Customs detain four officers over civilian friend’s killing (Punch)
The Nigeria Customs Service has said that four members of the patrol team involved in the killing of their civilian ‘friend’, Godwin Onoja, have been detained. It also stated that a panel set up to investigate the killing could not conclude its investigation because the officer, who accidentally shot Onoja, Destiny Onebamho, was receiving medical attention after he was attacked by motorists following the killing. Onoja was shot by a member of the five-man Customs patrol team while they were trying to allegedly extort N5,000 bribe from a group of travellers coming from Europe at the Sagamu end of the Lagos-Ore-Benin Expressway. Read more
Leah’s father pleads with govt to rescue daughter (Nation)
Nathan Sharibu, father of Leah, has expressed displeasure that the Federal Government has abandoned him and the rescue of his daughter from Boko Haram’s captivity. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), while reacting to Leah’s continue incarceration, called on government, security agencies to ensure that she is rescued back home to her parents in peace. Speaking yesterday on TVC early morning news programme through a telephone conversation monitored by The Nation, Nathan pleaded with government to do everything possible to rescue Leah, adding that the situation was weighing him down. Read more
Police arrest Anambra woman, daughter for stealing, selling baby (Punch)
A mother and her daughter have been nabbed by the police in Anambra State for allegedly stealing a four-year-old girl. It was learnt that the woman, whose name was given as Ngozi Ede, and her daughter, Kosiso, arranged and sold the baby for N250,000. The incident happened at Awada, Obosi, in the Idemili North Local Government Area of the state. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Haruna Mohammed, confirmed the story to Southern City News. Read more
Atiku confirmed PDP is working with INEC, says Oshiomhole (Nation)
To All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has vindicated the ruling party’s claim that the opposition was working with some officials of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to compromise the Presidential and National Assembly elections. Oshiomhole, who addressed reporters last night, said it had become clearer that the only mission of the PDP candidate “is to cause confusion in the electoral system so that he will become President even it means presiding over graves”. Read more
Shamima Begum: IS teenager to lose UK citizenship (BBC)
Shamima Begum, who joined the Islamic State group in Syria aged 15, is to lose her UK citizenship. Whitehall sources said it was possible to strip the 19-year-old of British nationality as she was eligible for citizenship of another country. Her family’s lawyer, Tasnime Akunjee, said they were “disappointed” with the decision and were considering “all legal avenues” to challenge it. Ms Begum, who left east London in 2015, had said she wanted to return home. She was found in a Syrian refugee camp last week after reportedly leaving Baghuz – IS’s last stronghold – and gave birth to a son at the weekend. Read more
Barcelona held by Lyon despite chances (BBC)
Wasteful Barcelona could not convert any of their 25 shots in a goalless Champions League last-16 first-leg draw against Lyon. Usually so proficient in front of goal, Barca’s Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Phillipe Coutinho were all denied by Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes. Lyon had chances, too, but Marc-Andre ter Stegen brilliantly tipped Martin Terrier’s long-range shot onto the bar. The return leg takes place at the Nou Camp on Wednesday, 13 March. Read more
Bayern frustrate Liverpool in first leg (BBC)
Liverpool’s Champions League last-16 tie against Bayern Munich remains finely poised after a goalless draw in the first leg at Anfield. The hosts posed the greater threat but were either wasteful in front of goal or kept out by Bayern’s well-marshalled defence. Sadio Mane missed a handful of first-half chances, most notably dragging a shot on the turn wide from inside the penalty area when unmarked. Joel Matip also failed to convert Roberto Firmino’s cross from six yards. Read more
Man City vow to shoot down Schalke (Guardian)
Manchester City’s stars were put through their paces on a chilly yesterday up north as they prepared for their return to European football. The Premier League leaders trained ahead of travelling to Germany to take on Schalke in the last-16 of the Champions League this night. Pep Guardiola’s side are heavy favourites against a side who are 14th in the Bundesliga, and will hope to take a hefty advantage into the second-leg next month. This week is shaping up to be season-defining for Guardiola as his side continues to fight for silverware on all four fronts. Read more