How 26 villagers drowned during bandits, operatives shootout in Sokoto (DailyTrust)
No fewer than 26 corpses of residents of Duma village in Tureta Local Government Area of Sokoto State have been recovered.
The victims reportedly drowned in an attempt to escape from a gun duel between security operatives and bandits in a nearby forest.
Daily Trust learnt that the incident occured last Wednesday when operatives under Operation Hadarin Daji engaged suspected bandits who rustled livestock in some communities in the neighbouring Zamfara State.
The Public Relations Officer of the Sokoto Police Command, DSP Sanusi Abubakar, while confirming the incident, said when the residents heard gunshots in the forest and spotted some dislodged bandits, they became panic and started running helter-skelter. Read more
LASEMA rescues accident victim (Vanguard)
Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, on Saturday, rescued a male victim who was hit by a vehicle at Moshalasi, along Ipaja Road.
The accident victim was sighted by the officials who were returning to their base before Noon.
He was said to be lying in the pool of his own blood, inward Ipaja, after the vehicle that hit him escaped the scene.
The circumstances leading to the incident could not be ascertained but the victim was attended to by Lagos Ambulance Services before transferring him to a hospital for further medical attention. Read more
Policeman’s son absconds with lady’s Benz, $700 Bitcoin (Punch)
A Lagos-based 28-year-old man, Damilola Areje, has allegedly absconded with a 2019 Mercedes Benz GLE 43, worth N52 million, and $700 worth of Bitcoin belonging to a 32-year-old businesswoman, Nneka Chiemelu, who is into real estate and construction.
According to Miss Chiemelu, Damilola, an acquaintance whose father, Inspector Adegbola Areje is a policeman, allegedly stole her car from her apartment in Lekki Phase 1 and absconded with $700 worth of Bitcoin which was paid into his wallet by one of her clients on Friday, July 22, 2022, at 04:05 pm.
PUNCH Metro, however, gathered that all four of Damilola’s phone lines had been switched off and his active Instagram handle deleted since the theft.
Narrating her ordeal amid tears, Chiemelu said, “Damilola requested that I help him with the sum of N20,000 that he needed some money to pay for flyers to promote his business, and I promised to give him the N20,000 on the condition that he takes up a site supervision job at my place of work upon completion of the work in order to assist him rather than just hand him the money. Read more
Nigeria broke, may not fund 2023 capital projects –Ngige (Sun)
Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige has confirmed that Nigeria has completely run out of funds and may be unable to finance its capital projects come 2023, if it fails to remove fuel subsidy and reduce cost of government amongst other actions.
Ngige spoke at a press briefing to commemorate the 2022 World Day Against Child Labour, Thursday in Abuja.
According to him, “I can tell you that Nigeria is broke. There is no money to fund capital projects next year. As you can see, the dollar that has been hovering around N500 and N600 is now above N700. The truth is that there is no money anywhere. The money that the FAAC (Federation Account Allocation Committee) has been sharing is money from taxes, customs and other revenue-generating agencies.
“The National Nigerian Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) no longer remits money to FAAC. So, the situation calls for patriotism from all Nigerians. The lack of money to fund capital projects would have implication on capacity to create jobs. If jobs are not created, poverty will increase in the country.” Read more
2023: Okowa Pushes For Peace In Meeting With Ortom In Abuja (Tribune)
The vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, has met with his Benue State counterpart, Sam Ortom, ostensibly to continue the move for a common ground as the party prepares for the 2023 presidential election.
The Delta governor, whose selection as the presidential running mate of the ruffled some feathers, met with Ortom in Benue State Lodge Abuja after the Benue governor softened his opposition to the PDP running mate choice.
Ortom had previously expressed anger that the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, snubbed Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, who the committee set up for the purpose of making a recommendation on the running mate had favored. Read more
Fresh Abductions As Bandits Invade FCT Farm (DailyTrust)
A fresh attack has been recorded in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) amid the rising insecurity in the nation’s capital.
The council has been hit by bandits for at least three times this week, with one of the attacks leading to the shutdown of Federal Government College, Kwali.
Daily Trust had reported how a couple, Mr Sunday Odoma Ojarume and Mrs Janet Odoma Ojarume, were abducted at Sheda village in Kwali area council, on Sunday, but the kidnappers later released the victims wife who was asked to source ransom.
Sheda shares a fence with FGC, Kwali, which was shut after the couple’s kidnap. The school authorities had reached out to parents to evacuate their children to prevent mass abduction. Read more
We submitted application for a licence in Kenya since 2019- Flutterwave (Guardian)
Contrary to reports that it failed to apply for a licence in Kenya, Payment service providers, Flutterwave has said it submitted an application for it in 2019 and operates within the stipulated laws, regulations, industry standards, and guidelines.
In a statement, the fintech company stated that it has also been in constant engagement with the Central Bank of Kenya to ensure that it provides all the requirements.
“Our attention has been drawn to reports with regards to our operating licence in Kenya.
“Like many other financial technology service providers in Kenya, our entry into the market was through partnerships with banks and mobile network operators licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya. Read more
NYSC mourns as suspected ritualists kill prospective corper (Punch)
The National Youth Service Corps, on Saturday, confirmed the death of a corps member, Eunice Igweike, who was said to have been killed by suspected ritualists.
The deceased, a graduate of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, in Anambra State, was on her way to the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Sagamu, Ogun State, having been deployed under the 2022 Batch B Service Year.
A statement by the NYSC Director (Press and Public Relations), Eddy Megwa, said security agencies were working round the clock to unravel the circumstances surrounding her death.
He said, “The attention of the NYSC management has been drawn to an online publication with the above caption making the rounds in the social media. Read more
Emirates cuts Nigerian flights over $85m blocked funds (DailyTrust)
United Arab Emirates (UAE) carrier, Emirates, has concluded plans to reduce its frequencies in Nigeria from 11 per week to seven per week with effect from August 15, 2022.
The decision followed the inability to repatriate funds from sales of tickets.
Daily Trust reports that the Federal Government has been under pressure in recent times of the blocked funds belonging to foreign airlines which have hit over $500m.
Emirates alone has over $85m to be repatriated while other foreign airlines are also crying over the trapped funds.
In a July 22 letter to the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, the Emirates stated that it had no choice “but to take this action, to mitigate the continued losses Emirates is experiencing as a result of funds being blocked in Nigeria.” Read more
US one step closer to banning semi-automatic weapons after major vote (Metro)
The House has passed legislation reviving a ban on certain semi-automatic firearms in response to hundreds of mass shootings in the US this year.
It was the first vote of its kind in years and has been dismissed by Republicans as a ‘gun grab’ that will curtail American’s freedom.
Once banned in the US, high powered semi-automatic assault rifles are now the weapon of choice for young men behind the most devastating mass shootings.
Congress allowed the restrictions first put in place in 1994 on the manufacture and sales of the weapons to expire a decade later.
It was unable to muster the political support to counter the powerful gun lobby and reinstate the weapons ban. Read more
US lottery player wins jackpot topping $1.3b (Guardian)
A lucky US lottery player has won a Mega Millions jackpot worth more than $1.3 billion, one of the highest prizes ever, a US lottery official confirmed Saturday.
The official Mega Millions site said a single ticket holder in the Midwestern state of Illinois — who has yet to be identified — had the six magic numbers and won a jackpot estimated at $1.337 billion.
“We are thrilled to have witnessed one of the biggest jackpot wins in Mega Millions history,” Pat McDonald, lead director of the Mega Millions Consortium, said on the group’s website. “We’re eager to find out who won and look forward to congratulating the winner soon!”
The grand prize had been steadily growing, fueling the dreams of would-be winners across the country, for more than three months. The prize had gone unclaimed in 29 previous drawings. Read more
‘Anvil! The Story of Anvil’ documentary set for theatrical re-release (Variety)
Utopia is set to release — in conjunction with Portobello Electric — a remastered version of 2009’s “Anvil! The Story of Anvil” in theaters this fall and on digital later this year.
Directed by former Anvil roadie Sacha Gervasi, “Anvil! The Story of Anvil” focuses on guitarist Steve “Lips” Kudlow and drummer Robb Reiner, the founding members of the Canadian heavy metal band and their 1982 album “Metal on Metal.” The documentary features appearances by Metallica’s Lars Ulrich, Guns N’ Roses’ Slash, Motorhead’s Lemmy, Anthrax’s Scott Ian and Slayer’s Tom Araya.
The re-release celebrates the documentary’s 13-year anniversary, and includes an epilogue interview with Gervasi and Anvil’s Kudlow and Reiner, moderated by former MTV host Matt Pinfield.
“If you’d told me all those years ago at Sundance, when we had no buyers, that this movie would be released into theatres for the second time 13 years later I never would have believed you, but here we are. It truly is a miracle.” Gervasi said. “This is all thanks to Robert and his extraordinary team at Utopia. They’re brilliant to work with because they’re filmmakers themselves, and their support and passion are unmatched. All Anvil and I can say is thank you!” Read more
Reese Witherspoon says ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ has provided “a lot of inspiration” for ‘Legally Blonde 3’ (THR)
Reese Witherspoon is finding unexpected inspiration for Elle Woods’ next big moment.
Witherspoon spoke with USA Today for an interview published Friday, during which she teased the status of development for the long-discussed third movie in the Legally Blonde franchise. The star said she remains hopeful that the sequel will still happen and that the recent success of Top Gun: Maverick has helped spur ideas for her own film’s team.
“I’m still hoping that Legally Blonde 3 is gonna come together in the right way,” she said. “It’s just like Top Gun: They waited a long time to make another version of that movie, and I loved the nostalgia piece they incorporated in it. So definitely that gave us a lot of inspiration about what we would want to do with Elle Woods and make sure that we had all those same touchstones that mattered to people [back] then.”
Witherspoon continued, “I feel like these characters are my friends, so I safeguard them. I would never make the subpar, mediocre version of their story.” Read more
Ageing pope admits he must slow down, or quit (Guardian)
Pope Francis admitted Saturday he needs to slow down, telling reporters after a six-day trip to Canada that he cannot maintain his pace of international travel — and may have to think about retiring.
“I don’t think I can go at the same pace as I used to travel,” said the 85-year-old pope, who suffers pain in his knee that has seen him increasingly reliant on a wheelchair.
“I think that at my age and with this limitation, I have to save myself a little bit to be able to serve the Church. Or, alternatively, to think about the possibility of stepping aside.”
It is not the first time Francis has raised the possibility of following the example set by his predecessor, Benedict XVI, who quit over his own failing health in 2013, and is now living quietly in Vatican City.
In 2014, a year into his papacy, Francis told reporters that if his health got in the way of his functions as pope, he would consider stepping down. Read more
The Shadows of Knight singer Jimy Sohns dies aged 75 after suffering a stroke: ‘His legend will live on forever’ (Metro)
Jimy Sohns, the lead singer for American rock band The Shadows of Knight, has died at the age of 75.
The musician’s death was confirmed by his daughter, who shared a heartfelt message as she told her ‘rock n roll angel’ to ‘fly high’.
Earlier this week, a statement on the official Facebook page for the band confirmed that Sohns had suffered a stroke, although he was being cared for in hospital at the time.
‘We are sorry for the relaying the miscommunication regarding Jimy’s health situation. He is currently in the hospital after suffering a stroke on Friday,’ the message on Friday July 28 read. Read more
US: Canadian IS narrator sentenced to life in prison (DW)
Mohammed Khalifa was said to be a key player in the “Islamic State” (IS) propaganda team, and narrated several violent videos. He was caught in 2019 by Syrian forces allied with the US.
A Canadian man was sentenced to life in prison by a US court on Friday for conspiring to provide material support to the so-called “Islamic State” (IS), resulting in the death of hostages.
Born in Saudi Arabia, 39-year-old Mohammed Khalifa was said to be a key player in the terrorist group’s propaganda, and narrated several violent videos. He pleaded guilty in December 2021.
According to the Department of Justice (DOJ) indictment, he grew up in Toronto and left Canada in 2013 to join IS in Syria, and soon took on an important role in the propaganda cell, particularly due to his mastery of English and Arabic. Read more
Adekuoroye, Oborududu lead Nigeria wrestlers to Commonwealth Games (DailyTrust)
The Commonwealth Champion, Odunayo Adekuoroye, Olympic Silver medalist, Blessing Oborududu, and other notable wrestlers will lead Nigerian wrestling athletes to the 22nd edition of the Commonwealth games ongoing in Birmingham, England.
Nigeria Wrestling Federation while unveiling a thirteen man contingent to the the Commonwealth Games, said the team comprises of six women, four men wrestlers and three coaches; including Victor Kodei, Happiness Kuro- Otin Head coach Women and Purity Akuh.
The federation also listed, Adekuoroye’s younger sister, Mercy Adekuoroye, Mercy Genesis, Kolawole Esther, Hannah Reuben, Ebikenmo Welson, Agiomor Ekerekeme and Amas Daniel, in their respective weight classes.
Addressing the athletes and their coaches, President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali, said with the records achieved by the sport over the years, the nation’s Wrestlers are sure bets for medals at the Games. Read more
Sports Minister receives Tobi Amusan in Birmingham after Oregon heroics (Vanguard)
Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Sunday Dare on Friday received Oluwatobiloba Amusan for the first time after she brought glory to Nigeria at the World Athletics Championship in Oregon.
Sunday Dare once again expressed his delight with the achievements of Tobi , reminding her that she has written her name boldly in history.
Dare said “You have made Nigerians happy and the country stands firmly behind you and other athletes too. Thank you for your brilliant performance and for displaying the Nigerian spirit”.
He urged her, alongside other athletes to remain focused on the task at hand in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Read more
Jesus scores hat-trick as Arsenal thrash Sevilla to win Emirates Cup (DailyTrust)
Gabriel Jesus marked his first Arsenal home game with a hat-trick as the Gunners ended pre-season with a 6-0 thrashing of Sevilla to lift the Emirates Cup.
Four quickfire goals put the Gunners in cruise control within the first 19 minutes of the game, with Bukayo Saka and Jesus grabbing two each.
The £45m signing had to wait until 12 minutes from time to complete his hat-trick, flicking home a loose ball as Sevilla tried to defend a corner. A late sixth came when Gabriel Martinelli teed up Eddie Nketiah for a tap-in following a quick counter-attack.
The result means Mikel Arteta’s side have maintained their 100 per cent record in friendlies played in front of crowds this pre-season, ahead of their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace next week. Read more
Arsenal announce Martin Odegaard as new club captain (Metro)
Arsenal have officially named Martin Odegaard as their new club captain ahead of the start of the new season.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was the club’s last permanent captain, but he was removed from the role last year before leaving the Emirates Stadium in January.
Alexandre Lacazette was temporarily given the armband, but Odegaard has now been chosen as the new skipper.
The 23-year-old, who also captains the Norway international team, first joined the Gunners in January 2021 on loan from Real Madrid.
Odegaard impressed during his short-term loan spell and made the permanent move to the Emirates Stadium the following summer. Read more
Russell takes shock first career pole in Hungary (BBC)
Mercedes driver George Russell stunned himself and Formula 1 with a sensational maiden pole position at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The Briton pipped the Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, while championship leader Max Verstappen was 10th with engine problems.
McLaren’s Lando Norris was fourth, ahead of the Alpines of Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso.
Russell’s team-mate Lewis Hamilton was seventh, 0.765 seconds slower.
Hamilton’s DRS overtaking aid failed on his final run. Before that, he had been less than 0.2secs off Russell on their first runs in the final session. Read more
Mikel Arteta explains Nuno Tavares departure and hints at new signings (Metro)
Arsenal’s decision to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko forced the club to find a ‘solution’ for Nuno Tavarez, revealed Mikel Arteta after his side crushed Sevilla 6-0 in their final pre-season friendly.
The Gunners claimed the Emirates Cup after demolishing their Spanish opponents with Gabriel Jesus helping himself to a hat-trick on his home debut.
Oleksandr Zinchenko, who also joined Arsenal from Manchester City this summer, excelled at left-back on his first appearance at his new home and looks nailed on to start in that position, regardless Kieran Tierney’s injury struggles , at Crystal Palace in Friday’s Premier League opener.
With Scotland international Tierney nearing a return to full fitness, Arsenal boast two high quality players in a position Tavares struggled to make his own during an erratic debut campaign following his move from Benfica last summer. Read more
Leicester reject Newcastle’s £40m bid for Maddison (BBC)
Leicester City have rejected a £40m bid from Newcastle for playmaker James Maddison.
Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers is yet to make a significant signing during the current transfer window and needs to raise funds to allow Leicester to comply with Financial Fair Play.
Maddison has two years remaining on his Leicester contract, having signed an extension in 2020.
The midfielder scored 12 goals in 35 Premier League appearances last season.
It is unknown whether the former Coventry midfielder, who joined Leicester from Norwich City for £20m in 2018, would be in favour of a move to St James’ Park. Read more
