Anti-xenophobia protests: Police arraign 83 for ‘N500m damage, looting shopping malls’ (Nation)
Eighty-three persons, who allegedly raided, destroyed and looted the Sangotedo and Surulere shopping malls, were on Thursday brought by the police before a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. They were arraigned before Mr P. A. Ojo on a six-count charge of stealing, willful damage and conspiracy. The defendants include: Jude Atuamya, Kazeem Kamiru, Reuben Johnson, Mohammed Abdul Wahab Opara Okorie, John Friday, Taiwo Ajayi, Hamzo Abubakar, Oketayo Lanre, Joseph Michael and Adeleke Adebowale. Read more
Surviving child of Lagos ill-fated family dies at LASUTH (Punch)
The Director-General, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, has confirmed that the surviving child in a family of six that died in a room in Lagos on Wednesday has also died. Oke-Osanyintolu confirmed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos on Thursday. He said that the child was confirmed dead at the Lagos State Teaching Hospital. Read more
Lagos Assembly condemns release of 123 Jigawa indigenes (Nation)
Lagos State House of Assembly has condemned the release of 123 indigenes of Jigawa state arrested by Task Force operatives with their motorcycles on entering the state in a suspicious manner. Majority Leader, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, raised the issue under matter of urgent public importance at plenary on Thursday. Sanai said nobody knew the intention of those who came in with motorcycles from their town, saying it is a threat to the security of the state. Read more
Xenophobic attack: Buhari’s special envoy arrives South Africa (Punch)
The special envoy President Muhmmadu Buhari sent to South Africa following the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in that country has arrived Johannesburg, South Africa. The special envoy who is also the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Abubakar, was said to have arrived the OR Tambo Airport on Thursday evening. Read mores
How God saved Osinbajo in helicopter crash – Bishop Wale Oke (Guardian)
Bishop Wale Oke, the Presiding Bishop of Sword of the Spirit Ministries, Ibadan, said on Thursday that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo would have been killed in the Kogi helicopter crash if not for his reliance on God. He spoke in Ibadan at the ongoing 37th annual Holy Ghost Convention of Sword of the Spirit Ministries popularly known as Christ Life Church. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Osinbajo and some of his aides had escaped death in an helicopter crash in Kabba, Kogi, in the build up to the last general elections. Read more
Xenophobia: APC talks tough, wants South African companies nationalised (Nation)
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday took a critical look at the recent attacks on Nigerians in South Africa and asked the federal government to immediately take steps to nationalise all South African companies operating in the country. National Chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who briefed the media after a meeting of the NWC, said the non- nonchalant attitude of the South African government to the constant killing of Nigerians in South Africa is a clear indication that they approve of the attack. Read more
ISWAP claims killing 10 Nigerian soldiers (Guardian)
Islamic State Thursday claimed it killed 10 Nigeria soldiers in an attack in Borno State on Wednesday. The insurgents via its Amaq news agency said the troops were killed in an attack on a military post in Gajiram. It also claimed it carted away with six SUVs. A similar account was also reported by a local news platform Sahara Reporters. The platform on Thursday reported that at least two civilians were killed while some houses were torched. Read more
NYSC warns corps members against abuse of social media, indecent dressing (Nation)
The Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, has warned corps members against abuse of social media and indecent dressing. Ibrahim reminded the corps members in a statement on Thursday in Abuja that they should maintain their position as role models for the younger generations in the society. Read more
Sen. Yandoma, Aruwa head APC appeal committees for Kogi, Bayelsa primaries (Guardian)
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has named three-member Appeal Committees to address complaints from the party’s primary elections to determine its flag bearers in the Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections. Gov Yahaya Bello picked the ticket in Kogi while Mr David Lyon emerged in Bayelsa. Read more
Kidnappers free Okowa’s sister-in-law (Nation)
The younger sister to wife of Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, abducted last week has been released, The Nation has learnt. Elizabeth, younger sister to Mrs. Edith Okowa, was allegedly abducted by gunmen at Temple Clinic junction along Anwai road near Government House in Asaba ,the State Capital. Read more
Bauchi government confirms 3 cases of Yellow fever (Guardian)
Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency on Thursday confirmed three cases of yellow fever in Alkaleri Local Government Area of the state. Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, the Executive Secretary of the agency, who disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Bauchi, said six other samples were yet to be confirmed. Mohammed said that a team of health personnel has already commenced immunization and environmental management. Read more
China to fund UNGA President’s office for next one year (Nation)
The Chinese government has promised to fund the office of the President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Prof. Tijjani Muhammad- Bande, for the next one year. This was disclosed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, after President Muhammadu Buhari’s meeting with the special envoy, Yang Jiechi, from the President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping. Read more
Imo Police rescue 22 victims from kidnappers’ den (Punch)
The Imo Police Command on Thursday paraded 72 suspects which it said were allegedly believed to be behind the recent waves of criminality across the state. The state Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Ladodo, while parading the suspects in Owerri, said that they were arrested at different points within the state and beyond in the last six weeks. Read more
PM: I’d rather be dead in ditch than delay Brexit (BBC)
Boris Johnson has said he would “rather be dead in a ditch” than ask the EU to delay Brexit beyond 31 October. But the PM declined to say if he would resign if a postponement – which he has repeatedly ruled out – had to happen. Mr Johnson has said he would be prepared to leave the EU without a deal, but Labour says stopping a no-deal Brexit is its priority. Read more
Syria war: Turkey warns Europe of new migrant wave (BBC)
Turkey has warned it may reopen the route for Syrian refugees to enter Europe if it does not get more international support for creating a safe zone in northern Syria. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for “logistical support” to establish a safe zone in Syria’s north-east. “Either this happens, or we will be forced to open the gates,” he said. Read more
Air France crash: Manslaughter charges dropped over 2009 disaster (BBC)
Magistrates in France have dropped charges against Air France and Airbus over a mid-Atlantic plane crash in 2009 that killed all 228 people on board. The Airbus 330 aircraft flying from Rio de Janeiro to Paris stalled in a storm and plunged into the ocean. On Thursday, the magistrates looking into manslaughter charges brought by victims’ relatives decided that there were not enough grounds to prosecute. Read more
Germans want Merkel to stay in office until end of 2021 —Poll (Punch)
Almost three quarters of Germans want Chancellor Angela Merkel to remain in office up to the end of her term in 2021, according to a poll conducted by the national public broadcaster, ZDF, published on Thursday. The chancellor was particularly popular among members of her Christian Democratic Union, 88 per cent of whom are happy for her to see out her fourth term, while a surprising 85 per cent of supporters of the Green opposition party take the same view. Read more
New Jersey man posed as soldier in dating site scam – prosecutors (BBC)
A New Jersey man is accused of using dating websites to scam women out of $2.1m (£1.7m) while claiming to be a US soldier stationed overseas. Prosecutors are using social media posts of Rubbin Sarpong, 35, bragging about his wealth and holding wads of cash as evidence against him. One of his alleged victims killed herself after transferring more than $90,000 to him, court documents say. Read more
Justin Trudeau sharpens criticism of China in Huawei spat (BBC)
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau has accused Beijing of using “pressure tactics” to try to secure the release of a senior Huawei executive being held in Canada. Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor were detained in China days after Meng Wanzhou was arrested at the request of US authorities. Mr Trudeau says that China is “using arbitrary detention as a tool to achieve political goals”. Read more
College student charged with hate crime for ‘hanging noose in campus elevator’ (Metro)
A college student has been charged with a felony hate crime for hanging a noose on a campus elevator. Andrew Smith, 19, was arrested Monday after police say he fashioned a piece of rope into a noose, then hung it on the elevator at a residence hall on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. Read more
Second US death linked to vaping is reported in Oregon (BBC)
A second person has died in the US from a severe lung disease apparently caused by vaping, public health officials in the state of Oregon have said. The person was said to have fallen ill after trying a product bought at a dispensary for recreational cannabis. The first death vaping death was reported in Illinois in August. Read more
Man charged £55,000 for just one beer at a Manchester hotel (Metro)
If you thought London pints were expensive, you’d better not head to Manchester. One man has been charged £55,000 for a single ale there, which he thinks could be ‘the most expensive beer in history’. Peter Lalor, a cricket writer from Australia, still hasn’t had a refund for the bottle of Deuchars IPA which should have been £5.50. Read more
Rare two-headed snake, ‘Double Dave’, found in US (BBC)
A rare two-headed baby timber rattlesnake has been found in a forest in the US state of New Jersey. The reptile, named Double Dave, was spotted last month and taken by an environmental group. Joined at the body, the baby venomous snake has two fully-formed heads, four eyes and two flickering tongues – which work independently of each other. Read more
Nicki Minaj announces she’s retiring from music to ‘have a family’ (Metro)
Nicki Minaj has stated she’s retiring from music altogether to have a family. The 36-year-old rapper, known for hits like Anaconda, Starships and Super Bass, made the surprise announcement on Twitter – with little indication to whether she means it. Posting on Twitter, Nicki wrote: ‘I’ve decided to retire & have a family. I know you guys are happy now. Read more
Camila Cabello opens up about her relationship with Shawn Mendes: ‘I want to protect it’ (Metro)
Camila Cabello won’t talk about her relationship with Shawn Mendes because she wants ‘to protect it’. At this point, everyone has seen the lovebirds lock lips in every city of North America and it was hard to miss their steamy performance at this year’s VMAs. But Camila, 22, won’t be giving fans a confirmation on their relationship any time soon. Read more
Last-minute Kepa save earns 10-man Spain win (BBC)
Spain needed a superb last-minute save from Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to keep up their 100% record in Group F. Kepa denied Reading striker George Puscas with his legs as 10-man Spain recorded a first win in Romania. Sergio Ramos put Spain ahead from the penalty spot before Borussia Dortmund forward Paco Alcacer steered in. Read more
Gary Neville explains why Paul Pogba faces so much criticism and lays down Player of the Year challenge (Metro)
Gary Neville has defended his criticism of Paul Pogba and believes the Manchester United midfielder merits greater scrutiny because of his status as the best player, and biggest name, in the team. United have drawn their last three Premier League matches and Pogba has been criticised for his performances in all three games, particularly his decision to take – and miss – a penalty against Wolves. Read more
Maradona appointed coach of Argentine Superliga side (Punch)
Argentine legend Diego Maradona will take over as coach of Superliga side Gimasia, the club announced on its Twitter account on Thursday. “Welcome Diego! Every corner of the most beautiful club in the world greets you,” the La Plata-based club said. The former Argentina coach quit his job at Mexican second division outfit Dorados in June for health reasons after just nine months in charge. Read more
Italy fight back to beat Armenia (BBC)
Italy came from behind to beat Armenia and keep up their 100% start to Euro 2020 qualifying. Aleksandre Karapetian gave the hosts a shock lead with an excellent shot from the edge of the area but Andrea Belotti equalised, turning home Chelsea defender Emerson Palmieri’s cross. Karapetian was harshly sent off for a second booking late in the first half. Read more
Tahith Chong reveals encouragement from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after refusing to leave Manchester United on loan (Metro)
Tahith Chong has revealed that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has told him to be ready for first-team opportunities at Manchester United this season. The 19-year-old featured heavily during United’s pre-season tour but has not yet made an appearance for Solskjaer’s side in their four Premier League matches so far. Chong had loan offers from PSV and Feyenoord in the summer but opted to stay at United instead of leaving Old Trafford. Read more
Northern Ireland beat Luxembourg with bizarre own goal (BBC)
A calamitous own goal by Luxembourg defender Kevin Malget gave Northern Ireland a 1-0 win in a drab friendly. Malget headed into his own net in the first half of a match that was livened up slightly after the break by the introduction of in-form Linfield striker Shayne Lavery. Read more
Anthony Joshua told Andy Ruiz Jr they will ‘go to war’ during first face-off since shock defeat (Metro)
ddie Hearn has revealed that Anthony Joshua told Andy Ruiz Jr that they will ‘go to war’ during their first face-off since the shock upset at Madison Square Garden on June 1. Joshua was knocked down four times before being stopped in the seventh round by Ruiz in New York and is now aiming to win back three of four principal world title belts in their rematch in Saudi Arabia on December 7. Read more
Anthony Joshua responds to Deontay Wilder criticising him again (Metro)
Anthony Joshua says he is pleased that Deontay Wilder is still bringing up his name in interviews after the Bronze Bomber once again criticised the former heavyweight champion. The American, who holds the WBC belt, said he had ‘lost all respect’ for Joshua and doubled down on his claim that the Brit ‘quit’ in his defeat to Ruiz at Madison Square Garden. Read more