Fake soldiers in court for terrorising Lagos communities (Punch)
Two men, Gabriel Oyewole and Nurudeen Agboola, have been arraigned before the Ogba Magistrates’ Court, Lagos State, for allegedly impersonating members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The duo were said to have obtained fake identity cards of the Nigerian Army and terrorised unsuspecting members of the public with arms.
The two defendants were arraigned before Magistrate M.F. Onomusi on three counts of impersonation, forgery, and unlawful possession of arms.
The charges read in part, “That you, Gabriel Oyewole and Nurudeen Agboola, on 10th, 15th and 16th day of August, 2022, around 1735 hours, 1300 hrs and 1725 hrs at Bhojson Roundabout, Ebute-Metta, Alafia Street, Amukoko, and No. 20, Corban Street, Gbangan, Ikorodu, Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did impersonate members of the Armed Forces to commit felony. Read more
Oshodi-Apapa Expressway: LASTMA, police abandon work as gridlock cripple movement (Vanguard)
Residents and motorists along Oshodi-Apapa Expressway by Second Rainbow Bus-Stop, Mile-2, have continued to groan under excruciating condition as men of the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency, LASTMA, Police, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, abandoned their duty.
The situation has led to total collapse of smooth movement in variance to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s claim of restoring sanity in Apapa and environs.
Some of the motorists who spoke to Vanguard on Tuesday, blamed the state government for development by subjecting residents and motorists in the axis to untold hardship daily without any respite in sight.
Mr. Dele Oloyede, a worker in the area, narrated how difficult to get to work daily without spending several hours between Second Rainbow, and Berger Yard area. Read more
Illegal Building Conversion: Lagos issues 30-day ultimatum on regularisation (DailyTrust)
The Lagos State Government has issued a 30-day ultimatum to property owners and developers who have converted buildings to other uses other than what they were approved for to regularise the property to avert sanctions.
The General Manager of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), Mr Kehinde Osinaike, gave the warning in a statement on Tuesday made available to journalists by Mrs Abimbola Emdin-Umeh, Director of Public Affairs.
Osinaike decried the increasing illegal conversion of buildings, especially residential ones, to other uses without government’s approval, noting that the action contradicted and violated the master plan of the state.
The statement reads in part: “Failure to revert to the original approved plan of LASPPPA by owners of converted buildings within the next 30 days will attract the full wrath of the law.” Read more
Anambra community begins legacy civic centre project in Lagos (Guardian)
Poised to leave a legacy for others, Ojoto Development Town Union (ODTU), Lagos branch, has begun construction of a civic centre at Amuwo Odofin area of the state.
Chairman of ODTU, Chief Alex Okwudili Agwuna, said the legacy project would be bequeathed to their incoming generation to serve as a rallying point for physical meetings.
Chief Agwuna, who spoke at the building site during the association’s end of year party,said the building, which is at foundation level, will have two floors, a hall for meetings of members of the association and for people to host events, and also shops for business activities.
He expressed optimism that the building would be completed within the next two years given the level of commitment by the members to the project. Read more
Hennessy hosts annual finale concert in Lagos (ThisDay)
Hennessy, a leading selling cognac, hosted Lagos to an electrifying experience last Friday, at the Hennessy Artistry Finale Concert.
The event, themed: ‘Diffraction’, was lights, sound and reflective mirrors as guests were thrilled in an experience centre filled with custom photo areas, VR games and more. The immersive experience area featured a variety of activities to keep guests engaged and pumped for what will become one of the biggest social events of 2022.
The artist line up for this year’s concert had A-list artists and global exports such as M.I, Vector, Patoranking, YoungJohn, OmahLay, Pheelz, Mayorkun, amongst others.
At the exclusive event, guests showed up pumped and ready to party in their urban casual fits. Trade partners, celebrities, industry giants and influencers and many more, gathered to celebrate the festival that was the Hennessy Artistry Finale Concert – the biggest of its kind since inception in 2009. Read more
I’ll restore security, revamp economy -Atiku (Sun)
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has promised to address security challenges and revamp the nation’s economy if elected as president in 2023.
He also promised to run a government that would work for every Nigerian and restore its glory.
“If elected into office at the general election, I promise to restore the peace and security in the country and revamp the economy.
“I also promise to bring back the peace that Plateau had enjoyed in the past, revamp its economy and ensure we connect Plateau to its neighbouring states. Read more
Woman arraigned for assaulting police officer (Vanguard)
A 23-year-old woman, Timilehin Owoeye, was on Tuesday, arraigned before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly assaulting a police officer.
The police prosecutor, Insp Caleb Leramo, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on Dec.12 at about 01:00 pm in Ado-Ekiti.
Leramo alleged that the defendant assaulted and obstructed one Insp Odeyemi Oluwajube in the discharge of his lawful duty.
He alleged that the defendant slapped the officer three times while discharging their duty. Read more
Flourmills boosts nutrition with new product (Guardian)
Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc (FMN) has launched a new spicy noodles flavour tagged Golden Penny Jollof Hot Hot noodles.
The introduction of this new and tasty noodles variant is part of the Group’s commitment to providing a wider range of superior quality food product options for consumers to give them a delicious taste and satisfy their daily dietary needs at an affordable budget.
According to the firm, the brand-new flavour offers Golden Penny Instant Noodles consumers and customers an extra spicy and also nutritious Jollof noodle option. The new product also symbolizes FMN’s dedication to providing affordable high-quality food products while listening to customers’ varied tastes and nutritional needs.
Commenting on the beneficial impact of the new Golden Penny Noodles flavour, the FMN Head of Marketing, Mr. Ilyas O. Kazeem stated “As a leading food brand in Nigeria, our goal is to continuously innovate and provide good quality products that impact positively, the lives of every Nigerian, as such Golden Penny affords Nigerians great tasting, superior quality, and nutritious food products. Read more
Wonder Woman director addresses rumours surrounding cancellation of 3rd film (BelfastTelegraph)
Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins has addressed rumours surrounding the cancellation of production of a third film in the DC franchise, saying she “will not allow inaccuracies to continue”.
The US director, who directed the 2017 Wonder Woman film and its 2020 sequel, said she did not want the “beautiful journey” of the franchise to “land on a negative note”.
Reports that DC had cancelled production on the film, which was set to see Gal Gadot reprise her role as the super-heroine, emerged earlier this week.
It comes as Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn, who has taken the helm of DC, said his first month of restructuring the franchise had been “fruitful” but that he and his team were “just beginning” their work. Read more
Megan Thee Stallion takes stand in rapper Tory Lanez shooting trial, gets emotional (NYPost)
Hip hop star Megan Thee Stallion took the stand Tuesday to testify against Canadian rapper Tory Lanez — getting emotional while recounting a 2020 argument that took a dark turn.
Stallion entered the Los Angeles courthouse in a purple suit as a group of supporters cheered her on, several holding a banner that read: “We stand with Megan.”
The rapper, whosegood legal name is Megan Pete, seemed incredulous when prosecutors asked if she knew Lanez, the LA Times reported.
“I just don’t feel good,” she said when asked if she was nervous. “I can’t believe I have to come in here and do this.”
“I just don’t feel ,” she said when asked if she was nervous. “I can’t believe I have to come in here and do this.” Read more
Janet Jackson ‘set to rake in over $70,000,000’ from world tour if international dates are confirmed (Metro)
Janet Jackson fans are buzzing after the music icon announced she’ll be touring the US next spring – so it’s no surprise that she’s expected to gross at least $70million (£56m) if the tour goes international.
The All For You singer hasn’t performed live on tour in four years after choosing to focus on being a mother to son Eissa, five, before the Covid pandemic took hold on the music industry.
Not only will Janet, 56, be back on stage but she’s also promised fans that new music is on the way.
Fans in the US were naturally thrilled with the news but Janet’s supporters internationally were left wondering if she’ll visit other cities around the world. Read more
Studio Ghibli sets new Hayao Miyazaki film, How Do You Live, for summer 2023 (Variety)
Studio Ghibli has announced its latest project from legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, titled “How Do You Live.”
The feature-length film is set to open in theaters in Japan on July 14 next year. No other details have been announced although Studio Ghibli did release a sketch to accompany the news of a bird-like creature.
The film is understood to be based on Genzaburo Yoshino’s 1937 YA book of the same name which tells the story of a 15-year-old boy as he goes on a journey to discovery spiritual growth, poverty and the meaning of life with the help of his uncle, whose advice is communicated to him from a journal.
Oscar-winning Miyazaki has long called “How Do You Live” one of his favorite books and announced in 2017 he planned to adapt it for screen. An English translation of the book was published for the first time in 2021 with an introduction by Neil Gaiman. Read more
FTX crypto boss Sam Bankman-Fried denied bail in Bahamas (BBC)
Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of the failed cryptocurrency exchange FTX, has been denied bail by a judge in the Bahamas.
US authorities charged Mr Bankman-Fried with “one of the biggest financial frauds in US history” on Tuesday.
The ex-FTX boss built a “house of cards on a foundation of deception,” Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gary Gensler said.
Mr Bankman-Fried has indicated that he will fight extradition to the US.
Bahamas Chief Magistrate JoyAnn Ferguson-Pratt denied the petition for his release on bail, citing a “great” risk of flight, and ordered that he be kept on remand at a correctional facility until 8 February. Read more
Ab-Soul says DJ Premier made him re-record Herbert collab (HipHopDX)
Ab-Soul long dreamed of working with DJ Premier and he finally locked in with the legendary producer for his forthcoming album, Herbert — but Soulo ended up doing something he’s never done for a producer before.
Speaking to Vulture, the Top Dawg Entertainment rapper admitted that he re-recorded his “Gotta Rap” collaboration “five or six times” to match the “frequency” of the record’s finished product to Preemo’s liking.
“I knew I needed him this time around. He definitely put me to work. I had to do it about five or six times until he found the right frequency,” Soul revealed before the interviewer questioned if the issues were lyric-related.
“No, not rewriting. He liked the verse, but I had to match the frequency of the record, because I guess that was one of his favorite beats. So he wanted to make sure I came correct. That was the first time anybody ever made me re-record. So that was humbling. But it’s Preemo.” Read more
Indian and Chinese soldiers injured in Himalayan mountain border clash (ABC)
Indian troops prevented Chinese soldiers from entering Indian territory on December 9 during a border scuffle that led to injuries on both sides, India’s Defence Minister said on Tuesday, announcing the first such clash between the Asian giants since 2020.
The incident occurred in the Tawang sector of India’s north-eastern Himalayan state Arunachal Pradesh, which borders China’s south and is also claimed by Beijing.
The Indian troops “illegally crossed the line to block” a routine patrol of Chinese border troops, a spokesperson from the Western Theatre Command of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) said on Tuesday.
“We urge the Indian side to strictly control and restrain the frontline troops, and work with China to maintain peace and security on the border,” the spokesperson said. Read more
I didn’t want to join Man City – Iheanacho (Punch)
Leicester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, says he never believed he would play for a big club like Manchester City, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Iheanacho’s impressive performance as Nigeria won a fourth title at the 2013 U-17 World Cup in UAE, where he won the Golden Ball after seven assists and six goals – including four strikes in a group stage victory over Mexico – was a catalyst for his move to the Etihad in 2014.
Within a year of signing for the Cityzens, Iheanacho was promoted to the first team and in his debut season at the Etihad he won the League Cup.
“I didn’t believe that it was going to happen,” Iheanacho told LCFC. Read more
Messi magic sends Argentina through to World Cup final in Qatar (AlJazeera)
Even before the players stepped onto the field for their pre-match warm-up, the seats were full.
A lucky 88,966 people got their hands on the hottest ticket in town.
They came to see Argentina take on Croatia at the majestic Lusail stadium on Tuesday night. In reality, they came hoping to see another vintage performance from Lionel Messi, the diminutive figure wearing the number 10 on his Argentina jersey.
In this tournament, fans come to Argentina’s games expecting to see Messi deliver — and he did not disappoint. Read more
Fashanu backs Morocco to beat France, reach final (Punch)
Ahead of their historic semi-final game against defending champions, France, at the ongoing World Cup in Qatar, former England striker of Nigerian descent, John c, has backed Morocco to beat Les Bleu and progress to the final of the competition, The PUNCH reports.
Both sides clash on Wednesday (today) at the Al Bayt Stadium in Doha.
Morocco have been the fairytale story of the World Cup, after becoming the first African nation to reach the semis.
Walid Regragui’s side have punched way above their weight so far, having topped Group F before defeating Spain in the last 16 on penalties and then edging Portugal 1-0 in the quarter-finals. Read more
Hollywood star Michael B. Jordan now part-owner of Bournemouth despite tiny net worth (DailyStar)
Hollywood actor Michael B. Jordan has become the part-owner of Premier League club AFC Bournemouth following a £120 million takeover.
Cherries owner Maxim Demin completed a deal to sell 100% of the club to a consortium led by American investor Bill Foley this week. Foley is the managing general partner of Black Knight Football Club, of which Creed star Jordan is an investor.
Jordan becomes just the latest A-list actor to show an interest in football ownership, following LeBron James’ investment in Liverpool and Wrexham’s takeover by duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in 2021.
Yet the 35-year-old Black Panther star’s first foray into professional sports ownership will only be as a minority owner. That is due to his net worth being estimated at around £20.2m according to various sources – only one-sixth of Bournemouth’s value. Read more
NBA renames MVP trophy after Bulls great Michael Jordan (RFI)
The NBA is renaming its annual regular-season Most Valuable Player award after legendary star Michael Jordan — who claimed the honor five times with the Chicago Bulls.
The league unveiled the newly designed Michael Jordan Trophy on Tuesday, along with five other reimagined trophies named after league pioneers that will now be presented to the National Basketball Association’s end-of-season award winners.
Jordan, a six-time NBA champion, won five MVPs in his 15-season career, tied for second-most behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar who won six.
The NBA’s Social Justice Champion award is named for Abdul-Jabbar. Read more
Fernando Alonso, Lando Norris, Audi and more react to team boss silly season (PlanetF1)
As the team boss’ silly season brings change left, right and centre, some of Formula 1’s puzzle pieces that are staying put, hopefully, have been reacting.
Mattia Binotto’s upcoming Ferrari exit really has triggered a merry-go-round with other team principals jumping off at various locations.
The piece of news to follow was expected to be Frederic Vasseur’s switch from Alfa Romeo to Ferrari. That did come, but not before the announcement that Williams team boss Jost Capito and technical director FX Demaison have left the team.
On top of this and Ferrari’s Vasseur signing, McLaren also confirmed the departure of their principal Andreas Seidl, who became Sauber CEO – but not Alfa Romeo team principal – with Andrea Stella promoted to fill that McLaren vacancy. Read more