EFCC arrests pastor over alleged N1.3b fake grants (Leadership)
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the General Overseer of Faith On The Rock Ministry International, Apostle Theophilus Oloche Ebonyi, for defrauding his church members and other Nigerians using fake grants from the Ford Foundation to the tune of N1,319,040,274.31.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said in a statement that Ebonyi was arrested for defrauding his victims, comprising non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and individuals by advertising an intervention project through his NGO (Theobarth Global Foundation), claiming that the Ford Foundation was offering a grant of $20,000,000.000 to assist the less-privileged in the society.
Ebonyi was said to be reaching his subscribers on some social media platforms to market his spurious grant from Ford Foundation. Read more
Snapping of high-tension power caused Lagos plank market fire – Official (Punch)
A plank market located in the Awori bus stop in the Abule Egba area of Lagos State was gutted by fire on Sunday destroying goods and property worth millions of naira.
According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, five minibuses, two pickup vans, and two cars were lost to the fire.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the incident occurred at about 3:00 pm on Sunday. Read more
Kidnappers abduct 35 wedding guests in Nigeria (Guardian)
At least 35 women are missing after kidnappers seized guests returning from a wedding in northwestern Nigeria, officials told AFP on Monday.
The mass kidnapping in Katsina state is the largest in a series of recent abductions across Africa’s most populous country.
Police spokesman Abubakar Aliyu said “suspected armed bandits ambushed and kidnapped about 35 women” coming back from the wedding in the Sabuwa area on Thursday night. Read more
Thugs disrupt Fubara’s Supreme Court victory rally (Channels)
A rally to celebrate the Supreme Court victory of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State in Ahoada West Local Government Area has witnessed a near crisis situation, as some youths alleged to be acting on the order of the Council Chairman, vandalised canopies and chairs at the initial venue set for the rally.
The programme was moved to another location where the Council Chairman later appeared to clear the air on the allegation, while the rally was held successfully thereafter.
“We are aware that the state government has done theirs at the state level, it is important that we also domesticate it by having our own thanksgiving here in the local government. I will also urge you to carry on even in your local government, it’s important you carry out such thanksgiving. Read more
Lekki port upgrades automated gate system (Tribune)
Lekki Freeport Terminal, the container terminal operator at Nigeria’s first deep seaport, Lekki Port on Monday announced the introduction of an upgraded Automated Gate System for trucks entry, stating that any truck which fails to meet the required criteria will henceforth be denied entry into the container terminal.
In a statement posted on its social media handles, Lekki Freeport Terminal listed the new criteria for truck entry which takes effect from February 1, 2024.
According to Lekki Freeport Terminal, “As part of our continuous efforts of Lekki Freeport Terminal to enhance efficiency and security, we are excited to announce the upgrade of our automated gate system. This system aims to streamline the entry and exit process for trucks at our terminal, ensuring a smoother experience for all stakeholders. Read more
Lagos, Oyo by-election petitions to be heard in Lagos as Appeal Court constitutes tribunal (Nation)
The Court of Appeal has constituted the election petition tribunal that will hear petitions arising from the by-elections that were held in Lagos and Oyo states at the weekend.
In a statement by the secretary to the tribunal, Ibrahim Mahmud, the tribunal will sit at the Roseline Omotosho Court House, Ikeja, Lagos for its hearings.
By-elections were held for Surulere 1 Federal Constituency of Lagos State and Saki West State Constituency of Oyo State on Saturday, February 3. Read more
Lagos disaster mgt to establish Emergency Trust Fund (Vanguard)
The Lagos State Government, through state Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, has disclosed plans to establish an Emergency Trust Fund LSETF, for more effective management as well as ensuring disaster risk reduction in Lagos.
This came as Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr Olugbenga Oyerinde, has challenged the management of LASEMA, to ensure the local emergency committees at the grassroots are up and running to reduce disasters.
On the setting up of LSETF, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Dr Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen at the agency’s management retreat, held at Agidingbi, Ikeja on Saturday. Read more
6 die, 11 injured in Ebonyi auto crash (DailyTrust)
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has confirmed that six people died in an automobile crash on Onueke axis at the Afikpo-Abakaliki road in Ebonyi.
The Sector Commander, FRSC, in the state, Igwe Nnabuife, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki that the accident involved 17 people.
Nnabuife noted that six people died, while 11 were critically injured. Read more
Coco Jones wins first Grammy Award (RatedR&B)
Coco Jones is now a Grammy-winning artist. The singer won Best R&B Performance for her breakout single “ICU” at the 2024 Grammy Awards on Sunday.
“ICU” was nominated among other solid R&B tracks, including Chris Brown’s “Summer Too Hot,” Robert Glasper’s “Back To Love” featuring SiR and Alex Isley, Victoria Monét’s “How Does It Make You Feel” and SZA’s “Kill Bill.”
Jones’ award was announced during the premiere ceremony, which was held at Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, ahead of the 66th Grammy Awards at Crypto.com Arena. Read more
Miley Cyrus does not mention dad Billy Ray Cyrus in 2024 Grammys Acceptance Speech (ET)
In a night filled with glamour, excitement, and musical triumph, Miley Cyrus secured her status as a two-time GRAMMY winner, with her chart-topping hit, “Flowers,” officially crowned as Record of the Year.
However, it wasn’t just the accolades that caught the audience’s attention; it was the absence of a familiar name in her heartfelt acceptance speech.
Cyrus took the stage to thunderous applause on Sunday at Los Angeles Crypto.com Arena, expressing gratitude for the award and attempting to keep things grounded. “This award is amazing. But I really hope that it doesn’t change anything because my life was beautiful yesterday. Not everyone in the world will get a GRAMMY, but everyone in this world is spectacular,” she said. Read more
Bob Saget’s widow, Kelly Rizzo, and Breckin Meyer debut romance 2 years after Full House star’s death (PageSix)
Bob Saget’s widow debuted her new romance at a Grammys watch party Sunday, two years after the Full House star’s shocking death.
Kelly Rizzo and Clueless actor Breckin Meyer posed for photos together on the red carpet of Janie GRAMMY Awards Viewing Party at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.
The Eat Travel Rock host opted for an animal-printed dress and knee-high boots for their romance’s debut while Meyer took a more casual approach in a T-shirt and slacks with a jean jacket to accessorize. Read more
Adult film star Lisa Ann ‘dragged out’ of Matt Rife comedy show in handcuffs (NYPost)
Podcast host and former adult film actress Lisa Ann went to see comedian Matt Rife perform at Radio City Music Hall — and ended the night in handcuffs.
“So I was dragged out of @mattrife show tonight in handcuffs, stating I was using my phone. I had not used my phone,” she posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday night.
“I was just enjoying the show. 45 minutes in handcuffs, sent to an ambulance and released. Meanwhile I missed the show I was so looking forward to.” Read more
Oscars 2024: Mark Ronson won’t perform ‘‘I’m Just Ken’’ without Ryan Gosling (FarOut)
Following Ryan Gosling’s nomination for an Oscar for ‘‘I’m Just Ken’’ from the Barbie soundtrack, his collaborator on the track, Mark Ronson has revealed he’ll only play the song at the ceremony if Gosling also participates.
Ronson’s comments arrived after the Barbie soundtrack left the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles with three accolades on February 4th. Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell won ‘‘Song of the Year’’ and ‘‘Best Song for Visual Media’’ for ‘‘What Was I Made For?’’, alongside the soundtrack taking home ‘Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media’.
“That would be great,” Ronson said of a potential Oscars performance to Variety on the Grammys red carpet before confirming Gosling is yet to confirm or deny whether he would be keen to perform. “Did he confirm to you?” He asked the reporter, “I want to know… It’s my dream!” Read more
Attack on Syrian US base kills Kurdish fighters as regional tension simmers (AlJazeera)
A drone strike on a United States base in eastern Syria overnight has killed several fighters from Kurdish-led forces.
The United Kingdom-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said on Monday that seven fighters were killed and at least 18 others injured.
The attack follows US strikes on targets in Iraq and Syria over the weekend. Iran-aligned armed groups said they had also struck US bases in Syria as well as western and northern Iraq, as a low-level war with Washington simmers. Read more
Samsung chair found not guilty of charges connected to 2015 merger (UPI)
Samsung Electronics Chair Lee Jae-yong was found not guilty of numerous charges connected to a 2015 merger that made the company South Korea’s most powerful conglomerate.
The Seoul Central District Court acquitted Lee on charges of stock price rigging and other counts including breach of trust and accounting fraud in connection with the merger of Cheil Industries and Samsung C&T Corp., which allowed him to take managing control of the group at a cheaper price tag.
Lee was also found not guilty of being involved in alleged accounting fraud at Chiel subsidiary Samsung Biologics and 13 other Samsung executives were also acquitted on various charges involving the merger. Read more
Tobi Amusan sets new African indoor record in 60m hurdles (Vanguard)
Nigerian sprint icon, Tobi Amusan has set a new African women’s indoor 60-metre record of 7.75 seconds at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston.
The 27-year-old’s 7.75 seconds in Boston means she has retired the 7.77 mark she set in Kazakhstan at the Astana Indoor Meet in January.
Despite setting an African record, Amusan’s 7.75 effort was insufficient for first place in Boston, where she finished second to America’s Tia Jones in 7.72 seconds. Read more
AFCON: Don’t underrate South Africa, Amun warns Super Eagles (Leadership)
Coach Fanny Amun has urged Super Eagles not to underrate South African counterparts in their semifinal match of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.
He gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lagos.
He applauded the performance of the Super Eagles, saying the team had improved with each match played. Read more
PGA Tour suffers ultimate irony at Pebble Beach as LIV Golf makes history (Mirror)
The PGA Tour channelled their inner LIV Golf on Sunday, as they were forced to end the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am after 54-holes due to strong winds in California.
The Tour suspended Sunday’s final round due to the conditions, with the hope of completing the event on Monday. With the forecast looking bleak though, tournament organisers made the decision to end the tournament, crowning Wyndham Clark champion after three rounds.
There appeared to be a glimmer of irony surrounding the week on the American-based circuit, who were forced to adapt the format of their LIV Golf rivals at Pebble Beach. Read more
Pochettino apologies for ‘‘nervous’’ and ‘‘stressed’’ Chelsea collapse (France24)
Mauricio Pochettino apologised to the Chelsea support for “not matching the history of the club” after a 4-2 home loss to Wolves on Sunday dropped the Blues into the bottom half of the Premier League table.
Pochettino’s men were also thrashed 4-1 by Liverpool last week and the Argentine said the “stress” of his difficult first season in charge at Stamford Bridge was having an impact on his young squad.
Cole Palmer’s 10th Premier League goal in just 20 appearances for Chelsea put the home side in front. Read more
Maddy Cusack: Family of deceased Sheffield United Women footballer ‘welcome’ Jonathan Morgan sacking (Sky)
Maddy Cusack’s family have said they “welcome” the sacking of Sheffield United Women’s head coach Jonathan Morgan.
The Blades announced on Friday that Morgan’s contract had been terminated “due to new information that has come to light within the last few days with regards to Mr Morgan’s conduct before arriving at Bramall Lane.”
His dismissal is not related to the Football Association investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of former Sheffield United player Cusack. Read more
Bradley Beal scores 43 in Washington return to lead Phoenix Suns to victory over Wizards (StraitsTimes)
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal had an “awesome” time unleashing a season-high 43-point barrage on Feb 4 against his former National Basketball Association (NBA) team, hitting 16 of 21 shots in a 140-112 road triumph against the Washington Wizards.
The 30-year-old sank four of five shots from three-point range and all seven of his free throws while contributing six assists and two steals.
“Spectacular,” said Suns coach Frank Vogel. Read more