Police begin enforcement of tricycle, okada ban in Lagos (Guardian)
Following the decision of the Lagos State government to restrict motorcycles and tricycles popularly known as Okada and Keke Marwa respectively from plying major highways and some roads in 15 local councils of the state, residents have lamented the ‘overzealousness’ of police operatives in carrying out the ban in areas not mentioned by the government.
The Guardian gathered that in areas such as Ajegunle, which was not listed in the restriction, Okada riders were being arrested and their bikes seized by policemen. A commuter in the Ajegunle axis, simply known as Ashimolowo, urged the state government to caution the police to allow free flow of movement.
“Can someone please tell the police divisions in Ajegunle that Okada and Keke Marwa are not banned in Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA and Ifelodun LCDA? They are just constituting a nuisance. I have also received calls that this scenario is playing out in other places where the ban was not included. Read more
Teenager disappears after leaving home for school clearance (Punch)
Friends and family members of David Iyoha have been thrown into confusion after he left home for his clearance in school in the Yaba area of Lagos State and has not been seen since November 25, 2019.
It was gathered that David left his parents’ house in the Ago Palace Way area of the state for clearance at the Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba, prior to the issuance of the Senior School Certificate, but had not returned home.
PUNCH Metro learnt that David neither got to the school nor returned home to his parents.
David’s father, Hamilton, told PUNCH Metro that all efforts by the family and friends to ascertain his whereabouts had proved abortive, adding that the family had resorted to prayers and hope in God that he would return soon. Read more
Lagos hospital clears China returnee of Coronavirus (Nation)
The Lagos State government has debunked insinuations that the dreaded Coronavirus had found its way into the state.
In a statement at the weekend, the government said: “The attention of Lagos State has been drawn to a story of a query suspected case of #2019nCoV infection, which presented at a particular private hospital in Lekki, Lagos, on January 1, 2020. The subject in question is an adult male Nigerian who arrived from China four days ago. He was in Shanghai throughout his stay in China and during his stay he did not have any contact with anyone who was ill or from Wuhan region.
“On his return to Lagos, he followed the public advisory issued by Lagos State Ministry of Health. Like a responsible member of the society, he chose self-quarantine. He presented to a hospital for a check-up, just to be sure, but was found to be perfectly well and asked to return home to continue his self-quarantine. Read more
Banned commercial motorcyclists, tricycles in Lagos move to Ogun, others (Guardian)
The restriction and ban of commercial motorcycles (Okada) and tricycles (Keke Napep) in Lagos State with effect from February 1, 2020, may have sparked off insinuations that the nearest states, that is South-West states, will have to bear the brunt of this decision.
An eyewitness stated that there were trailer-load of motorcycles being taken out of Lagos.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Abudu Balogun, who spoke on whether the state government has any measure in place in expectation of the influx of these commercial motorcyclists, said there was no intended action targeted at specific groups or persons.
He said the ministry and the new task force set up by Governor Dapo Abiodun would soon begin massive enforcement of the state’s environmental laws that are presently being breached by commercial motorcyclists. Read more
Couple in police net for allegedly killing 5-yr-old son (DailyTrust)
The suspects The Police in Ogun State yesterday arrested a 30-year-old housewife, Shukurat Olufowobi for allegedly beating her five-year-old stepson, Azeem Olufowobi to death. The suspect, who is a resident of Oshodi Oke Area of Ogijo, Sagamu LGA, was arrested alongside her husband, Ayuba Olufowobi, following a report received at Ogijo Divisional headquarters. It was gathered that some residents of the area had informed the police that the victim died following an injury he sustained in his head having been allegedly beaten with an object by the prime suspect. Read more
Man stabbed to death at Lagos pub (Punch)
A man, identified as Ifeanyi Uchendu, has been stabbed to death at a pub in the Alausa area of Lagos State.
Uchendu, who was a resident of Akute Ajuwon area of Ogun State, was said to have gone to the pub operated by one Dennis Obiora at No. 17 Jogunosimi Street, Alausa, with his friends and demanded free drinks.
A source told PUNCH Metro that Obiora resisted their demand owing to their disorderly conduct, and sent them away.
According to the source, the situation did not go down well with Uchendu as he picked a bottle, broke it and stabbed Obiora in the head. Read more
‘Lagos was not part of Tarkwa Bay eviction’ (Nation)
Lagos State Government said on Sunday that it was not part of the eviction of residents of a beachside community at Tarkwa Bay by the Navy.
It, however, said with the destruction of property in Abule-Egba by individuals and groups, who chose to endanger the lives and property of residents through illicit trade, the government would support every step taken to tackle the distasteful and irresponsible behaviour of vandals, who pilfered the country’s commonwealth and endangered the lives of others.
The government said although it was not part of the eviction, it was, however, engaging the stakeholders concerned to ensure that the rights of those legally permitted to live at Tarkwa Bay were not violated.
It stated its position in a statement released on Sunday and signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso. Read more
Malawi election: Court to rule on 2019 presidential poll (BBC)
There has been a high level of anxiety in Malawi as people wait for a panel of five top judges to make a ruling on last May’s presidential election.
Many schools have been closed and some public transport has been suspended ahead of Monday’s decision on whether the result should be annulled.
President Peter Mutharika won a second term with 38.6% of the vote.
But opposition candidate Lazarus Chakwera went to court to argue that he should have been declared the winner. Read more
China hit by racist backlash as coronavirus spreads (Metro)
The spread of the coronavirus has triggered a growing tide of anti-Chinese sentiment across the globe. There have been calls for full travel bans on Chinese visitors and other Asians while posters have appeared in restaurants in South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and Vietnam saying they will refuse to serve customers from the centre of the virus’ outbreak. In Indonesia a mob marched on a hotel calling for its Chinese guests to leave while newspapers in France and Australia have been criticised for racist headlines. Read more
Coronavirus: China set to open speed-built hospital (BBC)
China is set to open a new hospital in the city at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak, as the numbers of people infected continue to grow.
Wuhan’s 1,000-bed Huoshenshan Hospital, built in just eight days, is one of two dedicated facilities being constructed to help tackle the outbreak.
China is struggling to deal with the virus, with more than 17,000 confirmed cases and 361 deaths.
Sunday saw the first confirmed fatality outside China, in the Philippines. Read more
Trump claims his family has ‘suffered’ over ‘unfair’ impeachment (NYPost)
President Trump in an interview Sunday said the “unfair” impeachment proceedings against him have taken a personal toll on his family.
“Well, it’s been very unfair. From the day I won … from the day I came down from the escalator. It probably started from there. It’s been a very, very unfair process,” Trump told Sean Hannity in an interview that aired before the Super Bowl on Fox.
“The Mueller Report, Russia, Russia, Russia, as you say, which was total nonsense — it was all nonsense, the whole thing,” the president continued.
“It was very unfair, and mostly it was unfair to my family. I mean, my family suffered because of all this. And many other families suffered also. It’s a very serious thing and it should never happen to another president.” Read more
Demi Lovato brings down the house at SB LIV …singing nat’l anthem (TMZ)
Demi Lovato fulfilled her own 10-year prophecy by belting out the National Anthem at Super Bowl LIV — and she handled it like a pro.
The singer was decked out in all white Sunday at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami ahead of kickoff and with a line of troops behind her bearing our country’s flags … she let it rip on the mic. Demi did a pretty standard version of “The Star Spangled Banner” … it was great.
What’s funny though is that before her performance, an old tweet of hers surfaced online from 2010, which reads … “One day, I’m gonna sing the national anthem at a super bowl. Onnnee dayyy….” Welp, she can definitely check that off the list now. Read more
Jennifer Lopez and Shakira restore sparkle to Super Bowl Halftime (NYTimes)
Jennifer Lopez performed a dance-heavy, career-spanning set at the Super Bowl halftime show.
On the surface, the Super Bowl halftime show by Jennifer Lopez and Shakira was a party: exultant voices, shaking hips in glittery costumes, irresistible global rhythms. They danced and belted through a quick-cutting megamix of their hits, sweetly and determinedly uniting flirtatious sexiness with sheer mastery of rhythm, melody and motion.
Yet the halftime show was also a no-nonsense affirmation of Latin pride and cultural diversity in a political climate where immigrants and American Latinos have been widely demonized. The explosive final segment began with Lopez’s daughter, Emme Maribel Muñiz, and a choir of children — some of them in lighted cages — singing Lopez’s “Let’s Get Loud” and a snippet of Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.,” as Lopez appeared wrapped in a feathered American flag cape that reversed to a Puerto Rican flag. It looked like recognition for both Puerto Rico and for the Dreamers, the American-born children of undocumented immigrants. Read more
Amuneke unveiled as manager of Egypt’s El Makasa (Guardian)
Former Nigeria international, Emmanuel Amuneke, says he faces a “big task” after taking over at struggling Egyptian Premier League side, El-Makkasa, on a deal until the end of the season.
The 49-year-old was confirmed as Ahmed Hossam Mido’s successor on Saturday to become El-Makkasa’s fourth manager in three years.
The Faiyum-based outfit have struggled for form, sitting 15th in the table, just outside the relegation zone on goal difference.
“We have a big job on our hands and we cannot pretend that isn’t true,” Amuneke told BBC Sport.
“But no matter the task, we must give it everything we have.” Read more
Joshua will vacate world title to fight Wilder vs Fury rematch winner (Guardian)
Anthony Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn has told talkSPORT that his man will vacate one of his world titles if it means confirming a fight with Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury later this year.
AJ is due to face IBF mandatory challenger, Kubrat Pulev in May/June, but wants the victor of his rivals’ February 22 rematch afterward.
However, he also has a WBO mandatory waiting in the form of Oleksandr Usyk and this could obstruct Joshua from fighting to become an ‘undisputed’ champion with all four belts. Read more
Mikel Arteta blames the grass after Arsenal’s draw against Burnley (Metro)
Mikel Arteta has blamed the length of the grass at Turf Moor following Arsenal’s stalemate against Burnley on Sunday. The Gunners’ hopes of closing the gap on the top four were dealt another blow as they were held to a goalless draw by Sean Dyche’s side. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missed two excellent opportunities to put Arsenal ahead, while Jay Rodriguez spurned a gilt-edged chance from close range in the second half. The result is Arsenal’s fourth in a row in the Premier League, while they remain 10 points behind fourth-placed Chelsea in the table. Read more
Real Madrid, Barcelona contacted Lille in January over Osimhen (Guardian)
Victor Osimhen has grabbed this season by the scruff of the neck and is emerging as one of Ligue 1’s big prospects, reports fourfourtwo.com.
The 21-year-old has scored 16 goals and assisted a further five in all competitions this season.
The Nigeria international moved to Lille in summer for £19 million and has started life in France at some rate of knots.
According to Le10Sport, La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are interested in signing Osimhen in the summer. Read more
Omeruo delighted to score first goal for Leganes (Punch)
Kenneth Omeruo says he is “very happy” to have scored his first goal for Leganes in their 2-1 win over Real Sociedad.
He thanked the club fans for their tremendous support during the encounter.
Playing in his 43rd La Liga game for Leganes, Omeruo restored parity for his side four minutes into the second half after he was set up by Martin Braithwaite.
He became the 20th Nigerian player to score in the La Liga. Read more
Plateau Utd pip Rivers Utd 1-0 to reclaim NPFL top spot (DailyTrust)
Plateau United yesterday returned to the top of the Nigeria Professional Football League table after a solitary strike by leading goal scorer Mustapha Ibrahim gave them a slim 1-0 victory over Rivers United at the New Jos stadium in Jos. Plateau United’s return to the top was made easy by the 0-1 loss suffered by title chasing Lobi Stars at Jigawa Golden Stars on Saturday Plateau United now lead the table with 32 points while their closest rivals Lobi Stars are on 31 points with a game in hand. In Jos, it looked as if Plateau United would outclass Rivers United easily when Ibrahim scored his eighth goal of the season in the third minute of the match but the goals simply dried up for both sides. Read more
Bergwijn stunner helps Spurs beat City (BBC)
Steven Bergwijn is the 250th player to score on his Premier League debut, and the 13th Dutchman.
Steven Bergwijn marked his debut with a superb volley as Tottenham won a bad-tempered Premier League affair with 10-man Manchester City to boost their top-four hopes.
The result lifts Spurs to fifth, four points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, while City remain second, 22 points behind leaders Liverpool who can win the title on 21 March when they play Crystal Palace.
The 22-year-old’s goal came with Spurs’ first shot on target, after Oleksandr Zinchenko had been dismissed for a second yellow card and City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan had seen a first-half penalty saved by Hugo Lloris. Read more
Burnley miss chance to punish Gunners (BBC)
Burnley wasted the chance to punish Arsenal, who escaped from Turf Moor with a point from a goalless draw.
The Clarets at least ended a run that had seen them beaten in their previous 11 games against the Gunners, but the home side should have had more.
After riding some early pressure from the visitors, Burnley gradually asserted themselves to bombard the Arsenal goal with headed efforts. Read more
Quadri, Edem, 30 others battle for Tunis Cup (DailyTrust)
Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri, Olajide Omotayo and Offiong Edem have been shortlisted as part of the 32 contestants that will battle for honours at the 2020 Top 16 Cup holding in Tunis later this month. According to the table tennis continental ruling body, African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF), the three-day tournament serves as qualifiers for the 2020 ITTF Cup holding in Germany and China later in the year. In the list released by ATTF, Egypt’s Omar Assar and Dina Meshref will be defending their titles in the men and women singles against top contenders and regional champions in Africa. Read more
I want to help United finish well – Ighalo (Punch)
Odion Ighalo says becoming a Manchester United player is a dream come true.
Ighalo sealed a last-gasp Deadline Day loan move to United from Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua.
The former Watford striker touched down at Manchester Airport on Sunday morning and said he is relishing the chance to prove himself at Old Trafford.
“It’s a dream come true because since I was a kid I followed and dreamt of Manchester United,” Ighalo told Sky Sports News. Read more
Fuenlabrada’s Marquez sent off twice in same game after VAR reprieve (Vanguard)
Just when you think you have seen all, VAR manages to find a new way to cause controversy. This latest incident happened in a second division game in Spain between Fuenlabrada and Girona.
After a high challenge on an opponent, Fuenlabrada’s Cristobal Marquez was shown a straight red card. The midfielder left the pitch and headed down to the tunnel to the dressing room.
So far, so normal, right? The referee then went to look at the foul on the pitchside monitor and, after checking several angles, decided to reverse his decision and Cristobal was called from the dressing room. Read more