dupré “Doitall” Kelly from the Hip-Hop group Lords of the Underground recently became the first platinum-selling artist to be elected to public office after winning a seat in Newark’s city council this year.
On Friday, July 1st, he had his inauguration ceremony.
The “Chief Rocka” said this day was long-coming and reminded him of a conversation he had with Tupac before his premature death.
“I had a conversation with Tupac Shakur about this day. I wish he could be here to see me this day,” Councilman Kelly shared. Read more
Emmy winning writer and comedian, Kevin Rooney dies at 71 (Deadline)
Emmy award-winning comedy writer Kevin Rooney passed away in his home on July 19th after a long battle with diabetes and end-stage renal failure. He was 71.
Rooney wrote Jay Leno’s first comedy special, Jay Leno and the American Dream. He also worked on Leno’s “What’s my beef?” tirades for Late Night with David Letterman in the ’80s.
“He was the greatest muse a comedian could ever have,” said Leno, who met Rooney at The Improv. “I got so much material just through conversations with Kevin. The first time I saw him, I thought, ‘Oh boy, this guy is really good.’ It’s a real voice. There’s no gimmicks. He didn’t have a catch phrase. There wasn’t a funny look. When times were rough, they throw out the catch phrase or funny look. Kevin didn’t have any of that.”
Leno continued, “I don’t know anybody who thought they were better than Kevin Rooney. When Kevin took the stage, we’d all step inside. Me, Seinfeld, Larry Miller. At the end of the night, we’d all say, ‘Rooney’s story was really funny.’ Read more
Dwayne Johnson makes epic Black Adam entrance at Comic-Con (BelfastTelegraph)
Dwayne Johnson was surrounded by crackling electricity and swirling smoke as he made an epic entrance to the Comic-Con stage.
The Hollywood star appeared in his full anti-hero costume to promote his upcoming DC blockbuster Black Adam at the convention.
Addressing fans at the famous Hall H he warned them that the superhero universe would “never be the same again”.
Blue sparks flew in the darkness as special lanyards given to attendees flashed blue ahead of the second panel on the third day of the world famous convention. Read more
Brume, Usoro leap into long jump final to make World Championships history (Guardian)
Nigeria will feature two women in the long jump competition’s final for the first time since the World Athletics Championships’ inception.
The duo of Ese Brume and Ruth Usoro made sure of this by equalling the feat accomplished by the men’s duo of Yusuf Alli and Paul Emordi back in 1987, in Rome, Italy, at the second edition of the championships.
While both Alli and Emordi did not advance to the final eight, where they could target podium appearances, Brume and Usoro will be confident of their chances.
For Brume, this will be her second appearance in the final after three trips to World Athletics’ flagship event. In 2017 in London, the 26-year-old did not make it to the final but leapt 6.89m in the qualifying round two years later to qualify for her first final. Read more
Ex-coach blames inadequate funding for national teams’ performance (Punch)
Founder of Caleb Esu Soccer Academy, Calabar, Cross River State, Caleb Esu, has attributed the poor performance of national teams to lack of proper funding of soccer academies in the country.
Esu, a former coach of Rovers Football Club in 2016, Enyimba Football Club in 2021-2022, Dakkada Football Club in 2018-2020, bared his mind while speaking with journalists in Calabar over the defeat of the African women football champions, the Super Falcons.
He lamented that the nation’s soccer academies have not been properly funded as it is done in other parts of the world.
“We are not getting the needed result because of poor funding and support by government and other kind-spirited individuals and organisations. Read more
Chelsea plan to renew Lukaku loan at Inter (FootballItalia)
Romelu Lukaku seems to have no intention of returning to Chelsea and the feeling is mutual, with reports there is already an agreement in principle to leave him on loan at Inter for a second season.
The striker was sold to the Premier League side last summer for €113m and almost immediately regretted his decision, pushing for a return since December 2021.
He made the comeback on loan for €7m plus €3m in performance-related bonuses and has been all smiles with the Nerazzurri, joking with teammates about his “mistake” in leaving the first time.
It is evident he wants to make it a permanent switch, but Inter cannot afford to repay the €100m fee, nor do Chelsea need him back under Thomas Tuchel. Read more
Edu explains fresh Arsenal transfer plan to solve Mikel Arteta puzzle amid perfect £122m swoop (FootballLondon)
Arsenal technical director Edu has detailed the club’s plan for the remainder of the summer transfer market following the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City. The 25-year-old was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium and, after finally penning a four-year deal with the north Londoners, he became Mikel Arteta’s fifth signing of the window.
Zinchenko follows the arrivals of Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira, Matt Turner and Marquinhos as the Gunners look to avenge their top-four sorrows from last season. Tottenham Hotspur snatched Champions League qualification from beneath Arsenal’s nose last season, fuelling Arteta’s desire to recharge his side.
Despite having become one of the Premier League’s leading spenders this summer after splashing £121.5million, the Gunners have shown no sign of slowing down. And, the north Londoners’ transfer chief spoke one his business so far and explained how Arsenal will draw the curtains on the transfer window ahead of the new campaign. Read more
French GP: Charles Leclerc starts on pole for race at Paul Ricard (GiveMeSport)
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc will start the French Grand Prix from pole position after beating title rival Max Verstappen to P1 in qualifying at Paul Ricard.
The Scuderia driver is aiming to capitalise on Ferrari’s decent form fully this weekend, and has started as he’ll surely mean to go on by taking P1 ahead of his championship rival Verstappen.
The Ferrari man had his team-mate to thank, in part, for earning pole as he saw Carlos Sainz give him a tow on his final flying lap, with the Spaniard more than happy to oblige with his own race already pretty compromised after Ferrari decided to install a host of new parts into his power unit following the fire in Austria – it means he’ll start from the rear of the field tomorrow.
Indeed, that also means that Leclerc is surrounded by Red Bulls, with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez in P2 and P3 and looking to pounce, so we could be in for quite the charge down to the first corner on Sunday afternoon.
Phoenix Suns, coach Monty Williams agree to long-term extension, sources say (ABC)
The Phoenix Suns and Monty Williams, the NBA’s reigning coach of the year, have agreed on a long-term contract extension, sources told ESPN on Saturday.
Williams, who was also voted the National Basketball Coach’s Association’s coach of the year in consecutive seasons, had two years left on his original five-year deal, and now moves under contract for several more years, sources said.
Williams’ impact on the Suns organization has been profound, including a trip to the 2021 NBA finals and a franchise record 64 regular-season victories last season. Williams has gone 149-78 (.656) in his three seasons and delivered accountability and purpose to a wayward Suns’ program, transforming a team that had won 19 games prior to his arrival into one of the league’s best teams.
The Suns last season joined the 1969-70 New York Knicks as the only teams to finish with a better road victory percentage than every other team’s home victory percentage in a season. The Suns were also 47-0 when leading after three quarters — the best in the shot-clock era. The only two other teams that went undefeated in that scenario in the regular season both included LeBron James — the 2017-18 Cleveland Cavaliers and the 2019-20 Los Angeles Lakers. Read more
Wout van Aert claims final time trial, but Jonas Vingegaard on verge of Tour de France win (ESPN)
Jonas Vingegaard thundered through the last serious test of the Tour de France to increase his overall lead on Saturday and all but guarantee winning cycling’s biggest race.
After three weeks of exhausting racing, the Jumbo-Visma leader dug deep in his reserves to deliver yet another impressive performance in a long time trial in southern France.
Vingegaard, who is not a pure specialist of the race against the clock, could have played it safe given his more than three-minute lead at the start. He, instead, took all the risks on the technical course and had a scare close to the finish when he misjudged a curve and had to brake hard to avoid a crash.
Vingegaard then slowed down dramatically as he approached the finish line. He finished the 20th stage in second place behind winner Wout van Aert, his key teammate. Read more
