Ritual: Pastor, accomplice to die for beheading seven-year-old (Punch)
Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting at Ikeja, on Tuesday, sentenced a pastor, Erinmole Adetokunbo, and his accomplice, Adedoyin Oyekanmi, to death for killing a seven-year-old boy in the Ikorodu area of the state.
Justice Taiwo gave the verdict after the defendants changed their pleas from not guilty to guilty.
The men were arraigned on October 30, 2017, before the Lagos State High Court on two counts bordering on conspiracy and murder.
According to the charge sheet, Oyekanmi and Adetokunbo, on June 7, 2017, on Oke Oniburokun Street, Odokekere, Ikorodu, conspired to murder a seven-year-old boy, Kazeem Rafiu. Read more
Toll collection fueling traffic on Apapa, Tin-Can Port access road – Shippers’ Council (Leadership)
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) yesterday said physical toll collection by agents of the Lagos State government was fuelling traffic gridlock on the port access road.
Speaking during an enlarged Presidential Port Standing Task Team (PPSTT) meeting and an update on the second phase of operation free the port corridor along Apapa- Tin-Can- Coconut -Berger yard – Mile2-Orile-Ijora Sifax, the executive secretary of the council, Emmanuel Jime, urged the Lagos State government to automate its toll collection processes.
The Shippers’ Council boss, however, commended the presidential port task team’s officers for clearing the port access road which was filled with shanties, allowing extortion.
Though he said he recognised the need for the state government to increase revenue to meet current economic and social challenges, he, however, advised the deployment of technology in the state to enhance ease of doing business and to make the road free of encumbrances.
He said: “We recognise the government’s resolve to raise revenue, whether the state or local government. This is important and we needed to recognise that the purpose of the task team was to clear the port corridor of traffic because if we don’t do this, we won’t be able to get efficiency and economies of scale. It has been shown that if we have efficiency, the port and government will make more money. Read more
Lagos lottery manager killed during argument over debt (Punch)
The Lagos State Police Command on Tuesday said it arrested a 35-year-old man, Kamalideen Raji, over the murder of a lottery manager in the Badagry area of the state.
Raji was said to have, on August 2, 2022, stabbed the manager twice in the neck over a disagreement about an unpaid debt.
The victim was rushed to the Badagry General Hospital, where he gave up the ghost.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the suspect was arrested by the Area K Police Command. Read more
New Eze Ndigbo promises improved security, peaceful co-existence (Guardian)
The new Eze Ndigbo of Mushin/ Odi Olowo community in Mushin Local Council of Lagos State, Chief Monday Lawrence Obijogu (Ezedioranma 1) has promised to work for improved security and peaceful co-existence in the area.
Ezedioranma also pledged to partner security agencies to ensure security of life and property in the market and its environs.
He spoke after his installation by a six-man king makers, who performed the coronation rituals in Ladipo area of Mushin, attended by members of the business community, captains of industry and traditional rulers.
The elated monarch told The Guardian that his decision to take the title was to improve security and peaceful coexistence among Igbo communities in the area and their host. Read more
Wike’s romance with Tinubu’s men rattles Amaechi’s base (Punch)
Governor, Nyesom Wike
There are strong indications that the Rivers State All Progressives Congress led by immediate past Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, is angry about the romance between the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu’s men; and the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.
Wike has in recent times been meeting with some APC chieftains, including Tinubu’s allies. On Monday, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was invited by Wike to inaugurate a road project.
The Rivers governor also invited former Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila to inaugurate some projects in his state.
Earlier, some APC governors led by the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Kayode Fayemi, had also met Wike in his state amid his feud with the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar. Read more
2023: INEC denies recognising Lawan, Akpabio as senatorial candidates (DailyTrust)
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied reports that it succumbed to pressure from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) by backdating documents to recognise Senate President Ahmad Lawan, and former Akwa Ibom State governor, Godswill Akpabio as senatorial candidates.
National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC, Festus Okoye, said this on Tuesday in Abuja.
There have been controversies after Bashir Machina won the APC ticket for Yobe North Senatorial District, while Udom Ekpoudom won the party’s primary election in Akwa Ibom North-West.
The two primaries were monitored by INEC officials.
Okoye said the attention of the commission was drawn to an online report that it doctored, backdated and certified documents to accommodate Lawan and Akpabio. Read more
Fayemi sacks more aides, dissolves boards (Guardian)
Makinde reshuffles cabinet
Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has dissolved all boards and commissions in the state, excluding statutory commissions spelt out in Section 197 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
The governor also terminated the appointment of special advisers who are not cabinet members; technical advisers, directors-general, co-ordinators and other heads of non-ministerial offices, which would take effect from August 31, 2022.
A memo from the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), which was made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday, stated that the dissolution was to ensure seamless transition of government and early processing of the terminal benefits of the affected political office holders.”
Similarly, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has carried out a minor reshuffling of his cabinet, assigning new portfolios to two commissioners. Read more
Insecurity: Gov Bello blows hot, vows to deal with kidnappers in Kogi (Leadership)
Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has promised to protect the lives and properties of the people of the state, saying the government will no longer tolerate the insurgents wreaking havoc on the state.
Reacting to the rising spate of insurgency by bandits and kidnappers in the state, the governor said “enough is enough”, adding that “the time for action against the terrorists and other criminals in the state is now”.
The governor who made this known when he received in audience the three APC senatorial district flagbearers for the February election in Lugard’s House Lokoja, maintained that this is not the time to continue with motions on the floor of the National Assembly, but the time for action against insurgents, kidnappers and other forms of criminality in the country.
Governor Bello said “I will do everything humanly possible to protect the life and property of the citizens of Kogi State.” Read more
Yobe police nab seven suspects for telecom mast theft (Guardian)
Operatives of Yobe State Police Command have arrested seven suspected telecom mast vandals for illegal decommissioning of antennas.
The telecom mast belongs to the Yobe State Television (YTV); located at Dapchi, along the Damaturu-Bayamari road.
The suspects are: Bello Wanti 52; Abdulminini Jibril, 39; Alhaji Sabiu 40; Saidu Mohammed Bulumkutu 54; Jibril Yakubu 40; Musa Abubakar, 20 and Habibu Mohammed, 30.
Parading the suspects, yesterday, in Damaturu, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Dungus Abdulkarim, said: “On July 28, at about 11.30a.m., detectives from the Dapchi police station arrested and brought the suspects to the State’s Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID). Read more
Daredevil pensioner, 93, gets strapped to plane and does loop-the-loop in the sky (Metro)
This 93-year-old woman who took to the skies strapped to an airplane is living proof that age has no limits.
It takes some serious guts to climb onto the wings, get strapped into the harness and stand there whilst the plane does intricate aerobatics in the skies – but Betty Bromage is no novice.
In fact, this was the fifth wing walk for the pensioner from Cheltenham who is raising funds on JustGiving for the charity Sue Ryder.
Inspired by a TV ad for a chocolate bar, Ms Bromage took up the sport at the age of 87 despite having arthritis in the neck. Read more
Jane Lynch sets early ‘Funny Girl’ departure (Deadline)
Jane Lynch will depart Broadway’s Funny Girl even earlier than expected, producers announced today. The former Glee actor will end her run as “Mrs. Brice” on Sunday, August 14, several weeks earlier than the Sept. 4 date most recently announced (that date, too, was earlier than the originally planned Sept. 25 exit).
According to producers, Lynch had a long-scheduled vacation set to begin on Monday, August 15 and was set to return to the show on Tuesday, August 23, before departing for the Creative Arts Emmys on Thursday, September 1. “Rather than return for one week of performances, the producers have agreed to adjust her final performance to Sunday, August 14,” according to a statement.
Lynch’s “Mrs. Brice” standby, Liz McCartney, is scheduled to play the role from Tuesday, August 16 – Sunday, September 4, after which four-time Tony nominee Tovah Feldshuh will take over permanently on Tuesday, September 6.
The production’s original “Fanny Brice,” Beanie Feldstein, left the production on July 31 following a troubled engagement during which she received some harsh reviews, missed a number of performances and finally announced her early departure after producers had lined up Lea Michele to take over the role upon Feldstein’s exit. Read more
Republican uproar over FBI search of Trump’s home (BBC)
Furious allies of former President Donald Trump are demanding an explanation for the FBI’s raid on his Florida home, Mar-a-Lago.
The FBI and Department of Justice have yet to comment on the search, which Mr Trump disclosed on Monday evening.
It is reportedly linked to an investigation into his handling of classified and sensitive material.
It was the first time a former US president’s home has ever been searched by law enforcement.
Reports suggest the FBI activity is connected to an investigation into whether Mr Trump, a Republican, removed classified records from the White House and took them to Mar-a-Lago. Read more
TIFF: Ben Kingsley’s Salvador Dali biopic ‘Daliland’ to close fest (THR)
Mary Harron’s Dalíland, with Ben Kingsley playing the surrealist painter Salvador Dali, will close the 47th Toronto Film Festival with a world premiere on Sept. 17.
Canadian director Harron, best known for American Psycho and I Shot Andy Warhol, will host Kingsley and her film’s cast, including Barbara Sukowa, Christopher Briney, Rupert Graves and Suki Waterhouse, at the Roy Thomson Hall screening.
Dalíland tells the story of Dali’s later years and of his marriage to his domineering wife and muse, Gala, as their seemingly unshakable bond begins to stress and fracture. Set in New York and Spain in 1973, Daliland is told through the eyes of James, a young assistant keen to make his name in the art world and who helps the eccentric and mercurial Dalí prepare for a big gallery show.
“We couldn’t be prouder that Harron is a Canadian who has taken her singular explorations of iconic eccentrics to the world stage,” TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey said in a statement about his closing night film pick. Read more
Idris Elba reveals how he ‘hustled’ his way onto Jay-Z’s ‘American Gangster’ album (HuffPost)
Idris Elba on Monday revealed how he ended up on Jay-Z’s 2007 album “American Gangster,” which served as a titular companion piece to the Ridley Scott film that starred Elba.
“At the time I heard Jay was about to do an album associated with the film,” Elba told Jimmy Fallon on “The Tonight Show” during an appearance to promote his upcoming film “Beast.” “And I was like, ‘I need to get on that.’ As you do. You’re like, ‘I’m Idris, I need to be on that Jay-Z album.’”
Elba went to impressive lengths to finesse that dream into reality, and wrote the rapper a “long poem” after contacting one of Jay-Z’s associates.
“Actually it was a rap, but it didn’t sound good as a rap,” Elba told Fallon. “So I said, ‘Maybe I should speak this’ because Jay might be a little more accommodating to my speaking voice.
And I sent it to him and we got this text back from Jay saying, ‘Um, I don’t love this — I fucking love it.’” Read more
Wyclef Jean rules out another presidential run in Haiti after failed bid (Newsweek)
Wyclef Jean has ruled out running for president again in Haiti, following a previous bid for office that failed to get off the ground.
Immensely popular in his native country, the American-reared musician, 52, became an immediate front-runner in a field of more than 30 candidates when he entered the race in 2010.
But his candidacy was derailed by a constitutional requirement that presidential candidates reside in Haiti for at least five years prior to an election. Jean claimed he had done so, though evidence indicated he was a U.S. resident most of that time.
“Council officials said Jean, who left his homeland with his family at the age of 9 to live in the United States, did not meet residency requirements,” Reuters reported. Read more
Ukraine war: Explosions hit airstrip in Russia-annexed Crimea (BBC)
Loud blasts have been reported at a military base in Crimea, a Ukrainian peninsula Russia annexed in 2014.
The blasts were in the western village of Novofedorivka, said Oleg Kruchkov, an adviser to the Moscow-installed regional head.
Three local witnesses told Reuters they had seen black smoke rising from the direction of the airstrip.
The cause of the blasts was not immediately known, but Russia’s defence ministry said ammunition was detonated. Read more
Aigbogun lands Danish club coaching job (Punch)
Super Eagles assistant coach Paul Aigbogun has been appointed new manager of Danish second division side Jammerbugt FC.
Aigbogun took over from Nabil Trabelsis, who said goodbye to the club recently.
The 50-year-old coach has previously been in charge of Nigeria’s U-20 national team, leading them to a round of 16 finish at the 2019 U-20 World Cup.
The former Nevada Wonders manager had in the past also managed Warri Wolves and two-time CAF Champions League winners Enyimba. Read more
Akwa United begins 3 weeks end-of-season break (Guardian)
Following their early exit from the 2022 Aiteo Cup competition on Sunday in Enugu, Chairman of Akwa United, Elder Paul Bassey, has approved a three-week end-of-season break for players and officials of the team starting from today to September 3, 2022.
In a statement signed by club’s Media Officer, Mfon Patrick, in Uyo, yesterday, training for the new season will begin on September 5, 2022.
Akwa United was unexpectedly knocked out of the Aiteo Cup, 1-2, in the round of 16 by Kogi United.
Bassey commended players and officials of the club for their efforts and genuine contributions to the fortunes of the club, charging the players to behave professionally and maintain unalloyed physical, mental and spiritual discipline during the break period.
“The just concluded football season was a very tough and tedious one for us at Akwa United, judging by the fact that it was our worst finish in the NPFL in the last six seasons. Read more
Thiago Alcantara: Liverpool midfielder ruled out for a number of weeks with hamstring injury (Sky)
Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara has been ruled out for a number of weeks after picking up a hamstring injury in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Fulham.
The Spanish midfielder limped out of the Reds’ season-opener at Craven Cottage and Liverpool now do not expect him to play for them again in August.
The 31-year-old will, however, have another scan later this week as his rehabilitation from the injury continues.
Liverpool were without fellow midfielders Naby Keita, Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on Saturday due to injury and illness. Read more
Man Utd offered chance to sign Chelsea flop as Erik ten Hag rips up transfer plans (Mirror)
Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata after ripping up their plans to sign Marko Arnautovic from Bologna.
United submitted a shock bid worth around £7million over the weekend for Arnautovic – who shares a personal connection with Ten Hag – but swiftly discontinued their interest following a fierce backlash from fans over previous comments made by the Austrian international.
United are desperately in need of attacking reinforcements after Cristiano Ronaldo’s desire to leave the club just one year after his return to Old Trafford while Edinson Cavani has left the club following the expiration of his contract and Mason Greenwood is no longer part of the first-team squad.
Morata, 29, has now emerged as a transfer target after returning to the Spanish capital following two seasons on loan at Italian giants Juventus. The Bianconeri’s signing of Dusan Vlahovic in January displaced the Spaniard as the side’s main striker and he has subsequently returned to Atletico. Read more
Serena Williams will say ‘farewell’ to tennis after U.S. Open (Global)
Serena Williams announced Tuesday she will be walking away from tennis after the U.S. Open.
In an essay shared by Vogue, Williams wrote the decision to leave the sport wasn’t an easy one; and it’s certainly not a retirement.
“I have never liked the word retirement,” Williams, 40, wrote. “It doesn’t feel like a modern word to me.”
Instead, Williams sees her tennis farewell as an “evolution.”
“I’ve been thinking of this as a transition, but I want to be sensitive about how I use that word, which means something very specific and important to a community of people,” Williams wrote for the September cover story. “Maybe the best word to describe what I’m up to is evolution. I’m here to tell you that I’m evolving away from tennis, toward other things that are important to me.”
UFC 281: Israel Adesanya reacts to ‘dream’ matchup vs Alex Pereira (GMS)
UFC champion Israel Adesanya has explained how he’s had a change of heart regarding his upcoming fight against Alex Pereira.
Over the course of the last few years, Israel Adesanya has made it his mission to establish himself as one of the most dominant fighters in the UFC. Aside from a hiccup at 205 pounds, he’s been able to do that by cleaning out the middleweight division.
‘The Last Stylebender’ isn’t afraid of any challenge that comes his way and while he may have caught some heat as a result of how his recent fights have gone, that hasn’t deterred the 33-year-old.
His next opponent looks set to be Alex Pereira, a man who has made quite the splash since first appearing in the promotion last year. Read more
Canada maintains vaccine requirement for NBA players in 2022-23 season (NBC)
The NBA sent out a memo on Monday informing teams that all players would have to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or receive a medical clearance to play in Canada this upcoming season, according to ESPN.
This policy, set by the Canadian government, is an extension from last season and is consistent with the country’s expectation for anyone entering the country. That includes Raptors players as they travel between the U.S. and Canada.
In addition, players who are unable to play due to not meeting this requirement will be listed as “Out – Health and Safety Protocols” and have to surrender any payment for the specified games.
These rules, which were instituted this past January in the middle of the 2021-22 regular season, have already had a ripple effect throughout the league. Read more