Hoodlums eject Lagos tenants over alleged land charges (Punch)
Thugs reportedly led by a man popularly known as Pastor have ejected tenants at a building on Nosamu Street in the Ajegunle area of Lagos over alleged failure of the landlords to pay an annual levy of N1,000 charged on the land.
The yearly levy is reportedly collected by Ojora Family which claimed to have leased the land on which the building was erected and accused the landlords of defaulting for over two 20 years.
But two of the landlords in charge of the house, Tunde Omoyinmi and Mrs Oriyomi Akinsemoyin, said their grandfather bought the land from the Ojora Family, lamenting that their property was forcefully taken over.
City Round learnt that the hoodlums invaded the building on July 29, 2021, and removed the roof in a desperate attempt to take possession of the land said to have been sold to a woman. Read more
Lagos Taskforce offers to educate commercial bus drivers (Guardian)
As part of efforts to reduce the high rate of disobedience to traffic rules and regulations in Lagos State, the state Environmental and Special Offence Unit also known as Taskforce has indicated its preparedness to collaborate with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to educate willing commercial bus drivers.
The unit also restated its resolve to keep its operatives in check.
The chairman of the unit, CSP Shola Jejeloye, made this known yesterday during a meeting with state executives and branch heads of NURTW in Agege.
The meeting was called as part of steps to douse the misunderstanding between commercial bus drivers and the agency’s operatives. Read more
Super TV CEO: Ataga’s family allegation against me malicious, says Disu (Punch)
Babalola Disu, one of the persons arraigned in the alleged murder of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Super TV, Usifo Ataga, has denied the family’s allegation that he had a hand in his death.
Disu, in a letter by his lawyers, David and Co, dated August 19, 2021, described the allegation as malicious and false.
Ataga’s family, in a statement on Sunday, August 15, 2021, instructed their lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, to ensure the perpetrators of the crime were brought to book.
The family decried what it described as the low level of professionalism exhibited by the police in the prosecution of the suspected killers of Ataga. Read more
Sanwo-Olu condoles CP Odumosu over mother’s death (Guardian)
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commiserated with the state Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, over the death of his mother, Alhaja Sikirat Odumosu.
The late Odumosu died last Thursday at 88 years at the Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilisan Remo, Ogun State, after a brief illness.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, urged the deceased’s family, friends, associates, and the people of Ijebu-Ode to take solace in the fact that the deceased lived a good life before her death.
“On behalf of the good people of Lagos State and my adorable wife, Ibijoke, I sympathise with the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, on the demise of his beloved mother, Alhaja Sidikat Odumosu. Read more
How We Used Sniffer Dogs To Uncover 74Kg Hard Drugs In Apapa Port – Custom, NDLEA, DSS (Independent)
Investigations have revealed that the ongoing joint operation by Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Department of State Service (DSS), in Apapa Port has yielded more positive results with more discoveries of Captagon hard drug pills weighing 74.119kg.
Abubakar Usman, Customs Public Relations Officer, Apapa Port Command who confirmed the development in a press statement made available to Saturday INDEPENDENT said the hard drug was carefully hidden in various components of a machine, adding that it is equivalent to 451,807 tablets now packed in 18 parcels.
Usman, a Deputy Superintendent of Customs (DSC) said: “Relying on credible intelligence, the three services had embarked on a painstaking weeklong operation which resulted in their first discovery on Wednesday evening.
“Acting on reasonable suspicion that more of the drugs may be hidden inside various components of the machine, they continued search on Thursday using sniffer dogs and more personnel which led to more discoveries. Read more
Ortom sues Akume for libel, demands N60b (Punch)
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, on Friday instituted a N60b lawsuit against the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume, at the Makurdi High Court.
The suit, No. MHC/268/2021, was filed by Okon N. Efut, (SAN), and four other lawyers on behalf of Ortom.
Ortom’s suit followed Akume’s comment during a press conference in Abuja, where the minister accused the governor of ineptitude, disrespect for the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), as well as massive corruption.
In the libel suit, Ortom is seeking N50bn as general damages and another N10bn as exemplary and aggravated damages.
Ortom complained that the press conference was intended to lower his estimation before right-thinking members of society and to expose him to hatred, contempt and ridicule. Read more
BBNaija Whitemoney in ‘King of Boys’ 2? (Vanguard)
Nigerian filmmaker, television director and music video director, Kemi Adetiba, has hinted on social media that Whitemoney, the Big Brother Naija Shine Ya Eyes housemate could be appearing on “King of Boys” Season 2, KOB2.
Kemi Adetiba produced the latest series of “King of Boys” on Netflix, which has got positive reviews from critics.
She asked, via her verified Twitter handle, @kemiadetiba, “Whitemoney in KOB2?”
The tweet has garnered no fewer than 19,000 likes, over 5,000 retweets and quote tweets. Read more
Kannywood Differs On Sadiya Haruna’s Conviction (DailyTrust)
Following the conviction of Kannywood actress and social media blogger, Sadiya Haruna, for “uploading sexual contents on her social media handles” by a Kano State Sharia court sitting in Sharada area of the state, colleagues of the convicted actress differ on the court’s verdict.
It would be recalled that, based on the First Information Report (FIR) filed against her by the Kano State Hisbah board, the Kannywood actress was alleged to have consistently posted indecent videos on her social media handles. The actress pleaded guilty to a one-count charge of obscenity and indecent act, which contradicts section 355 of Penal Code Law 2000.
After her conviction she was ordered to attend Islamiyya session for a period of six months and that her Islamiyya attendance will be monitored by the school head teacher and the Hisbah command.
Shortly after the news of the actress’ conviction went viral, Kannywood actress, Ummah Shehu took to her social media handle and made some promiscuity allegations against the Hisbah officials. Read more
Bond’s “No Time To Die” ‘at risk of being delayed again’ 4 weeks before release (Mirror)
James Bond fans might need a stiff martini to calm their nerves amid rumours the long-delayed film might get delayed yet again.
The 25th instalment in the hugely popular spy film franchise – titled No Time To Die – appears to be at risk of being denied the right to come alive on the big screen following almost two years of delays.
The movie was originally supposed to be released in November 2019, but saw the release date moved first because original director Danny Boyle dropped out, then because of on-set accidents and injuries, and then multiple times due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
The film is finally meant to see the light of day with a release planned for the 30th September – and with a glitzy premiere at the Royal Albert Hall two days before. Read more
Early Canada election call backfires on Trudeau, who now trails in polls (VitalNews)
Canada’s Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau finds himself behind in polls ahead of a snap election he called hoping his management of the COVID-19 crisis would propel him to victory.
Trudeau called the Sept. 20 election last month, two years ahead of schedule. At the time, his Liberals were well ahead and looked likely to regain the majority in parliament they lost in 2019. His main rival, Conservative leader Erin O’Toole, has repeatedly attacked him for calling a vote during the pandemic.
The latest polls by Nanos, Ekos and others show Liberal fortunes have faded as voters have grown fatigued with Trudeau, 49, who has been in power since 2015. One Liberal strategist said on Friday the early-vote call had backfired as it was seen as “wrong” and “greedy” by electors.
Also on Friday, Canadian health officials released modeling showing new COVID-19 cases could surpass the peak of the third wave within the month, and warned that if vaccinations among young adults do not ramp up, the country’s hospital capacity may be exceeded. Read more
“Belfast” movie starring Jamie Dornan and Dame Judi Dench releases emotional first trailer (Metro)
The first trailer for Sir Kenneth Branagh’s movie Belfast has been released, and just the trailer alone is a tear-jerker.
Starring Jamie Dornan and Dame Judi Dench, the film by the critically acclaimed director, 60, is set in Northern Ireland in the late 1960s, partly in the past and partly the present.
It tells the story of a working class family and their young son, Buddy, whose beloved hometown is caught up in increasing conflict.
The family must choose – stay and hope the unrest will pass, or leave Belfast and everything they know behind. Read more
European countries reimpose bans on US tourists (CNN)
The prospect of European travel for Americans has begun to diminish once more as countries adopt new measures in response to a recent surge in US Covid cases.
Earlier this week, the European Union announced it was dropping the United States from its safe list, advising its 27 member states to reconsider allowing entry to nonessential US travelers.
Many prime tourist destinations that welcomed back much-needed visitors from the United States earlier this year, have so far chosen to ignore the non-binding EU advice. Italy, the Netherlands and Sweden have become the first to impose new rules. Read more
“Dune” premieres Venice Film Festival (AVClub)
Following a series of pandemic-related delays, Dune is finally here, having premiered to a rapturous reception a few hours ago at the Venice Film Festival. The last time Denis Villeneuve adapted a famous sci-fi story, audiences didn’t show up. Thankfully, he hasn’t learned from his mistakes: It’s genuinely heartening to see the Quebecois-gone-Hollywood director follow Blade Runner 2049, which didn’t earn the box office it deserved, with another glorious science fiction epic worthy of its lauded source material.
His Dune covers only half of the events of Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel. But it preserves much of the palace intrigue of the book, set in a future feudal society spread across the cosmos. The film follows Paul Arteides (Timothée Chalamet), son of Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac) and Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), a member of the religious sisterhood the Bene Gesserit. The Emperor gives stewardship of the desert planet Arrakis to Duke Leto, home to the colonized Fremen and the only place to mine Spice, the most valuable substance in the universe—a choice that enrages rival House Harkonnen. Perhaps one of the best choices Villeneuve has made is bisecting the story: Even at a colossal two hours and 35 minutes, Dune unfolds at a thrilling pace, with just enough room for effective world building and the young Paul’s coming of age, which Chalamet depicts as a seamless transition from sheltered boy to heroic leader. Read more
Neuroscientists say this is the most relaxing song in the world (Upworthy)
Stressed? Of course you are. Luckily for you, and the entire U.S. population, scientists believe they may have identified the most relaxing song in the world.
Music has forever been associated with bringing about relaxation, happiness, and serenity — whether it’s a Gregorian chant or some Enya accompanied by a glass of merlot.
Neuroscientists in the United Kingdom think they have found the one song that relieves stress and soothes our souls more than any other.
Mindlab International, a market research firm, conducted a study a few years ago in which participants completed difficult (and possibly stressful) puzzles while their brain activity was monitored. To study its effect, music was played while they completed the puzzles. Read more
Marvel officially names Simu Liu’s Shang-Chi a New Avenger (ComicBook)
Martial arts hero Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) is Marvel’s newest New Avenger in an opening day TV spot for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. “Tonight we give thanks to all those who came before us, who made us who we are today,” says Ying Nan (Michelle Yeoh) over footage of Earth’s mightiest heroes: Captain America (Chris Evans), Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and the mighty Thor (Chris Hemsworth). At the end of it, the newest Avenger stands ready for action as Marvel’s Shang-Chi is now playing only in theaters.
“In terms of what’s next, I know what’s on my mind is the same as what’s on everybody else’s mind. And hopefully, there’s an Avengers in the future, somewhere,” Liu, who makes his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in Shang-Chi, previously told THR about a future Avengers 5. “Obviously, I don’t know anything about that, but being such a big fan of the whole franchise, I know that that’s the gold star. All of the media frenzy that surrounds one of those properties is going to be a whole beast unto itself, so it’s certainly what I hope for.”
Shang-Chi packs a one-two-punch of credits scenes setting up the character’s future in Marvel Studios’ Phase 4 and beyond. One hook in Shang-Chi might even tie into Avengers 5, which will take time to put together as heroes old and new assemble throughout Phase 4. Read more
Iheanacho, Iwobi win awards as Eagles beat Liberia (Punch)
SUPER Eagles duo Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi were both awarded the Man-of-The- Match and Most Valuable Player awards in Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Liberia in a Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifying game at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos on Friday, Saturday PUNCH reports.
A first half brace from Leicester City forward, Iheanacho, secured a dominant win for the three-time African champions and he was rewarded with the sum of N1m by one of the sponsors of the Nigeria Football Federation after the game.
The former Manchester City player scored in the 23rd and 45th minutes to shoot the Eagles to the top of Group C after match-day one fixtures, following Cape Verde’s 1-1 draw with Central Africa Republic on Wednesday.
Iwobi was adjudged the MVP of the game and was handed N1m for his performance.
The Eagles dominated the encounter but were wasteful in attack against the Liberians, who offered very little resistance. Read more
US Open: Naomi Osaka’s title defence ended by teenager Leylah Fernandez (BBC)
Naomi Osaka’s US Open title defence is over as she fell in the third round to a stunning performance by Canadian teenager Leylah Fernandez.
The 18-year-old Fernandez capitalised as Osaka lost her cool to craft a remarkable 5-7 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 victory.
Osaka was broken as she served for the match in the second set, and a poor tie-break handed Fernandez the initiative under the New York lights.
The teenager could not contain her smile as she secured a fantastic win.
Osaka never regained her composure after she was broken in the second set, twice throwing her racquet to the floor as the tie-break flew away from her. Read more
Spain lose first World Cup qualifier in 28 years (Guardian)
Spain suffered their first World Cup qualifying defeat since 1993 as Sweden came from behind to end La Roja’s 66-game run.
Carlos Soler volleyed Luis Enrique’s Spain into an early lead in Stockholm on his international debut.
But just 12 seconds after play resumed Alexander Isak took advantage of a defensive mistake to slam home.
Viktor Claesson controlled Dejan Kulusevski’s pass before firing in a famous winner from 12 yards out. Read more
Granit Xhaka responds after Jose Mourinho urges Arsenal midfielder to get Covid-19 vaccine (Metro)
Granit Xhaka has responded after Jose Mourinho urged him to get the Covid-19 vaccine – just days after the Arsenal midfielder tested positive for coronavirus.
Xhaka – who was sent off in his last appearance for Arsenal, a 5-0 Premier League defeat to Manchester City – missed Switzerland’s 2-1 friendly win over Greece on Wednesday after testing positive for Covid-19.
The Swiss FA have confirmed Xhaka opted not to take the coronavirus vaccine despite being offered one, with research conducted by The Telegraph revealing almost a third of English Football League players have decided not to get jabbed.
Roma manager Mourinho, who tried to bring Xhaka to Italy earlier in the summer, has urged the Arsenal star to look after himself and get the Covid-19 vaccine. Read more
Brussels Diamond League: Christine Mboma beats Dina Asher-Smith in 200m (BBC)
Christine Mboma produced a powerful late surge to edge out Shericka Jackson in a star-studded women’s 200m race at the Brussels Diamond League.
Namibia’s Mboma clocked 21.84 seconds to finish ahead of Jackson (21.95) and Britain’s world champion Dina Asher-Smith (22.04).
American Sha’Carri Richardson was fourth with a time of 22.45.
Double Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah did not race after dropping out with an Achilles injury.
Sweden’s Armand Duplantis won the pole vault in comfortable fashion with a 6.05m leap. Read more
“I’m no ‘spoiled brat!” Novak Djokovic speaks out after heckler interrupts US Open winMetro (Metro)
World No.1 Novak Djokovic insisted he was not acting like a ‘spoiled brat’ after complaining about a noisy spectator during his routine second-round win over Tallon Griekspoor at the US Open.
The Serbian’s quest for a calendar grand slam rarely looked like being derailed after posting a 6-2 6-3 6-2 win over the Dutchman on Arthur Ashe Stadium, even if a fan tried his best.
A rowdy fan sat courtside was intent on trying to put Djokovic off, shouting right before he attempted an overhead smash, which was subsequently missed.
He continued to call out at key moments, which led the 20-time grand slam champion to complain to the umpire. Read more