Police officer engages Sanwo-Olu, flouts order to vacate Magodo estate (Guardian)
The argument that state governors are not in charge of security in their various states was reinforced, yesterday, as a police officer refused to disengage from the Magodo estate operations or call his superiors at the order of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.
In the hot exchange captured in a short video that has gone viral, the governor was seen directing the unidentified police officer, who said he is a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) to disengage from the assignment, which he (the governor) said was illegal, since he was not aware of the operations as the Chief Security Officer of the state.
The officer refused to disembark, explaining that he was there with his men at the orders of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) through the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).
He also refused to give the governor the exact figure of officers in the operations, arguing that he cannot give out such information for security reasons. Read more
SEC warns investors on FinAfrica Investment, Chimark Group (Nation)
Nigerian’s apex capital market regulator, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has described the operations of FinAfrica Investment Limited and Chimark Group as illegal, warning the investing public against dealing with the two firms.
In a circular, SEC stated that its attention had been drawn to the activities of “an illegal operator FinAfrica Investment Limited”, which “claimed to be an investment company that engages in business development in commercial sectors of the economy and uses the funds in entities under Chimark Group”.
According to the Commission, neither FinAfrica Investment Limited nor Chimark Group is registered by the Commission and the investment schemes being promoted by these entities are also not authorized by the SEC.
“In view of the above, the general public is hereby warned that any person dealing with the within named company in any capital market related business is doing so at his or her own risk,” SEC stated. Read more
Police arrest suspected killer of Redeemed pastor in Lagos (Guardian)
The Police in Lagos have arrested two suspects, Farouk Mohammed and Jamiu Kasali, in connection with the killing of Babatunde Dada, a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) on 6th Avenue, FESTAC Town, Lagos.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, who confirmed the arrest, said Mohammed was tracked to Ilorin, Kwara State, while his partner in crime, Kasali, was apprehended in FESTAC Town, Lagos.
Odumosu said exhibits used to commit the act have been recovered, stressing that the suspects would be charged to court.
Recall that the suspects stabbed the 46-year-old pastor to death on December 2 and fled the scene with his bag containing some money. Read more
Lagos APC to Lagosians: expect a better 2022 (Nation)
The Chairman-elect of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State Cornelius Ojelabi has urged Lagosians to expect a better 2022.
Ojelabi, in a statement, congratulated the people for surviving 2021 despite the many challenges and promised that the party would not relent in providing dividends of democracy to them.
He said: “Without doubt, we have traversed a challenging year that has tested our resilience on virtually every front. We have been confronted by socio-economic happenstances that have stretched our perseverance and we have been disturbed by health issues – especially the Coronavirus – which has driven us into a state of fear, especially since it has been showing up in many variants.
“I am happy, though, that our usual spirit of never-say-die and the grace of God on us, we have survived them all. Rather than succumb to the downsides of life, we have stood in faith and have resolved to look ahead to a more prosperous and fruitful 2022. Read more
Sanwo-Olu urges calm during visit to Magodo (Guardian)
We have remained peace despite lack of communication from government- landowners
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday called for calm in his first visit to Magodo Phase 2 after Shangisha Landlord Association moved to take over the estate to implement the Supreme Court judgment that mandated the state government to give back 549 plots of land to the original owners of the area.
Sanwo-Olu was as the estate about 3:00p.m, indicated interest in finally meeting with the landowners.
“We will all go through this and come out with an amicable resolution. So, I want everyone to ensure that peace will be restored in the estate, and I want people to go about their lawful businesses,” he said.
The governor assured residents that nobody will be harassed, no property would be demolished and no house would be marked again. Read more
Wedding Continues As Abducted Bride-To-Be Regains Freedom (DailyTrust)
A bride-to-be, Farmat Paul, who was abducted in her pastor’s house in Ngyong community of
Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Sunday, has regained freedom.
She was abducted at the pastor’s residence where she was expected to spend the night before the wedding.
Daily Trust gathered that the victim was released on Monday night and soon after her release, the wedding ceremony which was suspended continued.
When contacted the State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Ubah Gabriel Ogiba, on the release of the victim, told our correspondent that the victim had returned home but could not explain whether any ransom was paid.
On Monday, ASP Gabriel had said though there was no formal complaint to the police on the matter, they heard about it and swung into action to investigate the circumstances behind her disappearance. Read more
Man allegedly impersonates Akwa Ibom commissioner, defrauds, sleeps with 10 ladies (Punch)
Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department have arrested a suspected fraudster, Mr Imaobong Akpan, for allegedly impersonating the state Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Pastor Umo Eno.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Odiko MacDon, who disclosed this while parading the suspect at the command headquarters, Ikot Akpan, on Tuesday, said the suspect was arrested based on a petition.
He listed exhibits recovered from him to include five SIM cards, two phones, seven dollars and five yuan.
MacDon noted that the suspect, aside from impersonating the commissioner on Facebook, defrauded unsuspecting members of the public, mostly women, by offering them fake jobs after having sex with them. Read more
Police: How Pregnant Women Held By Turji Were Rescued (DailyTrust)
The Zamfara State Police Command says some pregnant women were among 97 abducted victims it rescued from captivity of bandits loyal to Bello Turji, a terror kingpin.
The state police commissioner, Mr Ayuba N Elkanah, said this when he presented the victims before the media on Tuesday.
He said joint Tactical operatives in Shinkafi and Tsafe LGAs had “unconditionally rescued” ninety seven (97) kidnapped victims including 7 pregnant women, 19 2-7 months old babies and 16 2-7 year old children.
“Following an extensive pressure mounted as a result of the ongoing Military operation around the camp of a notorious bandit’s kingpin known as Bello Turji that covers Shinkafi, Zurmi and Birnin Magaji Local Government area.”
“On Monday, Police Tactical operatives deployed at Shinkafi axis received an intelligence report that, some kidnapped victims were seen stranded in the bush. Read more
Davido’s baby mama Sophia warns critics against ‘dragging’ her in 2022 (Punch)
Sophia Momodu, the first baby mama of popular musician, Davido, has warned critics against trolling her in 2022.
This comes after rumours that she had an altercation with Amanda, Davido’s second baby mama, during their stay with the singer in Ghana.
During an Instagram live video where she accused blockers of spoiling her name, she broke down in tears, adding that she’d speak up for herself to avoid being questioned by her daughter, Imade, in the future.
In a series of Instagram story post, the entrepreneur also called out a blogger for cooking up stories against her.
She wrote, “I just want to be left alone to live my life, mind my business and enjoy! Read more
Man looking for a wife advertises himself on Birmingham billboards (Metro)
Mohammad Malik, 29, has plastered his own face across giant billboards in Birmingham as part of his search for a wife.
Mohammad, who works as an innovation consultant and entrepreneur, shared his picture on huge boards on Golden Hillock Road, Hockley Circus, and over the A34 near the Perry Barr Greyhound Track.
The billboards read: ‘Save me from an arranged marriage’, and he has also set up a website called ‘findmalikawife.com’, which shares details on his search for love.
‘I had to get a billboard to get seen,’ writes Mohammad, who is Muslim.
‘My ideal partner would be a Muslim woman in her 20s, who’s striving to better her deen [effectively religion, judgment, and custom]. Read more
Keanu Reeves reportedly in talks to star in Martin Scorsese’s ‘The Devil In The White City’ series (NME)
Keanu Reeves is in talks to star in Martin Scorsese’s series adaptation of The Devil In The White City, it has been reported.
According to Deadline, the Matrix actor is in negotiations to appear in Hulu’s upcoming take on Erik Larson’s 2003 book. It will mark Reeves’ first major US TV role.
The big-budget adaption of The Devil In The White City has been through various stages of development since Leonardo DiCaprio bought the film rights to the book back in 2010. DiCaprio, who serves as an executive producer on the project, previously set it up as a feature at Paramount.
Hulu announced in 2019 that it was developing the show. Scorsese is also exec producing alongside Rick Yorn, Sam Shaw, Jennifer Davisson and Stacey Sher. Todd Field is lined up to direct the first two episodes of the limited series, which will be produced by Paramount TV Studios, ABC Signature and Appian Way. Read more
Rapper J $tash found dead after ‘shooting woman in front of her children’ (Metro)
Up and coming Florida rapper J $tash allegedly shot and killed a woman in front of her three young children before taking his own life on New Year’s Day.
Investigators from Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department had responded to a call of possible domestic violence on a gunshot victim at approximately 7.14am on January 1. When arriving at the home, they discovered the bodies of a 27-year-old woman as well as the 28-year-old rapper, whose legal name is Justin Joseph.
The woman has since been identified as Jeanette Gallegos, with a GoFundMe page set up by family to help cover funeral costs.
Gallegos’s three young children, aged seven, nine and 11, were home at the time of the shooting and had called police. Read more
New Beacon Books saved after crowdfunder raises £76k within days (Bookseller)
The team at New Beacon Books, the UK’s first Black specialist bookshop, has praised the “amazing support from the community” following a highly successful crowdfunding campaign which has not only saved the store but netted £76,000 in only a few days.
Based in London’s Finsbury Park, the store announced over the Christmas break it would be shutting its doors and moving entirely online, as financial constraints from Covid-19 and online retail threatened its future.
Academic and actor Francesca Gilbert immediately launched an online fundraising campaign on 30th December with donations flooding in within hours.
The crowdfunding campaign had aimed to raise £35,000 by 24th February 2022 but, by the morning of 31st December, it had already surpassed that total and introduced a new “stretch” target of £50,000 which was also quickly met. It now has donations from 2,427 supporters. Read more
‘Les Chaussures de Louis’ Wins 2021 VIEW Award Grand Prize (Variety)
Animated short “Les Chaussures de Louis (Louis’ Shoes)” took home the 2021 VIEW Award grand prize following the VIEW Conference in Turin, Italy.
The five-minute film was created by Marion Philippe, Kayu Leung, Jean-Geraud Blanc, and Theo Jamin of MoPA in Arles, France, in their last year as students. The film follows a young boy with autism introducing himself to classmates at his new school. Jury members lauded the film for its unique voice. “We don’t look at ‘Louis’ from the outside; we enter his mind as he shares the particular way in which he sees his world.” Jurors called the film “staggeringly humanizing, fresh, innovative and entertaining all the way through.”
Other celebrated films include Jury Award winners “Les Larmes de la Seine (The Seine’s Tears)” and “Yallah,” which each shine a light on events from recent history.
“Les Larmes de la Seine” depicts events in Paris on Oct. 17, 1961, when a protest by Algerian workers turned deadly. “In this remarkable student film, we follow two friends who join the demonstration,” the jury wrote. “Viewers experience the friends’ determination, confusion and terror in this frightening story. The consistent beautiful craftsmanship, great design and animation, and interesting camera point-of-view gives the film power beyond the actual horrific event.” The film was made by fifth-year Pole school students Yanis Belaid, Eliott Bernard, Nicolas Mayeur, Etienne Moulin, Hadrien Pinot Philippine Singer and Alice Letailleus. Read more
Donda 2: Kanye West already working on new album (Independent)
Ye has already begun work on a sequel to his 2021 album Donda, according to music executive Steven Victor.
Victor is currently the chief operating officer of GOOD Music, the label founded by the artist formerly known as Kanye West in 2004. He is also senior vice president of A&R at Universal Music Group.
“Ye has started working on his new masterpiece Donda 2,” he told Complex.
The publication noted that, should Ye stick with the current title, it would be the first time he has released an official sequel to one of his albums.
Ye released his 10th studio album Donda last year, to mixed reviews and after several major delays. It also caused controversy due to the inclusion of Marilyn Manson and DaBaby on certain tracks. Read more
Ipswich plumber has book published after being rejected 20 times (IpswichStar)
Ipswich dad James Jenkins is living the dream after his first novel has been published.
He was undeterred by his 20-plus rejections over the last 11 months before Parochial Pigs was signed to Alien Buddha Press, an American indie publisher.
The Castle Hill plumber and father-of-two, who has always written as a hobby, was stunned when he finally received a letter of acceptance for his first work.
Mr Jenkins said getting the work published had been a “labour of love”.
He added: “I won’t be giving up my day job any time soon.
“It still seems like impostor syndrome and a dream come true.”
Ex-Super Falcons player, Avre cries foul over alleged disappearance of N10m reward for class of ‘99 (Guardian)
Former Super Falcons winger, U.S.-based Patience Avre, has alleged that the N10 million reward offered by the Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyeama, for the 1999 class during an award ceremony in Lagos last year has been diverted into private pocket by some of her teammates.
Late last year, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) honoured the 1999 set of the Super Falcons for their quality performances as the first Nigerian team to reach the quarterfinal at the FIFA World Cup. The team, led by coach Ismaila Mabo, narrowly missed the semifinal ticket at USA ’99 to Brazil.
In addition to the sum of $1,000 promised the players by the NFF, the Chairman of Air Peace, Onyeama, rewarded the players with N10 millon.
However, Avre, who could not make it to the award ceremony in Lagos, as she just delivered a baby, alleged yesterday that some of her teammates pocketed the N10 million.
In a video made available to The Guardian yesterday, Avre vowed to get to the root of what she described as ‘major scandal’ in the Super Falcons class of ’99. Read more
Romelu Lukaku apologises to Chelsea fans and Thomas Tuchel for recent comments (Metro)
Romelu Lukaku has issued a heartfelt apology to Chelsea fans and head coach Thomas Tuchel, saying he is determined to restore their trust after claiming he was ‘not happy’ during a recent interview.
During a wide-ranging chat with Sky Italia, recorded three weeks ago, Lukaku, 28, opened up on the frustration he had experienced with his role under Tuchel, while also talking up a potential return to Inter Milan in the future.
The Belgian’s explosive comments have threatened to derail Chelsea’s title charge at a crucial stage of the season and Tuchel made the decision to leave his £97.5million club record signing out of the side’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool at the weekend.
However, the Chelsea manager confirmed Lukaku had apologised to him and the rest of the squad during a press conference on Tuesday afternoon and the Blues are keen to move on from the episode, with the striker in line to return against Tottenham. Read more
Australian fury erupts at Djokovic vaccine waiver (BBC)
Australians have reacted angrily to news that tennis player Novak Djokovic will play in the Australian Open, after he was exempted from vaccination rules.
All players and staff at the tournament must be vaccinated or have an exemption granted by an expert independent panel.
Organisers said the defending champion had not been given special treatment.
But Australians – some of whom still cannot travel interstate or globally – have criticised officials, politicians and Djokovic himself. Read more
Liverpool request for Carabao Cup clash with Arsenal to be postponed due to rising Covid cases (Metro)
Liverpool have requested for their Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Arsenal on Thursday to be postponed due to rising Covid cases.
Liverpool have been dealing with a Covid outbreak at the club which saw manager Jurgen Klopp and three players test positive last week.
Klopp, goalkeeper Alisson, defender Joel Matip and forward Roberto Firmino all missed Sunday’s match against Chelsea after returning positive tests.
In all, Liverpool were without nine players for the trip to Stamford Bridge due to positive cases, injuries and suspensions. Read more
Harry Kane: Tottenham striker ‘totally involved’ in project, says Antonio Conte (BBC)
Tottenham manager Antonio Conte says Harry Kane is “totally involved” in his project at the club after it appeared the striker would leave last summer.
Premier League winners Manchester City were keen to sign Kane, 28, last year.
The England captain believed he had a gentleman’s agreement with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy to move on.
“He wants to give 100% in every game and I am totally satisfied with his commitment and the relationship we have created within the team,” said Conte. Read more
Eguavoen to hand Ejuke No.10 role (Punch)
Interim Super Eagles coach Austin Eguavoen may hand CSKA Moscow winger Chidera Ejuke the No.10 role in the team at the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off in Cameroon this weekend, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The tournament holds from January 9 to February 6 in Cameroon.
Ejuke, one of the 13 debutants in the Eagles squad for the tournament, has been outstanding for his Russian club this season, scoring four goals and making two assists in 13 games for CSKA so far this season.
The 24-year-old is also ranked the third-best dribbler in the world, according to CIES Observatory’s latest rankings – a form Eguavoen believes can help solve the team’s lack of creativity in midfield. Read more
Kieran Trippier: Newcastle agree £12m fee with Atletico Madrid (BBC)
Newcastle have agreed a £12m fee plus add-ons with Atletico Madrid for England full-back Kieran Trippier.
The 31-year-old is set to be Newcastle’s first signing under their new Saudi owners – and first for new manager Eddie Howe since he took charge in November.
Trippier, who joined La Liga side Atletico in 2019 from Tottenham for £20m, will have a medical on Wednesday.
He will be reunited with Howe, who signed him while he was at Burnley.
Trippier has made 83 appearances for the Spanish club, who won La Liga last season. Read more