Super TV CEO: We restricted Ataga’s account after death, says bank (Punch)
Mr Okike Obaji, the Guaranty Trust Bank account officer to the late Chief Executive Officer of Super Television, Mr Usifo Ataga, on Thursday, said the bank placed a no-debit restriction on his account immediately it learnt of his death.
Obaji told a Lagos High Court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, that the bank learnt about Ataga’s death through social media on June 17, 2021.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that he made the disclosure while giving evidence at the ongoing trial of a student of the University of Lagos and prime suspect in the case, Chidinma Ojukwu.
Ojukwu is charged with murder, stealing and forgery alongside her sister, Chioma Egbuchu and one Adedapo Quadri. Read more
Bamise: Family seeks independent prosecution of murder suspect (Nation)
The Ayanwola family has applied to the Lagos State Attorney General for a fiat to independently prosecute a BRT driver, Andrew Nice Ominnikoron, prime suspect in the murder of their daughter, Bamise Ayanwole.
Their application was filed through their counsel, Adesina Ogunlana of the Don’t Quit Chambers.
Ominnikoron allegedly raped and murdered Bamise on a BRT vehicle in February after she boarded the BRT bus at Lekki.
In March, the state government arraigned Ominnikoron for rape and murder before Justice Sherifat Solebo of the Lagos High Court, Tafawa Balewa Square Annex, Lagos Island. Read more
Sanwo-Olu, Daniel seek improved facilities for UNILAG’s engineering dept (Punch)
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and a former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, have called for the improvement of infrastructure and quality education for the Faculty of Engineering, University of Lagos.
Speaking at the UNILAG Faculty of Engineering Alumni Association 2022 alumni luncheon of a N500m development fund, titled, ‘A better UNILAG Faculty of Engineering for all generations,’ Daniel, who was the chairman of the occasion, said there was the need to sustain a good legacy for the coming generation.
“We do have a legacy that needs to be sustained when we see the resources and capacities abroad. I cannot but subscribe to the fact that we need to improve and produce better engineers,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu said, “In the last three years, in Lagos, it is about building infrastructure that can outlive the government of the day. Read more
Igbo traders in Lagos back Sanwo-Olu for 2nd term (Tribune)
An amalgamation of Igbo traders across 58 major markets in Lagos State, on Thursday, passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, endorsing the governor’s second term bid.
The traders, under the aegis of Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association, gave this backing to Governor Sanwo-Olu at the 2022 All Markets Conference organised by the association in the Amuwo Odofin area of the state.
President of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo in Lagos, Chief Solomon Ogbonna, led his chiefs to the event also attended by market leaders and traders from all the 58 Igbo markets in Lagos.
In a passionate address to the governor, Secretary-General of Ndigboamaka Traders’ Association, Comrade Chinedu Ukatu, said the body unanimously supported Governor Sanwo-Olu’s re-election in appreciation of the state government’s business policies and infrastructure development which support their trades, notwithstanding that he had not formally informed them of his second term bid. Read more
‘Hypnotised’ man gifts Edo cleric only car after crash prophecy (Punch)
The Edo State Police Command has arrested a man, Benson Nosakhare, who masqueraded as a prophet to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bello Kontongs, in a statement on Thursday, said one of Nosakhare’s victims, Mr Osamudiamen Thompson, addressed a petition to the Commissioner of Police, Edo State, lamenting that he was hypnotised and his car collected by the suspect.
The statement read in part, “Operatives of the Edo State Police Command on May 3, 2022, arrested a fraudster masquerading as a prophet, Benson Nosakhare, who preyed on unsuspecting members of the public through the use of false prophecy and divine pronouncements.
“One of his victims, Osamudiamen Thompson, in a petition to the Commissioner of Police, Edo State, complained that he was hypnotised by Prophet Nosakhare of the Power Ground Chapel Incorporated situated at 3, Uwa Street, Off 2nd East Circular Road, Benin City. Read more
Protesters warn APC against imposing Jonathan (Sun)
Protesters in their hundreds, yesterday, stormed the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over alleged plans to impose former president, Goodluck Jonathan, as presidential candidate.
The protesters came with large posters bearing Jonathan’s picture with marked cross and other smaller ones with various inscriptions like: ‘Jonathan will bring bad luck to APC in 2023’, ‘Say no to Goodluck’, ‘We don’t want imposition of Goodluck’, ‘Don’t kill APC with Jonathan…”
Under the umbrella of APC North-South PatrioticCoalition (ANSPAC), led by Toyin Rahim, the protesters grounded human and vehicular movements at the party secretariat.
It cautioned that “welcoming Jonathan to APC will damage the party. Attracting Jonathan to APC will scandalise the party. Imposing Jonathan as APC’s presidential candidate will ultimately kill the party.” Read more
Rema releases ‘Are You There’ music video (Guardian)
Mavin’s golden boy Rema has released the official music video for his single Are You There off his debut album Rave & Roses.
The singer announced the video’s release in a tweet yesterday, sharing a preview of the video to his Twitter account.
TG Omori directed the almost four minutes long video which shows Rema as he rallies the young people of Nigeria to fight for their country. The party scene towards the video’s end also reflects the song’s upbeat feel.
Are You There is the eleventh song off the Rave & Roses album. Read more
Defunct PHCN retirees not entitled to 33% increase in pension – PTAD (Vanguard)
The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), said that workers of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) are not entitled to the pension increase of 33%.
Mr Gbenga Ajayi, PTAD’s Head of Corporate Communications, said in a statement on Thursday in Abuja that the PHCN pensioners were already on a special salary structure before the pension review for pensioners was approved.
Ajayi said that the clarification was necessary as the attention of PTAD Management had been drawn to a growing agitation by some groups of PHCN Pensioners, known as concerned PHCN Pensioners.
He said that the group is alleging that PTAD had colluded with some “powerful individuals” to deprive them of the 33 per cent pension increment as approved by the Federal Government in 2010. Read more
Man breaks into Soun’s palace, claims throne
(Nation)
A man broke into the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso yesterday, violently laying claim to the vacant throne.
He attacked and knocked off the teeth of a palace chief, Sheu Ayinla, during the intrusion. Ayinla is the Aremole of Ogbomosoland.
The intruder whose name could not be ascertained as of 11 pm yesterday claimed that he would soon be installed as the new Soun.
Chief Ayinla, who narrated the incident, told reporters that he was in the palace to ensure that everything was normal when the intruder attacked him. Read more
Pastor Tunde Bakare obtains APC presidential form (Punch)
Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, Nigeria, PastorTunde Bakare, has obtained the N100 million presidential Expression of Interest and Nomination forms of the ruling All Progressives Congress.
He obtained the forms at the All Progressives Congress headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
The pastor would officially declare his presidential ambition on Monday, May 9, 2022, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Central Business District in Abuja, according to a statement,
The statement was obtained by our correspondent on Thursday. Read more
Missy Elliott beams after Lil Wayne gives her No. 1 spot on his top 5 rappers list (HNHH)
Weezy has always shown Missy love and after being asked to name his Top 5 rappers, he said: “It’s always gonna be first Missy Elliott.”
He has already gone on record years ago, saying that Missy Elliott is his favorite artist ever, but Lil Wayne apparently doubled down on his love for the Virginia icon. Back in February, we reported on Missy reacting to a resurfaced clip of Weezy chatting with DJ Khaled, and during the interview, the rapper detailed why Missy was his favorite artist. More recently, this week, Wayne caught up with the What’s Wright? With Nick Wright show and spoke about the acclaimed innovator once again.
Lil Wayne was asked to name his Top 5 rappers of all time, and immediately out of the gate, Missy’s name was given.
“It’s always gonna be the first Missy Elliott. She’s a huge influence on everything I’ve ever done. JAY-Z is the best ever to speak. Biggie, obviously. Then I have the whole Goodie Mob. Then I have UGK.” The praise wasn’t missed by Missy who once again took to Twitter to verbalize her gratitude for Wayne’s repeated recognition. Read more
Madonna announces new career-spanning compilation to celebrate dance chart milestone (NME)
Madonna has announced details of ‘Finally Enough Love’, a new compilation celebrating the singer’s record 50 chart-topping hits on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.
Madonna’s 2019 track ‘I Don’t Search I Find’, which featured on her ‘Madame X’ album, earned the artist her 50th number one on the Dance Club Songs chart in the US back in February 2020.
The achievement made Madonna the first and only artist with 50 number ones on any single Billboard chart.
Madonna is now set to further celebrate that success by releasing the career-spanning ‘Finally Enough Love’ collection digitally on June 24, before a physical release follows on August 19. Read more
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky hint at engagement in rapper’s new music video (DailyStar)
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have hinted at a potential engagement in the rapper’s latest music video.
The couple, who are expecting their first baby, appeared to have confirmed that they are engaged after a scene in the recent music video D.M.B , in which he smiles to reveal a grill that reads: “Marry me?”
The following scene sees Barbadian pop star Rihanna with her own grill that reads: “I do.”
The song is filled with scenes of the couple partying with friends and having dinner.
According to NME, the video is an ode to a classic love story, with Rocky and Rihanna depicting ride-or-die characters in a devoted relationship despite their circumstances. Read more
Daisy Edgar-Jones’ Emmy campaign for ‘Under the Banner of Heaven’ revealed (Variety)
British star Daisy Edgar-Jones is showcasing a stellar year across television and movies. Best known for her breakout turn as Marianne Sheridan in Hulu’s “Normal People” (2020), the 23-year-old sensation has two potential Emmy vehicles. First, for her buzzy turn in FX’s limited series “Under the Banner of Heaven,” Variety has exclusively learned she will be submitted for Emmy consideration in supporting actress limited. In addition, she will submit for lead actress limited series or TV movie for her work in Hulu and Searchlight Pictures’ movie “Fresh,” which premiered at Sundance earlier this year.
Classically trained in theater, Edgar-Jones is making waves in Hollywood, especially after missing out on a nom for “Normal People” despite recognition from BAFTA TV and Critics Choice Awards. Now, alongside two new leading men, Andrew Garfield and Sebastian Stan — two of the biggest stars from the Marvel Cinematic Universe — plenty of the Television Academy’s voters will have eyes on her and see her greatness firsthand as they fill out their ballots in June.
In the true-crime drama “Under the Banner of Heaven,” she plays Brenda Lafferty, a Mormon mother who is murdered along with her baby daughter in a case that seems to involve the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Created by Oscar winner Dustin Lance Black, the miniseries also stars Gil Birmingham, Sam Worthington, Denise Gough, Wyatt Russell and Rory Culkin.
The series unfolds in multiple flashbacks when Brenda is alive while Detective Jeb Pyre (Garfield) uncovers clues to her mysterious death. With the third episode airing this week, her character’s arc straddles the line between lead and supporting. Her chances for recognition increase immensely in the supporting route, although she still needs to contend with the likes of Jennifer Coolidge (“The White Lotus”), Kaitlyn Dever (“Dopesick”) and Andie MacDowell (“Maid”). Read more
Mel Brooks’ History Of The World, Part II begins shooting in LA… over 40 years after the original classic (DailyMail)
Mel Brooks is considered to be on the short list of comedic legends to have written, created and performed in some of the most enduring classics for the stage and the screen.
One of his most notable pieces of artistry over his seven decade career: the comedy film History Of The World, Part I, finally got a Part II after more than four decades, and has already begun shooting in Los Angeles.
According to Variety, History Of The World, Part II, is a direct sequel to Brooks’ classic film, but will come in the form of a variety series, complete with eight episodes for Hulu.
Brooks, who at the age of 95, is onboard for the follow-up, serving as a writer and executive producer, alongside Wanda Sykes, Nick Kroll, Ike Barinholtz, David Stassen, and Kevin Salter. Read more
Diane Keaton, Susan Sarandon, Richard Gere, William H. Macy, Emma Roberts & Luke Bracey to star in ‘Maybe I Do’ (Deadline)
Diane Keaton, Susan Sarandon, Richard Gere, William H. Macy, Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey are set to star in the multi-generational heartfelt romantic comedy Maybe I Do from Endeavor Content. Writer and producer Michael Jacobs makes his feature directorial debut in the poignant comedy based on his script.
“I gotta watch this incredible cast playing characters. I think people will love seeing them play,” Jacobs said. “The difficult choices they have to make about what might be the best rest of their lives is something I am hopeful will resonate strongly with the audience.”
The story follows Michelle (Roberts) and Allen (Bracey), who have reached the point in their relationship where they are considering next steps. They decide to invite their parents to finally meet and to offer some understanding of why marriage works. Except the parents already know one another quite well, which leads to some very distinct opinions about the value of marriage.
“We are thrilled to assemble this multi-generational all-star cast to explore a topic everyone can relate to – falling in and out and back in love again,” said Dan Guando, SVP Film Development and Production at Endeavor Content, and Christopher Slager, SVP\ Film Group. “Michael Jacobs’ poignant script and keen eye bring such joy to this uplifting comedy.” Read more
Intelligence provided by the US helped Ukrainians sink Russian ship Moskva
(CBS)
Intelligence provided by the U.S. helped the Ukrainians sink the Russian Moskva in April, according to a senior defense official. The U.S. shared the location of the Moskva in the Black Sea with the Ukrainians but had no role in the decision to strike it, the official said.
The role the U.S. played in the sinking of the Moskva comes after reports on Thursday detailed how intelligence the U.S. has provided helped Ukrainian forces kill Russian generals.
Without providing specifics, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters Thursday that the U.S. has been providing Ukraine useful battlefield intelligence throughout the war as Ukraine defends itself – but Kirby said the Pentagon does not provide intelligence on the location of senior military leaders on the battlefield or participate in the targeting decisions of the Ukrainian military.
“Ukraine combines information that we and other partners provide with the intelligence that they themselves are gathering on the battlefield, and then they make their own decisions and take their own actions,” Kirby said. Read more
Super Falcons goalkeeper up for French top award (Leadership)
Nigeria goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie is in the running for the D1 Arkema League goalkeeper of the season award.
Nnadozie was nominated for the individual prize by the French Professional Players Union.
The Super Falcons goalkeeper will battle Mylene Chavas of Girondins Bordeaux, Olympique Lyon’s Christiane Endler, GPSO 92 ISSY’s Cosette Morche and Barbora Votikova of Paris Saint-Germain for the individual prize.
The 21-year-old has been one of the top performers for Paris FC in the French top-flight this season. Read more
Arsene Wenger criticises Jack Grealish after Man City’s Real Madrid defeat (Mirror)
Manchester City winger Jack Grealish has come under criticism from former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger following Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final defeat to Real Madrid.
City crashed out of the semi-finals of the Champions League in rather dramatic circumstances at the Estadio Bernabeu. Pep Guardiola’s side were leading 1-0 on the night and 5-3 on aggregate late on courtesy of Riyad Mahrez. Brazilian winger Rodrygo scored twice in the 90 th minute to take the tie to extra-time.
The Champions League’s top scorer this season, Karim Benzema, had his say on the clash in extra-time. His penalty, which he won himself after being fouled by Ruben Dias in the penalty area, was converted to give Real a 3-1 win on the night and a 6-5 victory on aggregate, with the Madrid giants taking on Liverpool in the final later this month in Paris.
Rodrygo got his second of the game to level the scores on aggregate and take Real into extra-time after heading in a cross from Spanish right back Dani Carvajal. Read more
Inzaghi: ‘Empoli very dangerous game for Inter’
(FootballItalia)
Simone Inzaghi assures Inter will focus entirely on Empoli and the Scudetto race tomorrow, ignoring leaders Milan or the Coppa Italia Final. ‘It’s a very dangerous game for us.’
It kicks off on Friday at 17.45 UK time (16.45 GMT).
Hakan Calhanoglu returns from suspension, but Alessandro Bastoni is still on the treatment table.
“Empoli are a quality side who have already achieved their target for the season, so it’s going to be one of those very dangerous games for us,” Inzaghi told Inter TV.
“We need to be very careful, because Empoli are organised and will come here to play their game.” Read more
Justin Rose warns players ‘running a risk’ joining Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series (Independent)
Justin Rose has warned his fellow golfers about the risk of trying to play in the new Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series as well as the other established tours.
Several players have already requested releases from both the DP World Tour and PGA Tour in order to play in the opening tournament at the Centurion Club at the beginning of June – the first of eight scheduled events this year.
Rose has confirmed he will not be taking part in any of the events in 2022. But the 41-year-old also does not judge any of the players who are taking up the opportunity.
The former world number one told Sky Sports: “I am not (going to play in the LIV Golf Invitational series), not this season, not in the foreseeable future. Read more
Ons Jabeur: Tunisian becomes first African in WTA 1000 final at Madrid Open (BBC)
Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur became the first African player to reach the final of a WTA 1000 event after a straight-sets victory in the last four at the Madrid Open.
The 27-year-old world number 10 beat qualifier Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-2 6-3 in their semi-final clash on Thursday to make history.
Alexandrova had held a 6-1 head-to-head record against Jabeur, the eighth seed in Madrid, heading into the match in the Spanish capital.
Yet the Tunisian showed flair and impeccable court coverage to get the better of her opponent, breaking four times to wrap up victory in 61 minutes. Read more
Miami GP promoter explains decision to use fake water in new marina as F1 fans revolt (Express)
Miami GP managing partner Tom Garfinkel has said F1 bosses are partly responsible for the controversial fake water installed as part of the new marina section. He revealed F1 wanted ‘shots of the yachts’ in their initial meeting with the Miami hosts but were stuck when the decision was made to move the race to the Hard Rock Stadium.
However, he went back and promised F1 chiefs they would get pictures of the yachts, which is when the idea of the fake marina was launched. The artificial water has generated massive interest this week as the first photos of the completed new circuit were released.
It is located between turns seven and eight, just before the back straight. The hospitality area has several yachts on top and will be run by MSC Cruises (USA).
It is expected around 400 visitors will be using the boats over the course of the weekend. However, the area is set to become a focal point for fans with the marina located next to bars and restaurants. Read more