Police deny lawyers access to arrested #OccupyLekkiTollgate protesters (ThisDay)
A lawyer, Tola Onayemi, who provides legal aid for #EndSARS protesters has revealed that police is denying lawyers access to the protesters arrested in different batches at the Lekki Tollgate on Saturday morning.
A total of 19 peaceful protesters including popular commedian, Mr. Macaroni, were nabbed at the Toll plaza and conveyed in a Black Maria while others escaped arrest.
“UPDATE: Our lawyers are at Adeniji Police Station, but are denied access. They are told they can’t see anyone arrested till the Area commander comes,” the lawyer claimed in a tweet. Read more
#OccupyLekki: It’s better to have protesters than bandits with AK-47 – Adamu Garba (Punch)
Former presidential aspirant, Adamu Garba, has urged the men of the Nigeria Police Force to release all protesters arrested on Saturday at the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos State.
Garba, who said it was better to have peaceful protesters than AK-47-wielding bandits, stressed that the arrested #OccupyLekki protesters have the right to seek justice for all victims of the October 20, 2020 incident which eyewitnesses claimed security forces opened fire on #EndSARS protesters.
He tweeted, “In as much as the #EndSARS protesters are not blocking the way for other citizens to move along the #Lekkitollgate, the law permits them the right to peaceful protest. After all, that is a tenet of democracy which we practice. All arrested protesters should be released immediately.”
Continuing, Garba wrote, “When will we ever learn in Nigeria? Is it not better for people to express themselves in a protest than hide behind any extreme motive to seek justice? I would rather have a peaceful protester than a bandit with AK-47. Read more
Lagos begins accreditation of transport operators (Nation)
Lagos State Government has urged all Transport Operators in the state to get accredited at the Public Transport and Commuter Service Department (PTCS) under the Ministry of Transportation.
In a statement signed by the Ministry’s Director, Public Transport and Commuter Services, Mr Ashaolu Ajewole the accreditation was vital for the safety and security of both operators and commuters.
According to him, accreditation is needed for the procurement of Vehicle Body Tag, Driver’s Badge, Stage Carriage Permit and Terminal Access Permit all of which are part of documents required for the commercial transport operation in the metropolis.
Ajewole explained that all commercial passenger vehicle operators, owners, drivers and conductors including mini-buses, tricycles, all commercial buses, e-hailing and regular cabs are required to get accredited to legitimize their operations as well as enhance public trust. Read more
Residents battle technical hitches as Lagos BRT goes cashless (DailyTrust)
Users of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Lagos State are facing some technical hitches in the operation of the e-ticketing system of payment the state government introduced to drive its cashless policy in the transportation sector. Daily Trust spoke with some of the users and operators.
In a bid to go cashless and integrate all transport modes on a single smart payment ecosystem, the Lagos State Government, in August last year, launched the ‘cowry card,’ an expanded e-ticketing system that automates fare payment for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).
The innovation seeks to create smart mobility through a cashless prepaid card as passengers can travel to different parts of the state, using the cowry card on any of the BRT. There is also the cowry app, from which money can be transferred to an individual wallet, then to the card for those who do not want to go to the ticketing point to load their cards.
The Lagos BRT is a transport system regulated by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and operated by Primero Transport Services Limited and the Lagos Bus Services Ltd (LBSL), among other operators. Read more
LASG, GIZ Nigeria partner on skills development, vocational training for youths (Vanguard)
The Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GIZ Nigeria (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) on skills development and sustainable economic growth.
The MoU was signed by the Lagos state commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr Sam Egube and Sabine Muller for GIZ.
GIZ Nigeria (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) was commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the German Federal Foreign Office and operates in the areas of sustainable economic development, technical vocational training, renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Egube said that the aim of the partnership was to improve vocational education training for the youths in the state. Read more
Ethnic clash: Oyo shuts Shasha market indefinitely, imposes curfew (Punch)
The Oyo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of the Shasha market in Akinyele Local Government Area of Ibadan following the skirmishes in the area on Friday.
The closure of the market, The PUNCH learnt, is indefinite.
A statement signed by Mr. Taiwo Adisa, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, indicated that the governor gave the order so as to forestall breakdown of law and order in the area.
The curfew, which he said covered Shasha and the market area, is to run from 6 pm to 7 am.
The statement warned residents of the area to go about their legitimate businesses peacefully, stating that anyone caught perpetrating violence would face the wrath of the law. Read more
Ike Nwachukwu, Clark, Marwa, Ambode, Mimiko others pay tribute as Jakande goes home (Vanguard)
Eminent Nigerians have continued to pay glowing tributes to the first civilian governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande who died last Thursday aged 91.
Jakande was an example in leadership, humility, professionalism – Gen. Ike Nwachukwu
In a tribute, Nigeria’s former Minister of External Affairs, Gen Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu and his wife, Mrs Gwen Tonyesia Nwachukwu said, “to God be the glory for a life well lived. He was an icon. He showed the way for a lot of us to follow. I met him when late Alhaji Alade Odunewu ( Allah De) recruited me on to the staff of The Daily Service which later became The Daily Express newspapers. Odunewu was the Editor and Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande (LKJ), the Editor-in-Chief. He was unassuming and accommodating. When he found time to stroll into the Newsroom, he sat by me, as he did others, to chat about our work and how to build on the reputation of the newspaper. He cared for us all. He singled me out and invited me on occasions to find out how I was doing.
Our newspapers published by the Amalgamated Press Limited was supportive of the Action Group – the official opposition at the time. He taught us how to be professional in the face of competing interests and philosophies. He was a good leader. As Governor of Lagos State he anchored his administration on providing education for all. He also embarked on building other infrastructures and interests necessary for a big state like Lagos. As Minister of Works under General Sani Abacha he again proved himself. He remained principled, frugal and selfless. Read more
Four arrested for burning Amotekun’s car in Ondo (Nation)
The Ondo State Security Network codenamed ‘Amotekun Corps’ have arrested four suspects for the burning of one of its operational vehicle and motorcycles.
It said the suspects were believed to be linked to the killing of a farmer and a member of the vigilante group in Ago Sanusi along Ute Road in Owo.
Commander of Ondo Amotekun Corps, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, who spoke at a press briefing in Akure said the suspects arrested inside Owo forest were not herdsmen.
Adetunji noted that the armed herders who were sighted in the forest took to their heels upon sighting his men. Read more
Joblessness lured us into kidnapping-Suspects (Punch)
Two suspected kidnappers, Sunday Chukwu and Chidokwe Efide, have been arrested by the police for allegedly kidnapping a businesswoman, Maris Ibe, in Delta State.
The suspects were rounded up after collecting N1m ransom to free the victim kidnapped on January 14, 2021, around Ibori Golf Club, Asaba, the state capital.
City Round learnt that the victim petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Adamu Mohammed, after her release and operatives of the IG’s Intelligence Response Team were deployed in Delta State to hunt down the kidnappers. Read more
Mario Draghi sworn in as Italy’s new prime minister (BBC)
The ex-head of the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, has been sworn-in as Italy’s next prime minister.
Mr Draghi put together a unity government of the main political parties, following the collapse of the previous administration last month.
It was thrown into chaos amid a row over how to spend EU coronavirus recovery funds.
Italy is still grappling with the pandemic and is also facing its worst economic crisis in decades. Read more
Heathrow flight halted on tarmac as man arrested over abduction of girl, 4 (Metro)
A plane was halted on the tarmac moments before it was due to take off, as police scrambled to arrest a man suspected of abducting a four-year-old girl. Detectives told how it was a ‘race against time’ to stop the jet leaving Heathrow Airport for the Romanian capital of Bucharest. Nottinghamshire Police received a report of a man taking a four-year-old child without permission shortly before 5pm on Thursday afternoon. The suspect, 32, who is known to the girl, has now been arrested and the child is now safe after being reunited with her mum. Read more
Anger over mass arrests in Myanmar at protests against coup (France24)
Opponents of Myanmar’s military coup sustained mass protests for an eighth straight day on Saturday as continuing arrests of junta critics added to anger over the detention of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Thousands assembled in the business hub, Yangon, while protesters took to the streets of the capital Naypyitaw, the second city Mandalay and other towns a day after the biggest protests so far in the Southeast Asian country.
“Stop kidnapping at night,” was among the signs held up by protesters in Yangon in response to arrest raids in recent days.
The United Nations human rights office said on Friday more than 350 people, including officials, activists and monks, have been arrested in Myanmar since the Feb. 1 coup, including some who face criminal charges on “dubious grounds”. Read more
Jay-Z, Jack Dorsey launch fund to develop bitcoin in India, Africa (NYPost)
Jay-Z and tech mogul Jack Dorsey are launching a fund to develop bitcoin in India and Africa.
Jay-Z and tech mogul Jack Dorsey are launching a fund to develop bitcoin in India and Africa.Reuters (2)
Rapper Jay-Z and tech mogul Jack Dorsey are launching a roughly $24 million fund to help develop bitcoin.
The Brooklyn-born artist and the Twitter CEO are putting 500 bitcoin into an endowment called “₿trust,” Dorsey announced Friday.
The fund’s mission is to make bitcoin “the internet’s currency” and it will initially focus on aiding efforts to develop the cryptocurrency in India and Africa, according to Dorsey. Read more
Soldiers killed in Napoleon’s 1812 retreat buried (BBC)
The bodies of French and Russian soldiers who died during Napoleon’s retreat from Moscow have been laid to rest at a ceremony in western Russia.
Along with the 120 soldiers, three women and three teenage boys were also buried.
The remains were discovered two years ago by a team of French and Russian archaeologists.
Napoleon’s disastrous retreat from Moscow, in 1812, marked the end of his invasion of Russia. Read more
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” fans call for Bruce Willis to finally make cameo before show ends (Metro)
Brooklyn Nine-Nine fans have called for Bruce Willis to finally make a cameo on the sitcom before it ends. Bosses confirmed that the police comedy – starring Andy Samberg, Terry Crews, Melissa Fumero and Andre Braugher – will be coming to an end after the upcoming season eight. Showrunner Dan Goor also announced that the series would have a shorter 10-episode run to bow out on. Viewers were left devastated by the news, and demanded that Bruce appears in an episode so that Jake Peralta (Andy) can finally meet his hero. Read more
Benin President Patrice Talon to face two rivals in April election (France24)
Benin President Patrice Talon and only two other candidates will run in the country’s presidential election in April, electoral authorities said Friday.
A total of 20 would-be candidates officially handed in their documents to run for the presidency, but the electoral commission said only the three chosen had met the necessary requirements.
Many opposition figures are already in exile or barred from office in Benin, a West African state which critics say has veered into authoritarianism under Talon.
Talon, a cotton magnate in power since 2016, will face former minister Alassane Soumano for the opposition FCBE party and Corentin Kohoue, a dissident opposition figure. Read more
Atletico back to winning ways with narrow Granada victory (Guardian)
Atletico Madrid swerved a second consecutive slip in La Liga on Saturday by squeezing past Granada 2-1 to move eight points clear at the top of the table.
After drawing at home to Celta Vigo on Monday, Diego Simeone’s side got back on track with a narrow victory at Los Carmenes, secured by Angel Correa’s fortuitous winner in the second half.
There was a hint of luck in Granada’s equaliser too, Yangel Herrera’s shot deflecting off Marcos Llorente, who had himself put Atletico in front only three minutes earlier.
Barca, who are third and 11 points behind the leaders, face Alaves at home later on Saturday before Real Madrid host Valencia on Sunday. Read more
Australian Open: Daniil Medvedev wins despite coach walking out (BBC)
Daniil Medvedev’s coach walked out as the Russian blew a two-set lead before winning a five-setter for the first time in the Australian Open third round.
The fourth seed eventually beat Filip Krajinovic 6-3 6-3 4-6 3-6 6-0.
Medvedev repeatedly yelled at his box as he went 4-1 down in the fourth – with coach Gilles Cervara eventually picking up his bag and leaving.
He did not return to see Medvedev dial back in to dominate the deciding set. Read more
Berbatov: Bale’s return to Spurs is a nightmare (Nation)
Former Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov has despaired at the lack of form shown by Gareth Bale since his return to the Premier League from Real Madrid.
The Welshman is rarely featuring for Jose Mourinho’s Spurs during his loan spell, leading to questions about his future.
“A lot has been said about Bale following Mourinho’s comments after Bale ruled himself out of playing in Spurs’ 5-4 defeat to Everton in the FA Cup,” Berbatov wrote in his Betfair column.
“If Bale had a scan and there was a problem that may lead to an injury then I can understand why he didn’t want to play. If there was nothing and he was free to play, then his desire not to play is a problem.”What does it mean to say you’re too uncomfortable to play if you are not injured? It must be translated as something.”I don’t know what that may be, but the situation is complicated and obviously Mourinho isn’t happy. Read more
Returning Anthony Davis propels Lakers past Grizzlies (NYPost)
Anthony Davis scored 35 points and LeBron James had 28 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in the Los Angeles Lakers’ seventh consecutive victory, 115-105 over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night.
Kyle Kuzma had 20 points and 10 rebounds for the defending NBA champions, while Davis finished two points shy of his season high in his return from a two-game absence with an Achilles injury.
Montrezl Harrell scored 14 points for Los Angeles, which extended its longest win streak in a year even after falling behind by 20 points in the first quarter. The Lakers also fell behind by 20 two nights ago before rallying to beat Oklahoma City, making them the third NBA team in the past two decades to win back-to-back games after falling behind by 20 in each contest.
“There’s a little frustration,” Kuzma said. “We should never be down 20 points at any point in time with the personnel that we have on our team. … But we’ve been through the fire, and we know how to walk people down. We’ve been having to walk people down a little too much lately. Read more
Alisson blunders again as Leicester beat Liverpool 3-1 (Punch)
Liverpool crashed to a dismal 3-1 defeat at Leicester to leave their top four hopes in jeopardy after Alisson Becker’s latest blunder sparked a stunning collapse from the troubled Premier League champions on Saturday.
Jurgen Klopp’s side endured a third successive defeat to effectively end any chance of retaining the title.
The calamitous nature of Liverpool’s late meltdown raises serious questions about their bid to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Mohamed Salah had given the Reds the lead in the second half at the King Power Stadium. Read more
Jurgen Klopp explains why Ben Davies is not in Liverpool squad for Leicester clash (Metro)Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp has revealed January signing Ben Davies picked up a knock in training and therefore could play no part in the side’s Premier League clash with Leicester this weekend. Fabinho was ruled out of Liverpool’s trip to the King Power Stadium due to a muscle injury and Ozan Kabak – who arrived on loan from Schalke this winter – makes his debut at the heart of the visitors’ defence alongside captain Jordan Henderson. Injuries to Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip left the champions desperately short of defensive options at the midway stage of the campaign and Preston’s Davies put pen to paper on a long-term contract on Merseyside on deadline day. Read more