Lagos youth kills girlfriend, sleeps with corpse six days (Punch)
A man, Ifeanyi Njoku, has been arrested for allegedly killing his girlfriend, Precious Okeke, 24, in an estate at Badore, in the Ajah area of Lagos State.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the live-in lovers stayed on Oke Street, where Njoku allegedly killed his girlfriend for ritual purposes.
Our correspondent learnt that a native doctor, who was assisting the suspect, instructed him to have sex with Okeke’s corpse.
Njoku was said to have engaged in the illicit act with the corpse for six days, as the stench emanating from his apartment prompted his neighbours to inform the management of the estate. Read more
NURTW: We’ve alerted Lagos CP on imminent danger — Tricycle association (Vanguard)
Lagos State Chairman, Tricycle Owners and Operators Association of Nigeria (TOOAN), Alhaji Azeez Abiola, popularly known as Istijabah on Monday, said he has alerted security operatives, particularly Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Alabi of imminent danger in the state.
Speaking with Vanguard in a telephone conversation, he said the body language of some people suggests plans to launch an attack in some parts of Lagos.
According to him, his administration is not in support of the destruction of lives and property, the reason he has alerted the Police Commissioner, Area Commands and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in the state.
He said, ” I don’t want anarchy in the state and have alerted the CP, various Area Commands and DPOs so that they can be on alert. Destruction of lives and property should not be allowed. Read more
Police arraign woman for threatening Lagos pastor, family members (Punch)
A 25-year-old woman, Chidinma Umeh, on Monday, appeared before an Ogudu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State, charged with threatening the lives of one Pastor L.O Oshiyemi and his family members.
The defendant, who is standing trial on a two-count of threat to life and willful damage, however, rebutted commission of the offences.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Donjour Perezi told the court that the defendant committed the offences on March 22 at 5:00 p.m., at No. 16, Ogundare Awise Street, Ifako, Gbagada in Lagos.
Perezi said that the defendant threatened Oshiyemi and his family with extreme violence by invading his abode, and throwing stones and beer bottles into his premises. Read more
Christian youths write IGP, demand probe, justice for Osinachi (Guardian)
We are still interrogating gospel singer’s husband over culpable homicide, says FCT Command
Following death of gospel artist, Osinachi Nwachukwu, a coalition of Christian youths under the aegis of Christian Association of Nigeria (Youth Wing), yesterday, called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba Alkali to commence investigation into the matter.
The organisation said the probe became expedient because information at its disposal from reliable source including friends and close family members have it that Nwachukwu died as a result of domestic violence in the hands of her husband, Peter Nwachukwu.
National chairman of YOWICAN, Belusochukwu Enwere, made the demand in a letter to the IGP obtained by journalists in Abuja yesterday. Read more
Fake army general remanded over N266m fraud (Punch)
Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting at Ikeja on Monday remanded a suspected imposter, Abiodun Bolarinwa, in the Ikoyi Custodial Centre over fraud.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in January 2022 arrested the defendant, who claimed to be a military general to access a N270m loan from a transportation company, Kodef Clearing Resources.
PUNCH Metro gathered that Bolarinwa allegedly told the company that President Muhammdu Buhari shortlisted him for appointment as the Chief of Army Staff and he needed a quick grant to process the appointment.
It was alleged that he forged a letter of appointment bearing the signature of the president. Read more
Many injured as NURTW members clash in Lagos (Guardian)
Commercial activities and vehicular movements were yesterday, grounded for several hours following violent clashes among hoodlums in Agege and Fagba areas of Lagos State.
The Guardian gathered that the hoodlums also known as agberos began shooting at rival groups at about 11:00 am causing panic and looting of businesses.
According to eyewitnesses, many were allegedly injured during the clash.The witness said it was a clash of supremacy between loyalists of the sacked state chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Musiliu Akinsanya, also known as MC Oluomo and members of NURTW.
A resident in the area, Zainab Muhammad in a tweet said: “Agberos are shooting at Fagba area. Everywhere is scattered and people are injured. Please avoid this route.” Read more
2023: I’ve no son old enough to declare for president –Tinubu (Sun)
National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has dismissed the declaration of his hitherto political godson and Vice President, Prof Yemi Osibanjo, to contest the 2023 presidential election, stressing that he does not have any son old enough to make such a declaration.
He spoke after a consultative meeting with the APC Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) in Abuja, yesterday, few hours after Osinbajo joined the presidential race. It is widely believed that Tinubu nominated Osinbajo as President Muhammadu Buhari’s running mate in 2015 as part of the political trade-offs that led to the birth of APC.
The governors who met with Tinubu were Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna; Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state; Simon Lalong of Plateau; Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano; Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi; Mai Mala Buni of Yobe; Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos; Hope Uzodimma of Imo; Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa; Muhammad Badaru of Jigawa, and Gboyega Oyetola of Osun. Read more
2023 Presidency: 35 contenders, pretenders jostle for Buhari’s job (Vanguard)
WITH the declaration of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to vie for the presidency, 35 aspirants have officially joined the race to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.
Amon the aspirants are 29 men and six women including 102-year old Madam Nonye Josephine Ezeanyaeche, also known as ‘living legend’ or “Mama Africa.’ Ezeanyaeche is from Aguata, Anambra State, and is the founder of the ‘Voice for Senior Citizens of Nigeria.’
No fewer than 18 of the aspirants are from the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP while 12 are from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
The African Democratic Congress, ADC (two); All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA; Social Democratic Party, SDP; and the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, also have aspirants.
The five other women eyeing the country’s topmost job are Khadijah Okunnu-Lamidi (SDP); Ibinabo Joy Dokubo (APC); Patience Key (PRP); Olivia Diana Teriela, who is running on the platform of the PDP; and Angela Johnson (APGA). Read more
Plateau Attack: ‘Over 50’ Corpses Recovered, 100 Houses Torched (DailyTrust)
Over 50 dead bodies have been recovered in villages of Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State, according to residents.
Daily Trust had reported how bandits invaded the villages on Sunday.
The gunmen raided Kukawa, Gyanbahu, Dungur and Keram villages, where scores of people were killed and over 100 houses ablaze, according to witnesses.
Commenting on the attack, Spokesperson of the State Police Command, ASP Ubah Gabriel, said, “The Command is aware of the attack; policemen have been drafted to the area.
“I am yet to get detailed information about the number of those killed and houses burnt. I will update the press as soon as I get it.”
However, Adam Musa, a resident of Kukawa, one of the affected villages, told Daily Trust that 24 corpses were recovered in Kukawa, 15 in Gyanbahu, 8 in Dungur and 4 in Keram villages. Read more
Nicolas Cage, 58, loved-up with pregnant wife Riko Shibata, 27, at Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent premiere (Metro)
Veteran actor Nicolas Cage stepped out at the premiere for his forthcoming movie The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent while joined by his pregnant wife, Riko Shibata.
Oscar-winning Nicolas, 58, attended the event at the Regal Essex Crossing in New York City at the weekend, wearing an eye-catching black velvet suit, a button-down, and some loafers.
Meanwhile, his 27-year-old pregnant wife, who he wed at the Wynn Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas in 2021, looked stunning in a kimono-inspired dress, adorned with purple flowers and stripes.
Riko, whose baby bump was cleverly disguised under her gorgeous outfit, also carried a silk handbag, while she wore some traditional Japanese-style shoes over white socks. Read more
Julian Lennon performs “Imagine” for first time to benefit Ukraine (HuffPost)
John Lennon’s first-born son Julian performed his dad’s famous song “Imagine” for the first time publicly to benefit war-torn Ukraine and its people.
He sang the song on Saturday as part of the Global Citizen’s social media rally, Stand Up For Ukraine.
Julian Lennon, 59, had vowed never to perform his dad’s song, which imagines an ideal world of peace and love, free of hunger and pain, created through human intention.
But the “unimaginable tragedy” in Ukraine moved him to respond in the “most significant way I could,” he wrote on YouTube. “So today, for the first time ever, I publicly performed my Dad’s song, Imagine,” he added.
“I had always said that the only time I would ever consider singing Imagine would be if it was the ‘End of the World’ … Because within this song, we’re transported to a space, where love and togetherness become our reality, if but for a moment in time,” Julian explained. “The song reflects the light at the end of the tunnel that we are all hoping for.”
Julian called on the world to support Ukraine — and all refugees.
“As a result of the ongoing murderous violence, millions of innocent families, have been forced to leave the comfort of their homes, to seek asylum elsewhere,” he wrote. Read more
Cary Elwes has joined the cast of “Rebel Moon” (FilmNews)
Cary Elwes has joined the cast of ‘Rebel Moon’.
The 59-year-old actor has boarded the Netflix movie with Corey Stoll, Michiel Huisman and Alfonso Herrera.
The quartet will feature alongside Sofia Boutella, Charlie Hunnam, Djimon Hounsou, Doona Bae, Ray Fisher, Rupert Friend and Stuart Martin.
The sci-fi project is set in a peaceful colony on the edge of the galaxy that finds itself threatened by the armies of the tyrannical Regent Balisarius. A young woman (Boutella) is dispatched to seek out warriors from neighbouring planets to help them make a stand.
Zack Snyder is directing the film from a script he wrote with Shay Hatten and Kurt Johnstad. He is also producing along with his wife Deborah Snyder and Wesley Coller for The Stone Quarry.
Cary starred in the classic 1987 movie ‘The Princess Bride’ but recently spoke out against plans to remake the film as he feels it should be left in the past. Read more
“Stranger Things” creators call season 4 their “Game of Thrones season” (Independent)
The creators of Stranger Things are calling the forthcoming new series their “Game of Thrones season”.
Production for season four began in early 2020, following an announcement from Netflix that its creators, brothers Matt and Ross Duffer, had signed onto a new multi-year TV and film deal with the streaming giant.
Season three ended with the Byers family leaving Hawkins and hints at a plot in Russia for Hopper, creating an expansive storyline with characters scattered across the globe.
Season three also attracted a record-breaking 40.7 million households streaming the show on Netflix in the first four days of its release.
Speaking to Deadline, Matt Duffer said this week: “We jokingly call it our Game of Thrones season because it’s so spread out.”
He also confirmed that series four will be released in two volumes on 27 May and 1 July 2022, marking the longest season yet, with nine episodes all over an hour long. Read more
Joel Grey says he has no regrets as he turns 90
(People)
Broadway legend Joel Grey is 90 years young.
The Oscar and Tony Award-winning Cabaret star tells PEOPLE that he is celebrating his birthday on Monday “with good friends.”
But even as he enters his tenth decade, Grey is still a busy actor, recently making a cameo in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tick, Tick… Boom! and wrapping his work on the upcoming FX thriller The Old Man, starring Jeff Bridges.
When asked if he ever imagined becoming such a prolific actor as a young boy growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, he tells PEOPLE, “No! I didn’t. I’ve never thought about it, actually, and I never thought [about] this number that I’d be associated with: 9-0.” Read more
Whoopi Goldberg delights Edinburgh restaurant with visit ahead of Amazon Prime show filming (DailyRecord)
Whoopi Goldberg has arrived in Edinburgh ahead of filming for a new Amazon Prime show.
The Sister Act star turned up to the Cafe Royal on West Register Street over the weekend as surprised diners looked on.
And the Ghost star was happy to pose up for a picture with staff after deciding to get a bite there on Sunday.
The 66-year-old was all smiles as she met with staff and the restaurant later revealed: “The lovely Whoopi Goldberg paid us a visit today!” Read more
Dubai Opera to host 25 concerts as part of InClassica International Music Festival (National)
Dubai Opera will be hosting a month-long series of classical music concerts next month.
The Dubai Downtown venue will welcome the InClassica International Music Festival, including 25 concerts from May 8 to June 2.
The series will feature an eclectic array of performances, featuring 50 renowned soloists, three leading orchestras and 11 celebrated conductors.
One highlight on the schedule includes a performance by Grammy Award-winning violinist Gil Shaham, from America, performing alongside the Berlin Symphony Orchestra on May 25. Read more
Okocha set to battle Seedorf as Heineken Champions League tour begins (Guardian)
After several weeks of preparation, all is now set for the UEFA Champions League trophy tour of Nigeria sponsored by Heineken.
With Dutch football legend, Clarence Seedorf, headlining this year’s trophy tour, the action-packed and fun-filled activities slated for the two cities of Lagos and Abuja were, yesterday, unveiled by Heineken.
The prestigious UEFA Champions League trophy, regarded as one of the most coveted sports silverware arrived yesterday in company of iconic football star, Seedorf and his entourage.
According to the itinerary, the activities will begin today with Seedorf’s visit, first to the SuperSport studio and then to Nigerian Breweries Plc headquarters. Read more
PSG’s Ramos wants five more years at the top (Punch)
Paris Saint-Germain’s veteran Spanish defender Sergio Ramos would like to play four or five more years of top-level football before retiring, according to an interview he gave to Prime Video.
The 36-year-old Ramos joined PSG in July after winning the Champions League four times with Real Madrid, the 2010 World Cup and two European Championships with Spain.
“I’d like to play between four and five years at the top before moving on to a new experience,” Ramos told the Ligue 1 broadcaster.
“I’ve signed for two years here at Paris Saint-Germain and we are going to try and make that three years, one more, and then we’ll see. Read more
Joshua may lose ‘big advantage’ as Usyk proposes venue outside UK (Guardian)
Anthony Joshua is set to fight Oleksandr Usyk in their highly-anticipated rematch this summer – but the contest may not go down in the United Kingdom as promoter Eddie Hearn had hoped, reports express.co.uk.
Last September, AJ lost his WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles to the Ukrainian, who comfortably outclassed the former champion to win via decision.
The Brit’s promoter Eddie Hearn wants the rematch to go ahead at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – where their September bout was fought – as he believes a home crowd in London could inspire Joshua to victory. However, complications appear to have risen.
Saudi Arabia have reportedly made a site offer which could potentially generate twice as much revenue as staging the bout in north London. On top of that, Hearn revealed Usyk would prefer to fight on an international stage. Read more
Frank Vogel out as coach of Los Angeles Lakers after 3 seasons (ABC)
Frank Vogel, who led the Los Angeles Lakers to the 2020 NBA championship, has coached his final game for the organization, a decision expected to be shared with him as soon as Monday, sources told ESPN.
The Lakers’ search for his replacement is expected to be expansive and lengthy — without a clear-cut front-runner, sources said.
The Lakers concluded a disappointing 33-49 season on Sunday with a 146-141 overtime victory at the Denver Nuggets, after being eliminated from play-in tournament contention on Tuesday.
Vogel, who signed an original three-year contract in 2019 and received a one-year extension through 2022-23 this past offseason, said following Sunday’s game that he hadn’t been told anything about his future with the team. Read more
Stan Wawrinka’s ATP return ended in Monte Carlo masters by Alexander Bublik (Eurosport)
Stan Wawrinka’s return to the ATP Tour at the Monte Carlo Masters ended in a battling three-set defeat to Alexander Bubilk, who said he continues to “hate” clay.
Wawrinka, 37, was playing for the first time on the tour in 13 months after undergoing two foot surgeries.
The 2015 French Open champion was hitting the ball crisply to start but faded over the two-hour match as Bubilk came through 3-6 7-5 6-2.
Despite the result, Bublik was not exactly jumping for joy and said he is already looking forward to the grass season. Read more
Lewis Hamilton ‘rallying up’ Mercedes with ‘a lot of Zoom calls’ to keep title bid alive (Express)
Lewis Hamilton isn’t giving up on getting a title challenge going in 2022 despite a difficult start to the season. Hamilton, 37, left it late to confirm he would be driving in the new campaign following the controversial events of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December, which ultimately robbed him of an unprecedented eighth world title.
The British driver has since insisted he doesn’t want to be defined by the events of the Yas Marina, and said he was still motivated by the opportunity to make history in the sport. However, he has struggled to make an impact in the first three Grand Prix races, with Mercedes finding it tough to get to grips with the new technical regulations that have been introduced into the sport.
Hamilton did notch a fortuitous podium finish in the opening race in Bahrain, after both Red Bull drivers retired in the closing stages. However, disaster struck in qualifying in Saudi Arabia, when he was eliminated in Q1 before ending up 10th in the Grand Prix.
In Australia, the Silver Arrows remained off the pace, with Hamilton crossing the line in fourth place, again benefiting from Max Verstappen failing to finish. The result left him fifth in the standings on 28 points and his team second in the constructors’ race – but the gap in pace to Ferrari and Red Bull remains sizeable. Read more
Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘rude’ apology slammed by mum of Everton boy who had phone smashed after Manchester United’s defeat (Metro)
The mother of the young Everton supporter who allegedly had his phone smashed by Cristiano Ronaldo has slammed the Manchester United forward for his ‘rude’ and ‘weak’ apology.
The Merseyside Police has launched an investigation after video footage appeared to show Ronaldo slapping a mobile phone out of the hand of 14-year-old Everton supporter Jacob Harding.
The incident occurred in the immediate aftermath of United’s 1-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park, with Ronaldo losing his cool as he made his way off the pitch.
Ronaldo has issued an apology to the young supporter and has offered Jacob the chance to watch a United game at Old Trafford. Read more