Accountant, mother arraigned for N1b, $975,102 fraud (Punch)
A chartered accountant, Omafume Ayinuola, and her mother, Lydia Ehrievuyere, were, on Wednesday, arraigned by the police before the Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly laundering N1,072,254,411 and $975,102.58.
The daughter and mother were arraigned alongside their company, Patridia Resources Limited, before Justice Nicholas Oweibo, by the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos.
They are facing 15 counts, bordering on conspiracy, unlawful conversion of funds, money laundering, and fraud. Read more
Tinubu salutes IBB at 82 (Vanguard)
President Bola Tinubu says he shares in the joy of celebration with family, friends, and associates of retired Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.
Babangida is the former military President and would turn 82 years old on Thursday.
This is contained in a statement by Mr Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Wednesday in Abuja. Read more
NAF Crash: Service Chiefs visit troops, warn against spreading video (Leadership)
In the aftermath of a military plane crash in Niger State, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa and the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, have visited troops in Minna and Kaduna to cheer them up.
Abubakar cautioned Nigerians against aiding and abetting terrorist’s propaganda, deliberately or inadvertently, by spreading the videos of the alleged crash site with gory pictures of dead military personnel.
The NAF boss reminded the citizens of the consequences of their actions on troops’ morale, adding that Nigeria’s national security is imperative. Read more
Council boss distributes free WAEC GCE forms to Lagos students (Tribune)
Executive Chairman of Itire-Ikate LCDA in Lagos, Hon. (Dr) Ahmed Olanrewaju Apatira, has distributed WAEC GCE forms to students and school leavers to promote literacy in his district
No fewer than 250 applicants benefited from the education support program which was held at the council secretariat on Monday.
Addressing the beneficiaries, parents and guardians, Dr Apatira disclosed that the annual WAEC GCE forms distribution which is one of the cardinal programmes of his administration is targeted at raising the literacy bar in Itire-Ikate LCDA and the State. Read more
Motorists lament indiscriminate parking of trucks on Lagos road (Punch)
Residents and commercial drivers plying the Ijora Road in the Apapa-Iganmu Local Government Area of Lagos State are lamenting the bad state of the road and the traffic gridlock being caused by the indiscriminate parking of trucks on the road connecting Apapa and Idumota.
Some of the residents lamented the daily hardship they had been facing on the road.
Our correspondent who visited the area on Tuesday noticed potholes on the road and further observed that the rainy season had worsened the situation. Read more
Kano women, youths celebrate IYD with success stories (DailyTrust)
The Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) has organised a youth day event to celebrate the accomplishments of women and youth farmers in the Tofa community of Kano State to commemorate International Youth Day.
During the event, which took place on Tuesday at the WOFAN-Tofa Youth Conservation Centre, young community partners of the WOFAN-ICON2 project shared their stories to motivate others.
It was gathered that ICON (Integrated Community-led Network of Hope) is a project, which is supported by the Mastercard Foundation, aimed at empowering 675,000 Nigerian youths over five years for young people to develop and sustain livelihoods that lead to an improved quality of life. Read more
Nigeria’s Ambassador to France, Kayode Laro buried (VON)
The remains of Nigeria’s Ambassador to France, Kayode Laro arrived in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital on Wednesday for immediate burial.
The body of the diplomat flown in with a Nigerian Air Force plane, was draped in the national colours as a mark of honour for his service to Nigeria.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq received the remains of the diplomat at the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport Ilorin, supported by other dignitaries and family members of the deceased. Read more
Makinde seeks 5-year single tenure for political offices (Vanguard)
Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has advocated the need to adopt a five-year single tenure for President, governors, national assembly and state assembly members to stop the problems that usually arise from the quest for a second term by politicians.
The governor made the call on Wednesday, at the retreat of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), held at Maja Avenue, Jericho, Ibadan.
While admonishing Nigerians, particularly those in leadership positions to brace up for the task of rebuilding the country in line with the vision of the founding fathers, Makinde observed that it has become imperative for Nigerians to come together to rebuild the nation and reposition it on the path of sustainable economic growth and development, adding that the task of rebuilding the country remains the duty of Nigerians and should not be left for external actors. Read more
Keke Palmer takes a jab at Darius Jackson in Usher’s ‘‘Boyfriend’’ music video (Billboard)
Usher and Keke Palmer can’t stop stirring the pot. After teasing the collaboration 24 hours ago, the two stars have debuted the music video for the R&B legend’s new song “Boyfriend,” following some drama with the actress’ alleged ex-boyfriend, Darius Jackson.
The Wednesday (Aug. 16) visual stars a glowing Palmer having a night out with her friends and hanging with Usher, who taunts in the song’s lyrics: “Somebody said that your boyfriend is looking for me, that’s cool/ He should know I’m pretty easy to find/ Just look for me wherever he sees you.”
Midway through, the video pauses to show the Nope star and her gal pals listening to Usher’s 2001 hit “U Remind Me” in an elevator, during which she exclaims, “I love this song… do you remember where you were when you first heard this?” Read more
Nick Jonas falls into hole on stage during Boston concert (EW)
S.O.S.: Nick Jonas tumbled into a hole onstage during the Jonas Brothers’ concert stop in Boston on Tuesday night.
The singer’s misstep at TD Garden was captured by a fan Instagram account and showed the youngest Jonas quickly getting back up on his feet to continue the show.
Tuesday’s show was the third in the brothers’ — also comprised of Joe and Kevin Jonas — trek across North America and Europe, with Nick and co. set to take the TD Garden stage again on Wednesday night before heading to Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut on Thursday. Read more
Leonard Bernstein’s family defends Bradley Cooper amid ‘Jewface’ storm (TimesOfIsrael)
The family of Leonard Bernstein has defended Bradley Cooper’s controversial decision to wear a large prosthetic nose while playing the Jewish composer in a new film.
Oscar nominee Cooper — who wrote, directed and stars in “Maestro” — has received criticism since a trailer for the upcoming Netflix film was released online this week.
Critics said the decision to wear a fake nose plays up to Jewish stereotypes, and have dubbed it “Jewface,” in reference to the historic “Blackface” practice of non-Black performers darkening their faces for roles. Read more
Meryl Streep, Oprah, Michael B. Jordan to be honoured at Academy Museum’s 2023 gala (USAToday)
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures will pay tribute to Meryl Streep, Oprah Winfrey, Michael B. Jordan and Sofia Coppola in its annual fundraising gala on Oct. 14, the museum announced Tuesday.
The Academy Museum Gala has become a key fundraising event for the Los Angeles movie museum since its opening in 2021. This year’s event, the third such gala, received a greenlight from the striking actors and writers guilds. SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild have limited what promotion activities their members can do during the ongoing work stoppages.
Streep, Winfrey, Jordan and Coppola will each be given awards celebrating their careers at the gala, which is being co-chaired by Ava DuVernay, Ryan Murphy, Halle Berry and museum trustee Eric Esrailian. Read more
A new species of snake has been named after Harrison Ford (FarOut)
A team of scientists from Peru and the United States have discovered a new species of snake in Peru’s Otishi National Park, which they have named after Harrison Ford for his long-standing commitment to environmental advocacy.
The snake, which has been named Tachymenoides harrisonfordi, is slender, measures 16 inches at full length and is harmless to humans. The species has been named after Ford to honour his continued environmental activism, from vice-chairing non-profit organisation Conservation International to appearing in Years of Living Dangerously, a documentary series about climate change.
Edgar Lehr, the lead scientist, shared, “For a biologist, describing a new species and making it public with its new name is one of the most vital activities during the biodiversity crisis. Only organisms that are known can be protected.” Read more
RBD, Chencho Corleone, Myke Towers join Billboard Latin Music Week (UPI)
RBD, Chencho Corleone and Myke Towers have joined the lineup for Billboard Latin Music Week.
Billboard announced a second round of artists for the event in a press release Wednesday.
Feid and Manuel Turizo will also make appearances.
The artists join Shakira, Edgar Barrera, Fonseca, Gale, Grupo Frontera, Sebastian Yatra and other artists. Shakira will give a Q&A at the event. Read more
More than a dozen Niger soldiers killed in attack near Mali border (AlJazeera)
At least 17 Niger soldiers have been killed in an attack by armed groups near the border with Mali, the country’s Ministry of Defence said.
According to a statement released late on Tuesday, “a detachment of the Nigerien Armed Forces (FAN) moving between Boni and Torodi was the victim of a terrorist ambush near the town of Koutougou [52 km southwest of Torodi]”.
It added that another 20 soldiers had been injured, with all of them evacuated to Niamey, the capital. Read more
NFF awaits Technical Committee’s recommendation to decide on Peseiro, Waldrum (DailyTrust)
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will be consulting with it’s technical committee to decide on the future of the Super Eagles and Super Falcons coaches, Jose Peseiro and Randy Waldrum respectively.
According to the NFF president, Ibrahim Gusau, both coaches’ futures lies with the recommendations of its technical committee led by Sharif Inuwa Ahlan.
“I cannot say Peseiro will continue as the Super Eagles coach, we have a technical committee, and we have to listen to their recommendation. I am optimistic that Nigerians will be happy with our decision.
“His contract ended in July and we’re now talking to him and his lawyers,” he said yesterday. Read more
Manchester City score victory over Sevilla to win 1st UEFA Super Cup (AlJazeera)
Manchester City held their nerve to beat Sevilla 5-4 in a penalty shootout and win the UEFA Super Cup for the first time in their history after an enthralling game ended 1-1 after 90 minutes.
The first nine spot-kicks of the shootout were all converted on Wednesday but Sevilla defender Nemanja Gudelj struck his penalty against the crossbar to hand victory to Man City, who lost on penalties to Arsenal in England’s Community Shield 10 days ago.
It was the 15th trophy won by Manchester City under manager Pep Guardiola’s reign which started in 2016 and made up for the recent loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield. Read more
Ucheibe named 4th best tackler (Punch)
Super Falcons midfielder, Christy Ucheibe, has been ranked the fourth-best tackler at the ongoing Women’s World Cup in Australia, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Ucheibe, who featured in all of the Falcons’ four games before the team exited in the round of 16 after their 4-2 loss on penalties to England after extra time ended goalless, made 36 tackles, according to FIFA.
Dutch midfielder, Jackie Groen, leads the tackling chart with 44 at the tournament. Read more
Lionel Messi sets record as Inter Miami qualify for next tournament while bottom of MLS (Mirror)
Lionel Messi scored in his sixth straight game as Inter Miami reached the final of the Leagues Cup.
The Argentine scored his ninth goal for the club in a 4-1 win over Philadephia Union at Subaru Park. The result means the club has qualified for the Concacaf Champions Cup and in the process, set a record for becoming the first team to qualify for the tournament while being bottom of the league.
The top three teams by the end of the Leagues Cup will qualify for the Concacaf Champions Cup, which means Nashville SC, Miami’s opponents in the final, have also booked their place in the expanded continental club competition. The winner of the Leagues Cup will enter the CCC at the round of 16 stage, while the runners-up and the team that finishes third will enter the tournament from round one. Read more
Caroline Wozniacki’s confidence still high despite Cincy exit (Tennis365)
Caroline Wozniacki admits she still has work to do ahead of the US Open, but she is prepared to put in the hard yards over the next couple of days.
Having announced in June that she is coming out of retirement, the former world No 1 enjoyed a solid comeback at the Canadian Open last week as she won her opener before going down in two sets against Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova.
She was back in action at the Cincinnati Open on Tuesday as she took on lucky loser Varvara Gracheva in the first round of the WTA 1000 tournament, but there was just no real momentum as she went down 6-4, 6-4 against the Frenchwoman. Read more
Marlon Samuels: Ex-West Indies all-rounder guilty of breaching ICC’s anti-corruption code (BBC)
Former West Indies all-rounder Marlon Samuels has been found guilty of breaching the International Cricket Council’s anti-corruption code.
Samuels was found to have broken rules in four areas relating to his participation in the 2019 Abu Dhabi-based T10 league.
An independent tribunal is yet to decide on an appropriate punishment.
The 42-year-old won the T20 World Cup twice with West Indies and was the team’s top scorer in both finals. Read more