Church orders pastor to step down over sexual assault (Guardian)
The Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria Monday has ordered Pastor Boniface Igbeneghu who was caught on camera sexually harassing a BBC undercover reporter to step down.
“The general public is hereby informed that a holiness ad Bible believing Church we do not condone such heinous and unscriptural act among our minsters,” the church said in a statement.
“Meanwhile, the pastor in question has been asked to step down from all ministerial assignment.” Read more
Sex for Grade: Boniface needs justice like his alleged victims – Jiti Ogunye (Vanguard)
A Human right activist and lawyer, Jiti Ogunye has said that Dr. Boniface Igbeneghu who has been accused of sexual harassment in the University of Lagos (UNILAG) needs justice like his alleged victims who also deserve justice.
Ogunye, therefore, called on the University of Lagos authorities and law enforcement agencies to put Dr. Boniface Igbeneghu, former sub-dean, Faculty of Arts in the University, and alleged head pastor of the local branch of Foursquare Church, under a protective (twenty-hour surveillance) custody, pending commencement of administrative inquiry and criminal investigations that may be launched into the scandal. Read more
Tension in trade fair market as police pick up leader (Guardian)
Tension is brewing at the popular Auto Spare Parts and Machineries Dealers Association (ASPMDA) Market, International Trade Fair Complex, Lagos, over leadership tussle as its leader, Chief Daniel Oforkansi was alleged have been forcefully picked up by the police and whisked to Abuja.
The traders are protesting what they described as the abduction of their president by the police. Oforkansi was arrested in a commando-like manner following two petitions written to them by a group of traders in the market who alleged that the president and his executives embezzled some amounts of money budgeted for electricity bill, alleged high-handedness, falsification of constitution and intention to perpetuate themselves as life executives of the market. Read more
Magodo residents Lagos seek government help over erosion threat (Guardian)
Residents and property owners in Magodo Lagos Housing Scheme have called for the state government’s intervention over an erosion threat to properties valued at over N7 billion in the estate. The affected zones include Filling Edge, Green Valley and George Udom streets from the old Oko filling.
The area, which used to be a borough pit where sand were excavated for filing has been caught up by development while the absence of proper drains to gather storm waters has widened the pit and presently endangering over 70 houses.
Chairman of Magodo Residents’ Association (MRA), Mr. Jade Niboro, who spoke after a tour of estate, said the entire Magodo is at the verge of being washed away by erosion if government does not arrest the situation by constructing a retaining wall and proper drainage, which the residents themselves cannot afford. Read more
Two businessmen in court for allegedly stealing empty crates of trophy beer (Vanguard)
Two businessmen on Monday appeared in a Magistrates’ Court in Ojo, Lagos, for allegedly stealing 1,500 empty crates of Trophy Beer.
The police charged Sunday Michael,25, and Emeka Valentine, 39, both businessmen with conspiracy and theft. They, however, both pleaded not guilty to the charges. Read more
Court remands landlord for allegedly defiling 9-year-old tenant’s daughter (Guardian)
An Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court on Monday remanded that a 59-year-old landlord, Dauda Jimoh, who allegedly defiled his tenant’s nine-year-old daughter, be remanded in a correctional centre, pending legal advice.
Chief Magistrate Adefumike Anoma, who did not take the plea of Jimoh, ordered the police to return the case file to the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice. Read more
Court remands a man for defiling neighbour’s daughter (Vanguard)
An Ikeja Chief Magistrate’s Court on Monday remanded a 42-year-old man, Bola Isiaka, in Kirikiri Prison for allegedly defiling his neighbour’s daughter.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olufunke Sule-Amzat did not take the defendant’s plea and ordered him to be remanded in prison until Nov. 14 for Director of Public Prosecutions advise (DPP) Read more
House: Non-remittance of NSITF by public, private organisations, act of sabotage (ThisDay)
The House of Representatives has described the failure of public and private organisations to comply with the requirement of the law setting up the National Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) as an act of sabotage against the interests of Nigerian workers.
The Speaker of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, stated this on Monday during an investigative hearing on the ‘Non Remittance of Contributions into the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF)’ by the three tiers of government, their parastatals, public corporations and companies from 2010 till date. Read more
Police arrest father for torturing son to death (Guardian)
The Police in Niger have arrested a 40-year-old man, Samaila Shuaibu for allegedly torturing his six-year-old son, Habibu to death.
Alhaji Adamu Usman, the Commissioner of Police in Niger, confirmed the arrest in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna on Monday.
Usman said that a good Nigerian from Unguwar Tunga Maje in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger, where the suspect resides, reported the matter to the police. Read more
Nigerian singer Yemi Alade up for Grammy Award (Nation)
Nigerian afro beat singer, Yemi Alade, has been put into consideration for Grammy Award 2019.
The singer, who recently dropped her anticipated album ‘Woman of Steel’, took to her Instagram account to celebrate the great news as she aims to move her musical career to global stage.
“We are up for Grammy Award consideration. Reaching out to all voting members @recordingacademy to consider my Album ‘Woman of Steel’ for Best World Music Album. Read more
BBNaija 2019: Tacha extends hand of friendship to winner, Mercy (Vanguard)
BBNaija 2019 ‘pepper Dem Gang’ ex-housemate, Anita Natacha Akide, a.k.a, Tacha, has extended a hand of friendship to the winner of the show, Mercy Eke. Following her disqualification in an argument with Mercy during the 99-day show, Tacha however, extended a hand of friendship to her saying she hopes they can hang out after the BBNaija Pepper Dem. Earlier, Tacha took to her official Twitter handle @Symply Tacha to express her respect and affection for Mercy, before she emerged the winner of the BBNaija 2019. Read more
Tribunal upholds Mohammed’s election as Bauchi governor (Nation)
The Bauchi State governorship election petition tribunal has upheld the election of Governor Bala Mohammed.
Delivering the six-hour judgment on Monday, the chairman of the three-member panel, Justice Salihu Shuibu, announced the dismissal of the petition by the All Progressive Congress, (APC) and its candidate, Mohammed Abubakar.
Justice Salihu Shuibu ruled that the petition brought by the APC and its candidate, Barrister Mohammed Abubakar against the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) and its candidate, Senator Bala Mohammed lacks merit. Read more
Governors afraid of organising flamboyant parties because of EFCC – Magu (Guardian)
Mr Ibrahim Magu, Acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), has alleged that some state governors are afraid of organising flamboyant parties because of the commission’s eagle eyes.
Magu, said on Monday during his working visit to the commission’s zonal office in Makurdi that some of the governors were now maintaining low profile.
He said that the development was due to the fact that whenever the governors contravened the law, EFCC would come after them, as they were always on the commission’s radar, both within and outside the country. Read more
CBN extends lifeline to National Theatre (Vanguard)
National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, an architectural masterpiece and a cultural landmark constructed during the military regime of Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, for the preservation, presentation and promotion of Arts and Culture in the country for sometime now, has been in the news, because of government’s plan to give it to private developers for onward development and management. The edifice covering an area of about 23,000 square meters and standing well over 31 meters tall, is one of the historical tour destination in Lagos and an ideal tourist destination for Private and Group tours. Read more
BEDC to distribute 67,452 prepaid meters to Ekiti consumers (ThisDay)
To ensure accurate metering and put in place mechanism to safeguard the rights of electricity consumers in Ekiti State, the Benin Electricity Distribution Company(BEDC) will roll out a total of 67,452 meters to consumers in the state.
The company said metering all consumers will encourage willingness to pay the monthly bills and reduce the burden of huge debts being owed by consumers through estimated billings. Read more
EFCC arraigns American for allegedly defrauding Nigerians (Guardian)
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday arraigned an American, Marco Ramirez, in an Ikeja Special Offences Court for allegedly defrauding two Nigerians in a bogus green card scam.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ramirez alleged by the EFCC to be a serial fraudster was previously arraigned on June 22, 2017, before Justice Josephine Oyefeso, on 16-counts charge of conspiracy and obtaining under false pretences. Read more
Communication Tax Will Increase Taxation Burden, Says Afrinvest (ThisDay)
The Communication Service Tax (CST) Bill, which is presently being considered by the Senate, has been described as “another misadventure” which would further place burden on Nigerians.
Analysts at Afrinvest West Africa Limited said in a report that it would also worsen the issue of multiple taxation in the country. Read more
Boris Johnson will not be forced to send letter asking for Brexit delay (Metro)
Boris Johnson will not be forced to send a letter requesting a delay to Brexit after legal action was dismissed by a judge in Scotland.
The legal action at the Court of Session in Edinburgh was aimed at forcing the Prime Minister to send a letter to Brussels requesting an extension to Article 50 in the event of no-deal. Documents submitted to the court on behalf of the PM were read out on Friday, in which he accepted he must send the letter under the terms set out in the Benn Act and that Number 10 would not attempt to ‘frustrate’ the legislation. Read more
US-China trade talks to resume Thursday: White House (Guardian)
High-level US-China trade negotiations will resume this week in Washington, the White House announced Monday, a hopeful sign after a summer of deteriorating relations.
Beijing’s top trade envoy Liu He will meet with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin beginning on Thursday, the White House said in a statement.
Lower-level talks have been underway since last month. Read more
US federal judge says Trump must provide tax return (Vanguard)
A United States federal judge on Monday dismissed President Trump’s lawsuit seeking to block the Manhattan District Attorney from obtaining the president’s tax returns as part of an investigation into hush-money payments during the 2016 campaign. U.S President Donald J. Trump United States District Judge Victor Marrero according to Washington Post rejected Trump’s argument that the president makes him immune to any investigation by any prosecutor. Read more
Documentary on late Super Eagles midfielder, Sam Okwaraji unveils, 30 years after demise (Sun)
The family of late Super Eagles Midfielder, Sam Okwaraji has concluded plans to launch a documentary on the footballer to mark his 30-year memorial.
The President of Sam Okwaraji Foundation and elder brother of the football icon made the disclosure in Owerri on Monday when the foundation visited the Chairman, Imo Sports Commission, Mr Fan Ndubuoke.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that Okwaraji slumped and died on Aug. 12, 1989 at the age of 25 during a World Cup qualifier against Angola at the National Stadium, Lagos. Read more
Dare bans federations from operating bank accounts in presidents’ name (ThisDay)
The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare has insisted on the adherence to the code of governance banning National Sports Federations from owning a bank account in the name of their federation presidents.
He issued the directive over the weekend during a meeting with the Federation of Elite Athletes Department (FEAD) of the ministry at MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. Read more
Serie A: Juve go top as Higuain seals victory at Inter (Nation)
Juventus ended Inter Milan’s perfect record in Serie A and took over top spot as Gonzalo Higuain’s superb late strike earned a 2-1 victory in the San Siro on Sunday.
The Argentine striker, on as a substitute, applied a clinical finish to a flowing move in the 80th minute.
Paulo Dybala had fired Maurizio Sarri’s Juve side in front after four minutes but Inter, who had won all six of their matches before Sunday’s clash, levelled in the 18th minute. Read more
Manchester United board to blame for club’s on-field woes, says Neville (Vanguard)
Manchester United’s struggles are the result of poor planning by the club’s board and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs time and money to get the team back on track, former defender Gary Neville has said.
United, once the dominant force in English football, made their worst start to a Premier League campaign in 30 years and dropped to 12th in the table two points above the relegation zone after Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at Newcastle United. Read more
Brazilian players expected in Singapore today for Super Eagles (ThisDay)
Ahead of the two friendly matches against the Teranga Lions of Senegal and the Super Eagles of Nigeria in Singapore, Brazilian players invited for the international matches are expected in the Asian nation today.
The former world champions are expected to face Africa’s highest ranked team Senegal on Thursday and Nigeria on Sunday. Read more
Nigeria/Brazil friendly: Rohr hands Solomon-Otabor late call-up (DailyTrust)
CSKA Sofia of Bulgaria winger Viv Efosa Solomon-Otabor has been handed a late call-up by Super Eagles head coach, Gernot Rohr for the friendly against Brazil.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that three –time African champions Super Eagles will play five-times world champions Brazil at the Singapore National Stadium, Kallangin on Oct. 13. Read more
Andy Murray fights back at Shanghai Masters to down Londero and book Fognini clash (Metro)
Andy Murray fought back from a set down to beat Juan Ignacio Londero and book his spot in the second round of the Shanghai Masters. Murray, 32, maintained his 100% record in the first round of events in China with a 2-6 6-2 6-3 win over the Argentine qualifier in two hours and 13 minutes and once again displayed tremendous battling qualities as he set up a meeting with Italian 10th seed Fabio Fognini. Read more
Isaac Promise was indeed a gentleman-Osaze Odemwingie (Nation)
Former Super Eagles striker Osaze Odemwingie has described late Isaac Promise as a real gentleman and a committed player.
He regretted that former Olympic Eagles captain passed on in his prime adding that it was a case of “another sportsman gone too soon”.
The former Lille and Lokomotiv Moscow ace prayed fervently for the families of the former Trabzonspor who until his death was plying his trade with United Soccer League expansion side Austin Bold. Read more
Hugo Lloris: Tottenham captain to miss rest of 2019 (BBC)
Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is set to miss the rest of 2019 with a dislocated elbow but does not need surgery, the club said.
Lloris, injured during Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Brighton, is not expected to train again until next year.
He fell awkwardly as he failed to hold a third-minute Pascal Gross cross, with Neal Maupay nodding in the loose ball. Read more