A 41-year-old Nigerian man, Ejimadu Uchechukwu Benjamin and a local woman have been arrested in Thailand for allegedly possession of cocaine.
Wichai Chaimongkol, secretary-general of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, said on Tuesday, June 22, that officials raided a postal service company on Monday and seized 390 grammes of cocaine hidden in mascara tubes sent from Costa Rica to Pathum Thani province.
Chaimongkol said the seizure led to the arrest of Nuchanart Leela, 27, at a house in Khlong Luang district of Pathum Thani.
She was suspected of being hired by the Nigerian national to receive the narcotic on his behalf.
Ejimadu was later arrested at a department store in Bang Na district of Bangkok and 79 grammes of cocaine were found in his condominium in Srinagarind area.
Philippines President, Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to jail people who refuse to be vaccinated against the coronavirus as his country battles the pandemic, with more than 1.3 million cases and 23,000 deaths.
As of June 20, Philippine authorities had fully vaccinated 2.1 million people, but the government has target to immunize up to 70 million people in the country of 110 million this year.
“You choose, vaccine or I will have you jailed,” Duterte said in a televised address on Monday, June 21 following reports of low turnouts at several vaccination sites in the capital, Manila.
Health officials in the country have said that while people are urged to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, it was voluntary.
“Don’t get me wrong, there is a crisis in this country,” Duterte said. “I’m just exasperated by Filipinos not heeding the government.”
Duterte also stood by his decision not to let schools reopen as critics claim he has been high-handed in the way he has handled the covid-19 outbreak in his country so far..
Duterte then took a swipe at the International Criminal Court, after an ICC prosecutor had sought permission from the court for a full inquiry into the killing of drug lords and peddlers in the Philippines.
Duterte in March 2018 canceled the Philippines’ membership of the ICC’s founding treaty, and in his Monday address repeated he will not cooperate with the probe, describing the ICC as “bulls**t.”
“Why would I defend or face an accusation before White people. You must be crazy,” said Duterte.
Pope Francis has expressed his readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government of Nigeria to help end insecurity in the country and sub-Saharan Africa.
The Supreme Pontiff gave the assurance after he received a letter of credence from the Ambassador to the Holy See, Ambassador Paul Oga Adikwu.
He commended the effort put so far in the fight against insecurity by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, as he promised to assist with prayers.
‘The Holy Father, Pope Francis, expressed readiness to collaborate with Nigeria to overcome the security challenges currently witnessed in the sub-Saharan region.
‘Pope Francis appreciates the effort of President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to combat security challenges witnessed in some parts of the country.
‘The Holy Father said the problem is not just a Nigerian problem, but a global one, saying he will personally be involved in praying for Nigeria to overcome the situation,’ the Embassy of Nigeria in the Holy See, Vatican City said.
The Nigerian Embassy in the Holy See disclosed that during a private chat with the Holy Father, Ambassador Adikwu conveyed the warm greetings of President Buhari to the Pope.
‘I bring you greetings from President Muhammadu Buhari. Mr President wants me to specially thank you for the good leadership you are providing to the world,’ Ambassador Adikwu said.
Adikwu also told Pope Francis of his readiness to hit the ground running as he intended to commence prayer sessions with major religious organisations, both in Nigeria and the Vatican City for the country, Nigeria.
Pope Francis prayed for the new ambassador who was in the company of his family and senior officials of the embassy, committing the envoy to the hands of God to succeed during his tour of duty in the Holy See.
Speaking after the presentation of the letter of credence, Ambassador Adikwu said he was privileged to be appointed by President Buhari to represent him at the Vatican City.
‘First and foremost, I have to thank Mr President for giving me the great opportunity to serve in the Vatican City. As you know, Vatican City is a sovereign state within Italy. I will give my best to this noble assignment and to ensure that the Nigeria-Holy See relations are taken to the next level,’ Adikwu said.
The federal government has been restrained by the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja from prosecuting Twitter users.
Recall that Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami had threatened to prosecute those violating FG’s ban on Twitter’s operation in Nigeria through the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) had also ordered all radio and television stations to deactivate their Twitter accounts.
Following the ban and subsequent threat of prosecution, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and 176 concerned Nigerians challenged the decision before the ECOWAS Court.
Ruling on the case after hearing arguments from Solicitor to SERAP, Femi Falana SAN, and lawyer to the government, Maimuna Shiru, the court restrained the Federal government from unlawfully imposing sanctions or harass, intimidate, arrest or prosecute Twitter and/or any other social media service provider(s), media houses, radio and television broadcast stations, the Plaintiffs and other Nigerians who are Twitter users, pending the hearing and determination of this suit.”
The court which noted that the “unlawful suspension of Twitter in Nigeria, criminalization of Nigerians and other people using Twitter have escalated repression of human rights and unlawfully restricted the rights of Nigerians and other people to freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom in the country”, added that it has ” listened very well to the objection by Nigeria.”
The court however said that “any interference with Twitter is viewed as inference with human rights, and that will violate human rights. Therefore, this court has jurisdiction to hear the case. The court also hereby orders that the application be heard expeditiously. The Nigerian government must take immediate steps to implement the order.”
Superstar footballer, Lionel Messi has now earned his 147th cap for Argentina, equaling Javier Mascherano’s all-time appearance record for La Albiceleste.
The Barcelona superstar achieved the record on Monday night June 21, after he started in his country’s 1-0 Copa América win over Paraguay, helping them through to the quarterfinals.
Papu Gómez’s 10th-minute goal was enough to earn a narrow win and maintain Argentina’s unbeaten start to the tournament.
Messi, who turns 34 on Thursday, is already his country’s record goalscorer with 73 goals at the international level.
The Swedish government collapsed on Monday after Prime Minister Stefan Löfven lost a confidence vote against him. But what happens next? It might take some time before we get a definite answer to that question, because the Prime Minister Stefan Löfven has seven days to make a decision.
Then, there are basically two possible options: he could call a snap election, or resign, sparking a new round of negotiations between the political parties aimed at forming a new government.
This is a political process where the speaker holds talks with all party leaders to work out who’s got the best chance at forming a government.
There is no time limit on how long this can take (after the September 2018 election the negotiations took more than four months) but there is a limit on how many prime ministerial candidates the speaker can propose: after four candidates, a snap election must be called to break the deadlock.
The seats in parliament are divided the same way they were last time, so the big question is whether any of the parties have changed their mind on which side they would support.
Löfven’s minority government was based on a 72-point deal with the conservative Centre and Liberal parties. One of those points related to introducing market rents on a limited scale by potentially allowing landlords to freely set rents for newly constructed apartments, and that’s what led to the current crisis. The Left Party was not included in the deal and strongly opposes market rents, but its support was needed to prop up the government. But don’t rule out Löfven returning. There is a possibility he would be successful in a talmansrunda, if he can gain the support of the Centre, Liberal and Left parties again.
However, the Liberal Party have recently said they would rather see a right-wing government, even if that means some cooperation with the far-right Sweden Democrats.
If a snap election is called, either shortly after the no-confidence vote or after unsuccessful attempts to form a new government through the talmansrunda process, it needs to happen no later than three months after its announcement, so around September 2021.
Recent political polls show that Löfven’s Social Democrats would get fewer votes in a fresh election; what’s more, the Liberals, currently acting as a support party for the government, have said they would campaign for a conservative government in new elections. But those polls also showed both the Liberals and the Green Party below the four percent threshold needed to get representation in parliament.
If there is a September 2021 election, the election already scheduled for September 2022 would still go ahead as planned, due to laws about fixed terms of office in Sweden.
A nursing mother whose name was (withheld) has taken to social media to express fears over her husband getting addicted to her breast milk after he used it to drink garri.
She revealed that it all started when the milk in their home finished, and she jokingly told him to use the one from her mammary gland instead.
The nursing mother revealed she is scared he would look for it elsewhere when she stops nursing their baby.
“I put to bed some months back and husband drinks my milk and he’s now addicted. I have started squeezing for him and my baby.
I gave birth to a beautiful healthy child. My husband has been good. He doesn’t allow me move a finger at all.
It started one night, he was hungry and asked me if there was milk for garri and groundnut and I said no.
I jokingly said he should use my bre*st mik. Jokingly o. Just joke.
I slept off. In the morning I woke up and saw the milk in the fridge reduced.
I asked him and he said he used it with the milk and groundnut and he loved it that I should squeeze more for him.
I thought he was joking. He wasn’t. I did reluctantly and he has been addicted to it.
Sometimes he even complains that our baby takes the breast milk too much.
A previous Japanese justice minister received a three-year jail term on Friday for vote-buying in an attempt to get his wife elected to a national office, local media said.
Katsuyuki Kawai, 58, was found guilty of charges that he distributed 29 million yen ($260,000 at today’s rates) to about 100 people in 2019, to help secure an upper house seat for his wife Anri, national broadcaster NHK said.
He was fined 1.3 million yen ($11,800) in addition to the jail term, local media added. Officials at the Tokyo District Court could not immediately confirm the reports. Katsuyuki, a close confidant of former prime minister Shinzo Abe, had reversed his earlier claims of innocence and broadly conceded the allegations against him.
Nigeria Customs Service has announced that from July 6, 2021 private jets in the country with unverified documents will be impounded.
Public Relations Officer of NCS, Joseph Attah told newsmen on Monday June 21 that private jet owners have been given a one-month grace period in line with an ongoing audit of privately-owned aircraft operating in Nigeria.
Attah who said there are indications that some people brought in aircraft under the Temporary Import Permit (PIP), asked owners of private aircraft or their representatives to report to the Customs headquarters in Abuja before July 6, with the necessary documents that include Aircraft Certificate of Registration, NCAA’s Flight Operations Compliance Certificate (FOCC), NCAA’s Maintenance Compliance Certificate (MCC), NCAA’s Permit for non-Commercial Flights (PNCF) and Temporary Import Permit (TIP) where applicable.
The NCS spokesperson said;
“The Service believes that owners of private aircraft are highly-placed individuals who would be willing to comply with extant laws of the land governing importation of the aircraft they own, this includes payments of all appropriate duties and taxes.
“The period for such temporary importation for some of the aircraft, has expired and they have neither renewed nor re-exported the aircraft in line with extant laws governing that in Nigeria. At the end of the verification, some of the things we are suspecting will come to light and we will make further details known.
“As agency of government responsible for enforcement of laws governing imports and exports in Nigeria, NCS will not hesitate to invoke appropriate sanctions on any defaulting private aircraft owner immediately after the expiration of the verification period on Tuesday July 6, 2021.”
He added that the essence of the holistic audit is to ensure that all aircraft privately owned in the country were properly imported and cleared with all appropriate taxes paid.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has released an Islamic singer, Ahmad Abdul, taking into custody after releasing a blasphemous song.
DailyTrust reports that Abdul was picked by the security agents for releasing the uncensored song titled ‘Barhama Gwaska’, perceived as blasphemous and capable of creating chaos in the state. The DSS had said it took the singer into protective custody to avert likely violent reactions against him from Kano residents.
While in detention, Abdul tendered an apology to the entire Muslim community, Kano state government, and Islamic scholars.
Confirming his release from custody today June 21, the Executive Secretary of Kano State Films and Video Censorship Board, Ismaila Na’abba Afakallah, said he had received hundreds of petitions against the song from concerned citizens. Afakallah said he reported the singer to the DSS which later arrested him at a hotel where he had been hiding for days to save him from the mob.
“He has been released as he regretted and apologised over his offence, promising not to repeat it” Afakallah said
Heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua has stated that he must fight Tyson Fury no matter what happens in his next fight.
A court arbitration in the US ruled that Fury must fight Deontay Wilder causing the collapse of the fight between Fury and Joshua.
Fury and Wilder will now clash on July 24 in Las Vegas in a third WBC heavyweight title fight while Joshua will defend his IBF, WBA and WBO gold against mandatory challenger Oleksandr Usyk in late September at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
According to Joshua who is the WBO, IBO and IBF champion, Tyson’s team is to blame for their proposed fight breaking down but insists thr world title clash ‘has to happen’ in the future because it is “bigger than boxing, bigger than the belts”.
Joshua told Sky Sports News “Unfortunately his (Fury) team let the whole boxing world down.”
He said about fighting Fury in the future: “I will still be here, still ready to put on a show.
“End of the year. Let me get past Usyk first. But with or without Usyk in my life, I will fight Fury.
“Usyk isn’t the be-all and end-all.
“Usyk doesn’t determine the Fury fight. The Fury fight has to happen. It’s a big fight, bigger than boxing, bigger than the belts.
“It will happen. After the Usyk fight, after I defend my belts.
“The fight will be bigger, better than what it would have been.”
Last week, Fury exclusively told Sky Sports about Joshua’s team: “I’ve got to get past Wilder then those guys will get their five minutes of fame. I’ll give them the biggest beatdown they have had in their lives.
“I’ll deal with these guys later – the most important thing to me is Wilder, the most dangerous heavyweight in the world who would knock out Joshua in the first round.
“As I’ve told [Joshua’s promoter] Eddie Hearn, the difference between me and them is they are businessmen and I’m a Spartan.”
Joshua responding to Fury’s claims said: “I am 100 per cent sure that I will fight him and win. You’ve got to ask him the same question.
“I’m not too sure [what he would say].
“We did everything. During a global pandemic, the toughest time to organise a fight like that, we managed to have 20,000 fans available, a site fee, the media ready, my name was on the contract, I was in training.
“Then boom, they cancelled.
“I stay ready to fight them all because I’m a throwback fighter.”
Khloe Kardashian is finally setting the record straight after years of speculation that she had plastic surgery procedures
The reality star and mother of one made the disclosure during part 2 of the Keeping Up With the Kardashians: The Final Curtain reunion special on Sunday.
She also addressed the intense criticism of her appearance after accusations about her use of cosmetic surgery.
“For me, everyone says, ‘Oh my gosh, she’s had her third face transplant!'” Khloe reflected. “I’ve had one nose job!”
Khloe went on to tell host Andy Cohen, “Everyone gets so upset, like, why don’t I talk about it? No one’s ever asked me! You’re the first person that’s ever asked me in an interview about my nose.”
She went on to explain that she became increasingly insecure and unsure of herself and her appearance due to constant attention and criticism online.
“When the show first started, I was very secure,” Khloe shared. “Then, during the first couple of seasons, I became insecure because of the public opinions of myself.”
Khloe admitted that she then had “a good run of being secure” in her own appearance, only for it to fluctuate from time to time.
“Recently I’ve become, now, insecure again,” she shared. “So I guess it just goes, you know, up and down.”
Discussing some of the criticism and rumors she’s faced over the course of the show, Cohen said he imagined it was speculation over her paternity — and a belief that she had a different father than her sisters Kim and Kourtney — that has been the most difficult to deal with.
Khloe also addressed the paternity speculation surrounding her saying: “I’ve heard that narrative since I’ve been a baby. That part doesn’t hurt me now because I’ve been so used to that.”
Mom Kris Jenner and her sister Kim both chimed to once again defend her against the rumors regarding her paternity, but Khloe explained the part of the speculation that hurt was how it all revolved around her appearance.
“By people saying, questioning always, [that] I can’t be their equal sibling, it’s because of appearance,” Khloe shared. “So that’s the part that’s always stung.”
“But I’m so immune to that [speculation],” she added. “That’s the part that hurts me the least, currently.”
A Nigerian man has been jailed for 18 years in the UK after admitting multiple sexual offences committed against a child.
Adeyinka Oluwaseyi Ajose, 64 of Croydon was sentenced to 18 years in prison on Thursday, 17 June at Croydon Crown Court for four counts of the rape of a female child under 13, one count of the sexual assault of a female child under 13, and one count of assault/ ill-treatment of a child.
He had pleaded guilty to the offences at the same court on Thursday, 29 April.
The court heard that police were called to a residential address in Addington, Croydon at 21:13hrs on 10 November 2020.
On arrival, officers spoke with the victim who alleged several counts of sexual abuse, committed by Ajose over several months. The victim was under 13-years-old at the time the offences took place and known to Ajose.
An investigation was launched and Ajose was arrested the following day at approximately 21:20hrs after officers located him near the victim’s home.
Ajose was charged on 13 November 2020 and remanded in custody to appear before Croydon Crown Court on 13 November 2020.
Detective Constable Matthew Amos, the investigating officer, said: “Those that abuse the trust of the most vulnerable in our society are some of the most insidious offenders. The offences committed by Ajose are truly shocking and the sentence he has received reflects this.
“If the victim had not had the courage to come forward, Ajose’s campaign of abuse may well have continued. I urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse or who knows anything about it, to come forward to police. We have specially trained officers who will listen to and support you.
“The trauma that victims suffer can last a lifetime and impacts all those around them. I hope that the sentence given will go some way to bringing the victim and her family justice, so that they can begin to rebuild their lives.
“I would also like to thank the victim for her bravery and support throughout this investigation.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has introduced its Voter Enrollment Device ahead of the 2023 general election.
The Voter Enrollment Device which was designed by INEC engineers and produced overseas, enables eligible Nigerians to register as voters online before completing the exercise physically at designated centres nationwide.
INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu who noted that this will be the first time voter registration is handled partially online, said the commission is expecting a total of 20 million new registrations before the end of the CRV exercise.
Yakubu said;
“The expansion of voters’ access to polling units prepares the ground for the discharge of another important responsibility of the Commission. The registration of eligible Nigerians as voters is one of the immediate tasks before the Commission.
“Consequently, in the next one week i.e. Monday 28th June 2021, the Commission will resume the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) nationwide. In doing so, the Commission is introducing a portal to enable eligible Nigerians to commence registration as voters online before completing the exercise physically at designated centres nationwide.
“This is first time a major exercise of this nature is handled partially online consistent with the Commission’s commitment to continue to deepen the use of technology in the electoral process in Nigeria. Just like the expansion of voter access to Polling Units, the Commission appeals to the media for support so that this novel idea will also be successful.
“The CVR will be a major issue for discussion at this meeting. The Commission will demonstrate the procedure for the proposed online registration and also present the new INEC Voter Enrollment Device (IVED) to you shortly.
“We intend to undertake the CVR exercise over a period of at least one year. The success of the exercise depends to a considerable extent on citizens’ awareness through voter education. There will be new registrants, requests for intra-State and inter-State transfers as well as the replacement of voters’ cards as provided by law. Furthermore, with the relocation of voting points to underserved areas as autonomous polling units, there is need for massive publicity so that citizens are familiar with their voting locations well ahead of all forthcoming elections. We appeal for your partnership to achieve this goal.
“The Commission will also brief you about the preparations for the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship election scheduled for 6th November 2021 and the Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) holding on 12th February 2022. As you are already aware, the Commission has released the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the two major off-season Governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States holding on 18th June 2022 and 16th July 2022 respectively. We have since uploaded the details on our website and social media platforms. However, hard copies of the same documents are contained in your folders for this meeting.”
Former Nairobi Governor, Mike Mbuvi Sonko has suffered a backlash after sharing nude video of former Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad) and Presidential candidate, Dr Mukhisa Kituyi in bed with his alleged side chick on Twitter.
In the viral video,Kituyi is seen completely naked and sound asleep. A light-skinned lady’s leg was also seen on his right thigh.
Sonko however had a field day with the video he shared with his 1.4 million followers on Twitter. He asked how a man can allow a women have her phone during the act.
The former Governor who also shared the video on Instagram, wrote
“Some men are very useless and big for nothing. How do you leave the lady and the phone alone”
Sonko deleted the videos after being called out by Kenyans. Kenyans on Twitter decided to re-upload alleged naked photos of him and former Nairobi Women Representative Rachel Shebesh, as a way of reminding him that he is also ”guilty” of same.
Daddy Freeze has said that women do not go out of their way to beautify themselves for men.
He said he has observed that most men, himself included, do not care much to see women in professional makeup, artificial lashes and the likes.
He added that despite the fact that “most men either don’t like these things or can’t be bothered”, women still do them.
He arrived at the conclusion that this is because women don’t do these things for men, rather, they do it because they are in competition with other women.
See some comments from actress, Uche Elendu and Blessing Okoro below.
by Linda Ikeji at 18/06/2021 6:48 PM | 59 Comments
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has delisted 25 Computer-Based Testing (CBT) Centres that failed to conduct examinations on Saturday which was the first day of the 2021 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Six of those centres are located in Lagos.
According to the examination body, The decision followed the centres’ non-compliance to the laid-down procedures and the difficulties encountered by candidates posted to the centres to sit the examination on Saturday.
A statement by JAMB’s head of media, Dr. Fabian Benjamin directed the candidates posted to any of the affected centres would be rescheduled.
“The following centres which failed during the conduct of the 2021 UTME on Saturday, June 19, 2021, are hereby delisted. Candidates posted to any of these centres are required to await further directives by checking their profile, email addresses and SMS on their registered phone for a new date,” JAMB said.
Manchester United are reportedly considering making Paul Pogba the highest paid player in the Premier League with a mouth watering £400,000 per week new deal as they look to tie the Frenchman down.
Pogba has entered the final year of his current deal at Old Trafford, and he is on a current salary of £300,000-a-week, but United are keen to prevent him going into the new season with his future still uncertain.
According to The Sun, the club are now ready to offer him £400,000-a-week contract over the next five years to convince him to stay in Manchester.
If United can’t agree on a deal with Pogba, the club will sell him off to prevent him going on a free next summer.
Once Pogba returns from the Euros later this summer the contract offer will be presented to him.
The 28-year-old commented last week that his focus was on his country in Euro 2020 and not his contract situation.
‘I have one year left on my contract, everyone knows that,’ Pogba said in a press conference. ‘There have been no concrete proposals for extensions. I’m still in Manchester.
‘After the season there was the vacation, so I didn’t sit down with the managers and coach. I’m focused on the Euro.’ He added
Below is the list of the Premier League’s top earners.
1. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) – £385,000 p/w
2. David De Gea (Manchester United) – £375,000 p/w
A trigger-happy policeman attached to RC Lotto Company at Golf Estate, GRA Enugu metropolis allegedly shot five persons dead on Sunday, June 20.
The Police Inspector attached to Special Protection Unit (SPU) Base 9, Umuahia, Abia State, was alleged to have started shooting sporadically, leaving five persons dead and four persons with gunshot injuries.
A statement released by the spokesperson of the state police command, ASP Daniel Ndukwe, said the state Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Ndatsu Aliyu, has ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (State CIID), to carry out a thorough investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the shooting incident.
He added that the Commissioner, who made the order after visiting the hospital where the injured persons were receiving treatment, ordered the swift conclusion of the investigation to aid further necessary actions by the Police.
The Commissioner while sympathizing with and urging family members and friends of the deceased persons to remain calm and cooperate with the Command in the ongoing investigation, called on eye witnesses at the scene of the incident to volunteer useful information that will aid the thorough and swift conclusion of the investigation, in view of ensuring that justice prevails.
The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, says the Second Niger bridge which is currently being constructed, will be completed in 2022.
Fashola spoke at a forum organized by the News Agency of Nigeria to mark the sixth anniversary of the Buhari administration in Abuja, today June 20.
According to Fashola, the bridge, which will serve as a major link between the south-east and the south-west will be delivered between the second and third quarters of 2022.
“So, what you see currently is the final work. The sub-structure which entailed building cement structures underwater often costs a lot of money. We should finish the bridge next year between the second quarter and third quarter.”he said
The bridge is 1.6km long and furnished with other ancillary infrastructure, including a 10.3km highway and an interchange. The bridge spans from Asaba in Delta state to Ozubulu, Ogbaru, and other communities in Anambra state.
An Italian court late has convicted four African men in the drugging, aggravated sexual assault and murder of an Italian teen in Rome, a crime that spurred calls in Italy for quick expulsions of migrants illegally living in in the country.
The four drug pushers including a Nigerian national, Alinno Chima were convicted on Saturday, June 19, of the murder of 16-year-old Desireè Mariottini, who they sexually abused and left to die of an overdose in Rome in October 2018.
The Nigerian national
After some nine hours of deliberation, the court delivered its verdict and sentenced Senegalese pair Mamadou Gara and Yussef Salia to life imprisonment, Italy’s stiffest criminal punishment, while Ghanaian, Brian Minthe got 27 years and Nigerian, Chima, 24 and a half years.
The body of Desiree Mariottini, from Cisterna di Matina was found in October 2018 in an abandoned building in Rome’s working class San Lorenzo district, which has a big drugs trade.
When they were arrested, the suspects were found to be lacking documents granting permission for migrants to legally reside in Italy. Prosecutors had requested life imprisonment for all four men.
In the days following the slaying, Italian news reports indicated that Mariottini had told her family that she had missed the bus to her town outside of Rome and she would stay at a friend’s house the night she disappeared. A lawyer for the family denied reports that she had a drug problem.
Manchester City have reportedly offered at least £100million to Tottenham for England striker Harry Kane.
The Premier League champions have been linked with the Kane this summer after he expressed his desire to move away from north London in search of trophies.
According to Sports mail, City have started their bidding with an offer of at least £100m but Spurs are not prepared to accept that fee.
The report claims that City are willing to offer players and cash for the 27-year-old forward but Spurs will reject their advances.
Tottenham have slapped a £150m price tag on Kane and are desperate to keep hold of their star man.
City are on the hunt for a new long-term successor to Sergio Aguero, who left the Etihad to join Barcelona on a free transfer.
Sportsmail revealed that Kane informed Tottenham of his desire to leave after a poor season that saw them miss out on European football, and also crash out of the Europa League in humiliating fashion.
Kane told Spurs of his wish to depart before the end of last season and speculation over his future continues.
Weeks later, Kane had a candid chat with former coach Gary Neville, where Kane said Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy may even want to sell him if he can get £100m.
‘(Levy) has been fair with me,’ said Kane on Neville’s YouTube channel The Overlap.
‘He’s never kind of just held me to a contract and said, “No, I’ve paid you that. You’re going to stay on that”.
‘I’m not sure how that conversation will go if I’m honest. I mean he might want to sell me. He might be thinking, “If I could get £100million for you, then why not?”
‘I’m not going to be worth that for the next two or three years. I think a crossroads is coming in my career. I think it’s definitely a conversation to be had with the club. I’ve said before, I’d never say that I’d stay at Spurs for the rest of my career. I’d never say that I would leave Spurs.’
The striker is gearing up for England’s final Group D clash with Czech Republic on Tuesday June 22, but he’s had a disappointing start to the tournament.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of hacking the home security cameras of more than 70 families around the world and obtaining more than 1,000 images of naked children.
Police say the alleged paedophile who is British, was arrested in Spain.
He worked as a babysitter and private tutor, but also sold child porn on the dark web using Bitcoins and was accused of sexually harassing nearly a dozen minors he filmed naked in video chats before threatening them.
He was arrested by Spanish police in Benidorm following a tip-off from colleagues in Queensland in Australia.
Police discovered his real identity after breaking through tight cyber security he had established.
He obtained explicit footage by hacking families’ IP indoor home security cameras including that of children based in Britain as well as the US, Canada and Brazil.
The suspect’s age has not yet been revealed although police say he was known to the authorities after being arrested as a minor for committing child porn offences.
A spokesman for Spain’s National Police confirmed: ‘Officers have arrested an alleged paedophile in Benidorm who had managed to access the home security cameras of more than 70 families in different countries around the world and obtained more than 1,000 videos of naked children.
‘He also allegedly sexually harassed at least 11 minors he filmed naked and sometimes threatened after they accessed video chats.
‘He was very active on the dark web and had organised a system of child porn sales based on bitcoins or the exchange of images filmed by his clients.
‘Investigations began when officers from the Task Force Argos, a branch of the Queensland Police Service responsible for the investigation of online child exploitation and abuse, discovered sexual images they suspected were of a child from an area in the Pacific.
‘Their analysis pointed to the images being modified and posted online from Spain.
‘Spanish National Police then began a process of close cooperation with their Australian colleagues to try to identify and detain the person responsible.’
Police say the suspect operated under different user names online to post his sordid images, the Spanish force added in a statement:
‘National Police specialists also discovered he offered his services as a babysitter and, taking advantage of his British nationality, worked as a home tutor teaching English.
‘This work enable him to have around 10 pupils, which heightened the concern of investigators who decided to proceed to arrest him.’
As well as allegedly organising a bitcoin or image-exchange system of child pornography sales, police say he charged commissions for acting as an intermediary between producers of child porn and consumers of child porn.
The police spokesman said: ‘ The home security cameras he hacked are designed to enable parents to monitor their kids when they are not at home and can be accessed over mobiles.
‘If they are not properly configured they are very vulnerable.
‘In this case more than than 1,000 videos belonging to families from countries like Brazil, the US, the UK and Canada among others have been found.
‘It has also been discovered that on at least one occasion, the suspect obtained images of the underwear of the children he tutored privately and filmed without their knowledge.
‘He is now being held on remand in prison following a court appearance as the investigation against him continues.’
Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa has confirmed that former governor of Lagos State and national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently being investigated.
Bawa who disclosed this in an interview with ThisDay on Sunday June 20, said such investigations don’t end in a day.
He also revealed that they have requested for Tinubu’s assets declaration form from when he was the head of Lagos Zonal Office.
The EFCC Chairman said;
“You asked me a question earlier about arresting people before investigation and now you are saying why didn’t we arrest Tinubu? Why didn’t you just say ‘arrest him?’
“Investigation is ongoing. When you are investigating matters like this, they don’t end in a day. Thousands of investigations are going on, on a daily basis.
“You understand? You know you are from the media. After you will say we are doing media trial.”
Retired Olympic athlete, Usain Bolt and his partner, Kasi Benneth have welcomed a set of twin boys who they have named Saint Leo Bolt and Thunder Bolt.
The sprint legend shared the exciting news on Sunday June 20, to mark Father’s Day, releasing a photo shoot of his expanded family.
In the lovely shoot, Usain and Kasi are seen dressed up in white and cream outfits with their newborn boys on either side of them. Their one-year-old daughter, Olympia Lightning Bolt, is perched in the middle wearing a pretty dress.
Former Imo State Governor and Senator Representing Imo West District, Rochas Okorocha, has warned Igbos over attempting to break up from Nigeria.
There have been increased agitations in the Southern region of Nigeria with groups such as the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, working towards the disintegration of Nigeria.
Also, the Yorubas have now started pushing for the creation of Oduduwa Republic, increasing secession calls too .
But Okorocha has now warned that the Igbos would be the worst hit if Nigeria breaks up, saying the South-East should push towards fixing the country and not its disintegration.
“It is only an Igbo man that goes to a place and remains put in that place, buys a land and builds a house for his family without feeling insecure. The Igbos will lose more if Nigeria divides.” Okorocha said to some women groups in Abuja over the weekend.
“Most Nigerian leaders who were successful had one thing or the other to do with the Igbos. It is either they married Igbo women or had some links with them. I can call names like former President, (Olusegun) Obasanjo; former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Buba Marwa, just to name a few”.
Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, is reportedly about to make a key move to ensure Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s son Archie, doesn’t become a prince, according to new reports.
Prince Charles is trying to slim down the eye-watering cost of the monarchy to taxpayers, and is set to change key legal documents to ensure fringe members of their family do not have titles in the monarchy.
Charles who is the first in line to the throne believes the public are fed up of footing the bill for fringe members of the Royal family.
According to reports, Harry and Meghan learned about the decision shortly before their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey.
It has been reported that legal documents will be changed to ensure that Archie will not become a Prince a title usually bestowed on grandchildren of the monarch.
It’s been reported that Charles even clashed with younger brother Andrew over plans to slim-down the monarchy.
The Royal family received a £69.4 million public-funded Sovereign Grant in 2020, but this does not include additional costs such as security, which is funded by police.
Estimates say the true cost of the royal family to be £345 million per year to taxpayers.
A source told the Mail on Sunday : “Harry and Meghan were told Archie would never be a Prince, even when Charles became King,”
The newspaper says the decision has plunged relations between the Sussexes and the royals to a “dangerous new low”.
They are said to have been shocked to learn that Harry’s father will go as far as changing the Letters Patent in order to deny Archie the title.
Archie could have used the title of the Earl of Dumbarton when he was born, but Harry and Meghan are said to have been confident that a more prestigious position would be given to him when Charles becomes king. Now their hopes will be reportedly dashed.
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a suspected drug trafficker returning from Pakistan at the Murtala Muhammed International Airpirt, MMIA, Ikeja Lagos.
Director, Media & Advocacy of the agency, Femi Babafemi, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, June 20, said the suspect Ezenyeche Kingsley Ebuka, had arrived the D arrival hall of the airport on 14th June on Turkish airline flight from Pakistan with five pellets of heroin weighing 250grams inserted in his anus.
He, however failed to beat the eagle eyes of narcotic officers during inward clearance of passengers on the flight.
The agency also arrested a serving officer of a law enforcement agency, Popoola Abayomi, for selling assorted illicit drugs to students of a federal university and cultists in Ogun state.
The statement says the drug dealer who serves in the Lagos state Command of the security agency was arrested on Wednesday 15th June, 2021 after days of surveillance on his wifes shop used as his sales point in Camp area of Abeokuta.
“One of his salesmen, a motorcycle rider known as Ogah was trailed to the location at about 8pm and arrested with six pinches of Colorado weighing 1.17grams before Popoola who has been on the Agencys watch list was nabbed with different illicit drugs including codeine -17 bottles; cannabis -22.26grams; tramadol 230 -98grams; 61 tablets of flunitrazepam -23.72grams; 113 tablets of molly -48.16grams and sex drops -43.92grams,” the statement read.
After the arrest of the two suspects, some student union officials of the institution blocked the NDLEA team with their official vehicle. The narcotic agents however restrained themselves and after hours of standoff succeeded in moving the suspects to custody.
In the same vein, one Adelodun Kamaldeen has been arrested by operatives of the Oyo state Command of the Agency at General Area, Ilorin, Kwara State following the interception of a parcel containing cocaine and heroin that weighed 10.5grams and 4.8grams respectively on 13th June.
The following day, two ladies; Mary Peter, 40, and Mercy Oladele, 39, were arrested at Total Garden, Ibadan when NDLEA operatives acting on a tip-off, intercepted their commercial micra car. The two women were arrested with seven bags of cannabis weighing 77.23kg brought in from Ogbese, Ondo State, to supply a man they simply identified as Alhaji. According to them, they had earlier supplied the same Alhaji two bags before coming with the seven bags they were caught with.
On Friday 18th June, operatives of the Oyo state Command acting on intelligence also raided the residence of one Alhaji Faruq at Elebu area, Akala expressway, Oluyole LGA, Ibadan, where they recovered 43 ampoules of methylphenidate.
In Kaduna state, a drug trafficker, Segun Abraham was arrested at Panteka area of the state on 17th June with 211.500kg of skunk heading to Kano state.
While commending the Ogun, Oyo, Kaduna and the MMIA Commands of the Agency for sustaining the offensive action against illicit drug trafficking and the cartels running it, Gen. Marwa warned that the NDLEA will not spare any law enforcement agent hiding under the privilege of his uniform to engage in narcotic criminal business.
“Those who think they can sabotage ongoing efforts to rid Nigeria of the menace of illicit drug trafficking and abuse hiding behind the facade of their uniforms should better think twice because theyll have NDLEA to contend with. We will not only arrest and expose them but well equally prosecute them and seize all assets acquired through the proceeds of their criminal act.” he warned.
English Premier League side Manchester United have submitted a €75M bid for England winger Jadon Sancho.
Sancho has been on Man Utd’s rader over some time now haven failed in their bid to sign the English winger last summer.
Manchester United has renewed their interest in the England winger and has made a first official bid of €75m for Sancho.
However according to reports from @FabrizioRomano Borussia Dortmund has turned down the bid as its below their valuation of the winger and want a fee of around €90m to part ways with Sancho.
Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund are continuing negotiations as they hope to find an agreement soon with both player representatives as well as clubs confident and optimistic to reach an agreement.
Married England football legend, Michael Owen allegedly begged TV reality star Rebecca Jane for nude photographs and told her that he would ‘judge’ them in hundreds of flirty text messages.
The former Real Madrid, Newcastle and Manchester United striker, who is married to his childhood sweetheart Louise Bonsall, reportedly asked the Big Brother housemate for 20 topless photos and boasted that he viewed one nude image 65 times.
According to reports by the Sunday Mirror, Owen contacted Miss Jane before the conversation ‘quickly turned sexual’ and asked her for nude photos, telling her: ‘Leave nothing to the imagination’.
When she obliged, Owen reportedly asked if the reality star’s breasts were ‘falsies’ and suggested they meet up.
On a trip away from home, Owen allegedly asked Miss Jane more photos, saying: ‘Come on then, fire them through.
‘It’s a long boring trip to London so I need something to do… leave nothing to the imagination. And I’ll advise on the suitability of them for social media – hopefully none of them are suitable.’
After she sent more pictures, it is claimed he replied: ‘Tremendous by the way.’
Owen allegedly continued: ‘Well you went straight in there with a pic of your t**s so there’s no point taking a back step now. Hmmm. Not bad. Great t***.
‘How about send me about 20? That’d be good.’
Miss Jane appeared on Big Brother in 2017.
A friend says Miss Jane, now a trainee solicitor, was thrilled to be contacted by Owen who was her childhood hero.
In another chat, Jane sent a photo of her in the bath after Owen allegedly told her he was sitting in the lounge with his family.
Jane’s friend told the Mirror:
‘Rebecca knew she was flirting with a married man, but went along with it.
‘She knows some people will think it’s bad, but she’s a single girl. She’s very outgoing, but she was surprised by how open he was.’
The report also adds that Owen, a father-of-four who married Louise Bonsall (pictured below) in 2005, allegedly bragged that people think he’s ‘an angel’ until they meet him.
US President Joe Biden and his family are mourning the loss of their German shepherd, Champ, who on Saturday June 19, died at the age of 13.
“Our hearts are heavy today as we let you all know that our beloved German Shepherd, Champ, passed away peacefully at home,” a statement from the White House said.
“He was our constant, cherished companion during the last 13 years and was adored by the entire Biden family.”
“Even as Champ’s strength waned in his last months, when we came into a room, he would immediately pull himself up, his tail always wagging, and nuzzle us for an ear scratch or a belly rub.”
Champ was one of two German Shepherds living at the White House with the president and first lady.
He lived alongside Major, who the Bidens adopted in November 2018 and became the first rescue dog to live in the White House.
The arrival of Champ and Major marked the return of pets to the White House after a four-year hiatus under former President Donald Trump, who was the first president since Andrew Johnson in the 1860s not to share the presidential digs with a dog or a cat.
Jason Njoku has apologized to Igbo people for a comment he made in the past after they rallied around to save his app from being taken down by Google.
Some Northern youths had allegedly mobilise to report Jason Njoku’s iROKO TV app after Google deleted Adamu Garba’s Crowwe from Play Store.
A post shared via a popular Northern account blamed the removal of Adamu Garba’s app on Igbos, claiming that Igbos are responsible for the horrible reviews the Crowwe app received. They then called on Northern youths to storm Jason Njoku’s app with bad reviews as vengeance.
Soon, the bad reviews began pouring in and Igbos rallied round to counter them with positive reviews.
Some Igbos pointed out that Joson Njoku had degraded the Igbo language months ago and asked if he deserved loyalty from Igbos.
Other said he needs the support now and can be chastised later.
Jason has now reacted, apologising to Igbos and thanking them for their support.
He tweeted: “The last few days has renewed my faith in Nigeria. I know the support wasn’t just about @irokotv but more broadly about self determination, press freedoms & a collective yearning for (Nigeria) to be a great secure & happy nation. North/South I truly believe we all want that #KeepitOn.
“Separately I want to take the opportunity to apologize to Ndi Igbo for my glib, immature and unnecessarily hurtful comments a few years back. I am Igbo, I don’t think I would ever nor ever attempted to deny that (all my kids bear solidly Igbo names which I personally chose).
“Nonetheless I 100% let you all down and hope with time I can make amends and be forgiven. It was stupid and I am truly sorry. Whatever I write (and tweet) reflects on our entire culture and I dropped the ball on this one. Sorry.
“Thanking everyone everywhere for the last few days. I won’t forget it.”
Michael Usifo Ataga, the Chief Executive Officer of Super TV, and a director in Super Network Limited, a telecoms firm, has been gruesomely murdered and his alleged sidechic has been arrested in relation to his death.
Ataga, who resides in Banana Island, was reported missing on Sunday, June 13, by his family and friends after he didn’t return to his home in Banana Island and he also didn’t turn up at his Victoria Island office.
All efforts to reach Ataga, who would have turned 50 years old on June 18, proved abortive and this caused distress to his wife and children, who live in Abuja.
Unfortunately, his lifeless body was found on Friday morning, June 18, in a flat in Lekki phase 1 with multiple stab wounds, according to The Street Journal.
Several withdrawals had been made from his account by then.
Ataga, who is married to a manager in Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, is said to have met the sidechic about two weeks ago and they began a relationship.
To avoid nosy neighbours, Ataga allegedly decided to rent an Airbnb in Lekki, Lagos, where they both checked in to before the unfortunate incidence, the publication reports.
Following his disappearance, concerned friends, family members, the police and DSS operatives all the way from Abuja through the concerted efforts of Ataga’s wife, tracked down the owner of the Airbnb, who received payment from the sidechic’s bank account into which Ataga had previously made a transfer for the payment to.
The apartment was broken into and that was where Ataga was found dead with multiple stab wounds in his neck, chest and thigh.
5 million Naira had been withdrawn from his account before he was killed.
The side chic who was last seen on Tuesday, June 15, when the murder happened, was equally tracked down and arrested alongside the owner of the Airbnb.
Ataga was an amateur boxer and reportedly very strong so his death has come as a shock to friends.
Also, after the sidechic left the apartment following Ataga’s gruesome death, money began to disappear from Ataga’s GTB account. The withdrawals only stopped when an email asked for a change in his account details.
With this, GTBank put an embargo on the account to prevent any further withdrawal.
The mistress is reportedly a prime suspect in Ataga’s murder as security guards at the rentals confirmed that no third party had visited the lovers besides a dispatch rider who made a delivery.
Investigations is still on and the case is still unfolding.
Following the death of Prophet TB Joshua, some people can still accuse and decimate humans. To our greatest surprise, even the so-called General Overseers are those found in this act.
Now, moving further, there’s a viral video revealing that the Senior Pastor of Redeemed Christian Church Of God, Adeboye has cried out saying T. B Joshua tried to Kill him. What we can’t ascertain if it’s recently or before now.
Recall, Prophet TB Joshua died few weeks ago and ever since then — Many GO’s are yet to make any comment.
Sounding loud in an address to the congregation, Pastor Adeboye said TB Joshua tried to Kill him.
The clash between Teigen and Costello began earlier this week.
After Chrissy published a posy, apologising for her past “awful” tweets, Costello came forward and said he’s “traumatized, depressed and has thoughts of suicide” because of the model’s alleged bullying behavior years ago.
The fashion designer then shared purported screenshots of a direct message from 2014 as proof.
However, observant fans pointed out things that show that the DMs were falsified.
Chrissy Teigen has now responded, saying the DMs shared by Costello are fabricated.
She released a screenshot of their actual DM to show she didn’t bully Costello and the DMs he shared were falsified.
Chrissy also shared a statement from her lawyers.
She added in the caption: “No idea what the f*** Michael Costello is doing.
“He just released a statement where he didn’t at ALL acknowledge how fake the dm’s were, & now claims to have emails that don’t exist.”
Read Chrissy’s full statement below.
Chrissy Teigen has confirmed reports that Instagram messages Michael Costello claimed she sent to him are fake, and she’s coming out with her own receipts.
The clash between Teigen and Costello began earlier this week.
After Chrissy published a posy, apologising for her past “awful” tweets, Costello came forward and said he’s “traumatized, depressed and has thoughts of suicide” because of the model’s alleged bullying behavior years ago.
The fashion designer then shared purported screenshots of a direct message from 2014 as proof.
However, observant fans pointed out things that show that the DMs were falsified.
Chrissy Teigen has now responded, saying the DMs shared by Costello are fabricated.
She released a screenshot of their actual DM to show she didn’t bully Costello and the DMs he shared were falsified.
Chrissy also shared a statement from her lawyers.
She added in the caption: “No idea what the f*** Michael Costello is doing.
“He just released a statement where he didn’t at ALL acknowledge how fake the dm’s were, & now claims to have emails that don’t exist.”
Nigerian actor, Olanrewaju James (popularly known as Baba Ijesha), was on Wednesday brought before a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State for alleged sexual assault and attempted rape of a minor.
The 48-year-old man was arraigned on a four-count charge of sexual assault by penetration, attempted rape and indecent treatment of a child.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to all the counts.
The prosecutor, ASP Thomas Nurudeen, told the court that the defendant committed the offences in 2013 and on April 19, 2021, at No. 13, Wegbo St., Iwaya, Lagos State.
According to him, the actor sexually assaulted the minor in 2013 when she was seven years’ old by using his private part and a key to rub the private part of the minor.
Nurudeen added that the defendant sexually assaulted the minor when she was 14 years’ old by touching all parts of her body indecently and having indecent deals with her that she could not legally consent to.
The alleged offences contravene Sections 261, 262, 263, and 135 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (revised).
Chief Magistrate, P.E. Nwaka took the plea of the defendant but ruled that his bail application should be taken at the Lagos High Court.
Nwaka adjourned the case until July 14 for mention.
Angry residents blocked the Abuja-Kaduna highway over persistent attacks by bandits in their communities.
It was gathered that a 13-year-old girl was killed by bandits on Friday night, June 18, and this infuriated the villagers.
They then stormed the Abuja-Kaduna highway to protest.
The protesters, from Anguwar Magaji, comprised mostly of youths and women, some of whom were half naked.
They came out as early as 7.30am to block the road, making it impossible for travellers to continue their journey.
It was gathered also that the bandits stormed the house of their Village Head and abducted his family as well as other persons in the community.
A resident, Bala Johanna, told Tribune that because of the fear of attacks, residents in the area cannot go their farms.
He said: “The most annoying is they followed us to our houses and collect ransom from us.”
He continued: “They killed a 13-year-old girl, a security man in the village as well as abducted other residents including the family of the village head.”
“Some of the women are half-naked. The soldiers were just begging them to leave the road but the men cheered them on from the roadside.”
A couple of days prior to the murder of the 13-year-old girl, residents of Sabon Gaya, one of the communities in Chikun LGA, Kaduna, that suffered attacks near the NYSC camp along the highway, cried over the massive exodus from the area due to incessant attacks and abductions by the bandit.
A local has lamented over the absence of security, alleging that bandits had gone from house to house and abducted a Yoruba trader with her children after which they went away with a woman and her newlywed daughter.
“The bandits wanted to abduct the newlywed daughter but the women resisted, insisting she was her only child and will not bear the brunt of losing her.So the bandits went with both mother and her daughter,” the resident said.
Below is a video of the demonstration by residents.
A video shared online shows the moment an unidentified married woman could be seen in a hospital admission room where she finds another lady on the hospital bed pretending to be a patient as runway after adultery.
In the video, the angry Jojo, (not real name) pulled the lady off the bed and punched her to pulp.
The controversial lady on sickbed is seen n#@ked fighting back while being called a bitch as her breasts! are clapping back and forth.
During the fight, the angry woman pushes the mistress to the bed hence leaving her pu**y exposed.
It is alleged that the mystery woman we named Jojo, was fighting to secure her husband from city goons.
It all started when the cheating romour reached Jojo (the wife to male nurse), who decided to check the hospital to confirm the allegations about her baby daddy. Ooooh..!! to her shock, she caught them red-handed having sweet moments.
Believers Love World General Overseers and renowned Christian author, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has been answering some series of questions from young people across the world.
The popular online programme which is tagged “Ask Past Chris”, has been attracting hundreds of questions worldwide.
In one of the episodes, a young Lady identified as Sarah from the United States, texted the pastor about the proper age for young couples to get married.
Pastor Chris began by laying emphasis on the question and answers. According to him, the answers he has been providing is from the Bible and not his own personal opinion.
In regards to the question that was filed by Sarah, pastor Chris said there is no time frame for any body to get married.
“The Bible is not specific about the right age to get married.” he revealed.
According to him, there is no age that is proper for people to get married. The major thing that is required in marriage is maturity.
“Some people get married while they are still very young, some others, much older. But there is no definite age to get married. Marriage is for the matured ones.”
He stressed that maturity is vital because it would go a long way in keeping the couple together.” To be able to handle life with someone else, you need maturity.” he concluded.
I think I agree with pastor Chris because it takes a lot of maturity to keep a home going. Some people may be advanced in age but when it comes to accepting responsibility in marriage, they act like teenager. Same thing applies to the young people.
In a nutshell everybody need a lot of maturity before going into marriage. What do you think.
The US has decided to pull out missile defense systems, soldiers and other military hardware and personnel from Saudi Arabia and other countries in the Middle East, as it realigns its forces to confront threats posed by China and Russia, according to a new report by the Wall Street Journal.
According to the report, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin instructed the commander of US Central Command, which oversees the Middle East region, to remove the forces this summer.
Pentagon spokeswoman Cmdr. Jessica McNulty said some of the military capabilities and equipment will be returned to the United States for much needed maintenance and repair while other assets will be redeployed to other regions.
“This decision was made in close coordination with host nations and with a clear eye on preserving our ability to meet our security commitments. It’s about maintaining some of our high demand, low density assets so they are ready for future requirements in the event of a contingency,” McNulty said in a statement.
She added that the Pentagon would not disclose where the military assets would be going or when.
The US increased its military stronghold in Saudi Arabia with thousands of troops following a September 2019 attack on the country’s oil facilities, attributed to Iran, that disrupted the global oil supply.
The US also sent Patriot missile batteries and one Terminal High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) system to the Saudis while also sending Patriot missile batteries into Iraq to defend US forces following the killing of Qasem Soleimani and the subsequent threats from Iran.
The removal of forces from Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries comes as part of a broader drawdown in the region. The US is set to complete the withdrawal of all forces from Afghanistan before the September 11 deadline. Less than 1,500 troops remain in the country.
The change reflects a broad shift within the Defense Department to focus its efforts on countering China and Russia as the threats of the future, moving away from the wars they have engaged in the Middle East.
Legendary Indian athlete, Milkha Singh has died at the age of 91 after a month-long battle with Covid-19, just days after his wife died.
Singh contracted Covid-19 last month and was being treated at a hospital in India’s northern city of Chandigarh. He died late Friday June 18, after developing complications including fever and dropping oxygen saturation levels, according to News 18.
“He fought hard but God has his ways and it was perhaps true love and companionship that both our mother Nirmal ji and now Dad have passed away in a matter of 5 days,” the family statement said.
Singh’s wife, Nirmal Kaur, a former national volleyball captain, also died of the virus last Sunday.
Known as the “Flying Sikh,” Singh was one of India’s most successful track and field athletes.
He won four Asian Games gold medals and became India’s first Commonwealth Games champion in 1958. The following year, Singh was honored with the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on Twitter saying he was “anguished” by the news.
“In the passing away of Shri Milkha Singh Ji, we have lost a colossal sportsperson, who captured the nation’s imagination and had a special place in the hearts of countless Indians. His inspiring personality endeared himself to millions. Anguished by his passing away”
Indian President Ram Nath Kovind said the death of Singh filled his heart with grief.
“The story of his struggles and strength of character will continue to inspire generations of Indians,” he tweeted.
Singh represented India in the 1956, 1960 and 1964 Olympics. At the 1960 Olympics in Rome, Singh famously lost the 400 meters race in a photo finish. He came fourth with a time of 45.73 seconds — an Indian national record which stood for 40 years.
Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has accused the acclaimed leader of the Biafra de facto Customary Government, Asari Dokubo, of defrauding him of N20 million.
Kanu made this revelation while reacting to Dokubo’s recent verbal attacks on him.
The IPOB leader also told the former Niger-Delta militant leader to steer clear offl Biafra agitation and focus on being a pipeline security guard.
Asari had recently vowed to bring down Kanu, whom he described as “evil and a “con man”.
In a recent video, the ex-militant warlord accused Kanu of standing against the actualisation of Biafra because of his greed and selfish interest. The ex-militant leader also accused Kanu of being a thief using the agitation for Biafra as a business.
Dokubo had said: “I am out for you. And I will get you. I just asked that our people be allowed to vote and you sent your dogs. I’ve broken their teeth.
“Nnamdi Kanu, I’m not in your category but for this, I will surely bring you down. I will destroy this evil empire that is working as a hindrance to the restoration of Biafra.”
Dokubo has been against the IPOB leader following a rift between them. The disagreement between the duo is believed to hinge on ideological differences regarding the agitation for Biafra.
Reacting, Kanu wrote: “Tell him I don’t even react to a mask-wearing (President Muhammadu) Buhari imposter talk less of a hungry filthy pig that conned me of 20 million naira.
“When world leaders or respected commentators talk about Biafra, I respond. I can’t dignify a petty pipeline security guard with a response. He should focus on his business ventures and leave freedom fighting to freedom fighters.
“For a man of his bloated stature to belatedly realise that his father is Fulani, tells you all you need to know about him.”
The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, says the commission has recovered $261 million, N6 billion, and 13,000 pounds illegally acquired by suspected criminals since he assumed office.
Speaking at the presidential media team ministerial briefing at the statehouse Abuja on Thursday, June 18. He said also recovered by the anti-graft agency were 30 real estates, 32 automobiles, a farmland, and other properties acquired by suspected fraudsters.
Bawa added that the commission is set to prosecute 800 cybercrime cases in various courts beginning from next week.
“I have a full breakdown of all funds recovered by the commission from its activities. This is in line with the accountability process of proceeds of funds recovered as a result of financial crimes.
From the time I took over, we have recovered over N6 billion, over $161 million, over £13,000, €1,730, 200 Canadian dollars, CFA 373,000 and ¥8,430.
Just a couple of some weeks back, I think leading up to last week or thereabout, we recovered over $100 million for the NPA, but the monies were paid directly into the account of the Ports Authority.
We have recovered 30 real estates, one carpet, 13 electronics, one farmland, a factory, motorcycles, land, a filling station, and about 32 automobiles.”
Speaking further, the EFCC boss said
“The rising increase of internet fraud is a huge problem. From January to the 10th of June 2021, we arrested 1,502 internet fraudsters across the country. Last Monday that the court resumed, we attempted to file close to about 800 cases of internet fraud.
“We are working with states government that we have identified to be more vulnerable to this. It is something parents, elders, institutions should be talking to one another, it is tarnishing the image of this country. They are doing it on a daily basis, they see it as another way of getting another income which is worrisome to us.
“A chunk of those doing this are young boys of between 25 and 34, in their active live”
Bawa disclosed that the agency will be prosecuting some former governors and government officials linked to fraud cases.
“The cases of former Governors Ibrahim Shema, Adebayo Alao-Akala, Ikedi Ohakim, Muazu Babagida Aliyu and former Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Olusola Amosu are going on. Orji Uzor Kalu, we are going to prosecute him again all over after 12 years.
Others are cases involving Olajide Omokore (an oil magnate), former Managing Director of the defunct Intercontinental Bank, Erasmus Akingbola; ex- Group Managing Director of the NNPC(Nigerian National Petroluem Corporation), Andrew Yakubu; ex-judge Rita Ofili-Afumogobia, ex-Executive Director of NHIS (National Health Insurance Scheme), Femi Thomas and a former Secretary of the Government of the Federation(SGF), Babachir Lawal.”he said
Clarifying on his earlier comment of a minister who purchased a $37 million property through a bank chief, Bawa explained that the Minister in question was a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.
The Federal Government has appointed former Super Eagles Captain, John Mikel Obi as Youth Ambassador to inspire young Nigerians to strive for excellence.
The appointment which took place at the NOC secretariat, National Stadium, Surulere Lagos on Friday June 18, is another of the Minister’s initiatives geared towards driving a vibrant youth for national development.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare, described the former Chelsea star as a role model whose lasting legacies in football development have continued to have a positive impact on youths in the country.
The minister promised to support Mikel’s vision and the vision for sports development in the country and also assured the Stoke City midfielder of the Federal Government’s unalloyed support whenever he chooses to invest in the country.
“Time will not permit me to say much about Mikel’s success as a footballer. He is our legend and a role model who has continued to impact the lives of youth positively.”
“It is it my pleasure to appoint you as Nigeria Youth Ambassador. It’s a new portfolio and your role as youth ambassador will be made known to Nigerians,” the Minister asserted.”
In his response, Mikel expressed delight with his new portfolio and promised to work with the sports Ministry to foster youth development in the country.
“I feel highly honored to be appointed as Youth Ambassador of this country, it is a great feeling. I am happy with this partnership and I promise to do my best to encourage and inspire the youths towards national development not just in football but in other sports like Basketball, Boxing among others”, said Mikel.
A 45-year-old man has been handed a life sentence after being arrested and arraigned in court for defiling his 15-year-old daughter and infecting her with HIV.
The convict who lives with his daughter at Muthara village in Tigania East, Meru County of Kenya, reportedly dragged her to the farm where he defiled her on several occasions.
The victim fled to a nearby homestead where she was found and taken to Muthara Police Station. Upon her release, the girl declined to accompany her father home. She told the officers that her father had repeatedly defiled her and her teachers who she told about it, have refused to do anything about it.
The investigating officer took the man’s clinic card and discovered that he had enrolled to collect anti-retroviral drugs. Both the man and his daughter tested HIV positive.
The convict who casually admitted to defiling his daughter to ‘ease her sexual urge’, added that he committed the offence since he did not want to die alone and leave the girl to suffer.
In her testimony, the girl narrated how her father would wake her up at night and drag her to the farm where he defiled her. Principal Prosecution Counsel Celestine Matere said the offence was serious as it had affected the girl’s future.
While the father later made a u-turn and claimed that the minor and her mother had framed him up since he had married a second wife, Principal Magistrate of Tigania court Paul Wechuli said he was convinced that the 45-year old man had committed incest and knowingly infected the minor with HIV
Mr Wechuli held that the man had betrayed his daughter’s trust and so deserved to serve the maximum sentence. He was given 14 days to appeal.
A British Airways plane on Friday, June 18, suffered a nose gear collapse on the tarmac at Heathrow Airport, London.
Airport emergency crews rushed to the scene with the extent of the damage to the plane not yet known.
Photos show the Dreamliner 787 with its nose on the ground while a stair car stands by.
It appears only the front landing gear, underneath the pilot’s cabin, has collapsed, leaving the plane at a bending angle.
AerohubNews tweeted: ‘An unidentified (at present) British Airways Boeing 787 has suffered a nose gear collapse at London Heathrow Airport this morning.
‘Extent of the damage is currently unknown, further details will be reported once available.’
A spokesperson for British Airways said they would be investigating the incident saying that the aircraft was only transporting freight and so luckily had no passengers on board.
A spokesman for the company said: ‘A freighter aircraft has been damaged while stationary on stand. As a freighter only aircraft there were no passengers on board.
‘Safety is always our highest priority and we are investigating the matter.’
A 25-year-old man has been arrested over the shooting of UK Black Lives Matter activist, Sasha Johnson.
The mother-of-two, dubbed the ‘Black Panther of Oxford’, remains in a critical condition in hospital after being shot in the head at a party in a back garden in Peckham, south London, on Sunday, May 23.
On Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police said a man has been detained on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.
This comes after two other men were arrested and charged over the shooting, while another four remain on police bail.
Devonte Brown, 18, of Southwark, south London, and Cameron Deriggs, also 18, of Lewisham, south-east London, are both accused of conspiracy to murder.
Ms Johnson, a member of the Taking The Initiative Party, was in the back garden of a house in Consort Road, Peckham, when she was shot.
Last week, Ms. Johnson’s mother Ellet Dalling, appealed for more witnesses, saying: ‘What has happened to Sasha has left us devastated.
She is currently fighting for her life in hospital with two children asking where their mummy is, what do I tell them? Someone must have information to what happened and to come forward.
‘Sasha is passionate about standing up for others, please come forward and stand up for Sasha.
‘Come forward to help us, I know it is not always easy but imagine if it was your daughter or the mother of your children. I believe there are people out there that can help.’
Sonia, the wife of footballer, Jude Ighalo, took to her Instastories this evening to congratulate him on the birth of his baby from another woman.
Sonia in her post revealed that the singer has fathered two children now from two different women. She pointed out that she still remains his legal wife.
In January 2020, the footballer and Sonia deleted their photos from their respective Instagram pages, furling rumors that their marriage was in crisis. Both have not been seen together since then and have neither shared each other’s photos. They have also stopped wearing their wedding bands.
See Sonia’s post below
Sonia, has replied to trolls who say she called him out on IG because she is pained.
The footballer and Sonia have been having marital crises for a while. He has since been alleged to have dated some women including actress Lilian Esoro.
This evening, Sonia via her Instastories congratulated him on the birth of his new baby from another woman. Shortly after her post was shared, some persons claimed she called him out because she was pained.
Responding, Sonia pointed out that she is the legally married wife and that if she wants to collect everything from him, she can. The mum of three alleged that Jude welcomed a baby with another woman since February and has refused to pay child support despite court orders.
See her response as she shared on her Instastories some moments ago
The vigilante group known as Bakassi Boys has returned to the South East years after the group was disbanded.
The group was seen going around in Awka in two vans, singing and warning criminals, DailyTrust reports.
A source told the publication: “The boys came mainly for alleged cult groups which have taken over Awka town in recent time without any response from the Police. I think they were invited by traders.”
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Ikenga Tochukwu, said he was not aware of the development, according to the publication. The PPRO, however, said that the police is ready to work with any stakeholder in security.
A Senior Police Officer, who spoke to DailyTrust on condition of anonymity, said some security men arrived at the state, but failed to confirm if they were sent by the government.
The source said, “That is the only thing I can tell you, for now. Let’s see how things work out in the days and weeks to come.”
Bakassi Boys have been known to carry out extrajudicial killings.
There was an uproar at the Okere Prison in Delta State today June 15 after a security agent allegedly shot dead a young man who visited his friend in the prison.
SaharaReporters reports that the deceased who was there to see his friend in the prison was said to have taken some tomatoes and other food items along. However, the correctional officials allegedly found cocaine among the items with him. The man was arrested and interrogated but met his end when he attempted to escape.
It was learnt that one of the operatives shot him in the leg as he tried to escape. The security guard was said to have shot him a second time while he was still crawling, in pain.
“There’s panic in Okere prison in Warri as a Prison Armed Squad shot dead a visitor this afternoon. The visitor was said to have come to visit his friend when the incident happened.
With what visitors witnessed outside, the person came with tomatoes and some food items. And, in course of conducting their usual routine search on him, they discovered cocaine in the items. The visitor was thereafter subjected to further interrogation,” the source said.
But when he discovered that trouble loomed, he started running. One of the prison’s armed squad members present shot him in the leg. But while the person was still crawling, he shot him a second time and that killed him instantly”a source said
The prison command is yet to release an official statement reacting to the claim.
Authorities in India have arrested a Nigerian man for allegedly selling cocaine.
The country’s central crime branch police in Bengaluru announced on Wednesday, June 16, that they have arrested one Nigerian man named Kelvin Idika for selling cocaine in the city.
The police said they recovered from the Nigerian cocaine valued $973.
The Bengaluru CCB’s anti-narcotics wing in its statement said that Kelvin had arrived in Bengaluru on a student visa but went into ”drug peddling.”
“Based on a tip off, Kelvin was arrested while he was trying to negotiate with a customer near Horamavu signal under Ramamurthy Nagar police limits.
“At the time of his arrest he was in possession of 54 gms of cocaine, which is valued around Rs 4 lakh along with an electronic weighing machine and three mobile phones,” the police said.
According to the police, the accused used to often travel to Mumbai and procure Cocaine from there and sell it here.
Marko Arnautovic has been given a one-match ban for insulting another player during Austria’s 3-1 victory over North Macedonia at Euro 2020.
On Tuesday June 15, it was revealed that UEFA had appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate Arnautovic’s outburst and there were suggestions that if he was found guilty, he could miss the tournament.
He allegedly made a racial slur following his late strike, saying ‘I’m f***ing your Albanian mother’ in the direction of Ezgjan Alioski, according to Koha.
But UEFA’s ruling makes no reference to racism, saying the tournament organisers said in a statement that its appeals” body had decided to “suspend Austrian Football Association player, Marko Arnautovic, for the next (1) UEFA representative team competition match for which he would be otherwise eligible, for insulting another player”.
The forward will now miss Austria’s Group C match against the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Thursday.
Last week, Arnautovic apologised for his outburst, but insisted he was not a racist.
In a post on his official Instagram account, he wrote: ‘There were some heated words yesterday in the emotions of the game for which I would like to apologise – especially to my friends from North Macedonia and Albania.
‘I would like to say one thing very clearly: I am not a racist. I have friends in almost every country and I stand for diversity. Everyone who knows me is aware of that.’
Screenwriter Heidi Ferrer, who wrote episodes of Dawson’s Creek as well as the 2008 Paris Hilton film The Hottie & the Nottie, has died at the age of 50.
Ferrer died by suicide on May 26 after a 13-month battle with long-haul COVID-19 that left her bedridden and riddled with pain, her husband, Nick Guthe, announced.
The mother-of-one contracted the virus in April 2020 after experiencing body aches, including severe pains in her feet and ankles, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms.
Her symptoms escalated and by June she was bedridden. Over the following months, Ferrer’s fatigue and foot pain remained but she also became crippled with neurological tremors.
“The excruciating physical pain and inability to sleep from the pain led Heidi to the decision she would rather leave this world on her own terms before her condition worsened more,” he wrote on her Girl to Mom blog.
Ferrer also told others going through similar long-haul struggles with COVID that they could all pull through together and urged them not to give up.
‘I believe this in my bones: If you are suffering from this monster, you will eventually make it out, we will heal,’ Ferrer wrote.
‘Slowly, almost inexorably, sometimes glacially… we are recovering. It’s just that no one knows for sure how long it might take, maybe six months, maybe a year.’
Ferrer detailed how her condition started to improve in August and that she had longer stretches of good days.
I now believe that I will still have more ‘waves’ of symptoms and bad days, but it feels like it’s happening every month now instead of every 1-2 weeks,’ she said.
‘My loose timeline is that about two weeks after the first symptoms mid-April, I had COVID toes May 1st, then one month later succumbed to 2 months of crippled pain from hell, then I began to slowly heal.
‘I had a turning point at 12 weeks, then a much bigger one at 16 weeks, and I’m expecting to be much better in two months, 6 months from the symptom onset. Fingers crossed.
‘Time will tell, but I’m focusing on being wildly optimistic. COVID won’t win.’
At the end of her blog post, Ferrer wrote: ‘I’m not out of the woods yet, but I see a clearing.’
Ferrer worked with producers Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec in 1999 by writing two episodes of The WB series Dawson’s Creek and one installment of ABC’s Wasteland. She also penned the 2008 ABC telefilm Princess, starring Nora Zehetner.
Nigerians in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, got into a bloody fight that ended in multiple deaths.
It is not clear what led to the fight that occurred days ago, but according to reports, it was between two rival cult groups and some innocent Nigerians were also caught up in it.
Footage shows a group armed with machetes arriving at an apartment complex in Sharjah. Upon arrival, they kicked a door open and went in to attack the occupants.
Other videos show the aftermath of the attack, with mutilated bodies lying on the floor of a narrow hallway. Injured men can also be seen with blood dripping down their bodies.
Ambulances soon arrived at the scene where bodies littered.
According to an unconfirmed report from Nigerians in the UAE, “over 22” people died in the attack.
