COVID-19: Police raid night clubs, arrest 71 protocol violators (Punch)
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 71 suspects for violating COVID-19 restrictions during a raid it carried out on some night clubs in the state.
The raid was carried out on January 3, 2021, by a taskforce ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu.
A statement signed by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed that the raid was carried out on Folix Club at Lekki, and Bench Bar at Adeniran Ogunsanya, Surulere,
The statement said, on the same date, the taskforce impounded eleven vehicles for violating the 12 midnight to 4am curfew and two vehicles for driving against the traffic(one way). Read more
Remembrance Day: Sanwo-Olu pledges supports for legionnaires (Sun)
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has pledged his administration continous support for the men of the armed forces who have fought a good fight in defending the country.
Governor Sanwo-Olu while launching this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem with five million naira noted that the families of the fallen heroes would also not be left behind.
The governor at the event to launch this year’s edition of the armed forces remembrance day emblem and appeal fund, appreciated the men of the Nigerian soldiers who had defended the county selflessly, and promises continous support for them and the families of those who had died among them.
In his remarks, the State Chairman and Deputy Commandant General, Nigerian Legion Lagos State Council, Fola Akande, thanked the Governor for his kind gesture while appealing for more intervention and said the event was a day the gallantry of fallen heroes and military is been celebrated. Read more
Accident Claims 6, Injures 9 On Lagos-Ibadan Expressway (Independent)
Six persons were confirmed dead while nine others had various degrees of injuries on Tuesday in a ghastly accident involving an articulated vehicle and a Toyota bus around Car Park C on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Mr. Ahmed Umar, the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun command, confirmed the incident in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abeokuta.
Umar explained that the accident which occurred around 11:53am, was caused by the driver of the truck marked FZE 376 DI who drove recklessly, loss control and hit the bus with registration number ZUR 843 XA from the rear. Read more
Deeper Life school crisis: Police takes over investigation (Guardian)
Akwa Ibom State Police Command has commenced investigation into a petition of sexual molestation and forced starvation of a student of Deeper Life High School, Uyo, Master Don-Davies Iniobong.
It would be recalled that Iniobong’s mother Debora Archibong had in the petition against the School Principal, Ndidi Solomon and three others to the Police alleged that her son, 11years old and a JSS 1 student of the school was sexually molested, inhumanly treated and suffered starvation.
This was contained in a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon. Read more
Ogun inaugurates clinical skills lab to reduce maternal mortality rate (Tribune)
The Ogun State Government, on Tuesday, inaugurated a state-of-the-art Clinical Skills Laboratory, as part of measures to reduce maternal mortality rate which might increase as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.
The facility, established within the premises of the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Abeokuta, according to the wife of the governor of the state, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, would stimulate the clinical activities of midwifery students in the state as well as reduce the risk of midwifery students of contracting COVID-19during the period of clinical experience.
Mrs Abiodun disclosed that the laboratory was put in place in conjunction with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), having considered the maternal mortality rate which stands at 179 per 100,000 life birth in the state. Read more
#EndSARS: Edo Chief Demands N50b Compensation For 5 Slain Youths (Independent)
The Clan head of Imiakebu Community in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, Chief Ugheiemhekhia Kareem Yahaya, Azamanodu II of Imiakebu, yesterday, appeared before the Edo State Judicial Panel of Inquiry for victims of SARS and related abuses to seek for financial compensation to the tune of N50 billion.
The money is for the compensation for the five youths who were allegedly murdered by the Deputy Police Officer of Agenebode, John. E. Agaga in his community.
The incident was said to have happened on December 28, 2019.
He asked for N50M compensation each for five of them who were wrongfully detained at the state police command for two days. Read more
Demolished venue for sex party was illegally built – Kaduna government (Guardian)
Kaduna Government has gave reasons why the alleged sex party organised in the state was frustrated and the lounge was eventually demolished.
Kaduna State Urban Development and Planning Authority (KASUPDA) on December 31, 2020 demolished a building housing Asher Lounge in Sabon Tasha area of Kaduna city.
However, addressing a press conference on Tuesday, the Director-General of KASUPDA, Ismail Umaru Dikko said the advertised sex party actually exposed invalid building plans of the lounge, hence it has to be demolished.
Dikko also said activities at the facility preceding the demolition violated COVID-19 protocols. Read more
Customs officially opens Illeila border (Tribune)
The Nigerian Customs Service has on Tuesday officially open Illeila border for the purpose of the citizens for import and export business activities.
The controller of customs covering Sokoto and Zamfara States, CG Abdulhamid Ma’aji, stated this in Illeila while holding a meeting with residents communities both from Illeila in Nigeria and representative of Kwanni in the Niger Republic as well as relevant stakeholders.
The CG while assuring the people of the community the total cooperation of his men, said with the opening of the border, economic activities will return to Illeila and its environment. Read more
Qatar crisis: Gulf leaders expected to end embargo at summit (BBC)
Gulf leaders have gathered in Saudi Arabia for a summit that is expected to see the end of a three-year embargo against Qatar by its neighbours.
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim Al Thani was greeted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on arrival in al-Ula.
On Monday night, Saudi Arabia reopened its borders to Qatar and a US official said an agreement would be signed.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut ties with Qatar after alleging it supported terrorists. Read more
David Bowie’s widow Iman says she’ll never remarry after ‘true love’s’ death (Metro)
David Bowie’s widow, Iman, has said she will never remarry after his death, describing him as her ‘true love’. The model, who was married to the music legend from 1992 until his death in 2016, opened up about their relationship and her love for her late husband. ‘David is in our hearts and minds on a daily basis, for all of us,’ she said. ‘You know, this was my true love. My daughter once asked me if I would ever marry again and I said, “Never.”‘ Gracing the cover of Harper’s Bazaar, she added to the magazine: ‘He’s hiding in plain sight. His fans are still around, his music is still relevant. And on the day of his passing, I went on a hike and a bluebird flew in front of me. A bluebird, above all things.’ Read more
Deadly flash floods tear through Bolivia’s Sucre city (BBC)
Flash floods have killed at least four people in the Bolivian city of Sucre, police say.
Following a heavy hailstorm which lasted about half an hour, some of the city’s steep streets became fast-flowing rivers.
Water rushed down the streets dragging along cars, buses and market stalls.
The worst affected area was around the city’s largest farmers market, where drains were blocked by rubbish, making the flooding worse. Read more
Arkansas doctor forgives $650,000 in medical bills for cancer patients (NYPost)
An Arkansas cancer-clinic owner has forgiven nearly $650,000 in unpaid bills from about 200 patients.
Oncologist Omar Atiq wrote to his former patients at the now-closed Arkansas Cancer Institute in Pine Bluff over Christmas to tell them that his “clinic has decided to forego all balances owed to the clinic by its patients,” adding, “Happy Holidays.”
He told “Good Morning America” that he originally worked with a billing company to chase money owed to the clinic he closed in March, but was torn when he realized many were genuinely “unable to pay.” Read more
Tanya Roberts’ longtime partner explains ‘death’ mix-up (PageSix)
Tanya Roberts’ longtime partner explained to The Post on Monday how the former Bond girl was mistakenly reported dead by her publicist.
Lance O’Brien, 62, said the mix-up occurred during a conversation he had with the actress’ rep, Mike Pingel, on Sunday — in which O’Brien said he was “blubbering” after an “end of life” visit with Roberts at the hospital.
“[Pingel] goes, ‘What happened?’ And I say, ‘I just said goodbye to Tanya, and I got to see her beautiful eyes one last time.’ And after that, I’m just blubbering,” O’Brien recalled.
“Next thing I know, TMZ, OMG, is on my cell phone.” Read more
5 technological resolutions to make for the New Year New Year’s resolutions (Metro)
The start of a New Year springs many of us into action when it comes to changing habits. Whether it’s about exercising more, eating better or just clearing out the clutter it feels good to start the next 12 months feeling fresh. But what about our digital lives? How many of us, for example, regularly back up our devices or check what apps have access to our personal information? Even though a lot of our gadgetry will automatically keep itself updated and free from clutter, it can be useful to streamline things from time to time. When was the last time you actually uninstalled an app? Read more
Coronavirus: India to export Covid vaccines ‘within weeks’ (BBC)
India will begin exporting locally-made coronavirus vaccines within a fortnight of their launch, a foreign ministry official has told the BBC.
The official dismissed reports that India would ban exports of vaccines it is producing to meet local demand.
India makes about 60% of vaccines globally and many countries are eagerly waiting for it to begin shipping doses.
It has formally approved the emergency use of two vaccines as it prepares to begin giving jabs in January. Read more
Onazi quits Danish Superliga club Sonderjyke (Punch)
Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has announced his exit from Danish club, Sonderjyke, three months after he joined on a free.
Onazi, who made this known via his Instagram Page on Tuesday, joined the club on a free after severed ties with Turkish club Denzilispor.
The 28-year-old made a total of four appearances in all competitions for Sonderjyke, totaling 162 minutes.
“Appreciation. It was a pleasure working very hard and intense for these three months to attain this level of fitness with you guys,” Onazi wrote on Instagram. Read more
Ronaldo-inspired Juventus face Milan test as Inter lurk (Guardian)
Cristiano Ronaldo-powered Juventus head for Serie A leaders AC Milan on Wednesday with little room for error in their push for a 10th consecutive Serie A title.
Andrea Pirlo’s side are 10 points behind unbeaten Milan, having played a game less.
Inter Milan lurk just one point behind their city rivals with a chance to pull ahead against mid-table side Sampdoria.
“Against Juventus, it’s not decisive nor a passing of the baton,” insisted Milan coach Stefano Pioli.
“Juve have won the last nine titles and aren’t far behind us.” Read more
Australian Grand Prix: F1 season-opener under discussion because of Covid-19 restrictions (BBC)
The season-opening Australian Grand Prix could be postponed because of Covid-19 restrictions in Australia.
It is due to take place in Melbourne from 19-21 March.
The Australian Grand Prix Corporation, the Australian government and Formula 1 bosses are in talks over the Albert Park race.
“The government will continue to prioritise public health considerations while protecting our major events calendar,” a Victoria spokesman said.
“Discussions between the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, the government and F1 management about the F1 calendar for 2021 are ongoing.” Read more
Eddie Hearn gives latest update on Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury date and venue (Metro)
Eddie Hearn insists that Anthony Joshua is closing in on his heavyweight title clash with Tyson Fury, with the fight set to take place at the end of May or in June but admitted it’s ‘unlikely’ it will be held in the UK. Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, has held regular meetings with Fury’s team as the two British boxers look to unite the heavyweight division. There remain stumbling blocks, such as Deontay Wilder’s attempts to force a third fight out of Fury and the need to push back Oleksandr Usyk’s mandatory challenge, but Hearn is confident the all-British fight will take place in the next six months. Read more
COVID-19: 40 positives in latest week of EPL testing (Independent)
The Premier League has confirmed a season-high 40 positive coronavirus cases were recorded in the latest week of testing.
It is the first week of players and club staff being tested twice a week for Covid-19.
Eighteen individuals tested positive in last week’s Premier League coronavirus results, which were recorded between December 21-27 and had been the highest total so far.
Everton vs Manchester City on December 28, Tottenham vs Fulham on December 30 and Burnley vs Fulham on January 3 were all forced to be postponed amid coronavirus outbreaks at City and Fulham. Read more
NBA: Giannis Antetokounmpo shines as Milwaukee Bucks beat Detroit Pistons (BBC)
Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 43 points to help the Milwaukee Bucks to a 125-115 win over the Detroit Pistons.
The 26-year-old scored 30 of the Bucks’ 67 first-half points before a superb late block and put-back basket to end the Pistons’ comeback hopes.
“The block and put-back was big,” said Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer. Read more
Arsenal loanee Dani Ceballos speaks out on his future (Metro)
Dani Ceballos has underlined his ambitions to make a success of his time at Arsenal but says his ultimate ‘wish’ is to wear Real Madrid’s colours once again and prove himself to Zinedine Zidane after their frank talks in the summer. The 24-year-old midfielder is currently enjoying his second loan spell in north London and has made 23 appearances for the Gunners under head coach Mikel Arteta this season after helping the club win the FA Cup last term. Madrid head coach Zidane was honest with Ceballos ahead of the 2020/21 campaign and urged the Spaniard to return to the Emirates and secure regular playing time away from the Bernabeu. Read more