5 feared killed, shops burnt as traders, okada riders clash in Abuja market (Independent)
Five persons were said to have died on Wednesday and goods worth billions of naira burnt at the popular Furniture Market in Dei-Dei, a community in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), when traders clashed with commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as okada riders, following the death of an unidentified woman.
Sources said that trouble started after an okada rider ran into a trader, killing the woman. Following the accident, argument ensued which degenerated, leading to burning of the motorcycle involved in the accident.
They said the motorcyclists mobilised themselves to attack the warehouses of the furniture marketers, destroying goods worth billions of naira.
Meanwhile, the FCT police spokesperson, DSP Josephine Adeh, said comprehensive deployment of tactical and intelligence assets of the command led by the Commissioner of Police, CP Babaji Sunday, led to the return of peace in the area. Read more
Hausa community seeks reversal of Okada ban, promises Sanwo-Olu massive votes (Punch)
Some leaders of the Hausa community in Lagos State have appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to reverse the ban on Okada operations in six local government areas of the state.
The leaders, who spoke in separate interviews with The PUNCH, on Wednesday, said Okada riders who hail from northern Nigeria contribute significantly to the voting population of Lagos and should not be economically strangulated.
Sanwo-Olu had on Wednesday banned the operations of commercial motorcycle riders in six Local Governments and nine Local Government Development Areas in the state.
The affected councils are Eti-Osa, Ikeja, Surulere, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland and Apapa. Read more
Sanwo-Olu, others call for increase in investment to bridge Nigeria’s $11t infrastructure gap (ThisDay)
For Nigeria to close the infrastructure gap in the critical sectors of the economy, about $11 trillion would be required, the Association for Consulting Engineering in Nigeria (ACEN), has revealed.
To this end, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, professional engineers, experts and other stakeholders have advocated increased investment in the provision of infrastructure to foster real growth and economic prosperity on the continent.
Sanwo-Olu alongside the professional engineers and experts, spoke at the opening of the 28th Annual FIDIC Africa Infrastructure Conference held on Monday in Lagos, with the theme, ‘Infrastructure Development in Africa’.
While lamenting the dearth of infrastructure in many African countries as one of the drawbacks for achieving meaningful growth in many countries, the speakers noted that the infrastructure deficit in sub-Saharan Africa was exacerbated by low investment and poor funding. Read more
Don’t hold protest, DSS, Police appeal to NURTW (Tribune)
Security operatives have called on members of the Lagos State council of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to shelve their proposed peaceful protest and allow the government to find an amicable solution to the problem.
The chairman of the caretaker committee, Lagos State council of the union, Alhaji Fatai Adesina, stated this shortly after a closed-door meeting with officers of the Department of State Services (DSS) and officers of the Lagos State police command over the planned peaceful protest by members of NURTW.
He explained that the security operatives listened to the complaints of the union and it was agreed that the union should give the state government time to come up with a workable solution to the problem.
Alhaji Adesina commended the DSS and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Abiodun Alabi, for their intervention. Read more
Customs seizes tramadol, codeine worth N6.6b (Guardian)
The Comptroller-General of Customs Strike Force, Team A, Lagos, has seized 1, 613 cartons of codeine cough syrup (100ml per bottle), 132 cartons of 200mg Sildenafil Citrate and 40 cartons of tramadol worth N6.6 billion, in its anti-smuggling activities for eight weeks.
Coordinator of Team, Deputy Controller, Mohammed Yusuf, while displaying the seized items to newsmen in Ikeja, yesterday, said the Federal Government through the Ministry of Health, had banned the production and importation of Codeine because of its gross abuse.
He said the abuse of drugs is substantially responsible for social vices and criminalities in society, hence, the call on citizens to support the fight against smuggling of any kind. Read more
Shekarau: How Ganduje begged me to help APC
(DailyTrust)
Hours after decamping from the All Progressive Congress (APC) to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Ibrahim Shekarau recollected how Governor Abdullahi Ganduje begged him to help his former party.
Speaking to journalists in Kano at his Mundubawa, Kano residence on Wednesday, Shekarau said injustice and non inclusiveness in the APC made his followers and the leadership of the Shura Consultative Council to decide the move to the NNPP.
Shekarau received his NNPP membership card from Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso on Wednesday morning.
“I, as former governor, former senator, a former minister and a sitting senator, and, an elder in the party. Since after the election, I was never ever invited to any structured meeting. Read more
Police arrest 21 suspects for alleged kidnapping, others (Guardian)
A major breakthrough has been made by the Special Tactical Squad (STS) of the Police High Command as no fewer than 21 suspects have been arrested for kidnapping, armed robbery and sundry crimes.
The suspects were paraded by the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali, who was represented by the Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
Adejobi said the suspects were arrested in connection with offences, ranging from conspiracy, kidnapping, armed robbery, culpable homicide, rape and unlawful possession of prohibited firearms.
According to him, 40 AK47 assault rifles, eight types 06 AK rifles, four Light Assault Rifles (LAR), 1 G3 rifle, 1 AK 49 assault rifle, four pump-action shotguns, 1 dane gun, cash sum of N2million, 310 AK 47 ammunition (7.62 x 39mm), 66 assorted ammunition (8.5mm), two chains and four padlocks were recovered from the suspects. Read more
Police arrest kidnappers, killers of Greenfield, Bethel students (Leadership)
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested suspected kidnappers, who abducted and killed Greenfield University and Bethel Baptist School students last year.
The suspects include Aminu Lawal (a.k.a. Kano) second in command to a notorious kidnapper, Yellow Ashana.
Others were Murtala Dawu, a.k.a. Mugala – well known for kidnapping, rape and sundry brutal crimes along Kaduna–Abuja expressway.
Force PRO, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, while parading the suspects, said “Muritala Dawu and Aminu Lawal worked in synergy under the notorious kidnap kingpin – Yellow Ashana. Read more
FG suspends Ahmed Idris, Accountant General Of Federation over alleged N80b fraud (Independent)
The Federal Government on Wednesday suspended the Accountant General of Federal of the Federation, following his alleged involvement in fraud and arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The suspension was conveyed in a letter signed by Mrs Zainab Ahmed, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, a copy of which was obtained by our Correspondent in Abuja.
In the letter, entitled ‘Letter Of Suspension’ the Minister explained that the suspension was necessary to allow for proper and unhindered investigation into the serious allegations in line with Public Service Rules.
The Minister categorically stated that during the period of the suspension, the Accountant General is not expected to attend his usual place of work or contact any official in his office except for any disciplinary hearing that may be advised. Read more
Skitmaker Josh2funny, wife welcome baby boy (DailyTrust)
Popular Nigerian skit maker, Josh2funny and his wife, Bina Alfred, have welcomed their first child together. The funnyman via his verified Instagram account revealed that the new addition to their family is a boy.
In a post which showed the foot of the child, the comedian captioned the picture with these words, “Now let’s officially welcome the owner of these legs, a new Minister, a King and more, an Optununuan Eden Alfred.”(sic)
The comedian married his wife, an Ethiopian, in December 2020, in a quiet ceremony at the Ikoyi Registry, Lagos. Bina and Josh2funny dated for more than two years before they finally walked down the aisle.
It is gathered that they met online and subsequently fell in love with each other. Bina Alfred travelled all the way to Nigeria to meet with him and the love story between the two continued from there. Read more
Channing Tatum to star in film adaptation of his children’s book “The One and Only Sparkella” (People)
Channing Tatum and his beloved children’s book are headed to the silver screen!
The Magic Mike actor, 42, will star in an upcoming live-action movie adaptation of his first book, The One and Only Sparkella, which he released in May 2021.
The actor shared the news on Instagram, donning a pastel tutu dress with glittery stars to make the big announcement.
“PRIME-TIME IS SHINE TIME!!!” Tatum captioned the post, in which he also held a copy of the soon-to-be released second installment in the Sparkella series, The One and Only Sparkella Makes a Plan. “@sparkella is coming to life with a live-action movie!” Read more
Snoop Dogg announces new album, “A Death Row Summer” (HNHH)
Snoop Dogg announced a new album, A Death Row Summer, during a video posted to Instagram on Tuesday. While Snoop kept details on the project to a minimum, he did share a new single for the album in the form of “Touch Away.” The track is a collaboration between Snoop and October London.
“About to drop this Death Row summer album,” Snoop said in the social media clip taken from the studio. “A Death Row Summer. New single just dropped last night. Check it out. We’ve been in the metaverse, now we back in the universe.”
While he didn’t give a release date, he remarked that it’s “coming soon.”
The album comes as Death Row’s second release in 2022 after Snoop acquired the imprint back in February. Snoop, who released much of his discography through the label, including 1993’s Doggystyle and the 1995 Murder Was the Case soundtrack, has said that he’s glad to be back where it all started. Read more.
Tom Cruise and Top Gun co-star Jennifer Connolly beam at Cannes Film Festival (Mirror)
Tom Cruise and Jennifer Connolly looked in sync as they arrived at the 75th annual Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday.
The pair were all smiles as they made their appearance at the Palais des Festivals in the south of France during the premiere for their upcoming film Top Gun: Maverick.
Cruise was in good spirits as he posed for the cameras while looking after his co-star on the red carpet at the star-studded event.
The 59-year-old lit up Cannes in a black velvet lapel tuxedo with matching black bow tie, with Connelly, 51, looking elegant in a metallic shoulderless maxi dress with black detail. Read more
‘Bill and Ted’-famous Circle K to host farewell screenings of film before closing permanently (THR)
A bittersweet moment is afoot at the Circle K, made famous for its appearance in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.
The market located in Tempe, Arizona, which was featured in the cult-favorite 1989 comedy, will soon be shutting down permanently. To commemorate its place in cinematic history, the store’s parking lot is hosting two screenings on Wednesday evening.
These showings, which are sold out, are organized by Harkins Theatres, which will project the movie onto a screen mounted to the building.
“We are honored to celebrate this iconic movie location and are thankful to the city of Tempe for their support of this ‘excellent’ event,” said Harkins Theatres owner Dan Harkins in a statement. “Moviegoers will be transported throughout time to experience all they love about Bill & Ted’s at the iconic Circle K.” Read more
Elton John to get the official documentary treatment with ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’ (RollingStone)
After getting his own blockbuster biopic, Elton John will be fêted with an official documentary, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road: The Final Elton John Performances and the Years That Made His Legend.
Co-directed by R.J. Cutler and filmmaker — and John’s husband — David Furnish, the movie will be centered around John’s farewell tour, while also looking back at 1970 to 1975, the monumental period when John released 10 albums and scored some of his biggest hits. The doc will also include an array of unseen concert footage from the past 50 years, as well as John’s handwritten journals and present-day footage of the musician and his family.
An exact timeline for the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road hasn’t been announced yet, but the film is expected to hit the festival circuit and get a limited theatrical release. It will then be exclusively available on Disney+.
“What a thrill and an honor it is that David Furnish and I get to create this intimate and unique look at one of the world’s most celebrated artists,” Cutler said in a statement. “As it has for so many others, Elton John’s music has had deep meaning for me for decades, and this opportunity is nothing short of a career highlight and privilege.” Read more
The Game promises ‘Drillmatic’ will be ‘best album of 2022’ while praising Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T and more (HipHopDX)
There was a time when The Game vowed to retire from rap. But the Compton native evidently had a change of heart and has been hard at work on his 10th studio album, Drillmatic.
According to a recent Instagram post, it will be not only his best work but also this year’s most incredible Hip Hop album. The 42-year-old rapper made sure to acknowledge Pusha T’s It’s Almost Dry album as well as Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, while praising projects from Vince Staples, Benny The Butcher, Denzel Curry and Conway The Machine as well.
“I know my album will be the best album of 2022 cause the energy feels like I just signed my deal,” he wrote in the caption. “You’ve never heard me rap like this, I promise you. So far on the level of great projects this year in my genre, I loved @kingpush’s project & @kendricklamar’s art is always more than appreciated and is still in the process of being broken down this very minute. Both @denzelcurryph & @vincestaples had albums I never knew I needed…. @getbenny & @whoisconway’s solo projects made me feel like REAL RAP will always be supreme.”
Despite Game’s appreciation for Kendrick, Vince Staples, King Push, Conway The Machine, Benny The Butcher and Denzel Curry, he’s confident his project will transcend all of theirs. Read more
US Senate confirms ambassador to Ukraine after 3-year vacancy amid Russian war (Global)
The US Senate unanimously approved veteran diplomat Bridget Brink on Wednesday to be ambassador to Ukraine, filling a critical post that has been vacant for three years as Washington works to increase support for the government in Kyiv.
Brink was approved by unanimous voice vote.
Both President Joe Biden’s fellow Democrats and Republicans had urged Brink’s quick confirmation. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved Brink unanimously earlier on Wednesday, after holding her confirmation hearing just two weeks after Biden announced the nomination on April 25.
The quick action underscored the desire from both parties to send an ambassador to support Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as he faces Russia’s invasion. Brink’s Senate confirmation came on the same day that the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv reopened after a three-month closure due to Russia’s Feb. 24 invasion.
CAF Confed Cup: Pirates, Berkane to arrive Uyo ahead of Friday Kick-Off (Independent)
Orlando Pirates of South Africa and RSB Berkane of Morocco are expected to arrive in Uyo on Wednesday ahead of the Friday final of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup.
General Coordinator of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the final who is also the Senior Special Assistant to Akwa Ibom State Governor on Sports, Mr Paul Bassey, gave the confirmation in a chat with newsmen in Uyo.
“The LOC has established contact with the camps of both teams and I can confirm that the teams will be arriving in Uyo today,” Bassey said.
The Coordinator also confirmed that kick-off for the eagerly-anticipated final has been fixed for eight o’clock in the evening. Read more
PSG’s Gueye asked to explain absence after homophobia accusations (Guardian)
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye has been ordered by the French football federation’s ethics board to answer accusations he missed a game to avoid wearing a rainbow jersey in support of the LGBTQI+ movement.
The Senegal international was absent for Saturday’s 4-0 win over Montpellier in Ligue 1 for “personal reasons” rather than injury, according to coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Gueye must “issue a public apology” or say the rumours he refused to take part in French football’s fight against homophobia are “unfounded”, according to a letter seen Wednesday by AFP addressed to the player.
He also missed a match last year on a day dedicated to raising awareness against discrimination. Read more
Joe Gomez offers Liverpool hope as Harvey Elliott makes fitness admission (LiverpoolEcho)
Liverpool have been handed an injury boost after Joe Gomez avoided suffering any serious damage when injuring his ankle against Southampton on Tuesday night.
The defender was forced off shortly before the half-time interval at St. Mary’s after Mohammed Salisu landed on his ankle, and was replaced by Jordan Henderson having slowly limped down the tunnel at the break after receiving treatment on the pitch.
Having had awful luck with injuries in the past, his Reds team-mates were understandably concerned at the sight of the 24-year-old injured against the Saints, while he was later seen leaving St. Mary’s on crutches and with a protective boot on his left foot.
However, Jurgen Klopp played down fears that Gomez had suffered a serious injury when speaking to reporters after Liverpool’s 2-1 victory, as he confirmed the England international was in good spirits despite suffering the injury scare on the eve of the Champions League final.
Callender helps Inter Miami earn scoreless draw with Union (USAToday)
Drake Callender had eight saves to help Inter Miami gain a 0-0 draw with the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday.
Andre Blake notched three saves for Philadelphia (5-1-7), which fell out of the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Union, who were shut out for the first time this season, outshot Miami (3-6-4) 12-10.
Philadelphia has drawn in five straight matches. Miami was looking for its first victory since April 24. Read more
Nadal tests injury in front of packed French Open stands (France24)
Rafael Nadal tested out his injured foot in his first practice at the French Open on Wednesday without any obvious discomfort.
Nadal, the 13-time champion at Roland Garros, delighted fans who packed two sides of the 15,000-capacity Court Philippe Chatrier in the baking Paris sun.
Welcomed by watching Stefanos Tsitsipas, the world number four who was runner-up at the tournament in 2021, Nadal hit with Spanish compatriot Jaume Munar.
It was the 35-year-old Nadal’s first public appearance since suffering a recurrence of a chronic foot injury in his Italian Open third round loss to Denis Shapovalov last week. Read more
Jordan Spieth hoping to learn from Tiger and slam his way home (IrishIndependent)
Jordan Spieth sets out today in the US PGA Championship on his mission to complete the career grand slam alongside the last player to achieve the feat, as well as a golfer most assumed would make it into the pantheon.
In 2000, Tiger Woods joined Ben Hogan, Gene Sarazen, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus in one of the game’s most exclusive clubs, and 22 years later his fellow American is presented with a chance to enrol.
Last month, Rory McIlroy had his closest brush with that brand of immortality when finishing second at the Masters and although, of course, the Holywood ace has his own ambitions to resume the Major trail after an eight-year barren run, the 33-year-old will have a front-row seat to see if Spieth can succeed where he, so far, has come up short.
For Spieth, having finished second in Dallas on Sunday, and having won three weeks before at Hilton Head, this is being billed as his finest chance yet after five attempts (his best finish at the US PGA since winning the 2017 Open was a tie for third in 2019, six shots behind Brooks Koepka). Spieth, 28, does not quite see it that way. Read more
Craig Richards not surprised Dmitry Bivol beat Canelo Alvarez with ‘frustrated’ claim (GMS)
Craig Richards has admitted he wasn’t surprised that Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez lost to Dmitry Bivol earlier this month as he allowed himself to get ‘frustrated’.
Canelo Alvarez and his great rival Gennady Golovkin were on a collision course to meet in a blockbuster trilogy fight in September.
But it will now most likely be a second meeting between Canelo and the unbeaten Russian after Bivol beat the Mexican superstar on May 7 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Canelo, who had previously only lost to Floyd Mayweather prior to that, amazingly withstood Bivol’s power despite physically being the much smaller man in the ring. Read more