Army intercepts truck load of ammunition en route Anambra (Sun)
Troops of 192 Battalion Nigerian Army (NA) operating in 81 Division Area of Responsibility have busted an international ammunition smuggling syndicate, while transporting a truck load of smuggled ammunition to Anambra State on Saturday 15 July 2023.
According to the Nigerian Army the troops, who acted on actionable Intelligence conducted a meticulous and rigorous Stop and Search operation along Ajilete-Owode Road in Yewa North LGA of Ogun State and uncovered the illegal ammunition in a truck with Registration number ENU 697 XY, loaded with 720 packets of Red Star Cartridges of 12 Calibre, containing 25 cartridges per packet, totaling 18, 000 cartridges and an additional 250 packets of live (black) cartridges containing 10 packets each, totalling 2500 cartridges of same calibre.
Army spokesman, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu said the suspects, identified as Mr. Eric Seworvor, a Ghanaian national, and the driver, Mr Lukman Sani, have been taken into custody and are helping with ongoing investigations. Read more
APC postpones NEC, caucus meetings indefinitely (DailyTrust)
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has postponed the National Caucus and National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings indefinitely.
This followed the resignation of Senator Abdullahi Adamu as the party’s national chairman.
The meetings were supposed to hold on July 10 and 11, but were earlier postponed for Tuesday and Wednesday. Read more
Trevboi being investigated for alleged murder – Police (Guardian)
The Lagos State Police Command has launched an investigation into the death of a man simply identified as Adesanwo who was allegedly shot dead by Trevboi.
Lagos State police spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin tweeted on Monday that fled after committing the offence.
“We commenced investigation minutes after the incident happened. The suspect abandoned his car and fled on foot. The car and the documents in it are in our custody. Investigation is ongoing,” Hundeyin tweeted. Read more
LASTMA, NPA embark on clean-up exercise (Punch)
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority in conjunction with the Nigerian Port Authority has embarked on a seven-day clean-up exercise to tackle environmental degradation in the Apapa area of the state.
The agency’s General Manager, Bolaji Oreagba, in a statement by the agency’s Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Taofiq Adebayo, said the clean-up exercise on all environmental degradation began after the expiration of notices served on owners of illegal shanties, kiosks, containerised shops and abandoned trucks in Apapa and its environs.
Noting that the clean-up exercise would last for seven days, Oreagba said the intervention began over the weekend with the demolition of several illegal shanties, kiosks, and containerised shops, towing of abandoned trucks and dismantling of illegal garages. Read more
Trial of ex-Lagos Speaker Ikuforiji to resume July 18 (Vanguard)
A Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday adjourned until July 18 for the continuation of the trial of a former Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji charged with money laundering.
The case which was initially fixed for continuation of trial on Monday by noon, could not go on following the absence of the prosecutor, Mr Ekene Iheanacho.
The prosecutor was said to be away for another case at the appeal court. Read more
APC NWC member confirms Adamu’s resignation, Kyari takes over (ThisDay)
The Deputy National Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nze Duru, Monday confirmed the resignation of the National Chairman of the party, Senator Abdulahi Adamu.
The party chieftain, however, added that he cannot confirm if the National Secretary of the party, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has resigned.
Duru disclosed on Monday while speaking with newsmen in his office, saying the Deputy National Chairman, North, Abubakar Kyari, will take over as the acting national chairman in line with the constitution of the party.
He stated: “One can confirm, yes, credible information that the chairman of the party has stepped down as the chairman of the party and meetings are currently ongoing.” Read more
Halt proposed electricity tariff increase, OPC tells Tinubu (Tribune)
The President of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Otunba Wasiu Afolabi, has made an appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to prevent the proposed increase in electricity tariffs from being implemented.
As previously reported by Tribune Online, the distribution companies in Nigeria (Discos) had suggested a rise in electricity tariffs and subsequently approached the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to review them upward.
In response, the OPC issued a statement on Sunday through its General Secretary, Bunmi Fasehun, denouncing the move as “anti-people, oppressive, unjustified, and aimed at discrediting the new regime of President Bola Tinubu.” Read more
Nigerian Corrections refutes allegation of staff borrowing money from inmates (Guardian)
Management of the Nigerian Correctional Service, (NCoS), has said that no personnel of the agency has borrowed money from inmates under any circumstances.
Reacting to online media reports that personnel of the service have resorted to borrowing from inmates to survive due to poor salary and poor welfare, the Service said it remains one of the leading paramilitary agencies that gives priority to staff welfare.
Responding to a query from The Guardian on the allegation, Public Relations Officer, (PRO), Abubakar Umar said that insinuations that officers and men of the Nigerian Correctional Service are paid less than their counterparts in other paramilitary services in the ministry of Interior is totally false and misleading. Read more
Gwyneth Paltrow brings mum, Blythe Danner, daughter, Apple, to Goop party (UPI)
Gwyneth Paltrow had a family outing at a party for her company Goop over the weekend.
The 50-year-old actress and businesswoman was joined by her mom, actress Blythe Danner, and daughter, Apple Martin, at a Goop and Gucci party Saturday in the Hamptons.
Paltrow’s husband, producer Brad Falchuk, also attended the event.
Paltrow shared photos from the bash Sunday on Instagram. The actress wore a Gucci print crop top and pants, while Apple sported a strapless black minidress. Read more
Taliban bars women from taking key medical school exam (UPI)
The ruling Taliban government has barred women in Afghanistan from taking a key exam needed to practice medicine, according to a report published by the United Nations Monday.
Beginning in May, the Taliban instituted a policy allowing only male medical students to take the Exit Supplementary Exam, according to the latest updated issue of the U.N.’s Human rights situation in Afghanistan report.
Women’s rights have been eroded heavily in Afghanistan since the Taliban re-established control over the country and its population of 40.1 million in late August of 2021. Read more
Tunisia and EU sign deal to tackle migration (BBC)
Tunisia and the EU have signed a deal to tackle “irregular” migration – meaning those moving in breach of rules.
Tunisia has become the main departure point for migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean to Europe.
The EU has been struggling to cope, with 72,000 migrants making the journey this year alone, mostly to Italy. Read more
Kevin Spacey sex assault trial: Elton John called as defence witness (IrishExaminer)
Elton John has told Kevin Spacey’s trial that the star went straight to a ball at his house after flying in on a private jet, then bought a Mini Cooper at the event and stayed the night.
The Goodbye Yellow Brick Road singer, who gave his name as “Elton Hercules John” in evidence given via video-link from Monaco, was called as a defence witness in the Oscar-winning actor’s trial at Southwark Crown Court in London on Monday.
Spacey, 63, standing trial under his full name, Kevin Spacey Fowler, was labelled a “sexual bully” when proceedings began last month. Read more
Jay Z’s Shawn Carter Foundation raises $20m to fund college dreams (HipHopDX)
JAY-Z’s Shawn Carter Foundation has accomplished an amazing feat by raising $20 million to help college students looking to pursue higher education.
On Friday (July 14), Hov’s foundation hosted a black-tie gala in New York City to celebrate its 20-year anniversary, where it raised money to assist those facing socio-economic hardships realize their educational ambitions.
There were numerous donations given including $10 million from Amazon chairman Jeff Bezos and his fiancée Lauren Sanchez, which will allow the foundation to build out their international exchange program, scholarships, community goodwill and emergency assistance programs. Read more
Surprise! Ed Sheeran brings out Eminem to perform ‘‘Lose Yourself,’’ ‘‘Stan’’ in Detroit (USAToday)
Growing up in England, Ed Sheeran was intrigued by Detroit, galvanized in particular by one of the city’s musical sons: Eminem.
That’s how Sheeran set the stage for fans Saturday night at Ford Field as he and his band embarked on a rendition of Eminem’s “Lose Yourself.” They had just rehearsed the song that day, so “let’s see how it goes,” he said, downplaying expectations.
A capacity crowd delighted by the unexpected hometown homage soon erupted with a roar of hysteria. A hooded figure was emerging from beneath the stage, and the reality quickly became clear: Here was Eminem, making his first Detroit concert appearance in years, joining the festivities to perform his signature hit. Read more
Australia baffled as unidentified mystery object washes up on beach (BBC)
Police have been baffled by a mysterious “unidentified” dome that washed up on a West Australian beach.
The giant metal object was found by locals at Green Head beach, about 250 km (155 miles) north of Perth.
State and federal authorities are investigating the item, which is not currently believed to be from a commercial aircraft.
It is being treated as hazardous, and police have requested people keep a safe distance.Read more
Remo Stars’ coach fined N250k for asking players to abandon Naija Super 8 final (Guardian)
The head coach of Remo Stars, Daniel Ogumodede, has been fined N250,000 by the organisers of the Naija Super 8 for inappropriate conduct during the final match on Sunday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.
Remo Stars lost the final match to Sporting Lagos via penalty shootouts after both teams ended regular time with a 1-1 draw.
Organisers of the tournament, Flykite Productions, in a statement on Monday said the fine is on account of Ogumodede’s decision to order his players off the pitch over an officiating call he disagreed with. Read more
NFF confirms talks with Peseiro over new contract (Leadership)
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that talks are ongoing with Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro over a new contract.
NFF’s Technical Director, Augustine Eguavoen made it known in Abuja at the end of the first search FIFA Instructor’s Course held in Nigeria.
Peseiro’s one-year contract with the NFF expired in June, with the NFF president Ibrahim Musa Gusau declaring that the future of the Portuguese manager would be decided through a public social media poll. Read more
Tottenham joins transfer race for ex-Chelsea star as PSG send Spurs offer they ‘‘cannot refuse’’ (Football365)
Tottenham are in the hunt to sign Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix this summer if Harry Kane leaves the club, according to reports.
Kane could leave north London this summer with interest from Bayern Munich as he enters the final year of his contract at Spurs.
That has seen Tottenham linked with Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani over the last couple of days, as well as other strikers. Read more
Rangers chief executive James Bisgrove elected to SPFL board (BBC)
Rangers chief executive James Bisgrove has been elected to the Scottish Professional Football League board.
Ross County’s James MacDonald retains his place and Malcolm McPherson of Hibernian formally takes over the spot held by Ron Gordon after the businessman’s passing in February.
Bisgrove replaces his Celtic counterpart Michael Nicholson. Read more
Wimbledon champ Carlos Alcaraz drops gold trophy live on TV after Novak Djokovic triumph (Express)
Tennis fans could forgive Carlos Alcaraz if his hands were still shaking after his staggering win over Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final. He was seemingly unsteady the day after his triumph at SW19 as he dropped the gleaming gold trophy during a live TV interview, sparking nervous laughter from himself and the hosts.
In beating Djokovic over five hugely entertaining sets, Alcaraz became the first player other than the Serb, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer or Andy Murray to lift the Wimbledon trophy since Lleyton Hewitt in 2002.
The surprise result consigned Djokovic to his first defeat on Centre Court in over a decade as Alcaraz retained his spot as the world’s No 1. After the match, the beaten 36-year-old acknowledged that his victorious opponent was deserving of that accolade. Read more
Pundit points to the silver lining for Mercedes after their loss to McLaren (PlanetF1)
As questions are once again asked about Mercedes’ car in light of McLaren’s surge at Silverstone, Sam Bird insists it’s not all “doom and gloom”, they are after all still P2 in the championship.
Putting a B-spec W14 on the track at the Monaco Grand Prix, Mercedes made the call earlier this season to drop their zero-pod design but their new solution was by no means a copy of the RB19’s downwash sidepods.
On the podium at the Spanish and Canadian races, Mercedes were applauded for taking a leap forward but it’s one that stuttered at the Austrian Grand Prix. Read more