Wednesday 7 March 2018

Christoph Metzelder: Bayern Munich ‘will not allow’ Lewandowski to join Real Madrid


Former Germany defender Christoph Metzelder has told Sky that Bayern Munich will not allow the “irreplaceable” Robert Lewandowski to join Real Madrid at any price.

Lewandowski, 29, recently parted company last week with Cezary Kucharski, his agent of 10 years, and hired renowned dealmaker Pini Zahavi, renewing speculation that he could be preparing his exit from Germany, having joined Bayern on a free transfer from Dortmund in 2014.

EFCC closes case in ex-permanent secretary’s N14.1 million fraud trial


The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has closed its case in the trial of Clement Onubuogo, a former Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment at an Ikeja High Court, Lagos.

The EFCC closed its case during Wednesday’s proceedings following the conclusion of the testimony of a fourth prosecution witness.

Ex-Zambian minister Chishimba Kambwili denies forgery charges


Former Zambian minister and fierce critic of President Edgar Lungu pleaded not guilty to three counts of forgery when he appeared before a court in Lusaka.

Investigators accuse the legislator, Chishimba Kambwili of forging a signature on an official document.

The charges are in relationship to the registration of a firm called Mwamona Engineering and Technical Company.

Olubayode Olawunmi reads aloud for 122 hours to set new world record


A 40 year old Nigerian, Olubayode Treasures Olawunmi, read aloud for 122 hours (from 1:30pm on Monday, February 26th, 2018 to 3:30pm on Saturday, March 3rd) at a Read Aloud Marathon Session organized by the YouREAD Initiative, a CSR initiative of Guaranty Trust Bank, in a bid to reignite the interest in reading across Nigeria and beyond.
The Read Aloud Marathon, which had renowned Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer as the official timekeeper, was held at the Herbert Macaulay Library Yaba, which was recently remodeled into a state of the art facility by GTBank.

Neymar advised to stay with PSG despite Real Madrid links


Neymar’s team-mate Marquinhos has advised the Brazil international that he should stick with the Paris Saint-Germain “project”.

PSG lost 5-2 to Real Madrid on aggregate to exit the Champions League at the last-16 stage and, as a result, Neymar’s future may be thrown into question with stories suggesting he could make a switch to Real Madrid.

$150,000 Mistakenly Paid Into Athletics Federation of Nigeria Account by IAAF Goes Missing


World athletics ruling body (IAAF) may come down heavily on Nigeria after $150,000 (about N52 million), mistakenly paid into the the board of the Athletics Federations of Nigeria (AFN) account went missing.
 
The IAAF had intended paying $15,000 annual grants to member federations for the year 2017 but erroneously paid $150,000 to AFN. 
 

Gattuso has restored AC Milan’s identity – Shevchenko

Gattuso

Andriy Shevchenko has praised former AC Milan team-mate Gennaro Gattuso for turning around the Rossoneri’s fortunes since replacing Vincenzo Montella.

Milan were failing to reach their potential earlier in the campaign after plenty of pre-season investment, the club bringing in the likes of Leonardo Bonucci, Hakan Calhanoglu and Andre Silva.

Jim Ovia pledges ₦250m to Lagos State Security Trust Fund

Jim Ovia pledges ₦250m to Lagos State Security Trust Fund

The Founder/Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Jim Ovia, on Tuesday re-affirmed his support to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund by pledging an additional 150 percent of previous donations to the Trust Fund. He made the announcement on behalf of Zenith Bank Board of Directors during the recently-concluded parley with the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on 6 March 2018 at the Lagos Means Business forum at Eko Hotels & Suites.

Woman whose husband was killed by Boko Haram remarries in the US

Woman whose husband was killed by Boko Haram remarries in the US lailasnews 3

A woman, whose lost her husband to the dreaded Boko Haram insurgency group in Nigeria, has remarried in the United States of America.

The woman, who for security purpose, changed her name to Sarah, got married a Liberian (name withheld).Woman whose husband was killed by Boko Haram remarries in the US.

FG Drags Chinese Oil Firm To Court Over $3.09bn Tax


The Nigerian government has commenced legal proceedings against the Chinese-owned oil firm, Addax Petroleum Development Nigeria Ltd, over the company’s alleged under-remittance of $3 billion in taxes and royalties.

Court documents sighted during the court proceeding before justice Olatoregun on Friday show that the funds, according to the government, were outstanding claims against the company under the Petroleum Profit Tax Act and Petroleum (Drilling and Production) Amendment Regulation 2003 over Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) 123, 124, 126, and 137.

Ladi Adebutu Asks Buhari To Resign


A lawmaker in the House of Representatives, Oladipupo Adebutu, has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to resign because he has failed Nigerians for his inability to prevent the abduction of school girls in Dapchi, Yobe State.

Adebutu stated this while speaking with journalists at the opening of the PDP secretariat in Odogbolu local government areas of Ogun State.

New Music by Spacoman ft Alash da Flash & Dazzle - About Tyme


The Naija music scene it's about to experience a total shake up as SPACOMAN set to drop His first single of the year,  Samuel Ojeowarin popularly known as Spacoman da dancehall ichi ban decided to collaborate with his old time friend Alash da Flash & Dazzle on vocals to bring you this classic masterpiece, a combination of Afro Hip-hop and Dancehall music with a spice of R n B. According to Spacoman,  when chatting with our correspondence has promised to keep churning out songs that will impact into the life of his fans,  and promise to drop an EP in the second quarter of the year.  Spacoman,  who has been in the music industry for more than a decade. He's finally back with a bang. 

List Of Billionaires Who Died In The Last Year Leaving Behind Enormous Wealth


Forbes Magazine has released a list of billionaires whose deaths last year shocked many people. These victims went from being the richest in the world to ending up in the grave.
 
First in the list is 75-year-old generic-drug billionaire Bernard "Barry" Sherman and his wife, Honey found hanging beside their indoor pool. 

Dangote Laments Difficulties Of Doing Business In Nigeria


The Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has lamented over difficulties being encountered by investors in carrying out business activities in many states in Nigeria.
He, however, said the situation is different in Lagos state.
Dangote, rated by Forbes Magazine to be the richest man in Africa at a function in Lagos, on Tuesday, described as “hell” the difficulties of doing business in many Nigerian states.

Lagos Banker Pleads Guilty To N700 Million Fraud


Serial bank fraudster, Nsa Ayi has pleaded guilty to the 10 counts fraud charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC.

At the resume of hearing on Tuesday before justice Mojisola Dada, counsel to EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo informed the court that witness is in court to give evidence and subject to the overriding convenient of court, the anti-graft agency is ready for trial.

Legendary Actor, Pete Edochie Celebrates His 71st Birthday Today


Veteran Nigerian actor, Chief Pete Edochie is celebrating his birthday today. The legendary actor was born on the 7th of March 1947. The actor has won numerous awards including Industry Merit Award by Africa Magic and Lifetime Achievement by Africa Film Academy.
 
Celebrating himself on Instagram, he wrote: "Happy 71st to me. Thank you all for the wishes. 07-03-18 #peteedochie."

Domestic Violence: Man Batters His Wife, Knocks-off Her Tooth And Sues Her To Court (Photos)


Photos have emerged online showing how a mother of 3 was attacked, beaten, battered and then sued to court by her husband at the federal capital, Abuja.
 
It was gathered that the woman's husband bashed in her head, knocked-off her tooth and sent her away with with their 3 kids, all under age 10.
 

Court refuses to grant bail to notorious fraudster, Emmanuel Nwude over 15-count charge of forgery

Court refuses to grant bail to notorious fraudster, Emmanuel Nwude over?15-count charge of?forgery?

Justice Mojisola O. Dada of the Lagos High Court Ikeja, on Tuesday, refused the bail application of notorious fraudster, Emmanuel Nwude, who allegedly conspired with two others to tamper with a property that had been forfeited by a court order.  

Who says the military cannot take over? - Ekweremadu


Ike Ekeweremadu, deputy president of the senate, says the country’s democracy is receding and it is not unlikely for the military to take over.
Ekeweremadu said this on Wednesday while contributing to a debate on a motion sponsored by Ahmed Ogembe, senator representing Kogi central.

Coca-Cola to launch alcoholic drink


Coca-Cola, a beverage company, says it is planning to produce an alcoholic drink for the first time in the 125 years of its existence.
In September, the West African arm of the company had announced plans of spending $600 million on expanding its production lines.

‘Angels shielded me from SARS’ — Melaye explains escape from court


Dino Melaye, senator representing Kogi west, says angels of the Lord rescued him from a high court in Abuja after operatives of the special anti-robbery squad (SARS) attempted to arrest him.
On Thursday, the federal government arraigned the senator for allegedly framing Edward Onoja, chief of staff of Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi state, in an attempt on Melaye’s life.

Breaking: Maryam Sanda who stabbed her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, to death has been granted bail


Justice Yusuf Halilu of the Abuja High Court has granted bail to Maryam Sanda, who allegedly killed her husband, Bilyamin Bello. Maryam stabbed her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, son of former PDP chairman Haliru Bello, to death during an argument at their home in November last year.

Africa, the continent desperately In need of democrats – Reuben Abati writes


Read his article below…



The second wave of democratization in Africa, beginning in the 80s, and the gradual establishment of democracy as the new normal in the continent brought much hope and excitement. As we have seen in the recent intervention by the military in Zimbabwe, coup d’etats have become unpopular and unacceptable in the entire continent in deference perhaps to dominant global politics. In the past two decades, there have been many electoral transitions across the continent indicative of a pattern of democratic consolidation. In reality, however, mercenaries of democracy, dictators and a military culture dominate African politics. The form of governance may have changed, but the form of politics has remained seemingly unchangeable.

Teenager disabled for life after eating slug as a dare at birthday party

Teenager disabled for life after eating slug as a dare at birthday party

A talented rugby player has become disabled after swallowing a garden slug as a dare at a 19th birthday party.
Sam Ballard, now 28, fell seriously ill within days of swallowing the slug whole at his friend’s house party in Sydney, Australia. Doctors told him he had been infected with rat lungworm, which caused an infection on his brain. The lungworm Sam swallowed is found in rodents, but snails or slugs can become infected when they eat the faeces of rats.

Nigerian senators receive N13.5 Million 'running cost' every month - Senator Shehu Sani reveals

Nigerian senators receive N13.5 Million

Senator Shehu Sani, representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly has revealed he and his colleagues receive N13.5 million monthly as running cost.  

The revelation by the Senator was the first time a member of the National Assembly will confirm speculations that Nigerian senators are earning N41.5 million quarterly as a running cost.  

Governor Obiano Sacks 18 Commissioners And Other Appointees


18 commissioners including political appointees in ministries, departments and agencies have been fired by the Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano. This was made public in a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu.
 
The Governor ordered the affected officers to hand over to permanent secretaries of their respective ministries, departments and agencies or to the most senior civil servants in the absence of permanent secretaries.

Lagos court rules that ‘total abstinence is the best option’ must be written on condoms

Lagos court rules that ?total abstinence is the best option? must be written on condoms

A Lagos high court has ruled that total abstinence or faithfulness should be noted on condom advertisements as the best options because the protective rubber is not 100 percent effective.
According to THISDAY, the ruling was issued by Justice Taofiquat Oyekan-Abdullahi following a suit filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the Project for Human Development (PHD) against the Society for Family Health (SFH).  

Tommy Lee accused his son of hitting him and his son replies saying his dad got drunk and he punched him in self-defense

Tommy Lee accused his son of hitting him and his son replies saying his dad got drunk and he punched him in self-defense

Tommy Lee got into a fight with his son on Monday night and police had to be called to Tommy's Calabasas home around 10:45 p.m. but no arrests were made after officers took a report.
Tommy was transported to a hospital where he got checked out. He later shared a photo of his swollen lip and said his son with Pamela Anderson, 21-year-old Brandon Lee, was responsible for it.

Kenyan dancer dies 2 months to the end of her jail term in Nigeria prison

Kenyan dancer dies 2 months to the end of her jail term in Nigeria prison Lailasnews

A Kenyan female dancer, Susan Samira Odhiambo Johnson, who had been serving a sentence after being arrested in April 2015 at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in possession of narcotics, died last month inside Kirikiri Prison.

A memorial service was held for Me Johnson, on February 20, at the chapel in Kirikiri Female Prison in Lagos. The Kenyan, then 42, was caught with 5.345kg of drugs concealed in a school bags. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said the four blue parcel of white powdery substance found in her possession tested positive for cocaine.

Senate urges Buhari to sign Peace Corps Bill, or risk being vetoed

Senate urges Buhari to sign Peace Corps Bill or risk being vetoed Lailasnews

The Senate on Wednesday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to review his position in withholding assent on the bill to establish Peace Corps of Nigeria. This followed the adoption of a Point of Order raised by Senator Dino Melaye during plenary.

Relying on the Senate rules, Melaye urged the Senate to revisit the bill with a view to veto the President if he fails to rescind his rejection of the bill.

Boy, 16, arrested on suspicion of murder after woman’s body discovered in home

Boy, 16, arrested on suspicion of murder after woman?s body discovered in home

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman’s body was discovered at a house in Carmarthenshire, Wales, United Kingdom.
Police were called to a property between St Clears and Laugharne on Tuesday evening and a woman’s body was discovered at the scene. The teenager has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody this morning.

Hundreds Of IDPs protest over Shortage of food in Adamawa

Hundreds Of IDPs protest over Shortage of food in Adamawa

Hundreds of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Fufore and Malkohi camps in Adamawa today staged peaceful protests over lack of food in their camps. 

The IDPs complained that many families in the camps were in critical living conditions due to hunger. Some of them claimed they eat just once a day.

Major Arab media network MBC removes all Turkish dramas


Arab broadcaster MBC Group, a Saudi Arabian company, has removed all Turkish dramas from its vast network of channels, a spokesman confirmed on Monday.

“The Dubai-based broadcaster’s decision covers multiple media platforms and TV channels across a number of Arab countries,’’ spokesman Mazen Hayek told newsmen.

Police arrest medical director for alleged abuse of office, corruption


The Medical Director, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Enugu, Dr. Jojo Onwukwe, was yesterday arrested by policemen from the Force Headquarters over alleged victimisation of the hospital staff, abuse of office and corruption.

The arrest took place at the International Conference Centre Abuja where he went to witness the the inauguration of governing boards of parastatals, agencies and institutions under the Ministry of Health by the Minister, Prof Isaac Adewole.

Senate summons Aviation Minister, heads of NCAA, FAAN, AIB, others over air mishaps


The Senate has summoned the Minister of State for Transportation, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, to appear before it at plenary to give a full briefing on the steps being taken to minimise human errors and avoid preventable air crashes in the country.

Also to appear before the Senate are heads of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA; Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN; Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, and every other relevant agencies in the aviation industry.

How Two Fraudsters Cloned Ex-Custom's Boss Aide's Phone And Stole Millions


The trial of Balarabe Abdullahi and Usman Baba Yusuf (currently at large) who are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes, EFCC, for cloning the phone number of Abdulmumini Bako, a former Special Assistant to the former Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Abdullahi Dikko Inde, continued on March 5, 2018 with the prosecution presenting its third witness. 

26 year old lady defrauds best friend of N3.7million, car in Lagos

26 year old lady defrauds her best friend of N3.7million in Lagos lailasnews 2

A 26 year old asthmatic patient, Bose Deborah Bamidele from Ikole, Ekiti State has been arrested by police for manipulated the voice setting of her phone and pretending to be different persons to defraud her best friend, identified only as Abimbola, of N3.7m, and another woman, Glory Etuk, of about N1m.

Punch newspaper reports that Bamidele met 30-year-old Abimbola in the Anthony area of Lagos State sometime in 2016.

Klopp targets more after Liverpool end long wait for last eight


Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insisted the Champions League quarter-finals is where his side belong after ending a nine-year wait to reach the last eight on Tuesday.

Despite settling for a goalless draw in an uninspiring last 16, second leg at Anfield, Liverpool eased past Porto 5-0 on aggregate thanks to a comprehensive win in Portugal three weeks ago.

Govt to Tejuosho shop owners: take ownership or forfeit rights


Lagos State Government has urged shop owners at Tejuoso market to occupy their allotted shops or risk forfeiture to State government.
According to the State Government, the unlawful act of trading on road medians and walkways at the market is responsible for traffic gridlock and accidents as well as abuse of children under school age.

External reserves hit $42.7 billion, highest in 5 years


Latest data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reveals that Nigeria’s external reserves have crossed $42.7 billion just as we had expected. This is the highest level of external reserves since December 2013, when the CBN posted reserves of $42.8 billion.
CBN data as at March 2nd, 2018 reports our external reserves to be at $42,756,853,580.

Kaduna charges 65 to court over religious conflict


The Kaduna state government has charged 65 people for the violence that broke out at Kasuwan Magani in Kajuru local government area.
Twelve people reportedly died after a misunderstanding ensued between Christians and Muslims on February 26.

“We are being paid too much,” — Doctors protest salary increase


In Canada, more than 500 doctors and residents, as well as over 150 medical students, have signed a public letter protesting their own pay raises.
“We, Quebec doctors who believe in a strong public system, oppose the recent salary increases negotiated by our medical federations,” the letter says.

American singer Usher, wife announce separation


Usher Raymond, an American singer, and his wife Grace Miguel have parted ways after two years of marriage.

Usher, 36, and Miguel, 48, got married in 2015, although they had been dating since 2009.

The couple released a joint statement to US Weekly on Tuesday, confirming their separation.

US announces $533 million for Nigeria, others


The U.S. has announced about $533 million in humanitarian assistance for Nigeria, Ethiopia, Somalia, and South Sudan, as well as countries in the Lake Chad region.

U.S. Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, said millions of people were facing life-threatening food insecurity and malnutrition as a result of ongoing conflict or prolonged drought in the countries.
Of the newly announced funds, more than $128 million is for affected populations from Nigeria and countries in the Lake Chad region.

EFCC Arraigns Woman For Allegedly Defrauding Pastor N23.3m


The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal office, on March 6, 2018, arraigned one Olawunmi Dilureni before Justice S.O. Solebo of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja on an eight-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence and stealing to the tune of Twenty-three Million, Three Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira (N23, 320, 000. 00).

Adult Film Star Stormy Daniels Sues TRUMP


We thought this was over after she aledgedly boxed up Adult film star Stormy Daniels has filed a civil lawsuit against Donald Trump alleging that a nondisclosure agreement she signed with the president's attorney is invalid, NBC News reports.

The suit claims her agreement not to disclose a supposed intimate relationship with Trump is invalid, because the president never signed it, although his attorney Michael Cohen did.

Magu Is The Right Man For EFCC - Osinbajo


Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has said that the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu, remains the best man for the job despite the rejection of his nomination by the Senate twice.

Osinbajo said this in an interview he granted some journalists in Lagos.

Uber Says It Has Been Sending Self-Driving Trucks On Delivery Runs


Uber announced Tuesday that it has been sending self-driving trucks on delivery runs across Arizona since November, the first step in what could be a freight transportation revolution that could leave long-haul truckers in the cold.

Idris Ajimobi And Fateema Ganduje Are Non-Virtuous Couple - Ex-Gov. Kwankwaso


A former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso has called the daughter and son of Governors Abdullahi Ganduje and Abiola Ajimobi 'non-virtuous couple', according to a report by DailyNigerian.
 
Ganduje is the governor of Kano state while Ajimobi is the governor of Oyo state.

Donald Trump’s economic adviser to quit over planned controversial tariffs


US White House National Economic Council Director, Gary Cohn, is set to resign from his post following President Donald Trump’s planned tariffs on imports of steel and aluminium.

Cohn’s departure would increase the number of White House officials who had either been sacked or resigned from the Trump’s administration.

‘With right leadership, Africa’s drive to entrench democracy is on course’ – President Buhari’s speech at Ghana’s 61st independence


President Muhammadu Buhari today in Accra, the capital of Ghana, said with the right leadership and implementation of public policies, Africa’s drive to eradicate poverty and entrench democracy is on course.

In his speech at Ghana’s 61st Independence anniversary celebration at the Independence Square in Accra, President Buhari noted that Nigeria and Ghana were benefitting immensely from leaders committed to improving their economies and tackling corruption.