Ataga’s Murder: Court Dismisses Chidinma’s Objection (Tribune)
A Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) has dismissed Chidinma Ojukwu’s counsel’s objection to cross-examine a bank staff over late Mr Usifo Ataga’s bank statements tendered as exhibits.
Justice Yetunde Adesanya, however, admitted the bank statements as exhibits.
Ojukwu is standing trial for the alleged murder of Ataga, the Chief Executive Officer of Super TV.
She is charged with murder, stealing and forgery alongside her sister, Chioma Egbuchu, and one Adedapo Quadri.
The prosecution counsel, Mrs A. O Oluwafemi, told the court that the prosecution had a representative from Ataga’s bank who was in court based on a subpoena to tender the account document of the deceased. Read more
Meet regal Alaafin’s first wife, Ayaba Abibat Nihinlola Adeyemi; how they met 65 years ago (Vanguard)
Meet Ayaba Abibat Adeyemi, late Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi’s first wife.
Although it is an open secret that the late Alaafin had many wives, it is also a known fact that he loves them young and light-skinned.But not many knew his wife of over 60 years.
Iya Adodo, as she is fondly called, has been described by many as a woman with a large heart and quality characteristics.
According to information, the monarch met and married Ayaba Abibat when she was in secondary school, at age of 17.
Their meeting was said to be through his late younger sister, who was attending the same school with Ayaba sometimes in 1956. Read more
Lagos plans drainage construction to tackle flooding (Punch)
The Lagos State Government has assured residents of Idumagbo and its environs on the Lagos Island that it would construct drainage outlets as part of efforts to tackle flooding in the area.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello, gave this assurance on Tuesday in a statement, just as he attributed the flooding experienced to global climate change.
Bello, who was represented by the ministry’s Director of Drainage Enforcement and Compliance, Mr. Mahmoud Adegbite, was quoted to have stated this during his address to protesters in Illubirin on Lagos Island.
He said, “A permanent solution to the flooding which will involve the provision of three bigger pumps of 3000m cube per minute is already underway as well as a reconstruction of the drainage outlet. Each one of those pumps will need a generator with a capacity of 400 KVA and will be provided to power each of the pumps. Read more
Sanwo-Olu urges religious tolerance, peace (Independent)
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday appealed for continued religious tolerance, peace, unity and safety in the State, Nigeria and the World.
While pointing out that the entire world is gradually feeling the consequences of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Sanwo-Olu urged religious leaders to continue to seek God’s intervention in Nigeria and the world.
He made the appeal when he received the leadership of the Nigeria Baptist Convention, led by its President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Rev’d (Dr.) Israel Akanji, who paid him a courtesy visit at Lagos House, Marina on Tuesday.
While appreciating God for safety, peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance in Lagos among people of different faiths, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the Lagos government will continue to make the state accessible, available and livable for all the residents. Read more
No boat mishap in Lagos, says LASWA (Vanguard)
Lagos State Waterways Authority LASWA has urged members of the public to disregard a trending video on social media about a purported boat mishap said to have occurred on Tuesday, in the Falomo area of Lagos.
The video showed a capsized boat with some divers and emergency operators rescuing people at the five Cowries Terminal.
The video has sent panic to residents, especially boat users in the state.
However, Damilola Emmanuel, LASWA General Manager, in a statement, said the incident in the purported boat mishap video was actually a routine safety simulation exercise being carried out by the agency. Read more
Uproar as FG stops striking varsity workers’ salary (Sun)
Harsh reactions have trailed the reported decision of the Federal Government to invoke the ‘no work, no pay’ policy on striking workers of federal universities with organised labour, university lecturers and parents describing the move as incapable of resolving the crisis.
It was learnt that government might have implemented the policy following the collapse of negotiations and failure of workers to call off the strike.
But stakeholders in the sector have knocked the government for not exhausting the option of dialogue to resolve the contending issues with the university workers so that schools can resumed for normal academic work.
Affected by the policy are members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Non-Academic Staff Union of Allied and Educational Institution (NASU, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT). Read more
Wizkid to headline Rolling Loud music festival (Punch)
Multi-award-winning Nigerian artiste, Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has been announced as one of the stars headlining the 2022 Rolling Loud music festival.
Dubbed the largest hip-hop festival in the world, Rolling Loud will be held from the 9th to the 11th of September.
The festival, which usually takes place in the United States, will hold in Canada for the first time in history.
“This is our first year in Canada and we’re hyped! Rolling Loud Toronto is the beginning of something beautiful for the city,” the festival’s official account tweeted on Tuesday. Read more
Abiodun to Osinbajo: Ogun will support your presidential ambition (Leadership)
Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, has declared that the state would support the presidential ambition of the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, to enable him continue with some of the laudable projects of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.
Speaking at a stakeholders meeting with the VP and held at the Akarigbo Palace in Sagamu, the Alake Palace in Abeokuta and the Presidential Lodge, Ibara, Abeokuta, as well as the Palace of Olu of Ilaro and Paramount ruler of Yewaland, Abiodun said Osinbajo in the last seven years, has contributed to the many successes recorded by the federal government, noting “he is eminently qualified to lead the country”.
“The Vice President present here is home coming. We are pleased with his decision to run for the office of the president. He is competent and committed to lead the country in a higher capacity.
“Your steadfastness, integrity and character are all well known. You are serving this country and the president meritoriously for the last seven years as the vice president. We have no doubt that you will do well as the president and we will support you”, Abiodun stated. Read more
Eid El-Fitr: Prices of perishable items crash in Jos (DailyTrust)
As the Eid el-Fitr festivity draws closer, prices of perishable items such as tomato, pepper and cabbage have crashed in the popular Farin Gada market in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
Some traders told Daily Trust yesterday that the development could be connected to more supply of the produce.
Our correspondent who visited the market on Tuesday reports that despite the expected festival, prices of various perishables have dropped in the market, adding that hundreds of people have trooped into the market for business.
Yakubu Idris, a tomato seller said, “At the moment, the price of tomatoes is crashing. This time last year the item was very expensive. A basket that we sold at the rate of N7,000 last year is now N1,700. So, the price has gone down drastically and will continue to drop because the item is available.” Read more
Terrorists release photos of 62 train attack hostages (Nation)
The terrorists who attacked an Abuja-Kaduna train on March 28 yesterday released four photos of their captives.
In the photos, 62 of the kidnapped victims are seen in four groups.
The first photo has 23 persons, including five children (two females and three males) and 18 women.
Among them is the 85-year-old woman said to be diabetic. Read more
Saxophonist Andrew Woolfolk dies at 71 (MusicNews)
Earth, Wind and Fire saxophonist Andrew Woolfolk has died at the age of 71.
The musician has spent the last six years battling an illness and Woolfolk passed away on Sunday (24.04.22).
Philip Bailey, his former bandmate, wrote on Instagram: “I met him in High School, and we quickly became friends and bandmates. Andrew Paul Woolfolk was his name. We lost him today, after being ill for over 6 years. He has Transitioned on to the forever, from this Land of the dying to the Land of the Living.
“Great memories. Great Talent. Funny. Competitive. Quick witted. And always styling. Read more
Future’s ‘Keep It Burning’ collab with Kanye West will be on his new album (HipHopDX)
Future and Kanye West have a long collaborative history together. King Pluto recently served as executive-producer for Kanye’s most recent album Donda 2, and in an interview with GQ said he’s even penned hits for Kanye that fans don’t even know about.
“Sometimes not getting credit when you write with him because the love of the art is…I want it to be right,” Future told the publication. “Top tier. Just being able to create and put those textures over different music, and being involved with something like that.”
Donda 2 notably contained four collabs between the duo when the project dropped on Ye’s STEM player on February 24, but one track called “Keep It Burning” was abruptly removed from the player a day after the album’s release. The collaboration was a fan favorite on Donda 2, and listeners have speculated as to why Ye decided to remove it from the album.
Future confirmed in a new trailer on Tuesday (April 26) that the answer was because the Yeezy mogul had gifted it to him for his ninth studio album I NEVER LIKED YOU, which drops Friday (April 29). Read more
Justin Lin drops out of directing ‘Fast and Furious 10’ (Variety)
“Fast & Furious” director Justin Lin announced that he will no longer direct the franchise’s next installation, “Fast X,” which began filming last week. The filmmaker, who co-wrote the movie’s script with Dan Mazeau, will remain involved with the project as a producer.
Lin shared the news with a statement posted to social media, which read: “With the support of Universal, I have made the difficult decision to step back as director of Fast X, while remaining with the project as a producer.”
“Over 10 years and five films, we have been able to shoot the best actors, the best stunts, and the best damn car chases,” the filmmaker’s statement continued. “On a personal note, as the child of Asian immigrants, I am proud of helping to build the most diverse franchise in movie history. I will forever be grateful to the amazing cast, crew and studio for their support, and for welcoming me into the FAST family.”
Production on “Fast X” started on April 20, with franchise stars Vin Diesel, Jordana Brewster, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Nathalie Emmanuel, Sung Kang and Charlize Theron returning. New cast members include Michael Rooker, Jason Momoa, Daniela Melchior and Brie Larson. At the end of the first week of filming, Diesel posted a video to Instagram with Lin, teasing that the movie felt like “the beginning of an epic ending.” Read more
‘The Color Purple’ musical adaptation adds Terrence J. Smith, Tiffany Elle Burgess, And Aba Arthur (Deadline)
Oprah Winfrey’s new adaption of The Color Purple Musical recently made news with the addition of stars like Taraji P. Henson, H.E.R and King Richard’s Aunjanue Ellis joining Fantasia Barrino.
According to Blackfilmandtv.com, the highly anticipated production is also being praised for its willingness to highlight the next generation of Black Hollywood. The production recently added three new faces — Terrence J. Smith, Tiffany Elle Burgess, and Aba Arthur to the production.
Terrence J. Smith who has been cast as “Adam” in the film is a trained actor for both stage and film appearing in the musicals, A Raisin In The Sun and HAIR and made his film debut with the 2021 blockbuster, The Tomorrow War.
Tiffany Elle Burgess, cast as “Olivia” is an actress, screenwriter, and producer, and is also the author of the acclaimed children’s book Skin Like Mine. She recently made her television debut in The Wonder Years and in the SXSW critically acclaimed short film Glitter Ain’t Gold which was produced by rapper Common. Read more
Life goes on underground in Kharkiv after two months of Russian bombing (Metro)
Life continues to go on underground in bombed-out Kharkiv where hundreds of families have been sheltering for two months.
Photographs from metro stations in Ukraine’s second-largest city yet again show the perseverance of the human spirit despite the sounds of missiles hitting streets and residential blocks.
Pensioners can be seen lining up for food, while others rest on blankets placed directly on the cold, granite floor. Some are lucky to have found wooden pallets.
Train carriages have also been adapted to house people and this is where many celebrated Orthodox Easter on Sunday.
Children hiding in stations showed what defiance looks like by putting on an exhibition of portraits of modern day Ukrainian superheroes – a medic and a soldier. Read more
Margot Robbie’s ‘Barbie’ lands summer 2023 release (THR)
Warner Bros.’ all-star Barbie — starring Margot Robbie — will drive into theaters on July 21, 2023, the studio announced at CinemaCon on Tuesday evening.
Robbie is portraying the fashion-forward doll, topping a call sheet whose names range from Will Ferrell and Ryan Gosling and Simu Liu to Kate McKinnon and Alexandra Shipp to Emma Mackey and America Ferrera.
Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach wrote the script for the project, with Gerwig directing. Production is already underway.
Plot details are being kept in a Malibu dream house, but sources indicate that there is a meta aspect to the proceedings. Ferrell is said to be playing the CEO of a toy company that may or not be Mattel. Read more
Michael Keaton returns as Batman in first look at ‘The Flash’ movie with Ezra Miller (USAToday)
Thirty years after he last donned the cape and cowl in 1992’s “Batman Returns,” Michael Keaton is suiting back up as the Dark Knight in “The Flash” (in theaters June 23, 2023).
Attendees at CinemaCon, a convention for movie theater owners and studios, got a first look Tuesday at Keaton in the standalone superhero film, which centers on Ezra Miller’s Barry Allen, aka The Flash.
In the footage, a secret bookshelf door opens to reveal a shadowy room full of Batsuits. Later, The Flash and Supergirl (Sasha Calle) recruit Keaton’s Batman for what’s tipped to be a multiverse adventure featuring different versions of the DC characters.
“Are you ready?” Barry asks, as the camera pans to Keaton’s Bruce Wayne: maskless and wearing a Batsuit in what appears to be Wayne Manor. Read more
Tochukwu’s penalty earns Nasarawa United 1-0 win over Dakkada (DailyTrust)
Tochukwu Michael’s first half goal from the spot was enough for Nasarawa United to squeeze past Dakkada FC 1-0 in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) week 25 match played yesterday at the New Jos township stadium.
Although it was a slim win, the victory came as a huge relief to Nasarawa United who had suffered a humiliating 6-1 defeat at Akwa United in week 24.
Nasarawa United started the contest strongly but had to wait up to the 30th minute when their leading goalscorer, Tochukwu Michael, converted from the penalty spot for his sixth goal of the season.
Dakkada defender, Harrison Ibukun, was adjudged by the referee to have handled the ball in the box off Chinedu Ohanachom’s header. Read more
Man City make their Champions League mark but Benzema keeps Madrid alive (France24)
“We have to do a magical thing,” said Karim Benzema after Real Madrid performed another Houdini act in the Champions League to escape only 4-3 down from Tuesday’s thrilling semi-final, first leg against Manchester City.
Benzema set up what should be a special night at the Santiago Bernabeu on May 4 by scoring twice to take his tally for the season to 41 goals in as many games.
Without the Frenchman, Madrid’s quest for a 14th European crown would have long since sunk.
Benzema scored hat-tricks against both Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea in the past two rounds as Real walked a tightrope to reach the last four for the 30th time. Read more
Jurgen Klopp ‘need’ clear as Liverpool seek end to shock Champions League run against Villarreal (Liverpool Echo)
For a venue that is so often credited as a major factor in Liverpool’s rich European heritage, Anfield has not been much of a haven of late.
It’s nearly three years since the Reds last won a Champions League knockout tie at home, dating back to one of the most famous evenings in their history when Barcelona were dispatched 4-0 at the semi-final stage.
It’s four games without a victory at Anfield for the Reds in the latter stages of the European Cup, a statistic that gets even more peculiar the more you delve into the reasons why.
In 2020, as the world hurtled towards the global COVID-19 pandemic, Liverpool and Atletico Madrid were controversially told to play the second leg of their last-16 tie at Anfield. Read more
St. Andrews set to break attendance record for British Open (WashingtonTimes)
The 150th edition of golf’s oldest championship really is cause for celebration.
The R&A reports Tuesday it anticipates a record 290,000 spectators at St. Andrews for the British Open this summer. That would smash the previous record of 239,000 fans who watched Tiger Woods complete the career Grand Slam at the Old Course in 2000.
The Open typically draws the most fans at St. Andrews, followed by clubs in the northwest of England (Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool, Royal Lytham & St. Annes).
The R&A allowed 32,000 fans for Royal St. George’s last year in the gradual return from the COVID-19 pandemic, and with a 150-year anniversary at the home of golf, organizers received more than 1.3 million applications in the ticket ballot and the highest-ever number of general admission tickets being issued. Read more
Depleted Miami Heat see off plucky Atlanta Hawks to reach East semis (Guardian)
Victor Oladipo scored 23 points, Bam Adebayo added 20 points and 11 rebounds, and the Miami Heat moved into the Eastern Conference semi-finals by beating the Atlanta Hawks 97-94 on Tuesday night.
Tyler Herro scored 16, Max Strus scored 15 and Caleb Martin added 10 for the top-seeded Heat, who ousted the eighth-seeded Hawks in five games. And Miami got the series-clincher without Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry, both of whom sat out Tuesday with injuries.
Trae Young’s rough series for Atlanta remained that way: He finished 2 for 12 from the floor, scoring just 11 points. For the series, the Hawks’ guard shot 32% against Miami’s swarming defense.
De’Andre Hunter scored 35 for Atlanta, which got 12 apiece from Kevin Huerter and Danilo Gallinari. Read more
Stevenson-Valdez: Judges, Referee revealed for 130-pound title unification fight (BoxingScene)
Two judges with whom Shakur Stevenson and Oscar Valdez are familiar will officially score their fight Saturday night.
BoxingScene.com has learned that the Nevada State Athletic Commission assigned Nevada judges Tim Cheatham and Dave Moretti and Oklahoma’s David Sutherland to work their 12-round, 130-pound title unification fight at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Nevada’s Kenny Bayless has been chosen as the referee who’ll officiate their fight.
Moretti has scored four of Stevenson’s past five fights and three of Valdez’s previous four bouts. Cheatham has worked one Stevenson and Valdez bout apiece since June 2019.
Sutherland hasn’t scored any fights in which Stevenson or Valdez participated. Read more