Bamise: Dead Lagos BRT passenger found naked with body parts missing -Relative (Punch)
The dead body of the 22-year-old lady, Miss Oluwabamise Ayanwole, who got missing after boarding a Lagos Bus Rapid Transit vehicle, was reportedly found with some body parts missing.
One of Ayanwole’s relatives made the claim on Monday, saying that they are awaiting the outcome of an autopsy to confirm their observation.
The relative lamented that efforts to rescue Oluwabamise Ayanwole by passers-by failed, insisting that justice must be done.
According to him, Bamise’s body was first sighted in public late on Saturday when a BRT and jeep dumped her body and zoomed off.
He told The PUNCH, “The picture of her corpse was first sent to us. We went to confirm and she was the one. The picture of her corpse is gory, it shouldn’t be shared. She was taken to Morgue on Sunday. Police found out about her death Saturday night. Read more
39 miscreants arrested for terrorising motorists, dealing in illicit drugs in Lagos (Sun)
The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offenses Unit (Taskforce) has arrested 39 miscreants who were known for terrorizing motorists and dealing in illicit drugs.
The suspects were arrested during a raid on blackspots at Maruwa Beach around Brassall Mall on Admiralty Road and other adjoining areas in Lekki phase 1 on Friday night.
The agency’s Spokesperson, Abdulraheem Gbadeyan, in a statement he issued on Sunday said that the raid was carried out in order to curb the incessant crimes committed by miscreants in that axis.
“The two places are known to be the den for criminals where all sorts of hard drugs are sold. Read more
Aggrieved families to withdraw cases against Oniru (Nation)
Aggrieved members of the Omowunmi-Abisogun Ruling House have settled their differences and backed the ascension of Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal as the Oniru of Iruland, Victoria Island, Lagos.
They also resolved that all pending litigations against the monarch be withdrawn immediately, subject to the filing of terms of settlement in court.
The members, who stated this at a meeting at the weekend, also affirmed Alhaji Biliaminu Abisogun as their Head.
They urged other aggrieved members to shelve their grievances and work with Oba Lawal to bring peace to the family, Iruland and its environs. Read more
LASG tests 19,968 building materials to curb collapses (Guardian)
The Lagos State Government on Sunday said it conducted tests on 19,968 building materials in 2021 to curb cases of building collapse in the state.
General Manager, Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory (LSMTL), Mr Olufunsho Elulade, also said that the agency would digitalise its operations this year for effective capturing of all project sites across the state.
Elulade told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that materials testing was important to eliminate factors that caused building collapse and construction failures.
According to him, tests done included soil, water, steel and calibration, among others. Read more
Davido fined N190m for overstaying O2 Arena (Vanguard)
David Adeleke popularly known as Davido and OBO, has allegedly been fined a sum of one hundred and ninety million Naira few hours after his concert at the O2 Arena.
According to Marvin Abbey, a twitter user in a post shared on the microblogging platforms reckon that Davido was supposed to roundup his concert at the O2 Arena at 11 pm.
Marvin, said ‘the O2 Arena has a strict 11pm curfew, and for every minute a person goes past 11 pm, they are obligated to pay a fine of ten thousand pounds.’
The twitter user purported that Davido said he didn’t care about the rules and finished his concert at 11:34 pm and was fined three hundred and forty thousand pounds, equivalent to one hundred and ninety million Naira.
The post reads: Davido was supposed to finish his concert at the O2 at 11 pm. The O2 have a strict 11 pm curfew. For every minute you go past 11 pm you have to pay £10,000. Davido said he didn’t care. He finished the concert at 23:34. That’s £340.000 fine. Mental! Read more
Int’l Women’s Day: Coalition wants more funding for women’s health (DailyTrust)
Policymakers in the country have been urged to provide more funding for women’s health to reduce the mortality rate.
The Coalition of Women in the Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health at Scale, PACFah@Scale project made the call at a press conference in Ilorin on Monday.
Speaking on the 2022 International Women’s Day with the theme: “Breaking the Bias: Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow,” Hajia Halima Ben-Umar, Project Director, said that focusing on health programmes for women of reproductive age will reduce the mortality rate prevalent among women in that category.
She lamented that though federal and state governments are developing and launching new health policies with potentially positive implications for the health of women, adequate budget provisions has not been provided.
Lamenting the high mortality rate among middle-aged women in Nigeria, Ben-Umar said; “gender equality in the health sector can only become a reality if our brothers and fathers, who are in the majority as Nigerian policymakers, think about every woman who makes up Nigeria’s extremely high maternal death rate. Read more
Buhari greets Pete Edochie @75 (Punch)
President Muhammadu Buhari has said veteran Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie, brought the spotlight to Nigeria and Africa with his performance.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari said this while greeting the actor on the occasion of his 75th birthday.
The statement read, “President Muhammadu Buhari joins entertainers in the music and movie industry, particularly Nollywood, in celebrating with veteran actor, scriptwriter and movie producer, Pete Edochie, on his 75th birthday.
“President Buhari congratulates the renowned actor for the many pioneering and motivating roles in the entertainment industry, hitting the limelight in the 80s as Okonkwo in the screen adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart”, where his superlative performance brought the spotlight to Nigeria and Africa. Read more
Abba Kyari to remain in custody as court fixes bail for Mar 14 (DailyTrust)
A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed March 14 for a hearing of the bail application by suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari, and six others over alleged drug trafficking.
Justice Emeka Nwite fixed the date after listening to both prosecution and defence lawyers in the matter. The judge further said that he would not take the arguments on the bail applications until the next adjournment.
Lead counsel to Kyari, Kanu Agabi (SAN), had applied for the bail but NDLEA counsel, Joseph Sunday Esq. brought a counter-affidavit.
Those charged with Kyari are ACP Sunday Ubua, ASP Bawa James, Inspectors Simon Agirigba, John Nuhu, however, ASP John Umoru is said to be at large. Read more
APC Crisis: Buni sacked as CECPC boss, as Sani Bello steps in (Independent)
What looks like a palace coup is playing out at the National Headquarters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as governor Abubakar Sani Bello took reins of authority at the ruling party.
He arrived at the party’s Secretariat in a show of force, accompanied by gun-toting policemen and went straight to the office of the National Chairman of the party, Mai Mala Buni.
About nine of the 12- member Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) are presently locked up in a crucial meeting being chaired by Sani Bello, who by the way is the Deputy Chairman of the Central Coordinating Committee of the March 26 convention. Senator John James Akpanudedehe, Secretary of the CECPC was also attending the meeting.
Some APC State Chairmen are also seen around the Secretariat. Some of those accosted said they are not aware of the reasons why they were summoned to the Secretariat. Read more
FG: We won’t allow Nigerians to be used as mercenaries in Russia-Ukraine war (DailyTrust)
The federal government declared on Monday in Abuja that it will not fold its arms and allow any Nigerian to be used or be recruited as mercenaries to fight in Ukraine.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made this known in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Francisca Omayuli.
“The attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria has been drawn to an alleged ongoing registration of Nigerian volunteers into the fighting force of Ukraine at the Ukrainian Embassy in Abuja.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs contacted the embassy to verify the speculation. Read more
‘How FG Anchor Borrowers’ Programme increased Kebbi’s revenue, attracts investors’
(ThisDay)
The Federal Government Anchor Borrowers Rice Programme in Kebbi State has brought significant changes to the state’s economy and internally generated revenue (IGR), which increased from to 80%.
The former board members of Kebbi Housing Corporation and former Chairman Buhari/Bagudu 4+4 Campaign in Kebbi State, Alhaji Kabiru Giant disclosed this while addressing a press conference yesterday in Birnin Kebbi.
He said the programme has also attracted investors within and outside the country to promote its economy.
He stated that no fewer than 10 rice mills have been established in Kebbi while other industries manufacturing other products such as fertilizer, plastics, cassava flour, tomato paste have also taken off in different parts of the state. Read more
Pasha Lee dead: Ukrainian TV host and actor dies in Russian shelling aged 33 (OK)
TV host and actor Pasha Lee has died fighting for Ukraine just a week after joining the front line to defend his home country.
Russian troops invaded Ukraine on 24 February and in a bid to help, Pasha joined the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
He was killed on 6 March aged 33 after the Russian army shelled the city of Irpin.
Pasha’s death was announced on the Odessa International Film Festival Facebook page. Read more
Ed Sheeran denies Shape of You copyright claim at High Court trial (BBC)
Ed Sheeran has told the High Court he does not “borrow” ideas from unknown songwriters without credit.
The singer-songwriter has been accused by two other songwriters of copying parts of his 2017 hit Shape Of You.
Sami Chokri and Ross O’Donoghue’s barrister suggested Sheeran treated lesser known songwriters differently from famous ones.
Sheeran denied this, telling the court he had cleared parts of songs with “lots” of unknown artists. Read more
Dizzee Rascal denies assaulting ex-fiancée as he stands accused of ‘pushing’ her (Mirror)
Dizzee Rascal has taken the stand to deny assaulting his ex-fiancée.
The rapper, real name Dylan Kwabena Mill, is accused of assaulting his ex-fiancée Cassandra Jones – the mother of his two young children.
The musician pleaded not guilty to assault by beating, in relation to an incident at a home in Streatham, south London on June 8.
The trial, at Wimbledon Magistrates’, was part heard in February, where it was alleged Dizzee “put his forehead” against his Miss Jones’ and “pushed her around” the room while holding their baby son, in an argument surrounding custody arrangements which was heard by neighbours, Helen Duong, prosecuting, said. Read more
Movistar Plus Internacional officially launches, headed by former Sony exec María Valenzuela (Variety)
Telefonica’s Movistar Plus, Spain’s biggest pay-TV/SVOD operator, has launched an in-house overseas sales division, Movistar Plus Internacional, headed up by former Sony and Buendía Estudios exec Maria Valenzuela.
Lorena Molloy, an ex-exec at The Mediapro Studio, has joined Movistar Plus Internacional beginning in March as its head of communication and marketing.
Valenzuela, who began working with the platform last summer, heading international strategy and business development, reports directly to Domingo Corral, Movistar Plus’ director of original production.
Movistar Plus Internacional is making further appointments, raising staff to around 10 employees, Valenzuela said. It will attend all major markets, beginning with Series Mania and MipTV/Canneseries, focusing at least in the short term on sales to Europe, Eastern Europe, U.S. and Latin America, she added. Read more
Leading Ukrainian film-makers call for boycott of Russian cultural ‘propaganda’ (Guardian)
A group of prominent Ukrainian film-makers are demanding a cultural boycott of Russia, saying that it would be “an attempt to cleanse the world of the propaganda of a terrorist state”.
Seven film-makers, including Roman Bondarchuk (Volcano), Nariman Aliev (Homeward), Alina Gorlova (This Rain Will Never Stop) and Valentyn Vasyanovych (Atlantis), have each released statements outlining their support of a boycott as well as their criticism of Russian film-makers who are failing to oppose the attack on Ukraine.
Vasyanovych, whose film Atlantis premiered at the Venice film festival in 2019, said: “It is necessary to lower the iron cultural curtain around Russia. Stop any cultural collaborations with representatives of a terrorist country that threatens to destroy the whole world. Stop all communication with directors who continue to live in the Soviet or Soviet paradigm and promote messages poisoned by imperial ideology in the civilised world.”
Among other Russian cultural figures, Bondarchuk directly criticises opera singer Anna Netrebko, who recently withdrew from performances with the Met in New York, saying: “Ukrainians are defending their freedom and right to exist. We need help. It is necessary to limit the influence of Russian culture in the world. Culture prepared the ideological basis for this war … Help Ukraine survive this war.” Read more
Power of the Dog star Benedict Cumberbatch responds to ‘very odd’ criticism of the movie (USAToday)
Benedict Cumberbatch has responded to criticism against Jane Campion’s Western “The Power of the Dog” and his own Oscar-nominated portrayal of rancher Phil Burbank.
Speaking as part of BAFTA’s Film Sessions on Friday, Cumberbatch did not give specific names, but alluded to viral criticism of the movie’s portrayal of the West made by “1883” star Sam Elliott on a Feb. 28 episode of the film podcast “WTF with Marc Maron.”
“I’m trying very hard not to say anything about a very odd reaction that happened the other day on a radio podcast over here, without meaning to stir over the ashes of that,” said Cumberbatch, who added it was “unfair” to get into details since he had not listened to the podcast but read news reports.
“Someone really took offense to the West being portrayed in this way,” said Cumberbatch. Read more
Ukraine ‘takes back city from Russia and kills two high-ranking commanders’ (Metro)
Ukrainian forces have retaken control of the eastern city of Chuhuiv, defence officials have announced.
The General Staff said the city was ‘liberated’ from Putin’s troops and two high-ranking Russian commanders were killed in the battle.
Chuhuiv is located just 23 miles from Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second biggest city, which has come under intense Russian shelling.
‘The occupiers suffered heavy losses in personnel and equipment,’ the Ukrainian army posted.
‘Lieutenant Colonel Dmitry Safronov, Commander of the 61st Separate Marine Brigade of the Russian Armed Forces, and Lieutenant Colonel Denis Glebov, Deputy Commander of the 11th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Russian Armed Forces, were killed.’ Read more
NPFL: Rivers, Plateau Utd maintain winning streak as Pillars ease relegation threat (Leadership)
Rivers United and Plateau United maintained their impressive run in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) with 2-0 and 1-0 wins against Shooting Stars of Ibadan and Katsina United respectively yesterday.
Table topper Rivers United pipped their visitors in Port Harcourt with Joseph Onoja bagging a brace to stay top of the league standing.
In Jos, Buhari Ibrahim scored from a diving
header deep into stoppage time to secure all the three maximum points for Plateau United against hard fighting Katsina United.
Meanwhile, Kano Pillars eased their relegation worries with a 2-0 victory against visiting Nasarawa United at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium. Read more
Jurgen Klopp agrees with Pep Guardiola on Liverpool FC vs Man City rivalry (MEN)
Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool would have been Premier League champions by February in recent years were it not for Manchester City, as he repaid a compliment from Pep Guardiola this weekend.
Liverpool moved back to within three points of City on Saturday with both teams level on points, but the Blues beat Manchester United to extend the gap again having played a game more. After that win, which was seen by many on Merseyside as a potential banana-skin for City, Guardiola opted to praise Liverpool when asked about the title race.
“I said many times, the biggest success for a manager is after winning three Premier Leagues in four years, we still run like we run and are there to win again,” he said. “Normally you have bad thoughts and you are confused thinking you are like you are not. Still we are humble enough every single training and every single game, to do it to be there. Afterwards, you can win or lose.
“These guys are still there, if we can’t do it in the end, it’s because we have the toughest opponent I’ve faced in my 12, 13 years as a manager. Liverpool are outstanding. Fight with them and be with them after a big success in domestic trophies and titles is the biggest achievement in my career.” Read more
Former Manchester United manager and Ireland international Frank O’Farrell has died aged 94 (RTE)
Former Ireland international and manager of Manchester United, Frank O’Farrell has died at the age of 94.
The Cork City native began his playing career in his home town with Cork United, before moving to England in 1948 to join West Ham United.
O’Farrell spent eight years at Upton Park before moving north to sign for Preston North End, where he spent five further seasons.
The wing-half earned nine Republic of Ireland caps during his time in England, making his international debut in a 6-0 victory over Austria. Read more
Former FIFA chief and PSG president back in court after federal prosecutors appeal verdicts (ESPN)
Former FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke and Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser al-Khelaifi appeared in a Swiss court on Monday after federal prosecutors appealed against the verdicts in their September 2020 trial.
The Swiss Federal Criminal Court said Valcke, al-Khelaifi and a third defendant, marketing executive Dinos Deris, were all in court in Bellinzona for the start of the appeal case.
The court has scheduled four days for the appeal. Al-Khelaifi, the head of Qatari broadcaster beIN Media Group, is expected in Spain on Wednesday for his team’s Champions League game against Real Madrid.
The allegations relate to World Cup television rights and to Valcke getting rent-free use of a vacation home in Sardinia bought in 2013 by a Qatari company set up for the purpose of the purchase with al-Khelaifi’s help. Read more
Camila Giorgi withdraws from Indian Wells Masters (TennisWorld)
Italian tennis player Camila Giorgi has withdrawn from the Indian Wells Masters. Giorgi, ranked at No. 29 in the world, won’t be making her sixth appearance in Indian Wells this year. Giorgi debuted at the Indian Wells Masters in 2014, when she made the round-of-16 as a qualifier.
The round-of-16 result Giorgi achieved in 2014 has been Giorgi’s best result at the tournament as she picked up a first round defeat and three second round losses in her next four appearances in the desert. Last year, Giorgi returned to the Indian Wells Masters for the first time since 2017.
Unfortunately for Giorgi, she didn’t enjoy a great run as she was beaten by Amanda Anisimova in the second round.
On Friday, world No. 1 Barty pulled out of the Masters events in Indian Wells and Miami. Read more
Kell Brook open to Amir Khan rematch as rival considers second fight (Mirror)
Kell Brook has promised to hand Amir Khan another “whooping” if his rival demands a rematch.
The British star scored a dominant sixth-round stoppage victory over his long-term foe in Manchester last month.
A rematch clause had been added to the fight contract and Khan’s brother Haroon has said it could be activated by the 35-year-old.
Brook has responded to the claim by questioning what Khan brings to the table after a “one-sided” outcome last month. Read more
Lewis Hamilton backlash has gone ‘over Max Verstappen’s head’ as Red Bull warn Mercedes (Express)
Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has fired a warning to Mercedes, claiming that Max Verstappen has paid no mind to the controversy which shrouded his world title triumph last season. The Dutchman is gearing up to defend his crown, with the usual suspects still blazing a trail after the first round of pre-season tests.
Verstappen overtook Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of last season’s finale after FIA race director Michael Masi effectively wiped out the Brit’s lead behind a late safety car.
Weeks later, Masi was sacked from his post after a lengthy FIA investigation which has, in the eyes of many, cast a shadow over Verstappen’s title.
Hamilton fans and Mercedes themselves feel as though the seven-time world champion was robbed of title number eight, as he appeared to be cruising towards another victory before the late twist at Yas Marina. Read more