Lagos received 7,500 petitions against land grabbers – DPP (Punch)
The Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins, disclosed this at a stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday with the theme ‘Safeguarding Possessory Rights in Lands: The Role of Lagos State Special Task Force on Land Grabbers’.
Martins, who was the guest speaker at the event, said, “The task force has received 7,500 petitions out of which 1,251 are frivolous, 4,283 disputes have been resolved, 205 land grabbers have been arrested, 60 cases are being prosecuted in various courts while 1,566 petitions are currently pending before the task force.”
The DPP stressed that the work of the task force against land grabbing was far from over. Read more
NLC suspends protest, extends ultimatum to FG (Channels)
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on Tuesday night, suspended its two-day protest all over the country.
The Labour, in a communique at the end of its National Executive Council meeting, said the objectives of the protest were achieved on the first day of the demonstration.
“Consequently, NEC-in-session resolved as follows: to suspend street action for the second day of the Protest having achieved overwhelming success thus attaining the key objectives of the 2-day protest on the first day,” the communique partly read.
Nigeria is battling rising inflation, food inflation, forex crisis, economic hardship and high cost of living occasioned by the removal of petrol subsidy, attracting protests in parts of the country. Read more
Senate proposes 6-year single term for CBN Governor (DailyTrust)
The Senate on Tuesday passed for second reading a bill seeking to amend the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act to provide for a single non-renewal term of six years for the governor and the deputy governors of the apex bank.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru (APC, Lagos) and all the 41 others, seeks to amend Section 8 (2) of the CBN Act.
The section currently grants the governor and deputy governor of the CBN tenure of five years and they are eligible for re-appointment for another term not exceeding five years. Read more
Nigerian Army inaugurates general court marshal to try erring personnel (Tribune)
The 3rd Division Nigerian Army headquarters has inaugurated a General Court Martial at Rhino Officers Mess, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, Plateau State, to try officers and soldiers who have been indicted for their involvement in various misconducts.
Speaking at the inauguration, the President of the General Court Martial, Brigadier General Liafis Bello mni, emphasised the importance of discipline, regimentation, and professionalism within the Nigerian Army. He added that convening a court at the appropriate time underscores the need to ensure compliance with the Military Justice system.
Brigadier General Bello, while reading the convening order of the court, noted that all proceedings of the court would be guided by the principles of natural justice, equity, and fairness. He urged the ministers in the temple of justice to remain committed to the goal of unhindered justice and fairness for all. Read more
10 feared dead as Soludo visits Onitsha market building collapse scene (Vanguard)
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, yesterday, visited the scene of Ochanja market building site in the commercial city of Onitsha, where an uncompleted three-storey building collapsed on Monday night and killed about 10 persons.
While at the scene, the governor promised that he would ensure that the victims of the collapsed building receive justice.
The three-storey building still under construction, which was meant to serve as a plaza at Ochanja market on completion, collapsed at 8p.m., on Monday while some of the workers and traders were still at work inside the building, were trapped in the rubbles. Read more
Rotary Club of Lagos honours contributors to peace, conflict resolution (ThisDay)
The Rotary Club of Lagos has awarded individuals whose unwavering commitment to peace and conflict resolution has made a significant impact in the Lagos community.
In a gesture to mark the global observance of World Peace and Understanding Day, the club said it came to honour individuals whose unwavering commitment to peace has made a significant impact in our community.
The event was led by esteemed Rotarian Toki Mabogunje, who was the chairperson of the event. The Rotarian presented the annual Rotary Club of Lagos Peace Prizes Awards to the recipients.
NDLEA intercepts largest heroin consignment at Lagos airport (Punch)
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has intercepted what it described as the single largest heroin consignment at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos State.
The agency also arrested members of an organised criminal organisation which specialises in trafficking heroin across Nigeria, South Africa, Mozambique, Europe and America in an operation leading to the seizure of the consignment which weighed 51.90Kg on February 12, 2024.
The Chairman of the NDLEA, Buba Marwa, disclosed this while briefing journalists on Tuesday in Lagos. Read more
Senate confirms Bakari as NFIU Director (Channels)
The Senate on Tuesday confirmed the nomination of Ms. Hafsat Bakari as the Director, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
The confirmation comes after the consideration of the report of the Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes by Senator Emmanuel, Udende Memga (Benue North East).
President Bola Tinubu approved the appointment of Ms. Bakari to serve as the Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NFIU last week, pending her confirmation by the Senate. Read more
Melissa McCarthy jokes “I’ll never wash my face again’’ after Billie Eilish signed her forehead (People)
Melissa McCarthy is putting her skincare routine on pause.
In an Instagram post on Saturday, the actress, 53, jokingly addressed the memorable moment during Saturday’s SAG Awards, when Billie Eilish grabbed a Sharpie and signed her forehead.
Sharing a picture of their onstage interaction, McCarthy wrote, “I got to check an item off my bucket list last night and I’ll never wash my face again!!” Read more
Adele postpones 10 shows of her Las Vegas Residency due to illness (ET)
Adele broke some tough news to fans on Tuesday when she revealed that, due to illness, she’s having to postpone all of her forthcoming March dates on her Weekends With Adele Las Vegas residency show.
The “Easy On Me” songstress took to Instagram to announce the unfortunate development, and explained, “Sadly I have to take a beat and pause my Vegas residency.”
“I was sick at the end of the last leg and all the way through my break,” Adele wrote in a statement post. “I hadn’t quite gotten the chance to get back to full health before shows resumed and now I’m sick again, and unfortunately it’s all taken a toll on my voice.” Read more
McCanna Anthony Sinise, musician and son of Gary Sinise, dies at 33 (Variety)
McCanna Anthony “Mac” Sinise, a multi-instrumental musician and the son of actor Gary Sinise, died of a rare cancer called chordoma on Jan. 5. He was 33.
Gary Sinise confirmed his son’s passing in a tribute posted to his foundation’s website, in which he detailed his years-long battle with the disease as well as his unfaltering commitment to making music, which included recording his album “Resurrection and Revival” in the final months of his life.
Gary Sinise wrote, “The week the album went to press, Mac lost his battle with cancer. He died on January 5, 2024 at 3:25pm, and was laid to rest on January 23rd. Like any family experiencing such a loss, we are heartbroken and have been managing as best we can. As parents, it is so difficult losing a child. My heart goes out to all who have suffered a similar loss, and to anyone who has lost a loved one. We’ve all experienced it in some way.” Read more
Ariana Grande’s album “Eternal Sunshine” to feature a song with her grandma (BelfastTelegraph)
Ariana Grande’s forthcoming album, “Eternal Sunshine”, will include a song featuring her “nonna”.
The US pop star, who is starring as Glinda in the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked, will release her new LP on March 8.
On Tuesday, the 30-year-old actress and singer unveiled the record’s full tracklist, which includes 13 songs.
Among the newly announced tracks is a single called Ordinary Things (Feat Nonna) which is the Italian word for grandmother. Read more
Eugene Levy cast in Only Murders in the Building season four (FilmNews)
Eugene Levy will join the cast of Only Murders in the Building season four.
It’s been confirmed the Schitt’s Creek star will have a regular role in the acclaimed TV show, along with other new cast members, Eva Longoria and Molly Shannon.
It’s not known yet who Eugene will play, but it is known that some of the plot line will take place in Los Angeles alongside the now infamous Arcadia building in New York. Read more
Putin’s vengeance against lawyer who recovered Alexei Navalny’s body (Metro)
Vladimir Putin is now waging a war on the allies of his greatest enemy Alexei Navalny, starting with his lawyer.
Vasily Dubkov accompanied the mum of the late opposition leader to the prison colony in Siberia where her son’s body was kept.
For eight days, he lobbied for the release until authorities finally handed him over on Saturday. Read more
Thousands of artists call for Israel’s exclusion from Venice Biennale (AlJazeera)
Thousands of artists, curators and museum directors have called for Israel to be excluded from this year’s Venice Biennale art fair and accused the exhibition of “platforming a genocidal apartheid state”.
Israel has been facing mounting international criticism, including in the art world, over its military offensive in the besieged Gaza Strip that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians since October 7.
The Art Not Genocide Alliance (ANGA) said the Biennale – a major international art exhibition – had two years ago banned anyone linked to the Russian government following the invasion of Ukraine, but not taken action against Israel as it continues its war on Gaza. Read more
Katsina United host Pillars in north-west derby (DailyTrust)
The age-long rivalry between neighbours, Katsina United and Kano Pillars will be rekindled as the north-west giants clash today in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) midweek 22 fixture at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina.
When the two gladiators clashed in the first round, the host Pillars ran away with a slim 1-0 victory after Mustafa Ibrahim scored the lone goal in the 27th minute.
Therefore, today’s encounter is a big opportunity for Katsina United who have been on ascendency under new gaffer, Abubakar Bala, to avenge that first round loss. Read more
Maduka Okoye: Udinese GK reveals ‘hard’ feeling watching Nigeria’s AFCON 2023 adventure from home (Soccernet)
The former Sparta Rotterdam goalie was the Super Eagles’ number-one gloveman at the 2021 edition of the continental championships
Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has revealed he would have loved to be a part of Nigeria’s campaign at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, Soccernet.ng reports.
Okoye was in goal for three of Nigeria’s four games at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, where the Super Eagles won all their three group matches to finish ahead of Egypt as leaders. Read more
Manchester City suffer Jack Grealish injury blow in Luton Town victory (SportsMole)
Manchester City attacker Jack Grealish was forced off in Tuesday’s 6-2 FA Cup victory over Luton Town.
Pep Guardiola’s side enjoyed a successful outing at Kenilworth Road to book their place in Wednesday’s quarter-final draw.
Erling Haaland netted five goals in the dominant victory, with Kevin De Bruyne providing assists for each of the Norwegian’s first four efforts. Read more
Mauricio Pochettino admits fighting back tears as Todd Boehly’s text speaks volumes (Mirror)
Mauricio Pochettino insists he has the full support of Chelsea’s owners.
Under-pressure Pochettino has also insisted it will take time to turn Chelsea ’s fortunes around as he denied his future will be judged on whether they get into Europe next season. Chelsea boss Pochettino revealed he was close to tears when he climbed the steps at Wembley after losing the Carabao Cup on Sunday and was comforted by joint owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali.
Boehly sent Pochettino a supportive text message later that night while the Argentinian coach met with Eghbali in central London in the evening for dinner. Pochettino knows the pressure is mounting after they lost a glorious chance to win silverware and to get a passport into Europe and defeat to Leeds in the FA Cup would effectively end their season and could leave his job under major threat. Read more
Andy Murray suggests change he made to copy Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer is behind his struggles (Tennis365)
Andy Murray has revealed he made a significant change to his equipment ahead of the 2024 season to copy Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer and suggested this could explain his poor form.
The three-time Grand Slam champion divulged that he has swapped the racket stringing set-up he had used for his entire professional career to mirror that of Djokovic and Federer.
Murray lost his first four matches of 2024 in a brutal start to the season, but he has found some form at tournaments in Doha and Dubai in the past two weeks. Read more
Australian captain Pat Cummins confirms unchanged team for first Test against New Zealand (Fox)
Australian captain Pat Cummins has named an unchanged starting XI for this week’s first Test against New Zealand in Wellington, which gets underway on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters at the Basin Reserve on Wednesday, Cummins confirmed there would be “no surprises” in the starting XI, with Australia picking the same team that lost to the West Indies in Brisbane last month.
“It’s always nice to have a full contingent to pick from,” Cummins said. Read more