Wahala! 2 pilots fight inside cockpit mid-flight (Sun)
Two rowdy pilots have been suspended after getting into a mid-flight brawl in the cockpit.
The Air France pilots reportedly exchanged blows after one refused to follow orders on the flight from Geneva to Paris.
Shortly after take-off, one of the pilots reportedly slapped the other after a disagreement.
The pair then grabbed each other by the collar before one of them chucked their briefcase in the face of the other.
Flight attendants heard the blazing row from the cabin and stepped in to split them up, La Tribune reports. Read more
NDLEA operatives arrest Lagos airport cleaner who leads drug syndicate (Channels)
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested a cleaner at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja Lagos, Ohiagu Sunday, who leads a drug syndicate at the international wing of the airport.
NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi in a statement on Sunday, said the suspect was nabbed on Tuesday 23rd August following the arrest of an intending passenger on Air Peace flight to Dubai, UAE, Obinna Jacob Osita who was arrested with three bags, two of which contained eight blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 4.25kg concealed in cassava product, garri and crayfish.
One other member of the airport syndicate who works with Ohiagu has also been arrested while operatives are after another suspect.
Investigations revealed that a Dubai-based drug dealer recruited Obinna, a 42-year-old native of Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State to traffic the drugs and equally contracted Ohiagu, a 34-year-old airport cleaner from Orlu West Local Government Area of Imo State to create access for the unhindered passage of the trafficker. Read more
39-year-old ‘fake army captain’ arrested for armed robbery in Lagos (Vanguard)
39-year-old fake Army Captain Andy Teddy Edwards has been arrested by detectives attached to the Lagos State Police Command for armed robbery in Lagos.
Andy Teddy Edwards was arrested following a painstaking investigation that was launched after one of his victims reported the robbery of her Lexus RX330 SUV.
It was learned that he acts as a modeling agent, lures ladies for auditioning, and then robs them of their cars and valuables at gunpoint.
Confirming the arrest, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, said further investigation led to the recovery of a Ford Edge SUV with registration number KRD 276 EG, one sewing machine, a POS machine with six SIM cards, two pairs of military camouflage uniform, one number plate – AFL 469 GD, in the suspect’s house.”
Anxiety as ASUU NEC convenes for crucial meeting over strike (Nation)
The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, will Sunday night/Monday morning decide on whether the union will continue its over six-month strike or not, The Nation has learnt.
The Nation reports that ASUU commenced a nationwide industrial action on February 14 and has continued to extend it as there has been no substantial agreement with the government.
Recall that on August 1, ASUU announced another extension of the strike by another four weeks.
The NEC meeting promises to be a decisive one and may determine whether the government would suspend the union as is being rumored in some quarters.
COVID-19 vaccines produced in Nigeria will meet international standards — NAFDAC (Vanguard)
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, weekend assured Nigerians that COVID-19 vaccines produced in Nigeria will meet international standards with the strengthening of the agency.
The Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye who asserted during the oversight visit to the NAFDAC facilities and COVID-19 laboratory projects in Lagos by the House of Representatives Committee on COVID-19 weekend described the Federal government’s huge spending on the fight against COVID-19 as demonstrated by the construction of the new COVID-19 laboratory with modern instruments and amenities as a wake-up call for the country.
To ensure that the health sector is strengthened, the NAFDAC boss insisted that the regulatory Agency must be strengthened. ‘’If the regulatory agency is not strengthened, the industry will not be strengthened.
“We have the African Free trade Agreement already here with us now for the nation’s pharmaceutical industry to take advantage of with quality products. There will be a lot of competition and if NAFDAC’s laboratory is not strengthened, we will not be able to compete’’. Read more
Don’t divide Nigeria with religion, Olawepo-Hashim tells politicians (Punch)
A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress and former presidential candidate of Peoples Trust in the 2019 elections, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, on Sunday, warned political actors against further widening the existing gulf and divisions in the country in their race and ambition for 2023.
He, therefore, warned that “the nation cannot afford to crash this democratic process on the altar of narrow self-interest by politicians who are merely on a mission of personal ambition and self-aggrandisement.”
According to him, in the quest for power by the candidates, rather than addressing issues that are germaine to nationhood, the actors, especially the presidential candidates, have been fuelling the passion of tribal and religious anger among the people.
“The point is that there is danger ahead if this monster is not tamed.
Our democracy faces the danger of being trapped by a self-inflicted convulsion which may damage the current fragile ethno-religious situation in the country,” he added. Read more
43-year-old Gombe monarch dies suddenly (DailyTrust)
The Emir of Funakaye in Gombe State, Alhaji Mu’azu Muhammad Kwairanga, has died at the age of 43.
According to sources at the Funakaye Emirate Council, the emir died shortly after retiring to bed, on Saturday.
Our correspondent reports that the deceased’s last public function was on Saturday in Gombe where he attended the flag-off of the distribution of food items to vulnerable groups by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Pantami.
On Friday, he was at the opening ceremony of the newly constructed Kaltungo Central Mosque in Kaltungo LGA of the state. Read more
Niger civil servants condemn invasion of secretariat by hoodlums (Nation)
The invasion of the national secretariat of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria by hoodlums led by a former national president, Bola Audu Innocent has continued to generate condemnation from members of the association.
The Niger State chapter and branch of the association said the attack was a move by a drowning man, warning Audu that he and his cohorts would be held responsible if any staff of the union at Lagos or Abuja is harmed in any way.
It was learnt that Audu, who was elected as the national president of the association some few years ago was made to step aside in March last year by the National Executive Council after he was arrested in Abuja by NAPTIP for alleged trafficking in persons and exploitation of vulnerable persons. Read more
You’re a rare talent, an inspiration, Ajadi celebrates Odegbami at 70 (Independent)
Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, has congratulated the football legend, Segun Odegbami at 70, describing him as a rare talent and an embodiment of inspiration.
Ajadi, in a congratulatory message personally signed and made available to Daily Independent said Odegbami, also known as Mathematical Odegbami in his heydays, despite the abundance of his talents, was cool headed and did much to inspire hope in any time he was in the field of play.
“Even outside the field of play, you still remain relevant, always willing to lend your voice and share your ideas for the good of the sport.
“We regard you as our respected ‘Egbon’ our own son of the soil, from the Wasimi community here in Ogun State. Read more
Jameela Jamil regularly mistaken for Priyanka Chopra (FilmNews)
Jameela Jamil gets excited whenever she is mistaken for Priyanka Chopra.
In an interview for Vogue India, The Good Place actress shared that she always dresses up when she goes out to run errands as she is often confused with The Matrix Resurrections star by members of the public.
“I spent a lot of my youth trying to be invisible and not stand out. As I get older, I realise time is running out. We need to celebrate life as much as we can. So now, every day is a party,” she smiled. “That, and the fact that I get mistaken for Priyanka Chopra all the time – honestly the honour of my life – but I also have to always represent her well out there on the streets.”
Jameela, who is of Pakistani descent and was raised in the U.K., went on to note that she is happy to see more South Asian women represented in the media but believes there is still a lot of work to do. Read more
Sharon Stone shows off her bikini body at 64 (Sun)
Hollywood star Sharon Stone looks incredible at 64 as she poses in a bikini at her mansion.
The Basic Instinct and Total Recall actress showed off her toned tummy as she took a picture in her bedroom mirror.
The star was stood in front of large photograph of Marilyn Monroe in bed in the patterned bikini.
Sharon’s picture was liked by her many followers, including former This Morning star Eamonn Holmes.
Several responded simply with fire emojis, with one writing: “Love you!”
Sharon asked jokingly in the caption: “Why do I always get in shape when summer’s over?” Read more
Venice Film Festival 2022 to bring A-listers and ‘magic’ to Northern Italy (National)
Cinema’s biggest stars just seem to shine a bit brighter at the Venice International Film Festival, which begins this week in the Northern Italy city.
Think of Lady Gaga, a woman who has never shied away from a grand entrance, somehow topping even herself delicately perched over the edge of a moving water taxi and vamping for the cameras like a classic screen siren. Or Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck evoking old Hollywood glamour to make their official debut as a couple last year.
Whether you’re a celebrity gliding down the red carpet in front of hundreds of flashing cameras or an onlooker an ocean away daydreaming about Timothee Chalamet’s crystal-studded Haider Ackermann suit, or that electric moment between non-couple Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac, it is the kind of occasion that ignites the imagination. And that’s all before you even step inside the theatre. Read more
Ex-Iranian vice-president living in UK says he is not to blame for Salman Rushdie’s stabbing (DailyMail)
A former Iranian vice-president who lives in Britain shut down any suggestion that he was to blame for the brutal stabbing of Salman Rushdie on stage in New York despite supporting the fatwa on him.
Sayyid Ata’ollah Mohajerani was instrumental in issuing a death sentence against Mr Rushdie after his controversial 1998 novel The Satanic Verses was deemed blasphemous by some Muslims.
The 75-year-old author was stabbed 15 times before he was due to deliver a lecture at the Chautauqua Institution and suffered severe injuries to his eye, arm and liver and is recovering in hospital.
But the ex big-wig politician slapped down questions over whether he felt any responsibility for the attack on the wordsmith. Read more
LeAnn Rimes turning 40 (People)
LeAnn Rimes isn’t letting a milestone birthday pass her by.
“We have three celebrations planned,” says the Grammy-winning artist, who turns 40 on Sunday. “I’m at that point where I’m seriously ready. I’m over my thirties. Let’s get to 40!”
In fact, in recent months Rimes — whose upcoming album, God’s work, is out Sept. 16 — has done plenty of self-reflection.
“As a child, I remember thinking 40 was so old,” says Rimes, who rose to global fame at just 13 with her chart-topping rendition of “Blue.” “But now that I’m there, I feel like I have so much life under my belt. I’m much wiser. I wouldn’t be 22 again if you paid me!” Read more
Rick Ross announces Red Bull Symphonic show with all-Black orchestra (NME)
Rick Ross has announced a special, one-night-only event for Atlanta, where he’ll perform alongside the all-Black Orchestra Noir.
The show, slated for November 4 at the Atlanta Symphony Hall, comes as the first North American event in the Red Bull Symphonic series. As its name implies, the series pairs an orchestra with artists that are typically unassociated with classical music, reinventing their catalogues in a hybrid format. For Ross’ edition, he’ll perform with the 45-piece Orchestra Noir, which will be conducted on the night by director Jason Ikeem Rodgers.
In addition to a sprawling setlist of Ross’ own rap bangers, the show will feature an intermission from “trap choir” group Sainted, who will perform with famed violinist Mapy.
In a press release, Ross promised his Atlantan fans that the show will be “unforgettable”, noting that “Red Bull Symphonic is helping us celebrate heritage, musicians, and more importantly Black excellence. We’re gonna innovate big that night.” Read more
More than 1,000 dead in widespread Pakistan flooding since June (PBS)
Deaths from widespread flooding in Pakistan topped 1,000 since mid-June, officials said Sunday, as the country’s climate minister called the deadly monsoon season “a serious climate catastrophe.”
Flash flooding from the heavy rains has washed away villages and crops as soldiers and rescue workers evacuated stranded residents to the safety of relief camps and provided food to thousands of displaced Pakistanis.
Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority reported the death toll since the monsoon season began earlier than normal this year — in mid- June — reached 1,033 people after new fatalities were reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and southern Sindh provinces.
Sherry Rehman, a Pakistani senator and the country’s top climate official, said in a video posted on Twitter that Pakistan is experiencing a “serious climate catastrophe, one of the hardest in the decade.” Read more
Taekwondo medalist crushed to death in
Nasarawa (DailyTrust)
A Taekwondo athlete in Nasarawa State, Maria Raphael, has been crushed to death.
The deceased, who won a silver medal for team Nasarawa in the just concluded Bayelsa Open Taekwondo, was crushed by a truck in Lafia, the state capital, on Friday.
The deceased lost her life after purchasing some items from a grocery store along UAC road in Lafia.
The talented athlete won a bronze medal in the 46kg women’s category at the 15th edition of the Panamai West African and Cottage Mills Taekwondo Championship, held recently in Lagos State. Read more
2022 World Cup miss: Super Eagles denied Xmas break (Sun)
The Super Eagles could still be busy around the time of this year’s World Cup, even as they missed out in the world football showpiece event.
The Eagles are being considered for an international tournament in South Africa.
SAFA CEO Tebogo Motlathe reportedly disclosed that sponsors have been approached to bankroll the tournament.
“I’m talking to some companies – if we are fortunate to get one of them then we will revive (the 4-nation tournament),” he was said to have said. Read more
Aston Villa 0-1 West Ham: Deflected Pablo Fornals goal gives Hammers narrow win in Birmingham (Eurosport)
West Ham beat Aston Villa 1-0 thanks to a deflected Pablo Fornals strike.
It was a fortunate goal, cruelly looping up and over Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, but a vital one for the Hammers who claim their first Premier League points of the season.
West Ham entered the match as the only team in the top four divisions of English football without a goal this season, and on this evidence it is easy to see why.
The Hammers were remarkably passive, particularly in the first half when David Moyes set his team out with an unfamiliar back five. Read more
Newcastle unbeaten as Saint-Maximin scores last-minute goal against Wolves (Nation)
Allan Saint-Maximin volleyed in a brilliant 90th-minute equaliser as Newcastle extended their unbeaten start to four matches and kept winless Wolves in the bottom three.
Wolves thought they were going to claim their first win of the season thanks to skipper Ruben Neves’ excellent first-half strike.
When Hwang Hee-chan sent his mis-timed clearance into the air, the Frenchman waited on the edge of the area before delivering the sweetest finish that gave Wolves keeper Jose Sa no chance. Read more
Wolves 1-1 Newcastle: Allan Saint-Maximin’s volley earns Newcastle a point (BBC)
Allan Saint-Maximin volleyed in a brilliant 90th-minute equaliser as Newcastle extended their unbeaten start to four matches and kept winless Wolves in the bottom three.
Wolves thought they were going to secure their first win of the season thanks to skipper Ruben Neves’ excellent first-half strike.
But Saint-Maximin had other ideas.
When Hwang Hee-chan sent his mis-timed clearance into the air, the Frenchman waited on the edge of the area before delivering the sweetest finish that gave Wolves keeper Jose Sa no chance. Read more
Fernando Alonso insults Lewis Hamilton in fiery rant (F1News)
Fernando Alonso was fuming with Sir Lewis Hamilton after their incident at the start of the Belgian Grand Prix that saw the seven-time champion retire from the race.
Alonso had started third on the grid following penalties for Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen and Esteban Ocon, but he was passed by Hamilton off the start.
He tucked back into the Briton’s slipstream, and was side-by-side with Hamilton as he tried to climb back up into third, and the Spaniard found himself on the inside down the Kemmel Straight.
The pair converged on the apex heading into Les Combes, and they made contact as the Mercedes was launched up into the air. Read more
Emma Raducanu showing ‘signs’ of answering critics after ‘massive’ boost before US Open (Express)
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova believes Emma Raducanu’s performances in the Cincinnati Masters will come as a “massive boost” for the 19-year-old ahead of her US Open title defence.
The teenager made history at last year’s US Open when she became the first ever qualifier to win a Grand Slam singles title. She also became the first British woman to win a Grand Slam singles title since Virginia Wade’s 1977 Wimbledon win.
However, Raducanu has struggled to hit those same heights ever since, notably struggling with a number of injury problems. Now, ahead of her return to Flushing Meadows, 18-time Grand Slam winner Navratilova believes Raducanu is starting to show ‘signs’ of getting back to her best.
In Cincinnati, Raducanu beat the legendary Serena Williams 6-4 6-0 and two-time Grand Slam winner Victoria Azarenka 6-0 6-2, before being knocked out by Jessica Pegula. Speaking to the PA news agency, Navratilova said: “She played well in Cincinnati. Read more