BRT driver told Bamise, ‘Fine girl, it’s only you I’ll pick’ – Brother of slain 22-year-old (Punch)
Siblings of the 22-year-old lady, Bamise Ayanwole, who went missing after boarding a Bus Rapid Transit vehicle in Lagos and her dead body found later, speak about the tragic incident
Oluwapelumi. an elder brother to the deceased, said Bamise was coming to his house on that day (February 26). “According to what I learnt, she said she wanted to make it a surprise. My wife was pregnant, so she wanted to help her out with the homemaking before she put to bed.
“So, she boarded a Bus Rapid Transit from Ajah going to Oshodi. As she got into the BRT, she noticed that the light was not on and the guy (driver) refused to pick other passengers after telling her, ‘Fine girl, it is only you I will pick’. True to it, he didn’t pick anyone else. She was suspicious and so she started sending out distress voice notes to her friend. She did a short video as well.
“After a while, three persons entered the bus, including one female. She sent a voice note on that, too. After some minutes, the friend noticed that the voice notes had not been delivered. The one that was delivered was not being read. So, she decided to call Bamise and it rang out. It was on the second try that a struggling male voice picked up the phone and hung up almost immediately. Maybe she was the one who picked it and when they noticed, they hung up, I cannot tell. After that, the phone was switched off”.Read more
Faulty fuelling system caused Ibadan–Lagos train flop, says NRC (Guardian)
Passengers on Standard Gauge Railway that temporarily got stuck between Ibadan and Lagos on Thursday<br />PHOTO: NAN
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), yesterday, said the Ibadan–Lagos standard gauge train failed in transit, on Thursday, was due to a faulty fuelling system, and not insufficient fuel as earlier claimed.
NRC Spokesman, Mahmood Yakub, stated yesterday that rail workers had sourced fuel to refill the locomotive tank, thinking that the train stopped due to insufficient diesel.
“The board and management of NRC wish to, first, tender unreserved apology for the interruption in our operations, which led to the extension of our journey-time schedule of the said train.
“However, the management states here, categorically, that the locomotive failure was as a result of technical fault on the fuelling system, but not as a result of insufficient fuel as the general public was made to believe.” Read more
Meet medical student who graduated with 11 awards (DailyTrust)
Zubaida Idris Saeed is a medicine student who graduated with 11 honourary awards from the Usman Dan Fodio University. In an interview with Daily Trust Saturday, she narrates her experiences and plans moving forward. saying she chose medicine because it has been her dream to assist womenfolk and find ways to better their lives. “I love seeing smiles on the faces of new moms and I wish to ease whatever fertility issues they might be passing through. In my opinion, I find medicine to be very rewarding and it is a way of showing love to humanity”.
Of her 11 honours she said:
“It was actually less of a surprise for me. This was because our results are usually placed in such a way that the performance of individual members of the class would be clearly seen and also rated. Therefore, everyone is aware of who has what score and who is likely to win any award”. Read more
NURTW crisis: MC Oluomo is not in control of motor parks says Lagos (Punch)
Amid the crisis rocking the National Union of Road Transport Workers, the Lagos State Government has denied appointing the suspended chairman of the union, Musiliu Akinsanya, alias MC Oluomo, as head of the motor parks and garages across the state.
It also said it had yet to set up a committee to “immediately control” the parks and as such, it would be out of place to claim that anyone had been appointed as the chairman.
Following his suspension by the national leadership of the NURTW for alleged insubordination, Oluomo had on Thursday called on the state government to take over the management of motor parks in the state, citing Section 5C of the state government’s white paper on Transport Union Activities, 2004, “which states that the government should take over the management of any garage or motor park where there is a crisis until such is resolved by the consultative committee”.
He also announced the withdrawal of his membership and that of his followers from the union. Read more
Evans’ ammunition supplier gets five-year sentence (Guardian)
A Lagos Special Offences Court, Ikeja, has sentenced Udeme Upong, one of the co-defendants standing trial with a kidnap kingpin, Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, to five years imprisonment for illegal sales of firearms.
The trial Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo sentenced Upong following his guilty plea to the charge.
Upong and Evans, Joseph Ikenna Emeka, and Chiemeka Arinze are charged on a seven-count charge of murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to kidnap and selling of firearms by the state government.
They were alleged to have attempted the kidnap of Mr. Vincent Obianodo, the Chairman, Young Shall Grow Motors.
When the case was called yesterday, Upong through his counsel, Mr. A. B. Josiah told the court of his intention to change his plea of ‘not guilty’ to ‘guilty.’ Read more
BRT goes up in flames in Lagos (DailyTrust)
There was pandemonium in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State when a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) bus went up in flames.
The incident happened at the Agric, Ikorodu BRT terminal, on Friday.
A trending video showed people scampering for safety.
The cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained as of the time of filing this report even as some people were reportedly rejoicing over the incident.
Sources, however, said there was no attack on the bus as being insinuated, adding that it just went up in flames, probably due to technical fault.
The development happened at a time when BRT is under the radar as a result of the murder of a 22-year-old passenger. Read more
NURTW crisis: Lagos Assembly calls for calm as union disregards order (Guardian)
The Lagos State House of Assembly, yesterday, said there should not be any contention over the steps being taken by the State Government following the crisis currently rocking the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
Chairman, House Committee on Transportation, Temitope Adewale, who made the position of the Assembly known, said the legislative arm had been very proactive as it already has a law creating the Lagos State Parking Authority, which should now oversee activities at all the parks in the state.
According to Adewale, the House is fully aware of developments in the transportation union and now that the crisis has resulted in the banning of NURTW activities in Lagos, saying it is clear to state that all parks, garages and parking activities would be under the Lagos State Parking Authority as stipulated by law.”
The House said at the stage the NURTW has found itself; the State has to take charge of the situation to avoid a breakdown of law and order.
The House said, by law, the state’s Parking Authority has a General Manager on whose shoulders the responsibility now falls to manage the parks at the moment. Read more
Fear as suspected herdsmen ask Benue community to vacate homes or… (Punch)
Relief may not be in sight for residents in some communities in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State as threat messages were said to be sent to residents by suspected herdsmen to vacate their ancestral homes or face serious attack.
Tse Ahentse, Iye and Udei communities were attacked on Tuesday and Thursday leading to the death of 13 persons.
Our correspondent reliably gathered that the marauding herders had sent mercenaries and issued a threat to people living in Torkula village in the same Guma Local Government Area to vacate the community or face the consequences.
Torkula village is the ancestral home of the late paramount ruler of Tiv nation, HRM Alfred Akawe Torkula.
It was learnt that the marauding herdsmen dispatched two mercenaries to Torkula village on Wednesday and asked the people to vacate the village or be sacked. Read more
Air Force officer wins appeal against dismissal from service (Vanguard)
Flying Officer Baritore Enee has won a dismissal case against the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in a judgement delivered by Justice of Court of Appeal Muhammad Baba Idris in Kaduna.
While delivering the judgement, Justice Idris upheld the appeal of Flying Officer Baritore Enee who was dismissed after barely three months as a commissioned officer by a General Court Martial on allegation of age falsification in 2019.
The officer had challenged his conviction by Air Force General Court Martial at the Kaduna Court of Appeal.
Justice Idris said the General Court Martial of Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology lacked jurisdiction to convict the Appellant who was serving at Engineering Group at the time of the trial.
The Senior Advocate further argued that the Appellant was not given a fair trial by the Respondent for failure to appoint a defence counsel for the Air Force officer, an infraction he noted that went contrary to the principle of fair hearing as required by Order 25, rule (1)b and (c) of the rules of procedures, Air Force, 1972. Read more
Bobbie Nelson, Willie Nelson’s sister and bandmate, has died (NME)
Bobbie Nelson, Willie Nelson’s sister and bandmate, has died aged 91.
Bobbie was the pianist in the original line-up of the Willie Nelson Family band and had recently co-authored two books with her brother.
Bobbie died yesterday (March 10) and news of her passing was confirmed in a family statement.
“Her elegance, grace, beauty and talent made this world a better place,” the statement from the Nelson family began.
“She was the first member of Willie’s band, as his pianist and singer. Our hearts are broken and she will be deeply missed. But we are so lucky to have had her in our lives. Please keep her family in your thoughts and give them the privacy they need at this time.”
Bobbie was raised in Abbot, Texas, and learned to play the piano as a child. After working odd jobs as a musician, she joined Willie’s band in 1972 soon after he’d signed with Atlantic Records. She was a part of her brother’s band for over 50 years and despite being Willie’s senior by two years, he always referred to her as his “little sister” on stage. Read more
Netflix confirms price rise for UK customers (DigitalSpy)
Netflix is hiking up its prices for UK subscribers, it’s been confirmed.
The streaming service is home to original movies such as tick, tick… BOOM! and The Power of the Dog, as well as original TV series like Bridgerton, Stranger Things, Love is Blind and Russian Doll.
It’s been announced that the Basic package, which lets you watch on one screen at a time and download to one device, is changing for the first time in a decade – from £5.99 to £6.99 (via Deadline). The Basic package does not include HD streaming.
For newcomers to the streaming service, this is effective immediately, and pricing has already been updated on Netflix’s help page where you can compare the different tiers. Current customers are set to be notified 30 days before the price rise starts affecting their bank accounts.
Meanwhile, there’s going to be a price rise for customers in Ireland, too, with their new monthly Basic price set at €8.99.
In the UK, Netflix’s Standard tier (HD viewing, with the ability to watch or download on two devices) has been pushed up by another quid too (£10.99), while Premium (HD or UHD viewing, with the ability to watch or download on up to four devices) will now cost you £15.99 per month.
These tiers see their second price rise in less than 18 months – the cost for Standard and Premium subscriptions last went up in the UK in January 2021. Customers in Ireland will also face price rises here too, to €14.99 for Standard and €20.99 for Premium.
“We have always been focused on providing our members both quality and clear value for their membership,” said a Netflix spokesperson in a statement. Read more
Mark Wahlberg says Hollywood resisted his new faith-based movie, Father Stu (ChristianToday)
Popular actor Mark Wahlberg revealed that he received resistance from both Hollywood and the Catholic Church about his upcoming faith-based movie “Father Stu,” but he felt the world needed to experience the powerful testimony.
The devout Catholic spent several years pitching the religious drama to Hollywood studios. But in his words, “Hollywood doesn’t make films like this.”
The movie is based on actual events and tells the story of boxer-turned-priest Father Stuart Long and his incredible journey from “self-destruction to redemption.”
Wahlberg, who used his own money to partially fund the film, plays Father Stu. He is joined on-screen by Academy Award-winner Mel Gibson, who plays his father, Bill Long.
The Sony Pictures film features heavy vulgarity and is rated R, but is inspiring at its core, sharing the power of transformation in Christ.
“It’s so nice to hear the kind of reaction that we’re hearing and people all being touched by the film for one reason or another,” Wahlberg shared with The Christian Post. Read more
Popstar Charlie XCX stars in dreamy short film for Samsung’s new Galaxy S22 (Mirror)
This is the moment chart-topping singer Charlie XCX blurs the lines between reality and dream land – as she skips around in a field with a flock of sheep.
A world away from her more glamorous shoots, the British pop star and songwriter dazzles in the short film, wearing a never-seen-before outfit, designed exclusively by Scottish designer Charles Jeffery.
The “Nights On” film, which was shot on the grounds of Hertfordshire’s Hatfield House Estate, sees the Essex-born singer strike a pose in a punk-inspired high-school outfit, featuring a tie, skirt, and knee-high socks.
Directed by celebrated director Matilda Finn, the 90-second video follows an entourage of friends, alongside Charli XCX, as they enter an otherworldly dreamy night, exploring the darkness in stunning videography.
It was created to mark the launch of Samsung’s new Galaxy S22 Series, featuring “Nightography” camera functionality. Read more
Jennifer Aniston shares support for Ukrainians on International Women’s Day (RTE)
Jennifer Aniston has praised the women and girls in Ukraine who are “heroically fighting for their country and people” to mark International Women’s Day.
In a post to social media, the Hollywood actress stood in solidarity with the women while providing links to several aid organisations and encouraged her followers to “join in supporting these women through donations”.
Aniston follows on from other celebrities who have shared their support including Ukrainian-born actress Mila Kunis and her partner Ashton Kutcher who have pledged to match donations up to $3 million (€2,720,000).
Aniston, 53, shared a series of images to Instagram which showed women in Ukraine protesting over the Russian invasion and preparing to fight for their country.
She wrote: “Thinking about the women and girls in Ukraine and around the world who are heroically fighting for their country and people today — as soldiers, as mothers, as organizers, as refugee caretakers, as protesters, as journalists. Read more
Music from No Time to Die,’Encanto’ takes top honours at Society of Composers & Lyricists Awards (Variety)
In a possible preview of what may take home Oscars for music, “No Time to Die” songwriters Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell and “Encanto” composer Germaine Franco won Society of Composers & Lyricists awards Tuesday night at Los Angeles’ Skirball Center.
Franco’s Colombian-flavored music for “Encanto” took the award for outstanding original score for a studio film, overtaking scores for “Dune” and “The Power of the Dog,” among others, in the balloting. Daniel Hart’s medieval sounds for “The Green Knight” won the original score for an independent film. “Encanto” is Oscar nominated, while Hart was short-listed for the Oscar but didn’t make the final five.
Billie Eilish’s Bond theme won outstanding original song for a drama or documentary, while “Just Look Up” — by Ariana Grande, Nicholas Britell, Kid Cudi and Taura Stinson, from “Don’t Look Up” — won in the category of original song for a musical or comedy.
Eilish and O’Connell sent a video message thanking SCL and noting how proud they were to be recognized by “some of the great composers and lyricists of our time.” “No Time to Die” is favored to win on March 27, having already won a Grammy and a Golden Globe, and the SCL honor may be an indicator of which way voters are leaning. “Just Look Up” was short-listed but didn’t receive an Oscar nomination.
The score for HBO’s “The White Lotus,” by Cristobal Tapia de Veer, won outstanding original score for television (beating out such shows as “Succession” and “Loki”), while the music for “Battlefield 2042” by Hildur Guðnadóttir and Sam Slater, took the award for outstanding original score for interactive media. Read more
Jamie and Rebekah Vardy aiming to hit back of net with children’s book series (BelfastLive)
Footballer Jamie Vardy admits he didn’t read much growing up – a startling admission from someone who has just co-authored a children’s book with his wife, Rebekah. But books are now a big part of the family – with the couple saying they try to restrict their children’s screen time as much as possible.
The England and Leicester City striker said: “I wasn’t really a reader – I was out always wanting to play football, that’s just how it was for me when I was little.”
The Vardys have a blended family: together they have Sofia, seven, Finley, five, and two-year-old Olivia Grace, and Rebekah has two from previous relationships (Megan, 16, Taylor, 12). Jamie also has one child from a previous relationship. But while Jamie, 35, claims blended family is “quite easy, if I’m being honest,” Rebekah, 40, is a bit more reflective.
She said: “There have been a few challenges, but you take each day as it comes, you tackle problems head-on, as and when they arise. I think it’s really important not to force situations on the kids, they know the door’s open if they want to talk.
“Like all families, there are challenging times, and sometimes it is a bit tricky. But as long as you’ve got a good door for communication, there’s not much that can go wrong with that.” Read more
Team selection can make or mar Eagles’ chances — Adelabu (Guardian)
Former Green Eagles winger, Adegoke Adelabu, has warned Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Augustine Eguavoen, to be mindful of the calibre of players he parades in the fast-approaching World Cup qualifier against the Black Stars of Ghana.
The Super Eagles will travel to Cape Coast on March 25 for the first leg of the last qualifying tie, with the reverse fixture billed for March 29 at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja.
Adelabu, who played club football with IICC Shooting Stars of Ibadan, told The Guardian, yesterday, that a coach with good team selection between Eguavoen and his counterpart in Ghana, will smile last at the end of the match.
“The game with Ghana’s Black Stars will require a good ball carrier in the midfield to organise ball distribution,” Adelabu said. “The coach will also require a good striker, who will be able to use both feet around the goal area. The rest of the players will have to prevent the opponents from scoring.” Read more
Drama as 3SC sack, reinstate 17 players (Punch)
The 17 footballers that were reportedly sacked by the management of Shooting Stars Sports Club on Thursday have been recalled, 24 hours after they were verbally laid off by the club, Saturday PUNCH reports.
3SC, as they are fondly called, sacked the players on Thursday, following a review of the team’s performances in the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League.
The Oluyole Warriors, who are winless in their last five league games, are three points above the relegation zone, having recorded just 20 points from 17 matches.
The players that were reportedly asked to leave the club are Tambe Charles, Anas Mohammed, Abubakar Adeyemi, Anene Francis, Egorde Oghenetega, Ebenezer Odeyemi, Wasiu Alalade, Kola Daniel, Yusuf Habeeb, Olumide Henry and Kehinde Adedipe. Read more
Mo Salah rejects Liverpool contract offer as star’s preferences become clear (Metro)
Mo Salah has reportedly turn downed Liverpool’s latest contract offer and is awaiting a better deal in order to commit his future to the club.
The Egyptian’s current contract runs until the summer of 2023 but Liverpool are desperate to tie their talisman down to a new long-term deal as soon as possible to fend off interest from European suitors.
However, The Guardian claims Liverpool’s latest offer in December was knocked back by Salah and his team and talks have since broken down.
Salah’s intention remains to stay on Merseyside but he feels he deserves better terms than what he’s currently being offered. Read more
Emma Raducanu earns three-set win over Caroline Garcia at Indian Wells (BBC)
Emma Raducanu overcame Caroline Garcia of France 6-1 3-6 6-1 at Indian Wells to make it through to the third round.
The 19-year-old British number one raced into a 3-0 lead and, after saving four break points in the fifth game, impressively took the first set.
Garcia was more of a threat in the second set and broke Raducanu three times on the way to levelling.
In the decider, Raducanu again went 3-0 up and was more convincing on her serve as she went on to secure victory.
The US Open champion will play world number 79 Petra Martic of Croatia in the next round. Read more
Roman Abramovich green lights Chelsea sale with deadline for bids now set (Metro)
Roman Abramovich has given the green light to the sale of Chelsea Football Club despite being hit by sanctions from the UK government.
The Russian owner’s plans to sell the club had been put on hold following the UK government’s decision to freeze his assets amid his alleged links to Russian president Vladimir Putin, who ordered the invasion of Ukraine last month.
The Telegraph claim Abramovich has now instructed merchant bank Raine to handle the process of the sale and bids are now expected to be considered by the end of next week.
An initial deadline of next Tuesday had been set for first bids, but that is now set to be pushed back to the end of next week to attract more bidders and take into account the 24-hour pause. Read more
NPFL: Ilechukwu wary as Enyimba test looms (Punch)
Plateau United coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, says he is wary of the threat from Enyimba when both sides clash in their matchday 18 Nigeria Professional Football League encounter in Aba on Saturday (today), Saturday Punch reports.
The Jos-based club who are currently second on the league table will be hoping to leapfrog Rivers United who play against Gombe United on Sunday.
Plateau are currently the most in-form side in the league having gone nine games without a loss but their strength will be tested when they file out against a not so consistent Enyimba in Aba.
A win for the Jos-based side will mean they have remained unbeaten in five straight away games but Ilechukwu has conceded that the tie will be tough.
“The game against Enyimba will be very tough because they are a very good side and one of the best teams in the country with the kind of quality they possess,” Ilechukwu told Saturday PUNCH. Read more
Andy Murray beats Taro Daniel at Indian Wells to secure 700th ATP Tour win (BBC)
Andy Murray fought back from a set down to beat Taro Daniel 1-6 6-2 6-4 in the first round at Indian Wells as he secured a 700th win on the ATP Tour.
The Briton passed up two break points in the third game before Daniel took the first set in 28 minutes.
A more aggressive Murray won the second set only to drop his serve in the first game of the decider.
Murray regrouped, levelled at 3-3 with a brilliant forehand and broke Daniel at 5-4 up to take the match.
He will now play Kazakhstan’s world number 33 Alexander Bublik in the next round. Read more