Court sentences trader to 25 years imprisonment for raping tailor (Nation)
An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Friday sentenced a 43-year-old trader, Adelaja Oloyede, to 25-years imprisonment for raping a tailor.
Justice Abiola Soladoye found Oloyede guilty of a lone count charge of rape contrary to Section 260 of the Criminal Law of Lagos 2015.
Justice Soladoye held that the prosecution team had proved their case against the convict beyond reasonable doubt.
The court held that the convict does not have a right to have forceful sexual intercourse with the survivor even if she was his girlfriend.
“All the stories the defendant told the court in his testimony was muddled and riddled with lies. Read more
Police arraign dispatch rider for allegedly bolting with $10,000 (Guardian)
A dispatch rider, Ayokunle Akinniranye, 47, on Friday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing his employer’s $10,000 (N4.5 million).
The defendant, whose residential address was not provided, is facing a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing.
The Prosecutor, ASP Rachael Williams, alleged that the defendant stole money, belonging to Desroto Trust and Investment Ltd.
Williams alleged that the defendant committed the offences, with others still at large, on Jan. 29 at about 12.00 p.m. on Maduke St., Off Awolowo Road, Ikoyi Lagos.
She told the court that the defendant allegedly stolen the money his employer had asked him to take to a commercial Bank in Ikoyi for lodgement. Read more
Super TV CEO: Fake drivers’ license, passport, other items police recovered from Chidinma, 21-year-old suspect (Punch)
A fake drivers’ license and Nigerian passport, amongst other items were recovered from Chidinma Ojukwu, the prime suspect for the murder of the Chief Executive Officer of Super TV, Usifo Ataga.
Ataga was found dead on Sunday with multiple wounds found in several parts of his body at a service apartment in the Lekki area of Lagos.
The Lagos State Police Command had on Wednesday arrested 21-year-old Chidinma for allegedly killing Ataga, and some items were recovered from her.
Here is a list of the items that were recovered from the suspect upon her arrest:
*A Nigeria International Passport with No.B50010434 belonging to the suspect
*A fake Drivers license bearing ‘Mary Johnson’ with the suspect’s photograph
*Access Bank statement of account slip. Read more
Rainoil debunks gas leak rumour, says no cause for alarm (Vanguard)
Rainoil Limited has assured safety around the Ijegun-Egba community where its LPG depot is located, stating that there is no gas leak.
In a press statement, the company stated that the speculation and rumour of a gas leak was unfounded . “Rainoil today carried out a routine fire safety drill to ensure the preparedness of staff in the event of an emergency.
The company stated that a representative from the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) was on ground to witness the entire process. This routine fire drill was apparently mistaken to be a result of gas leak in the facility
The company called on the community and other stakeholders to dispel the gas leakage rumour as the depot has since resumed operations following the fire safety drill.
We will continue to ensure that all safety measures are in place in all our Operations. We are safety conscious and remain committed to the safety of our community and the environment’, the company stated. Read more
Lagos, Abuja airports, others to be concessioned by August (Guardian)
The Federal Government, yesterday, said the quartet of Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano airports will be concessioned by August.
The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, said in Lagos that the last phase of the concession preparations would be done between this month and July.
In a related development, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has acquired two new automated mobile control towers, to serve as backups in both Lagos and Abuja airports.
The Federal Government has been itching to concession all the 22 federal airports since 2016, beginning with the big four in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano, to enable them to function efficiently and profitably. Despite the government’s assurance that the workers would still be relevant in the new arrangement, the unions have been against concession Read more
Lagos owes 12.31% of Nigeria’s total domestic debt stock -NBS (Vanguard)
Lagos state accounting for 12.31% of the total domestic debt stock, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said.
The NBS disclosed this in its quarterly data release made available at its website yesterday.
According to the data, Federal Government only domestic debt stock was put at N16.51t, while States and FCT domestic debt stock was put at N4.12t, with Lagos State accounting for 12.31% of the total domestic debt stock, while Jigawa State has the least debt stock in this category with a contribution of 0.77% to the total domestic debt stock.
Meanwhile, Nigerian States and Federal Debt Stock data as of 31st March 2021 shows that the country’s total public debt portfolio stood at N33.11t.
The report indicates that further disaggregation of Nigeria’s total public debt showed that N12.47trn or 37.67% of the debt was external , while 20.64trn or 62.33% of the debt was domestic. Read more
Gunmen murder former Commissioner’s wife in Ibadan (Nation)
Mrs. Olayemi Odetomi, who was the wife of a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters during the late governor Abiola Ajimobi’s tenure, Mr. Peter Odetomi, has been murdered by gunmen in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Mrs. Odetomi was killed in her Akobo home Friday morning.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Mr. Adewale Osifeso, said the deceased was killed in her home.
“The deceased, Olayemi Odetomi, aged 66 years, died on the spot after being shot during a robbery incident which occurred during the early hours of Friday 25th June, 2021 in her home. Updates on Investigations would be provided in due course,” Osifeso said. Read more
Court dismisses suit seeking to stop appointment of new justices of Appeal Court (Guardian)
The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, dismissed a suit seeking to challenge the appointment of 18 new justices for the Appeal Court over alleged breach of federal character principles.
Delivering judgment, Justice Inyang Ekwo, dismissed the suit filed by an Igbo socio-cultural group; the Incorporated Trustees of Alaigbo Development Foundation, for lack of locus standi (legal right) to institute the matter.
Justice Ekwo held that going by Section 283 (1) of Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) Part A in the avirement of the plaintiff, the action of the group ran contrary to the law.
He said he noted that the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants in the suit raised an issue of locus standi of the plaintiff to institute the case and that the plaintiff too had joined issues in the matter. Read more
Court hears suit challenging Atiku’s citizenship September 27 (Punch)
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday fixed September 27, 2021 for the hearing of the suit brought before it by the Incorporated Trustees of the Egalitarian Mission for Africa querying the citizenship of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The plaintiff’s counsel, Akinola Oladimeji, informed the court that he was not prepared to proceed with the case as he only got information that the matter was coming up on Wednesday.
He explained that he was informed on Wednesday that the matter was coming up on Thursday, even when he was aware that the hearing was September 20.
However, the clerk of the court stated that all the parties had been informed of the date of the suit. Read more
Amazon and Google probed over efforts to stop fake reviews (BBC)
Amazon and Google are under investigation over concerns fake five star reviews on their websites could be misleading shoppers.
The Competition and Markets Authority is also worried that “law-abiding businesses” who sell over Amazon and Google may be losing out to firms using false recommendations.
Amazon and Google could face court action for breaking consumer law.
Both firms say they have resources and policies in place to stop fake reviews. Read more
4 shot, 1 killed in attempted robbery at Hollywood house party: reports (NYPost)
Four people were shot and one person was killed during an attempted robbery at a multimillion-dollar Hollywood Hills home early Friday, Los Angeles police said.
Three armed suspects tried to rob someone at about 2 a.m. outside the home reportedly owned by Fashion Nova founder and CEO Richard Saghian.
Shots were fired during the attempted hold-up, prompting one man working security at the home to return fire, striking two of the suspects, LAPD spokesman Jeff Lee told The Post.
The suspects then took off in an Audi and were later apprehended in Beverly Hills. One suspect was pronounced dead at the scene and another was taken to a hospital with gunshot wounds. A third suspect, who was not hurt, was taken into custody, Lee said. Read more
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Car bomb attack wounds 15 German UN peacekeepers in northern Mali (RT)
The UN peacekeeping mission in Mali (MINUSMA) confirmed via Twitter on Friday morning that one of its temporary bases was attacked in a car bombing, resulting in the injury and evacuation of 15 German ‘Blue Helmet’ soldiers.
Friday’s attack, which hit a deployment of German soldiers, is the first time that Bundeswehr troops have been targeted in Mali. Of the 15 injured peacekeepers, 12 are in serious condition and have been flown back to Germany via Niger.
German media reported that the car bomb hit a temporary forward operating base at around 7am local time near the Tarkint Township in Gao Province. The blast occurred a day after another, less serious, attack had been attempted on Malian soldiers moving towards Kidal, damaging a vehicle but causing no injuries.
In response to Friday’s attack, MINUSMA strongly condemned the car bombing, wishing a “Speedy and complete recovery to the injured.” Read more
Miami building collapse: 159 missing, officials say (BBC)
The number of people listed as missing after the collapse of a 12-storey building in the US city of Miami has risen to 159, officials say.
Four people are known to have died.
The mayor of Miami-Dade says they “still have hope” of finding survivors. Search teams working around the clock have reported hearing people banging beneath the debris.
What caused the 40-year-old building to collapse early on Thursday morning remains unclear. Read more
“Fast and Furious 9”: Late star Paul Walker’s character Brian O’Conner returns in poignant F9 scene (Metro)
Paul Walker’s character, Brian O’Conner, made a brief but incredibly poignant return to Fast and Furious in the latest film.
The actor, who played the undercover police officer turned racer in the franchise, tragically died in 2013 at the age of 40.
His brothers, Caleb and Cody, famously stepped in to finish filming his final scenes, with film bosses also using CGI to complete the shoot.
However, Brian made a surprise cameo at the very end of F9, driving his iconic blue Skyline into the driveway for a ‘family dinner’. Read more
Coronavirus: Israel reimposes masks amid new virus fears (BBC)
Israel has reintroduced a requirement to wear masks indoors amid a rise in coronavirus cases, just days after it lifted the measure.
Concern has grown after the country recorded more than 100 new daily cases in successive days after registering zero earlier this month.
Most of the cases have been linked to the Delta variant from abroad.
Israel has been one of the most successful countries in the world in tackling the pandemic. Read more
Bouncer has the audacity to ask Rihanna for ID in the club (Metro)
Fans have had a brilliant time reacting to footage of Rihanna trying to get past a bouncer who appeared to need to see the star’s ID before letting her into a club.
Ah, you can be one of the most famous women in the world and still need to prove your identity.
Various clips are doing the rounds on social media today after Rihanna and boyfriend A$AP Rocky were seen attempting to get into a bar for a night out on the town this week.
Ri-Ri, looking absolutely resplendent in a pink, fluffy hat, was seen negotiating with the bouncer, alongside a leather-clad A$AP, who looked just as flummoxed his famous GF wasn’t getting through the door. Read more
Apochi eyes 12th knockout win against Glanton (Punch)
WBA cruiserweight No.1 title challenger, Efetobor Apochi, says he is confident of knocking out American, Brandon Glanton, when both fighters clash in their highly anticipated ‘Fight of The Unbeatens’ at the Minneapolis Armory on June 27.
Apochi is unbeaten in 11 professional fights, knocking out all his opponents, with only Earl Newman going the farthest, reaching the seventh round since making his professional debut in 2017.
His opponent, Glanton is also unbeaten in 13 professional fights, recording 11 knockouts since becoming a professional in 2017.
Thity-three-year-old Nigerian Apochi is coming off a huge knockout win over highly-rated Deon Nicholson in April, and is confident he can replicate the action against another unbeaten contender, Glanton. Read more
Arsenal star Kieran Tierney signs new long-term contract in boost for Mikel Arteta (Metro)
Kieran Tierney has confirmed he has signed a new contract and committed his long-term future to Arsenal.
The Scotland international has been one of the shining lights since Mikel Arteta’s appointment 18 months ago, impressing with his attitude and commitment as much as his performance on the pitch.
The former Celtic star is expected to form a key part of Arsenal’s new-look leadership group with David Luiz having already departed and Granit Xhaka likely to follow suit and join Jose Mourinho at Roma.
‘This is great news for us today,’ said Arteta, reacting to the news that his first choice left-back had agreed a new deal. ‘As manager of the club, speaking on behalf of the coaching staff and the entire staff, it’s a pleasure to work with KT. Read more
Wimbledon 2021: Simona Halep pulls out on eve of tournament (BBC)
Defending women’s champion Simona Halep has pulled out of Wimbledon because of a calf injury.
The Romanian tore a muscle at May’s Italian Open and was subsequently ruled out of the French Open.
The 29-year-old, who was seeded second, has been at the All England Club this week, raising hopes she would be fit to defend the title she won in 2019.
But she withdrew from the event, which returns after being cancelled last year, minutes before Friday’s draw.
“I gave it everything I had in order to be ready to play Wimbledon and after having such special memories from two years ago,” Halep said. Read more
Fearless’ Saka ready to step up to Germany challenge (Nation)
After England booked a showdown with Germany in the last 16 of Euro 2020, one of several selection headaches facing Gareth Southgate is whether Bukayo Saka should start.
Despite winning man of the match against the Czech Republic on Tuesday, there are some who will have concerns about whether the 19-year-old is ready for a knockout tie at a major tournament.
History has shown, however, that whenever a challenge is thrown to Saka, he invariably steps up to the plate.
“He is a lovely lad and he has got the world at his feet” said England midfielder Jack Grealish. “He is young and he is fearless.” Read more
Man City prepare huge Jack Grealish bid with agents confident Aston Villa will accept (Metro)
Jack Grealish’s agents are confident that a deal will be done to see the England star leave Aston Villa this summer, with Manchester City the most likely to spend big on his signature.
The Premier League champions are at the front of the queue to sign the 25-year-old who could cost them as much as £100m.
Villa are sticking to the line that they do not want to sell their captain, but the Sun report that there is an understanding between his agents Stellar and the club that he will be let go should an appropriate offer come in. Read more
Max Verstappen tops Styrian Grand Prix second practice (BBC)
Max Verstappen set the pace in second practice at the Styrian Grand Prix in Austria after title rival Lewis Hamilton had a quicker lap deleted.
Hamilton had set the fastest lap of the session by 0.077 seconds from Verstappen’s Red Bull but ran fractionally wide at the final corner.
That left Hamilton with the fourth fastest time, behind McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo and Alpine’s Esteban Ocon.And in an unprecedented incident, Valtteri Bottas spun in the pit lane. Read more