Lagos: Kidnappers abduct couple in Ikorodu (Vanguard)
Daredevil kidnappers have abducted a couple in the Alfa area of Igbogbo in the Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State.
It was gathered that the couple were allegedly stopped by gunmen who shot sporadically in the air to scare other road users and residents on Thursday night.
According to a resident, Adisa Tobias who lives in the community, “The community was thrown into panic when gunshots rented the air continuously. When the area became a bit calm, we went to investigate what had happened. We only discovered a child in the vehicle while the parents had been taken away. When we tried to ask the child about its parents, it pointed a hand to the bush, saying “some people took them away”. Read more
Bandits invade Kaduna community over failure to pay levies, kidnap many (Leadership)
Again rampaging bandits have invaded another Kaduna Community, Kidandan in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where yet to be ascertained number of persons were feared killed resulting in residents fleeing in large numbers to neighbouring villages for safety.
The bandits were said to have stormed the community, shooting sporadically because, according to a source, the community failed to pay levies imposed on them to allow them to go to their farms.
Aside from those that were reported to have been killed, it was further gathered that some persons were also abducted during the attack. Read more
Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe opens up about embracing Islam (Guardian)
Popular Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe, now known as Hajia Meenah Mercy Adeoti, has revealed the inspiration behind her recent conversion to Islam. In a candid interview on the “Your View” talk show, the actress shared her deep love for her husband, Kazim Adeoti, and how it paved the way for her religious journey.
“I love my husband very much,” Aigbe explained. “I am very emotional and I love love. I am a 45-year-old woman who takes responsibility for my actions and decisions, so my family didn’t have much to say. When it comes to religion, I am open-minded, and my love for my husband made this transition easier.”
Aigbe further emphasised that the decision to embrace Islam was a personal and positive experience. “It’s exciting for me because I am learning the religion and everything,” she said. “At the end of the day, we all serve one God.” Read more
105 students benefit as old students association donates furniture to Lagos school (Leadership)
In a generous gesture, the former students of Ayedere Ajibola High School, 1992 set, came together to commission and hand over 35 chairs and 35 tables to the school authorities.
The donation, according to Mrs Oluwakemi Ojutawo, the Vice President of the Alumni, aims to improve the educational infrastructure and create a conducive learning environment for current students, with no fewer than 105 students benefiting from the project.
The event, which was graced by Mrs Ojutawo as as well as other members of the 1992 set, which include Pastor Oni Sunday Abayomi, Mrs. Taiwo Badmus, Mrs. Lasisi Alli Sherifah and Mr. Alade, the Senior Secondary School Principal, showcased the commitment of the school’s alumni in giving back to their alma mater. Read more
Jatau regains freedom after 18 months in detention (Punch)
After 18 months in prison, Rhoda Jatau, a Bauchi woman who condemned the alleged killing of Samuel Deborah in Sokoto State, has regained her freedom, The PUNCH learnt.
A reliable source who spoke on condition of anonymity told our correspondent that Jatau was released on bail on Friday following interventions by the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council and the Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria.
The PUNCH reports that Jatau, a mother of five, had been detained since May 2022 on the grounds of blasphemy, for sharing a video condemning the lynching of a student, Deborah. Read more
Kano Guber: NNPP dismisses plot to occupy Supreme Court, foreign missions (Tribune)
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has dismissed the purported plot by the party and Kwankwasiya Movement to occupy the Supreme Court and foreign missions in Nigeria as a figment of the imagination of the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations for Democracy and its sponsors, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
A statement signed by NNPP’s acting national chairman, Abba Kawu Ali, and made available to the Nigerian Tribune on Friday night in Abuja, described the purported occupation as laughable and shows the desperation with which the APC in Kano will go to seize power at all costs. Read more
3 dead, 11 injured as mining pit collapses in Zamfara (Channels)
No fewer than three artisanal miners have died while 11 others were injured when a mining pit collapsed in Dan Kamfani, Anka Local Government of Zamfara State.
According to an eyewitness who also works around the area, the incident happened on Thursday around 4 pm.
The eyewitness who pleaded anonymity because of security reasons told Channels Television on Saturday that three artisanal miners were confirmed dead while 11 others were critically injured. Read more
Nobody can stop cybercrime, says expert (Punch)
The Chief Operating Officer of the Fintech Association of Nigeria, Babatunde Obrimah, disclosed on Saturday that the Federal Government cannot stop cybercrime in Nigeria until the nation’s value system is addressed with sincerity.
He stated this in an interview with The PUNCH on the sidelines of the 2023 Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria annual dinner and award night, held at the Thikadol Event Centre and Hotels, on Ring Road in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Obrimah said, “Cybercrime is not peculiar to Nigeria. It is a global problem. But it has to do with our value system. To get rich quick syndrome. The young people see it in the leaders, and they also took that decision to get money because we celebrate money without looking at the source of the money. Read more
South African woman jailed for 50 years for $28m theft (AfricaNews)
The sentence was delivered on Friday by Magistrate Phillip Venter, who expressed astonishment at the unprecedented scale of the theft.
Steenkamp, who had previously pleaded guilty to 336 counts of fraud, claimed her late abusive husband coerced her into the embezzlement. However, Magistrate Venter dismissed this defense, asserting that she acted alone in perpetrating the extensive financial fraud.
Forensic investigators uncovered that Steenkamp utilized the stolen funds to finance a lavish lifestyle, including extravagant gambling ventures, high-end jewelry acquisitions, and frequent international travel. Read more
Barbie’s Greta Gerwig addresses possible Ken spin-off (DigitalSpy)
Barbie director Greta Gerwig has addressed the possibility of a Ken-centric spinoff to the 2023 film.
Based on the iconic Mattel toy, Barbie starred Margot Robbie as the titular plastic, fantastic doll alongside an all-star cast that included Ncuti Gatwa, Dua Lipa and, of course, Ryan Gosling as Ken.
The film was a big hit and Gerwig has coyly reacted to the idea of turning the film into a franchise with a spinoff centred on Ken Read more
Woman sent home to spend final days with her family before simple thing saved her life (Mirror)
A woman was told by doctors nothing else could be done after she was diagnosed with an incurable form of lung cancer and she was sent home to spend her final days with her family – before a simple biopsy handed her a lifeline.
Becca Smith, 31, had been suffering from excruciating pain in her back but she initially thought it was due to an injury. Then in 2020, the woman, from Chester, saw her life change suddenly when she was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer – the most common type of lung cancer.
She said her “world collapsed” when doctors told her the cancer had spread around her body and nothing more could be done. As her condition deteriorated, Becca’s family were at her bedside to say their goodbyes but then her mum received the results of a biopsy that “would change everything”. Read more
Michael Zaiko Hall says Kevin Spacey “deserves” comeback (FarOut)
The director of the first Kevin Spacey movie released in the United States since his trial came to a conclusion has said that the actor deserves a comeback. Michael Zaiko Hall has cast the House of Cards actor in “Peter Five Eight”.
In fact, Hall had hired Spacey before his trial of sexual abuse and misconduct had even begun. “There was no hesitation to cast him,” Hall told The Messenger. “The thinking was that he’s simply the best for the role in the whole world. No one can do it better.”
“In terms of accusations, I felt that was the domain of the criminal justice system,” the director added. “I don’t think it’s on filmmakers to read innuendo online and act as judge and jury. My responsibility is with the film, casting the best guy. The courts are where accusations are put under scrutiny, and Kevin has won his trials.” Read more
Malachi Cush joins forces with Omagh youth choir for new single (BelfastTelegraph)
Embracing the spirit of Christmas, Tyrone singer-songwriter Malachi Cush has unveiled a heartwarming new single recorded in collaboration with the Omagh Community Youth Choir.
Penned with inspiration drawn from the timeless themes of hope and love that grace the Christmas story, Malachi envisioned that Sleep Oh Infant Child would touch hearts and invited the choir to lend their voices to enrich the chorus.
Speaking about his inspiration for the single, he said: “At this magical time of year, our thoughts naturally turn to the birth of Christ and the radiant star over Bethlehem, so I wanted to create a song that families could connect with, something truly special for the festive season. Read more
Rick Ross’ Diddy “rape” lyric resurfaces following sexual assault allegations (HipHopDX)
A Rick Ross lyric from 2009 that many assumed to be about Diddy‘s business history has resurfaced recently, with many wondering if there was more to it than meets the eye.
The line appears on the Bawse’s track “Magnificent,” a John Legend collaboration that is about Ross’ business success with lines like “I made a transition from the thieves/ To the biggest executive Def Jam’s ever seen“).
At the very end of the song, Ross raps, “The game never change, money still a focal/ But it’s time to rape the game, like Puffy did Total“). Read more
Philippines accuses China of targeting fishing boats in South China Sea (AlJazeera)
The Philippines has accused the Chinese coastguard of using water cannon to “obstruct” three government boats that were conducting their regular resupply mission near a reef off its coast in the South China Sea.
The incident on Saturday took place near the Scarborough Shoal, which is claimed by both countries, and which Beijing seized from Manila in 2012 after a months-long standoff. The islands lie about 220km (137 miles) off the coast of the Philippines and fall within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), according to international maritime law.
Videos released by the Philippine coast guard showed Chinese coastguard ships hitting the vessels with powerful blasts of water. Read more
Nwakali tips Osimhen to win 2023 CAF Player of the Year award (Leadership)
Kelechi Nwakali has backed Super Eagles and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen to win the 2023 CAF Player of the Year award.
On Friday, CAF unveiled the final three shortlist for the award with Osimhen, Mohamed Salah and Achraf Hakimi making the cut.
Osimhen is hoping to become the first Nigerian since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999 to win the award. Read more
Salah scores 200th Liverpool goal as Reds go top (BBC)
Mohamed Salah scored his 200th Liverpool goal as Jurgen Klopp’s side produced a late comeback against 10-man Crystal Palace to move top of the Premier League and increase the pressure on former boss Roy Hodgson.
Salah became only the fifth player to reach that landmark for the club, joining Ian Rush, Roger Hunt, Gordon Hodgson and Billy Liddell, when he ignited the fightback with a 76th-minute equaliser.
It was Harvey Elliott who delivered the decisive moment inside the first of 10 minutes of added time, producing a stunning strike from the edge of the penalty area to lift Liverpool above Arsenal. Read more
Ten Hag says door still open to Sancho at Man Utd (France24)
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said Jadon Sancho “knows what he has to do” if the winger is to salvage his career under the Dutchman at Old Trafford.
Sancho, who cost United £73 million ($92 million) when he moved from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, has been in exile since he was cast aside by Ten Hag in September.
The England international was told to train on his own after posting on social media that he had been made a “scapegoat” by his manager. Read more
Proposed Billy Foley stake in Hibs to be discussed with Scottish FA (BBC)
Hibernian will meet with the Scottish FA at Hampden on Thursday to discuss billionaire Bill Foley’s potential investment in the club.
Hibs chief executive Ben Kensell and director Ian Gordon will meet with the governing body’s board at Hampden.
Foley, 78, has a controlling interest in Premier League club Bournemouth and a stake in French club Lorient. Read more
Jai Opetaia faces being stripped of IBF title ahead of planned fight versus Ellis Zorro (BoxingScene)
Jai Opetaia is now stuck with the decision to keep his title or proceed with his scheduled fight.
BoxingScene.com has confirmed that the reigning cruiserweight champion was never granted permission by the IBF to proceed with a voluntary title defense versus England’s Ellis Zorro. The fight is currently scheduled to be a part of the December 23 blockbuster event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
However, the sanctioning body has now made it clear that he will be stripped of the title if he proceeds with the fight. Opetaia was previously ordered to honor a mandatory title defense versus Latvia’s Mairis Briedis, whom he defeated last July 2 to claim the crown. Read more
Phil Mickelson breaks Jon Rahm silence after telling Masters champ not to join LIV Golf (Mirror)
Phil Mickelson has welcomed Jon Rahm to LIV Golf despite having previously told the Masters champion that he had ‘no reason’ to join the Saudi-backed series.
Rahm became the latest big-name player to join the LIV Golf setup, after signing a record-breaking deal worth a reported £450 million earlier this week. In doing so he follows in the footsteps of a number of fellow greats, including Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Mickelson.
On the back of his Saudi switch on Thursday, Rahm has received a number of well-wishes from his new LIV colleagues, and good friend Mickelson has become the latest after taking to X. Read more