Suspected drug addict beats father to death in Kogi (Guardian)
A 21-year-old suspected drug addict, identified as Muhammed Yusuf, has allegedly committed patricide by beating his septuagenarian father, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf, to death.
The suspect was said to have been alone with the father when he allegedly committed the crime at St. Mary Primary School area of Lokoja on Wednesday night.
According to one of the neighbours, Miss Bello Nana, the boy had been misbehaving since Wednesday morning and she urged the father to report him to the police and get him arrested to avoid problems.
She said that the suspect, a Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSSC) holder who had vehemently refused to further his education despite efforts by the father, had taken to drugs. Read more
Lagos Assembly passes VAT, open grazing bills (Punch)
The Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday passed the Value Added Tax Bill, with Speaker Mudashiru Obasa directing the Acting Clerk of the House, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko, to transmit a clean copy to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for assent.
The House also passed the bill that prohibits open cattle grazing in the state.
The two bills were passed after unanimous votes by the lawmakers at the sitting where the bills were read the third time. Read more
Tincan Customs, NDLEA intercept Barcadine Codeine, other dangerous drugs (Guardian)
Tincan Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service in conjunction with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has intercepted large quantities of pharmaceutical preparations suspected to be hard drugs in a 1×40 ft container.
The Area Controller, Comptroller Abdullahi Musa, disclosed this in a statement in Lagos on Thursday, signed by Mr Uche Ejesieme, the Public Relations Officer of the command.
Musa said the container, with the number MSCU 1751320, was intercepted during a routine examination.
“Relying on a well-established collaboration and synergy at the base of our standard operating procedure, the NDLEA acting on intelligence on its radar, notified us of their strong suspicion that the said container was laden with concealed hard drugs. Read more
Buhari in Imo, inaugurates projects, assures residents of more FG’s presence (ThisDay)
President Mohammadu Buhari on Thursday inaugurated four key projects in Imo and assured the people of more Federal Government’s presence in the state.
Addressing the people on the occasion in Owerri, Buhari said he was delighted to see the projects executed by Gov. Hope Uzodinma within a short time.
He said: “Seeing is believing. I received invitation to come and see what the governor wanted me to see.
“I have seen it now, justified by his integrity in making sure he is working very hard to get things that are necessary for the good life of the people of the state. Read more
BBNaija: What happened under the duvet with Boma -Tega (Punch)
One of the evicted female housemates of Big Brother Naija reality television show, Tega, has revealed what happened under the duvet with a male housemate, Boma.
Both Boma and Tega were evicted on Sunday alongside Peace and Michael during the King Size eviction night.
After her eviction, Tega, a married woman, had made several efforts to clarify that despite her romance with Boma, they never had sex.
This is despite a viral video clip showing Boma kissing Tega passionately in the executive lounge and an erotic movement under a duvet. Read more
Iperu-Remo stands still as Governor Abiodun buries father in grandstyle (Tribune)
Iperu-Remo in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State stood still in honour of Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, as he buried his father Dr. Emmanuel Adesanya Abiodun in grandstyle on Thursday.
The burial service held at the auditorium of St. James’ Anglican Church, Iperu-Remo, had in attendance President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo with his wife, Dolapo; former president Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and wife, Bola; the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye and his wife, Folu; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha.
Others are the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; governors of Lagos, Ekiti, Edo, Kebbi, Kwara and Ondo States, Babajide Sanwoolu, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Godwin Obaseki, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Abdulrasaq Abdulraham and Rotimi Akeredolu respectively while the governors of Borno and Nasarawa States were represented by their deputies. Read more
Kaduna To Reopen Schools September 12 (DailyTrust)
The Kaduna State Government has said schools across the state are expected to resume on Sunday, September 12, 2021.
The State Commissioner of Education, Dr Shehu Muhammad, made the disclosure while participating in a virtual workshop organised by the Education Writers’ Association of Nigeria.
Daily Trust reported in July that the state government ordered the closure of all schools in the state due to insecurity threat.
Dr Shehu said the schools will resume the first term for the 2021/2022 academic calendar in phases at the set date. Read more
Naira now N535/$ despite increased dollar supply (Tribune)
Despite a significant increase in foreign exchange (dollar) supply on Wednesday, the Naira depreciated at both black and official markets.
Findings from abokiFX.com, a website that collates the parallel market rates in Lagos showed that the local unit exchanged hands with the greenback currency at N535. 00 per dollar ($1).
This represents a N3.00 or 0.56 per cent devaluation from the N532.00 it traded in the previous session on Tuesday.
Similarly, the Naira weakened against the U.S dollar at the official market on Wednesday as foreign exchange supply rose significantly. Read more
Angela Merkel and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie in conversation (DW)
The German Chancellor and the celebrated Nigerian feminist author discussed politics, and how they are influenced by social media — and fashion.
Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Chancellor Angela Merkel were the guest speakers at a panel held at the Düsseldorf’s Schauspielhaus theater on Wednesday, alongside journalists and entrepreneurs Miriam Meckel and Lea Steinacker.
Their discussion focused on their own commonalities and differences, particularly as women: Adichie, as a leading feminist author and thinker, and Merkel, as the world’s most powerful female political leader. Read more
Nicaragua orders arrest of award-winning author Sergio Ramírez (BBC)
State prosecutors in Nicaragua have ordered the arrest of award-winning novelist Sergio Ramírez.
Mr Ramírez, who won Spain’s Cervantes Prize for literature in 2017, is one of Nicaragua’s foremost writers.
He has been accused of inciting hatred and conspiring to destabilise Nicaragua.
Dozens of influential Nicaraguans have already been detained on similar charges as part of a crackdown on critics of President Daniel Ortega. Read more
Phil Collins shares update on declining health as he reveals he “can barely hold a drumstick” (Metro)
Phil Collins has shared an update on his physical health as he and his rock band Genesis prepare to go back on tour, saying that he’s ‘barely able’ to hold a drumstick in one of his hands.
In the 1970s, Phil, now 70 years old, was recruited to join Genesis as the band’s new drummer, eventually announcing his departure from the group in 1996.
The band have reunited on several occasions over the years, coming back together for their Last Domino? tour, which had to be postponed last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
On Thursday’s edition of BBC Breakfast, Phil spoke in a rare interview about the tour and how his physical health prevents him from being able to drum, as he would have liked to. Read more
Paris Hilton reacts to Britney Spears’ dad filing to end conservatorship (PageSix)
Paris Hilton was shocked to see Jamie Spears, the father of her close pal Britney Spears, finally concede to terminating his daughter’s 13-year conservatorship.
“This is such an unexpected turn,” the hotel heiress, 40, said in Wednesday’s episode of her “This is Paris” podcast.
“I didn’t think anyone was expecting this, but it’s just amazing to hear, to know that Britney is one step closer to having her freedom, which she deserves so much.”
Hilton also shared a throwback photo of herself and Spears, 39, from when they used to hang out — prior to the conservatorship — on her Instagram. Read more
“We are not in an ecclesiastic tribunal”, court responds to killing squad survivor Salah Abdeslam (RFI)
Twenty men are being tried on suspicion of involvement in the November 2015 Paris attacks in which 130 people lost their lives. Fourteen suspects are in court. One man, Salah Abdeslam, the sole survivor of the killing squads which left a swathe of death and destruction behind them on their murderous mission, made himself the centre of attention on the opening day of the trial.
“The hearing is open. Please be seated.” With those words, Jean-Louis Périès, president of the five-person tribunal, launched the trial of twenty men believed to have been associated with the planning and execution of a series of attacks carried out by so-called Islamic State commando units in the French capital six years ago.
The French Republic seeks solace and reconciliation in the ritual of justice
The attacks killed 130 people, led directly to at least one suicide, and left hundreds scarred physically and psychologically. Read more
Afghanistan: First foreigners fly out of Kabul since US pull-out (BBC)
Some 200 people, including Americans, have flown out of Kabul in the first such operation since US forces left the country.
The Qatar Airways charter flight is now en route to the Qatari capital Doha, with a second flight due on Friday.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged help with evacuations during a recent visit to Qatar.
Hundreds of Afghan citizens who had helped the US military were unable to get out in last month’s US airlift. Read more
Arteta says Norwich game is ‘must-win’ for rock-bottom Arsenal (Guardian)
Mikel Arteta admitted Arsenal’s Premier League match against Norwich on Saturday is a “must-win” game after their worst start to a league season for 67 years.
The Gunners have failed to score and conceded nine goals in demoralising defeats to Brentford, Chelsea and Manchester City.
Arteta’s position as manager is under increasing threat, with the Spaniard reportedly given four more Premier League games to save his job.
Arsenal’s 5-0 humbling by City last month meant they had lost their first three league matches in a season for the first time since the 1954/55 campaign and to make matters worse, rivals Tottenham are top of the table. Read more
Zverev to test Djokovic’s Slam bid in US Open semi-finals (Metro)
Novak Djokovic’s quest for the first men’s singles calendar-year Grand Slam in 52 years reaches its penultimate hurdle Friday in a US Open semi-final showdown with Tokyo Olympic champion Alexander Zverev.
It was German fourth seed Zverev who ended top-ranked Djokovic’s bid for Olympic gold with a fightback July semi-final triumph in Japan and both men are girding for an epic rematch at Arthur Ashe Stadium as history looms.
“You have to be perfect, otherwise you will not win,” Zverev said. “Most of the time you can’t be perfect. That’s why most of the time people lose to him.”
Djokovic is expecting Zverev’s best. Read more
Jerome Boateng trial: German football star denies assault in court (BBC)
German footballer Jerome Boateng has appeared in court in Munich over allegations he assaulted his ex-girlfriend in 2018.
The defender is accused of injuring the mother of his twin daughters, named as Sherin S, during a dispute on holiday.
Prosecutors have accused the former Bayern Munich defender and 2014 World Cup winner of wilful bodily harm.
Mr Boateng, 33, has denied the allegations. If convicted, he could be fined or jailed for up to five years. Read more
Ex-NBA All-Star Cedric Ceballos battling COVID-19 in ICU (NYPost)
Cedric Ceballos, a former NBA All-Star and the 1992 Slam Dunk Contest champion, tweeted on Tuesday that he has been in ICU for the past 10 days as he battles COVID-19.
“On my 10th day in ICU, COVID-19 is officially kicking my but, I am asking ALL family, friends, prayer warriors healers for your prayers and well wish for my recovery,” Ceballos tweeted. “If I have done and anything to you in the past , allow me to publicly apologize. My fight is not done….. Thx” Read more
Chelsea star Christian Pulisic suffers injury in USA’s victory over Honduras (Metro)
Christian Pulisic is a major doubt for Chelsea’s clash with Aston Villa after suffering an ankle injury while on international duty with the United States.
It’s been a nightmarish year for Pulisic, 22, after an impressive end to the 2019/20 campaign, with a series of niggling muscle injuries limiting his involvement for Chelsea last season.
Pulisic also tested positive for Covid-19 last month and missed the Blues’ last two Premier League matches against Arsenal and Liverpool as a consequence. Read more
Club World Cup: Japan withdraws as host of 2021 event because of Covid-19 (BBC)
Japan has pulled out of hosting the Club World Cup in December because of Covid-19 restrictions in the country.
Fifa said the Japanese Football Association (JFA) told them on Thursday that “it is no longer in a position” to host the competition.
The annual tournament features the champions of the different continents, with Chelsea qualifying this year as Champions League winners.
Fifa said details about an alternative host will be announced in due course. Read more