Abdul's Blog: 06/05/17

Monday 5 June 2017

Ethiopian Airlines named African Airline of the Year

Ethiopian Airlines has been named the African Airline of the year, 2016, in recognition of its continued rapid growth, increased profitability and outstanding contribution to aviation development in Africa.

A statement by the airline on Monday in Abuja, disclosed that the award was announced at the 26th Annual Air Finance Africa Conference and Exhibition held in Johannesburg, South Africa.

British police name two London attackers

British police on Monday named two of the three attackers who killed seven people near London Bridge late on Saturday and injured dozens more, and said one of them was previously known to the security services.

London’s Metropolitan Police said one attacker was Khuram Shazad Butt, aged 27. Butt was previously known to police and domestic spy agency, MI5 and was a British citizen who had been born in Pakistan, the police said.

INEC fixes July 8 for by-election to replace Adeleke

The Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled July 8 for the conduct of the by-election to fill the Osun West Senatorial District vacant seat at the upper legislative chamber.

This was contained in a notice dated Monday, June 5th and signed by the Administrative Secretary of INEC in Osun State, Ademusire E.A.

55 Govt officials, businessmen diverted N1.35 trillion from 2006-2013 – Sagay

The Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), Prof. Itse Sagay, has revealed that a study has shown that 55 top Nigeria government officials and private businessmen illicitly diverted a total of N1.35 trillion between 2006 and 2013.

Sagay, who spoke at the old Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja, during the Conference on Promoting International Co-operation in Combating Illicit Financial Flow and Enhancing Asset Recovery to Foster Sustainable Development, revealed that at least one trillion naira was lost to fuel subsidy scam in the country and millions of dollars stolen by an ex-minister from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) coffers to bribe election officials in 2015.

NFF condole with Tiote’s family over Ivorian star’s death

The Nigeria Football Federation on Monday extended their deep condolences to the family of Cote d’Ivoire international Cheick Tiote who died after collapsing at a training session in China.

“Rest in peace, Cheick Tioté – our condolences are with the Ivorian Football family, his family and friends. #RIPTiote,” NFF wrote via their Twitter account @thenff on Monday.

Dammy Krane's mother, Elizabeth Adeola Oshodi, has issued an official statement on his arrest for theft, fraud and grand theft in Maimi, US. The singer was on Friday, 2nd of June, arrested for grand theft allegations, credit card fraud, and identity theft. He is currently being held in jail at the Miami Dade County Corrections as he awaits to meet his bond requirement.

In a statement issued through her Facebook account, the singer's mother claimed that Dammy Krane's flight ticket and hotel bookings were fraudulently purchased by a show promoter before he got arrested while trying to board a flight from Maimi to Washington.

Ligue 1 side, PSG remains interested in signing the Chilean, along with the likes of Chelsea and Juventus, but the Gunners have no intention of selling.

Arsenal remain convinced that they will be able to retain Alexis Sanchez and have informed PSG that he will not be sold according to Goal.

The Ligue 1 club remain interested in signing the Chile international, with the likes of Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Juventus also keen on securing the 28-year-old's services.

A teenager mistakenly killed his girlfriend while playing around with a gun her father had bought him as a graduation present, according to reports.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office said 18-year-old Brennan Fields from Tennessee was playing with the gun when it accidentally went off.

Zimbabwe gets EU $2.6m for human rights protection

The European Union, EU, on Monday extended a $2.6 million grant to Zimbabwe to help improve human rights protection.

The grant marked the resumption of EU direct development assistance to Zimbabwe since 2002 when the bloc imposed sanctions on the country.

Olivier Giroud is France’s main goal scorer – Deschamps

Didier Deschamps is happy to put his faith in Olivier Giroud as France’s primary goal scorer.

The powerful striker has been a bit-part player for much of the past two seasons at Arsenal, but scored 16 goals last term and 24 in 2015-16, despite often being used from the bench.

Giroud scored a hat trick in France’s 5-0 win over Paraguay on Friday and Deschamps told L’Equipe: “At Arsenal he is not playing as much. When you look at his effectiveness compared to his playing time, he is very, very good.

A man allegedly shot and killed nine people after he was mocked for not being a “real man” because he had failed to serve in the Russian army.

Police have arrested Sergey Yegorov, 45, suspected of murdering five men and four women in a drunken rage during a house party in the Tver region.

Yegorov, who trained as an electrician, was shown on his knees and handcuffed behind his back in a police vehicle guarded by armed officers.

Crisis broke out at the Aga area of Ikorodu after stray bullet from policemen allegedly hit three people.
Police were said to have fired shots to disperse a crowd that gathered to lynch a suspected member of murderous gang, Badoo.

The suspect, identified as Vincent Onama was caught around 2a.m by members of the local vigilante group, Onyabo, while allegedly trying to dispossess/kill a motorcyclist.

A middle-aged man, identified as Obinna Stephen, has been arrested by the Ondo State Police Command for his alleged involvement in the kidnap of an eight-year-old boy in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The victim is a child of Stephen’s boss, Mr. Ezechiefor Chuks, who is a trader in electrical materials in Arakale Market, Akure, while the suspect is an apprentice.

The suspect was paraded on Friday at the police headquarters in Akure along with three other suspects, among whom is a herbalist, identified as Eze Ifeanyi.

Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and president of Dangote group, has recorded a $1.1 billion increase in fortune over the last six days.

The increase in Dangote’s fortune is due to the rally currently being recorded at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) over the week.

TheCable understands that NSE has gained N1.06 trillion in June alone, and about 30 percent of that has gone to Dangote Cement.

American authorities say there have been “multiple fatalities ” in a shooting in a commercial district in Orlando , Florida on Monday.

The Orange County Sheriff ’ s Department tweeted that deputies were at a “ shooting scene that has stabilised , ” with the situation “ contained . ”

Orlando was the scene of a massacre on June 12 , 2016 , when a gunman vowing allegiance to the Islamic State movement killed 49 people in a gay night club .

( dpa /NAN )

Missing five-year-old girl found dead, eyes gouged out

Authorities said on Monday that the body of a five -year - old girl was discovered in Cape Town over the weekend .

According to the Western Cape Provincial Department of Social Development , the child , from Strand in Cape Town , went missing on Saturday , but her body was found the following day , with her eyes gouged out.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has hailed Michael Carrick as “one of greatest players in English football” and says he regrets not signing him at some point in his career.

Carrick, 35, signed a new one-year deal at

Manchester United last month, and on Sunday enjoyed a star-studded testimonial to mark his 11 years at Old Trafford.

Controversial media personality, AOP Freeze, has waded into the arrest of Nigerian artiste, Dammy Krane.

Recall that there were reports that the singer was on Friday last week arrested for allegedly using a stolen credit card to book a private jet.

Apple ‘to unveil Amazon Echo-style smart speaker powered by Siri' today

If you’ve ever wished that you could yell at Apple’s Siri voice assistant from across your front room, Apple is about to make your dreams come true.

The Silicon Valley giant is reportedly set to unveil a ‘smart speaker’ to take on Amazon’s hit Echo and Google’s Home at an event later today.

Nigeria’s former Minister of health, Babatunde Osotimehin, is dead. Babatunde Osotimehin was born in February 1949 in Ogun State.

Up until his death, the 68-year-old was the executive director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

He is survived by five children and three grandchildren.

The cause of his death, yet unknown.

600 Billion Naira Oil Search In North-east Suffers Major Setback

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) oil search in the Northeast on the order of President Muhammadu Buhari is said to have suffered a major setback over the deferment of the return of equipment and personnel to exploration site in the Lake Chad.

Raymond Dokpesi, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), joined some notable politicians to unveil a new party – the Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA) – on Monday.

The Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has claimed that some Northerners are bent on causing conflict between the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo and President Muhammadu Buhari.

Sani said the Northerners were trying to cause disaffection through the constant attack on the Acting President.

After Ronaldo's peerless display against Juventus in the Champions League final, any critics who remain simply can't be convinced and he has a word for them. Speaking after the game, Ronaldo said:

'I scored two goals, am the top scorer in the Champions League again.'

Bribery audio of me is satanic collabo against me – Dino Melaye

Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, has said the alleged audio tape of him allegedly bribing a Tribunal judge, Justice Akon Ikpeme was a “satanic collabo” among the platform that revealed the tape, his predecessor, ex-Senator Smart Adeyemi and others.

Recall that an online medium had last week leaked an audio tape of Justice Ikpeme allegedly demanding bribe from Melaye.

Trump threatens to withdraw US from UN rights council

The U.S. threatened to withdraw from the UN Human Rights Council unless reforms are ushered in including the removal of what it sees as an “anti-Israel bias”, diplomats and activists said.

U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, who holds cabinet rank in President Donald Trump’s administration, said on Friday that Washington would decide on whether to withdraw from the Council after its three-week session in Geneva ends this month.

Four suspected armed robbers have been arrested and charged before a Lagos court for allegedly attempting to strangle a victim over N60,000.

The suspects are Hamed Sanni, 33, Ifeanyi Sunday,32, Owolabi Kolawole, 29 and Muyideen Alimi 21. P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened at the hoodlums’ base at Five Star bus stop along Apapa-Oshodi Expressway in Lagos.

Man City’s critics have ‘bandages over their eyes’ – coach

Pep Guardiola’s right-hand man has dismissed suggestions that the Catalan’s first season at Manchester City was a “disaster” and says that anyone who cannot see the progress being made by the club must have “bandages over their eyes.”

Manel Estiarte, who has worked closely with Guardiola at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and now at the Etihad Stadium, says that the City players are completely on board with the 46-year-old’s playing philosophy.

Turan will be staying at Barca despite Arsenal, China links – agent

Arda Turan will not leave Barcelona this summer despite reports that a move to Arsenal is at an advanced stage, his agent has said.

Turan, 30, has struggled to break into the side on a regular basis since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2015, and his subdued celebration after last month’s Copa del Rey triumph was interpreted by some reports as a sign of his impending departure.

UNICEF female employee found dead in South Africa

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund has confirmed that an associate director of human resources who was reported missing in March during a vacation in South Africa has been found dead.

Charlotte Nikoi, a New York-based and Ghanaian citizen, arrived in Cape Town on March 17 to celebrate her wedding anniversary with her family. She was reported missing on March 21 during a hike on Table Mountain at the Platteklip Gorge hiking trail.

The veteran rapper took to IG yesterday to slam Dammy Krane over his identity theft/fraud charges.

Eldee, who is based in the US shared a post which read thus:

German authorities on Sunday reported a 5-year old stabbed to death by an Afghan national at a refugee shelter in southeastern Germany.

The 41-year-old assailant also injured the child’s mother, a Russian national, and a six-year-old child at the scene was treated for shock and taken to hospital.

FIFA issues response after nations cut ties with World Cup 2022 host Qatar

FIFA says it remains in “regular contact with Qatar” amid a growing diplomatic crisis between the Arab country and its neighbours.

Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates all cut diplomatic ties on Monday with Qatar over its alleged support of Islamist groups and its relations with Iran. Yemen and Libya are also reported to have followed suit.

Qatar denounces ‘unjustified’ cut of Gulf ties

Qatar on Monday slammed the decisions of three Gulf states to sever ties with it, saying they were “unjustified” and aimed to put Doha under political “guardianship”.

“The measures are unjustified and are based on false and baseless claims,” the Qatari foreign ministry said in a statement, referring to the unprecedented steps taken by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.

Polish taxi drivers protest against Uber

Traditional cab operators argue that the app represents unfair competition because Uber drivers can dodge the rules and restrictions that regulate professionals.

Blaring horns and flying small red-and-white national flags, the taxis inched through Warsaw at around 10 kilometres (6 miles) an hour blocking the city centre and major thoroughfares.

Barca’s Alba enthused by Valverde arrival

Jordi Alba is excited by the appointment of Ernesto Valverde as Barcelona coach, saying he believes the change from Luis Enrique will be good for him.

Left-back Alba has been a regular since joining from Valencia in 2012, but found himself omitted from the side for some games last season as Luis Enrique employed a back three.

China rejects ‘irresponsible’ US remarks on South China Sea

China has expressed “firm opposition” to remarks made by US Pentagon chief Jim Mattis during a regional defence summit over the weekend, after he criticised Beijing’s “militarisation” of the South China Sea.

Washington has repeatedly expressed concerns that China’s development of artificial islands in the region poses a threat to freedom of navigation through its waters, a major artery for international trade.

Group urges EFCC to investigate Ngige over $922,600 US property

A civil society organisation, Advocates for Peace and Effective Justice Development Initiative, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to commence investigation into the source of funds allegedly used in the purchase of a property worth $922,600 in the United States by the Minister of Labour and Productivity and former Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chris Ngige.

Arsenal keeper Szczesny wants Roma stay – club president

Wojciech Szczesny is due back at Arsenal this summer, amid links to Juventus, but Roma claim he is eager to remain with them.

Club president Jim Pallotta says the Poland international goalkeeper has expressed a desire to make a permanent switch to the Italian capital after two years on loan.

Chelsea’s Hazard returns to London for surgery on fractured ankle

$Chelsea’s Hazard returns to London for surgery on fractured ankle$

Eden Hazard is back in London and will have surgery on his fractured ankle on Monday.

Hazard incurred the injury in training with Belgium at the National Football Centre in Tubize on Sunday.

He was immediately ruled out of their friendly against the Czech Republic on Monday and the World Cup Qualifier in Estonia on June 9.

Bodies of 7 African migrants discovered in abandoned truck in Libya

Officials say they discovered seven bodies of African migrants who died from suffocation after being locked for two days in a refrigerated truck that was abandoned by people smugglers on the Libyan coast.

Adel Mostafa, an anti-illegal migration official in Tripoli, said that 28 others, including five women, were rescued on Sunday when the truck was discovered at Garabulli, a town some 50 km east of Tripoli that is a common departure point for migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean to Italy.

Qatar Airways suspends all flights to Saudi Arabia

Qatar Airways announced on Monday that it has suspended all flights to Saudi Arabia with immediate affect.

“Qatar Airways has suspended all flights to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” until 1159 GMT the same day, a statement from the Doha-based carrier said.

A spokeswoman added that it was unclear if the suspension would be extended.

Support fashion industry to end economic recession – Oba Elegushi

A traditional ruler in Lagos State, Oba Saheed Elegushi, has advised government to support the growth of the fashion industry so as to end the economic recession.

Oba Elegushi of Ikateland said this during the Africa Fashion Week Nigeria (AFWN) 2017 held at the National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, over the weekend.

I told Arsenal to sign Dier before he joined Tottenham – Tony Adams

Former Arsenal captain Tony Adams recommended Eric Dier to his old club only to be told the midfielder was too “one-paced,” he has told The Times.

Dier was relatively unknown in English football before joining Tottenham Hotspur from Sporting Lisbon in summer 2014.

Borussia Dortmund have announced the signing of defender Dan-Axel Zagadou on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.

Zagadou, 18, joins midfielder Mo Dahoud and defender Omer Toprak as an arrival for the new season and has signed a deal until 2022.

A Gudu Upper Area Court in Abuja yesterday sentenced a 27-year-old mechanic, Osama Mohammed, to four months in prison for attempted car theft.

Mohammed of Masaka, Nasarawa State was convicted for attempting to steal a car and being in possession of a master key.

The Judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, sentenced Mohammed to two months in prison with an option of N50, 000 on the charge of attempted car theft and another two months in prison without an option of fine over the charge of possessing a master key.

The Presidency on Sunday faulted an allegation of nepotism recently levelled against the Acting President , Yemi Osinbajo , by one Ismailia Farouk .

Farouk, in a message , that went viral on the social media , accused Osinbajo of appointing his aides majorly from his church , the Redeemed Christian Church of God , or from the South -West , where he hails from .

Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger is prepared to make a statement in this summer’s transfer window as he plans a renewed attempt to sign AS Monaco hotshot Kylian Mbappe, reports arsenalfever.com.

This follows the revelation that Wenger had the opportunity to sign the boy for £230, 000 when he was out of contract last year, but the Monaco star rejected the move.

Gunmen have reportedly abducted Theresa Sakpra, wife of the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties Governor’s Office, Chief Henry Sakpra.

Mrs Sakpa was whisked away by the gunmen around Ekete Inland Junction, along the DSC Expressway in Udu Local Government Council of Delta State.