Alleged rape: Lawyer, CSOs accuse gov’s aide, Police of shielding suspect (Vanguard)
Controversy is currently trailing an ongoing investigation of the alleged rape of a minor by a medical doctor in Lagos, following an accusation that the Police and an aide to the Lagos State Governor were trying to shield the suspect.
It would be recalled that the suspect (names withheld) was arrested by detectives of the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command in March 2022 for allegedly abusing his wife’s niece severally.
Vanguard gathered that the suspect’s wife, who is an aunt to the victim, took her in after her father’s demise.
Narrating her ordeal in her aunt’s home, the victim, said: “My aunt’s husband started by introducing me to pornography. He later taught me how to perform oral sex. I started performing oral sex on him days before he started penetrating me. The day he deflowered me, he made me swear an oath never to tell anyone.” Read more
Falana sues Buhari, others over Kuje attack (Nation)
Activist-lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has sued President Muhammadu Buhari over the July attack by terrorists on the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
The terrorists released over 600 inmates, including 64 Boko Haram terrorists from the facility.
The suit was filed by his lawyers, Mrs. Funmi Falana and Adeola Ademuwagun, on August 23 at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
Listed as first to third defendants are the President, the National Assembly and the Controller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service. Read more
Lagos makes case for water regulation (Punch)
The Lagos State Government has said water regulation will ensure that residents have access to water, safeguard their health and protect the environment.
The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission, Mrs Funke Adepoju, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, adding that the commission has been invited to represent Nigeria at the seventh International Water Regulators Forum slated to hold in Copenhagen, Denmark, this month.
She said, “The IWRF is the international meeting of the global network of regulators under the auspices of the International Water Association which has the vision to ensure that water is wisely, sustainably and equitably managed.
“For us at LASWARCO, we welcome this invitation and it is a testament to the fact that the world is noticing the regulatory reforms being championed in Lagos State under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in line with the THEMES agenda to transform the water regulatory landscape. Read more
Orelope-Adefulire donates 750-seater lecture theatre to LASU (Independent)
Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Sustainable Development Goals has pledged to build and equip a modern 750-seater capacity lecture theatre on the Ojo Main Campus of Lagos State University LASU).
This is apparently a hearted and altruistic gesture by the president’s aide to help cushion the effect of space deficit facing the institution given arising from the up jerk of the admission quota born of the hike in admission seekers’ subscription to the Africa Centre of Excellence which has become the first choice of many in recent times.
The former Deputy Governor of Lagos State in the Raji Fashola administration made the pledge while delivering her keynote address at the opening of LASU’s 4th Research and Development Fair on Tuesday, September 6, 2022.
In the address, the princess gave a nod to the theme of the year’s fair: Repositioning The Nigerian University System For Global Relevance and Competitiveness In Learning, Research, Innovation And Technological Transfer, saying it is “in line with the spirit and intent of SDG-4 on inclusive equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.” Read more
Tribunal dismisses suit against DStv, GOtv operators over tariff hike (Nation)
Competition and Consumer Protection (CCPC) Tribunal sitting in Abuja on Tuesday refused to grant the relief sought in a suit filed against MultiChoice, operator of DStv and Gotv, over the recent price hike on their products and subscription rates.
In its judgment, the three-member panel tribunal, headed by Mr. Thomas Okosun, dismissed the suit which was filed by a lawyer, Mr. Festus Onifade, on behalf of himself and a coalition of Nigerian consumers, as lacking in merit.
The tribunal held that the power to regulate prices of goods and services does not reside in the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), the regulatory agency, but in the President.
The tribunal, which held that the claimants failed to prove that MultiChoice had abused its power of dominance in the market, said since Nigeria operates a free market economy, the argument lacked merit. Read more
Enugu APGA guber candidate meets with Nsukka Professionals in Lagos (ThisDay)
The All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, gubernatorial candidate in Enugu state, Mr. Frank Nweke (Jnr), has decried the current state of trust deficit in government, just as he expressed disappointment with the way and manner the leadership of Enugu State failed to inspire the citizenry in different aspects of governance.
The former Information and Communication Minister who spoke on during a consultative meeting with members of Nsukka Professionals Association (NPA), at the Best Western Hotel, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos lamented that non industrialisation has kept Enugu state as a civil service state.
He told the non political elite group, made up of Nsukka indigenes in Enugu State, that the meeting which was scheduled at his instance was an opportunity for him to discuss his development agenda for Enugu State as a potential governor of the state with a view to getting their support towards winning the election.
In his speech which lasted for over one hour, the governorship candidate began by decrying the current state of trust deficit inherent in government. Read more
Concessionaire exonerates ex-gov Dickson on Bayelsa diagnostics centre (Leadership)
The Concessionaire of the Bayelsa Diagnostic Centre, Trigen-Craton Ltd, has exonerated a former governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, over allegations by an amorphous group that he established the world-class medical facility with the intent to destroy it at the end of his administration.
The operations manager of Trigen-Craton Ltd, Malcom Okiebai, said in a statement that there was no iota of truth in the allegations against the former governor and incumbent Bayelsa West Senator concerning the equipment at the centre.
Okiebai explained that all the equipment procured by the state government under the administration of Governor Dickson are in good condition and safe.
He called on the public to discountenance the claim that equipment worth billions of naira were taken away from the centre. Read more
I’m not a murderer – Olamide’s baby Mama, Maria (Vanguard)
Nigerian singer, Olamide Adedeji, popularly known as Olamide’s baby mama Maria Okan said that she was not offered money to take the life of her child.
The media personality took to her Twitter on Tuesday, where she made this known.
Okan also stated that she loves being a mother rather than a murderer.
She tweeted, ”Good morning I was never offered, I (was) never asked, nor did I receive money to murder a child. Read more
NSCDC sets up panel to investigate alleged extortion (ThisDay)
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has set up an investigative/disciplinary panel on the case of alleged extortion by its men in Rivers State.
A statement issued yesterday by the spokesman of the Corps, Olusola Odumosu, read: “Following the viral CCTV captured video of exploitation subsequent to a publication by an online media about some personnel of the Corps who were allegedly exposed extorting money from an independent petroleum marketer in Rivers State, the Corps has set up an investigative/disciplinary panel to deal with the situation.”
The statement quoted the NSCDC Commandant-General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, while reacting to the viral video, said: “This is going to be the last time any member of this service will be involved in such a heinous crime, enough is enough!
“I will make scapegoats out of these bad elements within the system to serve as a deterrent to others like them, if what is seen in that video is correct.” Read more
Former Edo Speaker dumps APC (Nation)
A former Edo Speaker Mrs Elizabeth Ativie has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the alleged non-inclusion of women in elective positions.
She asked for a third force for members to freely express themselves outside the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
She announced her resignation on Tuesday at a briefing in the Government Reservation Area (GRA) Benin.
Ativie’s resignation, which was addressed to Edo Chairman of APC, Col. David Imuse (rtd.), was passed through the party’s Chairman of Irhue Ward 4, and APC’s Chairman in Uhunmwonde LGA, Ehor. Read more
Mariah Carey suffers relatable moment in theme park outing with twins (People)
Mariah Carey learned an important footwear lesson during a trip to Cedar Point.
On Monday, Carey, 53, shared two photos to Instagram of herself and 11-year-old twins Moroccan and Monroe — whom she shares with ex-husband Nick Cannon — posing in front of two of the Ohio amusement park’s famous roller coasters.
While the group appeared to largely dress casually for the Labor Day outing, a second photo shows that Carey did indeed wear heels to Lake Erie’s over-150-year-old theme park.
“Had the best time at @cedarpoint!” Carey wrote in the post’s caption before calling out her choice of shoe: “Never again with the heels though! Read more
Justin Bieber cancels Australian tour due to physical and mental health issues after facial paralysis battle (DailyMail)
Justin Bieber has suspended his world tour, including his Australian dates, after suffering ‘exhaustion’.
The 28-year-old pop star postponed a series of concerts earlier this year after being diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome – a rare neurological condition that left him suffering facial paralysis.
Justin revealed via social media he’s stepping back from touring to focus on his health.
The singer – who performed in Brazil over the weekend – said on his Instagram Story: ‘Earlier this year, I went public about my battle with Ramsay-Hunt Syndrome, where my face was partly paralyzed. Read more
LeBron James And Drake sued for $10m over historic hockey documentary (HuffPost)
NBA icon LeBron James, along with rappers Drake and Future, are being sued over intellectual property rights in connection with an upcoming hockey documentary they produced called “Black Ice.”
Billy Hunter, former executive director of the National Basketball Players Association, is seeking shared profits from the film as well as no less than $10 million in damages, according to the lawsuit.
“Black Ice” is about the all-Black hockey league in Canada and is based on the 2004 novel “Black Ice: The Lost History of the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes, 1895 to 1925,” written by George and Darril Fosty, who are also listed as defendants in the lawsuit.
“While the defendants LeBron James, Drake and Maverick Carter [LeBron’s business partner] are internationally known and renowned in their respective fields of basketball and music, it does not afford them the right to steal another’s intellectual property,” the lawsuit states.
Bow Wow defends $1k meet and greet after getting dragged on Twitter (HipHopDX)
Bow Wow has defended his meet-and-greet package after facing backlash over its hefty price tag.
According to his website, the Wanted vocalist is charging $1,000 for a “Diamond VIP Package” for his upcoming Millennium Tour: Turned Up! with Keri Hilson, Mario and others.
The package offers fans a personal meet-and-greet experience that includes a 30 to 45-minute hang-out with Bow Wow and a personal tour of his backstage lounge and tour bus, along with various freebies.
Word of the costly package soon circulated online, with one viral video showing a fan dragging Bow Wow over the price of his VIP meet-and-greet. Read more
Tilda Swinton makes political statement at Venice Film Festival (Variety)
The subject of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, one of the topics of discussion at the Venice Film Festival, bubbled to the surface again on Tuesday with Tilda Swinton making a statement with her hair dyed yellow.
“It’s my honour to wear half of the Ukrainian flag,” Swinton said at the press conference for Joanna Hogg’s “The Eternal Daughter,” when complimented on her look by a journalist. Swinton expressed that it was an honour later during the conference as well. The star wore a light blue top, which complements the dark blue of the Ukraine flag.
Shot during lockdown, “The Eternal Daughter” follows an artist and her elderly mother who confront long-buried secrets when they return to a former family home, now a hotel haunted by its mysterious past. Swinton plays both mother and daughter. The names of the mother and daughter in the film are Rosalind and Julie, the names for Swinton and her real life daughter Honor Swinton Byrne in Hogg’s “The Souvenir” and “The Souvenir Part II.” Read more
Fans are convinced Harry Styles spat on ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ co-star Chris Pine (PageSix)
Fans are worried, darling.
Twitter users have become convinced that Harry Styles spat on Chris Pine’s lap in a now-viral video of the “Don’t Worry Darling” co-stars at the Venice Film Festival premiere Monday.
In the footage, the former One Direction member, 28, took the empty seat beside Pine, who had director Olivia Wilde on his other side.
After the “Late Night Talking” singer seemingly aimed his saliva at the 42-year-old actor, Pine froze mid-clap and stared into his lap with a smile before laughing to himself. Read more
Government Sources: 21 separatist fighters, 6 jihadists dead in Yemen Al-Qaida attack (VOA)
Twenty-one separatist fighters and six members of al-Qaida’s Yemen branch were killed Tuesday in an attack by the jihadist group in the country’s south, government and security sources said.
Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) attacked positions held by the UAE-trained Security Belt group in Abyan governorate, in clashes that lasted about three hours, the sources told AFP.
The fighting left 21 dead among the [Security Belt], including an officer, and six among the al-Qaida combatants,” a government official said on condition of anonymity.
Two security sources confirmed the death toll. Read more
Iorfa fires Lobi Stars team manager, recalls 3 others (DailyTrust)
The vice chairman and chief executive officer of Lobi Stars FC, Dominic Iorfa, has summoned back three of the club’s 40 dismissed employees.
Gabriel Ogwuche’s appointment as team manager was also terminated by the vice chairman when he failed to show up at the meeting called by the club’s administration and did not sign the document indicating his acceptance of the position.
Iorfa made the choice during a meeting he had with club employees on Monday at Makurdi’s Aper Aku Stadium.
The vice chairman of the club said that all staff of the club that failed to attend the meeting and present their appointment letters for sighting were no longer staff of the club. Read more
Mbappe, Haaland shine in Champions League, Benzema injured (GlobeandMail)
Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland took their high-flying scoring acts into Europe as the Champions League returned on Tuesday, while last season’s standout star Karim Benzema limped off with an injury after less than 30 minutes.
Mbappe and Haaland both netted two goals as their respective clubs Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City began their European campaigns with victories, underlining just why those two teams are again among the favourites for the title.
Real Madrid’s chances of defending its crown probably depend largely on having a fully fit Benzema, but the France forward had to come off with an apparent knee injury in the 30th minute against Celtic. Second-half goals from Vinicius Junior, Luka Modric and Eden Hazard still secured a 3-0 win for the Spanish giant in Glasgow.
Benzema was in a league of his own in the competition last season, netting 15 goals in 12 games to lead Madrid to the title. But Mbappe and Haaland look ready to challenge the Frenchman for the status of Europe’s top striker as they try to lead their clubs to an elusive first Champions League title. Read more
‘Arrogant’ Hakim Ziyech is slammed by Chelsea fans after ‘disaster class’ in shock 1-0 defeat by Dinamo Zagreb (DailyMail)
Chelsea forward Hakim Ziyech has come under heavy criticism from supporters following a poor performance in Tuesday’s shock loss to Dinamo Zagreb.
Blues fans have taken to Twitter to vent their fury at the Moroccan international’s performance, after he was introduced at half-time, replacing Cesar Azpilicueta.
But he was unable to make a positive impact as the west London side fell to a 1-0 defeat, as the 29-year-old was wasteful and largely ineffective for much of the second half.
Chelsea fans on Twitter were quick to slam his performance, claiming that it is one of the worst performances from a Blues player coming off the bench. Read more
Kylian Mbappe told to reject Real Madrid for PSG by French president Emmanuel Macron (ESPN)
Kylian Mbappe has said French president Emmanuel Macron told him to stay at Paris Saint-Germain rather than move to Real Madrid this summer.
Mbappe, 23, was on the brink of joining Madrid on a free transfer before a last-minute change of heart in May saw him sign a new three-year deal at PSG.
The decision ended — for the time being — one of the most high-profile, long-running transfer sagas of recent years, with Mbappe having been Madrid’s long-term top target.
“I never imagined I’m gonna talk with the president [Macron] about my future,” Mbappe told the New York Times. “It’s something crazy, really something crazy.” Read more
Hero Cup: DP World Tour launch Ryder Cup-style event in bid to help Europe regain trophy (BBC)
The DP World Tour has launched the Hero Cup, a new team match play contest, in a bid to help Europe regain the Ryder Cup.
The competition effectively replaces the Seve Trophy which was held eight times between 2000 and 2013.
Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald will select two 10-man teams made up of players from Great Britain and Ireland and continental Europe.
The Hero Cup will take place in Abu Dhabi from 13-15 January, 2023. Read more
Alex Albon thinks Monza should ‘only mean good things’ for Williams (PlanetF1)
Alex Albon has high hopes for the Italian Grand Prix after coming away “pretty happy” from a Zandvoort circuit not expected to suit Williams.
The London-born Thai driver finished 12th at the tight, twisty, high-downforce Dutch Grand Prix venue for the team that has scored only four points this season.
But the last race of the current triple-header, at Monza this coming weekend, will play to Williams’ strengths a whole lot more.
The ‘Temple of Speed’ is a low-downforce circuit comprising a series of straights and high-speed corners broken up by chicanes, with the fastest average speed on the calendar of 264kph. Read more
Eddie Hearn cautious but Tyson Fury and Frank Warren insists offer to fight Anthony Joshua is genuine (RTE)
Promoter Eddie Hearn doubts whether Tyson Fury is serious about his offer to face Anthony Joshua for the WBC heavyweight title, but will aim to make the fight if he is.
On Monday evening, Joshua had responded to Fury after the champion posted a video in which he gives the Londoner “a few months’ notice” to prepare for “a battle of Britain”.
Joshua suffered a second consecutive defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia last month, with the Ukrainian since indicating he does not intend to return to the ring until 2023.
With a showdown against Usyk appearing off the table, in the short term at least, Fury – who claimed to have retired in April when he successfully defended his world title by stopping Dillian Whyte at Wembley – now appears to have turned attention towards another all-British clash. Read more