Cultists kill police Inspector in Lagos (Vanguard)
Rampaging cultists in the Ijanikin community and its environs have killed a 38-year-old police Inspector attached to Zone 2, Police Command, Onikan Lagos.
The deceased officer identified as Sunday Apochi was murdered, over the weekend, at about 8 pm by the notorious Aiye confraternity members in front of police quarters, Alasia, Ijanikin, Lagos.
It was learned that the deceased officer, a father of three, who hails from Otukpo Local Government in Benue state, enlisted into the Nigerian police force in 2004. Read more
NLC mobilises for nationwide strike over fuel subsidy removal (Sun)
The Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the federal government to reverse all perceived anti-people policies, including the recent hike in the pump price of petrol, or face an indefinite nationwide strike from August 2.
The NLC also instructed all of its affiliates and state councils to start immediately organizing workers and other Nigerians, including their civil society allies, for a protracted strike and large-scale demonstrations should the government fail to meet its conditions for fuel subsidy removal.
The NLC reached the decision at its Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting held Tuesday, July 25, at its headquarters in Abuja. Read more
Tinubu did not increase fees, federal universities remain tuition-free, says Presidency (Guardian)
The Presidency said reports suggesting that President Bola Tinubu increased tuition fees in federal government-owned universities are incorrect.
“For avoidance of doubts, federal universities in Nigeria remain tuition-free,” Special adviser to the president on communication Dele Alake on Wednesday said in a statement.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to his promise of ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of the economic situation of their parents, have access to quality tertiary education.” Read more
Apapa Customs uncover pistols concealed in cargo (Punch)
The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service said it seized two pistols hidden inside a container and other contraband worth N506bn in the last six months.
In a statement on Tuesday, the command’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Usman, said the command recorded 16 seizures with a duty paid value of N1.4bn within the period.
He said the seizures made included prohibited drugs, used tyres, rice, vegetable oil, and sundry items. Read more
Nigeria moves to re-open borders with Benin Republic, signs 12-point communique (Tribune)
In line with the Federal Government’s drive to facilitate trade and improve Nigeria’s economy to become globally competitive, a delegation of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), led by the Ag. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has paid a working visit to the Republic of Benin and signed a 12-point communique which aims to fully re-open the border between both countries, a statement signed on Tuesday by National Spokesman of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada revealed.
According to the Customs statement, “The Ag. CGC and his delegation visited the Nigerian Embassy on Monday, 24th of July and met with Ambassador Kayode Aluko, the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin.
“Thereafter, they were received by the Director General of the Customs Administration in Benin, Mr. Alain Hinkati, Customs partners Webb Fontaine and Benin Control. Read more
Abbas holds night meeting with Tinubu over resident doctors’ strike (Channels)
In a bid to resolve the ongoing strike by the National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (NARD), the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen had a night meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Earlier in the week, Speaker Abbas had engaged in discussions with the national leadership of NARD. During the meeting, he had passionately implored the doctors to suspend their planned strike.
He sought their patience and understanding, requesting a two-week period to find solutions to the issues raised by the association.
Senate asks FG to extradite Simon Ekpa, condemns sit-at-home in Southeast (Guardian)
The Senate has called on the Federal Government (FG) to extradite the factional leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Simon Ekpa from Finland.
The red chamber also condemned the Monday sit-at-home being observed across all the states in the South-Eastern region of Nigeria.
The Senators reached the resolution during a plenary session at the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday. Read more
This simple gym exercise can help lower your blood pressure, says new study (Metro)
Simple exercises that require no equipment, such as a wall sit, could be the ‘best form of activity’ to help reduce blood pressure.
A new study published in British Journal of Sports Medicine found that cardio, resistance and HIIT training are also good for bringing down blood pressure – but second only to isometric exercises, such as wall sits and planks.
These exercises involve engaging muscles without movement and apparently, they give the best results. Read more
Kevin Spacey found not guilty on all charges of sexual misconduct (MediaMole)
Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey has been found not guilty in his trial for sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court today.
The 64-year-old – celebrating his birthday today – had been accused of assaulting four men between 2001 and 2013, all charges which he denied.
Over the course of the trial earlier this month, the court heard from each of the four accusers, with one alleging that Spacey had forcibly grabbed his crotch “like a cobra”. Read more
Niger president’s own guards detain him in ‘coup’ bid (DW)
Soldiers blocked off the presidential palace in the Nigerien capital, Niamey, on Wednesday.
Based on first comments officially and unofficially from President Mohamed Bazoum’s office, a contingent of the presidential guard was trying to detain Bazoum inside the residence.
Security sources in the president’s office spoke to several news agencies, with one telling AFP that elite troops had suffered a “fit of temper” and that “talks” were underway looking to defuse the situation. Read more
Harrison Ford’s stunt double set himself on fire at Atlanta actors rally (HuffPost)
Stunt actor and coordinator Mike Massa set himself ablaze during a SAG-AFTRA rally in Atlanta, Georgia, on Monday.
Dozens of workers gathered to support their union, which is currently on strike after negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) burned out this month.
Massa, stunt coordinator and Harrison Ford’s stunt double on Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, closed the demonstration by taking the stage in a flame-licked coat while holding up a strike sign. Read more
Dennis Quaid says Christianity helped him through addiction, plans gospel album (USAToday)
Dennis Quaid’s Christianity is at the forefront of his new album, an homage to the faith he says got him out of addiction.
“The Parent Trap” actor, 69, overcame an addiction to cocaine in the ’90s amid young success. “I’m grateful to still be here, I’m grateful to be alive really every day,” he told People for its August cover.
Quaid recalled having a “white light experience” during that time where he saw himself “either dead or in jail or losing everything I had, and I didn’t want that.” Read more
Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood shares Sir Mick Jagger pics on rocker’s birthday (BelfastTelegraph)
Rolling Stones rocker Ronnie Wood has shared a timeline of photographs with frontman Sir Mick Jagger to mark his milestone birthday.
Wood was one of the first famous faces to pay tribute to Sir Mick who turned 80 on Wednesday, sharing a series of intimate pictures of the pair from their illustrious careers.
The pictures show Sir Mick as a seemingly ageless symbol of energy and rebellion, with some highlighting the group’s money-spinning sell-out tours, filling vast stadiums around the world thanks to Sir Mick’s energetic performance style. Read more
Ameland rescue: Ship with 3,000 cars in deadly fire off Dutch coast (BBC)
A fire on a cargo ship carrying almost 3,000 cars off the coast of the Dutch island of Ameland has left one sailor dead and 22 others hurt.
A major salvage operation is in full swing in an area of the North Sea designated a World Heritage site.
Twenty-two crew members were taken to hospital with breathing problems, burns and other injuries. Read more
Omeruo off to Turkey to join 4-time Süper Lig champions (Nation)
Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo has arrived in Turkey to finalise a move from CD Leganes to Super Lig side, Kasimpasa.
As reported by Spanish outlet AS Diario fews weeks ago about the willingness of the Spanish club to part ways with the Nigerian international this summer, with the aim to remove him from their wage bill as he is currently among the top earners at the club.
Now, according to the Daily Post, Leganes and Kasimpasa have agreed to a deal for the transfer of the 29-year-old former Chelsea defender to move to Turkey this summer. Read more
Women’s World Cup: Super Falcons only focused on football, says Waldrum (Guardian)
Super Falcons coach, Randy Waldrum, said his players are only focused on their group matches at the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Waldrum said this at the pre-match press conference ahead of the Super Falcons’ second group game against co-host, Australia at the Lang Park in Brisbane/Meaanjin.
Nigeria and Australia will meet on Thursday in what is one of the most-anticipated clashes of the group stage at the ninth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals. Read more
Canada fight back to end Ireland’s World Cup dreams (France24)
Manchester United forward Adriana Leon ignited Canada’s Women’s World Cup campaign Wednesday with the winner in a 2-1 victory to end Ireland’s hopes.
The pressure was on Olympic champions Canada after being held to a goalless draw against Nigeria but they fought back in Perth after the worst start possible.
They were left stunned in the fourth minute when Arsenal midfielder Katie McCabe scored direct from a corner, much to the delight of the 17,065 fans, most of whom were loudly cheering for Ireland despite the rain. Read more
Afghanistan women’s team in exile wants FIFA recognition (ESPN)
Khalida Popal and a handful of members of the Afghanistan Women’s Team (AWT) she helped found 16 years ago arrived at Federation Square just in time to watch the kickoff of Australia’s opening game of the Women’s World Cup last Thursday.
Surrounded by thousands who had braved the cold to gather in support of the Matildas, who were playing in Sydney in front of a record 75,784 fans, it was a moment emblematic of how the players had seen their lives change since they fled the Taliban’s takeover of their homeland in August 2021. Once, they had fled for their lives simply because they played football. Now, a nation in which they’d found sanctuary was uniting around a women’s team, and its member’s faces and names were emblazoned and celebrated across posters, billboards and murals all around them. Read more
Damar Hamlin sends love to Bronny James after suffering cardiac arrest (Vibe)
Damar Hamlin prayed for Bronny James after the athlete suffered cardiac arrest. On Tuesday (July 25), the Buffalo Bills’ safety took to Twitter to send his love to the James family and the eldest son.
He mentioned that he’s here for Bronny just like his family was there for him. “Prayers to Bronny & The James family as well,” Hamlin tweeted. “Here for you guys just like you have been for me my entire process.”
Hamlin refers to LeBron James offering good energy to his family after the football player collapsed on-field. He suffered from commotio cordis, a rare cardiac arrest, during the Monday Night Football game against the Bengals on Jan. 2, 2023. The NFL star made a tackle on Bengals wideout Tee Higgins and suddenly collapsed. After the news, King James hit Twitter, tweeting, “Praying for you kid!!!” Read more
F1 teams to nominate F1 Academy drivers from 2024 (RN365)
Formula 1 and F1 Academy are pleased to announce that from the 2024 season all 10 Formula 1 teams will have one driver and have their livery on one car competing in F1 Academy.
All 10 Formula 1 teams will nominate one driver and have their livery on one car in the 2024 F1 Academy season.
The all-female championship was set up for 2023, with five junior racing squads running three cars apiece with races at circuits such as the Red Bull Ring and Monza, and will be on the support package for October’s United States Grand Prix in Austin. Read more