Suspect attempts suicide in Lagos court (Punch)
A 25–year–old man Oluwatobi Ayoko, created a scene at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja on Tuesday when he attempted to commit suicide.
Ayoko who was arraigned before Justice Hakeem Oshodi, apparently was displeased with the next adjournment of his case which would keep him till April, so he attempted to commit suicide by trying to jump down from the top floor of the court building.
The defendant is facing six counts bordering on causing grievous bodily harm, damage to properties and unlawful society, preferred against him by the state. Read more
DSS ‘‘arrests’’ Miyetti Allah’s President for setting up vigilante group (Leadership)
The Department of State Services (DSS) has allegedly arrested the president of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo, over the creation of a vigilante group, Nomad’s Vigilante Group.
Though the DSS spokesperson, Dr Peter Afunanya, would not confirm or deny the report, LEADERSHIP gathered that Bodejo was arrested on Tuesday at the Miyetti Allah’s head office located at Tundun Maliya Cattle Market, Kilometre 22, Abuja-Keffi Expressway, Tundun-Wada, Karu local government area of Nasarawa State.
Withesses, who commented on social media, said the DSS operatives alongside some soldiers of the Nigerian Army, stormed the Miyetti Allah’s head office close to Goshen Church, at about 3:40 pm on Tuesday and thereafter drove off after arresting Bodejo at the gate. Read more
Recruits in security agencies paid less than N50,000 monthly, says Ndume (Channels)
The Senate Majority Chief Whip, Senator Ali Ndume, on Tuesday, decried the poor remuneration for security agencies, saying that recruits are paid less than N50,000 a month.
Ndume, the former Chairman of Senate Committee on the Army, asked the Federal Government to urgently review the stipends and salaries of serving military personnel.
“The recruits are paid less than N50,000 in some cases. How can you pay somebody money that cannot buy him a bag of rice and you expect him to go and sacrifice and put in his best?” he queried on Channels Television’s Politics Today. Read more
Ogun Gov’ship: ‘There must be an end to unhealthy rivalry,’ Adebutu’s father writes Abiodun (DailyTrust)
Sir Kessington Adebunkola Adebutu, business mogul and the father of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, has formally written a letter to Governor Dapo Abiodun, congratulating him over last Friday’s judgement of the Supreme Court, which upheld his victory as the winner of March 18 election.
Ladi, the scion of the Adebutu family, had dragged Abiodun to the court over the outcome of the last election.
Daily Trust reports that Abiodun had been declared winner of the election after polling 276,298 votes, while Adebutu scored 262,38. Read more
Nnamdi Kanu: Deputy Speaker, Kalu, commends Supreme Court for releasing CTC (Tribune)
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, on Tuesday, commended the authorities at the Supreme Court of Nigeria for releasing the Certified True Copy (CTC) of its December 15, 2024 judgment on the detention of the leader of Indigenous People’s of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Recall that Peace in South East Project, an initiative of the Deputy Speaker which canvasses a non-kinetic approach towards resolving the security challenges in the Southeast region had on Monday joined Kalu’s Family and Lawyers to make a plea to the authorities to take action on the matter, especially in the light of the expiration of the 14 days window given by law for signing the document.
Not too long afterwards, the authorities heeded the call and made the CTC available. Read more
Lagos State Public Works Corporation reiterates commitments to road rehabilitation (Independent)
The Lagos State Public Works Corporation has reiterated its commitment to Lagosians of its continued presence on Lagos roads to address various forms of road defects in the state.
This assurance was given by the General Manager of the Corporation, Engr. Lateef Somide during a tour of some of the sites of ongoing road maintenance work at various locations in the state.
He noted that it is common knowledge that Lagos has experienced torrential downpour recently which has slowed down the intervention of the Corporation in fixing bad portions of roads. Read more
Ex-Ondo Gov Akeredolu for burial February 23 (DailyTrust)
Former governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, will be buried on February 23, in his hometown in Owo, the family has said.
Daily Trust had reported that Mr Akeredolu, died on December 27, at a German hospital after battling with protracted prostate cancer.
The funeral arrangements made available to journalists yesterday in Akure, the state capital and signed by the first son of the former governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Jnr, on behalf of the family said the funeral rites would commence on Thursday 15 with a Winning Soul Crusade in Akure, while a Jumaat Service would be held in Akure on Friday 16 at the Central Mosque. Read more
Barbie’s America Ferrera reacts to Oscar nomination amid Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig snubs (Uproxx)
On top of locking down an Oscar nomination for Best Picture, Barbie also saw America Ferrera score a nomination for Best Supporting Actress alongside Ryan Gosling who was also nominated for his work as Ken in the blockbuster film. However, Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig did not receive nominations for Best Actress or Best Director, which cast a bittersweet pall over Barbie‘s Oscars presence.
While talking to Variety, Ferrera first reacted to her own nomination, which she had every reason to celebrate. Not only was it her first Oscar nom, but her kids couldn’t believe what was happening.
“I still haven’t really been able to get in my feelings because I’m still on like the top layer of ‘I can’t even believe that this is real,’” Ferrera said. She didn’t believe the whole thing was real until her publicist called her. “He was screaming and emotional. And I just heard my kids in the back, like so confused. ‘What are you screaming about?’” Read more
Soulja Boy walks back Blueface ‘apology,’ threatens to break his jaw after jail release (HipHopDx)
Soulja Boy has retracted his apology to Blueface and issued more threats against the incarcerated rapper.
In a profanity-laced rant on Instagram Live on Monday (January 22), the “Crank That” star walked back his previous olive branch, saying: “I ain’t apologize for shit. I said I don’t never wanna see another man in jail. But guess what? This pussy-ass n-gga can rot in that bitch!”
Big Draco also offered to pay an inmate $50,000 to sodomize Blueface in jail and threatened to break the rapper’s jaw once he’s released. Read more
Puerto Rico debates bill that aims to ban hair discrimination (NBC)
Legislators in racially diverse Puerto Rico have opened a public debate on a bill to explicitly prohibit discrimination against hairstyles such as cornrows and Afros, sparking a heated debate.
Local government officials argue the legislation is unnecessary because federal and local laws already ban such discrimination. But Puerto Rican activists said at a hearing Tuesday that the island’s Afro-Caribbean community still faces discrimination and needs explicit protection when it comes to public services, work, education and housing.
“I’m 23 years old, and I’m tired of this problem,” said Julia Llanos Bultrón, a teacher who wears cornrows. “I’m very disappointed with a system that pushes us to change the hair with which we’re born.” Read more
Veteran CBS Sunday morning host Charles Osgood dead at 91 (People)
Charles Osgood, best known for hosting CBS Sunday Morning, has died. He was 91.
The veteran journalist passed away in his New Jersey home following his battle with dementia, his family told CBS News.
In a statement to the outlet, Osgood’s family wrote, “Charlie absolutely loved being part of the ‘Sunday Morning’ community. We’ll miss him terribly, but there is comfort in knowing his life was charmed, in large part thanks to you.” Read more
Al-Shabaab militants killed in US military strike (AfricaNews)
The United States military confirmed Tuesday that it conducted airstrikes in Somalia over the weekend, resulting in the deaths of three Al-Qaeda-affiliated Al-Shabab militants.
The U.S. Africa Command, based in Stuttgart, Germany, stated that the strikes were carried out at the request of Somalia’s government in a remote area approximately 35 kilometres northeast of the port city of Kismayo on Sunday.
The statement did not disclose the identities of the targeted individuals, and no civilian casualties were reported. Read more
Star Trek actor Gary Graham dies ‘suddenly’ aged 73 (Metro)
Gary Graham, who is famous for his role in Star Trek: Enterprise, has died at the age of 73.
The Alien Nation star died on Monday of cardiac arrest at a hospital in Spokane, Washington, his wife of nearly 25 years, Becky Graham, told The Hollywood Reporter.
The TV veteran’s ex-wife Susan Lavelle posted a moving tribute on social media, also announcing the news. Read more
Man arrested for starting fire that killed 76 in Johannesburg tower block to cover up murder (Mirror)
The 29-year-old man faces 76 counts of murder and 120 counts of attempted murder after making a shock confession over a huge fire at a tower block in Johannesburg
A man has been arrested after confessing he started a fire that killed 76 people to hide a murder.
He said he had strangled a man in the basement of a block of flats in Johannesburg before setting his body on fire. Read more
Nigeria to face Cameroon in AFCON last 16 (Punch)
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in the Round of 16 of the African Cup of Nations on Saturday.
The fixture was confirmed after the Cameroonians rounded off the group stage with a pulsating 3-2 victory over the Gambia on Tuesday night.
By the win, they finished group C with four points behind Senegal while Guinea who lost to Senegal also on Tuesday qualified for the knockout as one of the best losers. Read more
“I have made my decision,” Osimhen says amid Chelsea transfer rumour (Leadership)
Chelsea target, Victor Osimhen, has said he has already decided his future beyond the end of this season, heavily suggesting a move was on the cards for the Napoli striker.
The Super Eagles striker, who is highly sought after, said he planned on making a “next step” amid interest from the likes of Chelsea in the English Premier League (EPL).
Osimhen signed a new deal at Napoli only last month, through to the summer of 2026, but it is believed to include a release clause of around £112 million. Read more
World Athletics confirms May 25 for 10th Okpekpe Road Race (Vanguard)
The 10th edition of the historic Okpekpe international 10km road race will hold on Saturday, May 25, 2024, according to World Athletics.
The race, the first road running event in West Africa to get World Athletics recognition is among the 30 gold-level road races listed in World Athletics’ worldwide calendar of global races for 2024.
Overall, World Athletics has confirmed 167 road races for the year and Okpekpe race is the first gold level 10km road race that will hold in 2024. Read more
AFCON 2023: Ghana sack boss Chris Hughton after group-stage exit (BBC)
Ghana have sacked coach Chris Hughton after their group-stage exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Black Stars finished on two points in Group B, drawing 2-2 with both Egypt and Mozambique following a 2-1 defeat by Cape Verde in their opener.
Ghana had distant hopes of progressing as one of four best-ranked third placed sides, but were eliminated on Tuesday when results went against them. Read more
Kyrgios drops big retirement hint, reveals Australian Olympics ‘‘disgrace’’ he can’t forget (Fox)
Nick Kyrgios last played tennis in June last year in the first round of the Stuttgart Open. As it turns out, that may have been our last look at Kyrgios, the player, on a tennis court.
The 28-year-old on Wednesday revealed his “time in the sport may be over” after sitting down with his agent, Stuart Duguid, a few days ago to talk about his future.
Writing in a column for The Sydney Morning Herald, Kyrios went on to add that he has “reached a point where life after tennis is a prospect that excites me”, something which he has been given an early glimpse at while commentating at this year’s Australian Open. Read more
Tristan Thompson suspended by NBA for positive drug tests (Newsweek)
Cleveland Cavaliers centre Tristan Thompson has been suspended without pay by the NBA for 25 games because of positive drug tests, the league said Tuesday.
Thompson tested positive for ibutamoren and SARM LGD-4033, according to the NBA. His suspension begins on Wednesday when the Cavaliers take on the Milwaukee Bucks.
Thompson, a 12-year veteran, signed with the Cavaliers this offseason for a one-year deal worth $3.2 million. The Cavaliers drafted Thompson with the fourth pick overall in the 2011 draft, and he spent nine seasons in Cleveland before he signed a two-year deal with the Boston Celtics in 2020. During his first stint with the Cavaliers, he helped them win the 2015-16 NBA championship over the Golden State Warriors. Read more