Lagos hotelier, wife jailed 40 years over spiritual cleansing fraud (Punch)
The owner of Victoria East Park Hotel and Suite, Igbogbo, in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State, Fredrick Ebiesuwa, and his wife, Tinuola Oyegunle, have been sentenced to 40 years’ imprisonment over a fraud of N53,713,260.
PUNCH Metro learnt that the couple and other suspects at large defrauded one Dunni Olateru-Olagbegi of the said sum under the guise of helping her to avert mysterious death.
It was gathered that the victim, sometime in May 2013, boarded a cab with the fraudsters and upon entering the cab, the gang started arguing about a bag filled with dollars.
Our correspondent learnt that minutes after the syndicate argued about the bag, one of them told the victim that she would have to undergo cleansing to avert mysterious death after listening to their conversation. Read more
Scores escape unhurt in Lagos train, BRT bus accidents (DailyTrust)
Lagos State came under a series of fire incidents and transportation mishaps, yesterday, with scores of people escaping by the whiskers.
The incidents, which almost overwhelmed emergency responders, included a train accident early in the morning, the bursting into flames of a BRT bus and a fire outbreak at a warehouse at Iddo terminal on Lagos Island.
Earlier in the morning, the driver of a truck, his conductor and one other person escaped fatal injury by the whiskers when a train heading towards Ogun State rammed into their vehicle at Iju-Ishaga area of Lagos.
It was learnt that the truck driver had tried to beat a traffic light at Iju. However, he had the back of the truck still on the rail track hours later. Read more
Lagos Assembly passes Coronavirus 2020 amendment bill into law (Vanguard)
The Lagos State House of Assembly has passed into Law the amended Coronavirus Pandemic Bill 2020 in order to accommodate more stipulations.
The newly amended bill aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19 and indiscriminate sales and distribution of COVID-19 drugs and vaccines in the state.
Recall that the bill was passed on March 26, 2020, to avail Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu the legislative concurrence to expend money required to effectively contain the virus and enforce compliance by residents.
The House also passed into Law the Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission (Amendment) Bill 2020. Read more
Ikeja Electric introduces incentives for whistleblowers (ThisDay)
The Ikeja Electric (IE) Plc said it has introduced incentives for those willing to expose energy thieves within its network.
The initiative is part of the Disco’s effort to curtail incidence of energy theft.
IE said for established cases of energy theft, the whistle-blower would be rewarded from the reconnection penalty paid by the culprit in accordance with the fees stipulated in the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) Order on Unauthorised Access to Electricity Supply, Meter Tampering and Bypass for non-maximum demand and maximum demand customers.
It explained that where the culprit is a non-maximum demand customer, the whistle-blower receives up to 10 per cent of the reconnection penalty paid by the culprit while in a case that involves a maximum demand offender, the whistle-blower receives up to five percent of the reconnection /penalty paid by the culprit. Read more
Sanwo-Olu decries alleged brutality against Lekki protesters (Guardian)
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, condemned the alleged brutality against protesters at the Lekki tollgate. The governor, therefore, ordered the state’s Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, to investigate the incident.
The state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotosho, disclosed this at a joint briefing by the state government and the Lekki Concession Company in Lagos. He reiterated that Lagos State government, under the leadership of Babajide Sanwo-Olu, would never trample on people’s rights.
Meanwhile, making clarification on some issues, Managing Director, Lekki Concession Company (LCC), Yomi Omomuwasan, who spoke on alleged use of the firm’s operational vehicle to convey protesters at the tollgate, said that the vehicle was donated to the police to assist them as a logistical support. Read more
WAEC withholds 5,548 results over exam malpractices (Vanguard)
Results of 5,548 candidates who participated at the 2020 Second Series of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for private candidates have been withheld over various cases of malpractice.
Mr Patrick Areghan, Head of National Office (HNO), West African Examinations Council (WAEC), organisers of the examination, disclosed this while announcing the release of the examination result on Monday in Lagos.
The WAEC boss also noted that of the 61, 509 candidates that sat for the examination, a total of 61,111 representing 99.35 per cent had their results fully processed and released.
He said that results of 398 others, representing 0.65 per cent, have a few of their subjects still being processed due to some errors traceable to the candidates. Read more
Buhari, others set agenda for Okonjo-Iweala as WTO DG (DailyTrust)
President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated former Minister of Finance and Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her election as Director General (DG) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Buhari in a statement issued by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, said her track record of integrity, diligence and passion for development will continue to yield positive results and rewards to mankind.
Buhari also said Dr Okonjo-Iweala, who over the years set major records of economic reforms in Nigeria as minister of finance, and later minister of foreign affairs, will excel in her new position and validate the global mandate of repositioning and strengthening the multilateral institution for the greater good of all. Read more
COVID-19: UNFPA donate PPE’s to 36 health facilities in Gombe (Independent)
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has donated Personal Protective Equipment to 36 Primary Health Care facilities in Gombe and Akko Local Government Areas of Gombe State.
Making the presentation at the different facilities through the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN), the clinic officer of (PPFN), Mrs. Bathsheba Kalla said they were mandated to do the distribution of the equipment in 36 facilities in the two LGA’s.
She explained that the distribution of the PPE’s was important and well appreciated at this time of the second wave of the covid-19.
She enumerated the equipment supplied to include a pack each of surgical gloves, examination gloves, eye Gogle for protection of those in the maternities from splashes of blood or other fluids and face mask. Read more
FG begins verification of employees of non-core MDAs (Independent)
The Federal Government has begun the verification of employees of non-core Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in Abuja.
Mrs Anne Atta, the Director, Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF), made this known on Monday in a statement issued by Mr Abdulganiyu Aminu, Director, Press, Office of HOCSF.
According to Atta, the exercise is meant to capture all Human Resource records of non-core employees of the concerned MDAs.
She noted that the exercise was about credibility of the records that would help the government in planning. Read more
Somali leaders at odds on election schedule (VOA)
Members of Somalia’s opposition groups say they will hold a peaceful protest later this week against President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo’s government over delayed elections.
The coalition of Somalia’s opposition presidential candidates announced the protest against the leadership of President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo. The president, who is known by his nickname, Farmajo, has been seeking a second four-year term, but parliament has ruled out an extension.
Farmajo’s term ended last week without a clear plan on presidential and parliamentary elections. His government and state leaders have failed to make headway on the issue.
Speaking during a press briefing in the capital, Mogadishu, the chairman of the opposition presidential candidates, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, said the peaceful demonstration is a result of the government’s failure to conduct elections on a stipulated timetable. Read more
Skaters urged to stay off Europe’s thawing lakes (BBC)
Days of sub-zero temperatures saw not only parts of northern Europe covered in snow but also the freezing of many lakes, ponds and canals.
For many, it has been a welcome escape from coronavirus lockdown restrictions, prompting them to dig out their sledges and skates for some winter fun.
Officials have been urging people to stay at home to avoid crowds and prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Now they are also warning of the dangers of thinning ice. Read more
Israel study touts Pfizer jab’s effectiveness as country fights Covid disinformation (France24)
Israel’s largest healthcare provider said Sunday a study of more than half a million fully vaccinated Israelis indicated the Pfizer/BioNTech jab gave 94 percent protection against Covid-19. But the country is stepping up efforts to combat disinformation as pockets of anti-vax sentiment threaten the jab rollout’s success.
Clalit Health Services said that in a groundbreaking project its researchers tested 600,000 subjects who had received the recommended two doses of the US-German Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine and the same number of people who had not been inoculated.
“There was a 94 percent reduction in the rate of symptomatic infection and a 92 percent decrease in the rate of serious illness compared to 600,000 similar (subjects) who were not vaccinated,” Clalit said in a Hebrew-language statement.
“Vaccine efficacy is maintained in all age groups, including those aged 70+,” it added. Read more
Salma Hayek recalls having a ‘really hard time’ when filming Desperado sex scene (Metro)
Salma Hayek has revealed she had a ‘hard time’ that filming the sex scene in her breakout Hollywood film, Desperado, because she couldn’t stop ‘crying.’ The Mexican-American actress made her mark in the industry thanks to her part alongside Antonio Banderas in the 90s flick, however, one of the most iconic scenes was a real struggle for the actress to film. Opening up about the project in Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast, the 54-year-old star explained the scene had been added into the flick after she’d agreed to play Carolina. The star explained: ‘Oh God, I’m gonna be in trouble – but the love scene was not in the script. It was demanded by the studio when they saw the chemistry test. Read more
Malawi President sacks COVID-19 fund heads over alleged abuse of covid funds (VOA)
In a televised address Sunday, Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera said he was outraged with alleged abuse of $8 million (MK6.2 billion) he allocated in August for tackling the pandemic.
Malawi’s office of the ombudsman said more than half the money was spent on food, travel and accommodations for the members of various taskforces.
Chakwera said he had fired the heads of several entities responsible for managing COVID-19 funds after they failed to account for how the funds were used.
“All cluster heads, with the exception one, submitted reports with no backing documents and had to be told on-site to bring backing documents,” Chakwera said. “Mind you, these are reports of money that was mostly spent last year, whose backing documents ought to have been maintained regularly, and yet cluster heads appeared before my taskforce showing clear signs of negligence.” Read more
South Africa’s Jacob Zuma in ‘contempt of court’, says judge (BBC)
A South African judge says he wants ex-President Jacob Zuma to be given a jail sentence for failing to appear before him to answer corruption allegations.
Mr Zuma, 79, ignored a summons to appear before a commission of inquiry being chaired by Justice Ray Zondo.
The judge said Mr Zuma’s defiance could lead to lawlessness, and he would ask South Africa’s highest court to convict the ex-president of contempt.
Mr Zuma said he believed that Justice Zondo was biased against him. Read more
Independent commission will investigate US Capitol siege (France24)
US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Monday lawmakers will establish an outside, independent commission to review the “facts and causes” related to the deadly Jan. 6 attack on the US Capitol by supporters of then-President Donald Trump.
Pelosi said in a letter to lawmakers that the commission would be modeled on a similar one convened after the Sept. 11, 2001 attack on New York and the Pentagon. Pelosi said the panel will also look at the “facts and causes relating to the preparedness and response of the United States Capitol Police and other federal, state, and local law enforcement.”
She has tasked retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Russel Honoré with assessing security needs of the Capitol in the aftermath of the attack. Based on his interim findings, she said Congress must allocate additional funds “to provide for the safety of members and the security of the Capitol.”
She added: “It is clear from his findings and from the impeachment trial that we must get to the truth of how this happened.” Read more
Nigeria, Ghana to rekindle athletics meet, says IAAF instructor Nesiama (Vanguard)
A former Technical Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama (Rtd) has described his recent appointment as World Athletics instructor to Ghana Athletics, as an opportunity to revive the sporting relationship between Nigeria and Ghana.
Nesiama said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Monday, in response to his appointment and expectations from his assignment in Ghana.
He said the appointment would afford him the opportunity to strategise with Ghana Athletics officials on ways to establish Regional Athletics Meets, where athletes and coaches from the West African region can compete and exchange ideas.
“My appointment by World Athletics shows that we have the material here in Nigeria and that we are doing something right that people could see. Read more
West Ham beat Sheff Utd to go fourth (BBC)
Declan Rice’s well-executed penalty and Issa Diop’s header helped lift West Ham into fourth place as Sheffield United’s Premier League survival hopes suffered a significant setback.
Chris Basham’s lunge on Jesse Lingard helped gift the Hammers, who climb above Liverpool and Chelsea, a sixth win in 10 top-flight matches.
Rice made no mistake from the spot before Diop, who was forced off with a head injury in his previous game, doubled the lead from Aaron Cresswell’s corner.
Substitute Ryan Fredericks added a third deep into stoppage time. Read more
Edouard Mendy still Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper despite being benched against Newcastle United, says Thomas Tuchel (Metro)
Thomas Tuchel has confirmed Edouard Mendy remains Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper despite starting Kepa Arrizabalaga against Newcastle United on Monday night. Kepa has endured a horrid time at Stamford Bridge since he joined Chelsea in 2018 in a deal costing more than £70million. The Spain international lost his place in the team to summer signing Edouard Mendy under Frank Lampard, but has seemingly been offered some sort of a lifeline by new manager Tuchel. Read more
Pochettino ‘excited’ for PSG’s prospects against Barca despite no Neymar (France24)
Paris Saint-Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino said on Monday his side remained “excited” for this week’s Champions League last 16 first leg at Barcelona despite the absence of Neymar.
The world’s most expensive player as well as fellow attacker Angel Di Maria will miss Tuesday’s trip to the Nou Camp with injuries.
“You can see the excitement throughout the club, for PSG it is an obvious goal to win the Champions League and we understand the responsibility,” said Pochettino, who took over from the sacked Thomas Tuchel in January, at his eve-of-match press conference
“It is clear that absences like those of Neymar or Di María are significant, but we have a group of players who are eager to play this game and I am sure that whoever plays tomorrow will fulfill their role,” he added. Read more
Jurgen Klopp responds to rumours he was going to quit Liverpool job after Leicester defeat (Metro)
Jurgen Klopp has rubbished suggestions he was considering quitting the Liverpool job after the club’s defeat to Leicester City on Saturday and insists he is energised about the challenge of arresting their slump. The German coach – who recently lost his mother – looked quite emotional after the Premier League champions suffered a 3-1 defeat at the King Power Stadium and conceded that his side were no longer in this season’s title race. Speculation swirled on social media in the evening after the game that Klopp might leave Liverpool or even take a break, but he has dismissed the rumours and says he is committed to turning the club’s season around. Read more
If someone is racist, they should be punished – Tomori (BBC)
AC Milan’s on-loan Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori has called for more to be done to identify and punish social media users who racially abuse players.
Several players have received abuse online in recent weeks, prompting football authorities to write to Facebook and Twitter demanding action.
“With social media being so accessible to everyone, someone can make a fake account within five minutes and go there to spout racist abuse because someone made a mistake in the game,” Tomori said.”It is too easy for people to do that,” the 23-year-old added. Read more