NDLEA arrest one, seized narcotics in Apapa Port concealed in rotors worth N6b from Lebanon (Guardian)
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested one suspect and made a seizure of illicit narcotics worth N6b concealed in a machine from Lebanon at Apapa port, Lagos.
The agency while displaying the exhibit at a press briefing in Raddison Hotel, Ikeja on Wednesday said the seizure, an operation led by Apapa Port Area Commander, Samuel Gadzama, was a large quantity of Captagon, a brand of Amphetamine used by Islamic State’s West African Province (ISWAP), ISIS and Boko Haram insurgents as stimulants.
According to the Chairman, Chief Executive of the NDLEA, rtd. Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa, the seizure was to update Nigerians on the evil intent of importation of illicit substances into the country at a very critical time when the nation is faced with security challenges.
He said: ” a total of 451, 807 tablets weighing 74.119 kilograms were discovered hidden inside rotors. Going by the street value of about $25 per tablet, the importer would have raised N5.8 billion.” Read more
Housekeeper in court for stealing employers’ N12.8m (DailyTrust)
A 21-year-old man, Christopher Aluka, was on Tuesday, at an Ikeja chief magistrate court, charged with stealing his employers’ $25,000 equivalent to N12.8 million.
The defendant, a housekeeper, who resides at Badagry, was arraigned for conspiracy and stealing money belonging to Mr and Mrs Clement Okechukwu, his employers.
The prosecutor, ASP Raji Akeem, told the court that the offences were committed on July 8, at BT4, Aspanda Market, Trade Fair, Badagry expressway, Lagos.
Akeem alleged that the defendant and his other accomplice, now at large, conspired and stole his employers’ money. Read more
No booby-trap will affect implementation of VAT collection in Lagos, says Commissioner for Justice (Tribune)
Lagos State Government has said no booby-trap will affect the implementation of the collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) by the state after receiving court judgement on the case.
This was a position of the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosere Onigbanjo (SAN) during a public hearing at the State House of Assembly on “A Bill for the law to impose and charge Value Added Tax on certain goods and services provided for the administration of the tax and other related matters.”
Onigbanjo was responding to a representative of civil society organizations, Mr Adeola Samuel who cautioned the state government over the execution of the judgment in favour of Rivers State.
A Federal High Court in Rivers State presided over by Justice Stephen Dalyop Pam, had issued an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Attorney General of the federation, both first and second defendants in the suit, from collecting, demanding, threatening and intimidating residents of Rivers State to pay to FIRS, personnel income tax and Value Added Tax. Read more
FIRS writes National Assembly, seeks exclusive power on VAT (Punch)
The Federal Inland Revenue Service, in a desperate bid to retain the collection of the Value Added Tax, has written the National Assembly, seeking the inclusion of VAT collection in the exclusive legislative list.
The federal tax agency is also requesting the federal lawmakers to approve for it, the establishment of the Federal Revenue Court of Nigeria.
A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt had on August 10 delivered a judgment restraining the FIRS from collecting VAT and personal income tax in Rivers State.
Although the FIRS had appealed the ruling, it however, failed to obtain a stay of execution it sought to prevent the state government from enforcing the verdict. Read more
Buhari fires NAPTIP DG (DailyTrust)
President Muhammadu Buhari has fired Senator Basheer Mohammed, Director-General of the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
Mohammed was sacked less than four months after he took control of the agency.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said the president has approved the appointment of Fatima Waziri-Azi as the replacement of Mohammed.
Shehu said the appointment was sequel to a recommendation of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq. Read more
Road crashes always fatal if seatbelts are not used -FRSC (Guardian)
The Itori Unit Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun, has emphasised the need for motorists and their passengers to always use their seatbelts in order to reduce fatality in the event of an accident.
The Itori Unit Command of FRSC, Mr Shamaki Yerima, disclosed this on Tuesday in Ota in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Yerima stressed the need for motorists and their passengers to always use their seatbelts because their lives mattered as they also contribute to the national economy.
He noted that the level of fatality was always lower in road crashes when seatbelts are used than the crashes in which the seatbelts are not used.
“There is a high tendency that people would be thrown out of the vehicle when the accident happened due to the pressure, thus resulting in a fatality,” he said. Read more
At last, FEC gives nod for 5G deployment in Nigeria (Vanguard)
The Federal Executive Council has approved the National Policy on Fifth Generation (5G) Networks for Nigeria’s Digital Economy.
The 5G Policy was approved at the Council meeting today, Wednesday, following the presentation by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami).
According a statement signed by the Technical Assistant on Information Technology to the Minister, Dr Femi Adeluyi, implementation of the National Policy is with immediate effect.
The National Policy has been developed over a period of 2 years, due to the need for extensive stakeholder engagement and the need to ensure adequate public awareness and sensitization. Read more
Facebook, others launch #NoFalseNewsZone in Nigeria (Punch)
Facebook, Big Cabal Media and Comic Republic on Wednesday announced the launch of #NoFalseNewsZone, a campaign aimed at minimising the spread of fake news in Nigeria.
Facebook, in a statement, said #NoFalseNewsZone is an educational campaign focused on helping people to identify false news and educate them on the actions to take to help minimise its spread in Nigeria.
Facebook’s Corporate Communications Manager for Anglophone West Africa, Oluwasola Obagbemi, said, “We are committed to the well-being of individuals and communities that use our platforms and we take responsibility in minimising the spread of false news.”
Obagbemi said Facebook was delighted to be working with Big Cabal Media and Comic Republic to launch #NoFalseNewsZone in Nigeria. Read more
We have backing of VAT Act, FIRS insists (Vanguard)
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Wednesday said it has the backing of the Value Added Tax (VAT) Act to collect the tax.
Rivers State government is currently locked in a legal battle with the tax agency over the collection of VAT.
FIRS Group Lead, Special Tax Operations Group, Mr. Matthew Gbonjubola and his Digital and Innovation counterpart, Mrs. Chiaka Ben-Obi gave insight into the position of the organisation, in Abuja.
Mr. Gbonjubola explained that the bulk of VAT revenue comes from imports as well as, federal government Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) contractors. Read more
Shenseea, Buju Banton make the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time (DanceHallMag)
Dancehall star Shenseea and Reggae legend Buju Banton both made the Billboard Hot 100 chart this week following their features on Kanye West’s Donda album, which was released on August 29, 2021, on West’s GOOD Music label and Def Jam Recordings.
The songs mark the first Hot 100 chart placements for Shenseea and Buju Banton, who were both given writing credits for their respective tracks on the American rapper’s album. Believe What I Say, which featured vocals from Banton, landed at No. 28, while Pure Souls, with Shenseea and Roddy Rich, landed at No. 52 on the chart.
Shenseea, who was seen at Kanye’s Chicago listening event prior to the album’s release, sang melodiously on the outro of Pure Souls, while Banton gave a prose rendition on Believe What I Say.
The Dancehall Princess joins an elite group of female Jamaican Dancehall artists to make the coveted Billboard Hot 100 chart and is the first woman from the island to do so in 17 years. The coveted chart counts weekly streaming (audio and video), radio airplay and sales data from all genres in the United States. Read more
Spanish bishop quit for love for erotic writer (BBC)
When Spanish bishop Xavier Novell resigned last month, the Roman Catholic Church cited strictly personal reasons without going into detail.
It has now emerged in Spanish media that he fell in love with a woman who writes Satanic-tinged erotic fiction.
In 2010 at the age of 41, he became Spain’s youngest bishop, in Solsona in the north-eastern region of Catalonia.
He has backed so-called conversion therapy for gay people and carried out exorcisms. Read more
Unique 4-in-1 blood pressure drug proves successful in Phase 3 trial
(NewAtlas)
Results have been published from a large Phase 3 clinical trial testing a unique hypertension treatment that combines low-doses of four different blood-pressure-reducing drugs. The results indicate the novel strategy is significantly more effective than any single high blood pressure treatment.
For many patients suffering high blood pressure, early treatment can frustratingly involve lots of trial and error as they and their doctor try and home in on the most effective drug to treat their condition. Many guidelines for treating hypertension have already shifted to recommending new patients start on two blood pressure drugs instead of one.
Another treatment option being investigated is offering new patients multi-drug therapies involving combined low-doses of several hypertension drugs. A large 2018 trial tested a triple-combination therapy and found it significantly more successful than conventional treatment. Read more
Paris Begins Trial of 2015 Terror Attackers (VOA)
France is putting on trial 20 men accused in the Islamic State group’s 2015 attacks on Paris that left 130 people dead and hundreds injured.
Twenty people linked to the November 2015 terrorist attacks in France went on trial in Paris Wednesday in proceedings expected to last nine months.
Six defendants are being charged in absentia. Reports say five of the six are presumed dead in Iraq or Syria.
Nine Islamic State terrorists, mostly from France and Belgium, left a trail of horror in a multi-pronged attack at the national stadium, various bars and restaurants and at a concert at the Bataclan Theater. A total of 130 people were killed, 90 of them at the concert hall. At least 490 people were injured.
A 10th member of the terror cell and the only one still alive, Salah Abdeslam, was arrested in Brussels four months after the November 13, 2015, strikes. He is accused of helping the others. Read more
Hong Kong named one of the best cities in the world right now (TimeOut)
Time Out’s annual ranking of the world’s best cities have been revealed, and 37 cities made it on the list. San Francisco, Amsterdam, and Manchester are ranked as the top three cities, while Tokyo nabs the highest spot in Asia at 10th place, and Hong Kong ranks in at number 20.
This list was put together based on the results of the Time Out Index survey, where 27,000 city-dwellers from all over the world answered questions about city life, culture, dining and drinking, nightlife, relationships, community, and local neighbourhoods. Combined with insights from local experts and Time Out editors worldwide, the list recognises all the things that make each ranked city great to visit and live in right now, and in the future.
Though our city is not high up on the list, we’re leading the way when it comes to ‘walkability’. Thanks to the city’s efficient transport systems, 90 percent of the survey respondents stated that Hong Kong was an easy city to get around without a car, making it the third-best in the world after Shanghai and Copenhagen. And while dating and matching with someone you actually like can still be tricky in Hong Kong, 48 percent of respondents said it’s easy to make friends here, which was high in comparison to other cities. But it wasn’t all good as 28 percent of respondents also said Hong Kong feels ‘corporate’ (the third highest in the world). Read more
Meryl Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence and co haven’t come to play in epic “Don’t Look Up” trailer (Metro)
Netflix has released the trailer for its epic new movie Don’t Look Up, and we’re going to need a moment to fully appreciate this cast.
Meryl Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Mark Rylance, Cate Blanchett, Jonah Hill, Timothee Chalamet, and Ariana Grande are just some of the stars who have joined forces for the new flick.
It follows an astronomy student (Jennifer) and her professor (Leo) who discover that a comet is heading straight for earth.
However, things get even more terrifying when it becomes apparent that no one seems to care. Read more
Germany star Jerome Boateng to face assault charges in Munich court (Guardian)
German 2014 World Cup winner Jerome Boateng is expected to appear in court in Munich on Thursday to answer accusations he assaulted the mother of his twin daughters in 2018.
After 10 successful years at Bayern Munich, the 33-year-old defender joined French Ligue 1 side Lyon last week on a free transfer, but is due to return to Munich to face the allegations in court.
His lawyer has said that Boateng denies claims he injured his ex-girlfriend, named as Sherin S., during a heated argument while the pair were on holiday with their daughters three years ago.
A verdict could be returned the same day.
If found guilty, he could be fined or jailed for up to five years. Read more
Canada’s Auger-Aliassime advances to US Open semis after opponent retires (CBC)
Montreal’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, the No. 12 seed, joined fellow Canadian Leylah Annie Fernandez in the US Open semifinals on Tuesday after his opponent Carlos Alcaraz of Spain retired in the second set.
The 21-year-old Auger-Aliassime was up 6-3, 3-1 when 18-year-old Alcaraz waved over his trainer before calling an end to his tournament.
Alcaraz says he stopped playing because of an issue with a muscle in his right leg.
“I didn’t see it coming. It’s unfortunate to finish like this,” said Auger-Aliassime. “I didn’t really see anything. Either I was too focused on my game or I’m not seeing things.”
Auger-Aliassime dominated and led when Carlos Alcaraz retired after falling behind 3-1 in the 2nd set. 2:43
Auger-Aliassime becomes the first Canadian man to reach the U.S. Open semifinals where he will take on second seeded Daniil Medvedev of Russia. Read more
Donald Trump to commentate on Evander Holyfield vs Vitor Belfort boxing clash this weekend (Metro)
Former President Donald Trump will provide special guest commentary for Evander Holyfield’s comeback fight against former UFC legend Vitor Belfort this weekend.
The 45th president of the United States will ‘host and commentate’ the Triller Fight Club main event on Saturday in Florida which sees former heavyweight champion Holyfield return to the ring after an 11-year retirement.
Another boxing legend in Oscar de la Hoya was originally scheduled to headline the card against Belfort, but was forced to withdraw after testing positive for Covid.
Trump will be joined by his son Donald Trump Jr in the commentary booth. Read more
Man United closer to trophies with Ronaldo, says Fernandes (Punch)
Manchester United midfielder, Bruno Fernandes, has said the club is closer to winning trophies with the return of his Portuguese compatriot, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Fernandes is one of those who played a key role in ensuring Ronaldo’s return to United after the 36-year-old spent time at Real Madrid and Juventus.
The former Sporting Lisbon man who was quoted by United’s website revealed that Ronaldo’s return has sparked confidence in the players. Read more
Carlos Alcaraz retires in second set of US Open quarterfinals (NYPost)
From the high of upsetting one of the best players in the world to the low of failing to finish a U.S. Open quarterfinal match.
Carlos Alcaraz, the 18-year-old Spaniard who became one of the biggest stories of the U.S. Open after his victory over No. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas in the third round, ran the gamut of emotions. He saw his wild ride come to a crashing halt Tuesday night when he had to retire in the second set of his quarterfinal match against 12th-seeded Félix Auger-Aliassime at Arthur Ashe Stadium due to a right adductor injury. Trailing 6-3 and 3-1, Alcaraz couldn’t go on.
“It’s really tough to end a great tournament like this,” he said. “I mean, I had no choice.”
After playing long five-set matches in his previous two victories, the 55th-ranked Alcaraz felt the adductor prior to the match. Initially, he was able to manage the pain, but it worsened as the night went on. Read more
Premier League: 8 Brazil players stopped from playing for their clubs this weekend (BBC)
Eight Premier League players will be stopped from playing for their clubs this weekend after Brazilian football authorities triggered a Fifa rule to prevent them appearing.
Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United and Leeds United will all be affected.
Players not released for an international window can be banned for five days after the window ends under the Fifa regulations.
The decision covers 10-14 September.
Brazil invoked the bans after the Premier League stopped players from appearing for their country if it meant travel to red list countries. Read more