Man kills 99-year-old aunt for changing ‘Baba Ijebu’ winning number (Guardian)
A 29-years old man, Owolabi Folorunso Adewale, has admitted to killing his 99-year old aunt whom he accused of using her spiritual power to change his Baba Ijebu lottery winning number. Adewale was arrested on Monday, March 4, 2019, by detectives attached to Ogun State Police Command. The suspect, according to the police, had admitted before homicide detectives that he matcheted the old woman because he had an inclination that the woman was responsible for most of his spiritual problems. Read more
Don’t see non-indigenes as enemies, Speaker tells Lagosians (Nation)
The Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA), Mr Mudashiru Obasa, on Tuesday advised residents of the state not to see non-indigenes residing in Lagos as enemies. Obasa spoke while inaugurating a water project at Ward D in Ojokoro which was provided by Mr Rasheed Makinde, lawmaker representing Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency II at LAHA. He spoke against the backdrop of the ethnic wrangling in Lagos following the outcome of the Presidential and the National Assembly elections. “We are one, whether Hausa, Igbo or Yoruba. We should live together; all tribes should vote for APC because we don’t discriminate in Lagos State. Read more
Buhari greets Obasanjo at 82, says I still hold him in highest esteem (Punch)
President Muhammadu Buhari has showered praises on former President Olusegun Obasanjo as he turns 82 years old, saying that he is “a passionate and great patriot who deserves accolades for his immeasurable contributions to our democracy and national unity.” The President said he would continue to accord Obasanjo respect, in spite of their political differences. In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu, the President said, “regardless of our political differences with Obasanjo, I still hold him in the highest esteem because his contributions to the development of the country overshadow those differences.” Read more
I will retire to Daura in 2023, says Buhari (Punch)
President Muhammadu Buhari has said that he would retire to Daura after he completes his second term in office in 2023. Daura, which is in Katsina State, is the President’s hometown. He spoke in Abuja while meeting with traditional rulers at the Presidential Villa, welcoming them to his “Second and final term, at the end of which I will, God willing, go to Daura and settle down.” He asked traditional rulers in the country to support the anti-corruption war of his administration, using their vast knowledge and links to families in their communities. Read more
No plans by Buhari to Islamize Nigeria, says Osinbajo (Nation)
The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has debunked rumours making rounds that President Muhammadu Buhari was making plans to Islamize Nigeria. Osinbajo speaking in a town hall meeting held at Hotel Du Golf off PZ junction, Aba North Local Government Area of Abia State on Tuesday with the Aba business community and supporters of the party said that Nigeria is a country that is too big for an individual to impose a religion against their wish. He also debunked rumours being peddled in the state by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and supporters of other political parties that the APC leadership under Comrade Adams Oshiomhole reserved some state for the PDP. Read more
INEC regrets election irregularities in Imo, pledges to make amends (Guardian)
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Imo, Prof. Francis Ezeonu on Tuesday expressed regrets at the challenges and irregularities witnessed at the Feb. 23 Presidential and National Assembly elections in Imo. Ezeonu made his view known at the Imo INEC Interactive Meeting with Stakeholders in Owerri. He noted that the meeting afforded the commission an opportunityto X-Ray what happened during the Feb. 23 election in the state. Read more
Alabama tornadoes: Seven family members among 23 killed (BBC)
Seven members of one family were among the 23 victims identified after an outbreak of tornadoes devastated the US state of Alabama, officials have said. Every victim, including four children, was found close to their homes, rescue crews say. The victims range in age from six to 89, Lee County Coroner Bill Harris told a news conference. Up to eight people remain missing, officials say, and there are fears that the death toll could rise. “We believe that every victim was in the residence when it hit. They all ended up, with the exception of two, outside the residence,” Mr Harris told reporters, adding that their homes “aren’t there”. Read more
Three ‘explosive devices’ found in London (Guardian)
British counter terrorism officers are investigating three “small improvised explosive devices” believed capable of starting small fires that were found in separate locations in London on Tuesday. The suspicious packages containing padded envelopes were found at an office block next to Heathrow Airport, the post room at Waterloo station and at offices near London City Airport in the east of the capital, according to Scotland Yard. “The packages — all A4-sized white postal bags containing yellow Jiffy bags — have been assessed by specialist officers to be small improvised explosive devices,” London’s Metropolitan Police said in a statement. Read more
WWE legend King Kong Bundy dies at 61 (BBC)
Professional wrestler King Kong Bundy, who rose to fame in the 1980s when he battled Hulk Hogan in a steel cage match, has died at the age of 61. News of the death of the wrestler, whose real name was Christopher Pallies, was shared on Facebook by his long-time friend David Herro. Mr Herro wrote: “Today we lost a legend and a man I consider family. Rest in peace Chris. We love you.” Authorities have not yet revealed the cause of the famous wrestler’s death. The wrestling industry and fans have shared their memories of the wrestler, calling him a “hero” and an “icon”. Read more
Babes Wodumo assault: Celebrity boyfriend Mampintsha charged (BBC)
South African music star Mampintsha has been charged with assault after a video showed him hitting his girlfriend, who is also a popular musician. Mampintsha, whose real name is Mandla Maphumulo, apologised but said he had acted in self defence. Bongekile Simelane, known by her stage name Babes Wodumo, was talking to fans on Instagram Live in a bedroom when she was slapped repeatedly. Violence against women is seen as a major problem in South Africa. Read more
Chelsea lodge transfer ban appeal (Guardian)
Chelsea have appealed against the one-year transfer ban handed to the Premier League giants, FIFA confirmed on Tuesday, but will have to wait to discover whether the ban will be temporarily lifted pending the outcome of the appeal. Last month the club were issued with a two-window registration ban and fined 600,000 Swiss francs (over £460,000) by FIFA’s disciplinary committee over the recruitment of 29 foreign players aged under 18. Chelsea immediately said they “categorically refute the findings” but having now appealed, they must await a decision from FIFA’s appeal committee about whether there will be an easing of restrictions ahead of a hearing being convened. Read more
Liverpool place N6.1billion price tag on Taiwo Awoniyi (Nation)
Any club wishing to buy Taiwo Awoniyi will have to place N6.1billion (about £13m) on Liverpool’s table, it has been revealed. Awoniyi who is currently with his fifth club on loan since joining Liverpool in 2015, is yet to make a senior appearances for the Reds because he does not qualify for United Kingdom work permit. The former junior international is reportedly being monitored by a number of clubs including German Bundesliga side Schalke. Although Liverpool will be ready to let the 21 year old Centre forward go if as much as £13m is on the table. Awoniyi’s future at Liverpool could change again depending on the United Kingdom’s impending exit from the European Union. Read more