Lekki Lynching: Police reveal identity of suspected killers of David Imoh (Guardian)
The Lagos State Police Command, yesterday, paraded suspected killers of Sunday David Imoh, the 37-year-old sound engineer, who was murdered and burnt in Lekki, Lagos, May 12, 2022.
Other such suspects paraded at the Command’s Headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, were arrested for varying crimes including armed robbery, conspiracy, cultism, unlawful possession of firearms, murder and other crimes.
Parading the suspects, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi warned that the command had taken further steps to checkmate the issue of jungle justice and it would not stop until it gets everyone involved in such act is arrested and prosecuted. Read more
MC Oluomo hijacked Lagos NURTW from me, snatched my second wife –Adeshina, Lagos caretaker chairman (Punch)
The newly appointed Caretaker Committee Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers in Lagos State, Fatai Adeshina, aka Akeweje, has explained his grouse with his predecessor and now Chairman of the Parks Management Committee in Lagos, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly called MC Oluomo, and the lingering crisis in the state branch of the union in a recent interview.
The 62-year-old core member of the NURTW
from Osun State said: “When I started as a commercial driver in Lagos, MC Oluomo was a motor boy. I started in Lagos as early as 1979. I was a molue driver with one man called Baba Ise Oluwa. I plied the Agege to Idumota route. I have many of MC Oluomo’s photos as a lad. I have known him for close to 40 years. There was a man called Alhaji Basiru Daniel. He was the one who helped MC Oluomo. The man took notice of him because of his hustling spirit despite having some physical challenges. “The man brought him into his house and trained him to become a transport unionist. He was a letter delivery person for the man”. Read more
Literacy Centre launches ‘Kick Illiteracy Out Of Lagos’ campaign (Leadership)
The Lekki Adult Literacy and Vocational Centre is set to launch its ‘Kick Illiteracy out of Lagos State’ campaign in a way to empower and restore hope to Lagosians who are interested in learning in order to be valuable to their societies.
The movement, which is one of the Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) of the Redeemed Christian Church Of God (RCCG) LP 20, started in 2020 out of the need to bridge the gap between the elites and ordinary populace who are disadvantaged for lack of education.
According to the provincial pastor of Lagos Province 20, Pastor Tunde Natufo, who is also a member of the Board of Trustees, the organisation is to transform the lives of those around the catchment area of RCCG LP 20.
He mentioned that Lekki Adult Literacy Centre is existing to allow the disadvantaged populace get knowledge which will in turn boost their confidence in relating with people. Read more
2023: Lagos’ll become a true megacity if elected next gov ― Dosunmu (Tribune)
Governorship aspirant on the platform of Lagos State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Shamsideen Ade Dosunmu, on Friday, said he is committed to serving Lagosians by providing sustainable, reliable, efficient and high-quality world-class infrastructural facilities that befit a megacity if elected as the next governor of the state, come 2023.
Dosunmu gave this pledge while publicly declaring his intention to contest the number one seat in Lagos in the coming poll on the party’s ticket, saying that he is committed to the restoration of the glory of Lagos as the pride of the nation, just as he rolled out a 13-point restoration agenda which he said his administration is bound to implement if he is eventually elected into office.
The PDP chieftain, who was the party’s governorship candidate in 2011, said he was equipped with the skills needed for the job, assuring that he was ready to offer the leadership that would rescue the state from myriads of socio-economic and political challenges facing it and usher in a new lease of life for Lagosians. Read more
Cross River driver delivers guns to man expecting mother’s foodstuffs in Lagos (Punch)
A yet-to-be-identified driver has delivered guns to a man, Aji Augustine, who was expecting to take delivery of foodstuffs sent by his mother to him in Lagos State.
The PUNCH gathered that Augustine’s mother, who lives in Cross River State, sent the food items to her son through the driver.
On getting to the Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos, the driver was said to have mistakenly handed a package belonging to another person to Augustine.
After a while, Augustine opened the package and reportedly saw seven guns in it. Read more
FAAN launches investigation after corpse found on Lagos airport runway (Sun)
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said investigations into how an unidentified body was found on Runway 18R/36L of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos on Thursday, May 19, has commenced. Acting General Manager, Corporate Affairs for FAAN, Mrs Faithful A. Hope-Ivbaze said in a statement that a motorised cleaner, that was cleared to carry out a derealization and sweeping of the runway discovered an unidentified corpse at about 0106hours and escalated the situation to relevant departments.
Ahead Of Primaries: What will guide us in presidential candidates selection – APC, PDP delegates (DailyTrust)
Ahead of next week’s presidential primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), some delegates have disclosed what will guide them in the selection of their preferred flag-bearers.
The PDP had fixed its primary election for May 28 and 29, while that of the APC has been scheduled for May 29 and 30. A total of 11,500 delegates selected from across the country would participate in the elections of the two parties. While the APC has 7,800, the leading opposition party has 3,700 delegates.
Thirty-eight aspirants are in the race for the presidential tickets of the two leading parties. While the APC has 23, the PDP has cleared 15 aspirants to compete for its presidential ticket.
The aspirants had in the last two months been travelling from one state to another to woo delegates. Reports from states showed that in their quest to get the delegates to their side, the aspirants in both the ruling party and the PDP showered gifts on them. Read more
2023: Wike, Okowa, Ayade, Udom battle to install successors (Vanguard)
The two-term tenures of four South-South governors: Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta); Nyesom Wike (Rivers); Emmanuel Udom (Akwa Ibom); and Ben Ayade (Cross-River) will end May, next year, but their their states are embroiled in intra-party supremacy battles and manoeuvrings for successors.
Three of the governors: Wike and Udom want to go pick the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the 2023 elections, while Ayade, who cast off PDP for All Progressive Congress, APC, May, last year, is also gunning for the presidential ticket of his new party. Only Okowa of Delta state is not in the presidential race among the four governors. He initially desired but later changed his mind.
However, each of the four governors also wants to have a say on who takes over from them, but some leaders feel otherwise with others backing them. This is where the fight is in the four states. Bayelsa and Edo states are not in the fray owing to the varying dates of last-held gubernatorial elections. Read more
“Blood sisters” actress Ini-dima Okojie marries
(Nation)
Actress Ini-Dima Okojie has shared loving photos and videos of her wedding Abasi Ene-Obong.
Her marriage comes just a few weeks after the Netflix movie ‘‘Blood sisters” in which she played the lead character went viral.
The actress, dressed in beautiful white jumpers, could not contain her excitement as she gleefully showcased her ring and husband.
She shared this intimate celebration with a few of her friends and families at the small gathering. Read more
NRC cancels resumption of train services on Abuja-Kaduna route (Channels)
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) on Friday suspended the resumption of train services on the Abuja-Kaduna route amid pressure from families of victims abducted by terrorists.
Gunmen had on March 28 used explosives to kill nine passengers and injured others while kidnapping about 50 victims, the NRC suspended operations on the route indefinitely.
However, the corporation announced earlier in the week that it will resume services on May 23, a situation that did not augur well with the victims’ families who threatened to disrupt operations.
But in a statement issued by NRC’s spokesman, Yakub Mahmood, the agency said a new date would be announced soonest. Read more
Pete Davidson, Kate McKinnon set to leave ‘SNL’ (CST)
Pete Davidson, Kate McKinnon, Kyle Mooney and Aidy Bryant are leaving “Saturday Night Live,” a source familiar with the situation but not authorized to speak publicly tells USA Today.
Each comedian has been a fixture on the long-running NBC sketch show, which broadcasts live and features celebrity hosts, for several years. Davidson, 28, started on “SNL” in 2014 as one of its youngest cast members; McKinnon in 2012; Mooney in 2013 and Bryant in 2012.
“SNL” airs its Season 47 finale Saturday. NBC declined to comment.
Though Davidson is credited as a main cast member, he hasn’t appeared on the show in recent weeks, prompting speculation of his imminent exit. According to IMDb, other projects Davidson has coming up include the film “Meet Cute,” which also stars Kaley Cuoco; “The Home,” which is a horror-thriller; and “Wizards!” which also stars Naomi Scott. He’s also starring, writing and producing a half-hour live-action comedy for Peacock called “Bupkis” about “a heightened, fictionalized version” of his real life. Read more
Algerian actor Ahmed Benaissa dies hours before his film “Sons of Ramses” premieres at Cannes (People)
Ahmed Benaissa, an Algerian actor with more than 120 film credits to his name, has died. He was 78.
The veteran actor died Friday after a long illness, according to the Algerian Ministry of Culture. His death came just hours before his latest film Sons of Ramses premiered at Cannes Film Festival during a special screening for Critics’ Week.
“With great sadness and sorrow, the Minister of Culture and Arts, Dr. Sourieh Mologi, received the news of the death of the deceased actor and theater director Ahmed bin Issa, at the age of 78 years, due to health ailment,” the Ministry of Culture shared in a statement on Facebook.
“With this, the Algerian artistic arena loses one of its notable figures, and from the void of art improvises again a knight of its knights, who leaves behind a theatrical and cinematic artistic legacy,” Dr. Mologi added. “He is the owner of many theatrical works that left their mark in the world of the father of arts, and a rich cinematic credit.” Read more
DC’s Arrowverse future is addressed after Batwoman and Legends of Tomorrow cancellations (DigitalSpy)
The Arrowverse will continue on The CW in spite of recent cancellations.
Many fans were stunned earlier this month when The CW made a last-minute decision to cancel Batwoman and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, as well as DC’s Naomi.
This massive CW cull left only The Flash and Stargirl coming back as returning Arrowverse shows, with Gotham Knights joining the line-up for the 2022-2023 season.
There has been speculation that The CW could be weaning itself off DC content because of plans to sell the network away from Warner Bros, but CW boss Mark Pedowitz told the press that’s not the case (via Deadline). Read more
Harry Styles fans think new song sounds similar to old Disney Channel show (Newsweek)
Following the release of Harry Styles’ new album, Harry’s House, some fans have noticed that one of his songs sounds very similar to a song from an old Disney Channel show.
On May 20, Styles released his third studio album, Harry’s House, which has already reached No. 1 on the iTunes chart. The album has 13 songs on it and was called his “most intimate album” to date by Better Homes and Gardens.
As fans were listening to the album, some noticed that the melody in the first track titled “Music For a Sushi Restaurant” sounded similar to a tune from the early 2010’s Disney Channel show A.N.T. Farm. In a viral TikTok posted by raejo01, they played the part in Styles’ song then played “Exceptional” sung by China Anne McClain. The viral video has over 70,000 likes and 270,000 views.
Many other fans caught on and agreed that the songs sound alike. Read more
Kehlani & Rico Nasty get ready to rage on tour
(HipHopDX)
After dropping their third LP Blue Water Road at the end of April, Kehlani has announced they’ll be hitting the road in support of the new album, and Rico Nasty and Destin Conrad are coming along for the ride.
Dubbed The Blue Water Road Tour, the trio will hit the road starting on July 30 in Raleigh, North Carolina. From there, they’ll head to Miami, Atlanta, Washington, New York, Boston, Philadelphia and a slew of other cities before Kehlani flys off to Europe in December. Tickets are available now on Kehlani’s website.
To announce the tour, Rico and Kehlani teamed up for a hilarious skit on Instagram that showcased what they need from each other.
“I need the rage,” Kehlani wrote in the caption. “@riconasty needs the chill. You… need us both.” Read more
Red Power Ranger actor was charged with paycheck protection fraud (NPR)
The actor who played Red Power Ranger in the “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” films and television series has been charged with wire fraud conspiracy relating to the federal Paycheck Protection Program, officials said.
Jason Lawrence Geiger, 47, of McKinney, Texas, is one of 19 defendants named in a federal indictment, the FBI said. Acting under the name Austin St. John, Geiger played Jason Lee Scott, the Red Power Ranger.
Geiger was arrested Tuesday and remained jailed pending a Monday detention hearing before a federal magistrate in the Dallas suburb of Plano, according to court documents. He pleaded not guilty to the single count against him and “intends to vigorously defend himself against this allegation,” said his attorney, David Klaudt of Dallas.
The Payroll Protection Program was part of the CARES Act designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more
Israel joins 6 other countries in Cyprus to drill evacuations from conflict zones (TimesofIsrael)
Seven countries including the US, France, Italy, Israel and Greece have taken part in a series of drills in and around Cyprus designed to ease civilian evacuations from conflict zones and to conduct offshore rescue operations, amid a renewed sense of urgency due to the war in Ukraine.
For the first time, Egypt took part in the Friday leg of the annual drill with its own military forces, while Saudi Arabia sent a delegation of observers to “Argonaut 2022,” which Cyprus has billed as one of the most important civilian evacuation drills in the world.
Cypriot Defense Minister Charalambos Petrides told foreign officials that participating nations took part in the planning of the mass evacuation of civilians fleeing a crisis in a neighboring country.
“Cyprus is located in an area of perpetual turmoil and instability and there is always the possibility of a conflict or a crisis,” Petrides said. Read more
Race to replace Pinnick tears NFF apart (NewTelegraph)
The political atmosphere in football is getting feverish as gladiators are perfecting plans to succeed the incumbent president of the Nigeria Football Federation Amaju Pinnick in September. The decision of Pinnick not to seek a third term has thrown the race wide open as some of his lieutenants are bidding to outwit each other to claim the position. The battle is tearing the football family apart as first and second NFF vice presidents Seyi Akinwunmi and Shehu Dikko respectively are said to be eyeing the same position.
Dikko is believed to be the front runner and the anointed candidate of the outgoing president but sources said Akinwunmi has also been speak-ing to key stakeholders on the need to allow him to take over since he has served the board as the 1st president. The two vice presidents are not the only ones eyeing the plum job among the top members of the inner caucus of the NFF; Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau who is the current Chairman of the Chairmen is also considered a front runner while the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) FA chairman, Adam Mouktar is also believed to be nursing the ambition. Read more
Cardiff move thrills Collins (Punch)
Nigeria international left-back Jamilu Collins has said he is pleased to make a permanent transfer to English Championship outfit Cardiff City on a two-year deal, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 27-year-old joined the Bluebirds on a free transfer as his contract with German second-tier side SC Paderborn expires this summer says his dream is to help Steve Morison’s side gain promotion to the Premier League.
“I’m really excited to be in Cardiff, and I can’t wait to get started,” he told the club website.
“The club has great history, and when I got the call to come to Cardiff, I was so excited, I couldn’t resist. I’m looking forward to the challenge of the new season. “The goal is to fight for the Premier League.” Read more
Brume and I took Olympic Medal to Bishop Oyedepo for dedication to God – Coach Yaya (NewTelegraph)
The coach of one of the country’s track and field athletes, Ese Brume, Coach Kayode Yaya, has said that Nigerians would soon see the Olympic Games Bronze medalist competing in the Women 400m. The coach made this known in a recent interview saying, “One of the principles that we operate on as coaches is that we have our ethics and philosophies. When you add these things up, you expect to get two or more athletes, if it is properly executed. So, when you keep working on something for a long time, you will get to know that thing well. When you follow the principle operationally, you’re going to get it right. That’s how it has been all these years and not just about Brume alone, but all our athletes.
“If we look at most of the athletes that we have excelling at the moment, they are all based abroad, but Brume for years was training back in Nigeria and even went for the last World Indoor from Nigeria.” Read more
Silas Agara: Insurgency making northerners embrace karate, other martial sports (DailyTrust)
A former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State and president of Nigeria Karate Federation (KFN), Hon. Silas Agara, has said insurgency in Nigeria is making northerners to embrace karate and other martial sports like judo, wrestling and boxing for self defence. The former commissioner of sports in Nasarawa State made this known in an interview where he also spoke on the resurgence in karate and what his board is doing to propagate the sport in Nigeria.
He said: “During my first tenure, karate was not among the elite federations. Morale in the sport was at its lowest ebb. The board was in complete disarray. There were no local or international competitions. It was a totally hopeless situation. Therefore, when I came on board, I had to start from scratch.
“I encouraged and motivated the athletes. Stipends were given out to those who won medals at tournaments. Some of them got employed by para-military organisations like the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Fire Service, and even the Nigeria Police. They became motivated because they could take care of their families.
“In addition, refresher courses were organised for coaches and other technical officials. I did that because if the capacity is not there, there is no way athletes would benefit. After everything, we began to organise national competitions. We also exposed them to international championships. There was an all round revival in the sport so when it was time for elections, there was no need to change a winning team. The stakeholders stood solidly behind us so that the good work we started will continue”. Read more
Zalatoris kicks into Major mode at PGA Championship (StraitsTimes)
Will Zalatoris may not yet have a win on the PGA Tour but he knows something about contending in Majors and was at it again on Friday (May 20) as he held a one-shot lead after the second round of the PGA Championship.
He fired a five-under 65 that was one of only two bogey-free rounds on the day at windy Southern Hills Country Club and brought him to nine-under 131 on the week, good for a one-shot lead over Chilean Mito Pereira (64).
For Zalatoris, who was runner-up at the 2021 Masters and has top-10 finishes at both the US Open and PGA Championship on his resume, there is something about golf’s biggest events that brings out the best in him.
“I’ve kind of had an attitude with the Majors, especially since the Masters, where I wanted to enjoy the experience as much as I could,” said Zalatoris, the reigning PGA Tour rookie of the year. Read more
Hamilton: Mercedes ‘on the way’ in make-or-break weekend (IrishIndependent)
Have the Silver Arrows found their silver bullet? That was the big question on paddock lips in Barcelona last night after Mercedes enjoyed another fruitful Friday, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton finishing second and third-fastest respectively in practice ahead of tomorrow’s Spanish Grand Prix.
Naturally, both drivers furiously played down their chances of mixing it with the big boys, Ferrari and Red Bull.
Russell had already insisted before practice that the Brackley team, who have arrived with substantial upgrades to their car, had not “suddenly found that killer switch” to bump them up into the podium positions. They were, Russell said, merely hopeful that they had found some answers to point them “in the right direction”.
Even after finishing just 0.117sec off the pace of Ferrari’s championship leader Charles Leclerc, with Hamilton only 0.087sec further adrift, Russell was playing it uber-cautious. “I don’t know to be honest,” he said. “In Miami, we were the quickest on Friday, so let’s see.” Read more
Tuchel and Boehly must work closely at Chelsea (DailyTrust)
Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel and prospective new owner Todd Boehly had lunch at the Cobham training ground this week which was very friendly and Tuchel left feeling good. The meeting was about getting to know each other and not so much about new transfers and money. The pair spent more time talking about basketball and baseball!
Tuchel needs to work with Boehly who will be more hands on than Roman Abramovich and the American clearly has big ambitions for the Blues. Boehly is enthusiastic about his new challenge and expects the Blues to win trophies almost from the start of his reign. He watched the FA Cup final last weekend and was enthusiastic as Chelsea and Liverpool fought out a draw only to see the Blues lose on penalties. Boehly said that Chelsea were very good and proves they are only just behind Manchester City and Liverpool.
However, coach Thomas Tuchel quickly put him right by explaining that whereas Boehly might be forgiven for aiming high very quickly, it is a matter of urgency that he is able to reshape his squad for next season. He will of course have to replace two of the Premier League’s best defenders in Rudiger and Christensen who leave on free transfers. Read more