Power-drunk Customs officials loot traders shops overnight (Punch)
Armed Customs officials, in the early hours of Wednesday, invaded the Agip Market in the Agege area of Lagos State, allegedly burgled shops and looted property belonging to traders operating in the market.
The traders, while recounting their losses during a protest on Thursday, said property worth millions of naira were reportedly stolen by the officials who ransacked their shops after dislodging the security guards manning the premises.
During the protest which started around 9 am, the traders, some of whom were seen weeping profusely as they lamented over the development, said the accused officials seized the mobile phones of their guards to prevent them from recording the incident or contacting traders and market leaders who were at home sleeping during the operation. Read more
Troops eliminate 42 bandits, apprehend 96 others (DailyTrust)
Troops of the armed forces have in the last two weeks eliminated 42 bandits, terrorists, and other criminals in various operations in North Central and North West.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami made the disclosure on Thursday in Abuja at the bi-weekly news conference on the operations of the armed forces.
Danmadami said that the troops apprehended 13 suspects in the Irekpeni community along Lokoja-Kabba-Okene Road in Kogi. Read more
Ex-JAMB Registrar, Ojerinde, sons, daughter-in-law arraigned over alleged sale of FG’s property in Ghana (Tribune)
The former Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Adedibu Ojerinde, his three sons and a daughter-in-law were on Thursday arraigned before a Federal High Court, Abuja by the Federal Government for allegedly selling off its property in Ghana.
The accused persons who were all present in court were arraigned on a 17-count charge by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC).
In the new charge, the former JAMB Registrar is accused of selling off a Federal Government property situate at House No. 4, Ahomko Drive, Achimota Phase Two, Accra, Ghana. Read more
UNILAG alumni advocate artificial intelligence in curriculum (Punch)
The University of Lagos Alumni Association, Lagos State branch, has called for the integration of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, in the tertiary institutions’ curriculum.
The association stated this on Thursday at the 10th Prof. Adetokunbo Sofoluwe Memorial Anniversary Lecture.
The guest lecturer, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, in his lecture, titled, ‘Future universities and future-ready graduate: Transition from rhetorics to realities,’ said emerging technologies like artificial intelligence would prepare students for the challenges of the future through innovative and interdisciplinary education. Read more
Lagos begins healing sessions for perpetrators of domestic violence (Channels)
The Lagos State Government has commenced support and healing group sessions for perpetrators of domestic and sexual violence.
In a statement on Thursday, the Executive Secretary of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the programme was in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to providing a a holistic response to sexual and gender-based violence in the state.
“The worrisome increase in cases of domestic violence has informed the necessity to address the trend,” she stated. Read more
Court dismisses El-Rufai’s defamation suit against Shehu Sani (DailyTrust)
A Kaduna High Court has dismissed a defamation suit filed by the immediate past governor of the state, Nasir el-Rufai, against a former senator representing Kaduna central, Shehu Sani
The ex-governor had sought N2 billion in damages over comments credited to the former lawmaker.
In the suit filed in 2018, El-Rufai said Sani defamed him by referring to him as a “drunk, loose cannon and an embarrassment to President Muhammadu Buhari”. Read more
Scavengers trapped under demolished Daula Hotel building in Kano (Vanguard)
Some scavengers were trapped under the demolished Daula Hotel building on Hadejia Road, Kano State.
It was gathered that the incident happened when the scavengers were scouting for irons from the rubbles of the demolished building.
Spokesperson of Kano State Fire Service, Saminu Yusif, who confirmed the development to our correspondent at the scene of the incident said, his team had so far rescued three persons. Read more
NIWA condoles with families of Kwara boat mishap victims (Independent)
The management of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has expressed deep sadness over the boat mishap that occurred on June 12, 2023, along the Jebba Lake channel in the Lafiagi-Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State, which claimed the lives over 103 passengers.
General Manager, Corporate Affairs, NIMA, Jibril Darda’u, in a statement, said NIWA condoles with the families of those that have lost their loved ones, and are particularly concerned with the huge number of casualties.
“This accident was clearly an unfortunate and avoidable one. Preliminary investigations through our area manager in the Minna/Kwara Area office revealed that the boat driver and wedding guests were on the ill-fated voyage about 2:30am, which speaks volumes about the disregard for the laws regulating inland waterways navigation. Read more
Dionne Warwick cancels Chicago concert due to “minor” medical issue with one of her legs (People)
Say a little prayer for Dionne Warwick!
On Thursday, the legendary singer canceled a concert set for June 24 at Rivers Casino Des Plaines near Chicago due to a medical issue, a rep for Warwick told PEOPLE — but she’s looking to reschedule the show. TMZ was first to report the news.
Ticketholders reportedly received an email from the venue on Thursday that said, “We regret to inform you that the Dionne Warwick performance on June 24, 2023 at Rivers Casino Des Plaines has been canceled due to a medical incident.” Read more
Disney CFO Christine McCarthy to step down (UPI)
Disney announced Thursday that Chief Financial Officer Christine M. McCarthy would step down for a family medical leave of absence.
“Although I am leaving the CFO role, I look forward to helping with the transition and will always be rooting for the success of my extended Disney family, who have shown time and again that determination, teamwork and the pursuit of excellence are an unstoppable combination,” McCarthy said in a statement.
The company said McCarthy would continue as a strategic adviser during her leave and help to find a long-term successor.
“Christine McCarthy is one of the most admired financial executives in America, and her impact on The Walt Disney Company during 23 years of dedicated service cannot be overstated,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement. Read more
Hans Zimmer proposes to his partner during London performance (BelfastTelegraph)
Hans Zimmer has proposed to his partner on stage in London, telling the audience: “This is the woman I love, apparently she loves me.”
The Oscar-winning composer, 65, made the public declaration on Thursday night during his performance at London’s O2 arena which caused roaring applause from the audience.
As his Hans Zimmer Live show was drawing to a close, he brought his partner on stage, telling the audience: “There’s one more thing. So this is the woman I love, apparently she loves me.” Read more
Al Pacino’s baby name revealed as veteran actor becomes father at 83 (DailyStar)
Al Pacino has become a dad again at the age of 83 after girlfriend Noor Alfallah gave birth to a baby boy, who has been given he name Roman.
Hollywood icon Al and his Kuwaiti-American film producer girlfriend announced last month that they were expecting a child together, with the news shocking The Godfather actor’s fans.
The Scarface star is already a father to three children with two women, sharing 22-year-old twins Olivia Pacino and Anton James Pacino with National Lampoon actress Beverly D’Angelo, having had Julie Pacino, 33, with Jan Tarrant. Read more
“Chicken Run 2”: Netflix shares teaser, December release date (UPI)
“Chicken Run 2” is coming to Netflix in December.
The streaming service shared a teaser and release date for the stop-motion animated film, Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, on Thursday.
Dawn of the Nugget is a sequel to the 2000 film Chicken Run starring Julia Sawalha and Mel Gibson. The new movie features the voices of Thandiwe Newton, Zachary Levi and Bella Ramsey. Read more
Australian Senator David Van faces sexual misconduct claims (BBC)
Senator David Van has been removed from Australia’s main opposition party after sexual misconduct allegations.
Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe accused Mr Van of harassment and sexual assault during an exchange in parliament on Wednesday.
Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton then removed Mr Van from the parliamentary group on Thursday, after saying “further allegations” had emerged. Read more
American man arrested in Germany after woman killed near Neuschwanstein Castle tourist spot (CBS)
A 21-year-old American woman has died after being assaulted by another American tourist near a castle in Germany, police said Thursday, according to international news agencies. Police in the southeast German state of Bavaria confirmed to CBS News that a U.S. national was arrested in connection with the incident.
The woman was hiking Wednesday afternoon with her friend, 22, near Neuschwanstein Castle when they met a 30-year-old man who told them to follow him down a trail leading to a secret viewpoint, French news agency AFP quoted police as saying.
When the two women followed him, he allegedly attacked the 21-year-old victim. Her friend tried to intervene and the man choked her and pushed her down a steep slope, AFP said. He then attempted to sexually assault the 21-year-old, according to police, before pushing her down the slope as well. Read more
Nigerian International, Okpotu, happy to overcome injury worries (DailyTrust)
Having recovered from injuries that slowed him down in the 2023 season, 2018 CHAN Silver medallist, Anthony Okpotu, has said he is ready to return with a bang in the 2024 season.
The former Lobi Stars striker who has spent a greater part of his playing career in North Africa joined Egyptian Premier League side Al Masry from Qatar Sports Club in 2022 but was hampered by a series of injuries.
However, the former US Monastir of Tunisia goal poacher who is on holiday in Nigeria told Daily Trust yesterday that even as he struggled with injuries, he is still spoilt for choice as a number of clubs are interested in signing him. Read more
Udodi is better suited for 200m, says father (Guardian)
United States-based athletics coach, Chris Onwuzurike, whose son, Udodi, is one of Nigeria’s brightest hopes for medals at this year’s World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, has said his son will do better in 200 metres than 100 metres. He adds, however, that he will allow the athlete to decide, which event to feature between the two.
Two years ago at the World U-20 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, Udodi emerged as one of the country’s biggest stars, grabbing the 200m gold for Team Nigeria in a sensational way. And on Wednesday, Udodi soared in the latest rankings released by World Athletics from 25th last year to 16th best this year, after he won the NCAA 200m title, and running inside 200m thrice in under one month.
His 19.76 seconds finish in the semifinals saw the 20-year-old sprinter move to No 2 in the Nigerian all-time best list in the event behind Divine Oduduru (19.73 seconds). Read more
Frenchman Garcia named new Napoli boss (RFI)
Rudi Garcia said on Thursday he was “as motivated as ever” after the Frenchman was named coach of runaway Italian champions Napoli.
Ex-Roma boss Garcia, 59, takes over from Luciano Spalletti who left his position after guiding the southern club to their first Scudetto in 33 years.
Garcia was sacked by Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in April with the Saudi Arabian side second in the table just months after the five-time Ballon d’Or winner joined in a deal worth tens of millions of dollars. Read more
Gordon McQueen: Tributes pour in as former Leeds and Manchester United defender dies aged 70 (Standard)
Former Scotland defender Gordon McQueen has died aged 70 after his battle with dementia.
McQueen, whose 16-year playing career during the 1970s and 80s included spells at St Mirren, Leeds and Manchester United, was diagnosed with vascular dementia in early 2021.
A statement issued on behalf of the McQueen family said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather. Read more
Nottingham Open 2023: Andy Murray, Katie Boulter, Harriet Dart and Jodie Burrage all reach quarter-finals (BBC)
Andy Murray reached the Nottingham Open quarter-finals with a 6-3 7-5 victory over France’s Hugo Grenier to cap a record-breaking day for British tennis.
Murray’s win came after Katie Boulter, Harriet Dart and Jodie Burrage joined Heather Watson in the women’s last eight – the first time four British women have reached the quarter-finals of the same WTA Tour event.
Burrage’s 7-5 6-3 victory over world number 21 and Australian Open semi-finalist Magda Linette was arguably the standout result. Read more
Ray Lewis III, son of Ravens Hall of Famer Ray Lewis, dies at 28 (ABC)
Ray Lewis III, the son of Baltimore Ravens legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Ray Lewis, has died. He was 28 years old.
Lewis’ younger brother, Rahsaan Lewis, posted about his sibling’s death Thursday in an Instagram story.
Details of the circumstances surrounding his death were not yet known. Read more