Hoodlums invade Lagos church, beat up pastor, hack member (Punch)
A pastor, Adewunmi Awotidoye, has been hospitalised after being attacked by armed thugs who invaded a Celestial Church of Christ in the Jakande area of Lagos State.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the thugs, who were armed with guns and machetes, stormed the church on motorcycles during a service.
They were said to have beaten up the cleric, including cutting him with a machete.
The incident, which happened on Tuesday, January 25, created confusion among congregants, as some fled the church premises.
An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said one of the hoodlums attempted to shoot Awotidoye. Read more
Police arrest wife, 2 others for murder of Lagos hotelier (Sun)
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested three persons in connection with the death of a popular hotelier, Mr. Femi Bakare Alaba, who was allegedly murdered last Monday by his wife.
The deceased’s family had returned from a trip from Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, before he was murdered in their house at 9, Finance Road, Maplewood Estate, Oko- Oba, Agege, Lagos.
The family had accused Alaba’s wife of using a hot pressing iron to burn the man while he was sleeping.
The police said three persons, including his wife, have been arrested in connection with the murder and that the body has been deposited at Yaba Mainland Hospital’s morgue for autopsy.
According to Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, “The deceased’s wife and three others have been arrested in connection with the suspected murder case. Meanwhile, the case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Panti, for diligent investigation on the order of the Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Alabi.”
A police source at the homicide section of SCIID, said the woman was not cooperating with the police as she has refused to tell investigators on what really happened to her husband. Read more
Ikoyi building: No victim died during operation, says LASEMA (Punch)
The Director-General of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Oluwafemi Oke-Osayintolu, on Thursday confirmed that victims of the 21-storey building that collapsed on Gerrard Road, in the Ikoyi area of Lagos State did not die during rescue operations.
Oke-Osanyintolu stated this during the continuation of the coroner inquest into the building collapse presided over by Chief Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe.
The PUNCH had reported that the 21-storey building crumbled around 2pm on November 1, 2021.
The skyscraper, owned by Fourscore Heights Limited, trapped over 50 persons, including the firm’s Managing Director, Femi Osibona; his friend, a United States of America-based Nigerian businessman, Wale Bob-Oseni; and his personal assistant, Oyinye Enekwe, among others.
Giving his evidence on Thursday, Oke-Osayintolu told the coroner that evidence showed that the victims of the collapsed building were all dead before rescue operations commenced. Read more
2023: Sanwo-Olu endorses Tinubu for president (DailyTrust)
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State yesterday endorsed National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for president, saying his “indisputable capability” to effectively manage human and material resources for visible progress stands him out as the most qualified Nigerian to be President in 2023.
Sanwo-Olu who drummed support for Tinubu’s candidacy during the formal inauguration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (ABAT) Movement’s Working Committees in Lagos, described the APC national leader as a wise choice that must not elude Nigeria in 2023.
The movement was conceived and set up by members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos for the actualisation of the presidential ambition of the former Lagos governor.
Sanwo-Olu, who was in the company of his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, and all members of the State Executive Council maintained that Tinubu’s qualification rests on his demonstrated capacity in deploying a mix of genius and statecraft to nurture a city on the brink to a flourishing economy.
“Tinubu’s practicable ideas in governance make him the most qualified successor and saleable choice for the job. Tinubu’s name is synonymous with growth and development as he possesses a Midas touch to positively turn around the resources of the country for the general good,” he said. Read more
Ogun pastor arrested for camping feuding housewife, daughters, husband alleges sex romp (Punch)
Men of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested the pastor in charge of Spirit-Filled International Christian Church, Olumore, Abeokuta, Timothy Oluwatimilehin, for allegedly luring a housewife and her two daughters away from their family.
The randy pastor allegedly kept them in his house, where he had carnal knowledge of all of them.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
Oyeyemi said the pastor was arrested following a complaint lodged at the Adatan Police Station by the woman’s husband.
The PPRO explained that the husband was accompanied by an official of the state ministry of women affairs to the police station to lodge the complaint. Read more
Council boss uncovers illegal mortuary where corpses of kidnap victims are deposited in Rivers (Guardian)
The Chairman of Emohua local government area of Rivers State, Chidi Lloyd, has uncovered an illegal mortuary at Elele-Alimini General Hospital, where kidnap victims who died in the custody of their abductors are usually deposited.
In a statement issued, yesterday, by his media aide, Bright Jossy-Elendu; Llody, who acted on a tip-off on criminal activities along old Ahoada road in Elele-Alimini, accompanied by a combined team of security personnel and the local government task force on bunkering activities had stormed Elele-Alimini General Hospital and also uncovered a depot operated by illegal petroleum refiners inside the hospital.
Disappointed with the level of environmental degradation caused by the illegal oil bunkering activities on the large expanse of the hospital, the council chairman ordered for immediate investigation and prosecution of the arrested suspects to establish the ownership of the oil bunkering sites. Read more
Governor Okowa calls for investigation of Delta tanker explosion (Sun)
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State yesterday called for immediate assessment of the cause of the petroleum product tanker explosion, which razed no fewer than 25 houses and destroyed valuables worth millions of naira in Ohoror community, Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday night in the community located along Warri-Port-Harcout Expressway, reportedly claimed two lives in the two trucks involved in the explosion.
Okowa made the call when he visited the scene of the incident.
He commiserated with the community on the tragedy and gave assurance that government would take steps to cushion the effects of the inferno on victims.
The governor said no effort would be spared in putting out the fire completely, and directed the director of state’s fire service to remain on the scene untill the fire is completely extinguished and other oil trucks posing a threat to the community are evacuated. Read more
Buhari has done what the US is trying to do in terms of infrastructure – Fashola (DailyTrust)
The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration has achieved what the United States government is struggling with, in terms of infrastructure.
Fashola stated this in Kano during the “APC conversation series”, on Thursday.
The series is the ruling party’s initiative of creating awareness on its achievements in the last seven years.
The Minister said, “I tell people that infrastructure is the most legitimate way to distribute money in an economy. From the top to the bottom.
“From six years ago, this government led by President Muhammadu Buhari, as far as infrastructure is concerned, has been doing what the United States government is still trying to do; they (in the US) are still trying to pass their infrastructure bill and they are still fighting. Read more
NIPOST targets 52m unbanked Nigerians, unveils e-debit card (Guardian)
The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has launched its e-debit card and is finalising arrangements to launch a microfinance bank that would enable 52 million unbanked Nigerians to conduct financial transactions through its various outlets in all of the nation’s 774 local councils.
Speaking at the event, yesterday, in Abuja, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, clarified that the Federal Government was transforming the organisation to play a critical role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
He observed that it was impossible for any economy to be transformed without digitisation, adding that a digitised economy will improve ease of doing business, improve transparency and fight corruption.
His words: “We are in the process of digital transformation. What we are doing today (yesterday) is to ensure that NIPOST is digitalised so that it will deliver on its mandate.
“For the NIPOST’s debit card, we are not agitating that it must replace our other debit cards, but rather an alternative banking platform. Most importantly, this service can be used online and offline. It is complimentary and provides other alternatives, particularly to the people living in unobserved and underserved environments. Read more
Dolly Parton has iconic response as she addresses bizarre claims her breasts are insured (Metro)
Dolly Parton has spoken out over bizarre rumors that her breasts are insured for a huge sum.
The Islands In The Stream singer – who recently celebrated her 76th birthday in style – did her best to quash claims that her assets have been protected after years of speculation.
During an appearance on Today With Hoda & Jenna, the presenters discussed taking precautions for famous body parts, after supermodel Heidi Klum revealed that a client once insured her legs for $2million (£1.4m).
They asked whether this was the same for Dolly’s chest, with the country music icon rushing to set the record straight.
‘It’s not true,’ she insisted. ‘Years ago, was it [actress] Betty Grable, or one of the great famous stars that was famous also for her legs? Read more
UK watchdog to study music streaming market amid claims of raw deal for artists and fans (Guardian)
The UK’s competition watchdog has launched an in-depth study into the booming music streaming market, to assess whether the big record labels and services such as Spotify hold “excessive power”, and whether artists and fans are getting a fair deal.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which was called on to launch the study following a scathing report by a cross-party committee of MPs last year calling for a “complete reset” of a streaming model which it believed only benefited big labels and superstar acts.
Music streaming now dominates fans’ listening habits and accounts for 80% of the £1.7bn total UK industry income last year. Spending on subscriptions to services such as Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music hit £1.3bn, compared with just £135.6m on vinyl albums, and £150m on CDs.
“Whether you’re into Bowie, Beethoven or Beyoncé, most of us now choose to stream our favourite music,” said Andrea Coscelli, the CMA chief executive. “A vibrant and competitive music streaming market not only serves the interests of fans and creators but helps support a diverse and dynamic sector, which is of significant cultural and economic value to the UK.”
The CMA said the market study, which will examine the streaming industry from “creator to consumer”, will pay particular attention to the power and influence of record labels and music streaming services. Read more
The Beast apologises for storming off the Chase after loss (LadBible)
The Chase’s Mark Labbett – better known as The Beast – has apologised after storming off during a recent episode of the quiz saying his ‘mental health was shot’.
In an episode that aired last night, the Chaser failed to catch the team – made up of contestants Tom, Trudy, Simon and Gurbinder – who walked away with the £21,000 prize pot.
After the loss, Labbett graciously congratulated the team, saying: “Well played, guys – you deserve it.” But he then added, ‘I’m off,’ before getting out of his seat, storming out and whacking the set with his fist on the way.
Host Bradley Walsh apologised, saying: “I apologise for all the kids watching, that is not how you take defeat. You should take it magnanimously and humbly, that’s how you should do it.”
Meanwhile, the team looked to be too chuffed with their win to be put out by Labbett’s behaviour. Read more
Warren Ellis is working on new music with Mazzy Star’s Hope Sandoval (NME)
Warren Ellis has revealed that he is working on new music with Mazzy Star’s Hope Sandoval
According to The Line Of Best Fit, a now-deleted tweet by the musician was shared on Sunday (January 23) teasing the collaboration.
Ellis reportedly wrote, “Been in the studio working on some new Hope Sandoval tracks. What a voice she has.”
Since the tweet’s deletion, there has been no further news about the collaboration from Ellis or Sandoval. Paste Magazine added that a representative for Ellis had no further news to share either.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that Ellis and frequent collaborator Nick Cave are the subjects of a new documentary This Much I Know To Be True, directed by Andrew Dominik.
The film will explore Cave and Ellis’ creative relationship and songs from their last two studio albums, 2019’s ‘Ghosteen’ (by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds) and last year’s ‘Carnage’ (Nick Cave & Warren Ellis). It also serves as a companion piece to their 2016 documentary One More Time With Feeling, also directed by Dominik.
The duo are also set to provide the score for Dominik’s upcoming Marilyn Monroe biopic Blonde, starring Ana de Armas in the lead role.
Last year, Sandoval contributed to the tribute album ‘Songs for Tres’, which was dedicated to the memory of Psychic Ills member Tres Warren.
The Mazzy Star vocalist’s last release was the 2017 EP ‘Son of a Lady’, under her band Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions. Read more
South African actor Siv Ngesi has joined Viola Davis in The Woman King (TheSouthAfrican)
TV personality Sivuyile “Siv” Ngesi has confirmed that he’s joined the cast of Woman King alongside Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Seputla Sebogodi and Zozi Tunzi.
The star shared his latest gig on his Instagram account with his followers and fans.
Actor and TV presenter Siv Ngesi is the latest South African star to join award-winning actress – Viola Davis in Woman King alongside Thuso Mbedu, Zozi Tunzi, and The River’s Seputla Sebogodi.
Ngesi confirmed the news to IOL Entertainment and on his social media that he will be starring in the highly anticipated American historical film.
The star wrote:
“Can’t wait for you all to see this magic.”
Entertainment commentator Phil Mphela also announced the news on his Twitter account.
“Siv Ngesi stars in The Woman King Ngesi is part of the star-studded cast of the Viola Davis led film.”
“Ngesi plays a supporting lead in the film, — which is slated for release in September 2022.”
Ngesi has appeared in global films such as Invictus, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and 24: Redemption. Read more
Mamma Mia‘s Christine Baranski addresses possibility of third movie (DigitalSpy)
Mamma Mia 3 rumours just won’t go away, and now Tanya Chesham-Leigh’s Christine Baranski is the latest star to weigh in on the possibility.
It’s been four years since the sequel Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again returned ABBA-loving cinemagoers to an all-singing and all-dancing paradise, but their hunger for a follow-up remains strong.
Catching up with Entertainment Weekly, Baranski got going on the subject.
First, she shared a theory that Tanya would’ve gotten married since her last appearance onscreen, adding: “Although by now she may be divorced – she may have gotten bored with this man.”
Would she like to revisit the character if an opportunity arose?
“If we could go back and have the same amount of good fun and be on a Greek island together filming and dining together at night at some wonderful trattoria or taverna, I don’t think anybody would give you an argument,” The Gilded Age star told the publication.
But there are certain logistics keeping this dream from materialising, as she went on to admit: “It’s a nightmare to get that sort of a cast together.”
With heavyweights like Pierce Brosnan, Meryl Streep, Julie Walters, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård and Amanda Seyfried all dabbling in this franchise, she’s got a point.
“I always think, wouldn’t it be fun just to get back together on that Greek island and maybe film all of us having dinner and telling the stories and singing all ABBA songs? And then just have it filmed as a great night out.” Read more
Keanu Reeves faces backlash from Chinese nationalists over Tibet benefit concert (Independent)
Keanu Reeves has come under fire from Chinese nationalists after it emerged that he will take part in a forthcoming benefit concert for Tibet.
Some Chinese citizens are calling for a boycott of Reeves’ new film The Matrix Resurrections – the latest installment in the Matrix series – after he appeared to lend support to a movement that campaigns for the protection of Tibetan culture.
It was announced this week that Reeves will be one of the main performers at the 35th annual Tibet House US Benefit Concert on 3 March, along with artists including Patti Smith, Trey Anastasio, and Jason Isbellm.
The annual concert, which will be livestreamed from New York, is timed to mark both the Tibetan New Year and the Monlam Prayer Festival.
The event is also a fundraiser to support the work of Tibet House US, a charity and cultural embassy founded at the request of the Dalai Lama, who has been living in exile since 1959, following China’s annexation of Tibet in 1950.
Some users of the microblogging site Weibo announced they would boycott the movie over Reeves’ support for the Tibetan cause. Read more
Cristiano Ronaldo’s girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez reveals their relationship breakdown amid her father’s illness: ‘I was sad’ (Metro)
Cristiano and Georgina are still going strong (Picture: Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo and girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez have recalled how they stopped speaking in their early dating days due to a heartbreaking family emergency.
Georgina’s brand new Netflix series, I Am Georgina, dropped on the streaming service on Thursday, and opens with an introduction to her relationship with the Manchester United footballer.
In the episode titled The Day That Changed My Life, the couple share their individual memories of their first meeting at Gucci in Madrid, where Georgina worked as a saleswoman as Cristiano stopped by for a shopping spree with his eldest son Junior.
‘That’s when she got stuck in my head. That’s the honest truth,’ the footballer said. Read more
Danielle Collins reaches Australian Open finals in shocking run (NYPost)
Ash Barty was the crowd favorite at Melbourne Park long before she ended a 42-year drought by reaching the Australian Open final.
Danielle Collins said it’ll be “spectacular” to take on the women’s No. 1-ranked player in the final of her home Grand Slam event on Saturday.
Collins, a 28-year-old American, got a little taste of what to expect in her first Grand Slam final as she left the court on Thursday following her 6-4, 6-1 semifinal win over seventh-seeded Iga Swiatek.
Barty beat Madison Keys 6-1, 6-3 in 62 minutes in the first of the semifinals, and Collins wrapped up the night by beating 2020 French Open champion Swiatek in 78 minutes.
Predictably, there were boos after Collins finished her on-court TV interview. Not too loud or long, but an indication of things to come nonetheless. Read more
Iheanacho relishes reunion with Awoniyi in Eagles’ attack (Guardian)
Nigeria is home to some of the greatest footballers the world has witnessed, such as Jay Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Sunday Oliseh, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Rashidi Yekini, Segun Odegbami and Finidi George, among others. In the footballing world, Nigeria is synonymous with talent.
The nation is blessed with extremely talented footballers. There are few nations in the world that can go into a tournament without four key strikers and still win maximum points. The country missed Victor Osimhen, Odion Ighalo, Emmanuel Dennis and Paul Onuachu at the ongoing AFCON tournament, yet the Super Eagles kept a 100 per cent record at the group stage of the tournament.
From the grassroots level, the country has shown success over time. Nigeria is the most successful country at the U-17 level in world football. However, one of the criticisms Nigeria faces is the lack of progression from the grassroots level to the senior team. This is a template that has worked for many nations at the biggest stage; the 2018 French team, the 2014 Argentina team and the 2014 German teams come to mind. Read more
Man United’s Amad Diallo joins Rangers on loan (Punch)
Scottish champions Rangers have signed forward Amad Diallo on loan from Manchester United until the end of the season.
The 19-year-old winger goes straight into Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s squad for Saturday’s match at Ross County.
“I am delighted to join Rangers until the end of the season,” Diallo said.
“It is fantastic for me at this stage of my career to have the opportunity to come to such a big club that is challenging on a number of fronts and will give me some excellent opportunities to test myself in many environments. Read more
Rangers blow early lead, surrender four-goal swing in loss to Blue Jackets (NYPost)
The Rangers finally put together a strong start to a game, but it was the finish that was lacking this time.
Despite scoring two early goals, the Rangers allowed the Blue Jackets to waltz right back into the game before ultimately falling, 5-3, on Thursday night at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. It was the final meeting of the regular season between the two teams.
Aside from being on the wrong end of a come-from-behind rally, the Rangers also lost Adam Fox early in the third period after the reigning Norris Trophy-winning defenseman awkwardly fell into the boards on a hit from Blue Jackets defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov.
The Blue Jackets scored four straight goals after the Rangers built a 2-0 lead in the opening 20 minutes. Whether it was to make up for the 6-0 thrashing they received at the hands of the Flames on Wednesday or their will to avoid a third straight loss, Columbus played hungry and pounced on every Rangers mistake.
Max Domi found Sean Kuraly all alone in front of Rangers goalie Alexandar Georgiev to give the Blue Jackets their first lead of the night at 6:18 of the second period. A rare turnover from Fox then led to Boone Jenner’s second tally of the game for the 4-2 score. Read more
AFCON title would mean the most to me, says Salah (Guardian)
Egypt captain, Mohamed Salah, has set his sights on finally winning silverware with the national team after leading them to the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals, reports africanfootball.com.
The 29-year-old forward scored the decisive penalty on Wednesday as the Pharaohs beat Cote d’Ivoire 5-4 in the shootout after their round-of-16 clash finished goalless at Japoma Stadium.
Salah has won four major trophies at club level, including the Premier League and UEFA Champions League titles with Liverpool, but success has eluded him on the international stage thus far.
The Reds star made his Egypt debut in 2011, one year after the North African giants claimed a record seventh AFCON crown, and he just missed out at the 2017 edition after losing to Cameroun in the final.
Salah admits guiding his country to Africa’s biggest prize for the eighth time will surpass all his other achievements, with Morocco now standing between them and a place in the semifinals. Read more
Winter Olympics: Global sponsors quiet ahead of Beijing Games (BBC)
Next month’s Winter Olympics is a huge marketing opportunity for sponsors – a showcase for brands.
However, Beijing 2022 is causing a huge headache for the 13 official corporate partners of the Games.
Stuck in the middle of a diplomatic spat between the US and China – many are choosing to stay silent.
The US, UK, Australia and Canada are among the countries making a diplomatic boycott of the Games, although their athletes will still participate.
Those country’s governments have criticised China for alleged human rights violations against its minority Uyghur population, and its actions in Tibet and Hong Kong. Read more