Hoodlums rape pregnant Kwara woman in husband’s presence (Punch)
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kwara State, has arrested three suspects over the alleged rape of a seven-month pregnant woman in Woro village in the Kaiama Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects: Lawal Ibrahim, 25; Mohammed Issa, 19; and Ibrahim Ahmed, 20; were also alleged to have robbed the woman and her husband.
The Public Relations Officer of NSCDC in the state, Ayeni Olasunkanmi, who confirmed the incident, said one of the three suspects, Lawal, was arrested while trying to sell some items stolen from the home of the couple.
He said, “A case of rape and robbery was reported on July 5 at the NSCDC Woro Outpost. The crime was reported to have happened at Woro village in Kaiama LGA around 2am. Read more
LASEMA rescues woman trapped in flood (Vanguard)
Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, on Sunday, rescued an elderly woman who was trapped in a building, at Oluwaga in Ipaja, Lagos, following the weekend downpour in the area.
Time was at about 11am.
According to LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr Oluwafemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the agency responded to a distress call concerning the incident after which it activated its men to rescue the woman who was the sole occupant of the building.
Upon medical examination, it was learnt that the woman suffered from a stroke and was unable to run for safety before being trapped. Read more
Bank Anthony Estate: BoT executive, Irene Cole, assures beneficiaries of Will (Sun)
A veteran of the United States Air Force and the executive trustee, Sir Mobolaji Bank Anthony Estate, Queen Irene Cole, has assured all the beneficiaries captured in the Will left by the late internationally acclaimed philanthropist, that they will get their respective dues.
She gave the assurance at a media chat with select journalists in Lagos, where she made startling revelations on how she spearheaded battle to recover Sir Bank Anthony’s Estate after 30 years of controversy over the Will.
Cole, who claimed that Bank Anthony was her godfather had, earlier stated, unequivocally, that she was shocked by revelations in the news, last three years, by a granddaughter of the late philanthropist, Fumiade Bank Anthony, an actress, that nothing was left for Sir Bank’s children and relations in his will.
The septuagenarian said a discreet investigation revealed, to her chagrin, that most of the beneficiaries of Bank Anthony’s massive wealth were neglected and abandoned by the trustees of the will.
She said: “First and foremost, the statement that I am not a trustee of the Sir Mobolaji Bank Anthon Estate is a lie. I am the executive trustee of the Estate of Sir Mobolaji Bank Anthony, first, by divine favour, and with the judgment of Justice S.A Onigbanjo. Read more
Flooding: Sanwo-Olu’s aide apologises to Lagosians (Punch)
The Special Adviser on Drainage and Water Resources to Governor Babajide Sanwo- Olu of Lagos State, Joe Igbokwe, has written an open apology to Lagosians over the flood that ravaged the state on Saturday, after a heavy downpour, causing loss of property amongst others.
In a statement on Sunday, the SA, Igbokwe, apologised saying that the flood could not be disconnected from the fact that Lagos was a coastal city.
He said, “We acknowledge the damage done by flood in Lagos yesterday and the losses. We apologise most sincerely for the pains and tears. We share the pains with those affected. Lagos is a coastal city that is prone to flooding. Everybody knows this. Lagos has the smallest land mass in Nigeria with 23 million Nigerians.
He, however, lamented over the fact that Lagosians were building houses on some lands that were meant to contain floods. Read more
APC support group backs Tinubu’s choice of Vice presidential candidate (Nation)
The Forum of Buhari Support Group (FOBS-G) has hailed the emergence of former Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, as the running mate to the All Progressives Congress (APC), candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Tinubu yesterday inDaura, Katsina State, confirmed Shettima as his Vice Presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections.
Chairman of the Forum, Dr Abiso Kabir who made this known in a statement issued to journalists in Abuja, described Shettima as an economist and a politician who has all qualities to compliment Tinubu.
According to Abiso, Shettima who is economically sound with vast experience in the banking sector, has all it takes to move the country forward with the APC presidential flag bearer. Read more
Youths lockdown Nsukka in solidarity rally for Obi (Guardian)
The university town of Nsukka, Enugu State, was locked down at the weekend, following heavy human and vehicular traffic as the residents of Enugu North Senatorial District came out in their numbers during a solidarity rally in support of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi.
The sensitisation rally was organised by a group of youths under the umbrella of ‘Nsukka Youths for Good Governance,’ advising residents of the Senatorial District, comprising six local councils, on the need to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in readiness for 2023 polls.
The peaceful rally, which started at the popular Total Roundabout in Nsukka Local Council, proceeded to Odenigbo Junction through Ugwuoye Junction and other major roads in Nsukka town.
The process witnessed an impressive turnout of youths and elderly, who declared their support for the LP presidential candidate and the governorship candidate of the party, Mr Chijoke Edoga, among other candidates of the party. Read more
AbdulRazaq, Saraki exchange warm handshake at Ilorin Praying Ground (ThisDay)
Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and former President of the Senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, yesterday set aside their political differences and shook hands for the first time since the 2019 general election.
The event took place at the Ilorin prayer ground as part of the activities to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration, which was marked in a peaceful atmosphere, unlike the previous events.
The public exchange of handshake came three years after AbdulRazaq took over the reign of governance from Saraki’s successor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed.
It was observed that AbdulRazaq, shortly after his official vehicle touched the sacred ground around 9:33 a.m., headed for the space provided for him at the section designated for Very Important Personalities (VIPs). Read more
Kuje Prison Attack: Defence Headquarters debunks Fani-Kayode’s allegations (Tribune)
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has debunked the allegations credited to a former Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode that the Department of State Services (DSS) informed the Military about an impending attack on the Kuje Correctional Centre and a previous attack on a Kaduna-Abuja passenger train.
In a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Jimmy Akpor, the DHQ idescribed Fani-Kayode’s claims as a wild and unsubstantiated allegations which should be ignored totally by the members of the public.
The former Minister had reportedly made the allegations in a social media video following the recent spate of terrorist attacks particularly, the attack on the Kuje Custodial Centre.
According to Gen Akor Fani-Kayode also claimed that soldiers were withdrawn shortly before the prison was attacked. Read more
Train Attack: I saw hell during 3 months in captivity – FCT UBEB Chairman (DailyTrust)
Dr Hassan Suleiman, Director of the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has prayed against his enemy being kidnapped.
Suleiman, who was among the passengers abducted on the Kaduna-bound train in March, was among the seven persons freed on Saturday.
While narrating his experience in the hands of the terrorists, in an audio sent to our reporter via WhatsApp, he said it was hell being under terrorists captivity for three months.
He said it was unfortunate that he left Abuja, while on his way to Kaduna on March, 28, 2022 to attend an education programme, which he said was organized by FCT UBEB. Read more
Nigerian Kemi Badenoch launches bid for UK’s PM (Guardian)
Former Equalities Minister, Nigerian-born Kemi Badenoch, has put herself forward as a candidate to become the next United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister, promising “limited government” and “a focus on the essentials.”
The MP for Saffron Walden said she supported lower taxes “to boost growth and productivity, and accompanied by tight spending discipline.”
Writing in The Times, she also hit out at “identity politics” and said Boris Johnson was “a symptom of the problems we face, not the cause of them.
“People are exhausted by platitudes and empty rhetoric. Loving our country, our people or our party is not enough,” she said.
“What’s missing is an intellectual grasp of what is required to run the country in an era of increased polarization, protectionism and populism amplified by social media.” Read more
Eddie Murphy’s daughter Bria Marries fiancé Michael Xavier in romantic Beverly Hills ceremony (People)
Welcome to the Murphy family!
Eddie Murphy’s eldest daughter Bria Murphy, whom the actor shares with ex-wife Nicole, married her actor fiancé Michael Xavier on Saturday in Beverly Hills, PEOPLE has exclusively learned.
The happy couple wed in a private afternoon ceremony before 250 close friends and family. Bria, a 32-year-old artist and actress, and Xavier, 36, were celebrated by a wedding party that included her father, who escorted her down the aisle, and her mother Nicole.
The bridal gown was designed by Netta BenShabu, while the groom wore a Knot Standard tuxedo, styled by Dion Lattimore. Read more
Stranger Things: Metallica call out fan over viral Master of Puppets comment (Independent)
Metallica fans have called out a fan following a viral Stranger Things comment.
The rock band’s song “Master of Puppets” recently topped the iTunes rock charts 36 years after the song was first released due to its inclusion in the season four finale of the hit Netflix show.
After taking off with young fans on social media, who praised the character Eddie Munson’s “most metal” guitar solo on the series, the song began to rise up the charts around the world.
However, one comment related to the song’s inclusion on the show frustrated the band, and led to a disclaimer. Read more
The Vamps star Brad Simpson left horrified as fan begs him for selfie in toilet (DailyStar)
The Vamps have had their fair share of awkward encounters with fans over the years, but Brad Simpson was red-faced when one asked for a selfie in the toilets.
Since bursting onto the scene with their covers on YouTube before their debut single, Can We Dance, the four-piece have met thousands of fans across the globe.
Some, however, remain memorable for all the wrong reasons, including a group of girls sneaking into their Manchester hotel room.
One fan also dared to ask Brad if he could get a selfie while he was mid-flow leaving very little to the imagination – luckily for Brad, it wasn’t caught on camera. Read more
Lebanon’s music festivals make modest comeback after crisis (National)
Lebanon’s international music festivals kicked off at the weekend with a performance in the Roman ruins of Baalbek, the first performance there since the country’s economic crisis.
At a performance titled Baalbeck Evenings, the return, held as part of the Baalbeck International Festival, conductor Lubnan Baalbaki — whose first name means “Lebanon” and whose last name means “from Baalbek” ― led the orchestra on Friday night alongside his sister, singer Soumaya.
The country once held several music festivals every summer, drawing international acts every weekend. This year, the modest reopenings feature almost exclusively Lebanese performers.
Members of the audience in Baalbek swayed and sang along as Soumaya crooned Arabic tunes on a stage set up inside the Temple of Bacchus, her silver gown glittering under the spotlights. Read more
Arab airlines to screen film about the Portuguese Inquisition (JerusalemPost)
Airlines from Arab countries have purchased the rights to screen the film 1618, which depicts the Inquisition’s visit to the city of Porto, Portugal, 120 years after all the region’s Jews were forced to convert or flee to other countries.
Among the airlines that have acquired the rights and will screen the film to their passengers are Qatar Airways, Iraqi Airways, Kuwait Airways, Egyptair, Middle East Airlines (the Lebanese airline) Syrian Airlines and others.
The film 1618 is a project produced by the Jewish community of Porto.
In one of its programs to combat antisemitism, the Porto Jewish community has agreed to sell the film to airlines from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Libya and others. Read more
Steve Bannon willing to testify at Capitol riot hearing (BBC)
Former Trump strategist Steve Bannon has told the House select committee investigating the 6 January Capitol riots that he is willing to testify, according to US media.
Until now, he had refused to cooperate with the hearing.
In a letter seen by CBS News, his lawyer told the committee that Mr Bannon “is willing to, indeed prefers, to testify at your public hearing”.
Mr Trump said the testimony would be “in the best interests” of Americans.
The select committee has conducted a nearly year-long investigation into how Trump supporters invaded Congress on 6 January 2021 to disrupt lawmakers as they certified Democrat Joe Biden’s election victory. Read more
Fury to fight Joshua for free if AJ beats Usyk (Guardian)
Tyson Fury has claimed he is willing to fight Anthony Joshua for free – weeks after demanding £500 million to come out of retirement, reports mirror.co.uk.
Fury insists he has hung up his gloves for good after successfully defending his heavyweight world title against Dillian Whyte in April. But he has no plans to relinquish his belt and claims he could hold on to it for 12 months without stepping through the ropes.
And with Joshua set to take on Oleksandr Usyk in their world title rematch next month, Fury has now claimed he would be willing to face his fellow Brit – if tickets are free and if the bout is aired on free-to-view television.
Speaking on the latest leg of his countrywide tour on Saturday night, Fury said: “It’s all about money, Mr. Businessman; he’s not a fighting man. I swear to God I hope he wins the fight against Usyk so that I can come out of retirement and fight him for free. However, the terms are these; I want it at Wembley stadium, I want it free to enter and I want it on free-to-air television in this country. I’ll fight him in England, not abroad in a foreign country for more money; here for free for the people.” Read more
Super Eagles star joins Sochaux (Nation)
Super Eagles defender Valentine Ozornwafor has completed a year-long loan move from Royal Sporting Charleroi to French club FC Sochaux-Montbéliard after passing a medical.
Announcing the capture of the Nigerian international with a statement on their official website, Sochaux confirmed that they retain the option to buy Ozornwafor after his temporary spell.
With the move, the former Enyimba centre-back becomes the fourth Nigerian international to sign for the Yellow and Blues. Ozornwafor follows in the footsteps of compatriots Wilson Oruma, Brown Ideye, and 2007 Coupe de France winner Rabiu Afolabi.
Sochaux are the fourth European team that Valentine Ozornwafor will play for since leaving Enyimba FC in 2019. Read more
Barzagli: ‘Pogba and Di Maria will make Juventus great again’ (FootballItalia)
Andrea Barzagli underlined his expectations for a new-look Juventus, the suitability of Nicolo Zaniolo and the future of Paulo Dybala.
The Bianconeri’s summer transfer market is beginning to heat up as they look to provide Massimiliano Allegri with the reinforcements needed to get them back involved in the Scudetto race again. The recent arrivals of Paul Pogba and Angel Di Maria will significantly boost the creativity in the Juventus squad, which’ll hopefully shake up the lethargic play seen last campaign.
Speaking to Tuttosport, Barzagli first discussed if Zaniolo would be a good fit for this Juventus squad.
“I don’t know. I don’t know how well I can place Zaniolo in this Juventus side. And I’m not saying this because of his qualities, because everyone sees those. Read more
Jurgen Klopp issues warning to Liverpool players over selection “pressure” (Mirror)
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has issued a warning to his players about his team selection for the upcoming season.
The Reds have undergone some major changes during the summer transfer window, with Sadio Mane departing alongside Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino. Those exits have been somewhat offset by the arrivals of Darwin Nunez, Fabio Carvalho and Calvin Ramsay.
Despite being in the running for an unprecedented quadruple, Liverpool claimed the FA Cup and Carabao Cup titles last season, finishing as runners-up in both the Premier League and Champions League. And upon arriving for the pre-season tour in Thailand, Klopp was asked if he believed they would be in the running again next term.
“As confident as possible,” he replied. “You never know obviously but I saw today on the plane a squad full of quality. You always need a little bit of luck, how we all know, if you want to win a trophy. Read more
Van Vleuten victorious in Giro Donne for third title
(SBS)
Annemiek van Vleuten (Movistar) topped the overall standings again at the Giro Donne, finishing ahead of Marta Cavalli (FDJ Nouvelle-Aquitaine Futuruscope) by a minute and 52 seconds and Mavi García (UAE Team ADQ) by five minutes and 56 seconds.
“Super proud to target this with the team,” said van Vleuten. “It’s nice to win, but it’s way nicer to do it together.
“A stage race is something I can’t do alone, that’s where teamwork comes together and you need everyone in the team, the riders and the staff. We will celebrate this together.
“It’s never easy, most of the hard work is put in before the Giro, in my training over many, many hours so I recover so well.” Read more
Charles Leclerc sees off Max Verstappen to win Austrian F1 GP for Ferrari (Guardian)
Charles Leclerc won the Austrian Grand Prix for Ferrari with a superb decisive run, soundly seeing off the challenge from his title rival, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who was second at the Red Bull Ring. Lewis Hamilton was in third for Mercedes, with his teammate George Russell in fourth, a great recovery having dropped to 18th at one point. Esteban Ocon was in fifth for Alpine.
With a genuinely competitive car Leclerc was indomitable in Austria, passing Verstappen on track three times during the race to secure the win, while his teammate Carlos Sainz was hugely disappointed not to make it a one-two when he was forced to retire near the end. For Hamilton it was a third podium in a row as Mercedes continue to make forward strides with their car.
Leclerc’s fifth career win is his third this season, the first since the third round in Australia and just the boost to his title hopes the Monegasque driver desperately required. His joy and relief as he crossed the line was palpable. It is Scuderia’s first win here since 2003 when Michael Schumacher took the flag.
The victory was vital in his title fight with Verstappen. Verstappen had a 44-point lead over Leclerc going into the race, which has now been reduced to 38 points. Read more
Nick Kyrgios demands ‘drunk out of her mind’ Wimbledon fan is kicked out after violation (Express)
Nick Kyrgios berated the chair umpire in his Wimbledon final against Novak Djokovic, demanding a “drunk” woman to be kicked out for speaking during one of his service games. Tensions were always going to be high in Kyrgios’ first ever Grand Slam final, but he got off to the better start by taking the opening set.
Djokovic soon found his rhythm in the match though to tie the scores with little separating the two in the third. Kyrgios appeared to be growing irate with his box during the set, shouting and calling them out.
But it was one particular fan midway through the set that appeared to set Kyrgios off. While serving at 2-2 in the third, Kyrgios was clearly agitated and soon got a code violation from umpire Renaud Lichtenstein.
That only annoyed Kyrgios further, who’s frustration appeared to stem from a member of the crowd inside Centre Court. Kyrgios managed to hold serve in the end, but marched over to the chair umpire to moan about the woman in the crowd. Read more