Mercy Johnson, husband celebrate 13th wedding anniversary (Nation)
Actress Mercy Johnson Okojie and her husband, Prince Okojie, on Tuesday, August 27, celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary with a loved-up picture and video on their different Instagram handles.
Mercy shared a heartfelt video showcasing their family’s journey over the years, expressing gratitude to God for the memories.
She wrote: “I have no words, Lord, 13th anniversary with so many memories.” Read more
Tea vendor beats man to death over missing Indomie, bread (DailyTrust)
Abdulrashibu Ya’u, a 40-year-old tea vendor in Sararai village, Jigawar Tsada town, Dutse Local Government Council of Jigawa State, has beat 20-year-old Hassan Garba to death.
According to reports, Ya’u descended on Garba whom he accused of stealing bread, milk, noodles, and petrol.
Upon receiving the report, the police delegated a team to the scene and arrested the suspect, while the victim was rushed to Rasheed Shekoni Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Read more
Lagos shuts churches, hotels for violating environmental laws (Punch)
The Lagos State Government has intensified its enforcement against establishments violating the State Environmental Laws of 2017, shutting on Tuesday several businesses and religious institutions in contravention of the law.
The state government, following an operation in the Ojo Local Government Area by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency sealed the affected establishments including churches, hotels, bars, an event centre, and a recycling company.
The facilities, according to the agency, were all found to allegedly violate the state’s strict environmental standards. Read more
Police arrest 4 over car vandalism, possession of firearm in Lagos (Leadership)
Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have apprehended 39-year-old Monday Julius “m” for alleged car vandalism in the Oshodi area of the state.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin while confirming the arrest of the suspect, stated, “Officers of Ilupeju Division while investigating a report about a Toyota Yaris Saloon Car that was removed from where it was parked, arrested one Monday Julius ‘m’ aged 39 at Oshodi.
“The suspect had however begun to disassemble the car to sell in parts as he could not sell it whole. The vehicle has been recovered with an investigation going on.” Read more
Alimosho Crisis: Lagos Assembly to resend resolutions to council chairman, others (Independent)
What would have resulted in the removal of Alimosho Local Government chairman, Jelili Suleimon, was on Monday prevented by the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.
Lawmakers had suggested on the floor of the House that the council chairman be removed or suspended for ‘stubbornly disrespecting’ the House and refusing to obey its resolutions concerning toll collections in the Iyana-Ipaja area of Alimosho.
A press statement by Eromosele Ebhomele, the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, said one person had been killed on April 16, 2024, when fracas occurred in Iyana-Ipaja over allegations that council chairman forcefully withdrew the collection of revenues from Abiodun Ejigbadero and handed same to a man allegedly loyal to him. Read more
Fresh crisis rocks Labour Party as Gov Otti calls NEC meeting (DailyTrust)
The unending internal crisis rocking Labour Party (LP) took a new twist as the sole governor of the party, Alex Otti of Abia State, has called for an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
Speaking at a press briefing, on Tuesday, national chairman of the party, Julius Abure, said during a recent meeting with the governor, Otti stated his intention to convene a NEC meeting on Saturday, August 31.
He quoted Otti as saying his planned meeting was to dissolve the National Executive Council, State Executive Council, Local Government Executive Council and Ward Executive Council on the purported ground that the tenures of the executives have expired. Read more
Bread makers affirm commitment to qualitative production (Vanguard)
Against the backdrop of allegations of unwholesome practices in the production of bread in the country, bakers under the aegis of Premium Breadmakers Association of Nigeria (PBAN) have assured the public of their strict adherence to the highest standards of food safety and quality in the production of bread.
The bakers stated this in a release signed by Emmanuel Onuorah and Babalola Thomas, President and PRO of PBAN, respectively, made available to Vanguard on Tuesday.
PBAN stated: “In light of recent unfounded rumors and misinformation, PBAN strongly reiterates that no unwholesome or substandard materials are used in the production of bread by any of our member bakeries. Read more
3 arraigned over alleged theft of transformer valued N50m (Tribune)
Three men were arraigned on Tuesday before an Ikorodu Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly stealing an electricity transformer valued at N50 million.
The defendants, Kehinde Akinkugbe, Tope Salisu, and Isiaka Amusa, who did not provide their addresses, are facing charges of conspiracy, theft, and malicious damage. They all pleaded not guilty.
According to Prosecutor ASP Aminu Isaac, the defendants committed the offenses around 2:30 a.m. on August 22 at Ajeri Street, Ijede, Ikorodu, Lagos. Read more
Jenna Ortega believes she read for Dune in ‘‘very secret’’ audition (Variety)
Jenna Ortega has a hunch that she auditioned for Denis Villeneuve’s Dune adaptation six years ago. During a Buzzfeed interview, the actor shared that she was excited to meet with the director when the project was still in development.
“I think I auditioned for Dune when I was about 15,” the 21-year-old actor said when asked, “What’s a role people would be surprised you auditioned for?” “I remember being a big fan of that film and that franchise and everything like that and being really excited for that interview because Denis [Villeneuve] is one of my favorite filmmakers.”
Ortega also shared that she believes she was reading for the role of Chani, played by Zendaya across both Dune entries: “I think it was Chani. I think it was Zendaya’s. But they weren’t saying that. Everything was very secret.” Read more
With aid underfunded, Sudanese refugees in Chad face more misery (AfricaNews)
As fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces grinds on, civilians have been fleeing violence in Darfur to neighbouring Chad.
But more misery awaits them there.
“There is no food, nothing to drink, no money. Healthcare was provided by Doctors Without Borders for three or four months, and water for two months only,” says one displaced woman.
Those fleeing the ongoing civil war are joining their compatriots who fled during ethnic violence in Darfur that began as far back as 2003. Read more
Notting Hill Carnival: 3 arrested as mum ‘caught up in fight’ stabbed in front of child (Mirror)
A woman, 32, was found with stab injuries on Sunday at Notting Hill Carnival and was rushed to hospital where she remains, as investigating police today made three arrests
Three men have been arrested over the stabbing of a woman who attended the Notting Hill Carnival with her young child at the weekend.
Officers gave emergency medical treatment to the 32-year-old victim until paramedics arrived in the incident on Sunday evening. She was taken to hospital where she remains in a critical condition. Read more
James Norton’s new movie confirms earlier UK screenings ahead of Netflix release (DigitalSpy)
James Norton’s new film “Joy” is set to make its world premiere at the 68th BFI London Film Festival, with additional preview screenings announced for select UK cinemas.
The movie – which also stars Bill Nighy and Last Night in Soho and The Power of the Dog’s Thomasin McKenzie – will debut at London’s Southbank Centre on Tuesday, October 15, with further screenings scheduled to take place on the same date and time in nine of the Festival’s UK-wide partner cinema venues.
The early screenings mean some lucky audience members will be able to see the film a month earlier than its limited UK theatrical release (November 15) and its confirmed Netflix release date (November 22). Read more
Big Sean confirms new album release date amid COVID diagnosis (Vibe)
Big Sean has confirmed the official release date for his forthcoming studio album, which he says was completed amid him being diagnosed with COVID.
On Monday (Aug. 26), Big Sean took to Instagram Live to update fans on the rollout of Better Me Than You and confirmed the project will be released this Friday (Aug. 30). However, the rapper also admitted his struggle to complete the album, pointing to his personal expectations as well as being diagnosed with COVID as hurdles he endured during the recording process.
“I’ve been having a hard time lately, straight up. It has not been easy,” the Detroit native told his followers, lamenting the toll that creating an album can have on one’s emotions and psyche. “You make art, you put your heart into this sh*t,” he added, before revealing that he’d recently tested positive for COVID, thus putting more of a strain on his creativity. Read more
Texas judge halts Biden immigration policy giving spouses of US citizens legal status (AlArabiya)
A Texas judge on Monday ordered a temporary pause on a policy that would streamline the process for spouses of US citizens to obtain legal status in the country, a blow to one of US President Joe Biden’s biggest immigration reform policies.
Judge J. Campbell Barker granted a 14-day administrative stay in a case brought by the Republican attorneys general of 16 US states challenging the Biden administration’s policy.
In June, Biden announced the new policy, which streamlined a pathway to citizenship for an estimated half a million immigrants married to US nationals. Read more
French judge extends police custody for Telegram CEO Pavel Durov (NBC)
A French investigative judge extended police custody for the CEO of the popular messaging app Telegram, Pavel Durov, prosecutors said on Tuesday.
Durov was detained Saturday at Le Bourget airport as part of a judicial inquiry opened last month involving 12 alleged criminal violations. They include complicity in selling child sexual abuse material and in drug trafficking, fraud, abetting organized crime transactions and refusing to share information or documents with investigators when required by law.
A statement from the Paris prosecutor’s office said Durov’s police custody order was extended on Monday evening for up to 48 hours. After that, authorities must release or charge him, the prosecutor’s office said in an earlier statement. Read more
Falconets lose to Mexico in World Cup preparatory game (Punch)
Nigeria’s under-20 women’s football team, the Falconets, on Monday in Bogota lost 0-1 to their Mexican counterparts in a friendly match.
The match played at the Club Banco de la República in the Colombian capital city was the final game in their preparations for the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup held there.
Mexico scored the lone goal in the 15th minute, through a volley by Alejandra Lomelí. Read more
Novak Djokovic eases past Moldovan qualifier Radu Albot on Arthur Ashe Stadium (SkySports)
Novak Djokovic began his quest to become the first player to capture 25 Grand Slam titles with victory under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium against Moldovan qualifier Radu Albot.
Having completed the career Golden Slam – winning all four Grand Slam titles and the Olympic gold – Djokovic is aiming to capture a 25th major crown that will see him move past Margaret Court and take sole possession of the all-time record.
The world No 2, who is favourite to become the first player to successfully defend his New York title since Roger Federer in 2008, eased to a comfortable 6-2 6-2 6-4 win against Albot to claim a record-breaking 78th win on the main showcourt at Flushing Meadows. Read more
Caitlin Clark sets another WNBA record, helps Indiana Fever beat Atlanta Dream (UPI)
Caitlin Clark totaled 19 points, seven rebounds and seven assists en route to another WNBA record while helping the Indiana Fever beat the Atlanta Dream in Atlanta.
Fellow Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell totaled a game-high 29 points in the 84-79 triumph Monday at State Farm Arena. With her performance, Clark set a record for the most games (21) with at least 15 points and five assists in the same season.
“I’m really excited because I feel like there are so many areas for me to continue to get better,” Clark told reporters. “That’s exciting as a player.” Read more
Sodje urges NFF to appoint capable assistants for Labbadia (CompleteSports)
Former international Sam Sodje says it is important for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to appoint capable assistants for newly appointed Super Eagles head coach, Bruno Labbadia to make his reign a success.
The NFF announced Labbadia’s appointment on Tuesday morning.
The German will be managing in Africa for the first time and will also be making a dive into international football for the first time. Read more
Al-Nassr will ‘probably’ be Ronaldo’s final club (BBC)
Cristiano Ronaldo has said that Al-Nassr will “probably” be his last club before he retires.
The Portugal international, 39, joined the Saudi Pro League side in January 2023 after leaving Manchester United.
He had been linked with a return to Sporting Lisbon, where he began his career. Read more
PFA want to end *banishments” after Raheem Sterling was exiled from Chelsea squad (DailyStar)
The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) are reportedly appauled with Chelsea’s efforts to qexile and banish their own senior players from Stamford Bridge.
Over the course of the last five transfer windows, Chelsea have embarked upon a spending spree, jettisoning their pure profit PSR academy graduates to fuel their insatiable appetite for signings. This summer, they have brought in the likes of Pedro Neto, Joao Felix and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
When combined with the previous spending of the four windows prior, the Blues have seen their squad bloat, to the point where with just days left before the transfer market slams shut, they now need to offload players fast. Read more