Bobrisky: Reps to visit EFCC, prison Oct 21 (Punch)
The House of Representatives Committee investigating allegations of corruption against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Nigerian Correctional Service will visit the Lagos offices of the two agencies on Monday, October 21, 2024.
The allegations were made by controversial crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, through a recorded telephone conversation obtained by a social media influencer, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan.
The Chairman of the investigating committee, Ginger Onwusibe, told The PUNCH on Monday that the committee would visit Lagos for its investigation. Read more
Man allegedly stabs nephew to death, flees – Police (Vanguard)
The Police Command in Lagos State says a man has allegedly stabbed his nephew to death with a broken bottle and fled the home.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, stated this in Lagos on Monday in a statement.
Hundeyin said that the mother of the fleeing suspect reported the incident to the police on Monday at about 7.00 a.m. Read more
15-year-old student sues Education Ministry, JAMB, NUC over admission policy (DailyTrust)
Master Chinaemere Opara has sued the Federal Ministry of Education, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the National Universities Commission (NUC) over the government’s policy which seeks to limit admissions into Nigerian universities to applicants who attain the age of 18.
Opara, a 15-year-old Senior Secondary School (SSS) Student, filed the suit through his guardian, Mr. Maxwell Opara, his father and a lawyer, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in the originating motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1512/2024 dated Sept. 30 and filed Oct. 14 by Wayne Elijah, the SS 2 student listed the ministry, JAMB and NUC as 1st to 3rd respondents respectively. Read more
EEDC announces general national system collapse (Independent)
The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has announced a general national electricity system collapse affecting its power supply to the residents of the South-East.
The Head, Corporate Communications of EEDC, Mr Emeka Ezeh, in a statement in Enugu on Monday, said that the collapse happened on Monday, Oct. 14, at about 18:48p.m.
According to Ezeh, the EEDC wishes to inform her esteemed customers of a general system collapse that occurred at 18:48 hours today (Monday). Read more
Minister laments impact of insecurity on tourism sector (Channels)
The Minister of Tourism Lola Ade-John has said that her ministry is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to include history and tourism into the primary school curriculum.
The minister is insisting that insecurity bedevilling the country has greatly affected the tourism sector of the country, which she stressed should be Nigeria’s number one revenue generator, surpassing oil and gas.
The minister stated this when paying a courtesy visit to Taraba state deputy Governor, Aminu Alkali. Read more
FG to improve petroleum distribution, address tanker explosions — Oil minister (Tribune)
The Federal Government is set to revamp Nigeria’s petroleum distribution systems and address the alarming rate of petrol tanker explosions, according to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri.
Speaking in Abuja during a meeting with the Corp Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, Lokpobiri emphasized the government’s commitment to improving safety and efficiency in the sector.
“The frequent petrol tanker explosions have caused significant loss of lives and property across the country, and this cannot continue,” Lokpobiri stated. Read more
New education curriculum to commence in January 2025 – Minister (Channels)
The Federal Ministry of Education on Monday announced that the new curriculum for basic education will commence across schools in the country by January 2025.
The Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman who disclosed this in Abuja, at a stakeholders meeting on the implementation of the new curriculum, said the new curriculum for senior secondary education would also commence by September 2025.
Professor Mamman stated that the new curriculum will address problems of learning crises and employability as the new skills acquisition to be introduced will have a multiplier effect by equipping students with 21st-century skills. Read more
Nigeria’s super-rich to pay 25% tax – Taiwo Oyedele (Vanguard)
Nigeria’s wealthiest citizens will be subject to a Personal Income Tax (PIT) rate of 25% starting next year. Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, announced this during the ongoing #NES30 conference in Abuja.
Speaking as a panelist in the session titled “Fiscal and Monetary Policy Reforms: Removing Barriers to Private Sector Investment,” Mr. Oyedele explained that the tax bills currently before the National Assembly aim to provide relief to Nigerian taxpayers. Once passed, the new law will take effect in January 2025, reducing the tax burden on low-income earners while imposing higher taxes on the wealthy.
“Many people don’t like to pay taxes, but they often fail to realize that those taxes will eventually benefit them,” Oyedele said. “We have been very intentional about reducing the tax burden on businesses. For instance, today, whatever VAT you pay on assets—whether you’re building a factory, purchasing a laptop, or buying vehicles—is borne entirely by the business. This increases your costs, which in turn raises prices. However, with our reforms, you will receive a 100% credit on services and assets.” Read more
Olivia Rodrigo falls through hole onstage during Guts World Tour Show: ‘Oh my God!’ (People)
It’s brutal out there for Olivia Rodrigo, who experienced an onstage mishap at her third of eight Guts World Tour show in Australia.
The “So American” singer, 21, fell through a hole in the stage at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on Sunday, Oct. 13, as the crowd gasped and screamed in unison, per fan-captured videos posted on X and TikTok.
“Oh my God, that was fun! I’m OK,” Rodrigo said, laughing off the unexpected tumble while lifting herself back onto the stage. Read more
Megan Thee Stallion announces new documentary ‘‘In Her Words’’ (NME)
Megan Thee Stallion has announced a new documentary film, “In Her Words”.
Last night (October 14), the ‘Mamushi’ rapper took to social media to announce the two-hour-long film, which is due to stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on October 31. The film will chronicle the rapper’s rise to fame and her constant evolution as an artist.
“Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words offers unprecedented access to the multi-faceted woman behind the persona,” a synopsis for the film reads. “Follow the Houston native’s journey on the road to stardom as she tenaciously navigates fame, grief, pressure, and success. The documentary unpacks Megan’s most vulnerable moments in a powerful way that allows fans to meet the real Megan Pete.” Read more
Sean “Diddy” Combs accused of sexually assaulting teenager in new lawsuits (BBC)
Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing new allegations of rape, sexual abuse and sexual assault after a series of fresh lawsuits were filed on Monday.
At least six lawsuits were filed in New York federal court by two women and four men. They include allegations that span from 1995 to 2021.
The unnamed accusers allege some of the assaults happened at Mr Combs’ parties, which were attended by major celebrities and music artists. Read more
Hezbollah drone attack kills 4 Israeli soldiers (AfricaNews)
At least four Israeli soldiers were killed and approximately 60 others severely injured in a drone attack by Hezbollah on an army base in central Israel. This incident marks the deadliest strike by the militant group on Israeli territory since the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a ground operation into Lebanon nearly two weeks ago.
Rafi Sheva, a paramedic with Magen David Adom, described the scene as “difficult,” stating that the drone strike caused injuries from both the blast and shrapnel. He reported that the injured required urgent life-saving treatment and surgery to stop bleeding and were swiftly evacuated to hospitals.
Hezbollah claimed that the attack near Binyamina was retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on Beirut, which resulted in the deaths of 22 people. Additionally, the group stated it launched dozens of missiles to target Israeli air defense systems, triggering air raid sirens in northern cities, including Haifa. Read more
Disney+ releases first-look trailer for “An Almost Christmas Story” from Alfonso Cuarón (ABC)
It’s not yet Halloween, but Disney+ is getting ready for the holidays with a new short film.
“An Almost Christmas Story” is the third holiday short by five-time Academy Award winner Alfonso Cuarón.
The animated short film is inspired by the true events of Moon, a tiny owl rescued from New York City’s Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in 2020.
According to the official synopsis, “In his attempts to escape the bustling city, Moon befriends a lost little girl named Luna. Together, they embark on a heartwarming adventure, discovering the magic of the holiday season and forming an unlikely bond as they journey back home to their parents.” Read more
U.K. mother killed by nerve agent was caught up in “illegal and outrageous” murder plot targeting spy, court is told (CBS)
A British woman who died after being exposed to the Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok was unwittingly caught up in an “illegal and outrageous international assassination attempt,” a public inquiry was told on Monday.
Dawn Sturgess, a 44-year-old mother of three children, died in July 2018 after spraying herself with what she thought was perfume from a discarded bottle containing the deadly chemical weapon.
Her death followed a failed poison attack against former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal in Salisbury, southwest England. The U.K. government has said it was “highly likely” Russia was behind the plot. Read more
100s of Afghan commandos to be brought to Britain as minister finally admits troops were employed by UK (Independent)
Hundreds of Afghan special forces soldiers and their family members will be brought to safety in Britain after ministers admitted that new evidence has confirmed they were paid by the UK.
Armed forces minister Luke Pollard has told the Commons that a Ministry of Defence review, sparked by campaigning MPs and a joint investigation by The Independent, has found that members of Afghan specialist units were directly employed by the UK government, despite previous denials.
Thousands of these soldiers, who fought side-by-side with British troops, had been denied relocation to the UK under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (Arap). Conservative ministers had told parliament that these soldiers, known as the Triples, were not directly employed by the UK. Read more
Osimhen joins Adebayor, Aubameyang to condemn Libya’s maltreatment of Eagles (ThisDay)
Reigning African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen, yesterday described the deplorable condition that the Super Eagles were subjected to by Libyan authorities as uncalled for and inhuman.
The Napoli star on loan at Galatasaray who had earlier called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and other football bodies to intervene in the airport hostage situation of the Super Eagles, stressed that he was disappointed by such conducts.
“I am disappointed by the unfair treatment my brothers and coaches are facing at the Libya airport. Actions like this go against the spirit of sportsmanship. My support is with my team, and I know they’ll stay strong despite these obstacles,” Osimhen wrote on his X handle on social media on Monday morning while the hostage situation continued. Read more
Libya airport ordeal: Troost-Ekong hails Super Eagles teammates (CompleteSports)
William Troost-Ekong has praised his Super Eagles teammates following their difficult ordeal in Libya.
The Super Eagles were poorly treated on their arrival in Libya on Sunday.
The action of the hosts forced the players to pull out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matchday four encounter. Read more
Tinubu demands justice for Super Eagles’ mistreatment in Libya (Nation)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board to conduct a thorough investigation and take action against those responsible for violating the organisation’s statutes and regulations.
In a statement on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu condemned the inhuman treatment of the Super Eagles, at a Libyan airport, welcoming their safe return to Nigeria.
The team’s harrowing experience led the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to withdraw from the scheduled match on Tuesday. Read more
Kylian Mbappe is “accused of rape at Swedish hotel as police open investigation’’ (DailyMail)
Kylian Mbappe has been accused of rape and sexual harassment at a Swedish hotel, according to local media reports.
Mbappe earlier today blasted a report as ‘fake news’ about an alleged rape at the hotel where he was staying with friends last week.
But now Swedish newspaper Expressen claims it is Mbappe who is being investigated by police after allegations were made against the Real Madrid star.
The footballer was visiting Sweden with friends from Wednesday to Friday last week, staying at the Bank Hotel in the city centre. Read more
LeBron James open up on idea of playing with Steph Curry (SI)
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will reunite with Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry on the court this week for the first time since the two were teammates for Team USA at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The Lakers and Warriors will play preseason games against each other on both Tuesday and Friday, with the first game taking place at the Crypto.com Arena and the second game occurring at the Chase Center.
James and Curry have long been rivals on the court, going back to when the Warriors faced the Cleveland Cavaliers, where James then played, in the NBA Finals in four consecutive seasons. Curry and the Warriors won three of those four NBA Finals, and James and the Cavaliers won once in that span. Read more
Justin Engel, 17, wins opener in Kazakhstan (StraitsTimes)
German wild card Justin Engel defeated Hong Kong’s Coleman Wong 7-5, 6-4 on the first day of main-draw action at the Almaty Open on Monday in Kazakhstan.
Engel, at 17 years and 13 days old, became the youngest player to win an ATP Tour-level match since a 16-year-old Carlos Alcaraz won in the first round in Rio de Janeiro in 2020. Engel is also the first player born in 2007 or later to record a win on tour. He absorbed 10 aces by Wong and saved nine of 10 break points.
Borna Coric of Croatia upset No. 7 seed Fabian Marozsan of Hungary 6-4, 7-6 (4). Maximilian Marterer of Germany notched a 7-5, 6-4 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina native Damir Dzumhur. Read more