Entertainment / News / politics

Rapper Zoro demands the release of pro-Biafran activist Nnamdi Kanu

Kanu is a Nigerian pro-Biafra political activist, who has been under the custody of the Nigerian government for weeks now.

In a post shared via his Instagram on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, the music star demanded that the activist be released.

“There’s a lot I’d love to say, first is I’d love if you listen to your conscience only if it’s well-fed shaa. #freemazinnamdikanu,” he wrote.

First arrested on October 14, 2015, Kanu jumped bail and fled Nigeria in 2017 after the invasion of his home in Abia State, southeastern Nigeria.

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News

Sierra Leonean accuses Mike Adenuga of abandonment after dating him for 30 years

A Sierra Leonean, Lora Olumide Johnson, has accused Globacom boss, Mike Adenuga, of being behind moves to throw her out of her apartment after 30 years of dating him.

The accusation comes amid court rulings granting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission power to retrieve the property from Johnson in a case of misconduct against her and some other staff of Globacom.

The lady levelled the accusation in a video obtained by The Eagle Online, which has since gone viral.

In the video, Johnson, who served as Adenuga’s Secretary for 30 years, alleged that she gave him her life, addinging that he never did anything for her. According to Johnson, she has no children or husband.

She said: “What did I do, tell me?

“I gave my life to Adenuga.

“You want to drive me out of this house.

“How many houses do I have?

“What did he do for me?

“He didn’t do anything for me.

“I don’t have children, no husband.

“Mike Adenuga leave me alone.”

However, the move to eject Johnson was said to be purely the execution of a court order by the EFCC.

Johnson, according to societynow.ng, is facing prosecution for alleged misconducts at her former place of employment, Globacom.

She was accused of inflating air ticket fares and over-invoicing on purchases of vehicles reportedly to the tune of over N1 billion.

The EFCC is reported by the online newspaper as prosecuting her and others linked to the matter for “illegitimate wealth” acquisition.

The others listed as respondents in the case are Babajide Aremu Johnson, Olabose Ibrahim Falobi, Steve Nnamdi Izebu, Steve Ibem and Bakoliza Limited.

The information available to societynow.ng revealed that in the name of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the EFCC dragged Johnson to court based on its finding.

The court by the ruling of Justice A.M. Liman on February 16, 2021 granted an interim forfeiture order on some of the properties and the bank accounts of Johnson and others involved.

The affected persons, including Johnson, however, tried to block the interim …

News / politics / Transportation

NASS urges transport ministry to regulate fares during Sallah

The National Assembly (NASS) has urged the Ministry of Transportation to evolve strategies to check arbitrary hikes in transportation fares during the festive period.

Minister of State for Transportation, Senator Gbemisola Saraki, disclosed this in a statement issued by Mr Eric Orjiekwe, the Director Press and Public Relations of the ministry on Friday.

Saraki made the remark during a meeting with stakeholders in the road transport sector in Abuja.

She said the meeting was at the instance of the House of Representatives, following deliberations on the arbitrary increase in transport fares during festive periods, particularly for land transport.

Saraki, who was represented by the Director, Road Transport and Mass Transit Administration of the ministry, Mary Ejembi, said an in-depth look at reasons for fare hikes which cause the citizens pain and affect the economy adversely was the thrust of the meeting. Ejembi said the lawmakers were concerned that well-meaning Nigerians were already viewing the situation as a gross exhibition of greed and a monumental corruption on the part of transporters who capitalize on high commuter traffic to exploit the people.

She said: “The stakeholders, after due deliberations, called on the federal government to prioritize road construction and maintenance to reduce damage to vehicles.

“They called on the government to reduce park duties while also enacting traffic laws backed up with technology.

“They also advised that the activities of unions be monitored and regulated to reduce the hardship on passengers.

“They equally suggested that road transport unions should be compelled to organize periodic training for drivers to curb incessant road mishaps.”

Earlier, the National President, Driving School Association of Nigeria (DSAN), Mr Jide Owatunmise, in his remarks disclosed that “recovery factor” was one of the elements responsible for the hike in fares during festive periods.

Owatunmise said this was because road operators see festive periods as an opportunity to recover lost grounds during off-festive seasons.

The Deputy National Secretary-General, Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Mr Henry Ugwu, said double taxation from bodies and establishments like the state governments and …

Military / News

Nigerian Army confirms killing of General by gunmen

The Nigerian Army has announced the death of its former Provost Marshal, Major General Hassan Ahmed, who was killed by gunmen on Thursday.

The confirmation was made by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu.

In a statement on Friday in Abuja, Nwachukwu said the incident occurred when the senior officer’s vehicle was attacked by gunmen while transiting along Lokoja-Abuja Road on Thursday.

He said: “With a heavy heart, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, Officers and Soldiers of the Nigerian Army regret to announce the passing on of Major General Hassan Ahmed, a former Provost Marshall of the Nigerian Army.

“A delegation from the Army Headquarters led by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Anthony Omozoje, has visited the widow and other members of the bereaved family.

“Members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) led by the Deputy National President, Mrs Stella Omozoje, have also visited the family to condole with them.

“The remains of the deceased senior officer will be accorded a befitting burial at the Lungi Barracks Cemetery on Friday, July 16 by 10am.”…

Education / News

COVID-19: UNILAG shuts halls of residence indefinitely, reverts to virtual learning

To avoid escalation of COVID-19 cases at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), the authorities, yesterday, shut down the hostels effective today till further notice and ordered students to vacate campus.

This followed the panic ignited by Tuesday’s report that more than six students from Honors, Moremi and Amina hostels reportedly contracted coronavirus and were sent to an isolation center. The development led the school management to convey an emergency Senate meeting yesterday.

The students were also advised to move all their personal effects at once. As of press time, students were seen packing their bags to go home.

Authorities also confirmed there has been a recent increase in the number of persons within the university community, who have presented with symptoms of COVID-19 infection.

In a statement yesterday, the University Senate, after the emergency meeting approved that all students vacate the halls of residence by 12noon today indefinitely. It also added that contact tracing has enabled them to identify those who have had exposure to the affected students and directed them to self-isolate immediately.

The statement reads: “The University of Lagos commenced physical classes at the end of May 2021 when the positivity rate of the infection dropped to about one per cent. The university management continued to enforce the COVID-19 protocols in all the teaching and learning spaces as well as the halls of residence.

“In addition, the COVID-19 vaccination was made available to the staff and students through the support of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council. Lately, some students have tested positive. These students have been sent to the appropriate designated facilities in the state and contact tracing has enabled us to identify those who have had exposure and directed them to isolate. The situation is, indeed, worrisome especially noting the reluctance of the majority of students to comply with the COV1D-19 prevention protocols.”

Sources within the school equally confirmed receiving a Whatsapp broadcast message from the Dean of Students Affairs (DSA), Mr Ademola Adeleke, informing them to leave the school’s hostels. “Lectures for the rest of …

Entertainment / News

Rudeboy of P Square announces debut solo album

The 12-track album will be released on August 5, 2021 and will feature no one. Production is handled by Chrisstringz, Selebobo, Orbeat and LordSky. Executive Producer is Rudeboy himself and the project was supervised by his older brother, Jude ‘Engees’ Okoye.

Since P Square became defunct, Rudeboy has released hits like ‘Reason With Me’ and ‘Audio Money.’ His brother, Mr. P also dropped his album earlier this year.

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Entertainment / Music / News

‘God blessed me with triplets, I lost one of them 4 days after’ – Kizz Daniel

Recall the singer announced the arrival of his twins back in May.

In a post shared via his Instagram page on Thursday, July 15, 2021, the music star said he welcomed three children but lost one of the boys four days after they were born.

“God blessed me with 3 boys a while back 🙏🏽 JAMAL, JALIL and JELANI (triplets). 4 days after I lost JAMAL. Nevertheless, I made a promise to him that I’ll be the best father in the whole galaxy to his brothers,” he wrote.

He went on to share documents of the properties he bought for his son, Jelani and Jalil.

 

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Crime / News

30 alleged fraudsters in Lagos hotel tried distracting us with naked ladies – EFCC

In the early hours of Tuesday July 13, 2021 a team of operatives from the Lagos Zonal Office of the Commission, acting on verified intelligence on the activities of a suspected syndicate of internet fraudsters carried out an operation at Parkitonian Hotel in the Lekki area of Lagos.

During the sting operation which was the culmination of weeks of surveillance during which the rooms occupied by the suspects were identified, 30 suspects were arrested with 24 of them already confessing involvement in cybercrimes and related activities.

There was no incident as the hotel management served with the relevant Warrant offered access to the operatives, to carry out their lawful duties.

However, in the course of the operation, the Operatives encountered women in some of the rooms who pleaded nudity to stop them from arresting their targets. This has lately become the antics of cyber fraudsters who procure ladies to plead nudity as a decoy, to allow their consort destroy incriminating items in their devices before arrest.  The Commission will not fall for such gimmick which is intended to prevent it from carrying out its lawful duties.

It must however be stated for emphasis, that there was no break in, no molestation and no violence of any kind during the operation.

Yet a section of the media, especially the online publication, People Gazette and the Punch Newspaper, which lapped up People Gazette’s report hook line and sinker, presented a narrative of gestapo operation, with forceful break in and the violation of the privacy of nude guests.

Interestingly, a common thread to the report is attribution to faceless sources. It is curious that citizens whose right to privacy had been so blatantly violated as claimed, would be hesitant to publicly speak about their ordeal. Even more worrisome is the fact that a responsible publication like the Punch Newspaper did not bother to carry out a fact-check on the allegations of break in and violence but simply regurgitated the false narrative of People Gazette.

Also, from the two reports, both the hotel owner …

News / Security / Transportation

Eid-el Kabir: FRSC deploys 3,5000 personnel, 736 patrol vehicles, 120 ambulances

To ensure safe travels for all road users, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it has deployed a total of 3,500 personnel, 736 patrol vehicles and over 200 motorcycles for the 2021 Eid-el Kabir special patrol before, during and after the celebrations.

The Corps Public Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem, who disclosed this said that the Corps is embarking on the special patrol operation to ensure that motorists and other road users have a hitch-free celebration, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, prevailing security challenges and the rain season.

He also said 120 ambulances and 25 tow trucks would be on the road during the special operation that would commence on 16 to 25 July 2021 nationwide.

He urged motorists to endeavor to avoid traffic violations and remain conscious of their safety to avoid not only arrest and prosecution by members of the corps, but falling prey to avoidable road crashes.

He added: “The mission of the special operation is to ensure free flow of traffic, provide prompt rescue services and timely clearance of obstructions on all major roads and critical corridors across the country before, during and after the festive period as well as reduce Road Traffic Crashes, Road Traffic Fatalities and Road Traffic Injuries; enforce strict compliance with COVID-19 protocols by motorists and road users, and ensure high visibility of the corps on the highways.”

Kazeem said the Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, had directed commanding officers operating across various formations nationwide to ensure that the 52 corridors are properly manned throughout the period of the operations.

He appealed to motorists to obey all traffic rules and regulations and cooperate fully with the FRSC and other law enforcement agencies that would be deployed for traffic management duties, saying Mobile Courts would be in session across the country for prompt dispensation of justice to recalcitrant traffic violators.

The Corps Marshal, also directed that the operatives pay first-rate focus to effective traffic control, wrongful overtaking, use of phone while driving, drivers license violation, lane discipline, removal of rickety vehicles from the road, …

Entertainment / News

Comedian Basketmouth welcomes 3rd child with wife Elsie

The comedian took to his Instagram page on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, where he announced the big news.

“Happy birthday darling dearest @elsieokpocha I am so blessed to have an amazon for a wife. Here’s wishing you the very best things in life….which starts from me,” he wrote.

“P.S: Thanks for updating my fatherhood licence a month ago, I am now upgraded to version 4. P.S.2: You’re beautiful AF!!! ❤️❤️❤️.”

Elsie also took to her Instagram page where she shared the good news. However, she revealed she had three miscarriages before welcoming her third child.

Congratulations to the Okpochas from all of us at Pulse.

This is Basketmouth’s fourth child.

The comedian and his wife have three children together.

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Entertainment / News

Runtown releases with track-list for new album

Titled, Signs the new album will be a follow up to Tradition a 6-track EP he released in 2019 as well as his 2015 debut album, Ghetto University which was released to wide acclaim.

Till date, Runtown’s debut album saw him rise from a promising act to an African international pop star, topping charts across the globe, and by extension, led him to headline an array of massive gigs from Lagos to Kampala, London, South Africa, Zanzibar, Trinidad, New York and more recently, Paris.

Armed with utter focus and peace of mind, with this new EP, the singer is ready to raise the bar beyond familiar boundaries.

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Entertainment / News

‘I promise you your family will be safe and good’ – 2Baba to Sound Sultan

The singer passed away on Sunday, July 11, 2021, at the age of 44.

He died following a hard-fought battle with Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is a group of related cancers that affect the lymphatic system.

The music star took to his Instagram page on Tuesday, July 13, where he penned an emotional note.

“Couldn’t bring myself to do this but what can we do. Rest well. Till we meet again my dear friend and brother. Still so unreal. Will never stop celebrating u. I promise u your fam will be safe and good. #GRATEFUL for u and the blessings that u represented in my life,” he wrote.

The music star was buried according to Muslim rites on Sunday in the United States of America.

He is survived by a wife, three children and siblings

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News / politics

2023: Tinubu won’t be president, polls may be postponed — Primate Ayodele

The Founder of Inri Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele, has spoken on what to expect of the 2023 polls in the country.

Ayodele spoke during the presentation of the 2021/2022 edition of his book of prophesy: “Warnings to the Nations.”

The book is a compendium of prophecies for countries of the world, with special focus on Nigeria.

On the 2023 general election, Primate Ayodele dismissed the threat that there would be no polls, adding that it could, however, be moved forward.

“Nobody is going to stop the election.

“Though the date of the election might be shifted, but there will be elections.”

On the presidential ambition of former Lagos State Governor and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Servant of God ruled out the chances of his taking over from President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said: “Tinubu taking over this country from Buhari is going to be another disaster.

“The best Tinubu should do for himself is to keep away from politics now.

“Tinubu cannot become the president of this country.

“APC will not even give him the chance.”

Primate Ayodele also spoke of more problems ahead for the Peoples Democratic Party, adding that two more governors would desert the party for the ruling party to worsen the crisis rocking the party.

He said: “If the elections were to hold today, APC would definitely lose out, but the question is: does PDP have the right candidate for the election now?

“Nigerians are definitely tired of the APC, but the PDP does not have anybody.

“It’s only if the PDP can present a credible person.

“Mark my words.

“(Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar) Malami factor will decide a lot of things in APC.

“Likewise in PDP, (Aminu) Tambuwal, (Abubakar Bukola) Saraki, (Rabiu) Kwankwaso and (Nyesom) Wike will determine a lot of things in PDP.

“PDP will have a lot of problems because of the plot to remove (National Chairman of the PDP, Uche) Secondus.”…

Crime / News / politics

Ex-governor Suswam opposes state police

A former governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam, has spoken against the creation of state police.

Speaking with newsmen in Abuja, Suswam said even when he was a governor, he opposed state police because he believed “most of us don’t have the maturity to control state police.”

He said: “The proposal in the constitution for amendment is that governors will appoint Commissioners of Police, and I can’t be party to that because I know the implication for that. That will be a recipe for complete disintegration of the country, except we want that.

“As a governor, there is no way you will come to my state and misbehave and I won’t charge you for nuisance and put you in jail. And when it comes to elections, you know that I can appoint a Commissioner of Police.

“My mother can be Commissioner of Police, my cousins will be the DPOs here and there, and my lackeys can be in positions; so, anywhere somebody is my opponent politically, that person is gone. So, we can’t practice state police.”

He said Nigeria should not compare itself with developed countries on the issue of state police as those countries had “gone past where we are today.”

“We’ve to wait until we are mature enough for state police,” he said.…

Crime / News

Kaduna: Bandits kill 222, kidnapped 774 in three months – Commissioner

Bandits in three months in Kaduna State have been reported to have killed 222 persons and abducted 774 during heavily armed attacks.

This was disclosed by the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan.

The Commissioner, who spoke on Tuesday when he presented the second quarter security report in the state, said bandits raped 20 women between April and June 2021.

He noted that 159 persons out of the total number killed were from Kaduna Central Senatorial District, which falls under Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Igabi, Chikun and Kajuru Local Government Areas. He said 54 persons were killed in Southern Kaduna Senatorial District.

Five of those killed were women, with four minors.

Aruwan said for Kaduna Northern Senatorial District, nine deaths were recorded, adding that among those abducted were 239 women and 32 minors.

He said 87 bandits were killed by security agencies and 24 suspects arrested by the Department of State Services.

He put the total number of cattle rustled by bandits at 8,553.

Aruwan added: “Insecurity, particularly in frontline communities, have threatened food security because most farmers in those communities have abandoned their farmlands for fear of being killed or kidnapped for ransom.”…

Crime / Education / News

Chaos in Abraka as student is killed, two others Abducted

Gunmen have killed a 400 Level student of the Department of Medical Biochemistry, Delta State University, Abraka, Stephen Odje, and abducted two others.

The students killed as they journeyed back to school to resume for the 2020/2021 academic session.

The management of DELSU has confirmed the development.

In a statement by the Dean, Students’ Affairs, Prof. Chukwujindu Iwegbue, the management, with the family of the deceased, called on the relevant security agencies to fish out the assailants and ensure the safe rescue of the abducted victims.

So also has the Student Union Government of the school called for the arrest of those who killed Odje and release of those abducted.

In a statement by the President of the SUG, Comrade Mukolo Ogelenya Solomon, the students deplored the precarious state of students in the hands of murderous hoodlums.

The statement said: “It is also painful to the entire student body that when such incidents occur, law enforcement agencies within and around the state have not done enough to bring the perpetrators to book.

“The incident may lead to a breakdown of law and order within Abraka and its environs and the entire state in general if urgent steps are not taken to effect the immediate and unconditional release of the kidnapped victims.”

The Delta State Police Command has also confirmed the development.

The spokesman of the Command, DSP Bright Edafe, said operatives had been deployed to rescue the abducted students as well as arrest the perpetrators of the crime.…

Crime / News

Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu, orders arrest of three traffic robbers

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, ordered the arrest of a gang of suspected criminals that specializes in harassing motorists and road users in traffic.

Sanwo-Olu had while handing over security equipment purchased by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) to the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, for the use of Lagos Police Command, on Thursday, June 10, 2021, said there would be no hiding place for criminals in the state.

He said: “We are determined to stabilize the security situation in Lagos State, as our own contribution towards lasting national security.”

Sanwo-Olu stated after the security personnel arrested the three machete-wielding criminals that the exercise was a warning signal to other criminal elements and prospective traffic robbers in Lagos that there is no hiding place for criminality in the state.

ALSO, the Strike Squad of the Lagos State Taskforce carried out a massive raid on motorcycle (okada) riders at Second Rainbow and Toyota Bus Stop along Apapa-Oshodi Expressway.

During the raid, which lasted for some hours, 105 motorcycles were impounded. Prior to yesterday’s raid, 201 motorcycles were impounded last week.…

Entertainment / Foreign / News

Eddy Murphy’s son is dating Martin Lawrence’s daughter

Jasmine Lawrence revealed their relationship in a sweet Instagram post celebrating his 32nd birthday on Saturday, July 10, 2021.

“Happy birthday, my love! I’m so incredibly blessed to know you, to love you, and to have you by my side. Cheers to many more blessings, laughs, and beautiful memories! I love you so much!! 🖤✨,” she wrote.

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Crime / Law / News

Naira Marley’s alleged internet fraud case adjourned for 3 months

The music star was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in 2019 for alleged internet fraud.

On Monday, July 12, 2021, Justice Nicholas Oweibo of a Federal High Court in Lagos adjourned till October 5 (85 days) to continue the alleged internet fraud trial.

At the resumption of proceedings, counsel to the EFCC, Bilkisu Buhari, informed the judge that the matter was slated for cross-examination of the second prosecution witness, Anosike.

She prayed the court to invite the witness for the continuation of the hearing.

However, the defense counsel Akinwale Kola-Taiwo, prayed the court for a short date for the continuation of trial on the grounds that “the matter is for mention today and not continuation as disclosed by the prosecution.”

Granting his prayer, Justice Oweibo adjourned the case till October 5, 6 and 7 for continuation of trial.

The long adjournment is in view of the court’s annual vacation, which begins on July 26 and ends on September 17 (53 days).

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News / politics

Kalu speaks on report he discussed IPOB with UK at meeting

The Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has debunked reports circulated on the social media that he paid a private visit to the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, where he allegedly discussed the affairs of the Indigenous People of Biafra.

The former Governor of Abia State spoke on the development in a statement on Monday.

This was even as he snapped at individuals and groups to desist from antagonizing his person.

In the statement by Emeka Nwala, Kalu explained that the British High Commissioner visited him (Kalu) in his Abuja residence on May 13 in company of the Political Counsellor, British High Commission, Jonathan Bacon, and Stuart Gardner, the First Secretary, Political.

“To put the records straight, I neither visited nor discussed IPOB with the British High Commissioner as reported.

“Those behind this repeatedly shameful act will live to regret their actions as their efforts will not only fail but turn around to favour me.”

The fake story circulated in the media with Kalu as the author read: “I visited the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Her Excellency, Mrs Catriona Laing with my brother Senator Chris Ngige to express gratitude over her contributions in silencing the issues of insecurities and attacks on the Nigerian force personnel championed by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as the issue of insecurity and killing has been defeated totally in the Eastern region.

“We also made it known to her that the entire Igbo elites strongly believed in one Nigeria and very much in support of President Muhammadu Buhari led government.”

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