Internet fraud: EFCC nabs cleric, 27 others in Kwara (Punch)
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, on Thursday, arrested 28 persons including a cleric suspected to be “Yahoo-Yahoo boys” in Ilorin, the Kwara State Capital.
The arrest, which was effected at Mandate Area, Ilorin, by operatives of the EFCC Ilorin Zonal Command, followed intelligence on the activities of fraudsters operating in the area.
The anti-graft agency said preliminary investigation revealed the identity of the suspects to include a cleric, twin brothers, 6 students of various tertiary institutions, mining operators and a host of other specialized private individuals. Read more
Nigeria Air will fly before May 29 – FG (DailyTrust)
In spite of lingering court case, the Federal Government has insisted the National Carrier, Nigeria Air, will take to the sky before May 29, 2023.
Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, gave the assurances during the National Aviation Stakeholders Forum 2023, on Thursday.
He said the Federal Government is taking necessary measures to overcome the hurdles introduced by the indigenous airlines that went to court to stop the process. Read more
Police rescue 10 abducted children, arrest 3 suspects in Niger (Vanguard)
Niger State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with ten children abducted in Suleja and Lugbe in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Two of the children were declared missing last year and are suspected to have been taken away by a co-tenant of the parents of the kids in Suleja.
The children who were abducted from the Water board area of Suleja are between the ages of three to five. Read more
Muri-Okunola felicitates with Muslims faithfuls on year 2023 Ramadan fasting (Independent)
The Lagos State Head of Service, Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola felicitated with Muslim Faithfuls in the State, especially the Lagos State Public Servants for witnessing another blissful month of Ramadan.
Muri-Okunola in his congratulatory message made available to journalists by Director, Public Affairs, OHoS, Femi Ogun stated that this period of Ramada???? is a time ???????? rededicate our lives more in prayers and devotion to the Almighty Allah.
He however implored all Muslim Faithfuls to imbibe the teachings of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) of sending supplications to Allah as they rely on the golden bridge called, Dua and an excellent way of life called Islam that links our lives together. Read more
Police arrest visa racketeer for forging UN invitation letters (Punch)
The Police Special Fraud Unit, Ikoyi, Lagos State, has arrested and arraigned one Abioye Abolaji, 53, on 11 counts bordering on alleged forgery, obtaining money by false pretence, false representation and stealing.
The unit spokesperson, SP Eyitayo Johnson, confirmed the arrest of the suspect in a statement on Thursday.
He said the arrest of the suspect was in furtherance to a petition from the Diplomatic Security Services Regional Security office at the United States Consulate General in Lagos. Read more
Tinubu jets out of Nigeria for rest, lesser hajj (Tribune)
After a very exhaustive campaign and election season, President-elect, Asíwájú Bola Tinubu, has travelled abroad to rest and plan his transition programme ahead of May 29, 2023 inauguration.
A statement issued to newsmen in Abuja by his media aide, Tunde Rahman, disclosed that the President-elect left the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja for Europe on Tuesday night.
“The President-elect decided to take a break after the hectic campaign and election season to rest in Paris and London, preparatory to going to Saudi Arabia for Umrah (Lesser Hajj) and the Ramadan Fasting that begins Thursday.” Read more
2023 election: Protesters demand arrest, probe of INEC chairman (Guardian)
The last is yet to be heard of the controversy that trailed the conduct of the general elections as scores of protesters have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
The protesters under the aegis of the National Youth League for the Defence of Democracy (NYLDD) also demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the INEC chairman by the Directorate of State Security Service (DSS).
Led by Dr Moses Paul, the protesters who converged at the Abuja unity fountain to express their grievances also called for a probe of the finances of the electoral empire. Read more
NCoS destroys N150m contraband seized from inmates (Vanguard)
The Nigerian Correctional Service NCoS has destroyed items it confiscated from its various Custodial Centres across the nation worth over N150 million.
Service Spokesman, ACC Abubakar Danlami Umar disclosed that the prohibited items which were seized overtime via the proactive measures and routine search of cells by officers and men of the Service were destroyed at its National Headquarters, Abuja.
Some of the items included cell phones, sim cards, laptops, hard drugs, power banks and other electronic devices considered contraband for inmates in custody. Read more
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon shared a bank account as teens (CNBC)
Before they shared movie screens together, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon shared a bank account.
The Oscar-winning duo have been friends since high school, where they both aspired to make it in Hollywood. On Wednesday’s episode of “The Bill Simmons Podcast” the pair explained that opening a checking account together as teenagers in the late 1980s was a way to help them chase their goals.
“It was unusual, but we needed the money for auditions,” Damon said, calling it “a weird thing in retrospect.” Read more
Dolly Parton to delve into passion for fashion in new book (MusicNews)
Dolly Parton is to share how she developed her distinctive sense of style in a new book.
On Wednesday, the country music icon announced she will release Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones in October.
In a statement, Dolly explained the project will spotlight her most memorable outfits, including wigs and stage costumes, from the 1960s until now.
“I am happy, proud, and excited to present my book Behind the Seams to the public,” the Jolene hitmaker shared. “It is my hope that you will enjoy a look at my life in costume and hair and get to know some of the great people who have helped shape my life and my look. Enjoy!” Read more
Saliva guitarist Wayne Swinny dies after suffering brain haemorrhage on tour (NME)
Saliva guitarist Wayne Swinny has died aged 59 after suffering a brain haemorrhage on tour.
In a statement shared on the Tennessee rock band’s Facebook page yesterday (March 22), they confirmed that Swinny had died during their ‘Spring Mayhem’ tour.
“It is with great sadness that we report the passing of our brother Wayne Swinny,” they wrote. “Wayne passed away this afternoon from a Spontaneous brain hemorrhage while we were out on tour. Details for the funeral arrangements will be announced shortly. Wayne will be missed by all those who knew him.” Read more
Release date confirmed for new Zendaya movie, ‘‘Challengers’’ (FarOut)
A UK release date for Challengers, the forthcoming movie starring Zendaya, has been announced. The exciting project, which also stars West Side Story’s Mike Faist and The Crown’s Josh O’Connor, has been helmed by Luca Guadagnino, the esteemed director behind Call Me By Your Name.
It has now been reported that the movie will hit screens in the UK and Ireland on September 15th, 2023. Challengers will see Zendaya portray a former pro tennis champion called Tashi Donaldson, who becomes a coach and trains her husband, Art (played by Mike Faist), as he looks to become a Grand Slam champion.
Before his glory can be achieved, however, Donaldson enters Art into a Challenger event to help break him out of a losing streak. Here, Art faces a surprising opponent in O’Connor’s character Patrick Zweig, who turns out to be Art’s former best friend and Tashi’s ex-boyfriend. Read more
SNL alum Kyle Mooney to direct A24’s ‘‘Y2K’’ starring Rachel Zegler and Alicia Silverstone (IndieWire)
It’s live from Y2K, baby.
Saturday Night Live alum Kyle Mooney is set to direct A24 comedy “Y2K” starring Rachel Zegler and Alicia Silverstone among its ensemble cast. The film, written by Evan Winter, takes place on New Year’s Eve 1999 with two high school students, played by Jaeden Martell and Julian Dennison, decide to crash the last big party before the new millennium.
When the clock strikes midnight, the night gets more insane than they ever could have imagined, per the official synopsis. Read more
Man charged with attempted murder after 2 fire attacks near mosques in England (CNN)
A man has been charged with attempting to murder two elderly men who were set on fire after they had left mosques in the English cities of London and Birmingham.
Mohammed Abbkr, 28, is alleged to have sprayed a substance on the men before setting it alight in separate incidents in Ealing, west London, on February 27, and in Birmingham on Monday, West Midlands Police said.
Abbkr, from Edgbaston in Birmingham, central England, appeared in court on Thursday morning, West Midlands police said in a statement. He gave no indication of a plea to either charge, PA Media reported, and he was remanded in custody. Read more
Brazil watchdog tells Bolsonaro to cede jewels from Saudis (ABC)
A Brazilian government watchdog voted Wednesday to give former President Jair Bolsonaro five working days to return to authorities a set of jewels he received from Saudi Arabia in 2021.
All nine members of the government watchdog voted in favor of requiring Bolsonaro to turn the jewels over to the state-owned Caixa Economica Federal bank in the capital city of Brasilia.
The five days start counting as soon as Bolsonaro’s lawyers are officially notified, which had not happened, according to the government watchdog. Read more
Nigeria could lose Arsenal-owned Folarin Balogun to United States (Guardian)
Nigeria may after all lose the services of Folarin Balogun after United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) goalkeeper, Matt Turner, revealed he has had talks with the Arsenal-owned striker.
The Gunners goalkeeper, Turner says that he developed a quick friendship with Balogun during Arsenal’s preseason as the two bonded over their American roots.
Balogun’s international future has been a major talking point in recent weeks as the on-loan striker has lit up the Ligue 1 with Reims. Read more
Super Eagles ‘ll give Djurtus respect they deserve – Osimhen (Punch)
Super Eagles player Victor Osimhen has disclosed the Super Eagles do not underrate the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau, ahead of Friday’s African Cup of Nations qualifying match.
The Napoli forward noted that the Super Eagles would give the Guinea-Bissau team the respect they deserve.
Osimhen also expressed confidence that the Super Eagles are ready to defeat the Djurtus. Read more
Man Utd charged for failing to control players during Fulham chaos in FA Cup (Mirror)
Manchester United have been charged by the FA after their players surrounded an official during their FA Cup win over Fulham.
The moment in question is when Willian’s handball denied Jadon Sancho a clear equaliser after Fulham had taken the lead through Aleksandar Mitrovic. Several United players surrounded Chris Kavanagh to remonstrate what they had seen.
The referee initially did not see the incident but was asked by VAR to inspect the pitch side monitor. After doing so Kavanagh pointed to the spot and issued Willian a straight red. Read more
Lazio announce life bans for 3 fans after antisemitic behaviour (FootballItalia)
Lazio have released a statement on their club website announcing that three fans will receive lifetime bans after being involved in antisemitic behaviour during last Sunday’s Derby della Capitale win over rivals Roma.
One fan was pictured wearing a Lazio jersey with the name ‘Hitlerson’ and the number 88 printed on the shirt, whilst a number of antisemitic chants were heard during the game.
The individual wearing the shameful shirt was later identified as a Lazio fan from Germany, who had previously been known to the local authorities. Read more
Conor Benn’s house broken into while wife and son were home alone in terrifying ordeal (Express)
Conor Benn’s house was broken into on Sunday evening shortly after the British boxer had left his family home in Essex. His wife Victoria and two-year-old son Eli were the only ones left inside during the terrifying ordeal.
The intruder is not thought to have taken anything but did shake up Victoria who bravely recounted the events. “So many things were going through my mind and I had that horrible sinking fear feeling in my stomach but I had to check the noise because I was with my child,” said Victoria, a YouTube personality and model.
“It’s probably the scariest thing that has ever happened to me. Finding someone in your house when you’re home alone with your child, I can’t even comprehend how scary that is. I can’t explain the feeling and fear that takes over you. Read more
Novak Djokovic calls Dubai his 2nd home and praises its ‘‘champion mentality’’ (National)
One of the world’s greatest tennis players, Novak Djokovic, has praised what he calls the “champion mentality” of Dubai, a city he considers his second home.
“I love that people here want to be the best in the world,” the Serbian athlete said during a chat at the Dubai Future District Fund’s annual general meeting on Thursday.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner, who currently lives in Marbella, Spain, said he wanted the emirate to be a “base for my business and innovation”. Read more