*Tension in Lagos as Okada ban begins Wednesday (Sun)*Bizman laments as sister, boyfriend steal N14m from company (Punch)

Tension in Lagos as Okada ban begins Wednesday (Sun)

The indefinite ban on commercial motorcyclists popularly known as Okada, operating in parts of Lagos State takes effect from June 1, 2022.

Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on May 18, 2022, declared that going forward, the Okada riders must never be seen on the streets of Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Surulere, Apapa, and Ikeja LGAs, and nine LCDAs created by the state. 

They have to ply their trade elsewhere, following the pronouncement critics of the governor and his administration call “blowing hot air,” wondering if they have real balls to effect its enforcement.

The governor had in an apparent forward response admitted that the Okada “menace has not abated.” Read more

Bizman laments as sister, boyfriend steal N14m from company (Punch)

A businessman, Leonard Chukwuma, has told a Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting at Ebute-Meta, Lagos State, how his half-sister, Adaku, and her boyfriend, Ikechukwu Eze, allegedly stole N14m from his company.

Chukwuma appeared before Chief Magistrate F. M. Kayode-Alamu on Friday as a witness in the case against Eze.

Eze and Adaku were alleged to have conspired in 2020 to steal the said sum from the complainant’s Talkpoint telecommunications company.

Chukwuma said his sister asked for N10m to fund a company she and the defendant founded. Read more

Lagos releases template to investigate complaints from health facilities, public (Tribune)

An agency of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency, (HEFAMAA) has released a template to investigate complaints from health facilities and members of the public.

The template is also designed to facilitate quick dispensation of justice and the protection of public health.

Speaking on the importance of the template, Executive Secretary of the Agency, Dr Abiola Idowu, explained it would educate the public on the process involved in registering their grievances with the Agency for prompt actions.

She stated that the rate at which the Agency is currently receiving complaints against healthcare providers has reduced to about two to three times in a month compared to the higher rates in the previous years.Read more

Western marine customs hands over N168m seized Cannabis sativa to NDLEA

(Guardian)

The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over Cannabis sativa estimated at N168 million,  seized on waterways within Lagos State to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Addressing journalists yesterday during the handover of the items to NDLEA in Lagos, the Area Controller of the Command, Abubakar Umar, said the illicit drugs were intercepted from a wooden boat at Oko-Aja beach on March 30, after credible intelligence was made available to the Command.

He said upon physical examination and counting at the Command, the seized items was found to be 32 sacks containing 2,520 pieces of Cannabis sativa, weighing 1,437 kilogrammes with a street value of N168 million. Read more

Headies threatens to disqualify Portable over threats to other nominees (Nation)

The Headies academy, the board of popular Nigerian music awards, The Headies, has threatened to disqualify singer Portable for allegedly threatening other nominees.

The organisers, in a statement, said it might be forced to disqualify the singer if he fails to retract his statement and issue an apology on his social media pages.

Portable, a nominee for the Best Street-Hop Artiste and Rookie of the year awards, made threats on Wednesday to other nominees on his categories.

But Headies’ informed in a statement that organisers through their company, Smooth Productions, have made a report to the police on the death threats. Read more

Church seeks united front against domestic violence, sexual abuse (Guardian)

To curb rising cases of domestic violence and sexual abuse in the country, Living Impact Christian Centre (LICC), Ilupeju, Lagos, has advocated a united front against the menace, as a lasting solution.

The church made this call during a campaign aimed at sensitising the public on the warning signs of sexual abuse and its effects on society.

Speaking on the campaign, the Convener, Wale Olasoji, lamented that good moral is at its lowest ebb in the society.

Describing sexual assault as an existential threat to the mind of the people, he said the campaign would help to encourage victims of sexual assault to speak out when faced with such situations. Read more

Drug Lord arrested in Ondo, as Italy-based Nigerian excretes 95 pellets of heroine (Channels)

Wanted drug kingpin behind the 2000.6kg Cannabis Sativa seized in a concrete mixer truck in Adamawa State on 2nd December 2021, Henry Chukwuneku Okamaru (a.k.a. Lawrence Ik Okamaru) has been arrested in Ondo State.

His arrest comes after five months of manhunt by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Two suspects, Matthew Donuwe and Friday Nmborgwu were earlier arrested in connection to the consignment last December.

They had confessed that the concrete mixer truck with Lagos registration number SMK 890 XB was loaded with the illicit drug in Ogbese, Ondo state while they travelled for two months on the road before arriving in Adamawa where they were eventually arrested by NDLEA operatives. Read more

Police nab 11 suspected cultists in Abeokuta (Independent)

Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested 11 suspected members of the Aiye confraternity for allegedly killing three persons in Abeokuta in one day.

According to the Police, they were “responsible for the killing of one Olaosebikan Tejuosho” and two others on March 25.

The Ogun State police spokesman, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said that the suspects identified themselves as: Quadri Ogunsanya a.k.a (Oguns), Jamiu Kehinde (a.k.a General Smart) Makinde Azeez, Makinde Ifajimin, Makinde Fashakin, Adenekan Samuel (a.k.a Adiye), Waris Ismail, Olamilekan Hamsat (a.k.a Diara), Bamidele Waliu, Makinde Faleke and Ajeifa Arifasope.

Oyeyemi disclosed that they were apprehended at the Itoku area of Abeokuta, following credible information. Read more

Former UNIBEN VC, Oshodin, is dead (Punch)

The former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Emeritus Professor Osayuki Godwin Oshodin, has died at the age 71 years.

A brief statement signed by his brother, Mr. Christopher Oshodin, on behalf of his family, said he died in the early hours of Sunday May 29, 2022 in Benin City, Edo State after a brief illness, at the age of 71.

“It is a time of grief for us children, and family as we mourn his sudden death”, the statement said.

“The family shall in no distant time release details of his burial arrangement just as we pray to God to comfort those he left behind in this period of our mourning”, the statement added. Read more

Top Gun: Maverick’ debuts to stratospheric $124m (Variety)

Tom Cruise may have pulled off one of the most daring stunts of his career — getting audiences to go to the movies for something that doesn’t involve superheroes.

“Top Gun: Maverick” pulled in blockbuster ticket sales in its opening weekend, collecting $134 million from a record 4,732 North American cinemas. Paramount and Skydance’s all-American action adventure is expected to collect $151 million through Monday, defying expectations while also setting a new high-water mark for Memorial Day opening weekends. That’s thanks to dazzling reviews, heaping doses of nostalgia and getting Cruise back in the cockpit to perform real aerial stunts as pilot Pete “Maverick” Mitchell.

“Top Gun: Maverick” is the highest-grossing debut in Cruise’s 40-year career, and his first to surpass $100 million on opening weekend. “War of the Worlds,” which opened to $64 million in 2005, previously stood as Cruise’s biggest opening weekend.

Audiences over 40 years old, the people who were top of mind when Paramount greenlit a sequel to 1986’s “Top Gun,” turned out in force, which is impressive because that demographic has been the most reluctant to return to theaters. The film’s positive word of mouth should be helpful in reaching younger audiences, who were not alive when “Top Gun” opened 36 years ago. Read more

‘Big Brother’ alums Christmas Abbott and Memphis Garrett marry (PageSix)

“Big Brother” is playing matchmaker.

Christmas Abbott and Memphis Garrett tied the knot Saturday in a romantic ceremony at the Georgia State Railroad Museum in Savannah, Ga.

The newlyweds met in the summer of 2020 while filming the CBS reality show’s “All-Stars” season, but they did not start dating until a few months after the finale.

“What excites me most about marrying Christmas is I get to spend the rest of my life with her,” Garrett, who popped the question in June 2021, told E! News.

“We can continue to build our relationship and grow together. We have so much fun together, and we complement each other. When you find something like that, you don’t ever want to let that go. She is my forever girl.” Read more

American Graffiti Star, The Wild Bunch actor Bo Hopkins dead at 84 (People)

Veteran actor Bo Hopkins, known for his roles in classics such as American Graffiti, The Wild Bunch, and Midnight Express, has died. He was 84. 

On Saturday, a statement was posted on his website to confirm his death. 

“It is with great sadness that we announce that Bo has passed away,” the message read. “Bo loved hearing from his fans from around the world and although he was unable to respond to every email over the last few years, he appreciated hearing from each and every one of you.”

His wife of 33 years, Sian Eleanor Green, told The Hollywood Reporter that Hopkins had taken his last breath at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys a little over two weeks after suffering a heart attack on May 9. Read more

Obi-Wan Kenobi’s Hayden Christensen addresses scrapped Disney scripts (DigitalSpy)

Obi-Wan Kenobi star Hayden Christensen was never privy to the bleak, earlier scripts for the Disney+ miniseries.

17 years on from his transformation as Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader – Ewan McGregor’s Obi-Wan left him for dead on Mustafar after lightsabering off his legs and left arm – he’s back under the iconic black helmet for the reunion to end all reunions.

In an exclusive chat with Digital Spy, we asked Christensen about the evolution of the new show.

“Well, that’s hard for me to speak to,” he said. “I didn’t see the previous iterations of the show. So when I got involved, this was the project that I got involved with. The first time I read the scripts, I was blown away.” Read more

Master P announces he’s throwing birthday party for 5-month-old shot in the head (HipHopDX)

The school shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas on Tuesday (May 24) that left 19 children and two teachers dead has rocked the nation. With so much turmoil bleeding into national headlines, Master P is taking a moment to do some good.

On Thursday (May 26), the No Limit Records CEO shared a photo of himself holding 1-year-old Ocean Robertson, who was shot in the head when she was just five months old. The Louisville, Kentucky-born child is still in the hospital recovering from her injuries five months after the harrowing incident.

“Look at my beautiful No Limit Little Soldier Ocean,” he wrote in the caption. “She’s been through it all but she’s still here.#GODisgood she’s recovering from a gunshot wound to her head. It’s time to save our kids; they are our future. Join our movement #FutureHealers #502 #WeallWegot Salute Christopher 2x.”

Master P also committed to throwing Robertson a party for her second birthday along with his son Hercy Miller. Read more

Snoop Dogg admits fainting upon seeing 2Pac after Las Vegas shooting that claimed his life (Deadline)

Snoop Dogg wasn’t expecting to see Tupac Shakur in such terrible shape when his fellow rapper was in the hospital after his 1996 shooting in Las Vegas.

Speaking on Logan Paul’s “Impaulsive” podcast, Snoop Dogg recounted what he saw in the immediate aftermath of the shooting.

“When we drove to Vegas to see Pac, we got to Suge (Knight’s) house first, so we hadn’t even seen Pac,” Former Death Row  head Knight was driving the vehicle when Tupac was shot in the passenger’s seat.

“We just talking to Suge, and he got the head wrapped up and he telling us what happened and [saying] ‘Pac gonna be alright, he going to pull through he got shot nine times before, he going to be alright.’”  Read more

Zelensky visits Ukraine’s east for first time since invasion (NewArab)

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the country’s war-ridden east for the first time since the Russian invasion, on a trip to the Kharkiv region, from where Moscow has retreated in recent weeks.

Zelensky’s office posted a video on Telegram of him wearing a bullet-proof vest and being shown heavily destroyed buildings in Kharkiv and its surroundings.

“2,229 buildings have been destroyed in Kharkiv and the region. We will restore, rebuild and bring back life. In Kharkiv and all other towns and villages where evil came,” the post said.

The Ukrainian leader has been based in Kyiv since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale attack on February 24. Read more

Oshoala makes history with Barcelona in cup triumph (ThisDay)

Super Falcons striker, Asisat Oshoala has celebrated another trophy triumph after Barcelona thrashed Sporting de Huelva 6-1 at the Estadio Santo Domingo in Alcorcón to lift the Copa de La Reina on Sunday.

Only eight days ago, the Spanish champions were defeated 3-1 by French giants Olympique Lyonnais to surrender the UEFA Women Champions League trophy they won last year. Oshoala was a halftime substitute in that encounter.

The Nigeria international striker then scored the last goal as Barcelona recovered from the Lyon loss to thump arch-rivals Real Madrid 4-0 in the semifinal of the Copa del la Reina in midweek.

Oshoala was, however, an unused sub in the final as goalkeeper Fisher’s own goal and strikes from María León, Crnogorcevic, Pina, Martens, and Alexia powered Jonatan Giráldez’s Ladies to another dominant win. Read more

Niger Tornadoes fans attack Lobi players, officials in Kaduna (Nation)

The ugly side of Nigeria football rears out its head at Ahmadu Bello Stadium Kaduna, Kaduna state , as Niger Tornadoes fans attacked players and officials of Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi.

The incident happened during Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL, Match Day 30 between Lobi stars and Niger Tornadoes played at Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.

Niger Tornadoes have been banished from playing their home games in Minna to Kaduna over security breaches during home matches.

Trouble started for the visitors as the match ended all zero at half time. Read more

Marcelo leaving Madrid after fifth Champions League title (DailyMail)

Lifting yet another Champions League trophy, Marcelo put an end to his era at Real Madrid.

The veteran Brazilian left back said after the team’s 1-0 win over Liverpool in the Champions League final on Saturday that he will not continue playing for the club.

“It was my last match with Real Madrid,” the 34-year-old Marcelo said. “I’m not sad. I couldn´t be happier as I leave the club. I’m very thankful. It’s the end of a very beautiful cycle.”

Marcelo is leaving 16 years after he joined from Brazilian club Fluminense in 2006 to take over from Brazil great Roberto Carlos. Read more

UK calls for investigation into Paris stadium chaos

(BBC)

The UK’s culture secretary has urged Uefa to formally investigate “deeply concerning” scenes which delayed the start of the Champions League final.

French police have been criticised for firing tear gas and pepper spray at some Liverpool fans waiting to get into the stadium in Paris on Saturday.

Nadine Dorries said it was in everyone’s interest to “learn lessons”.

European football’s governing body Uefa has said it will “review these matters urgently” with French police. Read more

Jai Hindley wins Giro d’Italia, becomes Australia’s second Grand Tour champion (ABC)

Jai Hindley has become the second Australian to win one of cycling’s Grand Tours, claiming victory in this year’s Giro d’Italia.

Hindley held off pre-race favourite Richard Carapaz on Sunday’s 17.4km individual time trial around the streets of Verona to claim overall victory by one minute, 18 seconds.

The 26-year-old carried a lead of one minute 25 seconds over his Ecuadorian rival heading into the final stage.

Hindley is the first Australian to win the Giro in its 105th edition, bettering his own second-place finish from 2020. Read more

Emma Raducanu: Cam Norrie wants Brit to “embrace” Wimbledon attention (GMS)

British tennis star Cameron Norrie wants his compatriot Emma Raducanu to “embrace” her return to Wimbledon this year. 

Raducanu is the reigning US Open champion and became the first qualifier to ever win a Grand Slam last year. 

But she has endured a tough first full season on the WTA –– suffering defeats in the second round of both majors so far. 

Nonetheless, Raducanu will be the highest ranked British woman in this year’s Wimbledon draw and Norrie believes she should relish the spotlight. Read more

Monaco Grand Prix to finish incomplete after incident-filled race (Express)

FIA chiefs have decided they will end the Monaco Grand Prix early after heavy rain and crashes caused severe delays. After a red flag period for a heavy crash, the FIA decided to switch the lap counter for a timed countdown. It means the race will not complete the traditional 78 lap distance.

It’s the first time F1 has decided to run a portion of the race based around time instead of laps since 2017. The reason for the change is down to a rule which says a race can only last for two hours. However, a red flag period should stop the clock.

The race was delayed after heavy rain moments before the start. The FIA decided to allow the cars to run a formation lap around 15 minutes late but the rain then came down heavier. Race directors decided to red flag the race which was not restarted for another 45 minutes. 

When the race did resume, the race pace was a lot slower as drivers battled the changeable conditions. This meant fewer laps could be completed and ensured completing the full race distance would be touch-and-go. Read more

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