Couple charged with alleged murder of housemaid, knows fate July 7 (Guardian)
A Lagos High Court, Ikeja, yesterday, fixed July 7 for judgment in the suit involving a Lagos couple, Fortune and Stephen Nwankwo, who allegedly murdered their housemaid, Joy Adole, in Bariga. Lagos.
The trial judge, Oyindamola Ogala, fixed the date, after counsel to both parties adopted their written addresses.The suspects were accused of killing a 19-year-old Adole on April 20, 2020, at their residence, located at 18, Ogundola Street, Bariga.
The couple is facing eight-count charge, bordering on conspiracy, involuntary manslaughter and accessory after the fact to murder.
They, however, denied the allegation, claiming that Adole committed suicide by hanging herself in her bedroom. Following their plea of not guilty, the State Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), commenced trial and called eight witnesses to prove the case against the couple. Read more
Residents groan as Oro festival paralyses activities in Ikorodu (Sun)
Business activities in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State, yesterday, were paralysed; schools, banks and others shut down due to the annual Magbo Oro festival.
Apart from the business activities that were paralysed, the annual traditional festival restricted female movement in some core parts of the ancient town throughout yesterday.
Busy areas in the town like Ikorodu Roundabout, Oju Bode, Ladega, Ita Elewa, Ota Ona, Ikorodu Grammar School, Itun Pate, Ajina, Onishigida, Itunmoja and all neighbouring environs were ghost of themselves.
Markets in the listed areas were under lock and key as well as some corporate organisations around the affected suburbs. Read more
Police impound 200 motorcycles after clash with Okada riders (Guardian)
Police in Lagos, yesterday, impounded over 200 motorcycles in Ojo following the directive by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu banning commercial motorcyclists popularly known as Okada from plying in specified local councils in the state.
The operation led to a clash between the police and the Okada riders. The clash left many injured, while passers-by scampered to safety.
The Guardian learnt that commercial motorcyclists were resisting the enforcement of the ban on their operations by the Lagos State government.
The state government had on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 issued a total ban on the activities of the Okada riders in six local government areas over the killing of a sound engineer, David Imoh, by suspected Okada riders at Lekki. Read more
Customs building frustrating cargo movement in Apapa – CCECC (Punch)
The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation has said that a building belonging to the Nigeria Customs Service, situated inside the AP Moller Terminal Apapa, is frustrating evacuation of cargoes by rail in the port.
The Deputy Managing Director, CCECC, Mr Xia Lijun, said this recently when he hosted the Joint National Assembly Committee on Land Transport, which was on an oversight visit at Obafemi Awolowo rail station in Ibadan, Oyo State.
He lamented that several efforts had been made to remove the building sitting along the rail gauge track inside the terminal, but to no avail. He noted that the building was the major reason why cargo evacuation by rail on the standard gauge trains had not commenced services inside the terminal.
“We have eight tracks for standard gauge rail and three tracks for narrow gauge rail. However, despite connecting the port, we cannot move containers by rail because there is a building belonging to the NCS sitting on the rail track inside APM Terminals. Read more
How police arrested 72- year-old native doctor, suspected killers of female inspector (Guardian)
Police operatives have arrested one Casmire Mgbugha, 53, for killing his second wife, Felicia Nwagbara, who was an Inspector, in alleged attempt to cover his criminal activities.
Inspector Nwagbara was declared missing since 2017 by police authorities. Mgbugha, according to a statement, yesterday, by the Command’s spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Micheal Abattam, was arrested on Wednesday, alongside members of his armed robbery gang, including four siblings and their native doctor.
They were: Hycent Chimezie, 30, Hycent Azunna, 28, Hycent Ifesinachi, 26; Hycent Chimobi; 23, Chukwuemeka Wisdom; 22 and Nnadike Clifford, 72, the native doctor.
Abattam said the suspects, who were apprehended following an intelligence at their criminal hideout situated in Ubah Agwa in Oguta Local Council of Imo State, were also manufacturers of the local-made-guns. Read more
CAN backs Kumuyi’s South-East crusade, asks IPOB to embrace peace (Punch)
The Christian Association of Nigeria has appealed to the Indigenous People of Biafra to allow the General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, hold his crusade in Abia State.
The spokesperson of CAN, Adebayo Oladeji, in an interview with The PUNCH said Kumuyi’s coming to the state would be a blessing to the people of the state.
He added that bloodshed and other forms of insecurity in the state and other South East require God’s intervention.
He was reacting to a statement by IPOB advising Kumuyi to cancel the planned six-day crusade scheduled to hold from May 24, 2022 to May 29 in Aba, Abia State due to security concerns in the South-East region. Read more
NCAA cautions pilots, operators over hazardous weather (ThisDay)
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has advised pilots and airline operators to exercise caution over aviation hazardous weather in the rainy season.
This warning was contained in an Advisory Circular (AC) with reference no AC: NCAA-AEROMET – 33 initiated by the Directorate of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards (DAAS) addressed to all pilots and airline operators and signed by the Director General, Capt. Musa Nuhu.
The AC is coming on the advent of the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) released for the year 2022 by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET).
NIMET has predicted early/late March as the commencement of the rainy season across the Southern states while April/May and June, 2022 is the onset of the rainy season in the Central and Northern parts of Nigeria. Read more
Employment Scam: Worker in Head of Service office bags 7-year jail term (Leadership)
The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) has secured a seven-year jail term for a public officer in the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Amdii Monday Gideon, for his involvement in an employment scam.
ICPC spokesperson, Azuka Ogugua, said in the case filed against Gideon by ICPC at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court 17 in Gwagwalada, the convict was accused of demanding the sum of N250,000 and receiving the sum of N162,500 from an applicant with the promise to procure a job for him at the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ICPC said the victim had reported the matter to the ICPC after the convict failed to procure the said job and refused to refund his money.
During the trial, counsel to ICPC, Michael Adesola, had in a 5-count charge told the court of how the action of the convict negates Sections 8 and 10 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 and Section 1 (3) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006. Read more
APC names Bagudu head of Ekiti gov’ship campaign council (DailyTrust)
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has appointed Kebbi State governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Atiku Bagudu, head of the Ekiti State governorship campaign council.
The APC National Organising Secretary, Muhammad Sulaiman Argungu, announced this in a statement on Thursday night.
He said Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello; Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu; Plateau State governor, Simon Lalong; Imo State governor, Hope Uzodinma and Cross River state governor, Ben Ayade are part of the campaign team.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has slated June 18, 2022 for the election.
“Chariots of Fire” and “Blade Runner” composer dies, aged 79 (Independent)
Oscar-winning composer Vangelis, best known for his work on Blade Runner and Chariots of Fire, has died. He was 79.
Vangelis – born Evangelos Odysseas Papathanassiou – passed away late Tuesday (17 May). A cause of death has yet to be made public.
His death was reported by the Athens News Agency, citing an announcement made by his lawyers’ office.
Born in Agria, Greece, Papathanassiou was a largely self-taught musician and a member of Greek rock bands The Forminx and Aphrodite’s Child. Read more
New York City marks late rapper Biggie Smalls’ 50th birthday (CBS)
New York City is celebrating the late Biggie Smalls, who would have turned 50 this weekend.
Brooklyn-born rapper Christopher Wallace was murdered at age 24. The case remains unsolved.
Thursday, the mayor presented Biggie’s son with a proclamation from the city recognising how he changed music and the landscape of hip-hop.
“He was able to turn pain into purpose. He used his music to define what was happening in everyday life,” Mayor Eric Adams said.
“He was able to turn pain into purpose. He used his music to define what was happening in everyday life,” Mayor Eric Adams said. Read more
Idris Elba wants Beyoncé and Jay-Z to appear on ‘Coupledom’ podcast (PageSix)
It doesn’t get any more “power couple” than Beyoncé and Jay-Z, so it makes sense that Idris Elba and his wife, Sabrina, would want to interview them for their “Coupledom” podcast.
“We’ve talked about Jay and Beyoncé,” Elba told “Extra” about his dream guests.He added that he and Sabrina have also talked about former President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama appearing as guests.
“Those are obviously romantic couples, but they’ve [also] worked together in some capacity,” he added.
And even though they “haven’t yet” reached out to the dream teams for sit-down interviews, “we will,” they said. Read more
Margot Robbie developing an ‘original’ Ocean’s Eleven film with Bombshell director Jay Roach (People)
Margot Robbie is re-teaming with Bombshell director Jay Roach for a new period heist film within the Ocean’s Eleven franchise, PEOPLE confirms.
Robbie’s publicist tells PEOPLE the project is “an original Ocean’s film set in the ’60s.”
Robbie, 31, will star in the project, as well as produce alongside Roach, her husband Tom Ackerley and Michelle Graham.
Josey McNamara, Olivia Milch and Gary Ross will act as executive producers on the yet-to-be-titled film. Carrie Solomon is writing the screenplay. Read more
Rosmarie Trapp, whose family inspired ‘Sound of Music,’ dies (USAToday)
Rosmarie Trapp, whose Austrian family the von Trapps were made famous in the musical and beloved movie The Sound of Music, has died.
She died Friday at the age of 93 at a nursing home in Morrisville, Vermont, Trapp Family Lodge announced. Her brother Johannes is president of the Stowe resort.
Rosmarie was the first daughter of an Austrian naval Capt. Georg von Trapp and Maria von Trapp, and a younger half-sibling to the older von Trapp children portrayed on stage and in the movie. The family escaped from Nazi-occupied Austria in 1938 and performed singing tours throughout Europe and America. They settled in Vermont in the early 1940s and opened a ski lodge in Stowe.
“She traveled and performed with the Trapp Family Singers for many years, and worked at the Trapp Family Lodge in its infancy when the family first began hosting guests in their home,” Trapp Family Lodge said in a statement. Read more
Buffalo accused branded ‘a coward’ as he leaves court (IrishIndependent)
The white man accused of killing 10 black people at a supermarket in Buffalo appeared in court yesterday, standing silently during a brief proceeding attended by some relatives of the victims after a grand jury indicted him.
Payton Gendron (18) wore an orange jail uniform, a mask and handcuffs. As he was led out, someone shouted “Payton, you’re a coward” from the courtroom gallery. He is being held in jail without bail.
Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush said the first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up on Wednesday.
Thirteen people in all were shot on Saturday at the Tops Friendly Market in a predominantly black neighbourhood of Buffalo. Authorities are continuing to investigate the possibility of hate crime and terrorism charges. Read more
When will the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard defamation trial end? (HITC)
The Johnny Depp and Amber Heard defamation case is now in its fifth week, with some jaded fans wanting to know when it’s all going to end.
Pirates Of The Caribbean star Johnny Depp is suing his ex-wife and Aquaman actress Amber Heard for defamation because of an op-ed she wrote for the Washington Post in 2018. Heard is countersuing Depp.
As the case continues, some of those following it have wondered when it will all end so they can get their lives back. Let’s take a look… Read more.
Flying Eagles seek Squirrels’ scalp in WAFU B Cup finals (DailyTrust)
Nigeria and neighbours Benin Republic, both already qualified for the 17th Africa U20 Cup of Nations Egypt 2023, will slug it out on Friday to determine which of the two teams is the best U20 squad in the West African Football Union B zone.
Like Nigeria, Benin Republic emerged winners of their pool in the group phase, above second –placed Cote d’Ivoire, and then defeated Burkina Faso, second –placed team in Group B, 2-1 in the first semi finals match on Wednesday.
Seven –time African champions Nigeria also defeated Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 after extra time in a tense and turgid affair at the Stade General Seyni Kountché, the winner coming from the penalty spot 21 minutes into extra time after both teams were locked at 1-1 following regulation time.
Today’s encounter will confer bragging rights on the winning side and immense confidence going into next year’s continental finals, and Coach Ladan Bosso said on Thursday that his boys are ready to go all out for the trophy. Read more
N’Golo Kante is Chelsea’s Mohamed Salah, Kylian Mbappe or Neymar – Thomas Tuchel (ESPN)
Thomas Tuchel has compared N’Golo Kante to the game’s modern-day greats including Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, believing it is a “miracle” Chelsea are set to finish in third place having been without the midfielder so often this season.
The Blues were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Leicester City on Wednesday night, a result which all but confirms their final placing barring an almost-impossible three-point and 18-goal swing with Tottenham on the final day.
Kante made only his 20th Premier League start this term having endured a campaign dogged by various fitness issues, including a groin injury which delayed his start to the season, contracting COVID-19 and various muscular problems.
The 31-year-old World Cup winner, who has a year remaining on current contract, was a pivotal figure in last year’s Champions League triumph and when asked about the Frenchman’s outing against Leicester — his first start since April 28 — Tuchel said: “I think he is our key, key, key player but key, key, key players need to be on the pitch and if he plays only 40% of the games, it is maybe a miracle that we arrive in third place. He is our Mo Salah, our [Virgil] van Dijk, our [Kevin] De Bruyne. Read more
Zenith Bank/Ikoyi Club Primary Schools Swimming to hold May 21
(ThisDay)
After the success of the recently concluded Zenith Secondary School Swimming competition at the Ikoyi Club, all is now set for the primary school swimming contest, expected to take place on May 21stat the swimming pool section of the elite club.
According to the Chairman of the swimming section of the club, Kunle Adeniji, all is set for the competition as he also praised the sponsors, Zenith Bank for their support.
Grange School retained the Zenith Bank/ Ikoyi Club Inter School Swimming meet title recently with Kalu siblings, Chukwudi and Chioma at the forefront of the Ikeja-based school’s triumph accounting for nine of their 21 medals – 13 gold, 7 silver and 1 bronze.
Adeniji stressed the importance of catching them young while revealing that some of the swimmers that competed in the secondary school meet have competed at the primary school level before. Read more
Burnley caretaker boss Mike Jackson ‘disappointed’ not to claim victory at Aston Villa (DailyMail)
Burnley caretaker manager Mike Jackson admitted he was ‘disappointed’ his side did not claim all three points against Aston Villa in their battle for Premier League survival as he promised his side would be ‘ready’ for the tense finale on Sunday.
The 1-1 draw at Villa Park moved Burnley out of the relegation zone and they will avoid relegation if they match Leeds’ result on the final day.
Burnley went ahead through a penalty from Ashley Barnes before Emi Buendia levelled early in the second half.
The Clarets could not find a winner, which would have boosted their chances of securing their Premier League place, and Jackson warned the job was not done yet. Read more
Tiger Woods has uncomfortable opening round at PGA Championship (USAToday)
Tiger Woods had two major concerns following Thursday’s first round of the 104th PGA Championship at Southern Hills Country Club.
The first dealt with his right leg, the other his scorecard.
After grabbing an early share of the lead with two birdies on his first five holes, the 15-time major champion and four-time Wanamaker Trophy winner labored home with seven bogeys and just one birdie to turn in a card that read 4-over-par 74.
And he literally limped home after aggravating an injury in his right leg. He certainly looked far worse than he did when he played his first practice round on Sunday and his second on Monday. Read more
Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari roadcar up for sale
(Formula1News)
A Ferrari previously driven by Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher is set to go up for sale 13 years after the seven-time champion first owned it.
Three years after his initial retirement in 2006, Schumacher was still working with the Ferrari team, and was even close to a return with the Scuderia to replace the injured Felipe Massa following the Brazilian’s nasty crash in Hungary.
Despite having completed some testing in the F2007, the then 40-year-old was declared unfit to race due to a recent motorcycle accident.
That same year, Schumacher got his Nürburgring silver Ferrari California, and it has personalised ‘MS’ initials embroidered into the headrests. Read more
Swiatek primed for more French Open glory (WA)
The French Open has often sprung surprise women’s winners but it is hard to see anyone other than Iga Swiatek lifting the Suzanne Lenglen Cup on the Parisian clay this year.
The 20-year-old Pole has it all – and in recent months has simply been unbeatable.
Having triumphed at Roland Garros in 2020, Swiatek already has the experience of conquering all before her on red dirt.
When Swiatek unexpectedly took over the world No.1 ranking following Ash Barty’s sudden retirement in March, it seemed to spark something inside her and she will arrive at Roland Garros riding on an incredible 28-match winning streak. Read more