Ogun ‘Highway Robber’ Names Police Inspector As Gun Supplier (DailyTrust)
Operatives of the Ogun Police Command have arrested a suspected armed robber, Akeem Owonikoko, 33, along Sagamu – Ijebu Ode – Benin Highway.
Police Spokesman, Omolola Odutola, confirmed this to newsmen in Abeokuta on Sunday.
Odutola explained that the suspect was arrested after a 24-hour operation led by the Area Commander, Ijebu Ode, ACP Omosanyi Adeniyi. Read more
Coup: We struck to avert threat against Nigeria, Niger — Gen Tchiani (Vanguard)
Leader of the military junta in the Republic of Niger, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, said weekend that the coup in which they overthrew President Mohammad Bazoum was well intended and was carried out to avert an imminent threat that would have affected not only the Niger Republic but also Nigeria.
This came as the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, for the second time in a week, appealed to the Federal Government to take head-on, the corruption, insecurity and skewed appointments in the country, rather than declaring war on Niger Republic.
Recall that prior to ECOWAS leaders’ decision to adopt a military option against the coup leaders in Niger Republic last weekend, the Catholic Bishops had advised the chairman, President Bola Tinubu, and other West African leaders not to give in to military intervention in the country. Read more
How 66 days of APC plunged Nigeria into further darkness, by LP (Guardian)
Labour Party (LP) has alerted Nigerians on consequences of experimental leadership approach and governance by stealth without imagination, deep thinking or concrete ameliorative policies which the All Progressives Congress (APC) has allegedly foisted.
This was contained in a statement by Director-General of the Obi-Datti Campaign Organisation, Balogun Akin Osuntokun, in Abuja, yesterday, following an appraisal of 66 days of the Bola Tinubu administration.
He said the first blunders that visited collateral damage on Nigerians were the unplanned and ill-thought removal of fuel subsidy and unification of exchange rates; uncoordinated and confusing policy announcements, which have led to exponential increase in prices of all goods and services, especially food and basic consumables. Read more
30 PWDs get Mohammed Fawehinmi’s scholarships (Punch)
No fewer than 30 physically-challenged persons across Nigeria got financial help at the first edition of the Mohammed Fawehinmi Scholarship Award in Lagos.
The beneficiaries received the scholarships on Friday in Lagos during an annual lecture in honour of the late legal practitioner, Mohammed Fawehinmi, who was the son of the late renowned human rights lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi.
The Chairman of the Mohammed Fawehinmi Annual Lecture and Scholarship Programme, Yinka Olatunji, said the late Mohammed Fawehinmi lived his life pursuing justice for the underprivileged, hence, the idea of a scholarship to lift the indigent members of society. Read more
Lagos announces free ante-natal, delivery services (Nation)
As part of palliatives to ease the pains of fuel subsidy removal, Lagos State General Hospitals and Primary Health Centres will be providing free antenatal care and child delivery services to expectant mothers. The free services will also cover cesarean sections.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, who monitored compliance at the Ifako-Ijaiye and Isolo General Hospitals, at the weekend, said the measure would help improve maternal and child health indices.
Ogboye, who expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance, said: “The governor recognised that the cost of ante-natal care and child delivery would add to the burden of expectant parents. That was why he announced the measure as part of palliatives to ease the burden of fuel subsidy removal. Read more
Niger Coup: HURIWA urges Tinubu to adhere to rule of law, warns against troops deployment (Guardian)
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged President Bola Tinubu to adhere to the rule of law over the deployment of troops to crush the coup d’etat in neighbouring Niger republic.
HURIWA’s national Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko in a statement asserted that President Tinubu’s engagement of Nigerian troops in warfare without the approval of the National Assembly constitutes a breach of constitutional provisions.
The rights group warned that President Tinubu stood the risk of impeachment if he goes ahead to deploy troops to Niger. Read more
1 feared dead, several injured as gunmen invade Bayelsa community (ThisDay)
For the fourth time this year, the residents of Opu Nembe (Basambri), in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa state were again thrown into a state of horror, fear and panic as heavily armed men invaded the community in multiple vehicles, shooting sporadically.
Reports confirmed that the area was thrown into chaos at about 7pm when the gunmen drove into town in as many as 24 Toyota Hilux vehicles and six Coaster buses, wearing face masks and dressed in the uniform of the Nigeria Police Force.
The armed invasion led to one death and many injured while leaving the community folks in palpable fear and tension, not knowing when the next attack will come. Read more
Appointment Racketeering: Kano approves redeployment of permanent secretary (Tribune)
Kano State Government has approved the immediate redeployment of the Permanent Secretary, Civil Service Commission, Mustapha Safiyanu Kabuga over an allegation of printing and signing of illegal letters of appointment into the state civil service.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Administration and General Services, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Kabiru Sa’idu Magami on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Baffa Bichi.
The statement stated that the government has constituted a three-man fact-finding committee under the chairmanship of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Civil Service Matters, Dr. Sulaiman Wali Sani, to investigate the matter and submit its report within ten days. Read more
Jason Momoa warns tourists not to visit fire-hit Maui (BBC)
Jason Momoa has warned tourists not to travel to Maui as the island struggles to recover from devastating wildfires.
The native Hawaiian and Aquaman actor wrote on Instagram: “Maui is not the place to have your vacation right now.
“Do not travel,” he said. “Do not convince yourself that your presence is needed on an island that is suffering this deeply.”
More than 90 people are confirmed dead in fires that destroyed towns including historic Lahaina. Read more
Ed Sheeran works shift in Lego shop and gives live Lego House performance (Metro)
Ed Sheeran had a brief career change, swapping recordings for retail as he worked a shift at a Lego store in America.
Of course, the 32-year-old is not hanging up his guitar just yet, despite voicing his concerns about AI replacing artists.
The Brit put in a shift at the Mall of America on Saturday, August 12, surprising fans by signing Lego boxes, handing out gifts, and meeting hundreds of unsuspecting fans. Read more
Sir David Jason issues health update as he pulls out of Only Fools and Horses live shows (OK!)
Only Fools and Horses legend Sir David Jason has shared a health update with fans after he pulled out of a number of shows.
David released a statement on Saturday, 12 August, to tell his fans that a scheduled operation means that he has to pull out of the upcoming Only Fools and Horses Convention.
The 83 year old is about to have an operation to have a “new bionic body part fitted”.
On a Facebook supporters page, David broke the news to his fans as he said that he looks forward to meeting his fans next year. Read more
Zachary Levi, star of Shazam 2, slams the “garbage” coming out of Hollywood (EW)
It’s one thing for critics or the audience to call out Hollywood for making questionable fare. It’s another for stars of said questionable fare to join in.
But Zachary Levi got a bone to pick with what he called Hollywood “garbage” at Chicago Fan Expo on Saturday. The star of one of the year’s biggest flops urged attendees to “actively not choose” crap movies, apparently oblivious to the fact that many of them decided to do just that when faced with Shazam! Fury of the Gods.
While voicing his support for the writers’ and actors’ strikes, Levi expressed his frustration with the industry as a whole. Read more
Greta Gerwig’s Barbie tops box office again, gives industry a midsummer surge (VOA)
Barbie has legs. Director Greta Gerwig ‘s film phenomenon remained a runaway No. 1 at the box office in its fourth week, bringing in $33.7 million, according to studio estimates Sunday.
The Margot Robbie-led and produced film from Warner Bros., still in 4,137 theaters, refused to drop off as most box-office toppers have this year, surpassing $500 million in North America overall a week after it crossed the $1 billion mark globally — a record for a female director.
The second half of the “Barbenheimer” duo, Oppenheimer, returned to the No. 2 spot in its own fourth week after a week at No. 3 overall. The Christopher Nolan-directed film from Universal Pictures brought in $18.8 million from 3,761 locations for an overall domestic total of $264.3 million. Read more
New Guns N’ Roses song leaked via digital jukeboxes (NME)
Guns N’ Roses‘ upcoming single ‘‘Perhaps’’ has been leaked by digital jukeboxes in bars across the United States.
‘‘Perhaps’’ was reportedly set for release last week (August 11), but was delayed due to reasons unknown at the time of publishing. Prior to its delay, a link briefly appeared on the Universal Music website, allowing eager fans to pre-save the track on Spotify and Apple Music.
The band had not confirmed the release of the track. Read more
Taiwan will not back down to threats, V-P William Lai says on US trip (StraitsTimes)
Taiwan will not be afraid nor back down in the face of authoritarian threats, the island’s Vice-President told supporters on a United States visit that Beijing has condemned, while reiterating a willingness to talk to China.
Mr William Lai, also front runner to be Taiwan’s next president at January elections, is in the US on what is officially a transit stop on his way to Paraguay for the inauguration of its new president.
Paraguay is one of only 13 countries to maintain formal ties with Taiwan. Read more
Olisema’s goal wins Naija Super Eight best goal award (Guardian) Organisers of the just-concluded Naija Super Eight Championship, Flykite Productions, have announced Cyril Olisema’s exceptional strike for Akwa United against Yobe Desert Stars, as the standout goal of the tournament.
In recognition of his remarkable goal, Olisema will receive a cash prize sponsored by Custodian Life Assurance Ltd.
Speaking on the sponsorship, Larry Ademeso, MD, Custodian Life Assurance Ltd, stated that the firm is delighted to be part of the competition, noting that the event gave the firm an avenue to drive better public understanding and benefits of life insurance. Read more
Boniface bags debut goal (Punch)
Nigerian striker Victor Boniface scored his first competitive goal on his Bayer 04 Leverkusen debut as the Bundesliga side secured a remarkable 8-0 victory over Teutonia Ottensen football club in the DFB Pokal Cup on Saturday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Boniface just joined his German side two weeks ago, but he has been really impressive so far. He scored for the club in their last pre-season friendly against West Ham last week, and he followed it up with another goal in his first domestic game.
The former Bodo/Glimt football club star joined Leverkusen this summer from Belgium Pro League giant Royale Union football in a deal worth €20m with an additional €7.5m allocated for add-ons and contractual clauses. Read more
Barcelona’s Xavi calls refs an “embarrassment” in Getafe draw (ESPN)
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez slammed the refereeing in LaLiga after his side began their title defence with a frustrating goalless draw at Getafe on Sunday, and said it is damaging the league’s product.
Both sides ended a fiery encounter with 10 men after Raphinha and Jaime Mata were sent off, while Xavi was also dismissed in the second half for comments made to the officials.
Xavi said referee Cesar Soto had been too permissive with Getafe and accused him of “inventing” a handball against Gavi to avoid giving Barca a late penalty for a foul on Ronald Araújo. Read more
Moises Caicedo transfer: Chelsea agree British record £115m fee for Brighton midfielder (Sky)
Chelsea have agreed a deal with Brighton worth a British record £115m for midfielder Moises Caicedo.
The Blues are understood to be paying an initial £100m, plus £15m in performance-related add-ons.
Caicedo has been granted permission by Brighton to have a Chelsea medical, which is expected to take place on Monday. Read more
Jannik Sinner beats Alex de Minaur in National Bank Open final for 1st Masters 1000 title (CBC)
For the first 52 minutes of the National Bank Open men’s final, Jannik Sinner seemed content to hover around the baseline and fire ground strokes left and right.
He finally tried something different late in the first set. A rare backspin shot just dropped over the net and an outstretched Alex de Minaur couldn’t return it.
Sinner would complete the service break on set point and was on his way to a 6-4, 6-1 win in Toronto for his first career Masters 1000 series title. Read more
Valtteri Bottas declares interest in F1 2026 seat with Alfa Romeo claim refuted (PlanetF1)
Valtteri Bottas has admitted his interest in a seat at Audi F1 but denied the current team are waiting for the Germans’ arrival.
Alfa Romeo are six months away from rebranding as Sauber and two and a half years from becoming the Audi works team and their driver Bottas has admitted he would like to stay on through the transition.
Audi will come into F1 in 2026 as the power unit provider of the Sauber outfit and Bottas is hoping to still be a part of that. Read more
