Contractor kills girlfriend, writes wife, commits suicide (Punch)
A contractor, Hakeem Oladimeji, has allegedly committed suicide after killing his yet-to-be-identified girlfriend in the Bariga area of Lagos State.
PUNCH Metro gathered that Oladimeji, who lived in Ogun State, was with his girlfriend in a rented apartment around Bariga when an argument ensued between them.
The argument was said to have degenerated into a fight and in the process, Oladimeji reached for a stick and hit her in the head.
It was learnt that the lady slump and died on the spot.
In a bid to escape being arrested, Oladimeji reportedly carried her lifeless body, dumped it inside his Toyota Sienna and drove to his residence in Ogun State.
Our correspondents gathered that he later drove to a location close to the NASFAT Islamic Centre along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Read more
Lagos task force arrests 2 pickpockets (Guardian)
Operatives of the Lagos State Taskforce have arrested two pickpockets, Sodiq Olagoke and Lucas Patrick around Oshodi/Ikeja Along with areas of the state.
Olagoke, 25 and Patrick, 26 were both arrested in the early hours of Tuesday after they had dispossessed eight unsuspecting commuters of their phones around Oshodi/Ikeja Along.
Spokesperson for the agency, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, in a statement yesterday, said the suspects usually operate with a commercial vehicle (Danfo) and make N80,000 daily from the crime.
He said the officers discovered that the suspects, who were roving the said area in the commercial bus, looked suspicious and that both the driver and the two male passengers seemed uneasy after driving past the officers. Read more
Alleged murder of wife, daughter: Danish knows fate May 6 (NewTelegraph)
A Dane, Peter Nielsen, accused of killing his Nigerian wife and daughter, will know his fate on May 6. Justice Bolanle Okikiolu-Ighile of a Lagos High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square scheduled judgment in the murder trial after submissions at the adoption of final written addresses by defence and prosecution counsel.
The judge overruled an application by defence counsel, Mr Olasupo Shasore (SAN) to discharge and acquit the defendant. She ordered that the defendant should be further remanded at the Ikoyi Prisons. Shasore made the application while adopting his final written address. Nielsen, 54, is facing a two-count charge of murder. He was accused of killing his Nigerian wife and singer, Zainab, and their three-year-old daughter, Petra. The alleged murder occurred on April 5, 2018.
Shasore urged the court yesterday to discharge and acquit Nielsen of the murder charge. The senior advocate of Nigeria based his submissions on two issues which, he said, related to the constitutional rights of the defendant. He mentioned the first issue as fair hearing for the defendant.
Shasore referred the court to Paragraphs 4. 31 to Paragragh 4.33 and Pages 46 and 47 of the prosecution’s written address which had to do with the night gown Zainab wore the night she was allegedly killed. According to him, access to the night gown was expunged. He said that defence was concerned with the defendant’s fair trial as provided in Section 36 (6) (B) and (D) of the Constitution. He cited the ruling of the court on July 19, 2021, in which the judge dismissed an application seeking to discharge Peter Nielsen. Read more
Patient who disappeared from Lagos psychiatric hospital found (Punch)
A missing woman, Isioma Iyele, has been reunited with her family after she was found around the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island, Lagos State.
For five days, her children, the police and the Yaba Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, had engaged in a frantic search to locate her after she went missing at the hospital last Friday.
Emotions ran high as the children, who wept uncontrollably upon sighting their mother sitting by the roadside on Tuesday, discovered bruises on some parts of her body.
One of her children, Kuthumi, confirmed that she had been found.
“I have always told you guys that she’s not mad; she only forgets. My mum is found. Mummy don’t cry, we found you, we have been looking for you since Friday, we didn’t forget you. Read more
Excitement as Lagos moves against dilapidated school buildings (Guardian)
There are better days ahead for residents and pupils as the Lagos State Government intensifies action against school dropouts through massive reconstruction of dilapidated infrastructure in public schools across the state.
Before now, public schools were in bad shape and unfit for any meaningful learning, hence the high number of school dropouts, despite the compulsory and free education policy of the present government.
Only recently, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu momentarily halted his convoy at the sight of two underage girls on an errand during school hours.
The Guardian learnt that one of the key factors responsible for high school dropouts, which is breeding insecurity, is the despicable state of infrastructure and furniture in the state’s public schools. Read more
Petrol scarcity to linger as cargoes ‘stranded’ (DailyTrust)
There seems to be no end in sight to the biting petrol scarcity across the country as four of the 17 cargoes ordered by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, which have arrived, cannot discharge the product, Daily Trust reports.
This is happening at a time marketers say they cannot access the product at most of the NNPC depots nationwide.
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Some of the marketers, who bought from private depots, are selling above the official price of N165/litre.
The NNPC had, last month when the scarcity started, cited the “importation of adulterated petrol” from Belgium.
In Abuja, Lagos and other parts of the country, black market operators currently sell for over N500 per litre; and many independent markets, N250/litre. Read more
Constitution Review: Senate, Reps Support Independent Candidacy, Devolution Of Powers (Tribune)
Out of total of 68 bills recommended by the special ad hoc committee on constitution review, only 45 clauses successfully scaled through at both the Senate and House of Representatives.
While members of the House of Representatives voted in support of 56 clauses, the senators voted in support of 47.
Both chambers unanimously rejected the proposals to expand immunity to the legislative and judicial arms of government; provide pension for presiding officers of the National Assembly; provide for diaspora voting; further define Acts that constitute torture, inhuman or degrading treatment and the bill seeking to provide criteria for qualification to become an indigene of a state in Nigeria.
They also rejected the proposals to provide for special seat for women in the national and state houses of assembly; include Value Added Tax on the exclusive legislative list; provide for the procedure of removing presiding officers of the legislature; and the bill to change the name Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. Read more
Residents scoop fuel as petrol tanker falls on Lagos-Ibadan Expresswayhi (Guardian)
A tanker laden with 33,009 litres of petrol, yesterday, overturned and spilt its content at Oremeji along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
An eyewitness said residents, including women and children, have capitalised on the ongoing fuel scarcity to scoop fuel without minding the attendant dangers.
According to the witness, the scooping of fuel continued unabated despite the presence of security operatives in the area.
A security officer attached to Oyo State Park service, Peluola Oyedeji, told The Guardian that the petrol in the fallen tanker is being trans-loaded to another tanker but the activities of the area boys was slowing down the operation. Read more
British Children’s author Shirley Hughes dies aged 94 (BBC)
Children’s author and illustrator Shirley Hughes has died aged 94, her family has confirmed.
Hughes was best known for creating the Alfie book series, as well as children’s picture book Dogger.
She died “peacefully at home after a short illness” on Friday in London, her family told the PA news agency.
“Shirley’s books about everyday family life are adored by generations of families and she is held in the highest esteem by her peers,” they said.
Hughes illustrated 200 children’s books throughout her career, selling more than 10 million copies.
Born in West Kirkby, the daughter of department store chain owner TJ Hughes, she studied drawing and costume design at the Liverpool School of Art; and fine art at Oxford’s Ruskin School of Art.
Her early work included illustrations for Dorothy Edwards’ My Naughty Little Sister, before she wrote and illustrated her own first book, Lucy And Tom’s Day, in 1960. Read more
Rolling Loud Miami 2022: DaBaby invited back to perform after homophobic outburst last year (Independent)
Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West and Future have been announced to headline the Rolling Loud festival in Miami.
The event is returning to Miami Gardens, Florida, this year between 22-24 July, following last year’s festival which was headlined by Travis Scott, A$AP Rocky, and Post Malone.
The lineup marks the latest live performance from Kendrick Lamar, amid speculation that he is preparing to release his first studio album since 2017’s DAMN. He recently headlined the Super Bowl halftime show alongside Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Dr Dre, and Mary J Blige.
Last year’s Rolling Loud Miami became the subject of controversy after rapper DaBaby, who performed on the festival’s final day, made a series of homophobic comments during his set.
The 30-year-old is also being sued by the brother of his ex-partner, Dani-Leigh, after they were filmed brawling in a bowling alley in Los Angeles last month.
Despite this, he has been invited back to perform at the festival, and is billed on the Saturday, which is being headlined by Future.
Also on the 2022 lineup are Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Baby, Saweetie, Gucci Mane, Playboi Carti, Gunna, Lil Durk, City Girls, and Three 6 Mafia.
Tickets for Rolling Loud go on sale on 7 March at 12.00pm ET (5.00pm EST). Read more
Ukraine invites Russian mums to come and pick up their captured sons in Kyiv (Metro)
Ukraine has invited mums to come and ‘collect’ Russian troops captured during battle.
In an apparent attempt to embarrass Moscow, the Ukrainian defence ministry said: ‘A decision has been taken to hand over captured Russian troops to their mothers if they come to collect them in Ukraine, in Kyiv.’
Kyiv Independent reports that Ukrainian civilians are providing captured Russians with tea and food, and are letting them call their mothers via video chat.
It comes after Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk asked for the International Red Cross to help repatriate the dead bodies of Russian soldiers. Read more
Spider-Man spin-off movie Kraven the Hunter adds West Side Story star (DigitalSpy)
Spider-Man spin-off film Kraven the Hunter has added West Side Story star Ariana DeBose to the cast.
The news of DeBose’s casting was broken by Deadline on Monday (March 1), on the heels of DeBose’s groundbreaking victories at the Golden Globe Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
According to the publication, DeBose is thought to be playing the role of voodoo priestess Calypso Ezili in the film.
Supervillain Calypso first emerged in the pages of Marvel Comics 42 years ago and is noted for her romantic connection to big game hunter Kraven/Sergei Kravinoff, who’s being played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe flick.
DeBose has been a face on the theatrical stage for over a decade and she has spent the last two years making waves in Hollywood thanks to her credits in Hamilton, Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story (her portrayal of Anita could yet earn her an Oscar) and Schmigadoon!.
She’s also part of Matthew Vaughn’s Argylle ensemble, which boasts Henry Cavill, Bryan Cranston, Samuel L Jackson, Sam Rockwell, Catherine O’Hara, Bryce Dallas Howard, John Cena and Rob Delaney among the cast.
Kraven the Hunter is set to be directed by JC Chandor, with a script by Art Marcum, Matt Holloway and Richard Wenk.
Speaking of his original plans for the script back in 2018, Wenk hinted that the film could draw its inspiration from the Kraven’s Last Hunt storyline.
“You have to look at everything just to soak it in,” Wenk said. “I think that what we’re all circling is Kraven’s Last Hunt and whether this is the precursor to that movie or will include it. We’re talking about those things. And even the idea that maybe Kraven could be like Kill Bill where we’re basically writing two movies.” Read more
The Outfit’s Nikki Amuka-Bird set to lead thriller ‘Jericho Ridge’(Variety)
Nikki Amuka-Bird (“The Outfit”) will play the lead in Will Gilbey’s “Jericho Ridge.”
BAFTA award-winner Gilbey (“A Lonely Place to Die”) also wrote the screenplay for the feature, which is billed as a survival thriller.
Amuka-Bird is joined by Michael Socha (“This is England”), Zack Morris (“The Fades”), Chris Reilly (“Wrath of Man”) Philipp Christopher (“Origin”), Solly McLeod (“Boxing Day”) and music artist Capital T.
The film tells the story of North Washington county sheriff Tabby (Amuka-Bird), who finds herself alone in the sheriff’s office one night while her colleagues are out on patrol. But she soon finds out they’ve been set up by a murderous drug cartel while she herself comes under siege at the office, where she must battle desperately to save herself and her son.
“Jericho Ridge” is co-financed by Silver Lining Productions and DLNQNT, with DLNQNT’s Alex Tate (“Hope Gap”) and Harvey Ascott (“Shok”) producing alongside Besnik Krapi.
In Plain Sight Group’s Mark O’Sullivan (“Absent”) and Richard Caleel exec produce.
Ascott and Krapi previously collaborated on Oscar nominated short “Shok.” Read more
Musician aims to create jazz scene in Northern Ireland with junior ensemble (Independent)
A Mobo award-nominated musician is aiming to inspire the next generation of talent through the formation of the first ever junior improvisational jazz ensemble in Northern Ireland.
Composer and drummer David Lyttle created Jazz Juniors because of the lack of opportunities for young players, which often forces them to move away to find work.
Lyttle said: “I am from Northern Ireland and am based here, but over a period of years I started to notice that many of the jazz musicians who reached a good level in Northern Ireland were forced to move. Most of my work is abroad.
“Jazz is something which lends itself to beginning at an early age. It is very difficult, it is the highest level of musical expression.
“It requires the technique and the discipline of the classical musician, but the main part is the improvisation and your personality as a musician. It is a lifelong quest.
“It is very difficult to start in jazz as an adult. We have never really had any jazz education here in Northern Ireland. Read more
EastEnders’ villain is unrecognisable as he stars in The Batman with Robert Pattinson (Mirror)
Former EastEnders star Alex Ferns is unrecognisable from his time on the soap in upcoming film The Batman.
The actor, 53, is best known for having played Trevor Morgan on the BBC soap from 2000 to 2002, with the character having been killed off in an explosion around Halloween.
He was the estranged husband of Little Mo – played by Kacey Ainsworth, also 53 – with villainous Trevor having domestically abused and mistreated her until his death.
During one of his attacks, Little Mo defended herself using an iron – which she hit her husband over the head with. She ended up imprisoned for this, but was later released.
Following her return to Albert Square, Trevor attempted to kill Little Mo by setting their house on fire, though it was him and one of their neighbours who ultimately died.
And whilst the storyline attracted much attention at the time, fans of the show may not recognise Alex in his latest role as commissioner Pete Savage in the film the Batman. Read more
Roman Abramovich says he will sell Chelsea (BBC)
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich says he is planning to sell the club.
In a statement on the Premier League club’s website, businessman Abramovich said he had made “incredibly difficult decision” which “pains” him.
The Russian will not ask “for any loans to be repaid” and said proceeds of the sale would be donated to war victims.
Abramovich had said on Saturday he would give “stewardship and care” of Chelsea to its foundation trustees following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
That led to speculation Abramovich – who has loaned the club more than £1.5bn – would put Chelsea up for sale, and billionaire Hansjorg Wyss told Swiss newspaper Blick on Wednesday that he had been offered the chance to buy the club. Read more
Nigeria deserves Qatar 2022 World Cup ticket, says Eguavoen (Guardian)
Super Eagles Manager, Augustine Eguavoen, claims that Nigeria deserves to be at the Qatar 2022 World Cup ahead of Ghana.
Eguavoen is currently getting ready for the big clash between Nigeria and Ghana, which decides, who, among the two, will be in Qatar later this year.
The two sides will meet in Cape Coast, Ghana, on March 25 and play the decisive leg in Abuja, Nigeria, on March 29. The winner over two legs will pick the ticket to be among Africa’s five countries at the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Speaking to a Ghanasportspagea, Eguavoen, who led Nigeria to a last 16 finish at last month’s Africa Cup of Nations, said the Super Eagles are in a better position to qualify for the World Cup than their rivals. Read more
Almeria to Sevilla: Pay €60m, get Sadiq (Punch)
Spanish Segunda club, Almeria, are adamant and have told Sevilla that only €60m will see them part ways with their talismanic striker, Sadiq Umar, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Nigeria international was all over the Spanish media on Wednesday as interests from Sevilla swelled.
According to Spanish tabloid, estadiodeportivo, Sevilla sporting director, Monchi, is believed to be a huge fan of the former Partizan Belgrade man and is ready to seal a deal quickly for the Nigerian ahead of other interested clubs.
Several reports also claim La Liga giants Barcelona and English Premier League club Newcastle have shown interest in the striker. Read more
Mario Balotelli names Ballon d’Or and Sergio Aguero regrets from Man City career (MEN)
Mario Balotelli believes he would have won a Ballon d’Or if he had stayed at Manchester City longer than his three year spell between 2010 and 2013.
Balotelli made headlines on and off the pitch during his three year spell at the Etihad, scoring 20 goals in 54 appearances before leaving for AC Milan at the end of the 2012/13 season.
After Balotelli left City, manager Roberto Mancini said the striker was ‘like another one of my children’ and that the Italian could go on to become one of the best players in the world.
However, Balotelli only lasted a season at the San Siro before joining Liverpool for an ill-fated spell, with a loan back to Milan, and permanent moves to Nice, Marseille, Brescia, Monza and now Adana Demirspor. Read more
Max Verstappen to sign long-term deal with Red Bull (RTE)
Max Verstappen is expected to sign a new deal with Red Bull which will land him one of the biggest pay days in Formula One history.
It is understood the world champion’s contract extension, which could be announced as early as Thursday, is worth as much as £40million a season.
The Dutchman’s bumper salary hike matches Lewis Hamilton’s £80m two-year Mercedes deal which expires at the end of next year.
Verstappen, 24, has been rewarded for beating Hamilton to the world title last year – and it is anticipated his new terms will see him remain a Red Bull driver for at least five more seasons. Read more
Napoli prepare for life without €100m Osimhen (Punch)
Ahead of next season, Italian Serie A side Napoli are in the market for a new striker as they prepare for life without their record signing Victor Osimhen, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Nigeria international has been a subject of transfer speculations since joining the Parthenopeans in the summer of 2020.
Osimhen boasts a decent track record in Italy since signing for the Naples-based side in a mammoth £67.5m deal from Lille.
In his 22 games for the club this season, Osimhen has netted 11 times. That adds to the 10 goals he scored last season for Gli Azzurri, taking his total to 21 strikes in 52 appearances. Read more
Oleksandr Usyk on defending Ukraine against Russian invasion (BBC)
Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk says his “country and honour” are more important than any fight in the ring as he prepares to defend Ukraine’s capital Kyiv against invading Russian forces.
The 35-year-old, who beat Britain’s Anthony Joshua in September to become the unified heavyweight champion, has enlisted in Ukraine’s military.
“There is no fear, absolutely no fear,” he told CNN.
“There’s just bafflement – how could this be in the 21st century?”
Usyk, who was speaking via video call and an interpreter from a basement in Kyiv, said he did not know if there was any chance of him fulfilling a planned May rematch with Joshua. Read more