Police confirm abduction of 6 pupils in Nasarawa State (Guardian)
The Police in Nasarawa State say some gunmen on motorcycles on Friday abducted six pupils of Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) Primary School Alwaza, Doma Local Government Area.
The Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed the development to newsmen in Lafia.
Nansel said that preliminary investigation revealed that the pupils aged between seven and eight years were abducted on their way to school at about 7: a.m.
He added that a joint security team comprised of the police, military and vigilante had been mobilised to the area for search and rescue operation. Read more
Lagos announces traffic diversion in preparation for Buhari’s visit (Independent)
The Lagos State Government has announced that traffic will be restricted on Monday, January 23, with diversion on the Island on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, in preparation for the visit of President Muhmmadu Buhari to the state.
According to a statement on Friday by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, the Commissioner, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde assured that alternative routes have been mapped out, as well as the deployment of the State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to manage traffic flow during the two-day visit.
Oladeinde, who explained that the routes that would be manned by the LASTMA Personnel, stated that; “On the first day, which is Monday 23, movement around Lagos Rice Mill, Imota in Ikorodu, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port axis will be restricted.
“While on the second day, which is Tuesday 24, movement around Eko Hotels and Suites, Ahmadu Bello Way, J-Randle through to Broad Street and Outer Marina, will be diverted from 6.00 am to 3.00 pm.” Read more
Louts torture conductor over N100, angry drivers meet MC Oluomo (Punch)
Some louts said to be workers of the Lagos State Parks and Garages Management have brutalised a commercial bus conductor, Saheed Alimi, in the Sabo area of Ikorodu, Lagos State.
PUNCH Metro gathered that Alimi dropped off passengers at the bus stop on Monday when the gang approached him and demanded N100 as payment for using the bus stop.
When Alimi resisted, the hoodlums were said to have flogged him with canes, as they dragged him on the tarred road.
While the attack continued, the bus conductor claimed he lost N14,700. Read more
Supreme Court affirms Akpabio as APC’s senatorial candidate (Vanguard)
The Supreme Court, on Friday, affirmed the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Godswill Akpabio as candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District election billed for February 25.
The apex court, in a unanimous decision by a five-member panel of Justices, upheld an appeal Akpabio filed to challenge the Court of Appeal judgement that nullified his candidacy.
In the lead judgement that was read by Justice Ibrahim Saulawa, the apex court, held that the appellate court lacked the jurisdiction to meddle in the issue of nomination of candidate for an election, which it said was within the purview of an internal affair of a political party.
The apex court panel resolved 10 issues Akpabio raised before it in his favour and accordingly vacated the November 14, 2022 judgement of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which directed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to recognize Mr. Udom Ekpoudom as the authentic candidate of the APC for the senatorial contest. Read more
NPC fixes March 29 for nationwide census (DailyTrust)
The National Population Commission (NPC) has fixed the national population and housing census for March 29 to April 1, 2023.
Nasir Kwarra, NPC Chairman, disclosed this while speaking with State House reporters after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday.
“By March 29 to April 2, our staff will be in the field enumerating people,” he said.
Kwarra added that the technological tools to be deployed would be able to code building and landmass, detailing information such as location, landscapes among others. Read more
Diphtheria: NCDC calls for vigilance as Lagos, 3 others record cases (Vanguard)
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention says it is responding to reports of diphtheria cases in Lagos and Kano States and is monitoring the situation in Osun and Yobe States where cases are now being picked up.
In a statement on Friday, the Agency said in addition to clinically suspected cases, there have been laboratory-confirmed cases.
Calling for vigilance and maintenance of a high index of suspicion for diphtheria symptoms by health workers, the NCDC urges parents to ensure that their children are fully vaccinated against diphtheria as recommended in the childhood immunisation schedule.
It confirmed that the Agency is working with State Ministries of Health and partners to enhance surveillance and response to the outbreak while informing the public to stay safe at home and in their communities. Read more
Keyamo drags Atiku, EFCC, others to court over money laundering allegations (Channels)
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Festus Keyamo, has filed a writ of summons at the Federal High Court in Abuja against the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, over corruption allegations.
Keyamo, who is also the spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, also named the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants respectively.
The plaintiff is asking the court to compel the 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants to investigate, invite and or arrest the 1st defendant, Abubakar, over corruption allegations relating to a certain bank belonging to a company named Marine Float and other accounts of two undisclosed companies, which information Keyamo says was divulged to a certain aide by the name Michael Achimugu.
In a statement of claim sent to Channels Television, Keyamo alleged that the whistleblower, Micheal Achimugu, went public with the claims and avered that he had obtained the certified true copy of the said affidavit, which he hopes will be relied upon in the suit. Read more
Hospitals demanding police report to face sanction (Nation)
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has threatened to clamp down on hospitals demanding police reports from patients.
FCCPC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Babatunde Irukera, however, noted that such incidents had reduced since 2018 due to advocacy and accountability.
Irukere said there was no other way to perfect society other than accountability, consequences and advocacy.
The agency chief spoke Wednesday at an interaction between FCCPC and Federal Medical Centre (FMC) at Jabi in Abuja. Read more
Dolly Parton forms ultimate supergroup for new single with pop icons, Cyndi Lauper, Gloria Estefan, Belinda Carlisle and Debbie Harry (Metro)
Dolly Parton, Debbie Harry, Cyndi Lauper, Belinda Carlisle, and Gloria Estefan have formed the supergroup to end all supergroups.
Though it might end up only being a one-time thing, only once in a blue moon do this many pop icons assemble in the same place.
The song, which is entitled Gonna Be You and credited primarily to Dolly and American songwriter Dianne Warren, is on the soundtrack to 2023 movie 80 For Brady.
Based on a true story, 80 For Brady follows four elderly best friends who travel across America to see New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in the Super Bowl. Read more
Britney Spears claims she’s changed her name to River Red (DailyMail)
Britney Spears has announced she’s changed her name to River Red.
The singer, 41, looked incredible in a skimpy Coca-Cola bandeau and a matching miniskirt while dancing to Attention by Omah Lay and Justin Bieber.
In the caption of her Thursday Instagram post, she discussed her ‘manic meltdown’ at a restaurant in Los Angeles on Friday night, claiming she was ”tipsy”.
The Womanizer songstress penned: ‘I’ve been at my Aunt Suzy’s house, we made 3 pies to give at church service this Sunday !!! I hear the men prefer the cherry and the women prefer the banana!!! Read more
Tanzanian killed in Ukraine: We told him not to go (BBC)
Nemes Tarimo’s family in Tanzania warned him against agreeing to fight with Russian forces in Ukraine, but the 33-year-old had a big incentive to sign up.
It is now three weeks since his relatives learnt of the news that confirmed their worst fears. He had died in combat.
Everyone at the family home in the city of Dar es Salaam looks exhausted as they wait for news about when his body might come back.
The waiting is taking its toll.
There are about 15 people in the compound, and relatives are coming in and out all day wanting to hear if there are any updates. Read more
The music industry cannot get rid of me, says Azealia Banks (MusicNews)
Azealia Banks insists the music industry “cannot get rid of [her]”.
The 31-year-old rap star hasn’t released an album in almost a decade, but Azealia insists she’s not a “has-been”.
The rapper – who shot to global stardom with her 2011 hit single ‘212’ – said: “What is success in music any more? Nobody knows, and for the people who do know, it means scheduling your smiles and crafting some weird character.
“I think it’s really unfair that people call Azealia Banks a has-been – you are a never-was, and a never-f******-will-be. You didn’t have the courage to put yourself out there because you were afraid you were going to fail, but I’ve had success. Read more
Regina King honours late son Ian Alexander Jr., 1 year after his death (People)
Regina King is remembering her late son, Ian Alexander Jr., one year after his death by suicide.
Late Thursday evening, the 52-year-old actress shared a moving tribute to Ian on her Instagram page, captioning the video of an orange sky lantern she’d lit in honor of what would have been her son’s 27th birthday.
“January 19th is Ian’s Worthday,” King wrote. “As we still process his physical absence, we celebrate his presence. We are all in different places on the planet … so is Ian. His spirit is the thread that connects us.”
The hue of the candlelit, floating paper lantern King lit has special meaning for the Oscar winner and for her late son. “Of course orange is your favorite color,” she said. “It’s the fire and the calm.”
“I see you in everything I breathe [sic],” King added. “My absolute favorite thing about myself is being …. Regina the mother of Ian the GodKing. Continue to shine bright, my guiding light.” Read more
Sofia Alaoui aims to break out of the box with debut Sundance feature Animalia (National)
When French-Moroccan filmmaker Sofia Alaoui lived in Paris, it was a difficult time in her nascent career. “I was put in a box — Arab filmmaker, Arab girl — for so long,” she tells The National over Zoom, ahead of the Sundance Film Festival premiere of her debut feature film, Animalia, on Friday.
“I think because of the colonial relations between France and Morocco, they put people in a box and they’re waiting for Arab cinema to be realistic, documentary-like.” Certainly, films like the rap-infused Casablanca Beats, which played at the Cannes Film Festival in 2021, fall into this category. Alaoui, though, had other ambitions.
Since moving back to Morocco in 2017, she’s been able to finally climb out of that box, through the launch of Animalia. Telling the story of Itto (Oumaima Barid), a young, pregnant woman who becomes separated from her husband and her wealthy in-laws after a supernatural event descends over Morocco, it’s a beguiling and unique mix of social commentary and genre filmmaking. Read more
Sierra Leone passes landmark law on women’s rights (BBC)
Sierra Leone has passed what has been described as a “ground-breaking” law to improve women’s rights.
President Julius Maada Bio made an apology to women for their poor treatment in the past: “For so long we haven’t been fair to you,” he said.
The law states that 30% of public and private jobs must be reserved for women.
The Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs says women have been “crying” out “for years” for this change.
“It means a lot to women in Sierra Leone,” Manty Tarawalli told the BBC’s Newsday radio programme, adding that no other sub-Saharan African country had passed such a law. Read more
Arsenal sign Trossard from Brighton for £21m (BBC)
Arsenal have signed Belgium international Leandro Trossard from Brighton for £21m plus add-ons.
The 28-year-old forward’s contract runs until 2027 and has the option of being extended by a year.
He has scored seven goals and provided three assists in 16 top-flight games for Brighton this season.
“He knows the league here and I think he can have an immediate impact in the team,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said.
The Gunners say they have submitted the required documents and hope Trossard will be available to face Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on Sunday (16:30 GMT). Read more
Fulham to splash N2.3bn on Maja (Sun)
Premier League club Fulham is set to splash the sum of N2.3 Billion Naira to re-sign Nigerian and Bordeaux striker, Josh Maja.
It was gathered from a United Kingdom newspaper The Sun of the transfer development.
Maja enjoyed a loan stint at Craven Cottage two seasons ago, scoring three goals in 15 league appearances.
Maja, 24, is in red-hot form in France’s Ligue 2 and is currently the top scorer with 11 goals and three assists in 19 league appearances.Read more
Memphis Depay: Atletico Madrid sign Netherlands forward from Barcelona (BBC)
Atletico Madrid have signed Netherlands forward Memphis Depay from Barcelona for an initial 3m euros (£2.6m).
The 28-year-old, whose contract was due to run out in the summer, joins on a two-and-a-half-year deal.
Barcelona said the deal includes the option to sign Atletico’s Belgian winger Yannick Carrasco in the future.
Former Manchester United forward Depay has only played four times for the Spanish club this season, having been hampered by a thigh injury.Read more
Arteta ”insisting” Arsenal sign Barcelona’s Raphinha after missing out on Mudryk (DailyStar)
Mikel Arteta is reportedly insisting that Arsenal sign Barcelona’s Raphinha after missing out on Mykhaylo Mudryk.
The Gunners’ long-term pursuit of the Ukrainian winger ended in disappointment last week as Chelsea swooped to hijack the deal and sign Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk. Arteta is keen to move on from the transfer saga, though, and has reportedly identified Raphinha as an alternative target to bolster his attacking options.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, Arsenal have been in contact with the Brazilian’s representatives after Arteta insisted that the club pursue a deal to sign the former Leeds United star.
Arteta is said to like Raphinha a lot and is reportedly prepared to pursue the transfer again in the summer if he cannot be brought to the Emirates Stadium this month. Read more
Medvedev knocked out of Australian Open by ”thrilled” Korda (StraitsTimes)
Sebastian Korda’s game plan was simple – just give it his best shot.
The result turned out well as he stunned two-time Australian Open losing finalist Daniil Medvedev on Friday, adding the Russian to a growing list of top seeds crashing out early.
The 31st-ranked American, son of 1998 Australian Open champion Petr Korda, blasted past the seventh seed 7-6 (9-7), 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) on Rod Laver Arena to race into the last 16.
Korda’s upset teed up a clash with Polish 10th seed Hubert Hurkacz – who beat Canada’s Denis Shapovalov 7-6 (7-3), 6-4, 1-6, 4-6, 6-3 – for a place in the quarter-finals. Read more
Chris Eubank Jr wears rainbow armband after “homophobic” row with Liam Smith (Mirror)
Chris Eubank Jr pulled on a rainbow armband to weigh in for his fight with Liam Smith after it emerged the fighters are being investigated following yesterday’s “homophobic” row.
The son-of-a-legend showed off the armband, which represents the LGBT community, whilst weighing in at 159lb for the fight. Eubank Jr was indirectly replying to comments made by Smith on Thursday about his sexuality, when the Scouser said: “You go on about girls, has anybody in this room ever seen you with a girl? This is for no laughs I am just asking, do you want to tell us something?”
Eubank Jr replied by accusing Smith of cheating on his wife, stating: “My private life is my private life. That is irrelevant to boxing but I am happy and comfortable. If you want to get personal, talking about being gay? I’ve been told you cheat on your wife. I’d rather be gay than a cheat.” Read more