RevolutionNow saga: Protesters, Buhari group may clash, Soyinka, others knock Presidency (Punch)
The organisers of the #RevolutionNow protests on Sunday met to finalise preparations for the anti-Federal Government protests they scheduled for Monday (today). After the meetings, which were held in Abuja and Lagos, the organisers said they would go ahead with the protests, despite the arrest of the convener of the #RevolutionNow, Omoyele Sowore. The ‘RevolutionNow’ organisers said this just as a pro-Buhari group, #IStandWithBuhari, said it would also embark on a nationwide counter-rally in support of President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday (today). This, observers noted, could lead to a clash between the two groups. Read more
El-Zakzaky: Police warn against procession (Nation)
As Kaduna State High Court decides today on the application by leader of Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, to travel abroad for medical treatment, the state police command has reminded the public, especially members of the movement, about the ban on procession/demonstration. The IMN leader had requested to travel to India with his wife, Zeenat, for medical attention. The court adjourned last week till today for a ruling on the application. Read more
Three Certificates of Return still with us – INEC (Punch)
The Independent National Electoral Commission has said three Certificates of Return are still pending to be issued for the Oju Obi Federal Constituency of Benue State and two state constituencies in Niger and Akwa Ibom states. INEC National Commissioner and Chairman in charge of Information and Voter Education, Festus Okoye, who stated this in an interview with The PUNCH, said until all the issues before the Election Petitions Tribunals were resolved, the commission would continue to withdraw and re-issue Cs o R. Read more
COZA pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo returns to pulpit (Guardian)
Just about one month after taking leave of absence, senior pastor of the Common Wealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo Sunday returned to the pulpit. Fatoyinbo on July 1 announced his leave of absence from pulpit duties after he was accused of rape by Busola Dakolo, a celebrity photographer and wife of singer Timi Dakolo. Bukola alleged that Fatoyinbo raped her twice in a week when she was still a teenager. Read more
I’m a disciple of Aminu Kano, says Jega (Punch)
A former Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has said that he joined the Peoples Redemption Party because he remains a disciple of its founder, the late Mallam Aminu Kano. The former President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities during the military administration of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida presently teaches Political Science at Bayero University, Kano. He was told by The PUNCH to confirm a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the PRP, Abdul Gombe, that he had joined the party to chair the Committee of its Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threat Analysis. Read more
By-election victory affirms APC’s popularity in Plateau, says Lalong (Guardian)
Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has said the victory of All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in last Saturday’s by-election in Pengana Constituency of Bassa Council, Mr. Yakubu Sanda, confirmed the people’s confidence in the party. Speaking through his Director of Press Affairs, Dr. Makut Macham, the governor praised the people of Plateau for their continuous show of support for the ‘Rescue Administration’ and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, election observers and other stakeholders for ensuring the peaceful conduct of the election. Read more
Benue deeply divided, unity needed, says Ortom (Punch)
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has called on indigenes of Benue at home and in the Diaspora to unite against the security and economic challenges bedevilling the state. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Ortom made the appeal at the 2019 annual convention of the Idoma Association USA in New York at the weekend with the theme, ‘Security and Economic Challenges in Idoma Land.’ Read more
Nigeria’s change is work in progress, says Abe (Nation)
Senator Magnus Abe has described the process of change in Nigeria’s democracy as work in progress. He called on politicians to return power to the people by creating clear processes that could galvanise and determine the wishes of the people, stressing that persons in power must learn to submit themselves to the will of the people. Abe, a former Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), spoke at the weekend. Read more
Lagos pays 311 retirees N1.13bn accrued pensions (Punch)
The Lagos State Government says it has presented retirement benefit bond certificates worth N1.13bn to 311 public service retirees. While welcoming the retirees to the 65th retirement benefit bond presentation, the Director- General, LASPEC, Mrs Folashade Onanuga, assured the retirees that the government’s interest in the wellbeing of the retirees was paramount. According to her, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu runs a people- oriented government and also sensitive to the yearnings of the populace. Read more
Nigerian Taxify driver shot dead in Johannesburg (Guardian)
The Nigerian Union South Africa on Sunday confirmed the untimely death of Benjamin Okoronkwo, a 43-year-old Taxify driver from Okposo, Ohaozara Local Government of Ebonyi. The union said in a statement by its Assistant National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ikele Odefa, that he was shot dead by unknown assailants at about 3 a.m. on Aug. 3, in his car. According to the statement e-mailed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Nigerian Union South Africa has visited the scene of the ugly incident and later went to open a case of murder at Mofartview Police Station in Johannesburg south cluster. Read more
NAPTIP arrests woman for alleged trafficking (Nation)
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has arrested a woman, whom it says attempted to traffic thousands of young people under the guise of giving them driving jobs in Abu Dhabi, the capital of United Arab Emirates. The trafficker, who had placed an advert on the Internet requesting young Nigerians aged between 18 and 35, who can drive, for driving jobs that she claimed will fetch them N250,000 in Abu Dhabi, was nabbed in a hotel that she had used as her base, where she had already swindled thousands of N15,000 registration fees before their trafficking. Read more
Stolen phone buyer at Computer Village nabbed (Punch)
A phone dealer, Yusuph Da-Silva, 28, who allegedly specialised in buying stolen mobile phones from armed robbers, cultists and pickpockets operating in Ogun and Lagos state, has been arrested. After almost three months of manhunt, the suspect was last week Wednesday arrested by the decoy team of the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad over a robbery incident around Ifako-Ijaiye, where mobile phones, laptops and other valuables were snatched from their owners at gunpoint. Read more
Varsity decries alleged sexual assault on student (Nation)
Authorities of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, have condemned the alleged sexual assault on one of its students by soldiers at a checkpoint between Akungba Akoko and Ikare Akoko. The university, after its preliminary investigation, noted with concern and amazement that “a soldier, who is supposed to protect the citizens, can turn round to exhibit such reprobate tendencies.” The institution, while hailing the action taken by the Brigade Commander “on this inhuman and brazen assault on a defenceless and innocent student,” urged the Army to deal with the perpetrator(s) of the act. Read more
Man’s corpse found in bush with Sniper bottle (Punch)
Personnel of the Lagos State Police Command, on Saturday, recovered the corpse of a yet-to-be identified man in the Adio bus stop area of Ijanikin. The victim, said to be about 35 years old, was alleged to have committed suicide by taking an insecticide, Sniper, the bottle of which was found by his lifeless body by homicide detectives led by the Divisional Police Officer of the Ijanikin Police Station during a visit to the scene of the incident. Read more
Thief terrorising OAU jailed 15 years (Nation)
A thief terrorising workers and students of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment. A statement by the university spokesperson, Abiodun Olarewaju, said Odionye Wilson was arrested by the security unit of the institution when the students, who were sitting for an examination, dropped their belongings as is customary of them during examinations. The 23-year-old convict, who claimed to be a rusticated student, told the security team during interrogation that he belonged to a seven-man syndicate that specialised in coming to OAU to rob people and steal their belongings. Read more
Ohio shooting: Sister of gunman among Dayton dead (BBC)
The gunman behind the mass shooting in Dayton, Ohio, killed his sister and eight other people in an attack that lasted less than 30 seconds, police say. Nearby police officers engaged Connor Betts, 24, shortly after hearing gunfire, as he tried to make his way into a crowded bar. Dayton police chief Richard Biehl said that had he made it through the door, the loss of life would have been “catastrophic”. The gunman’s motives are unclear. Read more
Texas Walmart shooter ‘to be put on death row and executed’ (Metro)
Prosecutors in Texas will seek the death penalty for a man who shot 20 people to death after reportedly writing a hate-filled racist manifesto. The mass shooting suspect has been identified by the FBI as Patrick Crusius, 21. He opened fire on an El Paso shopping area in what has been described by police as domestic terrorism and a hate crime. A local prosecutor announced he would bring capital murder charges against Crusius, saying the suspect has ‘lost the right to be among us’. Read more
Kashmir leaders under house arrest as unrest grows (BBC)
Top politicians in Indian-administered Kashmir have been put under house arrest, days after thousands of troops were deployed to the disputed region. Public meetings have been banned and reports say mobile networks and the internet have been restricted. Last week authorities also ordered tourists and Hindu pilgrims to leave, citing a “terror threat” against an annual pilgrimage to a major shrine. Read more
Paranoid schizophrenic who stabbed man 30 times escapes from hospital (Metro)
A convicted killer with severe mental health problems has disappeared after being allowed to leave a psychiatric hospital to visit Tesco. Police have warned the public not to approach Peter Atkins, 66, who left Kneesworth House Hospital in Bassingbourn, Cambridgeshire, on Thursday. In 2001, Atkins killed his pregnant daughter’s husband Stephen Provoost, 32, while he slept beside her in their bedroom. Read more
Iran ‘seizes Iraqi tanker in Gulf for smuggling fuel’ (BBC)
Iran has seized another foreign tanker in the Gulf, state media reports claim. Iranian forces seized the Iraqi ship for “smuggling fuel for some Arab countries” and detained seven sailors, according to the reports. Iraq’s oil ministry has said it has no connection to the seized vessel and that it is working to gather information about it. The incident comes amid heightened tensions after the US tightened sanctions on Iran’s oil sector. Read more
Woman, 89, found beaten to death in north London (Metro)
An elderly woman was found dead in her home in Tottenham this morning after being assaulted. Police have launched a murder investigation after the victim, 89, was discovered at around 10.45am. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The Met police said in a statement it believed suspects had gained entry to the woman’s house in Waltheof Gardens at some point between Saturday evening and Sunday morning. Read more
Call to end the ‘abuse’ of land surface (BBC)
Scientists are poised to deliver a stark condemnation of the damage we are wreaking on the land surface of the planet. We have degraded soils, expanded deserts, felled forests, driven out wildlife, and drained peatlands. In the process, we have turned the land from an asset that combats climate change into a major source of carbon. The scientists will say we must stop abusing the land if we hope to avoid catastrophic climate heating. Read more
A$AP Rocky celebrates release from Swedish jail by rubbing shoulders with Kendall Jenner at Kanye’s Sunday Service (Metro)
A$AP Rocky has been enjoying his newfound freedom alongside Kendall Jenner. The rapper was recently released from a Swedish jail, after spending a month in prison amid assault claims. A$AP had been held in custody since 3 July and made headlines, as many celebrities campaigned for his release, including the likes of Kim Kardashian and US President Donald Trump. Read more
Paucity of funds threatens D’Tigress’ African title defence (Guardian)
African champions, D’Tigress of Nigeria are programmed to depart Lagos for Dakar today, but that plan is now doubtful, as the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) is yet to raise the needed fund to execute the trip. The Vice President of NBBF, Babs Ogunade confirmed to Extrasportsnigeria.com on Friday that cash was still far from being available for the 2019 AfroBasket for Women billed to start in Senegal August 10. The Nigeria women won the last competition held two years ago in Mali. Read more
Paulo Dybala: Man Utd end talks with Juventus striker over wage demands (BBC)
Manchester United have ended talks with Paulo Dybala because of the Juventus striker’s wage demands. United entered talks with the Argentine, 25, as part of a proposed swap deal involving Romelu Lukaku, 26. However, they were dubious about whether Dybala wanted to join them and viewed his wage demands as excessive. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has targeted young, hungry players and United officials concluded further bids for Dybala would be a move away from that. Read more
Suarez sinks Arsenal in Griezmann’s Camp Nou debut (Guardian)
Luis Suarez’s late volley saw Barcelona to a 2-1 win in the Joan Gamper Trophy friendly in front of a bumper crowd at the Camp Nou, as Antoine Griezmann made his home debut following his big money move from Atletico Madrid. Suarez flashed home Sergi Roberto’s lofted pass in the 89th minute in front of nearly 99,000 people, who packed the stands to see new signings Griezmann and Frenckie De Jong, with his strike and Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ comical own goal canceling out Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s fine first half opener. Read more
Unai Emery reveals his plan for Arsenal record signing Nicolas Pepe after Barcelona defeat (Metro)
Unai Emery has revealed his plan for Arsenal record signing Nicolas Pepe ahead of the new Premier League season. Ivory Coast winger Pepe became the Gunners’ most expensive signing in history last week when he completed a £72million move to the Emirates from Lille. The 24-year-old, who scored 35 goals in 74 Ligue 1 appearances, was left out of the Arsenal squad that was beaten 2-1 by Barcelona at the Nou Camp on Sunday. Read more
Dele Alli injury: Tottenham midfielder to miss start of season (BBC)
The 23-year-old did not feature in Sunday’s pre-season defeat by Inter Milan and Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed he will not be fit to face Aston Villa on Saturday. “Of course we are worried,” Pochettino said after the penalty shootout loss. “He’s still so young and has had many, many hamstring problems the last few years.” Read more
Pep Guardiola rates Man Utd, Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea’s Premier League title chances (Metro)
Pep Guardiola insists Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea can all rival Manchester City and Liverpool for the Premier League title this season. Man City won a second successive Premier League last term, edging out Liverpool by one point in one of the tightest and most memorable title races in history. City and Liverpool pulled away from the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United but Guardiola believes his side will face more competition to win the title this season. Read more
Inter boss Conte hopes to tie up deal for Lukaku (Guardian)
Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte hopes to finalise a deal for Manchester United forward Romelu Lukaku in the coming days. The Italian club have been chasing Lukaku during the transfer window and have reportedly returned with a fresh bid of around £65 million ($79 million) as they try and get the deal over the line. The Belgium striker has not played a single minute of United’s pre-season campaign and Conte is hopeful he can bring the 26-year-old to the San Siro. Read more
Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand predicts who will win the Premier League this season (Metro)
Rio Ferdinand has predicted who will win the Premier League this season after the thrilling title race between Manchester City and Liverpool last term. Pep Guardiola’s City amassed 98 points during the 2018-19 campaign but still only won the league on the final day of the season by one point as Liverpool fell just short. Manchester City will attempt to complete a hat-trick of title triumphs this season and defeated Liverpool in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday. Read more
Women’s British Open: Hinako Shibuno claims stunning win in her first major (BBC)
Japan’s Hinako Shibuno birdied the last hole to clinch a stunning win in the Women’s British Open at Woburn. Shibuno, 20, led by two shots overnight but was soon caught by USA’s Lizette Salas in a thrilling final round. Salas fired the week’s lowest round – a seven-under 65 – but Shibuno had five birdies on the back nine to win by one shot in her first major. Read more
Citi Open: Nick Kyrgios beats Daniil Medvedev to win in Washington (BBC)
Australian Nick Kyrgios won his sixth ATP title with a 7-6 (8-6) 7-6 (7-4) victory over third seed Daniil Medvedev at the Citi Open in Washington. Russian Medvedev, the world number 10, led 5-2 in the first set tie-break but after saving a set point, 24-year-old Kyrgios took it in 41 minutes. Kyrgios, who will move back into the top 30 with his win, sent down his 17th ace to create two match points. Read more