Bartender stabbed dead by woman at hotel hideout after stealing boss’ N.6m (Vanguard)
A bartender, Mohammed Ahmed, who hid in a hotel after stealing his boss’ money, has been stabbed to death by a woman, Omowumi Oyapitan, a 32-year-old fashion designer.
Men of Ogun State Police Command arrested Oyapitan following a distress call by Stephen Udo, Managing Director of Splendour Guest Inn, received by the police at Onipanu Divisional Headquarters.
Udo reported that an argument ensued between two of his guests in the hotel, and in the process, one of them, Omowumi Oyapitan broke a bottle and used it to stab Mohammed Ahmed.
The DPO of Onipanu Division, CSP Bamidele Job, quickly mobilised his men and moved to the scene, where the victim was met in a pool of his blood.
The suspect was promptly arrested, while the victim was rushed to state hospital Ota, where he was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty. Read more
Lagos Assembly kicks against harassment of residents by police (Guardian)
Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, yesterday, cautioned police in the state against harassment, intimidation and extortion of residents.
Obasa said this on the floor of the House when lawmakers honoured outgoing Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu, who has been promoted to Assistant Inspector-General, and is due to retire in January 2022.
Obasa said Odumosu was honoured as the first Commissioner of Police in the state to stand before the lawmakers and address Lagosians on his experience policing the state.
The Speaker thanked Odumosu for his openness and responsiveness to issues affecting the peace of the state.
“It is important to call on those behind you to know that the relationship between the police and the people need to be constantly improved upon,” Obasa said, adding that men of the Nigeria Police Force need to build more trust among the people. Read more
Lagos govt upgrades AOCOED to university of education (Punch)
Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education will now be called Lagos State University of Education.
The change of the Institution’s status was disclosed in a statement signed by the chairman, House Committee on Education (Tertiary Institutions), Hon. Ajani Owolabi.
The statement was titled, ‘Second allocated day for report of the Committee on Education (Tertiary Institutions) on a Bill for a Law to provide for the establishment of The University of Education, Lagos, ( UNEDLAG) and for connected purposes.’
It read in part, “You would recall that the House at its Plenary Session of Thursday, 1st July 2021, considered the report of the Committee on Education on “the University of Education, Lagos Bill, 2021” after which a second allotted day was given to the Committee to resolve the grey areas observed by the House.
“Consequently, the Committee met and recommends as follows:
RECOMMENDATIONS. Read more
Stakeholders advise on processes of constructing property in Lagos (Sun)
Are you planning to construct a property in Lagos? There are various steps you need to follow for safety and regulations in the state. These include but not limited to these enumerated by building construction experts in Lagos State.
Once you are embarking on a building project within Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State, the under-listed are the required documents which you should submit upon completion of your application form.
According to Mr. Ayo Banji, an Architect practicing in Lagos, before going forward to seeking approval documents, you must first of all conceive the idea and know whether it is going to be a bungalow or a storey/stairs building.
You must be able to know the location of choice. A location plan prepared by a relevant professional registered to practise in Nigeria covering a radius of about 250mm of the proposed site development. The plan should include adjacent developments, name of roads and other landmarks so sufficient to locate the development. It should be at a scale of 1:500.
Contact a certified architect who is aware of Lagos State building plan approval peculiarities to prepare a design and plan for you. He must be able to follow the listed tips like; Ensure that the rooms are cross-ventilated; Room sizes must not be less than 3m x 3.6m; Ensure that the scaling is correct; then use legible lines. Read more
Deji of Akure intervenes, moves to settle rift between Ooni, wife (Tribune)
The Deji of Akure in Ondo State, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, has made moves to intervene and reconcile the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and his wife, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola.
A highly reliable source in the palace told Tribune Online that Oba Aladelusi had held separate meetings with Oba Ogunwusi in Ile-Ife and the wife in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
According to the source, the meetings were successful as both Ooni and his wife reportedly responded positively to the steps being taken by the Akure monarch to end the differences between them.
The source said: “lt is true that The Deji took it upon himself to wade into the matter between the Ooni and the Olori.
“It will interest you that the matter would soon be resolved as both parties have agreed to sheathe the swords. Don’t believe all the stories in the social media, the whole matter was overbloated, they would soon reconcile going by the intervention of the Deji of Akure.” Read more
Groups seek FG, Lagos intervention in FESTAC legal tussle (Leadership)
Lagos-based civil society groups, Centre for Leadership and Creative Entrepreneurs in Africa (LTD/GTE) and Initiatives for Urban Regeneration have called for the intervention of the federal and Lagos State governments in the lingering legal feud between the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and the Amuwo Odofin Royal Family, which allegedly hampers development in the area.
The NGOs in a statement jointly signed by Amb. Kingsley Enwelim Nwanze the President, founder, Center for Leadership and Creative Entrepreneurs in Africa (LTD/GTE) and Comrade Babatunde Olagunju the Executive Director Initiative for Urban Regeneration, lauded the moves and strategies of Senator Gbenga Ashafa geared at restoring the lost glory of the Festac Town in Amuwo-Odofin area of the state.
“As Civil Society Organizations operating in Festac Town, we are acknowledging the ongoing good works aimed at restoring the lost glory of Festac Town under the present management of Federal Housing Authority led by a very experienced technocrat, Senator Gbenga Ashafa.
“We would like the management of the Federal Housing Authority to reclaim spaces meant for recreational needs of the people without further delay. Read more
Mr P to online beggars: it’s irritating (Nation)
Singer Peter Okoye of PSquare, aka Mr P, has slammed those who beg for money online and seek giveaways.
He said fraudsters also operate through the mode.
Peter was reacting to a tweep who demanded the sum of N500,000 from him and five other notable Nigerian personalities.
The tweep wrote: “I need #500 before next year” and went on to tag Davido, Naira Marley, Femi Otedola, Aliko Dangote, Mr P and Rudeboy adding, “Let GOD use you for me.”
Calling out the tweep in a lengthy post, the “Chop My Money” singer wrote: “Now! Tweets like this are what these fraudsters are after. Read more
134m Nigerians without NIN as linkage with SIM deadline ends tomorrow (Guardian)
About 134.4 million Nigerians are currently without the National Identification Number (NIN) as the NIN-SIM linkage deadline ends tomorrow, The Guardian can report.
As at October, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) revealed that 140 million Nigerians were yet to get NINs, with only 64.4 million unique identity numbers issued as at then.
However, the figure increased to 70 million this month, meaning only 5.6 million unique NINs were issued between October and December. Consequently, removing the 5.6 million from 140 million showed that 134.4 million Nigerians are still without NIN.
This further means that only about 70 million Nigerians might have linked their SIMs to their NINs, having in mind the multi-SIM nature of Nigerians, where an individual operates three to four networks. Read more
Buhari directs relase of outstanding NDDC funds (DailyTrust)
President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the release of outstanding funds owed the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Buhari also ordered the immediate revival and completion of all viable projects which have been abandoned by the NDDC, saying anyone found culpable in the mismanagement of funds and abandonment of projects in the region would be prosecuted.
Speaking on Thursday in Uyo during the virtual commissioning of a 1,050 bed space hostel built and donated by the NDDC to the University of Uyo after it was abandoned for 17 years, the President commended the NDDC for the hostel complex and promised that all recovered funds from the NDDC will be used for the service of the people.
“Therefore, going forward we shall ensure every recoverable kobo recovered will be used for the service of the people of this region and those found capable would face the law.
“Consequently, once we finish this commissioning, I will direct all money contributed to the NDDC to remit all outstanding funds to the commission, and to ensure this is done transparently and according to the laid down procedure and process. Read more
Kanye West and Nicki Minaj’s former manager Angela rKukawski has died of suspected homicide (NME)
LA-based business manager Angela “Angie” Kukawski – who has represented Kanye West, Nicki Minaj and Offset – has died.
The news was confirmed by Variety earlier this week (December 28), via the Ventura County Coroner’s office. According to a statement issued by the Los Angeles Police Department, the 55-year-old’s death is being treated as a homicide.
She had been reported missing last Wednesday (December 22) in Sherman Oaks, with an investigation launched the following day. She was subsequently found dead in her vehicle, parked some 30 miles away in Simi Valley.
Police have arrested Kukawski’s boyfriend, 49-year-old Jason Barker, on suspicion of murder. He is currently being held on a $2million (£1.49million) bond at the Van Nuys Jail.
The LAPD also confirmed that the LA County district attorney’s office has formally moved to file murder charges against Barker. Rolling Stone claims to be in possession of a criminal complaint regarding the incident, stating that Barker has been charged with one count of murder and one count of torture. Read more
Tiger shot dead after biting zoo cleaner’s arm (Metro)
A tiger has been shot and killed after it bit and seriously injured a cleaner who entered a restricted area in a Florida zoo, authorities have said.
Eko, an eight-year-old Malayan tiger, was discovered with the man’s arm in its mouth at Naples Zoo, on Wednesday night.
A sheriff’s deputy attempted to get the animal to release the man, who is in his 20s, by kicking the enclosure, but was ‘forced to shoot’ when the tiger would not let go, reports say.
After it was shot, the tiger retreated back into its enclosure and the zoo later confirmed the big cat had died.
The cleaner was rushed to hospital where he was treated for serious injuries. Read more
Survivor says Maxwell guilty verdict brings solace (BBC)
A woman who was groomed by Ghislaine Maxwell and gave key evidence at her sex trafficking trial hopes the verdict will bring “solace” to other survivors.
“I am so relieved and grateful,” said Annie Farmer, the only witness to use her real name during her testimony.
“I hope this verdict… demonstrates that no one is above the law.”
Maxwell was found guilty of grooming underage girls to be abused by Jeffrey Epstein. Her lawyers say they will appeal against the verdict. Read more
Things you didn’t know your new iPhone could do (Metro)
If you’re lucky enough to be unwrapping a new iPhone over Christmas, then there are a few extra features you’re going to want to know about.
We assume you know it can make calls and take pictures as well as install some of those great apps everyone is always talking about.
But despite iPhones having been around for nigh-on 14 years now, there are still some things not everyone knows.
Here are seven useful features that we found after digging around in the gadget’s Accessibility settings. Read more
Lemmy’s ashes turned into tattoos for crew members (MusicNews)
Lemmy’s ashes have been used to create tattoos for Motörhead’s tour manager and production assistant.
The iconic heavy metal band’s frontman passed away in December 2015, at the age of 70, a short while after being diagnosed with cancer.
And the ‘Ace of Spades’ hitmaker’s request before his death was for his ashes to be placed inside bullets and sent to his loved ones.
And now, crew members Eddie Rocha and Emma Cederblad have shared a video of them getting the permanent tribute to their late friend.
The clip begins with the caption: “Some of Lemmy’s ashes were shared with family and close friends.” Read more
Bank hands out £130m in Christmas blunder (BBC)
Tens of thousands of people awoke on Christmas morning to a surprise from an unexpected benefactor – Santander.
The bank mistakenly deposited £130m into 75,000 accounts on 25 December.
Santander’s staff are now rushing to claw back the money, although the job is being made more difficult because much of it was deposited in accounts at rival banks, according to The Times.
The error occurred when payments from 2,000 business accounts were made twice.
“We’re sorry that due to a technical issue, some payments from our corporate clients were incorrectly duplicated on the recipients’ accounts,” the bank said in a statement. Read more
LL Cool J Cancels New Year’s Eve Performance in Times Square Due to COVID (NBC)
Vaccinated crowds may be ready to gather in Times Square to ring in 2022 — but they’ll be doing it without LL Cool J.
The vaccinated and masked-up crowds were set to enjoy performances by headliners KT Tunstall, LL Cool J, Chlöe, Journey and Karol G — but LL Cool J and Chlöe announced Wednesday that they’ve dropped out of “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest,” according to Deadline. Cool J confirmed he tested positive but it’s unclear why Chloe Bailey won’t be performing.
Many major cities like Tokyo, Rome and Paris have decided to cancel their New Year’s Eve celebration amid surges in coronavirus cases but the Times Square ball drop organizers are sticking with limited crowd sizes and new safety protocols.
“Here in Times Square we felt that it was important to show the world that we can still find ways to carry on those old traditions in a safe and responsible way,” said President of Times Square Alliance Tom Harris. Read more
Osimhen positive for Covid before Cup of Nations (Guardian)
Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen is isolating after testing positive for coronavirus for a second time, his club side Napoli announced Thursday, with the Africa Cup of Nations due to kick off in just over a week.
The 23-year-old, who is still recovering from surgery after suffering a smashed cheekbone against Inter Milan in late November, was tested before travelling to Italy for a check-up on Friday.
Osimhen also tested positive for Covid last January after returning from Christmas holidays in Nigeria.
“Victor Osimhen has tested positive for Covid-19 but is asymptomatic,” Serie A team Napoli said in a statement, without specifying where the player currently is.
“Consequently, the local authorities have ordered that Osimhen self-isolate and the check-up will be rescheduled after he has tested negative and his period of isolation ends.” Read more
Alec Burks, bench save Knicks from ugly loss to depleted Pistons (NYPost)
Take a bow, Alec Burks for saving the Knicks from a colossal embarrassment in Motown.
Burks and the second unit rallied the Knicks to a 94-85 victory Wednesday over the NBA’s worst team, the Pistons, who also happened to be decimated by COVID-19.
While the starters, including Julius Randle, were abysmal and sat the entire fourth quarter, Burks came off the bench to explode for 34 points in 27 minutes and guide the Knicks back from a 14-point deficit after a third quarter from hell.
Burks was spectacular and smooth in making 12 of 17 shots, 5 of 8 from 3-point land and making all five of his free throws.
“It was vintage, the way he played,’’ coach Tom Thibodeau said. Read more
Ademola Lookman not cleared by FIFA to represent Nigeria —NFF (Punch)
The Nigeria Football Federation has said Leicester City player, Ademola Lookman, has not been cleared by world football governing body, FIFA, to represent Nigeria.
The 24-year-old had represented England at U-19, U-20 and U-21 levels, helping them win the U-20 World Cup in 2017.
In October, Lookman applied to switch his allegiance to the country of his parents’ nationality. This made former Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, include his name in the initial provisional list for the African Cup of Nations holding in Cameroon in January 2022.
However, NFF, in a statement on Thursday, said the process of his switch to Nigeria, which will confirm his participation in AFCON, has not been concluded.
This is as the Federation cleared the air on claims that Super Eagles interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen, axed his name from the provisional list for AFCON. Read more
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang likely to miss Arsenal’s next five matches (Metro)
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is likely to miss Arsenal’s next five matches after he was given permission to join up with Gabon’s squad ahead of the Gunners’ match with Manchester City on New Year’s Day.
The now former Arsenal captain will represent his country at next month’s Africa Cup of Nations with the Panthers drawn in a group along with Morocco, Ghana and Comoros.
Gabon’s campaign is due to start on January 10 and will conclude a week later on January 18 at the earliest. Should Patrice Neveu’s team make it all the way to the final, meanwhile, then Aubameyang would be unavailable to play for Arsenal until February 10 at the earliest.
Mikel Arteta’s side have flourished in the absence of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Mikel Arteta’s side have flourished in the absence of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Picture: Getty)
Aubameyang was stripped of the armband by Mikel Arteta earlier this month following a breech of discipline and he hasn’t featured in any of his side’s last five matches in all competitions. Read more
Katsina Utd, Kano Pillars battle for 3 points in North-west Derby (Leadership)
The noisy North-West derby between Kano Pillars and Katsina United is top on the card of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) match-day 3 encounters scheduled to hold at different venues across the country today, December 29.
Neighbours, Pillars and United have always literally fought out their engagements both on the pitch and off it with the two sides coming into this game on the back of on unimpressive start to the season, a very fierce seems guaranteed when both meet at Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina later today.
Host Katsina United lost their first finish two matches in the NPFL new season to Enugu Rangers and Rivers United 0-1 and 3-0 respectively and would definitely be desirous of picking their first win of the season at home against visiting Kano Pillars.
Also, the Sai Masu Gida, who were held to a goalless draw by Lobi Stars at the Ahmodu Bello Stadium in Kaduna on Sunday after losing their opening match to defending champions Akwa United, will seek for their first victory of the season that would steer them above relegation threaten zone. Read more
Ghana’s Gyan dies at 43 (Nation)
Former Feyenoord and Wrexham star Christian Gyan has died of cancer at the age of just 43.
Gyan was born in Ghana but moved to Netherlands in the late 1990s to sign for Feyenoord, where he made 93 appearances.
A touch-tackling defender, Gyan helped the club win the Eredivisie in 1999 and the UEFA Cup in 2002.
He remained with Feyenoord until 2008 when he signed for Finnish side TPS. Read more
China bans its national football players from getting tattoos (BBC)
Footballers who play for China’s national team have been banned from getting tattoos – and advised to remove ones they have – under a new directive.
The country’s sports administration body said recruiting new players with tattoos at national level and to youth squads was “strictly prohibited”.
The administration said the move would help set a “good example for society”.
Some national stars, including defender Zhang Linpeng, have previously been told to cover their tattoos.
China has been increasingly stepping up regulation since mid-2018 to stop tattoos being shown on screens. Some professional footballers have since been covering their arms with long sleeves to hide their body art. Read more