Uromi: Residents desert towns over fears of reprisal, arrest (Vanguard)
Communities around Old Ilushi Road, Opere, and Good Will Junction in Uromi, Edo State, have been deserted by residents for fear of reprisals and arrests by security agents, following the lynching of 16 travellers by a mob in the area last Thursday.
This came as Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State yesterday in Kano State, assured that justice will prevail for those killed in the mob attack.
He also visited the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), where he said the 14 suspects so far arrested in connection with the killings, would soon be moved to Abuja for further interrogation. Read more
I started my music career in church choir – Ruger (Sun)
Afrobeats artiste Ruger has disclosed that his musical career began in a church choir.
He revealed this on a recent Apple Music show, Africa Now edition.
Ruger claims that his experience in the church choir helped him improve his vocal abilities.
The Bounce hitmaker explained that he doesn’t even flaunt his vocal ability in his songs, stressing that those who have experienced him performing live have had the opportunity to enjoy his vocals. Read more
3 Lagos Assembly workers apologise for assaulting DSS personnel (Nation)
Three officials of Lagos State House of Assembly (LSHA) have tendered formal apologies to the Department of State Services (DSS) after being arrested for assaulting DSS operatives during the recent leadership crisis at the legislative house.
The assembly had requested DSS presence through a letter dated February 14, 2025, signed by Acting Clerk A.T.B. Ottun. The letter, with reference number LSHA/FAD/0/7554/323, asked the DSS to secure the facility from February 15 until further notice.
However, upon arrival, DSS personnel were reportedly attacked by three assembly workers. Relying on CCTV footage, the security agency arrested the suspects and subsequently filed charges against them. Read more
Despite Tinubu’s intervention, Obasa pursues suit against Meranda, lawmakers (Punch)
Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), the counsel for the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, for the umpteenth time on Sunday, dismissed speculations that his principal would be dropping the suit against erstwhile Speaker Mojisola Meranda, and the Assembly members.
Fashanu, in a telephone interview with The PUNCH, said his team was awaiting the court judgement on the matter and there was no going back.
This is despite President Bola Tinubu’s recent intervention in resolving the leadership crisis at the Lagos Assembly with sources maintaining that part of the settlement was for Obasa to withdraw the suit against his colleagues. Read more
Lagos residents lament lack of potable water (Guardian)
Some Lagos residents have called on the state government to make potable water accessible to reduce the huge amount of money spent in buying water.
They disclosed this in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos, against the World Water Day celebrated annually in March.
They urged the state government to reduce the spread of water-borne diseases in the state by ensuring provision of portable water. Read more
Learn from Makinde, try Uromi suspects immediately – Reno Omokri tells Edo Govt (Vanguard)
Political commentator and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has called on the Edo State Government to swiftly prosecute those responsible for the recent killings of at least sixteen Northerners in Uromi.
According to Omokri, delaying justice could escalate tensions, even if financial compensation is offered to the victims’ families.
In a statement posted on his Facebook handle, Omokri emphasized that the case should be treated as an urgent priority, citing the availability of video evidence that makes it an “open-and-shut case.” Read more
Kaduna residents warn against vandalizing water, sanitation facilities (DailyTrust)
Kaduna residents have been warned against vandalization of government properties, especially water supply and sanitation facilities in their communities.
The Sustainable Urban, Rural Water Supply and Hygiene (SURWASH) Program Coordinator in Kaduna, Engineer Esau .A Ambinjah, gave the warning during the Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure in Collaboration with First Impression Communication Limited Pre-Testing Workshop on SURWASH Messages held in Kaduna.
He enlightened the people that when they vandalize government properties, they were doing more harm to themselves because they are the most beneficiaries of those facilities. Read more
NEITI to review $6b asset sales by IOCs in Nigeria (Channels)
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has revealed plans to review divestments of 26 oil blocks worth $6.03 billion by five International Oil Companies (IOCs).
This was disclosed by the Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, during the agency’s first-quarter media briefing in Abuja.
It cited the need for transparency and due process in these transactions. Read more
Cardi B accuses Offset of ‘harassing’ her with explicit & threatening messages (HipHopDx)
Cardi B and Offset‘s acrimonious split has taken another twist as the Bronx bombshell has accused her estranged husband of “harassing” her with explicit messages.
Since Cardi filed for divorce last year, the two rappers have been embroiled in a number of public spats, but their latest might be the most contentious yet.
Speaking on X Spaces over the weekend, Cardi claimed that Offset has been bombarding both herself and her new man (rumored to be NFL star Stefon Diggs) with sexually explicit messages while also threatening to kill both her and himself. Read more
Zimbabweans stay at home amid fears demonstrations could turn violent (AfricaNews)
A heavy security presence in several cities across Zimbabwe largely neutralised a national protest on Monday aimed at pressurising President Emmerson Mnangagwa to resign.
Most businesses, offices, and schools in the capital Harare and Bulawayo shutdown, with people choosing to stay home amid fears of unrest.
Independence war veterans had called for the demonstration to protest against plans to extend Mnangagwa’s rule. Read more
Heartbroken parents call out children’s names at earthquake-hit pre-school (BBC)
About 15 children’s backpacks lie torn apart in the rubble – pink, blue and orange bags with books spilling out of them.
Spiderman toys and letters of the alphabet are scattered among broken chairs, tables and garden slides at the remains of this preschool destroyed by the huge earthquake that hit Myanmar on Friday.
It is in the town of Kyaukse, about 40km (25 miles) south of Mandalay, one of the areas hit hardest by the 7.7 magnitude quake that killed at least 2,000 people. Read more
‘Blake Lively has the stronger case.’ lawyer explains potential flaw in Justin Baldoni’s arguments (People)
One legal expert featured in a new ripped-from-the-headlines documentary thinks Blake Lively may have the “stronger case” against Justin Baldoni.
In Dispute: Lively vs. Baldoni, which airs Monday, March 31 at 8 p.m. ET on ID and streams on Max, breaks down the It Ends With Us stars’ legal battle, incorporating interviews with reporters, an intimacy coordinator, a public relations professional and a legal analyst. Neither side’s lawyers participated in the documentary.
Attorney Dina Doll says near the end of the documentary, “My professional opinion, Blake Lively has the stronger case. Because all of Justin Baldoni’s arguments about fame and control don’t really refute her claim of sexual harassment.” Read more
Carney unveils signature housing plan he says will double pace of home building in Canada (CBC)
Liberal Leader Mark Carney unveiled his signature housing policy Monday, promising to double the number of homes built annually in Canada to nearly 500,000.
“My new Liberal government is flipping the script on housing with a new approach to build faster, build smarter and to build more affordably,” Carney said during a campaign stop in Vaughan, Ont.
“We’re going to unleash the power of public/private co-operation at a scale not seen in generations,” he added. Read more
Sean Lennon hits out at “spoiled, ungrateful and disconnected brat” Snow White star Rachel Zegler (NME)
Sean Lennon has hit out at Snow White star Rachel Zegler, calling her a “spoiled, ungrateful and disconnected brat”.
Lennon, the son of Yoko Ono and late Beatles icon John Lennon, recently took to X/Twitter to say he “agree[d] the vilification” of Zegler had gone “too far”.
However, the musician added: “But she also acts like a spoiled, ungrateful and disconnected brat. So it’s no surprise.” The post has since been deleted. Read more
Virginia Giuffre, Jeffrey Epstein accuser, in hospital after “serious accident,” rep says (CBS)
Virginia Giuffre, one of Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged sex trafficking victims, is being treated at a hospital after “a serious accident,” her representative said Monday.
“Virginia has been in a serious accident and is receiving medical care in the hospital. She greatly appreciates the support and well wishes people are sending,” her rep, Dini von Mueffling, said in a statement.
The representative did not provide more details about the accident or Giuffre’s condition. Read more
Agu: Super Eagles won’t miss 2026 World Cup (CompleteSports)
Former Nigerian international Alloy Agu believes the Super Eagles will walk the difficult path to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Recall that South Africa remains top of the group with 13 points after their 2-0 victory over Benin, but Nigeria’s draw barely keeps their qualification hopes alive with four matches left in the series.
In a chat with Completesports.com, Agu stated that Nigeria’s qualification chances are still bright if only the team defeats South Africa and prays for their slip in their remaining matches. Read more
Nigerian chess prodigy Zira wins medal at US tournament (Guardian)
Mary Victor Zira, a 12-year-old chess prodigy from an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Nigeria, has won a silver medal at the prestigious Chess and Community Tournament in the United States.
Competing alongside her teammate Ivie Clement Urieto, Mary secured second place and a $100 cash prize, marking a significant milestone in her rising chess career.
Mary was among five children selected from the Chess in IDP Camps initiative and Chess in Slums programme to travel to the U.S. for the Chess and Community Program. She will now proceed to New York City for another major tournament. Read more
Issa Rae says soccer is ‘competitive in the best way’ as part owner of San Diego FC (People)
Issa Rae is feeling secure in her latest role — one that’s away from Hollywood!
PEOPLE spoke exclusively to the Insecure co-creator and actress, 40, about her latest business venture at the San Diego FC vs. Los Angeles FC Major League Soccer match in San Diego on Saturday, March 29.
Rae was recently announced as part owner of SDFC along with Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems, and tells PEOPLE working in the sports world is “extremely” different from TV. Read more
Min Woo Lee wins Houston Open for first PGA Tour title, joins exclusive company with sister (CNN)
Min Woo Lee won his first PGA Tour title on Sunday, holding off late charges from the chasing pack to win the Houston Open – and joining an exclusive club with the victory.
Lee had led by five shots on the back nine but surges from Gary Woodland – who went four-under on his last four holes – and Scottie Scheffler – who also had four-straight birdies on the back nine – made it a closer affair.
Although Lee bogeyed the 16th after hitting into the water, the Australian was able to finish with two pars and maintain his one-shot lead, tapping home from close range on the final hole to seal his debut PGA Tour victory. Read more
Marc Marquez crashes out as Francesco Bagnaia wins Americas MotoGP (AlJazeera)
Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia won a chaotic Americas Grand Prix ahead of Gresini Racing’s Alex Marquez after leader Marc Marquez crashed halfway through the race to lose for the first time this season.
Marquez had clinched pole position in qualifying as well as a third straight sprint victory on Saturday, but after a first crash on the red Ducati, the six-time MotoGP champion opted to retire due to extensive damage on his bike in Sunday’s main race.
Although Bagnaia took the chequered flag to move up to 75 points, Alex Marquez will leave Austin with the bigger smile as finishing second moved him to the top of the MotoGP riders’ championship on 87 points, one point ahead of his elder brother Marc. Read more
Seven ejected after brawl in Pistons-Timberwolves (BBC)
Five players and two coaches were ejected following a brawl during the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 123-104 victory against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday.
The highly charged contest in Minneapolis broke into a physical altercation early in the second quarter, when Minnesota’s Naz Reid reacted to being bumped by Detroit’s Ron Holland during a dribble.As the two players squared up to one another, members of both teams got involved and the exchange quickly descended into a melee which spilled into the spectator seats at courtside. Read more