Motorist traps, drags traffic robber on Lagos road (Punch)
Members of the Oodua People’s Congress have detained a 23-year-old traffic robber, Jeda Sarumi, for allegedly attempting to rob a motorist at 7-up Junction, Ikosi Road in the Ketu Local Government Area of Lagos State.
A member of the Gani Adams-led OPC faction, Alfeez Alago, said the suspect belonged to a gang of thieves that robbed in traffic every night.
He said, “I was at the security post around 9 pm last Thursday when some guys and a lady brought this man to us. They said his gang members collected their phones and money at 7-up Bus Stop.”
One of the victims, Michael Ugo, told PUNCH Metro that he was heading for Lagos around 7 pm from Lotto, Ogun State, when his phone rang. Read more
Obasanjo’s endorsement of Peter Obi speaks volume — Wike (DailyTrust)
Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has said that the endorsement of the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the forthcoming election speaks volumes.
The governor made the statement at a road project’s flag-off in Emouha Local Government Area of the state.
Wike added that a bad product is always difficult to sell, arguing that the former president ought to have recommended Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to Nigerians having worked with him, instead Obasanjo choose to endorse another presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi.
Governor Wike insisted that if ex-president Obasanjo had refused to recommend Alhaji Atiku, then something must be fundamentally wrong. He opined that Alhaji Atiku should be more concerned about that loss of confidence from his former boss, and his coming election. Read more
Deceased patient’s relatives kill Delta doctor, NMA fumes (Punch)
The Nigerian Medical Association has condemned the murder of one of its members, Dr Uyi Iluobe, who was reportedly killed by relatives of his patient at a hospital in Oghara, Delta State.
PUNCH Metro gathered that Iluobe was murdered on December 31, 2022.
The NMA, in a statement by its President, Dr Uche Ojinmah, on Monday, urged the National Assembly to criminalise violence against healthcare workers in the country.
Ojinmah said, “The Nigerian Medical Association received with shock and sadness the news of the murder on December 31, 2022, of Dr Iluobe by the relatives of his patient at Oghara, where his practice was based. Read more
Lagos: Task force records 15 attacks last year (Guardian)
Lagos residents and commuters have called for a harmonious relationship with officials of government agencies working to make the state liveable.
They lamented the events of last year where highhandedness of some officers of government agencies led to unavoidable attacks, which resulted in gridlocks, injuries and loss of lives.
Some respondents, who spoke with The Guardian called for more understanding on the part of these agencies in enforcement of laws as well as the need to adopt technology in carrying out their duties.
According to them, laws are made for humans and not humans for law.
The Lagos State Environment and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Task Force) said the agency has witnessed not less than 15 gruesome attacks, of which it lost some members to the incident. Read more
Presidency attacks Obasanjo, says ‘his tenure represents dark days of Nigeria’s democracy’ (Vanguard)
The Presidency on Monday reacted to the new year open letter by former President Olusegun Obasanjo where he formally endorsed the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr. Peter Obi for the February 25 election.
President Obasanjo, who in the letter told Nigerian youths that the forthcoming election is their turn to take their destiny in their hands by voting for Mr. Obi, made scatting remarks against the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
But reacting to the former President’s description of Nigerians living in hell in the Buhari’s government, the Presidency described Chief Obasanjo as a frustrated person and morally dirty to criticize the present administration.
A statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said, “As we said sometime back, Mr. Obasanjo’s tenure, 1999-2007, represented the dark days of Nigeria’s democracy due to a slew of assaults on the constitution.” Read more
Lekki Port opens talks with liquid bulk terminals for Phase 2 devt (Leadership)
After the successful completion of the first phase of the Lekki Deep Seaport, the Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL), on Monday, disclosed that it had opened discussions with three potential operators of the liquid berth terminals.
Speaking at a media parley in Lagos, the chief operating officer, LPLEL, Laurence Smith, said the liquid bulk terminal was critical to the commencement of the construction of Phase Two of the port.
Smith revealed that full commercial operation of the completed first phase of the deep seaport would commence commercial operations at the end of the first quarter of 2023 while the terminal operator, Lekki Free Port Terminal, would be carrying out trial operations once its completes the installation of all necessary port equipment and infrastructure.
Already, the port is expected to receive scanning machines which would be used for Customs Service cargo examination by February 2023.
Burna Boy succumbs to pressure, apologises for show delay (Tribune)
Grammy Award-winning Afrobeat artiste, Damini Ebuonoluwa Ogulu, better known professionally as Burna Boy has offered an apology to his fans for failing to show up early at his much-anticipated concert in Lagos.
The ‘Last last’ crooner who was billed to headline the show-themed ‘Lagos Loves Damini’ concert which was scheduled to start at 7 pm on Sunday, January 1 was nowhere to be found on the stage at 3 am on Monday, January 2.
Burna Boy’s failure to appear early at the show venue generated negative reactions on social media, as many of his disappointed fans took to social media to lambast him over the development.
The Afrobeat sensation has however taken to his verified Instagram account to clear the air and apologise to all his fans who felt disappointed by the delay in the commencement of the show. Read more
Tax Clearance Certificate now easy to obtain – FIRS (Vanguard)
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has said that taxpayers can now obtain their Tax Clearance Certificate in a single click via its flagship Taxpro Max solution.
The TaxPro Max, a tax administration solution introduced by the apex tax authority in June 2021 is a one-stop-shop for taxpayer registration, tax returns filing, tax payment, tax clearance certificate requesting, among other functionalities.
This was contained, in a statement by Mr. Johannes Wojuola, Special Assistant to the Executive Chairman, FIRS (Media & Communication), yesterday.
It said that the generation of Tax Clearance Certificates, which used to be issued within a period of two weeks, would now be available on a single click by the taxpayer. Read more
Foundation supports C’River widows, indigent citizens (Guardian)
Founder and Chairman of Odus Oboro Foundation, Hycinth Odu, has stressed the need to assist the underprivileged in the society. He said touching lives of the needy fulfills biblical injunction on charity. He spoke when the Foundation gave out items to widows of Mbube communities in Ogoja Council of Cross River State.
The CEO of the Foundation explained that this year’s theme is “Joy of the World,” saying it is part of the Social Corporate Responsibility of the organisation.
He said: The Foundation came into existence three years ago with a view to reaching the unreached and bringing hope to the hopeless, which will spread joy to the whole world.”
In her remarks, the Director of the Foundation, Felicia Odu, explained that the organisation is faith-based and philanthropic in nature and focuses on giving succour to widows and the underprivileged, and scholarships to indigent children and the poor. Read more
Fans outraged after Celine Dion excluded from Rolling Stone’s list of ”greatest singers” (MusicNews)
Fans have expressed their outrage over Celine Dion being left off of Rolling Stone’s list of “greatest singers”.
On New Year’s Day, editors at the music magazine published an article titled “200 greatest singers of all time”, with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Sam Cooke, Billie Holiday, and Mariah Carey rounding out the top five.
However, many fans were quick to point out that Celine had been snubbed, as were Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick, and Jennifer Hudson.
“Respectfully, not including Celine Dion, arguably the best vocal technician of all time, in this list is borderline treasonous,” one follower tweeted, while Yvette Nicole Brown argued, “They got THE @MichaelJackson way down at EIGHTY-SIX?! and no @CelineDion at ALL?! Shoot, the way MJ sang #WithAChildsHeart when he was a CHILD makes him top three at the least and if Celine Dion isn’t in the Top Ten at the LEAST what are we really doing?! Damn @RollingStone.” Read more
Earth, Wind & Fire drummer Fred White dies aged 67 (Guardian)
The Earth, Wind & Fire drummer Fred White has died at the age of 67.
The news was shared by his brother and bandmate Verdine White on Sunday in an Instagram post. He paid tribute to the “amazing and talented” musician, “now drumming with the angels!”
Verdine White wrote: “Dearest family, friends and fans … Our family is saddened today with the loss of an amazing and talented family member, our beloved brother Frederick Eugene ‘Freddie’ White.
“He joins our brothers Maurice, Monte and Ronald in heaven and is now drumming with the angels! Child protege, member of the EWF ORIGINAL 9, with gold records at the young age of 16 years old! He was brother number 4 in the family lineup. Read more
Ancient Egyptian ‘Green Coffin’ returned to Cairo by US (BBC)
A looted ancient Egyptian sarcophagus that was on display at a US museum has been returned to Egypt.
The 2.9m (9.5ft) long “Green Coffin” dates back to the Late Dynastic Period, which spanned 664BC to 332BC, and belonged to a priest called Ankhenmaat.
It was looted from the Abu Sir necropolis in north Egypt by a global art trafficking network, which smuggled it through Germany into the US in 2008.
A collector loaned it to the Houston Museum of Natural Science in 2013.
The sarcophagus was repatriated after an investigation that lasted several years and was formally handed over by US diplomats at a ceremony in Cairo on Monday. The event was attended by Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Tourism and Antiquities Minister Ahmed Issa. Read more
Jeremy Renner out of surgery after suffering blunt chest trauma, remains in intensive care (Variety)
Jeremy Renner is now out of surgery after suffering blunt chest trauma and orthopedic injuries in a weather-related accident. He remains in the intensive care unit in “critical but stable condition,” according to his representation.
“Jeremy’s family would like to express their gratitude to the incredible doctors and nurses looking after him, Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue, Washoe County Sheriff, Reno City Mayor Hillary Schieve and the Carano and Murdock families,” the statement from the actor’s representation reads. “They are also tremendously overwhelmed and appreciative of the outpouring of love and support from his fans.”
Renner was involved in a weather-related accident near Reno, Nev. during the morning of New Year’s Day. After being transferred to a nearby medical center, Renner underwent surgery Monday.
Renner has owned a home in Washoe County for several years. The northern Nevada area was pummeled by heavy snowfall during a storm on New Year’s Eve, with more than 31,000 people losing power, according to News 4. Read more
8 Mile star Mekhi Phifer says there will never be a sequel (HipHopDX)
Fans of Eminem‘s 8 Mile film with Mekhi Phifer likely weren’t holding their breath for a sequel as it’s now been 20 years since its release – but in the event they were, Mekhi has some unfortunate news.
TMZ caught up with the esteemed actor while he was out in Los Angeles on Monday (January 2), and asked if there’d ever be a follow-up to the 2002 film. Without mincing any words, Mekhi made it clear there never would be.
“Sometimes it’s just best to leave it alone. Once you make it a classic, no reason to fool around with it,” he said, while also confirming that there was never even a discussion about a second film.
When the interviewer noted how interesting it would be to see Eminem’s character evolve in a sequel, Mekhi agreed – but still kept himself and Em out of the conversation. Read more
2 Iranian teens face death penalty over protests, rights group says (VOA)
Two Iranian teenagers face the death penalty after being sentenced to be hanged for involvement in protests that have rocked the Islamic republic for months, a rights group said Monday.
Two men aged 23 have already been executed over the protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, but campaigners fear dozens more risk being hanged as Iran uses capital punishment as an intimidation tactic in a bid to quell the protests.
Mehdi Mohammadifard, an 18-year-old protester, was sentenced to death on charges of setting alight a traffic police kiosk in the western town of Nowshahr in Mazandaran province, the Oslo-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) group said.
The death sentence was issued by a Revolutionary Court in the provincial capital of Sari after convicting him of the capital charges of “corruption on earth” and “enmity against God,” it added. Read more
Gangsta Boo, pioneering Memphis rapper, has died aged 43 (HipHopDX)
Gangsta Boo, the pioneering Memphis rapper and former member of Three 6 Mafia, has died at the age of 43, HipHopDX has confirmed.
According to Fox 13 Memphis, the rapper (real name Lola Mitchell) was found dead around 4:00 p.m. local time on Sunday afternoon (January 1) in her hometown of Memphis. A cause of death has not yet been revealed.
As news of the Queen of Memphis’ death began spreading via social media, DJ Paul posted a photo of his former Three 6 Mafia group mate on social media, which many took as confirmation of her death.
HipHopDX has been told that a statement from Gangsta Boo’s family is on the way.Read more
Venus Williams starts 30th year on WTA Tour with victory (Guardian) Venus Williams started her 30th year on the WTA Tour with a victory over fellow American, Katie Volynets, at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand.
The 42-year-old beat Volynets, who is half her age, 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 and will play China’s Lin Zhu next. Former world number one Williams made her Tour debut in October 1994.
She entered four tournaments as a wildcard in 2021, the only year since 1994 in which she did not win a singles match. Her victory over Volynets – who turned 21 on New Year’s Eve – was interrupted by rain during the first-set tie-break, which her opponent was leading.
But Volynets faded, as the match stretched into the evening, with Williams wrapping up her first singles win since Wimbledon in 2021.
“It’s hard when you’re all fired up and just suddenly you have to stop,” said Williams, who is now ranked 1,003 in the world. Read more
NPFL clubs resume training after New Year break (Punch)
Ahead of the commencement of the new Nigeria Professional Football League season next Sunday, participating clubs are back in training following the Yuletide celebration.
The 2022/23 NPFL season is scheduled to begin on an abridged format, after an initial disagreement between the Interim Management Committee of the NPFL and the club owners.
Barring any last minute kick by any of the parties, everything points to an eventual start of the season next Sunday, and clubs like Lobi Stars of Makurdi are quick to get off the Yuletide mood with their first training sessions of the year on Monday afternoon.
“Men At Work. This is how the gaffer and the players get to business on New Year 2023. Training ahead of the NPFL opening day trip to Rivers United FC,” Lobi tweeted on Monday afternoon. Read more
Ronaldo arrives in Saudi Arabia ahead of unveiling by Al Nassr (AlJazeera)
Portugal’s footballing superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has arrived in Riyadh ahead of his grand unveiling before thousands of fans at Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr club.
After sealing a deal estimated at more than 200 million euros ($213m), the 37-year-old touched down in the Saudi Arabian capital late on Monday, according to Al Ekhbariya state-run TV. The five-time winner of the Ballon d’Or is staying at a luxury hotel in the city with a large entourage.
“He brought a big team of assistants and even a private security firm,” an official told the AFP news agency.
Ronaldo, who left Manchester United under a cloud after slamming the club in a TV interview, will appear at Al Nassr’s 25,000-capacity Mrsool Park stadium in Riyadh at 7pm local time (16:00 GMT) on Tuesday, officials said. Read more
FIFA to ask every country to name a stadium in honour of football great Pele, Gianni Infantino says (Sky)
FIFA plans to ask every country in the world to name a stadium in honour of the late football legend Pele, its president Gianni Infantino has said.
The former Santos FC star, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, died on 29 December aged 82 after a battle with colon cancer in September 2021.
Mr Infantino, who is in Sao Paulo in Brazil for Pele’s funeral, told local reporters: “We’re going to ask every country in the world to name one of their football stadiums with the name of Pele.”
Rio de Janeiro scrapped plans to name the famous Maracana Stadium after Pele after it was vetoed by the state governor in April 2021. Read more
Golfer’s Masters invitation mistakenly sent to Georgia man who shares same name (Mirror)
The mystery of why a PGA Tour professional hadn’t received his invitation to this year’s Masters has been solved.
World No.54 Scott Stallings was becoming increasingly concerned that his invitation to the April tournament had not arrived in the post. However, a random direct message on Twitter this week revealed that the invitation had been sent to Georgia, but to an amateur golfer by the same name.
The three-time PGA Tour event winner has not played in the Masters since 2014, so was understandably worried about his invitation and said he had been ‘checking his mailbox five times a day.’ Stallings was left amazed by the name coincidence and posted the direct Twitter exchange for his fans.
It read: ‘Hi Scott. My name is Scott Stallings as well and I’m from GA (Georgia). My wife’s name is Jennifer too! I received a FedEx today from the Masters inviting me to play in the Master’s Tournament April 6 to 9. I’m 100% sure that it is NOT for me. Read more
Brilliant Berrettini beats Ruud at United Cup (RFI)
Matteo Berrettini put Italy into the city final of the inaugural United Cup with a brilliant attacking win over world number three Casper Ruud in Brisbane on Tuesday.
Berrettini broke Ruud once in each set for a clinical 6-4, 6-4 triumph that gave Italy an unassailable 3-0 lead over Norway ahead of the second women’s singles and mixed doubles.
Italy will play either Poland or Switzerland in the Brisbane final, with the victor of that tie to be decided later Tuesday.
The winner of each city final in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth will play the semi-finals in Sydney, along with the best-performing team from the beaten finalists. Read more