News / politics

Buhari leaves Nigeria for S/Arabia on Monday to participate in investment summit

President Muhammadu Buhari will on Monday depart for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to participate in the investment conference organised by the Future Investment Initiative Institute.

The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, confirmed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

According to the presidential aide, the President will be joined at the 5th edition of the flagship investment event by business executives from Nigeria, bankers, captains of industry and energy experts to discuss issues on the future of investments across the globe.

”The three-day event, with the theme: INVESTMENT IN HUMANITY, which will host global executives and asset managers, will deliberate on progress and prosperity with energy; true final frontiers in investments; science in action; and impact of climate change on communities among others,” he said.

He also announced that the president would perform the lesser Hajj in Madina & Makka before returning to the country on Friday.

He said the president would be accompanied on the trip by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva.

Others to be on the trip are: National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen Babagana Monguno, Director-General of National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, Managing Director of Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, Uche Orji and Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

Participants from the private sector will include: Alhaji Mohammed Indimi, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Tope Shonubi , Wale Tinubu, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, Hassan Usman, Omoboyode Olusanya, Abubakar Suleiman, Herbert Wigwe and Leo Stan Ekeh.

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BBNaija / Entertainment / News

BBNaija’s Angel’s mum shades Maria over husband snatching allegations

Titi, mother of BBNaija’s Angel has dropped a shade post after Cubana Chief Priest accused Maria of snatching his sister’s husband.

The socialite had accused Maria of snatching his sister’s husband.

The reality TV star’s mum took to her Instagram Stories where she mimicked an unapologetic woman having a conversation with the wife of the man she’s having an affair with.

Titi’s post came hour after Cubana Chief Priest called out Maria for having an affair with his sister’s husband.

According to him, the reality TV star didn’t only have an affair with his in-law but also threatened his sister.

“She Stole My Sisters Husband As If That’s Not Enough She Is Sending Her Threats, That I Won’t Let It Slide, Kelvin I Dey Find Una Come That Dubai Nothing Must Happen To My Sister,” he wrote.

“@mariachikebenjamin How On Earth Will You Threaten A Married Woman Who Has A Male N Female Offspring To Leave Her Husband For You Or Die, You Dey Show Person Husband Watch N Car To Pepper Her, Kelvin Am So Ashamed Of You, All Of Us Dey Street.”

Maria is yet to react to the allegations levelled against her.

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Uncategorized

BBNaija’s Angel’s mum shades Maria over husband snatching allegations

Titi, mother of BBNaija’s Angel has dropped a shade post after Cubana Chief Priest accused Maria of snatching his sister’s husband.

The socialite had accused Maria of snatching his sister’s husband.

The reality TV star’s mum took to her Instagram Stories where she mimicked an unapologetic woman having a conversation with the wife of the man she’s having an affair with.

Titi’s post came hour after Cubana Chief Priest called out Maria for having an affair with his sister’s husband.

According to him, the reality TV star didn’t only have an affair with his in-law but also threatened his sister.

“She Stole My Sisters Husband As If That’s Not Enough She Is Sending Her Threats, That I Won’t Let It Slide, Kelvin I Dey Find Una Come That Dubai Nothing Must Happen To My Sister,” he wrote.

“@mariachikebenjamin How On Earth Will You Threaten A Married Woman Who Has A Male N Female Offspring To Leave Her Husband For You Or Die, You Dey Show Person Husband Watch N Car To Pepper Her, Kelvin Am So Ashamed Of You, All Of Us Dey Street.”

Maria is yet to react to the allegations levelled against her.

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Entertainment / Music / News

‘Fela Kuti was so hard’- Rap mogul Jay Z on why he included Fela’s record in the soundtrack of new Netflix movie ‘The Harder They Fall’

American rap mogul Jay Z has continued to pay tribute to Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti by including a record by the Nigerian music great in the soundtrack of a new Netflix movie ‘The Harder They Fall’.

Jay Z produced the Western, which stars Idris Elba and Regina King, among others, and curated the soundtrack.

The soundtrack highlights black music from across the world, and Fela’s record ‘Let’s Start’ from 1971 ‘Live’ album is in the project.

The record was also used in one of the trailers for the movie. Jay Z said Fela’s songs represented black people, so he included one of them in the soundtrack.

“The idea of adding those landscapes to these images is super interesting. If you think about the time when Western was super popular and was the only thing on TV, it was influencing the world,” the hip-hop mogul said in an interview at the London screening of the movie.

“So you had people in Jamaica dress up as Cowboys because these are images they had seen on TV.

“So there is actual that place that exists over Western music and we have a few of those.

“Just that juxtaposition of how art influences life and life influences culture was just interesting to us, and Fela Kuti was so hard it was just the best trailer, music of all time.

“That’s what I listen to in the house, Jeymes (Samuel)-director of the movie- as well; that’s what we listen to when we kicking it. SO we just put the things that we really love. Cause it’s magic and magic going work.”

Jay Z has always championed Fela; the rap legend was one of the sponsors and producers of ‘Fela!’ the classic musical about the Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer on the legendary Broadway.

In 2016, he added Fela’s anti-military protest anthem ‘Zombie’ in his playlist highlighting social injustice in America.

Famed for his activism, Fela pioneered Afrobeat that also gave birth to the contemporary Afrobeats.

He released so many groundbreaking records between the

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Entertainment / LGBTQ / News

Charly Boy’s daughter Dewy shares messages she’s received from homophobic Nigerians

Nigerian music veteran Charly Boy’s daughter, Dewy, has shared the homophobic messages she received from some Nigerians.

Dewy shared the shocking and demeaning messages via her Instagram Stories on Sunday, October 24, 2021.

“I’m coming for your head. Keep promoting nonsense and burn in hell,” one of the messages read. Another homophobic message highlighted Dewy’s continuous desire to make the LGBTQ community acceptable. According to the writer of the message, straight people are not known for forcing their relationships down the throats of people.

Dewy first publicly announced about her sexual preference in 2018.

Later in an interview that same year, she revealed that it took her parents a while to adjust after she came out as a lesbian.

Interestingly, in 2020 Charly Boy recounted how he handled his daughter, Dewy’s coming out as a lesbian.

However, his post didn’t sit well with his daughter as she called him out over his hypocrisy.

She recently celebrated her third anniversary with her partner.

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BBNaija / Education / News

Socialite Cubana Chief Priest accuses BBNaija’s Maria of ‘stealing’ his sister’s husband

Nigerian socialite Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest has called out former Big Brother Naija housemate, Maria for stealing his sister’s husband.

The millionaire businessman made this known via his Instagram page on Sunday, October 24, 2021.

According to him, the reality TV star didn’t only have an affair with his in-law but also threatened his sister. “@grandfish1 @lam_lolofish_27 I Get Dollars For You, I Get Pounds For You, There Is Nothing Sweeter Than Family, Wives Stay Woke Girls Like @mariachikebenjamin Are Coming For Your Husbands,” he wrote.

“She Stole My Sisters Husband As If That’s Not Enough She Is Sending Her Threats, That I Won’t Let It Slide, Kelvin I Dey Find Una Come That Dubai Nothing Must Happen To My Sister.”

“@mariachikebenjamin How On Earth Will You Threaten A Married Woman Who Has A Male N Female Offspring To Leave Her Husband For You Or Die, You Dey Show Person Husband Watch N Car To Pepper Her, Kelvin Am So Ashamed Of You, All Of Us Dey Street.”

You No Carry Woman Pass Anybody But We Can Never Make Home Miserable For Our Woman To The Point A Side Chick Calls Your Wife To Threaten Her Life.”

“If What You Re Doing Is Right Why Are You Covering Your Face In Shame In This Video, My Own Na Make Nothing Happen To My Sister, Okwa Mmadu Nwe Ogodo Ewu Na Ata, If Anything Happens To My Sister 😡 😡😡😡😡”

The reality TV star is currently outside the county. She is yet to react to the allegations levelled against her.

 

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Entertainment / Movies / News

Alec Baldwin reacts to accidental shooting, says he is ‘heart broken’

Alec Baldwin has broken his silence on the accidental death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of ‘Rust’. The actor shared in a statement on Friday that he was heartbroken for Hutchins’ family and was cooperating with the police on the ongoing investigation.

“There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours.

“I’m fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna,” Baldwin tweeted.

1- There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours. I’m fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and

The tragic accident occurred on Thursday after 68-year-old Baldwin reportedly accidentally fired a prop gun killing the Ukrainian cinematographer and injuring director Joel Souza.

Hutchins and Souza were taken to the University of New Mexico Hospital by helicopter where she was pronounced dead. Souza is reportedly being treated.

The western which was being filmed at the Bonanza Creek ranch outside Santa Fe, New Mexico has been suspended with the police stating that investigations leading to possible criminal charges have been opened.

Co-produced by Baldwin, ‘Rust’ is set on a 13-year-old boy who goes on the run after accidentally killing a local rancher. Baldwin starred in the lead role as a notorious outlaw named Harland Rust.

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News / politics

Ohanaeze reacts to IPOB’s threat to declare one week sit-at-home

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has reacted to the decision of the Indigenous People of Biafra to declared a one-week sit-at-home in the South East from November 5, 2021.

The group gave stated its position in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro.

In the statement on Sunday, Isiguzoro said the order will cause the group to lose Igbo’s support and also give the All Progressives Congress the upper hand in the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 6.

It said the decision will, ultimately, hurt the Igbos most. The statement said: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has deciphered that any declaration that unleashes untold hardship, the collapse of commercial and industrial activities, a boycott of Anambra elections, and interrupts the academic calendar in South-Eastern states is viewed as nonsensical, absurd, and anti-Igbo agenda for the enemies’ amusement.

“You can’t enslave Ndigbo for one week without backlash from them, it’s time for Igbo to rise to the occasion and end being trampled with orders from overseas by those without any investments in the South-East.

“IPOB should discern that there have been self-determination struggles in Africa, before now, Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in jail, never in the annals of the history of the movement against Apartheid, was starvation, anguish, and catastrophe unleashed on Black South Africans by ANC, it’s an impulsive and reckless imperilment against Igbo to order them to observe one-week sit-at-home when it’s obvious that Nnamdi Kanu will not be released without the approval of courts.

“Secondly had IPOB declined to learn from the blunders and mistakes of former MASSOB leader Ralph Uwazurike on the boycott of population census of 2001 which made Igbo the majority-minority in Nigeria, attempts to boycott Anambra elections evidently will favor APC to win Anambra elections. IPOB should revisit and nullify the one-week sit-at-home or they will likely lose the support of Igbo henceforth, Ndigbo must participate in Anambra and nothing should stop it.

“Ndigbo should ask anyone enforcing the one-week sit-at-home, if they know the plight of common people who are street …

Foreign / Fraud / News

Abba Kyari, Hushpuppi: How IRT sting operation went wrong, FBI misled

A Police Officer, who wishes to be simply identified as Superintendent of Police Kolade, has revealed fresh facts about the connection between the former Commander of the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, and notorious internet fraudster, Ramon Abbas, aka Hushpuppi.

According to the Superintendent of Police, what befell Abba Kyari was a sting operation that went horribly wrong.

He revealed that the NPF Special Investigation Panel set up to look into the allegations by the United States of America Federal Bureau of Investigation against Kyari, did not indict him.

It will be recalled that in July, news broke in Nigeria that the United States District Court for the Central District of California had indicted Kyari in the ongoing prosecution of Hushpuppi. A US Magistrate Judge, Otis Wright, issued an arrest warrant on Kyari.

Also, unsealed documents in the US stated that Kyari allegedly arrested and jailed one Chibuzo Vincent on the instruction of Hushpuppi.

He also allegedly sent Hushpuppi’s bank account details into which he could deposit payment for Vincent’s arrest and imprisonment.

The Superintendent of Police alleged that aside from the FBI’s case against Kyari, many other unknown personalities were fighting the Nigerian Police Poster Boy from all corners.

He said: “You probably do not know, but Kyari in the course of his job arrested thousands of criminals all over the country.

“Many of these criminals have relatives, friends, colleagues and gang members.

“Many of them are rich and well connected.

“They are not happy about the fact that their friends, relatives or partners were arrested.

“Also, don’t forget Kyari and his team’s latest battle in the South East, how they fought against unknown gunmen that had been killing and creating panic.

“Do you know the number of policemen and soldiers killed in those states?

“Police stations were burnt and the Inspector General of Police and his Management Team in their wisdom decided to deploy Kyari and his men to those boiling zones.

“I can tell you that the South …

Law / News / politics

Trial of Nnamdi Kanu will lead to end of IPOB – Presidency

The Presidency has expressed confidence that the conclusion of the ongoing trial of the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, will lead to the end of the group.

The Presidency spoke in reaction to an Editorial by The Economist, a London, United Kingdom-based magazine.

The magazine had faulted the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari on several fronts, including the war against banditry and insurgency, the economy and handling of the IPOB issue.

Reacting through the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the Presidency said: “In the South-East, IPOB – which the Economist rightly describes as “delusional” – the arrest and present trial of the terrorist leader of the group is the beginning of its demise. “The President’s administration is redoubling efforts to have IPOB rightfully designated as a terrorist group by our allies outside of Nigeria – an act which will collapse their ability to transact gains from crime and extortion in foreign currencies.

“It is important to remind the Economist and the global media that this group’s aggression and widespread presence on social media does not reflect their public support, for which they have none: all elected governors, all elected politicians and all elected state assemblies in the South-East – which IPOB claim to be part of their fantasy kingdom – reject them completely.”…

Entertainment / Music / News

CKay, Omah Lay, P.Priime and Telz to represent Nigeria in #YouTubeBlack Voices Music Class of 2022

YouTube today announced a roster of 54 artists, songwriters and producers selected to join the #YouTubeBlack Voices Music Class of 2022. Among the acts from Australia, Brazil, Canada, USA and the UK are eight African artists based in Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya.

Supported by the #YouTube Black Voices Fund, the #YouTubeBlack Voices Music Class of 2022 is a development program designed to directly support and mentor Black artists, songwriters & producers worldwide. The addition of songwriters and producers to the 2022 class demonstrates the continuation and expansion of Youtube’s efforts to support Black artists on the platform.

With the aim of equipping up-and-coming Black artists, songwriters & producers with the resources to succeed on YouTube, the class will be grouped into two program streams: one for artists and one for songwriters and producers.

Class participants will each receive dedicated partner support, seed funding to invest in the development of their channels, and opportunities to participate in training and networking programs focused on production, fan engagement and wellbeing.

Over the next 6 months, they will also get opportunities to develop their catalogues and collaborate with other global artists, songwriters, and producers who have also been selected to take part in the program.

Commenting on the significance of the program, YouTube’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan, Addy Awofisayo says “African music is taking the entire world by storm and the #YouTubeBlackVoices Fund is an opportunity to both celebrate and nurture African artistry and help songwriters, producers and artists share their craft with global audiences.”

“Black culture is expansive and ever-changing and YouTube Music is committed to celebrating that experience through music,” she adds.

Nigeria’s Omah Lay whose music is heavily influenced by his background, strong culture and environment, has an undeniable connection to his audience and high hopes for his journey with YouTube Black Voices: “My music speaks to the people that love me, the people I love and the people that have been through what I have been through. I see the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund having an impact on my

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Entertainment / News

Dozens of Netflix employees stage protest over Dave Chappelle’s ‘The Closer’

Netflix staff, transgender activists and supporters recently staged a walkout outside the streamer’s Los Angeles offices over Dave Chappelle’s ‘transphobic’ jokes in his ‘The Closer’ stand-up comedy show.

The protests held on Wednesday, saw the protesters demand for inclusivity from the global streaming platform by calling for the funding of more trans and non-binary talent as well as the rejection of transphobic content.

Several videos currently making the rounds featured several Netflix stars including Jonathan Van Ness (Queer Eye), Jameela Jamil (The Good Place) who took turns addressing the demonstrators.

Prior to the protests, Netflix had reportedly released a statement in solidarity with the protesters. However, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos had released a statement saying he ‘screwed up’ for his initial comment on the heavily criticized show. He also maintained that his stance on not letting go of the show remains resolute.

Netflix and Chappelle have been embroiled in weeks long controversy over the comedy special released in October 5. The stand-up comedy star joked about Transgender people saying ‘gender is a fact’ and that LGBT people are ‘too sensitive’.

Chappelle has laughed off the backlash, recently saying: “If this is what being cancelled is about, I love it.”

Other LGBT celebrities including Elliot Page and Lilly Wachowski have also voiced their support for the protests on social media.

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Crime / Entertainment / Law / Music / News

‘I want to go to jail’ – angry Shatta Wale tells critics whilst leaving court

The Ghanaian dancehall act has been remanded by an Accra Circuit Court today over a charge of the publication of false news. He appeared in court wearing an all-white matching hoodie.

Whilst being whisked into a police van, Shatta Wale spoke to the media and other fans chanting his name. He said, “every day Shatta Wale do this, Shatta Wale do that, I want to f*cking go to jail“.

“Just send this to them, tell them I want to sleep in jail for this … fake prophets,” he added In the video below

Out of the staged reports that he has been shot on Tuesday, 18th October, Shatta Wale was slapped with one count of publication of false news while his three other accomplices, were charged with abetment to the publication of false news.

Meanwhile, during the hearing of his case, the dancehall act and his accomplices pleaded not guilty and have been ordered to reappear before the court on October 26, 2021.

Mr Jerry Avenorgbo who is the lawyer for accused persons prayed the court to grant his clients bail because they were not a flight risk and had a fixed place of abode. However, the prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Dennis Tekpetey opposed the bail application urging the court to remand the accused persons for further investigations.

According to him, another aspect of the case was still under investigation and hence granting bail to the accused persons will interfere with the investigation. His comment is believed to be in relation to the Prophet, Jesus Ahoufe, who first prophesied that Shatta Wale would be shot on 18th October.

The man of God has also been remanded and expected to appear in court again on 25th October.

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Music / News

Wizkid reveals Justin Bieber reached out to him for the remix of ‘Essence’

Nigerian music superstar Wizkid has revealed that Justin Bieber reached out to him for the remix of his hit record ‘Essence’.

Wizkid had Bieber on the remix of his successful record ‘Essence’, which is off his 2020 album ‘Made in Lagos’.

Bieber’s appearance on the record has further driven the song up the Billboard Hot 100 Chart-the remix is currently number nine.

Speaking about the remix, Wizkid revealed that it was Bieber that reached out to him.

“He reached out to me and he loved the record. He sent the verse and it was just fire,” Wizkid told American entertainment media platform, Complex.

“We linked up and we performed it together. We got some more music together as well.”

Bieber was excited when he jumped on the remix, taking to his social media to thank Wiz for letting him be on the ‘song of the summer’

He also went ahead to create his video for his verse and brought out Wizkid to perform the song on his set at Made in America.

Wizkid has broken several records with the record ‘Essence’, which also features Nigerian singer Tems.

In July, it became the first Nigerian song to crack the Billboard Hot 100 chart and rose to top-20. In September, it topped the Billboard Hip Hop and R&B chart and in October became the first Nigerian song to be certified platinum in the United States.

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Law / Movies / News

Baba Ijesha’s alleged victim narrates in graphic detail how she was sexually assaulted

The foster daughter of Nigerian comedian, Princess, has narrated how she was sexually assaulted by disgraced movie star, Baba Ijesha.

The actor was arrested in April for sexually assaulting the young child.

The teenager on Wednesday, October 20, in a video played during proceedings at an Ikeja Special Offences Court said the 49-year-old embattled actor told her he was her boyfriend. She said that Baba Ijesha visited the house where she was staying with her guardian, (Princess) and brought out his penis then asked her to sit on his lap.

“I didn’t make a sound after seeing his private part. I sat on his laps myself and removed my pant because of my concentration on the cartoon I was watching,” she said.

“I sat in front of the television trying to watch cartoons. Baba Ijesha told me to come and sit on his lap and so I did. Then he removed his private part and told me to sit on him.”

She claimed that Baba Ijesha returned again the following day and penetrated her with a key.

“He parked his car away from his house and that was where he inserted his car key into my private part while trying to kiss me. When he inserted the car key, I felt some type of way,” she claimed.

It would be recalled that a few weeks ago, a forensic expert had revealed how the actor inserted a key into the private part of the minor.

Baba Ijesha was detained on April 22, 2021, after the Lagos State Police Command announced his arrest for allegedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in the care of Princess.

The actor is being charged on six counts of sexual assault by penetration, indecent treatment of a child, and sexual assault.

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Church / Fraud / News

How Daystar, Elevation Church got entangled in N22b Ponzi scheme

A couple, identified as Bamise Samson and Elizabeth Ajetunmobi, have disappeared into thin air with investors’ N22 billion.

The couple, said to be owners of Imagine Global Solutions (Imagine Lenders) Investment Scheme, allegedly scammed people to the tune of N22 billion.

Many distraught investors have taken to social media to express their shock and revealed how much they had invested.

A particular investor was said to be suicidal. Also, a WhatsApp group has been created where victims are urged to join and talk about their investments and how to track and locate the fleeing couple.

Some of the investors are said to be members of different churches in Nigeria, including Daystar Christian Centre and The Elevation Church.

PiggyVest was also said to be a victim.

However, TEC and PiggyVest had promptly denied the allegation by coming out with statements.

Different people have taken to social media to reveal their ordeals.

One of them said his friend invested N20 million, asking how he could join the WhatsApp group for victims.

Another investor stated that he invested N69.5 million.

Another person said: “A friend’s company invested 1 Billion. And their office is currently locked. She told me this week, no trace of them yet.”

A woman mentioned that her husband invested almost N90 million.

Another woman stated her husband, who was a senior colleague of Ajetunmobi when they were in Zenith Bank PLC, had invested almost N30 million.

While revealing that she knew many people who invested in Ajetunmobi’s scheme, added that the man last week stopped picking her husband’s phone calls.

She added: “One guy resigned from Zenith bank due to plenty of returns he was getting from the investment, he raised 500 Million from different people. Now the guy has been suicidal….I heard they (Bamise and Elizabeth) bought a big house at Banana Island also.”

Latest information however has it that the couple, with a home in highbrow Banana Island in Lagos State, and known for going for expensive trips, no longer live Nigeria.

They are believed to be in …

Football / Sports

Champions League: Liverpool survive Atletico Madrid comeback

Liverpool survived an Atletico Madrid fightback to win 3-2 and Lionel Messi scored twice as Paris Saint-Germain came from behind to beat RB Leipzig by the same score on a breathless night of Champions League action on Tuesday.

In other games, Karim Benzema netted for Real Madrid as the 13-time European champions thrashed Shakhtar Donetsk 5-0 in Ukraine on the eve of the start of his trial in France on charges of complicity in blackmail.

Much of the night’s drama happened at the Wanda Metropolitano in the Spanish capital where Mohamed Salah scored another impressive goal, twisting away from a string of Atletico defenders before his shot deflected in off James Milner to open the scoring.

Naby Keita doubled Liverpool’s lead with a stunning volley but Atletico hit back with French international Antoine Griezmann scoring twice to fire up the home crowd.

Just as Atletico seemed to have the upper hand, Griezmann was given a straight red card for a high boot in the face of Roberto Firmino.

A pulsating game was decided from the penalty spot in the 78th minute as Salah sent Jan Oblak the wrong way after Mario Hermoso pushed Diogo Jota. The Egyptian’s 31st Champions League goal makes him the club’s top scorer in the competition, overtaking Steven Gerrard.

In a dramatic finish, Atletico were denied a penalty when the referee studied the VAR and decided Jota had not fouled Jose Maria Gimenez.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp told BT Sport: “We played a really solid second half in a tough game with intense football from both teams.

“We got the penalty, then there was a red card and obviously it was in our favor.”

The Reds are top of Group B with three wins out of three while Atletico are equal on four points with Porto, who beat AC Milan 1-0 in Portugal.…

Basket Ball / Sports

Bucks begin title defense with 127-104 victory over Nets

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks didn’t let the celebration of the franchise’s first NBA championship in half a century distract them as they opened their title defense.

In his first game since scoring 50 points in a title-clinching Game 6 NBA Finals victory over the Phoenix Suns, Antetokounmpo had 32 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists to lead the Bucks to a 127-104 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night.

”We’re part of history,” Antetokounmpo said. ”I’m excited. But now it’s over with. We’ve got to focus on building good habits, keep moving forward and keep playing good basketball and hopefully we can repeat this again this year, next year and all the years that we’re going to be here down the road.”

Khris Middleton and Pat Connaughton each added 20 points to help the Bucks withstand the loss of Jrue Holiday, who sat out the second half with a bruised right heel after scoring 12 points. Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said MRI results on Holiday were encouraging.

Kevin Durant led the Nets with 32 points and 11 rebounds. Patty Mills scored 21 points and shot 7 of 7 from 3-point range. James Harden added 20 points.

”We weren’t very good,” Brooklyn coach Steve Nash said. ”If you’re not playing at a high level against the champs, you’re not going to win.”

The Nets were missing star guard Kyrie Irving, who isn’t with the team due to his refusal to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

A New York mandate requires professional athletes on local teams to be vaccinated to practice or play in public venues. Rather than using Irving exclusively in road games, the Nets decided he wouldn’t play or practice with them at all until he could be a full participant.

After receiving their rings, raising a banner and watching a highlight video of their first NBA championship since 1971, the Bucks defeated the team that nearly eliminated them in the second round of the playoffs. Antetokounmpo acknowledged that he teared up a little bit during the pregame …

Basket Ball / Sports

Curry, Warriors stun James, Lakers 121-114 in opener

Opening night in Hollywood went well for three quarters for Los Angeles Lakers superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors.

But it was a flop for their new supporting cast, including L.A. native and former league MVP Russell Westbrook.

Curry, a two-time MVP, had 21 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for the Warriors, who rallied from 10 points down to stun the Lakers 121-114 in a season opener Tuesday night.

The Lakers went cold in the fourth quarter, and surrendered the lead halfway through the period.

James had 34 points and 11 rebounds, while Davis had 33 points and 11 rebounds. No other Lakers scored in double figures.

”Those two guys were spectacular,” coach Frank Vogel said. ”We’re going to be pretty good if we get those type of performances. We just have to be better defensively. This is a team that is all new to each other, so everybody’s finding their way a little bit.”

Wesbrook shot just 4 for 13 for eight points in his Lakers debut.

”Him more than anybody, it’s going to be an adjustment period,” Vogel said. ”He’s coming into our culture, our system, he’s the new guy, he’s got to find his way. It’s difficult, when you’re used to being the guy that has the ball most nights, to be able to play off others like LeBron and A.D. It’s just a little bit different for him. He’s going to be great for us but it’s going to be an adjustment period.”

James and Davis said they helped console Westbrook afterward.

”I told Russ to go home and watch a comedy,” James said. ”Put a smile on his face. Don’t be so hard on himself.”

The Lakers had an 84-74 lead late in the third quarter after a jumper by Kent Bazemore, but the Warriors slowly closed the gap.

”We didn’t finish quarters well the whole night,” Vogel said. ”We gave up a 38-point fourth quarter. If you do that you’re going to lose most nights. …

Breaking News / EndSARS / News

Police arrest two persons at #EndSARS memorial protest in Lekki [ PHOTOS ]

Two persons have been arrested by the Nigerian Police Force at the Lekki Toll Gate, the venue of the #EndSARS memorial protest in Lagos.

It was gathered that one of the arrested was a lone protester dressed in a white, while the other is a journalist with Legit.ng.

The journalist, Abisola Alawode, was assaulted while doing a live streaming reportage of the #EndSARS memorial protest.

Both persons were reportedly beaten, punched in the nose, and subsequently driven away in a police truck. About 30 police trucks and officers are currently at the toll plaza. Remember that the EndSARS protest was sparked by extrajudicial killings committed by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a Nigerian Police Force unit established in late 1992 to combat robbery, motor vehicle theft, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and firearms offense.…