Hushpuppi bags 11 years, 3-month imprisonment in US (Punch)
Ramon Abass popularly known as Hushpuppi has been sentenced to 11 years and three months imprisonment by the United States District Court sitting Central District of California for money laundering conspiracy through several online scams.
The judgment was delivered by Justice Otis Wright II, on Monday, and it found Hushpuppi guilty of the allegations including laundering proceeds of a school financing scam, business email compromise and other fraudulent cyber schemes levied against him.
The PUNCH had earlier reported that Hushpuppi’s verified Instagram account was deactivated by Meta, the parent body of the social media platform where he (Hushpuppi) is known to spend most of his time showing off his affluence.
Hushpuppi was arrested in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in June 2020 and was extradited to the United States on July 3. He was arrested for defrauding over 1.9 million people, the majority of them being Americans. Read more
Oyo court jails couple, convicts 16 others for Internet fraud (Guardian)
Justice Iyabode Yerima of Oyo State High Court, Ibadan, yesterday, convicted and sentenced a couple Aladenusi Adegboyega Ayodeji and Sadiat Omowumi Rafiu to jail terms for cybercrime.
The couple was convicted alongside eight others on separate one-count charge each. Other convicts are Adekoya Ojo Faruq Kolapo, Adekanmi Boluwatife Emmanuel, Omokaro Uyiosa Berry, Ajayi Lanre Lawrence, Babalola Segun Samuel and Bolaji Bolarinwa Toheeb.
They all pleaded “guilty” to the charges preferred against them by the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
After their guilty plea, the prosecuting counsel, Samsuddeen Bashir reviewed facts of the cases and urged the court to sentence the defendants accordingly. Read more
Lagos plans MDAs’ service charter review (Punch)
The Lagos State Government has made a call for the review of the state’s service charter document for all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies as championed by the Lagos State Office of Transformation, Creativity and Innovation.
The state Head of Service, Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola, made this call on Monday at an event to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the introduction of the service charter initiative into the state public service.
Muri-Okunola who was represented at the event by the Secretary, Staff Housing Board, Mr Abdulrafiu Fashola, explained that the regular review was necessitated by the dynamic nature of service delivery.
He said, “It is imperative that the content of the service charter document be reviewed regularly for effectiveness and efficiency in service delivery. The dynamic nature of service delivery generally as well as the peculiarity of service delivery in the public sector provide the justifications for the proposed periodic review of its content. Read more
Portable loses cool as his SUV gets smashed (DailyTrust)
Popular street artiste, Habeeb Okikiola, also known as Portable, recently lost his cool over a damage done to his Range Rover at a concert in Ijegun, Lagos State.
The singer, who performed at the event on Sunday, was left in a state of shock after discovering his car had been vandalised by hoodlums.
In his reaction, an angry Portable created a scene, lashing out at some of the men who tried to console him.
In a now viral video on social media, the Zazoo singer could be seen lamenting the damage done to his car. Read more
Lagos govt advises property buyers to verify permits (Punch)
The Lagos State Government has advised residents, especially those who want to buy, lease or rent apartments, to always ascertain if the property has relevant approvals from the government.
The General Manager of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, Kehinde Osinaike, gave this advice in a statement on Monday.
He said, “I will advise anyone willing to buy or subscribe to structure or building to henceforth request for evidence of planning permit (Building Plan Approval) and also ascertain conformity with the permit granted before committing their hard-earned money to the acquisition of such properties.
“This is for the purpose of guarding against social embarrassment and possible loss of economic deliverables from their businesses, through “seal off orders” for non-compliance.” Read more
Mavin Crew to celebrate 10 years anniversary at Livespot X Festival (Tribune)
Don Jazzy, Ayra Starr, and other members of the Mavin Records are set to commemorate the label’s 10th year anniversary at Livespot Festival on the 16th of December in Lagos.
Headliners will include Mavin All-Stars, who will perform hit songs from the group’s expansive music catalogue.
Speaking with Tribune Online on Monday in Lagos, The Founder of Livespot360, Deola Art Alade stated that the goal of Livespot X Festival is to drive investment and interest in the African entertainment industry.
Art Alade, who made this known to Tribune Online on Monday, noted that Nigerian creative solutions company, Livespot360, will, for 8-days this December, curate a first/of-its-kind experience that will bring the world to Lagos, Nigeria – a burgeoning epicentre for top-class entertainment. Read more
Oyetola storms APC, reassures of reclamation of mandate (Sun)
Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, has reassured his supporters that he would reclaim his mandate through the courts.
He spoke during a visit to the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, on Monday.
Oyetola told journalists after meeting with the party’s National Secretary, Iyiola Omisore, that he would deliver one million votes to the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu in the next year’s presidential election.
He said the solidarity walk for Tinubu would be a bold statement to confirm the volume of votes Tinubu would garner in Osun. Read more
Man, 43, killed, buried in shallow grave – Police (Guardian)
The Delta Police Command has confirmed the killing of a 43-year-old man, Mr Ekene Ekwenuya by suspected assasins in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South LGA of the state.
Command spokesperson, DSP Bright Edafe, told newsmen on Monday in Asaba that one of the suspects involved in the gruesome killing was currently in police custody.
“The police got information that the victim was killed with cutlass. They cut him in the head, leading to his death.
“However, last Saturday, the police apprehended one of the suspects and he is currently helping the police with investigation,” Edafe said. Read more
Rapper Hurricane G, who worked with Diddy, dies aged 52 (Metro)
Rapper Hurricane G – real name Gloria Rodriguez – has died at the age of 52.
The musician, who was best known for working with stars such as Diddy and Redman, is believed to have died on Sunday.
Domingo Padilla, who produced Hurricane G’s 1997 solo album All Woman, announced her death in an Instagram post while paying tribute to the late rapper.
‘R.I.P. to my good friend Hurricane G,’ he wrote.
‘Really sad news to get. I was blessed to know her and produce her debut album. Read more
Cardinal Ricard among 11 French bishops accused of abuse (BBC)
French Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard has been named by the Church as one of 11 serving or former bishops accused of sexual violence.
In a statement, the cardinal said he had abused a 14-year-old girl when he was a parish priest 35 years ago and would now withdraw from his functions.
A year ago, a panel found evidence of thousands of paedophiles operating in the French Catholic Church for decades.
All 11 accused face either prosecution or disciplinary action in the Church.
The latest revelations came during the French bishops’ conference in Lourdes in south-western France. Read more
Sylvester Stallone turned down $34m “Rambo” paycheck, talks biggest regrets (Fox)
Sylvester Stallone is one of the most bankable action heroes, and is one of only a few actors ever to have a film that topped the box office across six consecutive decades.
The 76-year-old Academy Award-winner admitted he had a few regrets in his lifetime, though, one of which was turning down a proposed $34 million paycheck to star in another “Rambo” movie in the ’80s.
When asked what was the most he was ever paid for one of his dozens of roles, Stallone proudly declared to The Hollywood Reporter that he refused to make another “Rambo” flick, even for millions of dollars.
“I turned down 34,” he said of the massive paycheck he let go at a young age. “We were doing ‘Rambo III.’ We thought it was going to be the biggest hit — this was before it came out. And I was paid a fortune for it. Then they go, ‘We want “Rambo IV.” Here it is: Pay or play, 34.’ I go, ‘Let’s not jump the gun here …’” Read more
Gears of War video game franchise to get feature film, animated series adaptations at Netflix (THR)
Gears of War, one of the biggest video game franchises on the Xbox platform, is heading to Netflix.
The announcement comes after long months of negotiations in a competitive environment, with the streamer nabbing the media rights and partnering with The Coalition, the Canadian game developer behind the franchise. It also comes on the franchise’s 16th anniversary; the first Gears of War game was released on Nov. 7, 2006.
Netflix has grand ambitions for the title and a plan that includes first adapting the video game saga into a live-action feature followed by an adult animated series. If everything turns up roses, more stories would follow.
No filmmakers or producers are attached to the projects, with the video game franchise getting a fresh start after several big-studio attempts at adaptation. Read more
Taylor Swift releases limited-time download of ‘‘Anti Hero’’ single featuring Bleachers (NME)
Taylor Swift has released a limited-time download of ‘Anti Hero’ single featuring her ‘Midnights’ co-producer, Jack Antonoff of Bleachers.
The new version of the lead single from the pop star’s 10th album is available to download exclusively at her online store until 11.59pm ET today (November 7), which is 4.59am tomorrow (November 8) in the UK.
Swift wrote on Instagram that Antonoff’s version of “sexy baby“, which is a lyric from the original song, is “art bro“. The original lyric perplexed numerous fans online upon the song’s release. “We sincerely hope it confuses just as many people,” Swift added.
The release comes after a fan created a remix of the song that features a guest appearance from Nintendo mascot Mario. Read more
Keith Urban dishes on new Vegas residency, different ways to release music (People)
After a hugely successful multi-year Las Vegas residency show at Caesars Palace — one that was interrupted by COVID in 2020 — Keith Urban is headed back to Sin City this spring to begin a new production.
This time, the 13-time CMA winner will take over the Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood for 16 nights with his Keith Urban: The Las Vegas Residency show.
“That room already feels geared towards a certain energy that’s probably a bit better for what I do,” he told PEOPLE exclusively. “I love the sort of club arena vibe, and I think that room already has a bit more of that rock and roll spirit, so I’ll be making the most of that.”
Coincidentally, Urban admits to fighting against a Vegas residency show for years. Things changed when he actually got to play his show. Read more
Biden, Trump clash on eve of midterm elections set to upend Washington (TOI)
Republicans and Democrats traded final blows Monday ahead of midterm elections that could upend Joe Biden’s presidency, weaken Western support for Ukraine and even open the door to a comeback bid by Donald Trump.
More than 40 million ballots have been cast through early voting options, meaning the outcome was already taking shape before polls open nationwide Tuesday.
Biden acknowledged that Democrats face an uphill battle to retain control of Congress, telling supporters that “if we’re able to hold on, we’re going to be in incredible shape.”
“I know that sounds like a very high expectation,” he acknowledged, adding that “we’re up against some of the darkest forces we’ve ever seen in our history.” Read more
Etebo, Aribo set to return (Punch)
Midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo is poised to be recalled back to the Super Eagles squad for the forthcoming friendly against Portugal in Lisbon, our correspondent has reliably gathered.
Etebo last played and scored in the Eagles record 10-0 win over Sao Tome & Principe in June but missed the friendly against Algeria in September due to his inactiveness at club level.
However, the 26-year-old has since sorted out his club career as he is now playing regular first-team football at Greek club Aris Saloniki, after a difficult time in England with Stoke City and Watford.
The Olympic bronze medalist, who has been capped 44 times and has three goals at international level, is expected to be joined by Southampton midfielder Joe Aribo, who asked to be excused from the Eagles 2-1 loss to Algeria in September. Read more
IMC to hold crucial meeting with NPFL clubs, refutes Dec 1 kickoff date (DailyTrust)
The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Interim Management Committee (IMC) is scheduled to hold its maiden meeting with 20 participating clubs on Monday, November 14 in Abuja.
In a notice sent to the clubs and signed by Davidson Owumi, the Head of Operations (HoO), the clubs were informed that the meeting will hold from 6pm at the Sandralia Hotel.
The IMC is expected to seek one-on-one meetings with the clubs, who are the NPFL’s primary stakeholders and discuss The ongoing Club Licensing for the 2022/23 season, development ideas of the IMC and contributions from the clubs as well as a date for the commencement of the season, the format and calendar.
Meanwhile, the IMC has not announced any date for the start of the 2022/23 league season. Read more
World Cup 2022: Christian Eriksen named in Denmark’s preliminary 21-man squad (BBC)
Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen has been named in Denmark’s preliminary squad for the Fifa World Cup in Qatar.
Eriksen, 30, collapsed during their Euro 2020 game against Finland last year and had life-saving treatment on the pitch.
Denmark have named 21 players of the 26-man squad and will reveal the final five following the last round of European fixtures.
They take on Tunisia on 22 November. Read more
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti scolds team: Quality alone can’t win (ESPN)
Carlo Ancelotti criticized Real Madrid’s attitude after a 3-2 defeat at Rayo Vallecano saw them lose in LaLiga for the first time this season, saying “sometimes quality alone can’t win you the game.”
Madrid went behind to Santi Comesana’s early goal before Luka Modric’s penalty and Eder Militao’s header put the visitors ahead in Vallecas, before Alvaro Garcia levelled ahead of the break.
A second-half penalty scored by captain Oscar Trejo — retaken after goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saved Trejo’s initial effort, with defender Dani Carvajal encroaching inside the box — gave Rayo the win, and left Madrid two points behind Barcelona at the top of LaLiga.
“We weren’t convincing in the individual duels,” Ancelotti said in his post-match news conference. “Sometimes, when you can’t match the attitude, quality alone can’t win you the game. We lost a lot of balls and we suffered with their pressing. It was a bad night.” Read more
Tom Brady becomes 1st NFL player in history to throw for more than 100k yards (Global)
Tom Brady became the first player in NFL history to throw for more than 100,000 yards, surpassing the milestone on a 15-yard completion to Leonard Fournette during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams.
The league’s career passing leader entered the matchup of the past two Super Bowl champions needing 164 yards to reach a plateau the 45-year-old quarterback concedes no one would have imagined possible for him to achieve when he entered the NFL as a sixth-round draft pick in 2000.
Brady, who has won seven Super Bowls and owns nearly every meaningful league passing record, went over 100,000 yards in his 374th career game, including the playoffs.
“For me, it’s a credit to all the guys that I’ve played with, who have blocked for me, have caught passes. … I can’t do (anything) in this league without guys doing what they’re amazing at, too,” Brady said last Thursday. Read more
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s final injury status for Bucks-Hawks game (SI)
The Milwaukee Bucks will take their perfect 9-0 record up against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena in Georgia on Monday evening.
They are coming off a win at home over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday, but Giannis Antetokounmpo missed the game due to a knee injury (his first time out of the lineup this season).
On Monday night, he will be back in action against the Hawks.
The two-time MVP has been off to a fantastic start to the 2022-23 season, and he looks like the best player in the world. Read more