Lagos man in court for battering live-in lover (Punch)
A 32-year-old man, Hassan Oluwadamilare, was on Friday arraigned before an Ebute Metta Magistrates’ Court, Lagos State, for allegedly assaulting one Zainab Kareem.
Oluwadamilare was arraigned on one count of assault.
The charge read, “That you, Hassan Oluwadamilare, on May 12, 2022, around 9:36pm at 40A, Arikeowuyo Street, Orile, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did assault one Zainab Kareem by beating her with fist blows and inflicting injuries on her right eye.”
The prosecutor, Inspector Ejembi Adelowo, said the offence was punishable under Section 173 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.Read more
Suspects plead not guilty as police arraign 2 over Deborah’s death (Guardian)
Police on Monday arraigned two suspects, Bilyaminu Aliyu and Aminu Hukunci over the lynching of a 200-Level Home Economics student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, on May 12.
A mob lynched the student, Deborah Samuel, over alleged blasphemy.
The suspects, co-students of the deceased, were docked at a Sokoto Chief Magistrate’s Court for their alleged participation in the crime.
They pleaded not guilty to the crime.
Prosecuting Insp Khalil Musa told the court that investigation was in progress as Deborah’s corpse was still in a morgue at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto. Read more
Lagos to deploy technology for enhanced transportation (Independent)
Determined to reform the transport system in the state and in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Agenda, the Ministry of Transportation has unveiled plans to deploy the use of technology for effective movement.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, disclosed this in Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday during a media briefing on the maiden edition of National Transport Technology Conference and Exhibition (NTTCE), scheduled to hold in Lagos between June 7 and 8, 2022.
The two-day event, according to Oladeinde, set to hold at Eko Hotels and Suites, is organised by the Nigeria Transport Commissioners Forum, under the support of the Federal Ministry of Transportation and will feature transport technology and investment opportunities in line with world best practice.
He noted that key decision makers, experts and operators in the road, rail, water and air transport sectors, will be in attendance to discuss the current and emerging trends in the smart transportation infrastructure, as well as fashion out ways of integrating them into the Nigerian transportation space. Read more
Poor Port Devt: NPA to tighten fresh concession agreements (Leadership)
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), over the weekend, said it will tighten its noose against terminal operators operating at the Tin-Can Island and Apapa Port in order to make them take on major responsibilities in port infrastructure development and rehabilitation.
This is as it announced the expiration of concession agreements between the federal government and five terminal operators operating at the nation’s seaport.
Speaking in a chat with newsmen in Lagos, the managing director, NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko, disclosed that the terminal operators whose lease agreement have expired include; ENL Consortium, operator of terminal C and D, at the Lagos ports complex, Apapa; Josepdam Port Service Limited, operator of terminal 1, 1a and 2; Port and Cargo, operator of terminal 6,7,7a, 8 and Five Star Logistics Ltd, operator of terminal 9 and 10 at the Tin-Can Island Port and AMS Terminal, Delta state.
However, the NPA MD said, the federal government will secure commitment from terminal operators whose lease agreements have expired and others on the rehabilitation of the dilapidated and decayed port infrastructure. Read more
Parties in Deeper Life School student molestation case settle out of court (Guardian)
The Deeper Life High School, Uyo, where a junior student, Don-Davis Archibong accused some senior students and teachers of molestation and abuse, has settled out of court with the parties involved.
In a reconciliation meeting organised by the school on Friday 13th May 2022, which is part of the terms of the settlement, Don-Davis’ mother, Deborah Archibong, said she was relieved that all the children involved in the case are alive to witness the occasion.
Archibong recalled that her son, Don-Davis came to Deeper Life High School because of the sound moral standard and discipline the school is known for.
“I am honestly happy because all the children involved are alive and some parents watching us may be crying but I give God the glory,” Mrs Archibong said. “This is what the body of Christ is all about.” Read more
Nigerian, US Universities to get joint degree programs (Vanguard)
No fewer than 30 Vice Chancellors of Nigerian universities were this week among deliberators at the inaugural Higher Education Conference, designed by the US government in a bid to support initiatives that promote access to quality education and strengthen human capital for inclusive economic growth and development in Nigeria.
For the 2-day Landmark event, the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos mobilized key stakeholders to build long-term partnerships between U.S. and Nigerian institutions of higher education.
Apart from vice-chancellors from Nigeria’s federal, state, and private universities, deliberators included five U.S. higher education experts and representatives from the Nigeria Universities Commission, all of whose main goal was to build on the U.S. Mission’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen educational and cultural ties between Nigeria and the United States.
In his opening remarks U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer Stephen Ibelli reiterated the U.S. Mission’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen educational and cultural ties between Nigeria and the United States, while revealing that the overarching goal of the conference was to build on the longstanding U.S.-Nigeria educational ties by opening new frontiers of partnerships capable of enhancing quality of learning, teaching and research, as well as bolstering the global competitiveness of higher educational institutions in Nigeria. Read more
Kukah: Arrest BUK Imam now, HURIWA tells DSS (Punch)
Civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, on Monday, tasked the Department of State Services to arrest the Chief Imam of Bayero University, Kano, Sheikh Abubakar Jibril, for allegedly inciting Muslims against the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan-Kukah.
HURIWA, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said Jibril was captured in a viral video allegedly telling his many Muslim followers to get the home address of Kukah and possibly attack the bishop.
Rioters last Thursday stoned and burnt a 200-level Home Economics student of the Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto, Deborah Yakubu, for alleged blasphemy of Prophet Muhammad.
The police arrested two suspects and protesters had on Saturday demanded their release. The young demonstrators turned violent, vandalised, looted and burnt traders’ shops, churches and residential apartments perceived to be owned by Christians. Read more
Gunmen kidnap lawmaker representing Soludo’s community in Anambra (Channels)
Gunmen have kidnapped the lawmaker representing Aguata 2 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Okechukwu Okoye.
The lawmaker who represents Governor Charles Soludo’s hometown was whisked away by his abductors on Sunday in the Isuofia area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the attack to Channels Television on Monday via a phone conversation.
He said the Anambra State Police Command had launched a manhunt for the kidnappers to rescue the lawmaker. Read more
Group demands referendum of ethnic nationalities (Sun)
A socio-political organisation, under the banner of Yoruba Referendum Committee, has demanded a referendum of the Yoruba Nation to decide the framework for their aspirations and self-actualisation.
It also asked other ethnic nationalities that make up Nigeria to carry out a similar referendum, noting that such will facilitate the “re federalisation of Nigeria.”
In a statement signed by Mr. Femi Odedeyi and Mr. Shenge Rahman, Co-ordinators of the group, they asked the Houses of Assembly in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti States to pass into law, the Bill for a Referendum, which it has presented before the various assembly twice, and noted that a referendum within Yorubaland, as well as other ethnic nationalities will restore Nigeria on the path of greatness.
It said, “The only period of social and economic development experienced in Nigeria was during the Federal and Regional administrations, attested to by the references to the Western Region as “our Golden Era” by the Yoruba, and lately, the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration’s recourse to showcasing its economic achievements via the “Rice Pyramid” – an admission of the developments in the then Northern Region as exemplified by the groundnut pyramids. Read more
Lea Seydoux, George MacKay teaming for sci-fi romance ‘The Beast’ (THR)
Léa Seydoux, the current Queen of Cannes with starring roles in David Cronenberg’s hotly anticipated Crimes of the Future and Mia Hansen-Love’s One Fine Morning, is set to lead upcoming time-skipping sci-fi romance The Beast alongside 1917’s George MacKay.
From writer/director Bertrand Bonello, who directed 2016’s Nocturma and also had a supporting role in last year’s Palme d’Or winner Titane, the film is being launched in the Cannes Film Market, the Marche du Film, with Kinology representing international sales on the project.
Set in the near future where emotions have become a threat, The Beast follows Gabrielle (Seydoux), who finally decides to purify her DNA in a machine that will immerse her in her previous lives and rid her of any strong feelings. But when she meets Louis (MacKay,) she feels a powerful connection, as if she has known him forever, in a story that unfolds over three distinct periods, 1910, 2014 and 2044.
The Beast is being produced by Justin Taurant at the Paris-based Les Films de Belier. Read more
“Pitch Perfect” star confirms title of TV spin-off as filming wraps (DigitalSpy)
Adam Devine has confirmed he’s finished filming on the upcoming Pitch Perfect TV series, which follows the adventures of his character, Bumper Allen.
Pitch Perfect first launched in cinemas back in 2012, with Anna Kendrick leading the cast, and there has since been two sequels. However, in case you didn’t hear, the movie franchise is now heading to the small screen with a spin-off following on from the events of the film trilogy.
Devine recently took to Instagram to share an update on the new series with fans. The actor shared a snap of himself posing with some co-stars and revealed the spin-off will be called Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin.
He captioned the post: “Thassa wrap in Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin!” Read more
Chloë Sevigny celebrates wedding 2 years after marrying Siniša Mačković at N.Y.C. City Hall (People)
Chloë Sevigny and Siniša Mačković have made it official — again!
Two years after first tying the knot, the actress, 47, and her art-gallery-director husband held a bash for family and friends.
In one photo shared to Mačković’s Instagram Story on Sunday, the lovebirds smiled for a selfie. Another showed a sweet homemade “Just Married” sign affixed to the back of a car, while a third featured their adorable 2-year-old son Vanja dressed in his wedding best.
“Just married @chloessevigny,” read a caption alongside a photo on magazine editor Olivier Zahm’s Instagram, showing the blissful couple waving to their guests from the car. Read more
Wynonna Judd says concert tour will go on despite mom Naomi’s death (UPI)
Country music star Wynonna Judd says she will go on with a planned concert tour despite the April 30 suicide of her mother and singing partner, Naomi Judd.
“I’ve made a decision, and I thought I’d share it on national television that, after a lot of thought, I’m gonna have to honor her and do this tour,” Wynonna said Sunday at a Nashville memorial for Naomi that aired on CMT.
“The show must go on, as hard as it may be, and we will show up together, and you will carry me as you’ve carried me for 38 years,” she added. “So we will continue this spectacle. That’s what she would want, right?”
Wynonna also performed the Judds hit, “River of Time,” and sang a duet of “The Rose” with Brandi Carlile. Read more
K-pop band Astro release 3rd full album ‘Drive to the Starry Road’ (National)
South Korean boy band Astro was trending on Twitter on Monday as the six-member group released its much-awaited third full album, Drive to the Starry Road.
K-pop stars MJ, Jinjin, Cha Eun-woo, Moon Bin, Rocky and Yoon San-ha also released the new album’s single Candy Sugar Pop.
A live stream of the full album and new single took place at 7pm Korea Standard Time (2pm UAE time) on Monday, the title track’s music video achieved more than 130,000 views within one hour.
It’s an upbeat dance-pop track that plays on the theme of love in a whimsical fashion, enhanced by an impressive dance performance. The video features plenty of candy-themed details and bright colours. Read more
McDonald’s to leave Russia after more than 30 years due to Ukraine war (ITV)
McDonald’s is set to sell off its Russian business, making it the latest major Western corporation to exit Russia since it invaded Ukraine in February.
The fast food chain – whose Russian business includes 850 restaurants that employ 62,000 people – pointed to the humanitarian crisis caused by the war, saying holding on to its business in Russia “is no longer tenable, nor is it consistent with McDonald’s values.”
The Chicago-based company announced in early March that it was temporarily closing its stores in Russia but would continue to pay employees.
On Monday, it said it would seek to have a Russian buyer hire those workers and pay them until the sale closes. It did not identify a prospective buyer. Read more
Johnny Depp will not return as Jack Sparrow (Guardian)
Johnny Depp will not make a return as Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise.
This news comes at the peak of Depp’s defamation suit against ex Amber Heard.
Confirming Depp’s removal from the franchise, producer Jerry Bruckheimer affirmed that Depp would not be included in the scripts for the new addition to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
Speaking to The Sunday Times, Bruckheimer revealed that they are working on two scripts, one that features actress Margot Robbie and one that doesn’t. Read more.
AFCON 2023: Mauritius win appeal against Sao Tomé, to play Nigeria (Punch)
Mauritius will play Nigeria and other teams in Group A of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification series starting next month.
This is after winning a case it filed against Sao Tomé and Príncipe concerning their 2023 AFCON preliminary qualifying fixture.
The Nigeria Football Federation made this known in a statement by its spokesperson, Ademola Olajire, on Monday.
The statement read, “The Director of Competitions of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Mr Samson Adamu has confirmed to thenff.com that Mauritius won a case it filed against Sao Tomé and Príncipe concerning their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations preliminary qualifying fixture, and will therefore join the combatants in Group A of the qualification series starting next month. Read more
‘Why we withdrew Nigeria from international basketball’ (Guardian)
The Federal Government decided to withdraw the country from international competitions to find time to cleanse the basketball industry and more especially, save the local game from completely crumbling, a senior official of the Ministry of Sports has said.
The ministry on Thursday announced the Federal Government’s approval of Nigeria’s withdrawal from all international engagements for a period of two years with immediate effect.
The decision, it said, would enable the government to concentrate efforts on revamping the sport from the grassroots and reviving the domestic leagues, which have become moribund.
The withdrawal, it added, would also allow for the setting up of an “Interim Management Committee (IMC) to oversee the management and development of the domestic basketball leagues in Nigeria and address other related issues around the development and advancement of the game in Nigeria.” Read more
Arsenal agree deal to make Sao Paulo winger Marquinhos their first summer signing (Standard)
Arsenal have agreed a deal to make Sao Paulo winger Marquinhos their first signing of the summer.
The 19-year-old is set to sign a long-term contract at the club after the Gunners agreed to a fee of around £3million with the Brazilian side.
The youngster, who has been capped by Brazil at Under-16 and Under-17 level, made his debut for Sao Paulo last summer and has since scored four goals in 39 appearances, though the majority of those have come as a substitute.
With former Brazil international Edu in position as technical director, Arsenal have increasingly looked to the South American country in their search for young talent in recent years, signing Gabriel Martinelli directly from Brazilian side Ituano, as well as defender Gabriel Magalhaes from French outfit Lille, with both now senior internationals. Read more
Jurgen Klopp defends Liverpool fans who booed national anthem at Wembley (Independent)
Jurgen Klopp has defended the Liverpool fans who booed the national anthem before his side’s FA Cup final victory on Saturday.
Supporters of the club at Wembley voiced their displeasure on several occasions prior to kick-off, most prominently during the rendition of “God Save the Queen”.
The image of Prince William, president of the Football Association (FA), was also jeered when shown on the big screen.
Describing the “majority” of Liverpool supporters as “wonderful people”, Klopp has expressed his belief that fans are entitled to boo in such a manner, with the German believing that they “wouldn’t do it without reason”. Read more
Islam Makhachev calls for Charles Oliveira, wants to submit him in ‘his area’ (ABC)
UFC lightweight Islam Makhachev wants to face Charles Oliveira for the vacant title in October, and believes he will beat the Brazilian at his own game of submission grappling.
Makhachev (22-1) is expected to fight Oct. 22 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where he is very popular with the region’s Muslim population. The question of whom he will fight is a big one in determining the UFC’s schedule in the second half of 2022. UFC president Dana White has stated he wants Makhachev to fight Beneil Dariush, but Makhachev is also an obvious candidate to face Oliveira (33-8).
“We don’t have a champion,” Makhachev told ESPN. “Charles is a contender. That’s why it’s going to be for the title. I deserve it. I have a 10-fight win streak.”
Oliveira, of Brazil, is widely viewed as the defending champion — even though, officially, he is not. The 32-year-old missed weight by one half-pound ahead of a scheduled defense against Justin Gaethje at UFC 274 on May 7 in Phoenix. Oliveira went on to submit Gaethje in the first round of the fight but was still stripped of the belt for missing weight. He is expected to be one-half of the vacant title fight. Read more
GPDA chief wades in on Hamilton jewellery debate (RN365)
Grand Prix Drivers’ Association Chairman and former F1 racer Alex Wurz says jewellery rules that have left Lewis Hamilton and the FIA at loggerheads are there for “the right reasons”, but admits he would have taken “a different approach” to the issue.
The rule that prevents drivers from wearing certain types of jewellery – as well as flammable underwear – has been in place since 2005, albeit loosely enforced. Only recently have the FIA clamped down, with fines being dished out during a recent Formula E event.
Hamilton has been given a grace period to remove his own jewellery and must arrive at the Monaco Grand Prix weekend free of any piercings or earrings, but has vowed to ignore the deadline.
This has left Hamilton and the FIA at loggerheads, with the topic of jewellery, its dangers and the risk drivers take having now become a major talking point. Read more
Andy Murray withdraws from French Open (TennisWorld)
Former world No. 1 Andy Murray has withdrawn from the French Open. Murray, 35, won’t be making his 12th French Open appearance this year.
Murray made his French Open debut in 2006 and since then has had five deep runs at Roland Garros.
In 2016, Murray reached his first and lone French Open final. Murray won the first set of the 2016 French Open final before falling short in four sets to world No. 1 Novak Djokovic. Murray also reached the French Open semifinal on four other occasions.
Murray was initially planning to skip the entire clay season but then accepted a wildcard into Madrid. Murray clinched two notable wins in Madrid as he defeated Dominic Thiem and Denis Shapovalov, respectively. Read more