Divorce-seeking wife beats husband to pulp in Lagos (Punch)
A 39-year-old man, Niyi Adeyemo, has accused his wife, Jumoke Bamgbola, 38, of beating him to a pulp during a disagreement at their residence on Love-All Street, Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos State.
Adeyemo, who was said to be suffering from arthritis, was admitted to a hospital after the alleged assault which happened on Monday.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the marriage, which was consummated in 2018, hit the rocks in 2019.
Adeyemo, who spoke to our correspondent from a hospital bed where he was receiving treatment, said his marriage crashed after his mother visited their home and his wife objected to it because she did not like his family visiting him. Read more
Okada ban: 16 riders, passengers arrested (Vanguard)
No fewer than 16 commercial motorcycles, also known as Okada, alongside their passengers, were arrested, yesterday, by policemen, during the enforcement of the ban on their operations in six local government areas, by the Lagos State Government.
The Police also impounded 140 motorcycles, while 94 of them were seized in communities around Ajah, Ikeja and its environs.
This came, as the Lagos State government has appealed to Lagosians to use alternative modes of transportation in the state, disclosing that out of the 1,712 accidents recorded in the first quarter of year 2022, 767 involved Okada.
Meanwhile, one of the motorcycle unions, Motorcycle Transport Union of Nigeria, MTUN, has dragged the Lagos State government before a Federal High Court, sitting in Lagos, praying the court to declare the ban as illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional. Read more
Terrorists free corps member in Kaduna after N2m, motorcycle, phones in ransom (Guardian)
Terrorists have released a female corps member, Faith Onoriode, who was kidnapped with others, after spending over two months in captivity.
She was kidnapped with other travellers along the Kaduna-Abuja road by bandits, on her way to Jigawa State for her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The Guardian gathered that her relatives had paid N2 million, bought a motorcycle and five Tecno phones with N100,000 recharge card as ransom. They also reportedly paid N300,000 to deliver the motorcycle.
Onoriode is a Biology/Microbiology graduate of the Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe, Oghara, who was posted to the orientation camp in Jigawa State. Read more
2023: Tinubu joining SDP mere speculation, says Ekiti Ex-Gov (DailyTrust)
A former Governor of Ekiti State, Segun Oni, has dismissed reports that former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) if he fails to get the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 general elections.
Oni, who is the SDP governorship candidate in the forthcoming June 18 Ekiti State governorship election, said this on Wednesday in Abuja after inaugurating the party’s sub convention committee, of which he is the chairman.
He noted that SDP remains open to people who share its vision and mission, and people who are ready to deepen democracy and good governance.
According to him, aspirants and observers should be assured that the convention would be transparent, devoid of vote buying, delegates inducement and rancour.
Reacting to question that Tinubu had reached out to the party for possible defection, Oni said, “Too much speculations. Let me say that we are SDP. As far as we are concerned, our doors are open to everybody. We are not locking opportunities here. We will wait. Read more
Lagos: Missing 18-year-old boy found one month after (Guardian)
An 18-year-old student of Lagos State Government College, Eric Moore, Bode Thomas, Lagos, Joseph Leonard, who went missing on April 8, 2022, has been found.
Leonard, a resident of Silifatu Akinsanya Street in the Ijeshatedo area of Surulere, was said to have left home in the early hours of Friday, April 8, 2022, informing his mother that he was going to school and had not been seen till he was found at Berger Lagos.
The incident was also reported at both Ijesha Police Station and Bode Thomas Police Station and the police intensified the search but to no avail.
While leaving home on that fateful day, Leonard was without his uniform and when his mother inquired, the Senior Secondary (SS) 1 student told her that he was going to school to get his result and also play football so, there was no need to put on his uniform so that it won’t get dirty.
Speaking with The Guardian, a neighbour, Mrs. Adedayo Salami said that a Good Samaritan saw the boy in Berger while he was traveling on Sunday, May 29, 2022. He recognised him based on the picture shared and brought him back home. Read more
INEC laments low turnout, says 20 million PVCs unclaimed (Punch)
The Independent National Electoral Commission on Wednesday raised fears about the 2023 elections following the 20 million Permanent Voters Cards which yet to be claimed by their owners.
The commission also decried the poor participation of citizens in the ongoing continuous voters’ registration exercise.
INEC’s Deputy Director (Voter Education), Mary Nkem, stated these in Abuja during the launch of the PVC Bus Drive project, organised by a non-governmental organisation, the Advocacy for Civic Engagement.
She therefore called on Nigerians, especially the youth, to be actively involved in the process of electing new leaders. Read more
Naira gains marginally against dollar, exchanges at 419 (Vanguard)
The Naira on Wednesday exchanged at 419 to the dollar at the Investors and Exporters window, compared to 419. 50 on Tuesday, representing 0.12 per cent appreciation.
The open indicative rate closed at N418.21 to the dollar on Wednesday.
An exchange rate of N444.00 to the dollar was the highest rate recorded within the day’s trading before it settled at N419.
The Naira sold for as low as 410 to the dollar within the day’s trading.
A total of 171.98 million dollars was traded in foreign exchange at the official Investors and Exporters window on Wednesday. Read more
Man collapses at Atiku’s certificate of return ceremony (DailyTrust)
A yet to be identified supporter of the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, collapsed at the party secretariat, in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, on Wednesday.
The man lost consciousness at the ceremony organised by the party to hand over the certificate of return to the Presidential candidate.
The elderly man succumbed to the harsh condition inside the National Executive Committee (NEC) Hall of the National secretariat of the party that was filled beyond capacity by the party faithful and supporters.
Efforts by the management of the party to control the large population of those who came to witness the exercise was unsuccessful.
Even the air conditioning system was overwhelmed leading to extreme heat and heavy sweat among those present. Read more
Harry and Meghan land in UK with children for Queen’s Platinum Jubilee (Metro)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have touched down in the UK with both of their children ahead of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
It is the first time the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have brought their family to Britain since leaving for the US.
Harry and Meghan left LAX with their two children Archie and Lilibet and touched down in London this afternoon with a small team of staffers, Page Six reported.
It is understood they took a commercial plane to the UK rather than their usual private jet. Read more
Celebrities react to the Johnny Depp, Amber Heard verdict (PageSix)
After a jury found Wednesday that Amber Heard defamed Johnny Depp following 13 hours of deliberation, stars took to social media to give their two cents on the conclusion of this very highly-publicized case.
“Pretty Little Liars” star Ashley Benson celebrated the verdict by posting a photo of Depp, 58, on Instagram and simply captioning it, “YESSSSS.”
Sharon Osbourne appeared more shocked by the decision, noting on Piers Morgan’s TalkTV show, “Wow, it wasn’t what I was expecting. I mean, I wanted Johnny to win but I didn’t expect him to.”
However, perhaps the most important response came from the two actors involved in the lawsuit. Read more
Germans get €9-a-month travel in response to energy price rises (BBC)
For the next three months, Germans will be able to travel the country for just €9 (£7.50; $9.50) a month in a drive to tackle the soaring cost of living.
All local and regional transport on trains, buses and metro is included in the government’s initiative, although inter-city trains are not.
The cheap tickets are also aimed at getting people to leave their cars.
However, fuel tax has also been reduced by around 30 cents a litre for petrol, bringing prices down below €2.
The tax has been brought down to the EU minimum, again for the next three months, so diesel prices are also being cut by around 14 cents a litre. Read more
‘Nose-bleed virus’ spread by ticks kills 18 and is spreading (Metro)
A viral ‘nose-bleed’ infection spread by ticks is on the rise and has already killed 18 people, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned.
Formally known as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, it causes rapid and severe internal and external bleeding, including through the nose.
It has been detected in 120 people in Iraq since January and at least 18 people have died so far.
WHO officials fear it is spreading at an unprecedented rate but it is centred around the southern province of Dhi Qar. Read more
New portrait of Queen Elizabeth II released ahead of her Platinum Jubilee (PageSix)
A beautiful new portrait of Queen Elizabeth II has been released ahead of her highly anticipated Platinum Jubilee.
The milestone snapshot, which debuted Wednesday on the Royal Family’s Twitter page, was taken by Ranald Mackechnie in Windsor Castle’s Victoria Vestibule last week.
“Her Majesty The Queen, the first Monarch in British history to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee,” it was captioned.
“To mark the beginning of the #PlatinumJubilee Celebration Weekend, a new portrait of The Queen has been released.”
The 96-year-old British monarch ditched the crowns and tiaras for the photo shoot, opting instead for an undecorated head of perfectly poofed snow-white hair. Read more
Bill Cosby ‘pounced’ on teen in Playboy Mansion (BBC)
Bill Cosby at his sentencing in Pennsylvania in 2018
Less than a year after his sex assault conviction was thrown out and he walked free from prison, comedian Bill Cosby is facing another allegation in court.
Mr Cosby, 85, is embroiled in a civil lawsuit over a claim he sexually assaulted Judy Huth, now 64, at the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles in 1975.
The case is one of the last remaining legal actions against Mr Cosby, who has faced numerous abuse claims.
He has denied any assault took place, and is not expected to testify.
According to a lawsuit filed by Ms Huth in 2014, the incident took place when she was 16 years old, days after she met Mr Cosby at a park near Los Angeles where he was shooting a film. Read more
Pamodzi boss commends Edo State, sponsors for supporting Okpekpe race (Guardian)
Organisers of the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, Pamodzi Sports Marketing, have acknowledged that the eight edition of the event held on Saturday would not have been successful without the unflinching support from Edo State government and partners.
“Since the inception of the race in 2013, we have always enjoyed huge support from the Edo State government and this year’s event was not different,” Pamodzi boss, Mike Itemuagbor, said.
Speaking on the race, Itemuagbor commended Governor Godwin Obaseki for ensuring “there was an enabling environment, which enabled the organisation of what people have said is the best Okpekpe Race since we got the historic label status in 2015.”
He also heaped plaudits on Comrade Philips Shaibu, the ‘digital’ deputy governor of Edo State. Read more
Injured Aruna out for one month (Punch)
World No.10 Quadri Aruna will be sidelined for four weeks following a hamstring injury he sustained during the men’s 2022 ITTF Africa Cup Table Tennis Championship final, The PUNCH reports.
The Nigerian, who lost 4-3 to Egypt’s Omar Assar at the event, suffered the injury in the last set, which ruined his chances of winning the title at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.
The three-day tournament had 48 players (28 men and 20 women) across Africa competing in the men and women’s singles events. Hana Goda, 14, became the youngest winner of the ITTF Africa Cup after the Egyptian claimed her first senior continental title, while Assar reclaimed his men’s singles title.
Speaking with The PUNCH, Aruna said, “I gave almost everything, from when I could move, to when I couldn’t move very well again. I was already feeling tightness in my thigh. Read more
Adesanya, Asaju, others shine at grassroots table tennis tourney (Guardian)
Sodiq Adesanya, Anuoluwapo Ajuwon and Jamiu Ayanwale were winners at the maiden Reis Table Tennis Tournament held at the Oba of Lagos Sports Hall, Eko Club, Surulere, Lagos.
In the cadet category, Sodiq Adesanya defeated Hussein Adeboye 10-12, 11-1, 9-11, 11-8, 11-6 (3-2), while Anuoluwapo Ajuwon stopped Bisola Asaju 6-11, 13-11, 11-9, 11-7, 12-14, 11-7 (4-2) in the women’s singles, just as Jamiu Ayanwale thumped Hammed Bello 11-9, 11-9, 5-11, 11-4, 11-5, 5-11, 11-9 (4-3) in the men’s singles.
Bambo Badejo defeated Abayomi Oyerinde to claim the title in the veterans’ classification, while Bashir Omooba and Sulaiman Bada finished joint third.
Speaking at the event, sponsor and Chairman of Reis Table Tennis Foundation, Olaseni Reis, said he was inspired to stage the event to give youngsters support to develop their talents. Read more
Ned Nwoko’s sports varsity to curb poverty among athletes (Punch)
Billionaire businessman and proprietor Sports University of Nigeria Ned Nwoko says graduates from the institution will be taught life skills that will help them live normal lives and put an end to poverty on retirement from active sports activities.
Following the institution’s approval as the first private sports university in Nigeria, Nwoko noted that the institution was focused on “providing education in sports services, science, medicine, management, engineering, physical education, humanities and social science, as well as to develop top-level athletes through high-performance training.”
“Additionally, athletes who are alumni, will no longer wallow in abject poverty, as skills acquired there will place them in good stead in their post-competition era, as against the prevailing status of retired athletes’ complaints of neglect from their hitherto benefactors,” Nwoko added.
According to Nwoko, the university boasts standard sporting facilities, a three-floor academic building, top-scale arts library, medical centres, Olympic-size swimming pool and standard pitches for football, hockey and baseball. Read more
Ukraine secure emotional win over Scotland to set up World Cup decider with Wales (Metro)
Ukraine are now just one win away from a place at the World Cup in Qatar after beating Scotland 3-1 at Hampden on Wednesday night.
It was an emotional evening for the Ukrainians as they played with the backdrop of the ongoing war in their home country, but they did not let it distract them, clearly the better side for the majority of the contest.
Scotland struggled to find their best form at all in Glasgow and other than throwing bodies forward in the latter stages, they didn’t really trouble their visitors.
Andriy Yarmolenko got behind the Scotland back line on 33 minutes and calmly lobbed the ball over Craig Gordon to give Ukraine the lead. Read more
Champions League: French minister says only English fans posed problems (BBC)
France’s Interior Minister has defended how police handled Saturday’s Champions League final in Paris which saw some Liverpool fans being tear gassed.
Gérald Darmanin said the event could clearly have been handled better but that enough police were at the game.
Of the two sets of supporters, Real Madrid and Liverpool, he said only the English club’s fans posed problems.
Liverpool fans have described heavy-handed policing, organisational chaos and overcrowding at the showpiece game.
They have strongly contested the version of events from French authorities, who have blamed ticket fraud and accused Liverpool football club of failing to control their fans. Read more