Many escape death as 2-storey building collapses in Lagos (Vanguard)
Many people have reportedly escaped unhurt in Ago-Palace Way, near Okota Lagos State, after the partial collapse of a two-storey building in the area.
Unlike what happened in Ebute-Meta where many people were trapped on Sunday, all occupants of the Ago-Palace Way building were said to have vacated the premises two hours before it caved in.
Reports from the axis said vivid signs of building collapse were noticed before the occupants rushed out of the building to avoid being trapped.
The incident occurred at Chris Igadi Street, in the early hours of Saturday but emergency operations which commenced immediately were said to have lasted till daybreak.
Details of what led to the collapse could not be ascertained at press time. Read more
Policeman arrested for singing ‘praise’ of cult group (Guardian)
A Nigerian policeman Corporal Matthew Isaac has been arrested after a video of him singing and dancing to a song that praises a cult group went viral.
Isaac currently serves in Ebonyi State. He was seen in the video fully dressed in his uniform, singing, dancing and brandishing his service rifle while the song played in the background.
Policeman spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi said Isaac’s act contravened the ethics of the Nigerian police.
“The act of the officer in question, which is clearly calculated to portray the NPF negatively, is a discreditable conduct in line with the provisions of the First Schedule to Regulation 370 of the Police Regulations,” Adejobi said in a statement. Read more
Korra Obidi’s estranged husband, Justin Dean, denies stealing $5,000 from dancer (DailyTrust)
Earlier on Saturday the separation between popular Nigerian Instagram dancer and social media influencer, Korra Obidi and her estranged husband, Justin Dean, got messier as Obidi via a Facebook live video claimed Dean stole $5,000 from her.
According to the dancer turned singer, she deposited the money in their joint account and Dean, a chiropractor, withdrew the money without her consent.
However, reacting to the claims, Dean explained that it was a ‘bonafide mistake’.
“I transferred money. It was an accident. I was not expecting anyone to transfer any money to the joint account or any account.
“I was paying bills. I’m a busy person. I returned the money, it was an accident, a bona fide accident. Read more
How Buhari’s administration is fixing Nigeria’s security architecture —Osinbajo (Vanguard)
In addition to implementing socio-economic measures for the benefit of the Nigerian people and national development, the Buhari administration has taken important steps to re-engineer the country’s security architecture, and the fruits of that are imminent, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.
Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Friday in Awka, Anambra State while speaking with delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in continuation of his engagements with APC delegates and stakeholders across the country.
The Vice President, who also visited Enugu State yesterday right after Anambra, has so far visited several other states, including Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Taraba and Adamawa before now.
Speaking earlier in the Southeast States, the VP assured that with the “re-engineering of the security architecture, with the view to be more effective on the ground, we will begin to see the fruits of that, especially with the acquisition of more platforms – mobile platforms, air platforms, and, of course, technology, that will be useful in resolving some of these problems.” Read more
I support struggle to liberate Yoruba from oppression, says Olubadan (Punch)
The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, has assured the Afenifere Renewal Group of his support in its bid to ensure that justice and fairness prevail in Yorubaland.
The monarch insisted that the unity of Yoruba as a nation must not, for any reason, be compromised just as he accepted to interface with his colleague Obas in Yorubaland on any issue that would promote Yoruba interest.
The Olubadan said this during the visit of the executive members of the ARG led by Wale Oshun and Chief Ayo Afolabi, the Chairman and Secretary respectively, to him at his Alarere residence on Friday.
Oba Balogun said, “Whatever will jealously guard and protect the interest of the Yoruba people will attract my attention. As a freedom fighter myself, I have all through my life’s sojourn abhorred injustice, lack of fairness and equity and I cannot at this time change. So, whoever shares that attribute with me has my total support and so you have my blessings. Read more
Fuel Cost: Nigerian airlines to shut down operations Monday (Sun)
Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have said that due to the high cost of aviation fuel, member airlines will from Monday, May 9, discontinue operations nationwide until further notice. This is coming following Daily Sun’s report about how exasperated the airlines were over the recent increase in fuel price after some airlines considered shutting down.
In a statement signed by the President of AON, Abdulmunaf Yunusa and copied to the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika and the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Musa Nuhu, the body said aviation fuel price (JetA1) has risen from N190 per litre to N700 currently and that no airline in the world can absorb the shock from such an astronomical rise over a short period. The body said: “It is with a great sense of responsibility and patriotism that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have carried on deploying and subsidising their services to our highly esteemed Nigerian flying public in the last four months despite the astronomical hike in the price of JetA1 and other operating costs.
“Overtime, aviation fuel price (JetA1) has risen from N190 per litre to N700 currently. In the face of this, airlines have engaged the Federal Government, the National Assembly, NNPC and oil marketers with the view to bringing the cost of JetA1 down which has currently made the unit cost per seat for a one hour flight in Nigeria today to an average of N120,000. The latter cannot be fully passed to passengers who are already experiencing a lot of difficulties.
“While AON appreciates the efforts of the current government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure air transport in Nigeria grows, unfortunately, the cost of aviation fuel has continued to rise unabated thereby creating huge pressure on the sustainability of operations and financial viability of the airlines. Read more
2023: Ex-CBN director asks Senate to reconvene immediately over Emefiele (DailyTrust)
A former director of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olorunfunmi Basorun, has called on Governor Godwin Emefiele to resign over his links to the 2023 Presidency.
Basorun, a former Secretary to the State government and one-time employee of the CBN said if the apex bank’s Governor fails to resign, the Senate should immediately reconvene and use two-third majority to remove him.
On Friday, some groups bought the N100m nomination and expression of interest forms of the APC for the CBN Governor after weeks of speculation about his ambition.
But on Saturday, Emefiele said he had not taken a stance on the presidency, saying God will lead him in the days ahead.
In a chat with Daily Trust, Chief Basorun said it was morally wrong for Emefiele to get involved in the “murky water of politics”. Read more
IPOB not on UK’s list of terrorist organisations — British High Commission (Tribune)
The British High Commission has debunked reports circulating in the media and online that the UK Government has added the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to the UK’s list of terrorist groups or organisations banned under UK law. These reports are untrue, it declared.
In a statement sent to Nigerian Tribune, the British High Commission in Abuja stated that: “We are aware of inaccurate reporting circulating in the media and online that the UK Government has added the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to the UK’s list of terrorist groups or organisations banned under UK law. These reports are untrue. The “Indigenous People of Biafra” (IPOB) is not a proscribed organisation in the UK.”
The British High Commission explained that the inaccurate reporting relates to the April 13, 2022 publication by the UK Government of a revised Country Policy and Information note (CPIN) on separatist groups in South-East Nigeria, including IPOB.
It said CPINs provide country of origin information (COI) and analysis of COI for use by UK Government decision-makers handling particular types of protection and human rights claims. Read more
Glamour, panache as Connak Foundation celebrates 10th anniversary (Sun)
Glamour and panache were on display as Connak Foundation Nigeria celebrated its 10th anniversary in Lagos on Friday, April 29.
Anchored by comedians Okey Bakassi and Dan De Humorous, one of the major highlights of the event was the impressive performance of Toiner B, winner of Connak Foundation Talent Hunt, who serenaded guests at the event. She was joined by music star, 2face Idibia, who thrilled fans with an amazing performance.
Founded by Ken Nnamdi Ukeagu a decade ago, Connak Foundation continues to thrive under the leadership of a true visionary and philanthropist, with a strong desire for excellence.
Speaking on what’s next for the Foundation, the CEO, Mrs Carole Emeka Sunday, stated that its goal is to strategically implement sustainable projects that resolve critical needs amongst the underserved population. Read more
Jason Momoa films motorbike stunt dressed as ‘flamboyant villain’ for Fast and Furious 10 (Metro)
Jason Momoa is in full throttle Fast and the Furious mode as he revved on a motorbike on the set for the 10th instalment of the action franchise in Rome.
The 42-year-old Aquaman star was clad in leather trousers and a snake skin jacket as he was filmed riding a black and red motorbike down a cobbled street in the Italian capital.
He was later seen removing his jacket to reveal a black vest, silver chains and his trademark family crest arm tattoo.
Momoa recently revealed that he will be playing a ‘bad guy’ in the latest film – although his character’s name and other details have yet to be confirmed.
‘I’m gonna go do Fast 10, that’s gonna be fun… it’s fun, I get to play the bad guy, which I haven’t gotten to do for a while…’ he told ET. ‘Now I get to be the bad boy. A very flamboyant bad boy. A little panache.’ Read more
Saratoga Hotel: 25 dead after huge explosion in Havana (BBC)
At least 25 people have died and more than 60 have been hospitalised after a massive explosion rocked one of Cuba’s most exclusive five-star hotels.
It is believed a gas tanker which was parked outside the Saratoga Hotel in Old Havana ignited, causing an explosion which destroyed several floors of the building.
The historic hotel was set for a post-pandemic reopening in four days.
It now lies in ruins, with much of its outer wall torn off.
Search and rescue operations are currently under way to locate people trapped under the debris. Read more
Gemma Chan and Harry Shum Jr. to lead “Crazy Rich Asians” spinoff in works at Warner Bros (People)
The Crazy Rich Asians universe is expanding.
A spinoff of the 2018 romantic comedy is in early development at Warner Bros. and will focus on a new love story between Nick’s cousin Astrid Leong-Teo (Gemma Chan) and Charlie Wu (Harry Shum Jr.), according to Deadline.
A rep for Warner Bros. did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Based on Kevin Kwan’s second book in the series, China Rich Girlfriend, the film will follow the romance between Astrid and her first love Charlie, to whom she was previously engaged until her parents broke them up as they didn’t see him as a suitable partner. Read more
Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer believes in Netflix vut its “Pivot” is inevitable (Deadline)
Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer believes Netflix still has a “tremendous business,” but they “didn’t pivot quite quickly enough” as their subscriber momentum stalled.
Observations about Netflix’s effort to right the ship after losing $200 billion in market value provided just one of several appetizing morsels of industry analysis and career reflection offered during an hour-long conversation at SeriesFest in Denver. The conversation between the Lionsgate boss and Liberty Global CEO Mike Fries provided an early highlight in the fest’s returnFeltheimer and Fries have known each other well for decades and Fries sits on Lionsgate’s board of directors, and that familiarity bred a number of candid moments. (Fries has skillfully gotten the likes of Jeffrey Katzenberg and Ted Sarandos to open up in past years at SeriesFest.) Feltheimer even offered a couple of business decisions he regretted, including greenlighting the disastrous Chaos Walking and passing on Damien Chazelle’s Babylon after scoring big on La La Land.
Prodded by Fries to assess Netflix’s challenges, Feltheimer remarked that the company made a decision nearly a decade ago that has come back to apply significant financial pressure. After successful early originals (including the Lionsgate-produced Orange Is the New Black) and the field largely to itself, “they decided they were just going to do a slash and burn and get to more subs than anyone and no one would ever catch them,” the executive said. “They would just spend and spend, and if anyone else tried to spend as much, they would go out of business. That was their strategy. But they got to a point where they started slowing down, and we had the pandemic. And I think that maybe they didn’t pivot quite quickly enough. But they’re going to pivot. They still have a tremendous business.” Read more
Sony Music paid Universal $125 million for its stake in Alamo Records (Variety)
Universal Music’s share of Todd Moscowitz’s Alamo Records was acquired by Sony Music Entertainment for around $125 million, with a total purchase of between $188 million and $225 million, according to Universal’s recent earnings report and an educated estimate by Music Business Worldwide published Thursday.
The company, which was founded as a joint venture with Universal Music Group by the former 300, Warner Music and Def Jam exec in 2016, has been on a hot streak in recent years with Blackbear, Lil Durk and Rod Wave. Sources told Variety at the time that there was a buy/sell negotiation in the months leading up and UMG opted to walk away.
While some sources at the time of the June 2021 deal put the sale price at $250 million, MBW spied an item in Universal Music Group‘s recently-issued annual fiscal report stating that Sony Music paid €102 million (around $123 million, which MBW rounded up to $125 million) to buy UMG’s interest in Alamo, which was presumably 50%, with Moscowitz owning the other half.
While that would place the valuation at $250 million, it is unclear how much of Moscowitz’s half Sony purchased. Read more
Nicki Minaj’s father’s killer pleads guilty & faces year in jail (HipHopDX)
Nicki Minaj’s father, Robert Maraj, was killed in a hit-and-run accident in Nassau County, New York in February 2021. According to TMZ, Charles Polevich pleaded guilty to a pair of felonies earlier this week with one count of leaving the scene of an incident without reporting and another count of evidence tampering.
Polevich evaded the seven years he was facing behind bars as Judge Howard Sturiun agreed to sentence the 71-year-old to a maximum of one year in prison, along with community service and having his license suspended.
Maraj was 64 years old. Nicki Minaj took to her website to pay tribute to her late father, which she described as the “most devastating loss” of her life.
“I can say it has been the most devastating loss of my life,” she wrote. Read more
Oligarch who criticised war in Ukraine is targeted by Putin (JerusalemPost)
Oleg Tinkov, the founder of one of Russia’s biggest banks, criticized the war in Ukraine in a post on Instagram last month. The day after, he claimed, President Putin’s administration contacted the bank’s executives and threatened to nationalize the bank if he did not cut ties with it.
Last week, Tinkov sold his 35 percent stake to a Russian mining billionaire who is close with Putin, in what he describes as a “desperate sale, a fire sale” that was forced on him by the Kremlin for a ridiculous price.
“I couldn’t discuss the price,” Tinkov said. “It was like a hostage situation — you take what you are offered. I couldn’t negotiate.”
Tinkov was renowned as one of Russia’s few self-made business tycoons, worth more than $9 billion in November, after building his fortune outside the energy and minerals industries that were the playgrounds of Russian oligarchs. Read more
Dmitry Bivol banned from carrying Russian flag and playing Russian national anthem for Canelo Alvarez fight (Metro)
The Russian flag and national anthem will be banned when Dmitry Bivol takes on Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in Las Vegas tonight.
Bivol, undefeated in 19 fights, puts his WBA light-heavyweight title on the line against pound-for-pound no1 Canelo, who is moving up in weight class after unifying the super-middleweight division last year.
As Mexico’s biggest boxing superstar, Canelo has become accustomed to fighting on Cinco de Mayo which falls this weekend, the Mexican holiday and a special date on the boxing calendar traditionally reserved for the biggest fights of the year. There will be a festival atmosphere on fight night inside the T-Mobile Arena to mark the occasion with Mexican flags present down the Las Vegas strip all week.
It is customary for the national anthems of both fighters, along with that of the host country, to be played before the opening bell. Read more
FIFA reject Algeria’s call to replay World Cup play-off (Guardian)
Algeria’s desperate bid to have their World Cup play-off with Cameroon replayed has been rejected by the competition organisers FIFA, the Algerian Football Federation said Saturday.
Algeria won the first leg of the play-off 1-0 in March but was beaten 2-1 in the return leg to miss out on one of the five berths at the finals for African nations.
The Algerian federation claimed the refereeing of the second tie by Gambian Bakary Gassama was “scandalous” while the FIFA referees committee rejected this view. Read more
Chelsea agree sale terms with LA Dodgers’ Todd Boehly (BBC)
Chelsea Football Club says terms have been agreed for a £4.25bn ($5.2bn) sale to a consortium led by Todd Boehly, co-owner of the LA Dodgers baseball team.
Chelsea was put up for sale before their owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned for his alleged links to Russian president Vladimir Putin following the invasion of Ukraine.
The new owners will pay £2.5bn for the club’s shares, a statement said.
The money will go into a frozen bank account to be donated to charity. Read more
Gary Neville hits back at critics of Ralf Rangnick after Jesse Lingard decision (MEN)
Gary Neville has hit back at critics of Ralf Rangnick after he chose not to bring Jesse Lingard on for what would likely be his final appearance at Old Trafford in a Manchester United shirt on Monday.
Lingard was left as an unused substitute in United’s 3-0 victory against Brentford in what was their last home match of the season. The 29-year-old is expected to be leaving in the summer with his contract expiring.
Louie Scott, Lingard’s brother, led the angry calls against the club on social media after his sibling was denied an Old Trafford farewell. In today’s press conference pre-Brighton, Rangnick had to defend his decision not to bring the England international on.
He explained: “To start with, I think in the last couple of weeks under my tenure he has played far more games than he used to before I came. Number two: on game day against Chelsea he contacted me in the hotel and asked me to release him from the game and to also release him from the training session the following day and two days after the Chelsea game for personal family reasons, and I also allowed him to do that. Read more
Wells Fargo Championship: Jason Day holds halfway lead as Rory McIlroy stutters into weekend (Sky)
Jason Day holds a three-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Wells Fargo Championship, as defending champion Rory McIlroy stuttered into the weekend.
Day followed an opening-round 63 by mixing five birdies with two bogeys to post a three-under 67 in rainy conditions at TPC Potomac, bolstering the Australian’s hopes of a first PGA Tour victory since winning this event in 2018.
The former world No 1 is on 10 under and with a strong advantage over closest challenger Max Homa, who posted a four-under 66, with Denny McCarthy in a four-way tie for third alongside compatriots Luke List, James Hahn and Kurt Kitayama.
“It’s nice to be able to get in at 10 under through two rounds, especially with what kind of weather we’ve got coming in on the weekend,” Day said. “I’m looking forward to it. It’s nice to be back in the mix, nice to be leading. There’s still two more days left, so I can’t get too far ahead of myself.”
Russell tops the times for Mercedes in opening practice (France24)
George Russell confirmed Mercedes recovery from their early-season problems when he topped the times in Friday’s second free practice for this weekend’s inaugural Miami Grand Prix.
Making the most of reliability problems for world champion Max Verstappen and the Red Bull team, the 24-year-old Briton clocked a best lap in one minute and 29.938 seconds to outpace championship leader Charles Leclerc of Ferrari by 0.106.
His performance suggested that, following four poor early-season races, the Silver Arrows’ package of aerodynamic upgrades was working.
Sergio Perez of Red Bull was third, a further tenth adrift, narrowly ahead of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton in the second McLaren. Read more
Masked Embiid posts double-double in return from injury to help 76ers down Heat Social Sharing (CBC)
Joel Embiid inspired the 76ers with his return from a facial injury, Danny Green and Tyrese Maxey each scored 21 points and Philadelphia beat the Miami Heat 99-79 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Friday night.
Wearing a black mask, Embiid had 18 points and 11 rebounds after missing the first two games of the series.
Jimmy Butler scored 33 points for the Heat, who lead the series 2-1. Game 4 is Sunday in Philadelphia.
Embiid sat out the first two games with a right orbital fracture and a mild concussion suffered in the last round. Embiid wasn’t the dominant force he was throughout the season. With Green, Maxey and James Harden all crushing Heat rallies with big buckets, Embiid didn’t have to carry the Sixers. Read more
