Man arraigned for defrauding 170 people of N10.7b (Punch)
The police have arraigned a 22-year-old man, Joshua Kayode, before a Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, for allegedly defrauding 170 people to the tune of N10.7bn under a fake investment scheme.
Kayode was arraigned on Thursday before Justice Tijjani Ringim on 170 counts of conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretences alongside his company, Quintessential Investment Company Limited.
Counsel for the prosecution, Williams Tijjani, told the court that the defendant and others now at large, committed the offences between July 2020 and March 2021.
“The defendant defrauded the victims under the pretence of false multiple returns on investment and the offences committed by the defendant are contrary to sections 8 and 1 of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006,” Tijjani said. Read more
Initiate poverty reduction programmes, Sanwo-Olu charges LG chairmen (ThisDay)
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has given a matching order to local government area (LGA) and Local Development Council Areas (LCDAs) chairmen to embark on projects that will have impact on the grassroots and help to alleviate poverty in the area.
The governor gave the order during a three-day induction retreat for the newly-elected chairmen of the 57 LGs and LCDAs in the state.
Sanwo-Olu admonished the council bosses, “to think out of the box and build enabling environment for wealth creation among people at the grassroots.’’
At the event organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, with the theme: ‘Engendering Peace, Security and Development at the Grassroots’, in Lagos, the governor called for peace among the council chiefs and the electorate, saying it is only under a peaceful atmosphere that jobs can be created. Read more
Disquiet over closure of port terminals in Lagos (DailyTrust)
Licensed clearing agents and other operators have expressed concerns over the indefinite closure of some bonded terminals in Lagos by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
They claim that the activities of the customs, particularly those in charge of Trade & Tariff (T&T), have caused them a colossal amount of money which they pay as demurrage on cargo trapped inside the affected terminals.
Some of the licensed clearing agents in Apapa and Tin-Can spoke with our correspondent and claimed that the closure of some bonded terminals without consideration for the activities of importers whose goods were trapped was against the government to enhance seamless trade facilitation.
A clearing agent at Tin-Can Island Port, Saidu Kareem, said the officials attached to T&T gave verbal orders without any signed documented directive to stop operations on an allegation of unpaid assessments by several customs licensed agents and importers operating at the Lagos terminal, adding that the customs’ action was frustrating their businesses. Read more
FESTAC residents petition Sanwo-Olu over illegal road construction (Punch)
The Association of Festac Town Extension Residents in the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State has petitioned Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to appeal for his intervention to stop the proposed construction of a road through the estate by the Lagos Building Investment Corporation.
Titled, ‘Petition against the illegal activities of Lagos Building Investment Corporation in Festac Extension Mile 2’ and dated August 4, 2021, the letter was signed by the President, Mr Magali Adetimirin, and the General Secretary, Mr Dele Okusaga.
The residents complained that the LBIC demolished the estate’s hall and planned to construct a road through the backyard of two blocks in a bid to build to carve out a mini estate within the estate, a development they said would worsen the drainage problem in the area.
The petition read in part, “It has become worrisome to see an organ of the Lagos State Government terrorising residents of Festac extension against a proposed road through the back of two blocks in the estate and abandoning the designated road beside block 4, 5 and 6. Read more
Lagos government insists planning information is free (Guardian)
The Lagos State government has re-emphasised that intending developers could obtain planning information free of charge.
In a statement signed on Friday by Mr Mukaila Sanusi, spokesman for the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, said the information could be obtained through the Physical Planning Department of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
The statement said the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Idris Salako, said this on Thursday, while presenting a progress report on the Lagos State Electronic Physical Planning System developed by his ministry. Read more
Yusuf Buhari’s fiancee not above the law, Hisbah reacts to bridal shower gown (Punch)
The Hisbah Police in Kano has reacted to the gown worn by Yusuf Buhari’s fiancee, Zahra Bayero, to her bridal shower held in Abuja on Tuesday.
The gown had generated reactions on social media with many Nigerians calling out Hisbah over its silence on the outfit which some perceived to be immoral for a Muslim lady.
Some Twitter users who reacted to the viral photos of Zahra in the gown pointed out why she got no criticism from Hisbah which is known to enforce Sharia precepts in Kano, including alcohol ban, ban on prostitution, indecent dressing, and so on. (Punch)
June 12 presidential election was annulled to prevent coup –Babangida (Guardian)
Former Nigeria military head of state Ibrahim Babangida said he annulled the June 12, 1993, presidential election to prevent a coup in the country.
The June 12 1993 election is widely regarded as Nigeria’s fairest election with Moshood Kashimawo Olalekan (MKO) Abiola in the lead to become president before it was annulled by Babangida.
Decades after the election, Babangida, in an interview on Arise TV on Friday said that some top officials in the military would have staged a violent coup if he did not annul the election.
“If it materialised, there would’ve been a coup d’état which could have been violent. That’s all I can confirm,” Babangida said. Read more
Late President Yar’Adua’s son remanded in Yola Prison (DailyTrust)
A Magistrate’s Court in Yola, Adamawa State, has remanded Aminu Yar’Adua, 36, the son of late former President Musa Yar’Adua, in prison for allegedly killing four people in an auto crash in Yola.
Yar’Adua, a student of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, was charged to court for allegedly causing death by dangerous driving on 23 June, 2021.
According to the police First Information Report (FIR) tendered in court by the prosecutor, Insp. Zakka Musa, the accused had, while driving along Yola bye pass on 23 June, 2021 , crushed six people as a result of over speeding.
The court heard that four of the victims were killed and the other two were injured in the accident, with the victims, who hailed from Sabon Pegi, Yola South Local Government Area. Read more
CAC Boss Threatens to Sanction Fraudulent Registration Processes (ThisDay)
The Registrar General/Chief Executive, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Mr Garba Abubakar has warned that he would take drastic measures against any erring professional who indulged in sharp practices while dealing with the commission.
He said the commission had often been bombarded with manifestly forged documents at the point of registration, adding that this will no longer be condoned going forward.
Abubakar, while receiving the President of the Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), Taiwo Olowokolade on a courtesy call to the CAC, however, noted that
upon the implementation of the Companies And Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 2020, the CAC registration portal had placed more responsibilities on professionals acting on the authority of their clients believing that they would do the right thing. Read more
CNN fires unvaccinated employees for going to office (BBC)
US news network CNN has sacked three employees for going into an office without having been vaccinated against Covid, US media say.
It is one of the first examples of a US firm firing staff for breaching a company vaccination mandate.
It is legal in the US for firms to require employees to be vaccinated.
Many large firms – including Facebook and Google – say they will require employees to be vaccinated when offices fully re-open in the months ahead. Read more
Woman sues McDonald’s after burger ad compelled her to break Lent fast: report (NYPost)
An orthodox Christian in Russia is suing McDonald’s for $14 after claiming that a banner advertising burgers and McNuggets made her break her fast. She had observed the belt-tightening custom for 16 years up until that point.
Ksenia Ovchinnikova claims she was lured into indulging in a juicy McDonald’s burger — and now she’s not lovin’ it.
The Russian woman is allegedly suing the fast-food chain after claiming that seeing a mouthwatering cheeseburger commercial made her break her fast during Lent.
“When I saw an advertising banner — I could not help myself,” said Ovchinnikova, an orthodox Christian, in a court statement regarding the Mac-religious act, according to Russian state media.
The unhappy meal reportedly occurred in April 2019, while the Omsk native was observing Lent, a strict period in which devout Christians are expected to forgo meat, meat by-products, poultry, eggs, and dairy. Read more
Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine proves successful in South Africa (VOA)
Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 has had positive results in South Africa, the co-head of a trial, Glenda Gray, told reporters Friday.
A research study conducted from mid-February to May with upwards of 470,000 health workers showed positive results in those inoculated, and the country’s health regulator approved the single-shot J&J vaccine in Apri. It is being used in addition to Pfizer’s.
The study showed 91% to 96.2% protection against death, Gray said, and 67% efficacy against infection when the beta coronavirus dominated and 71% when the delta variant did.
As of Thursday, more than 8.3 million people had been vaccinated in South Africa. Read more
Afghanistan war: Taliban capture regional capital Zaranj, officials say (BBC)
A city in southwestern Afghanistan has become the country’s first provincial capital to fall to the Taliban in recent years, officials told the BBC.
Local sources said the insurgents had captured Zaranj, in Nimroz province, on Friday afternoon, in what would be a major blow to government forces.
It comes as the insurgents continue to make rapid advances in the country, as foreign troops withdraw.
They have taken swathes of countryside and are now targeting key cities. Read more
Licence to gaffe: France’s answer to Austin Powers hits the big screens (RFI)
Opening in cinemas across the country on 4 August, OSS 117: From Africa with Love is the third film in the comedy spy series, featuring Oscar winner Jean Dujardin, Pierre Niney and Senegalese actress Fatou N’Diaye.
Screened at Cannes as the closing film, hopes are high that the saga will provide a boost for French cinema over the summer.
Adapted from a literary series by Jean Bruce, OSS 117 has in the space of a decade won over French audiences with its goofball antics and un-politically correct style.
A parody of James Bond in essence, but closer to Mike Myers’ Austin Powers franchise in terms of corny, with special attention paid to the kitsch décor of the era, be it 1950s or the 1980s. Read more
Nicki Minaj denies Jessie J’s claim that she asked to be on “Bang Bang” (NYPost)
Nicki Minaj is setting the (musical) record straight.
The “Chun-Li” rapper, 38, clarified she did not ask to take part in the 2014 hit “Bang Bang” after her collaborator Jessie J made the claim in a recent interview with Glamour magazine.
“Babe @JessieJ I didn’t hear the song & ask 2get on it,” Minaj tweeted Thursday. “The label asked me2get on it & paid me.”
She then asked, “How would I have heard the song? Chiiille what am I the damn song monitor? Snoopin around for songs chile.” Read more
Canada edge Sweden on penalties to win Olympic women’s football gold (RFI)
Goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe saved two spot-kicks in a nail-biting shootout as Canada defeated Sweden 3-2 on penalties to clinch Olympic women’s football gold for the first time Friday in Yokohama.
Stina Blackstenius scored her team-best fifth goal of the tournament to give Sweden the lead, but Jessie Fleming’s penalty in the second half sent the match to extra time and it finished 1-1 after 120 minutes.
Labbe, the hero of Canada’s quarter-final shootout win over Brazil, saved from Anna Anvegard and Jonna Andersson as Sweden captain Caroline Seger missed a chance to win it when she blazed her attempt over.
Julia Grosso then squeezed her penalty beyond Hedvig Lindahl to trigger wild celebrations for Canada and their iconic captain Christine Sinclair, who had to settle for bronze medals at the past two Games. Read more
AFN names former track star Samuel Onikeku as technical director (Guardian).
Former Nigeria track and field international and a World Athletics Level-1 coach, Samuel Onikeku, has been appointed as the technical director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN.
Making the announcement in Tokyo, on the side lines of the Games of the XXXII Olympiad, Tonobock Okowa, president of the AFN, said Onikeku’s appointment was made pursuant to article 8.6.5 of the Federation’s 2017 constitution and after consultations with the sport’s stakeholders.
“This decision was made pursuant to article 8.6.5 of our (AFN) constitution and after careful consultations with the board members and other stakeholders in Nigerian athletics family,” said the president in a media release.
Onikeku, a superintendent of Customs and secretary of Customs Sports, is a member of the new board of the AFN representing the Military and Para-Military constituency. Read more
PSG begin Lionel Messi talks after Barcelona exit but Man City move interests him (Metro)
Talks are already underway between Lionel Messi and Paris Saint-Germain over a move to the French capital, but reports in Spain suggest the Argentinian would prefer a switch to Manchester City after his shock Barcelona exit.
Messi has officially been a free agent since 1 July but there was no battle to sign him as he agreed a new deal at Barcelona and was expected to commit to a five-year contract.
However, Barcelona announced on Thursday that the agreement could not be confirmed due to their perilous financial situation and La Liga’s economic rules, which Messi’s enormous wages would not adhere to, despite accepting a 50 per cent pay cut. Read more
Zach Fulton becomes third Giants player to retire this week (NYPost)
Offensive lineman Zach Fulton retired on Friday — the third Giants player in four days to hang up the cleats.
The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy reported from camp on Friday that Giants coach Joe Judge gave a lengthy response to Fulton’s retirement — which Judge said was family and health related.
Fulton joins veteran offensive lineman Joe Looney and linebacker Todd Davis as the Giants players whom recently left football.
Judge said all three player are “good dudes” and welcome back if their football circumstances change. Read more
Tokyo Olympics: Allyson Felix becomes most decorated female track & field athlete (BBC)
American Allyson Felix became the most decorated female track and field athlete of all time by taking 400m bronze for her 10th Olympic medal.
Shaunae Miller-Uibo of the Bahamas won the gold medal, with Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic taking silver.
Felix, 35, passed the record of Jamaica’s Merlene Ottey, who won nine Olympic medals.
Felix has now won six golds, three silvers and one bronze.
She has the chance of an 11th medal on Saturday, when the United States seek to defend their 4x400m relay title, and it would take her past Carl Lewis as the most decorated American track and field athlete. Read more
Simone Biles makes emotional return home after dramatic Olympics (Metro)
Simone Biles has said she is delighted to be home in the US after her tumultuous appearance at the Tokyo Olympics.
The 24-year-old flew into Houston on Thursday and was welcomed at the airport by crowds of supporters and relatives, including parents Ronald and Nellie and her sister Rachel.
Biles wrote on Instagram: ‘Houston, I’m home. Thanks for making sure I didn’t have to wait one more minute to see my family united.’
Simone Biles claimed a bronze medal in the beam, to go with her silver from the team competition
Simone Biles claimed a bronze medal in the beam, to go with her silver from the team competition (Picture: Getty)Carrying a bouquet of flowers, Biles only briefly interacted with local media, with Houston TV station KHOU-11 reporting she spoke of a simple dietary request, saying: ‘We want to have some steaks.’ Read more