Evacuating Nigerian students from Sudan impossible at this time – FG (DailyTrust)
The federal government says the evacuation of Nigerians in Sudan is not possible at the moment. Nigerians trapped in the ongoing crisis in Sudan have been begging to be evacuated.
Daily Trust reports that fighting between the forces of two rival generals showed no signs of abating ahead of festivities marking the end of Ramadan.
Over 300 people have been killed since the fighting erupted Saturday between forces loyal to Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who commands the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Read more
Customs intercept 553 parcels of cannabis sativa in Seme (Vanguard)
The Semé Command of Nigeria Customs Service said it intercepted 553 parcels of cannabis sativa worth N10 million, with four suspects arrested alongside.
The Customs Area Controller of Seme Customs, Comptroller Dera Nnadi disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Semé.
According to the controller, on April 21, at about 4:03p.m, officers of the command, while on routine patrol along the Abidjan – Lagos Corridor, intercepted a Ford Bus with registration number, EPE 622 YC at Gbatrome, Badagry. Read more
Building collapse: Lagos inaugurates 7-man technical committee (Tribune)
The Lagos State Government has inaugurated a 7-man technical committee to probe the recent collapse of a building under construction in Banana Island.
The inauguration was conducted by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tayo Bamgbose-Martins in Ikeja on Thursday.
Those in attendance included the Special Adviser, e-GIS and Planning Matters, Dr Olajide Babatunde, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluwole Sotire and General Manager, Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory, Funso Elulade. Read more
Foundation unveils re.novated classroom block, sparks communal interest to improve local school (ThisDay)
The OC Igbokwe Foundation (OCIF) yesterday ignited a communal interest to improve the dwindling fortunes of a local school following the unveiling of a renovated classroom block at Umukabia Central School in Umuahia North Local Government, Abia State.
The unveiling ceremony of the three classroom blocks with library, office and store components was graced by royal fathers and prominent personalities from the community.
In his address, the head of the Igbokwe family, Chief Daniel N. Igbokwe, said that the classroom block was renovated in honour of the late patriarch of the family, Chief O.C. Igbokwe, the Ihe Mba I of Okaiuga Alaike Autonomous Community. Read more
Land dispute leaves Taraba community in ruins (Nation)
The three days beginning from April 1 will linger in memories of farmers in Dugwer community, Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State for years. There were three ugly days during which bulldozers rolled into the community from nowhere, pulling down houses and causing its inhabitants to run helter-skelter for refuge.
Many members of the ancient community that sprawls over 500 hectares of land and occupied largely by Tiv agrarian farmers were sent into early graves in the ensuing imbroglio while many of the houses were destroyed.
A dispute that erupted over a large portion of land in the community many months ago had reached a crescendo on April 1 as residents of the community woke up to the sounds of sparodic shootings that culminated in the death of one person. The shooting was allegedly carried out by local vigilantes, allegedly loyal to a paramount traditional ruler in the area accused of dropping the name of the state governor as an interested party. Read more
Senator Remi Tinubu greets muslims on Eid-el- fitr (Guardian)
Wife of the president-elect and senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Remi Tinubu, has felicitated with Muslim faithful all over Nigeria on the celebration of this year’s Eid-el- fitr.
In a message titled Embracing Diversity, Celebrating Unity, Senator Tinubu said, “As we celebrate the auspicious occasion, I send my warm greetings to all of you, especially to our women, who worked tirelessly to cater to the needs of their families and communities during the odd hours in Ramadan.”
She noted that this celebration marks an end of the holy month– a time of self-discipline, commitment, reflection and absolute trust in God. Read more
Suit seeking disqualification of Enugu PDP candidates moves to Supreme Court (Guardian)
Senatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for Enugu North in the 2023 general election, Comrade Chika Idoko, has taken his case seeking to disqualify all candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the elections in the state to the Supreme Court.
Idoko had lost the case at the Federal High Court, Enugu, and the Court of Appeal, also sitting in Enugu, where the courts ruled that he has no locus standi to initiate the cases against the PDP candidates.
Idoko’s case against PDP began in the middle of 2022 when he went to court to seek the disqualification of all PDP candidates in the election for alleged violation of the Electoral Act in the conduct of the party’s primary elections. Read more
Meghan Trainor reveals she suffered PTSD after son’s terrifying birth in new book (People)
Meghan Trainor is sharing more about her scary birth story.
In her upcoming book Dear Future Mama, the pop star, 29, opens up about her son Riley, whom she welcomed via cesarean section in 2021 with her husband, Spy Kids star Daryl Sabara, 30.
When Riley was born, he struggled with breathing issues and spent several days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) before he was healthy enough to go home. And now, Trainor is revealing she suffered post-traumatic stress disorder following the birth. Read more
Trans Kokomo City star Koko Da Doll dies in Atlanta aged 35 (Metro)
Rasheeda Williams has died at the age of 35 after she was shot and killed in Atlanta, it has been claimed.
The trans star, known as Koko Da Doll, recently appeared in the documentary Kokomo City, which premiered at Sundance Film Festival in January.
Police are currently investigating the incident after they were called to the scene on Tuesday night.
In a statement offered to Deadline, they said: ‘Upon arrival, officers located a female victim with an apparent gunshot wound. Read more
Drake Bell’s wife files for divorce 1 week after his disappearance (PageSix)
Drake Bell’s wife, Janet Von Schmeling, has filed for divorce after four years of marriage.
TMZ reported on Thursday that she filed for divorce earlier in the day and cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split.
Per the docs obtained by the outlet, Von Schmeling is seeking primary legal and physical custody of their 2-year-old son, Wyatt, while requesting for Bell to be granted visitation rights. Read more
Al Pacino says he ‘‘gave Harrison Ford a career’’ by turning down Star Wars (Standard)
Al Pacino has said he’s responsible for Harrison Ford’s career because he turned down playing Han Solo in Star Wars.
The iconic role, which made Ford a household name, was originally offered to Pacino who explained that although they “offered him so much money”, he just “didn’t understand” the storyline.
“Well, I turned down Star Wars,” the 82-year-old told David Rubenstein as part of the 92nd Street Y, New York’s People Who Inspire Us series. Read more
Dick Van Dyke will guest-star on Days of Our Lives this fall (EW)
Dick Van Dyke is 97 years old and has been in show business for decades, but there are still some things he hasn’t tried. One of those things included appearing on a soap opera. This fall, however, that’ll change.
The acting icon has revealed that he’ll pop up on Days of Our Lives after having a chance encounter with cast member Drake Hogestyn.
“Drake and I went to the same gym together,” Van Dyke told Access Hollywood in a recent interview. “I used to kid him, ‘Say, don’t you ever have any parts for old people? Come on, give me a part!’ And he took me seriously! He got me a part.” Read more
Lloyd Austin reaffirms support for Ukraine in meeting with allies in Germany (UPI)
In Germany for a meeting of the 54-nation Ukraine Defense Contact Group, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III said allies have delivered nine armored brigades worth of equipment and training to Ukraine. U.S. Abrams tanks will be delivered later this year.
Austin met with Ukraine Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov Friday ahead of the meeting at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.
Austin told the group that their united efforts to provide help for Ukraine’s defense against the Russian invasion have greatly enhanced Ukraine’s ability to defend itself from the invasion. Read more
Florida police arrest suspect who allegedly shot 6-year-old girl in row over basketball (ABC)
A North Carolina man who allegedly shot and wounded a six-year-old girl and her parents after a basketball rolled into his yard has been arrested by police in Florida.
Gaston County Police Chief Stephen Zill had said his department and the US Marshals Service had been conducting a broad search for 24-year-old Robert Louis Singletary, who fled after the shootings.
The fugitive was arrested in the Tampa area, according to online jail records. Read more
Crystal Palace’s Eze plots Everton fall (Guardian)
Crystal Palace have reported no new injury concerns with the same squad available from the win at Southampton. Nigeria-born England-based striker, Eberechi Eze, who scored three goals in his last two Premier League appearances, is aiming to compound Everton’s woes today.
If he scores against Everton today, it will be the first time he scores in three successive games in his career. Nathan Ferguson and Nathaniel Clyne will be assessed, but Wilfried Zaha and Vicente Guaita are still sidelined.
Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin is set to return to the matchday squad for the first time since 4 February, while Amadou Onana is back in training. Read more
Confed Cup jinx scare as Rivers United battle Young Africans (DailyTrust)
The Confederation Cup, Africa’s second level inter-club competition, which debuted 19 years ago following the merger of African Cup Winners’ Cup and the CAF Cup has continued to elude Nigerian clubs.
Therefore, as Nigeria’s only surviving club in the continent, Rivers United host the Young Africans of Tanzania tomorrow in their quarter-final first leg clash, there is palpable tension in the land.
It is on record that the inaugural edition of the competition was won by Ghanaian club, Hearts of Oak, who defeated fellow Ghanaian club Asante Kotoko on penalties in the final. Read more
Lookman to miss Roma clash (Punch)
Ademola Lookman has been ruled out of Atalanta’s Serie A clash against Roma on Monday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Nigeria international missed the Blue-and-Blacks 1-1 draw away at Fiorentina last Monday due to a physical problem and was subjected to some further tests.
The result has confirmed that the 25-year-old forward copped a muscle strain to his right thigh, according to a report on Italian website Tuttomercatoweb. Read more
Inter fury as racism victim Lukaku punished (France24)
Inter Milan on Friday condemned striker Romelu Lukaku’s Italian Cup semi-final ban saying the “victim” of racist abuse had become the “only guilty party” after Juventus won an appeal against a stand closure.
The Italian Football Federation’s (FIGC) appeals court confirmed Lukaku’s suspension meaning he will be unable to compete in Wednesday’s semi-final, second leg in the San Siro.
On Friday, Inter Milan said it was saddened “that the victim has become the only guilty party”. Read more
Brighton to make late Evan Ferguson call for FA Cup semi-final (RTE)
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is giving Republic of Ireland striker Evan Ferguson every chance of proving his fitness ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United at Wembley.
Albion are bidding to reach the final of the competition for only a second time in their history following a 4-0 replay defeat to United 40 years ago, but whether in-form Ferguson appears remains touch-and-go.
The 18-year-old has scored four Premier League goals this term and fired home a brace in the quarter-final demolition of Grimsby, but along with defender Joel Veltman, limped out of last weekend’s 2-1 win at Chelsea with an ankle injury. Read more
Rafael Nadal’s father-in-law dies at 63 (TennisWorld)
The current week has not been good for Rafael Nadal’s family! Rafa withdrew from the Madrid Masters, and his father-in-law, Miquel, died at 63! Mery Xisca Perello and Rafa have been together for almost two decades, and the couple married in 2019.
Xisca and Rafa welcomed their first child in October last year. The Spaniard has been dealing with numerous setbacks over the last couple of years, winning Majors after massive efforts but taking many months off the court.
The Spaniard’s most recent injury came at the Australian Open, and he still can not compete three months later! Nadal skipped the home Madrid Masters yesterday, withdrawing from the seventh tournament in a row after struggling to recover and play injury-free. Read more