N1.23bn fraud: You’ll be tried in Lagos not Abuja, judge tells Maurice Iwu (Punch)
Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed an application by a former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Maurice Iwu, seeking the transfer of his N1.23bn fraud trial from Lagos to Abuja.
The judge, in a ruling on Friday, said the application lacked merit.
Justice Oweibo said a look at the list of witnesses submitted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission showed that most of the witnesses were in Lagos, with some retired, hence “justice will be better served for the trial to proceed in Lagos”.
Iwu, who was arraigned on four counts of money laundering and fraud, had through his lawyer, Mr Ahmed Raji (SAN), pleaded that the case be transferred from Lagos to Abuja on the basis of his old age. Read more
Fleeing man arrested after killing lover for allegedly cheating on him (Guardian)
Fleeing 22-year-old Daniel Okocha, who allegedly stabbed his lover, Nkechi Agwor, to death, over suspicion that she was cheating on him, has been arrested in his hideout by detectives at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, SCIID, Yaba, Lagos.
The incident occurred last Sunday at the live-in-lovers apartment in Egbeda area of Lagos. Trouble began and the love between the duo went sour when the suspect refused to allow the deceased, Nkechi, aged 20, to go to church last Sunday.
When the deceased insisted, a quarrel ensued, which degenerated into a fight during which Daniel allegedly stabbed her with a knife in the neck and fled. When he was arrested, he admitted culpability. Read more
Lagos-Ibadan rail: Second batch of train coaches in transit, says Chinese company (Punch)
CRRC Tangshan Company Limited, the Chinese company manufacturing train coaches for the Lagos-Ibadan rail line said on Friday that the second batch of 12 coaches is currently in transit to Nigeria from the Tianjin Port, Chinese media outfit, China.org.cn reports.
The manufacturer said the first batch of 16 coaches arrived at the Lagos port on February 1, 2020, while the third and final batch of the 32 passenger coaches would be shipped.
Last April, CRRC Tangshan took an order of 60 passenger coaches, consisting of 44 cab cars and 16 trailer cars of its revamped 25T type, to be exported to Nigeria and serve along the 156-km Lagos-Ibadan rail line. Read more
NBA seeks more justices for Appeal Court (ThisDay)
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Thursday called for the appointment of more justices for the Court of Appeal to ensure that serving ones do not continue to be overworked.
The NBA also advocated an amendment to the Court of Appeal Act to allow a division of the court has a minimum of six Justices at a time.
Its President, Mr. Paul Usoro (SAN), said these while speaking in Abuja at a valedictory court session held in honour of the retiring President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bukalchuwa, who turns 70 today (Friday).
Usoro hailed Justice Bulkachuwa’s contribution to the Judiciary and the effective manner she managed her court as the president. Read more
ASUU condemns suspension of UNILAG Convocation (Nation)
Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) University of Lagos UNILAG, Dr. Dele Ashiru has condemned the suspension if the institution’s 51st convocation because the Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Wale Babalakin claimed the management did not seek the Council’s approval. In a WhatsApp chat with The Nation, Dr. Ashiru said Babalakin should have used internal procedures before escalating to the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja.
Ashiru accused the Pro-Chancellor of imperialism and said he was trying to discredit public university system because of his private university agenda.
He said: “As you may be aware the agenda of Wale Babalakin and his pay masters is to discredit the Nigerian Public University system as inefficient in order to justify their call for the privatization of universities. Available evidence reveals that the matter was discussed in Council. If Babalakin was not satisfied with that why did he not resort to internal procedures and processes in resolving the issue. In view of this ASUU UNILAG condemns in the strongest terms this wicked, inhuman, egoistic and satanic postponement of the convocation ceremony of our great University in order to massage the over bloated ego of an imperial Pro-Chancellor.” Read more
LAGESC begins arrest of street traders (Guardian)
Following the increasing traffic gridlock in Lagos State, some of which are linked to the activities of street traders and consequent fatalities those trading on walkways and setbacks are exposed to as a result of reckless driving by some drivers, the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) is clamping down and arresting recalcitrant traders not yielding to the various warnings and advocacy on street trading and hawking.
Corps Marshal of the agency, Akinpelu Gbemisola, stated this at the command headquarters, Bolade-Oshodi yesterday. According to her, the governor has directed that all the roads in the state be rid of any form of impediment for free flow of traffic as well as safety of all and sundry. “Walkways are meant for pedestrians to walk and not for trading activities so as to give room for motorists to enjoy smooth vehicular movement,” she said. Read more
Hunt for five kidnapped school girls begins (Nation)
A manhunt by the Niger state Police Command for five school girls, their teacher and a security gang kidnapped by armed bandits in Mariga local government area of Niger state has begun.
The victims were kidnapped in their school, a private secondary boarding school named, Tulare Academy School Maruba last weekend.
The bandits were said to have taken advantage of the remote location of the private boarding primary school, its lack of perimeter fence and communication to carry out the operation.
The Niger state Police Commissioner, Alhaji Adamu Usman who led heads of other security agencies to the school said that the Command has deployed a special technical squad and armed anti-kidnapping squad has to identify the area and rescue the victims unhurt. Read more
Again, herdsmen attack Benue community, rape monarch’s wife, others (Punch)
Suspected Fulani herdsmen in the early hours of Thursday attacked the Mbanyiar community in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State and raped three women including the district head’s wife.
According to a native of the community, who simply identified himself as Terka, the suspected herdsmen headed straight to the residence of the community head and attacked the household.
The herdsmen allegedly raped the traditional ruler’s wife and two of his in-laws and destroyed crops stored in the barn.
Confirming the attack on his community, the traditional ruler, Tyoor Chado, said the herdsmen numbering 11 attacked his residence around 2am. Read more
NCDC to spend N1.6bn in 28 days to tackle Covid-19 (ThisDay)
As efforts to check the spread of the deadly Covid-19 disease continues to gain momentum, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has said that it plans to spend the sum of N1.674 billion in next 28 days on activities aimed at containing the virus in the country.
The Deputy Director, Special Duties at NCDC, Dr. Priscilla Ibekwe, who spoke on Friday at the weekly ministerial briefing organised by the Ministry of Health, said from the assessment the centre made, it is going to require N1.674 billion to carry out its surveillance, testing and isolation activities within the next one month.
At the briefing, the Director General of the Nigeria Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Dr. Obi Adigwe, disclosed that the agency has successfully developed a hand sanitizer to address the looming scarcity of the liquid used as part of the prevention of coronavirus. Read more
MI dumps Chocolate City, drops EP (Nation)
After 13 years with Chocolate City, Jude Abaga, has announced his decision to leave the label and move on to a new phase of the music game.
Upon resignation, Abaga rose from being just an artiste under Chocolate City to the post of a CEO from 2015 till 2019.
“I had a dream that CBN would be the greatest group the world had ever seen… it was on me… and today I announce my decision to finally let go and move on to something new!
“Thank you for your support and love for 13 years.. and if your still with me!! Let’s go.. please follow @imthetribe,” he announced on his Instagram page on Friday.
The announcement however came with a surprise Extended Play (EP) titled JUDAH EP which has 8-tracks with guest appearances from AQ, Buckyraw, Nawe, Alpha Ojini and Kauna. Read more
One billion Android devices at risk of hacking (BBC)
More than a billion Android devices are at risk of being hacked because they are no longer protected by security updates, watchdog Which? has suggested.
The vulnerability could leave users around the world exposed to the danger of data theft, ransom demands and other malware attacks.
Anyone using an Android phone released in 2012 or earlier should be especially concerned, it said.
Which? says it was not reassured by Google’s response.
And the tech giant has not responded to BBC requests for a comment. Read more
Saudi king relieves economy minister in latest cabinet reshuffle (Punch)
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has relieved the economy minister in the latest cabinet reshuffle, official media reported citing a royal decree, as the kingdom grapples with plunging oil prices.
Saudi Press Agency said late Thursday that the king “relieved” Mohammed al-Tuwaijri from his position as economy minister and tasked Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan with overseeing the ministry.
Tuwaijri was appointed as advisor to the royal court with the rank of minister, the agency said.
This comes 10 days after Saudi Arabia announced the creation of three new ministries, for tourism, sports and investment. Read more
Father stabs one-year-old son to death in Israel (Nation)
A one-year-old baby boy was stabbed to death by his father Friday morning in the city of Hod Hasharon, in what has been termed a domestic attack.
The boy was evacuated by Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency medical service, to nearby Meir Hospital, in a critical condition, before succumbing to his wounds.
A three-year-old girl and her 36-year-old mother were also seriously injured, while the perpetrator of the attack, a 37-year-old man and father to the two children, was lightly injured. Read more
Virus lockdowns and quarantines must respect rights: UN (Guardian)
Governments using lockdowns and quarantines to fight the deadly new coronavirus must ensure people’s rights are respected and avoid unintended consequences, the UN rights chief said Friday.
Michelle Bachelet said the response to the COVID-19 disease caused by the virus must place human dignity and rights at its centre.
Her office said lockdowns, quarantines and similar measures “should always be carried out in strict accordance with human rights standards and in a way that is necessary and proportionate”. Read more
India poultry industry hit by false virus claims (Punch)
India’s poultry industry is reeling after sales fell nearly 80 percent over false claims that chickens were carriers of the new coronavirus and could pass it to humans, officials said Friday.
Messages warning people to stop eating chicken because of the contagion have been widely shared on social media, including Facebook and WhatsApp, in recent weeks.
While Indian authorities have repeatedly said there was no scientific evidence showing chickens could carry or transmit COVID-19, many Indians and restaurants have stopped buying the meat. Read more
One killed as explosion hits near US embassy in Tunisia (Nation)
A policeman has been killed and several others have been wounded in an explosion outside the United States Embassy in the Tunisian capital, Tunis.
Tunisia’s Interior Ministry said two assailants on a motorbike blew themselves up outside the embassy in the Lac district on Friday, adding that that attack also wounded five police officers, while a civilian sustained minor injuries.
Meanwhile, state news agency TAP reported that the blast claimed the life of one policeman.
“We heard a very powerful explosion … We saw the remains of the terrorist lying on the ground after he went on the motorbike toward the police,” Amira, a shopkeeper, told Reuters. Read more
Egypt detects 12 new coronavirus cases on Nile cruise boat (Guardian)
Egypt detected 12 new cases Friday of the novel coronavirus among workers aboard a Nile cruise boat heading from Aswan to Luxor, a health ministry statement said.
“Twelve new cases tested positive for the coronavirus among Egyptian staff on the cruise boat without showing any symptoms,” the joint statement with the World Health Organization said.
Authorities were alerted after it was found that a Taiwanese tourist of “American origin” who travelled on the ship had caused the virus to spread, they said. Read more
Coronavirus: Maltese doctors protest over MSC Opera cruise ship (BBC)
The MSC Opera approaching Corfu
Doctors on Malta are threatening to take industrial action if a cruise ship is allowed to dock in spite of coronavirus concerns.
The Swiss-owned MSC Opera, which is carrying 2,302 passengers and crew, is due to arrive on Friday.
An Austrian passenger who left the ship at Genoa, Italy, on 28 February was later diagnosed with the virus.
But the ship’s owner says the vessel was inspected by Greek health officials and given permission to sail on. Read more
COVID 19: FIFA may postpone WC qualifiers (Nation)
FIFA is considering postponing the Asian World Cup qualifiers due to be played this month because of the coronavirus outbreak, the global football body said on Thursday.
China’s matches against Maldives at home and Guam away have already been moved Buriram, Thailand, and will be played behind closed doors.
FIFA said it would provide an update following consultations with the national associations and would continue to monitor the situation in co-operation with the World Health Organisation. Read more
Hazard undergoes ‘successful’ surgery on broken foot (Guardian)
Real Madrid star and Belgian international Eden Hazard has undergone successful surgery on his broken right foot, the Spanish La Liga leaders said Thursday.
“Eden Hazard has successfully undergone surgery today in Dallas on a fracture in the fibula of his right foot,” Real said in a statement.
“The operation was supervised by Real Madrid Medical Services. Hazard will now remain under observation until he gets the all-clear to be his rehabilitation process.” Read more
Man United may extend Ighalo’s stay –Solskjaer (Punch)
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hinted that the Red Devils could extend the stay of Odion Ighalo beyond the summer, Sports Extra reports.
Ighalo joined the Red Devils on a six months loan in the January transfer window, with an option to buy.
The 30-year-old striker has made five appearances and has scored once.
“He (Ighalo) is here on merit,” he told Sky Sports prior to Manchester United’s clash at Derby County. Read more
Mane expects Liverpool to end unexpected slump (Guardian)
Sadio Mane has urged Liverpool to use the worst week of their season as fuel to power the Premier League leaders a step closer to the title when they face Bournemouth on Saturday.
Jurgen Klopp’s side crashed to a stunning 3-0 defeat against struggling Watford last weekend that ended their hopes of going unbeaten through the entire league campaign.
The Reds’ limp display at Vicarage Road was followed by another underwhelming effort on Tuesday as Chelsea knocked them out of the FA Cup with a 2-0 fifth-round victory. Read more
Mutiu, Enyeama laud Eagles’ list (Nation)
Former internationals Mutiu Adepoju and Vincent Enyeama have lauded the calibre of players Gernot Rohr invited for the Super Eagles clash against Sierra Leone in the AFCON 2021 qualifier.
Eagles’ head coach had on Wednesday released a 23-man list of players for the upcoming 2021 AFCON Qualifier against Sierra Leone in Asaba.
Adepoju said that the players called up ‘are good enough’ to beat any team. “I think it’s a very good list of players, they are all doing very well in their various clubs,” he said. ”The lads on the list merit their invitation.” Read more
FG owes NFF N1.5bn AFCON money (Punch)
The Federal Government is yet to release the N1.5bn approved for the Super Eagles to compete at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, Sports Extra has exclusively gathered.
The Eagles finished third at the tournament behind winners Algeria and runners-up Senegal.
A top source in the Nigeria Football Federation told Sports Extra that the NFF had to divert the funds meant for the Super Falcons and the Flying Eagles to prepare the Eagles for the tournament. Read more
Mbappe gives timely reminder of stunning talent as doubts about PSG future re-emerge (Guardian)
This week has seen new doubts raised about Kylian Mbappe’s long-term future at Paris Saint-Germain, but the World Cup winner also underlined how vital he is to his club as they prepare for a make-or-break Champions League date with Borussia Dortmund.
On Tuesday, the main story in sports daily L’Equipe wondered why Mbappe — born in the French capital and brought up in the Paris suburbs — was not revered by PSG supporters in the way former stars had been.
One banner during a recent match at the Parc des Princes targeted Mbappe, Neymar and captain Thiago Silva, asking them if they were “afraid of winning” and urging them to “show some balls”. Read more