Police warn POS operators: Transactions above ₦500k can lead to trouble (Channels)
The Delta State Police Command has issued a stern warning to Point of Sale (POS) operators regarding transactions exceeding ₦500,000.
According to SP Bright Edafe, the Public Relations Officer of the Command, such transactions could potentially implicate operators in criminal activities, particularly kidnappings.
In a recent statement, SP Edafe highlighted a case where a POS operator received a ransom payment of ₦4,000,000 from kidnappers, earning a mere ₦40,000 in profit. “Don’t be a tool for kidnappers to collect ransom,” he cautioned. “It must be traced to you.” Read more
Flood: Relocate to higher ground, FG urges Benue, Niger riverine communities (Punch)
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency has urged riverine communities along the Rivers Benue and Niger to relocate to higher ground following significant rises in water levels due to continuous rainfall.
In a statement released on Thursday, NIHSA’s Director General, Umar Mohammed, warned residents near the riverbanks to evacuate, as water levels in the River Benue had reached critical points.
“Makurdi, in particular, has recorded dangerously high water levels, with Lokoja and other stations also nearing flood thresholds,” Mohammed cautioned. Read more
Don Jazzy donates N100m to VeryDarkMan’s NGO (Nation)
Social media activist, VeryDarkMan, has revealed that music producer, Don Jazzy, is the generous mystery donor behind a N100 million contribution to his newly established Non-Governmental Organization (NGO).
Don Jazzy, whose real name is Michael Collins Ajereh, made a significant donation to support VeryDarkMan’s philanthropic efforts.
In a video shared on his social media, VeryDarkMan expressed his initial disbelief when he saw the large sum in his bank account, suspecting it could be an error or setup after contacting others who denied making the transfer. Read more
Cholera: 14,237 persons infected across Nigeria as death toll hits 378 (DailyTrust)
The death toll from the cholera outbreak has risen to 378 while 14, 237 persons have been infected with the disease, since the beginning of the year, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention ( NCDC).
The director general of the agency, Dr Jide Idris, made the disclosure Thursday while presenting an update on the ongoing response to infectious disease outbreaks and other events of public health importance in Nigeria and globally .
He said the 14,237 cases of cholera have been reported across 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), spanning 339 local government areas. Read more
Journey to recovery: Edun reveals $3bn investment boost in oil, gas sector (Sun)
In what may be described as a promising development for Nigeria’s economy, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, has revealed that recent incentives introduced in the oil and gas sector have attracted $3 billion in investments.
He made the disclosure during his address at the Nigerian Economic Summit held in Abuja on Tuesday, where he emphasised the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for both local and foreign investors.
Edun further highlighted ExxonMobil’s plans to invest approximately $10 billion in Nigeria’s deep-water operations, signaling strong confidence in the country’s potential as a key player in the global energy market. The minister noted that this substantial commitment is part of a broader trend, with other indigenous oil companies also ramping up their investments in the sector. Read more
APC to boycott Plateau LG re-run election (Vanguard)
The All Progressives Congress APC in Plateau State has said the Party will not participate in the Saturday rerun elections in some Wards in the State.
It would be recalled that there was a local government election held on the 9th of October, 2024 but results were not announced in 21 Wards hence a rerun to determine the winners.
As the State Independent Electoral Commission, PLASIEC, sets this Saturday for the exercise, the leading opposition Party that had expressed displeasure at the conduct of the election despite winning a few Councillorship seats has agreed to abstain from participating. Read more
House passes independent candidacy bill for 2nd reading (ThisDay)
The House of Representatives has passed the Independent Candidacy Bill for a second reading.
The bill, titled ‘Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill’, 2024 was sponsored by Hon. Akin Rotimi.
The bill seeks to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended) to provide for independent candidacy. Read more
Man remanded for allegedly defiling 13-year-old girl in Lagos (Tribune)
A Badagry Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State on Thursday remanded a 35-year-old man, Charles Chinonso, in Awarjigoh Correctional Centre for allegedly defiling a 13-year-old girl.
Chief Magistrate A. J. Aina remanded Chinonso after he pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of defilement and breach of peace.
Aina also ordered that the case file should be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice. He adjourned the case until Jan. 29, 2025, for mention. Read more
“The Electric State” Trailer: Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt team up with robots in a ’90s alternate reality (People)
Chris Pratt and Millie Bobby Brown are teaming up for a wild new adventure.
On Thursday, Oct. 17, Netflix debuted the first trailer for “The Electric State”, described as “set in an alternate, retro-futuristic version of the 1990s” and directed by Pratt’s Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame filmmakers Joe and Anthony Russo.
Brown, 20, stars as Michelle, “an orphaned teenager navigating life in a society where sentient robots resembling cartoons and mascots, who once served peacefully among humans, now live in exile following a failed uprising,” as a synopsis teases. Read more
Sky News branded ‘scum’ over comments on Liam Payne’s young son Bear (Metro)
Sky News has been slammed after comments made over Liam Payne’s young son Bear.
One Direction singer Payne died yesterday aged 31 after he fell from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires.
Fans and friends alike have paid tribute to the Strip That Down hitmaker, with many sharing their devastation that Bear, who Payne fathered with ex Cheryl, would now grow up without a dad. Read more
Russian lawmakers give initial approval to a bill targeting those who advocate not having children (ABC)
Russia’s lower house of parliament on Thursday gave quick initial approval to a bill outlawing “propaganda” that discourages people from having children, the latest in a slew of restrictive laws as the Kremlin tightens control over the society amid the fighting in Ukraine.
The new legislation, which requires two more readings in the State Duma and the upper house’s vetting before being sent to President Vladimir Putin for final approval, criminalizes spreading information that advocates voluntary childlessness and makes it punishable by fines of up to 5 million rubles ($50,000).
Measure proponents contend that public arguments against having children are part of purported Western efforts to weaken Russia by encouraging population decline. Read more
SAG-AFTRA steps up advocacy efforts for disabled performers with ‘‘Time to Get Real’’ video series (Variety)
SAG-AFTRA has produced three advocacy videos putting a spotlight on the challenges disabled actors face in pursuing and auditioning for jobs in the entertainment industry. The videos were produced as part of the union’s “Inclusion: Time to Get Real” campaign launched in connection with National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
The goal is to demonstrate how people with disabilities are underrepresented in TV and film, and when they are on screen, they are often misrepresented. In 2022, people with disabilities accounted for 8.8% of screen time, but those with visible disabilities made up only 0.4%, according to a Nielsen study. Read more
India made ‘horrific mistake’ in violating Canada’s sovereignty, Trudeau says (UPI)
India made a “horrific mistake” by attempting to violate Canada’s sovereignty, Prime Minister Justine Trudeau said, as Ottawa continues to lob stringent accusations that New Delhi agents pose a threat to the lives of Southeast Asians on Canadian soil.
Trudeau made the staunch criticism of India on Wednesday during the second day of a two-day public inquiry into foreign interference, two days after Canada and India expelled one another’s diplomats as Ottawa has become more vocal about alleged threats posed by India to the Canadian public.
According to a statement from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on Monday, investigations have uncovered “serious criminal activity” being committed by agents of India within the country. Read more
‘‘Superman’’ star David Corenswet to lead Skydance Sports’ ‘‘Mr. Irrelevant’’, inspired by label given to last player taken in NFL draft (Deadline)
Having landed the coveted role of Clark Kent in DC Studios’ “Superman”, David Corenswet looks to have his sights set on a follow-up project. Sources tell Deadline that he is in negotiations to star in the Skydance Sports pic Mr. Irrelevant.
The movie is about John Tuggle, who was given the title after being the last pick of the last round of the 1983 NFL draft.
Jonathan Levine is directing, with Emmy-nominated writer Nick Santora penning the script. Read more
Bangladesh issues arrest warrant for ex-leader Hasina (BBC)
A Bangladeshi court has ordered an arrest warrant for former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India in August after she was ousted by mass protests.
Hasina is wanted by Bangladesh’s International Criminal Tribunal (ICT) for her alleged involvements in “crimes against humanity” that took place during the demonstrations, in which hundreds were killed.
Hasina, who was in charge of Bangladesh for more than 20 years, was seen as an autocrat whose government ruthlessly clamped down on dissent. Read more
Osimhen ready to give best for Galatasaray, reflects on loan move (CompleteSports)
Victor Osimhen has once again reiterated his desire to give his best for Turkish Super Lig champions Galatasaray.
Osimhen joined the Yellow and Reds on loan from Napoli in the summer.
The 25-year-old has scored two goals and registered four assists in four outings since his arrival at the club. Read more
U-17WWC: 4-Star Flamingos bash New Zealand to begin campaign (Channels)
Nigeria mauled New Zealand 1-4 on Wednesday to set the tone for their campaign at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The ruthless Flamingos ran riot in the first half, scoring thrice to take a huge leap into the next phase of the competition in the Dominican Republic.
Shakira Moshood scored the first goal in the first two minutes of the Group A encounter. A brilliant attacking play from the Nigerians saw the Flamingos flying to a 3-0 lead in the 30th-minute courtesy of Taiwo Adegoke and Fairdat Abdulwahab strikes. Read more
Gov Sule cheers Nasarawa United to 3-0 victory over Abia Warriors In Lafia (Leadership)
Nasarawa United produced a scintillating performance, defeating hapless Abia Warriors 3-0, in front of a raucous home crowd, led by Governor Abdullahi Sule, at the Lafia City Stadium during the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match-day seven mid-week encounter on Wednesday evening.
The Nasarawa State governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, made a morale-boosting presence at the stadium to cheer the Solid Miners to victory.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Media, Nasarawa United FC, Eche Amos, the governor’s presence at the game seemed to have a profound effect on the players as they turned around their slow start to the game to dominating the match in the reverse half. Read more
Thomas Tuchel: England can reach higher gear and achieve target of winning World Cup (SkySports)
Thomas Tuchel is convinced he can push England to find a higher gear as he targets success at the 2026 World Cup.
Tuchel has been appointed England head coach on an 18-month contract from January 2025, with the sole focus on ending the nation’s 60-year wait for a trophy in the USA.
England have finished runners-up at successive European championships under Gareth Southgate and reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2018 but could not get over the line under Tuchel’s predecessor. Read more
Iga Swiatek adds Naomi Osaka’s former coach to team in start of ‘new chapter’ (Independent)
Iga Swiatek announced coach Wim Fissette is joining her team ahead of the WTA Finals.
Fissette previously coached Naomi Osaka to grand slam titles at the Australian Open and US Open, before splitting with the former World No 1 last month.
The Belgian has also worked with top-ranked players such as Kim Clijsters, Victoria Azarenka and Simona Halep. Read more
Premier League VAR errors down 80% – referees’ chief (BBC)
Referees’ chief Howard Webb says there has been an 80% reduction in the number of video assistant referee (VAR) errors this season.
It has now been five years since VAR was introduced in the Premier League, but the system and the way it is used continues to attract plenty of debate.According to the independent Key Match Incidents panel (KMI), there were 31 incorrect uses of VAR during the 2023-24 season. Read more