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Politicians demands Gov Uzodinma’s resignation follwing rise in Insecurity

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State has called for the resignation of the governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, over the state of insecurity in the state.

Speaking at a press conference in Owerri, the state capital, on Thursday, June 3, the PDP chairman in the state, Charles Ugwu, said that the crisis in the state has shown that the governor had no answer to the spate of killings in the state.

Ugwu said that the All Progressives Congress-led government lacked the capacity to guarantee the safety and security of lives and properties of the people of the state.

“Governor Hope Uzodimma in his capacity and responsibility as the Chief Security Officer of the state has failed to protect the lives and property of Imo State. This has become necessary in view of the evident lack of capacity of the All Progressives Congress in Imo State to guarantee the safety of the people of the state,” he said.

The PDP chairman said that the opposition party was alarmed at the continued escalation of the militarisation of the state and mass arrest and alleged killing of the youths of the state.

“Our party finds it too worrisome that innocent civilians are mowed down daily, security personnel are wantonly killed, arson, murder, and carnage have become the lot of the hitherto most peaceful state in Nigeria. The climax is the gruesome murder of Hon Ahmed Gulak, the former aide to the then president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, and a former member of the PDP.

The PDP, Imo State, wishes to use this medium to solemnly extend our heartfelt condolences to all those who have fallen to the senseless and avoidable carnage going on in the state.”Ugwu said

Ugwu called for a holistic investigation into the killing of a former presidential aide, Mr. Ahmed Gulak, in the state, on Sunday morning, May 30.

By Terry W.

Alan Miller, Ex. Arsenal goalkeeper dies @ 51

Former Arsenal, Middlesbrough and West Brom goalkeeper, Alan Miller has tragically passed away at the age of 51.

The news of his death was confirmed in report by Daily Mail. But the cause of his death is yet unknown.

The Englishman joined the Gunners as a schoolboy in 1984 and signed as a professional with the club four years later.

Miller made his Arsenal debut as a substitute against Leeds United at Elland Road, in so doing becoming the first Gunners goalkeeper to make an appearance as a substitute.

He made five appearances for Arsenal in total, and was an unused substitute as the Gunners won the FA and League Cup double in 1993, as well as the European Cup Winners’ Cup a year later.

Miller had spent time on loan with Plymouth Argyle, West Brom, and Birmingham City, and joined Boro for £325,000 in August 1994. He won the Championship with the North East side in the 1994-95 season. 

The Englishman moved to West Brom for £400,000 in 1997 before joining Blackburn Rovers in 2000. Miller ended his career at Ewood Park with a back injury forcing him into retirement in 2003. 

Miller also enjoyed loan spells with Huddersfield Town, Grimsby Town, Bristol City, Coventry City and St Johnstone.  

West Brom tweeted: ‘We are desperately saddened to learn of the passing of former goalkeeper Alan Miller. Our thoughts are with Alan’s family and friends at this terribly sad time.’

Former Arsenal team-mate Lee Dixon tweeted: ‘Devastated to hear the news that our team mate Alan Miller has passed away.

‘He was one of life’s good guys. What a man. Heart of gold. RIP my friend.’ 

By Jide N.

Mikel Obi signs a new contract with Stoke City

Former Super Eagles Captain, John Mikel Obi has signed a contract extension with Championship side, Stoke City.

The club announced that they reached an agreement with the former Chelsea midfielder to stay with the club for mother twelve months.

“Contract extensions have been activated to retain the services of defender James Chester and midfielder John Obi Mikel,”reads a statement on the club website.

The 34-year-old, who signed for the Potters last summer after leaving Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor is now expected to remain at the Bet 365 stadium until the summer of 2022.

Mikel played 41 times for the Potters in the 2020/21 season and was one of the most important players for the campaign.

By Terry W.

British Mum dies from blood clots after taking her AstraZeneca Covid Vaccine

A British mother-of-three died after suffering blood clots following the AstraZeneca Covid jab.


Tanya Smith, 43, from Mutley in Plymouth was reportedly rushed to hospital after waking up with stomach cramps days after receiving the Covid-19.

Her partner said she had felt “pretty rough” after having the vaccination in March.

After being admitted to Plymouth’s Derriford Hospital it was found she had multiple blood clots.

Tanya suffered a heart attack and then deteriorated before dying in hospital on April 3.

Her partner, Kenneth Edwards, said: “She was just amazing, selfless, She was a childminder, a really good childminder for 19 years.

“She leaves three children behind, two grown up children and a 12 year old little girl with disabilities. She was the only woman, apart from my mum, who really looked after me.

“She loved her family, she was really family orientated and she’d go above and beyond. We’re all pretty lost without her. I’ve never experienced anything like this.”


Kenneth also said Tanya was “healthy and young-ish” before the jab and had her first dose at Plymouth’s Home Park football ground in March, after being contacted by her GP.


An inquest will be held into her death later and part of that inquiry will look at an investigation being carried out by University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust which runs Derriford Hospital where she died.


Tanya was invited to have a jab early as she was a key worker and a carer for her young daughter who had disabilities.


Kenneth said by Good Friday – just over a week after the Covid jab – Tanya was “gravely poorly” in hospital and died a day later. He added that she had no underlying health problems apart from an abnormal health rhythm and a “bit of” irritable bowel syndrome.


NHS England declined to comment but the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), said: “We are saddened to hear of the death of Tanya Smith and our thoughts are with the family.

“As with any serious suspected adverse reaction, reports with a fatal outcome are fully evaluated by the MHRA, including an assessment of post mortem details of available.


“Our detailed and rigorous review into reports of blood clots occurring together with thrombocytopenia is ongoing.”


Experts have stressed cases of blood clots linked to the vaccine are extremely rare.


The latest MHRA data reveals 332 cases of these very rare blood clots reported, and 58 deaths.


People under 40 in the UK are being offered an alternative to the AstraZeneca vaccine following reports of extremely rare blood clots on the brain.
 

By Lucky b.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s Prime Minister, maybe removed from Office in the next one week

Benjamin Netanyahu

Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu’s opponents have announced they have reached a deal to form a new governing coalition, paving the way for the removal of Netanyahu, who has been Israel’s longest serving leader.


Opposition leader Yair Lapid and his main coalition partner, Naftali Bennett, announced they had reached an announcement shortly before a Wednesday, June 2 midnight deadline and prevented what could have been Israel’s fifth consecutive election in just over two years.

Israel


“This government will work for all the citizens of Israel, those that voted for it and those that didn’t. It will do everything to unite Israeli society,” Lapid said.


The agreement still needs to be approved by the Knesset (Israel’s parliament) in a vote that is expected to take place early next week.


If it goes through, Lapid and his coalition partner will end Netanyahu’s record-setting12-year rule.


Netanyahu, desperate to remain in office while he fights corruption charges, is expected to do everything possible in the coming days to prevent the new coalition from taking power.


The deal comes at a political time for Israel, which fought an 11-day war against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip last month while also experiencing mob violence between Jews and Arabs in cities across Israel.


Under the coalition agreement, Lapid and Bennett will split the job of prime minister i.e rotate the prime minister roles between two consecutive terms.


Bennett, a former ally of Netanyahu, is to serve the first two years, while Lapid is to serve the final two years.


The historic deal also includes a small Islamist party, the United Arab List, which would make it the first Arab party ever to be part of a governing coalition.

“This is the first time an Arab party is a partner in the formation of a government,” said the party’s leader, Mansour Abbas. “This agreement has a lot of things for the benefit of Arab society, and Israeli society in general.”


Among the concessions secured by Abbas were agreements for legal recognition of Bedouin villages in southern Israel, an economic plan for investing 30 billion shekels ($9.2 billion) in Arab towns and cities, and a five-year plan for combating violent crime in Arab communities, according to Army Radio.


Netanyahu in a show of power, is attempting to put pressure on hard-liners in the emerging coalition to defect and join his religious and nationalist party.


Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin, a member of Netanyahu’s Likud party, may also use his influence to delay the required parliamentary vote.


Netanyahu has been top of Israeli politics over the past three decades, first serving as prime minister since 2009 in addition to an earlier term in the late 1990s.

His major achievements include last year’s groundbreaking diplomatic agreements with four Arab countries and the defence of Israel from Hamas and Iran.

By Jide N.

Finally, Rapper, Lil Uzi Vert removes $24 million pink diamond from his forehead

US rapper, Lil Uzi Vert has decided to ditch the pink diamond encrusted on his forehead.

The Philadelphia rapper made headlines when he implanted the 11-carat $24 million gem on his forehead, but it appears that he’s removed it. 


In recent photos and video the rapper has been seen without the $24 million rock. 


In one Instagram Story posted by Uzi’s girlfriend JT, the couple is seen dancing and kissing, but the diamond is nowhere in view.


Uzi also shared photos of himself in a City Girls “Twerkulator” T-shirt and again his forehead diamond is missing.

Rapper, Lil Uzi removes $24 million pink diamond from his forehead

Back in February, Lil Uzi Vert made headlines when he implanted the gem in the middle of his forehead, boasting about its magical powers. “I can’t believe I got this Stone either moving super different now,” he tweeted.


But the stone engraving came with its share of pain when he revealed the bloody injury he suffered as a result of trying to affix it to his skull.


“If I don’t get it took out the right way I could die,” said Uzi.


He purchased the diamond from jewelry designer Elliot Eliantte.


It was so expensive that it took four years to pay off. According to Uzi, it cost more than his home and all his cars combined including his Bugatti.


“I’ve been paying for a natural pink diamond from Elliot for years now,” he tweeted. 


“This one Stone cost so much I’ve been paying for it since 2017. That was the first time I saw a real natural pink diamond. A lot of M’s in my face.”

By Jide N.

Politicians proposed change of Nigeria’s name to ‘United African Republic’, Nigerians reacts

Hours after it was reported that the House of Representatives have received a proposal which suggested United African Republic or United Alkebulan Republic as Nigeria’s new name, it has become one of the trending topics on social media. 

Adeleye Jokotoye, a tax consultant submitted the proposal to the committee at the South West Zonal Public Hearing in Lagos on Wednesday, June 2, 2021.

He said Nigeria’s current name was an imposition of its past colonial masters and should be changed to reflect a new beginning physically and psychologically. 

His proposal read; 

First and foremost, I want to recommend a name change from Nigeria to the United Africans Republic (UAR).

The significance of name change cannot be overemphasised. Even God our father, in the Holy books, changed names of prophets e.g. Saul to Paul, Jacob to Israel, etc. The reason for name change is to physically and psychologically reflect a new beginning.

Thus, at this crossroads in our history, it is mandatory that we change our name to reflect a new beginning which will be ushered in with a new constitution. The word ‘Africa’ is a Greek word meaning ‘Without Cold’. Africa was originally called ‘Alkebulan’, meaning ‘Mother of Mankind’ (Garden of Eden).

Alkebulan is the oldest and the only word of indigenous origin used by Moors, Nubians and Ethiopians. So, if we like, we can go a step further and name our nation, United Alkebulan Republic (meaning ‘United Mother of Mankind Republic).

The new constitution should also give room for continuous review as and when due, and future referendum if required also want to suggest the following.

The constitution should provide for a council for each of these offices where six members from each geo-political zone will be represented to take collective unanimous decisions for the office, instead of one man holding all the powers of the office.

These council members will attain the position by seniority and numbers of years in service, and they will each need a department in the service as well as being council members.

Nigerians have now taken to social media to to express their opinions concerning the proposal. See some below; 

Nigerians react to proposed change of Nigeria
Nigerians react to proposed change of Nigeria
Nigerians react to proposed change of Nigeria
Nigerians react to proposed change of Nigeria
Nigerians react to proposed change of Nigeria
Nigerians react to proposed change of Nigeria
Nigerians react to proposed change of Nigeria
Nigerians react to proposed change of Nigeria
Nigerians react to proposed change of Nigeria
Nigerians react to proposed change of Nigeria

By Terry W.

A bar employee who cut off her boss’s penis following an alleged rape attempt in Spain, arrested

It was reported that the woman sliced off her boss’s genitals after he allegedly attempted to rape her on Monday night, June 2,  at Sant Andreu de la Barca outside Barcelona.

 The woman in her 30s, whose identity was not revealed, then called the police and said she was trying to fight off the alleged rapist, Daily Mail reports. 

A Mossos d’Esquadra police force spokesperson confirmed the arrest saying that “a woman has been arrested for a crime of wounding following an incident around midnight at a bar in Sant Andreu de la Barca.”

‘The arrest happened in the early hours of this morning.’

A source added: ‘The woman was the one who contacted police to explain what had happened.

She said she had cut off her boss’s penis as he tried to sexually assault her.

‘Her claims are being investigated and the bar owner may be arrested once the hospital say he is well enough to be questioned.’

The man was also reportedly arrested for sexual assault following the woman’s allegations, with sources telling the Daily Mail that the boss had raped her multiple times over a span of months. 

The outlet reports that it was not clear if doctors could reattach the man’s sliced penis following the incident when he was rushed to Bellvitge Hospital, a public hospital in l’Hospitalet de Llobregrat.

 The woman is being held at a nearby police station while detectives have also opened an investigation into her claims of sexual assault.

A bar worker in Spain has reportedly been arrested after she cut off her boss’s penis following an alleged rape attempt.

It was reported that the woman sliced off her boss’s genitals after he allegedly attempted to rape her on Monday night, June 2,  at Sant Andreu de la Barca outside Barcelona.

 The woman in her 30s, whose identity was not revealed, then called the police and said she was trying to fight off the alleged rapist, Daily Mail reports. 

A Mossos d’Esquadra police force spokesperson confirmed the arrest saying that “a woman has been arrested for a crime of wounding following an incident around midnight at a bar in Sant Andreu de la Barca.”

‘The arrest happened in the early hours of this morning.’

A source added: ‘The woman was the one who contacted police to explain what had happened.

She said she had cut off her boss’s penis as he tried to sexually assault her.

‘Her claims are being investigated and the bar owner may be arrested once the hospital say he is well enough to be questioned.’

The man was also reportedly arrested for sexual assault following the woman’s allegations, with sources telling the Daily Mail that the boss had raped her multiple times over a span of months. 

The outlet reports that it was not clear if doctors could reattach the man’s sliced penis following the incident when he was rushed to Bellvitge Hospital, a public hospital in l’Hospitalet de Llobregrat.

 The woman is being held at a nearby police station while detectives have also opened an investigation into her claims of sexual assault.

By Jide N.

Lagos, Nigeria: Airplane gets stuck in mud after skidding off runway in Murtala Muhammed Airport (video)

An airplane got stuck in the mud in Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, while trying to take off.

The Ethiopian Airlines flight skidded off the runway and ran into a muddy area where it got stuck.

Footage from the scene shows airport workers trying to get the plane out of the mud.

Thankfully, no fatalities or injuries were recorded.

Airplane gets stuck in mud after skidding off runway in Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos (video)

According to reports, authorities are investigating what led to the incident.

Watch the video below.

By Kingsley U.

Ohaneze Ndigbo Youth Council petitions US and UK over President Buhari’s tweet on civil war

Nigeria's revenue has dropped to more than 60% - President Buhari

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council OYC has petitioned the International Criminal Court (ICC), the United Kingdom and United States of America USA over the tweet posted by President Buhari making reference to the civil war.

Ohaneze Ndigbo Youth Council petitions UK and US over President Buhari

In a statement signed by the National President of OYC, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the group alleged the President’s tweet was another subtle plan for an attack against Ndigbo. Nnabuike said the President via his tweet had” prepared the ground for another attack on Ndigbo by security forces.”

Nnabuike added that the President had pushed Ndigbo to the wall enough for them to react.

Part of the petition sent to the foreign government’s reads

“We write to alert the international community on another planned attack against Ndigbo.

This is sadly coming few days after Ndigbo held a memorial in honour of over 5 million lives wasted, including children, during the civil war.

We are more concerned that this is coming from the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

It is quite sad that while the same Buhari presidency is busy romancing with Boko Haram and other bandits in the North, it has in another stroke threatened massacre of Ndigbo simply for agitating to have their own country.

We are, therefore, alerting the United Nations, the United States of America, the International Criminal Court, ICC, UK, and other international organizations of this looming attack in Igboland, as Mr. President has given the security agencies license to wipe our people out as can be deduced from his recent statement.

Already, several innocent Igbo youths have been murdered by security forces under the watch of Buhari, under the guise of hunting ESN, yet his Government is still looking for more blood.

It is thus imperative that we send this SOS message to the international community as Buhari’s hatred for Ndigbo has now reached extreme level” 

By Jide N.

Derek Chauvin begs for a lighter sentence following conviction in George Floyd’s case

The attorney for former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has filed a motion seeking a lesser sentence in the murder of George Floyd ahead of his June 25th sentencing hearing.  

His attorney Eric Nelson, asked a Minnesota judge this week to give him a lighter prison sentence, either with a probation term or a much lighter sentence than state guidelines currently suggest, citing that he is a “victim of a broken system.”

Chauvin, 45, was convicted in April on counts of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in Floyd’s May 2020 death. 

Judge Peter Cahill scheduled Chauvin’s sentencing hearing for June 25. He previously indicated that he will consider aggravating factors to potentially issue a sentence that is longer than the recommendations under state guidelines.

In a defense motion filed on Tuesday, attorney Eric Nelson requests “a strict probationary sentence, along with a period of incarceration equal to the time he has already served. In the alternative, Mr. Chauvin respectfully requests that the Court grant him a downward durational departure.” 

In the motion, Nelson claims there are several “compelling circumstances” to warrant a sentence of probation, including Chauvin’s lack of a previous criminal record; a preliminary diagnosis of heart damage for Chauvin; and the average shorter life expectancy for police officers. Nelson also cites Chauvin’s “respectful” attitude in court and cooperation throughout the trial “in the face of unparalleled public scorn and scrutiny.”

Nelson’s motion also claims the aggravating factors for a greater sentence are “unwarranted.”

However, on May 12, Judge Peter Cahill issued a finding of fact decision listing four reasons that support a potential stronger penalty than the 12.5-year sentence that normally accompanies a second-degree murder conviction for someone with no criminal history:

  1. Defendant abused a position of trust and authority: Cahill described how Chauvin, in full uniform and on duty, restrained Floyd and caused his death by using unreasonable force while holding a position of trust and respect with the community. 
  2. Defendant treated George Floyd with particular cruelty: Cahill noted how Chauvin prevented Floyd’s ability to breathe, even though he was begging for his life. 
  3. Children were present during the commission of the offense: Cahill ruled that Chauvin caused Floyd’s death in front of four juveniles between the ages of 9 and 17, who saw him and other police officers restrain Floyd and cause him to die of asphyxiation while he begged for his life. 
  4. Defendant committed the crime as a group with the active participation of at least three other persons: The judge noted that former officers Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng were actively involved with Chauvin in restraining Floyd, and former officer Tou Thao actively kept bystanders from rendering aid. Cahill noted that the participation of the three other officers includes no finding of criminal liability on their part. 

Prosecutors have also filed their own motion with the court requesting a 30-year sentence for Chauvin, more than double the recommended state guidelines.

In addition to the upcoming sentencing, Chauvin also faces federal charges in Floyd’s death, alongside the three other former MPD officers charged in the case. Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng, and Thomas Lane face separate criminal charges of aiding and abetting; however, their criminal trial was postponed until March 2022 to allow the federal case time to reach its completion.

By Jide N.

Nigerian Army kill over 50 ISWAP terrorists in Borno

Military authorities have confirmed that over 50 members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist group were killed while launching anattack on Damboa Local Government Area of Borno state. 

Army spokesman, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima said the terrorists were battled by troops of Operation Hadin Kai in conjunction with Air Component of the Operation. 

Yerima said the suicide bombers had to abandon their vehicles primed with explosives as they could not withstand the overwhelming firepower from the highly motivated troops

The statement read; 

“The terrorists attacked the town in multiple waves with Armoured Personnel Carriers and 12 Gun Trucks all mounted with Anti-Aircraft Guns, as well as Locally Fabricated Armoured-plated Vehicles loaded with explosives and motorcycles. 

“The gallant troops successfully defeated the attack, destroyed the locally fabricated armoured-plated vehicles and neutralised over 50 ISWAP terrorists forcing the survivors to run in disarray under heavy gunfire from the resilient troops and Nigerian Air Force attack platforms.

“The so-called suicide bombers had to abandon their vehicles primed with explosives as they could not withstand the overwhelming firepower from the highly motivated troops. Several weapons and ammunition were recovered from the depleted terrorists.”

By Jide N.

Jefferson Lerma fined £40,000 and with 6-game ban for allegedly biting Sheffield Wednesday’s Josh Windass

Bournemouth midfielder, Jefferson Lerma has been banned for six matches after allegedly biting Sheffield Wednesday’s Josh Windass.

The Colombian footballer was accused of biting Windass in the 83rd minute of the Cherries’ 1-0 defeat by the Owls in November, but the 26-year-old strenuously denied the allegation.

The FA confirmed Lerma’s punishment for the alleged offence on Wednesday June 2, and also confirmed he had been fined £40,000. Bournemouth said they were ‘surprised and disappointed’ at the outcome.

Bournemouth star, Jefferson Lerma hit with 6-game ban for allegedly biting Sheffield Wednesday

                             Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Josh Windass.

A statement from the FA read: ‘Jefferson Lerma has been suspended for six matches and fined £40,000 following a breach of FA Rule E3 that occurred during an EFL Championship match against Sheffield Wednesday FC on 03/11/20.

‘The midfielder denied that his behaviour in or around the 83rd minute of the match constituted violent conduct.

‘An independent Regulatory Commission found the breach of FA Rule E3 proven after considering evidence during a hearing.’

But Bournemouth believe there is a lack of ‘clear and compelling’ evidence of the alleged incident.

In a statement, the club said: ‘Since the start of this unnecessarily long process, Jefferson has strenuously denied the charge and has been fully supported by the club in doing so. Both the club and player have fully cooperated with the FA throughout.

‘As stated in the commission’s written reasons, the video footage of the incident between the players was ‘not conclusive’. In addition, there was no photographic evidence of any bite mark and Mr Windass – who is described as an ‘unappealing witness’ who ‘gave every impression of simply not caring’ – did not seek or receive any medical attention or treatment.

‘Expert evidence was also presented to the commission suggesting that Jefferson was most unlikely to have intentionally bitten Mr Windass, but this appears to have been rejected without due consideration.

‘The club believes there was a lack of clear and compelling evidence in finding the charge against Jefferson proven, and the player is currently considering his options regarding an appeal.’

By Usman O.

Premier League Player of the Year Awards: Salah, Kane, Ruben Dias and Fernandes shortlisted

An eight-man shortlist for the 2020/21 season Premier League Player of the Season award has been revealed. 

Manchester City stars Kevin De Bruyne and Ruben Dias are two of the eight stars nominated for the Premier League Player of the Season Award.

England trio Harry Kane of Tottenham, Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish and Chelsea star Mason Mount have also been listed along with Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek.

Manchester City defender, Ruben Dias is favourite to win the award after an outstanding season for his club.

The Portugal internation  won the Football Writers’ Association award in May, beating his City team-mate Kevin De Bruyne – who won the Premier League Player of the Season award last season – and Tottenham striker Harry Kane to the honour.

Fernandes, Salah, Kane, Ruben Dias shortlisted for Premier League Player of the Year Award?
Fernandes, Salah, Kane, Ruben Dias shortlisted for Premier League Player of the Year Award?

Terry W.

Indian Bride dies on her wedding day and event continues with groom marrying her sister same day (photos)

A bride in India died at the venue of her wedding and the ceremony continued with the groom marrying the dead bride’s younger sister.

The bride, who has been identified as Surabhi, died of a heart attack during her wedding ceremony in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Following her sudden death in the presence of family and wedding guests, the families laid her body in the room next door as her groom worked on his backup plan.

According to eyewitnesses, groom, Manjesh Kumar was in the middle of exchanging vows with his fiancee, Surabhi, when she died in front of him.

Doctors rushed to her side but despite their best efforts, she was pronounced dead of cardiac arrest moments later, local media reports.

However, Surabhi’s uncle Ajab Singh told news agency IANS that the families made the decision to have Kumar wed her younger sister, Nisha, instead, which he claims was a “tough call” for them.

He said: “One daughter lay dead in one room and the wedding of another daughter was being solemnised in the other room. We have never witnessed such mixed emotions.

“The grief over her death and the happiness of the wedding have yet to sink in.”

Surabhi’s brother, Saurabh, added that they did not know what to do in the situation at first. 

He said: “Both the families sat together and someone suggested that my younger sister Nisha should be married to the groom. The families discussed the matter and both agreed.”

Bride dies during wedding ceremony and event continues with groom marrying her sister (photos)

The groom with Nisha taking their vows after the death of the original bride

The story has since gone viral on social media, with an image of sisters Surabhi and Nisha on the day of the wedding emerging.

Bride dies during wedding ceremony and event continues with groom marrying her sister (photos)Sisters, Surabhi and Nisha (circled) on the wedding day before tragedy occurred and the younger sister had to marry the groom

News of the wedding has been viewed more than 260 million times on Weibo.

Bride dies during wedding ceremony and event continues with groom marrying her sister (photos)

bY jIDE N.

Deontay Wilder promises to “decapitate” Tyson Fury ahead of their trilogy fight

Deontay Wilder has vowed to “decapitate” Tyson Fury when they fight for the third time. 

The Gypsy King was set to take on Anthony Joshua in their undisputed heavyweight title fight on August 14 in Saudi Arabia, before an arbitration case by Wilder ordered a trilogy between himself and Tyson Fury.

A judge ruled that Fury must go through with his contracted trilogy fight with Deontay Wilder by September 2021.

Recall Fury and Wilder signed a two-fight deal to meet again twice in 2020 after their first fight in 2018, which ended in a draw. The Brit defeated the American to take his WBC heavyweight title in February 2020 and Wilder then activated his clause to force a trilogy contest. 

The trilogy fight has now been set for July 24.

 Bronze Bomber’ said he is aiming to make no mistake this time around.

Speaking to 78 Sports TV, Wilder issued a chilling threat to Fury and warned he will “decapitate” him.

“Y’all don’t wanna miss this one. My mindset is just so different right now,” he said. “Even right now, I don’t even feel like I’m here.

“My mentality is – you’ve been contemplating about hurting a person so bad, to the point you wanna disfigure him so his mother wouldn’t even know who he was.

“When you’ve had your mind on that, like you wanna decapitate him in every f*****g way possible, it’s like that premeditated stuff.

“When I do see him, I’m gonna love to see what I feel and what I’m thinking, how my senses change when he’s in my environment. I’ve been contemplating, premeditating whooping this man.

“Now that we have a date, like training has been even more intense.

“Those other camps, although they were intense, we had no guidance, no ETA, we just knew we wanted to stay in shape… Now it means something now. It’s for certain now.

“There’s nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, you got to go through me. The hardest puncher in the heavyweight division, probably in history, and I’m going to continue to do that.”

By Terry W.

Donald Trump permanently shuts down his website, 29 days after launching it

Former US president, Donald Trump has shut down his newly launched site where he posts statements just 29 days after it was launched.


The website ”From the Desk of Donald J. Trump’ has been scrubbed from the former president’s website and instead the URL redirects users to a page to sign up for his email and text alerts.

Trump permanently shuts down his website


Trump’s team did not give a reason for closing the website but
Senior Trump aide Jason Miller told CNBC that the site ‘will not be returning.’


‘It was just auxiliary to the broader efforts we have and are working on,’ he added. 


The site was set up by Trump after the former president was banned from social media sites like Twitter and Facebook following the January 6 Capitol riot.


Trump promised after being banned from his social media accounts that he would set up his own social media site, which he insists is different from the ‘desk’ blog.


Miller claimed he is ‘hoping to have more information on the broader efforts soon’ regarding the new social media site.

‘I do not have a precise awareness of timing,’ he said.

By Jide N.

Police storms gay wedding in Uganda, arrest 44 persons

Police in Nansana municipality, Uganda have arrested 44 people for organizing and attending a same sex traditional marriage.

Spokesperson for the Kampala Metropolitan Police, Luke Owoyesigyire, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, May 31, said police received a tip off about a group of men suspected to be homosexuals conducting a wedding in 780 zone, Ochen ward in Nansana municipality.

Police raid gay wedding in Uganda, arrest 44

“At the same functions gifts were recovered, these included suitcases, a tv, assorted gifts like sugar, salt, pineapples and many other gifts normally given at traditional functions.” he added.

The Kampala police spokesperson said that used and unused condoms were recovered at the scene whereas the suspects were not observing Covid SOPs like social distancing and wearing of masks. 

He noted that they were arrested and detained at police.

The Criminal Investigations Divisions spokesperson, Charles Twine later said the group would be charged for doing a ‘negligent act likely to spread an infectious disease.’

See more photos and video from their arrest below…

Police raid gay wedding in Uganda, arrest 44
Police raid gay wedding in Uganda, arrest 44
Police raid gay wedding in Uganda, arrest 44

By Jide N.

Uganda Minister survives assassination attempt; his daughter and driver killed

Gunmen attacked a car carrying Ugandan Minister of Works and Transport, General Katumba Wamala, in an attempted assassination, killing his daughter and driver.

It was gathered that four attackers on motorcycles opened fire at a vehicle carrying the former army commander, in the Kampala suburb of Kiasasi, on Tuesday morning, June 1. 

Uganda Minister survives assassination attempt; daughter and driver killed

According to reports, the assailants trailed Gen. Katumba’s vehicle with reg number H4DF 2138 before opening fire on them. 

General Wamala survived with bullet wounds in his left arm and chest and was rushed to Malcom Clinic and later Nakasero. Unfortunately, his daughter Brenda Nantongo Wahala and driver Haruna Kayondo died on the spot. 

The former commander was reportedly on his way to attend a vigil for his mother-in-law at the time of the shooting. 

Uganda Minister survives assassination attempt; daughter and driver killed

Images circulating on social media showed Wamala with his mouth open, in apparent distress beside the car and his light-colored trousers splattered with blood. Images also showed bullet holes in a car window and casings on the ground.

“There was a shooting involving him … he is hurt and he’s been taken to the hospital, his driver was killed,” said Army spokeswoman Brigadier Flavia Byekwaso.

Uganda Minister survives assassination attempt; daughter and driver killed

According to local media, General Wamala has enjoyed a distinguished career. Before appointment as works minister by President Yoweri Museveni in December 2019, Wamala had served as the Chief of Defence Forces (2013-2017) in the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF).

Meanwhile,his daughter, Brenda had recently returned from the United States of America.

“Brenda had just returned from the US. She only started working recently,” said Joyce Ssentongo, an in-law to Gen. Wamala. 

Ssentongo described the slain daughter as a humble girl who had a whole bright future ahead of her. 

Uganda Minister survives assassination attempt; daughter and driver killed
Uganda Minister survives assassination attempt; daughter and driver killed

                                                               The driver Uganda Minister survives assassination attempt; daughter and driver killed

Uganda Minister survives assassination attempt; daughter and driver killed
Uganda Minister survives assassination attempt; daughter and driver killed
Uganda Minister survives assassination attempt; daughter and driver killed
Uganda Minister survives assassination attempt; daughter and driver killed
Uganda Minister survives assassination attempt; daughter and driver killed

By Lucky B.

Belgium’s Euro 2020 team refuses to take the Covid vaccine ahead of Euro 2020 match

A number of Belgium players have reportedly turned down the chance to receive a Covid-19 vaccination ahead of Euro 2020 over fears the side effects could wreck their hopes at the tournament.

The country’s government had given the green light for players to receive the jab, with the Belgian FA insisting it was a ‘very important’ move as they bid to win their first-ever trophy as a nation.

A handful of stars including Toby Alderweireld, Timothy Castagne, Thibaut Courtois, and Thomas Vermaelen are all said to have received their jabs. 

But with the team seen as one of the favourites to win the competition, some of the players refused to take the Pfizer jab in case it hinders their performance, according to Belgian outlet HLN. 

The side effects of the vaccine include tiredness, headaches, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, and fever – which can affect more than one in ten people.

Professor Dirk Ramaekers, who heads Belgium’s Task Force COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy, allayed fears about the refusals to be vaccinated.

He said a number of players had already received their jabs, while some would prefer to receive theirs after Euro 2020 has ended

‘A number of Red Devils had already been vaccinated abroad, a number of them have recently experienced Covid,’ he said. 

‘The latter have antibodies and prefer to be vaccinated after the tournament. Of those who were not vaccinated, the vast majority had themselves vaccinated upon arrival in our country.

Ramaekers said the squad and coach Roberto Martinez were ‘very pro-vaccination’ and that only ‘one or two’ players do not wish to receive their jabs. 

‘I look at it positively and notice that the players – with guys like Mertens, Lukaku and Hazard in the lead – just like the association and the coach are very pro-vaccination,’ he added. 

 ‘Within the group, the majority is protected. The group protection is great because those boys will live in a highly isolated environment for the coming weeks. On the field, all participating teams will protect their players as much as possible with vaccination and testing.’ 

Belgium, who are ranked as the number one international team in world football are set to begin their Euro campaign against Russia in St Petersburg on June 12. 

By Jide N.

Barcelona signs Emerson Royal, Brazil defender, from Real Betis

Barcelona have made their third signing of the week with Brazil defender Emerson Royal joining from Real Betis after Argentina striker Sergio Aguero and Spain center-back Eric Garcia joined. 

The 22-year-old right-back initially joined Barcelona from Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro in January 2019 in a three-way deal also involving Betis, which saw the full-back join the Andalusian club on loan.

Barca have now exercised their option to bring Emerson back to the Nou Camp.

Officially announcing the switch on Wednesday, a Barca statement read: “FC Barcelona have informed Real Betis Balompie that they are exercising their right to bring back Emerson Royal from July 1 after two seasons on loan at the Andalusian club. 

“Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil on 14 January 1999, Emerson Aparecido Leite de Souza Junior, better known as Emerson Royal, is an attacking right-back who will be involved in the upcoming Copa America with the Brazilian national team. 

“The defender will bring pace and an attacking dimension to the right wing as the Brazilian has scored five goals and created 10 assists with Betis, the club at which he has played since a three-way agreement was reached involving Atletico Mineiro in January 2019.”

By Jide N.

Mum hangs herself and her daughter and then leaves suicide note for her husband to read

A mum left a suicide note for her husband then hanged her 14-year-old daughter before killing herself.

Mariolina Nigrelli, 40, and her daughter Alessandra Mollica were found dead on May 31 in their country home in Sicily, southern Italy, by the teens’ father.

The mum also left a note on the kitchen table which read: “I’m taking Alessandra away with me, I’m sorry I ask for forgiveness.”

Woman hangs herself and daughter, 14, after leaving suicide note for husband to find

According to local media, when the father, Maurizio Mollica, had last spoken to his wife a day before, they had disputes over their daughter’s education.

Woman hangs herself and daughter, 14, after leaving suicide note for husband to find

Mariolina Nigrelli, 40, Alessandra Mollica, 14, and her father Maurizio Mollica also 40

He told La Republicca: “Yesterday afternoon, shortly after seven, my wife did not answer the phone. I was worried.

“I looked for them everywhere in the village, then I went to our country house. And there I found myself in front of the tragedy.”

The well-known blacksmith had found his wife and teenage daughter’s lifeless bodies and immediately called the authorities.

He cried as he told investigators that the marriage was strained and the arguments in their relationship had made it very tense.

Woman hangs herself and daughter, 14, after leaving suicide note for husband to find

Maurizio also claims that his daughter, Alessandra, had problems with other kids at school and her mum had become increasingly concerned about her welfare. As a result, Mariolina would sometimes get into arguments with other parents at the school.

Woman hangs herself and daughter, 14, after leaving suicide note for husband to find

An autopsy is still to be carried out on the bodies however investigators believe the cause of death was murder-suicide but the investigation is still ongoing.

By Jide N.

Isaac Herzog becomes Israel’s 11th President with 87 votes

Jewish Agency chairman, Isaac Herzog has been elected as the11th president of the State of Israel after receiving 87 votes from parliamentary members in a secret ballot vote in the Knesset plenum.

60-year-old Herzog’s opponent, Israel Prize-winning educator Miriam Peretz received 27 votes and three Members abstained. Had she been elected, Peretz would have become Israel’s first woman president.

It was the largest victory in any presidential election in Israel’s history. Herzog will take over from President Reuven Rivlin when his term ends on July 9. Wednesday’s presidential vote came as Israeli politicians from across the spectrum were holding 11th-hour negotiations to cobble together a new administration aimed at ending Prime Minister Netanyahu’s 12 straight years in office.

The Israeli presidency exerts little power, primarily meeting with party leaders after legislative elections and tasking candidates with forming governments. It is the country’s prime minister who wields actual executive authority.

The president however has the ability to grant pardons, a potentially important function as Netanyahu faces trial for alleged fraud, bribery and breach of trust.

A veteran politician, Herzog is a former head of the Labor Party, a former opposition leader, a former welfare and diaspora minister and is the son of Chaim Herzog, who served as Israel’s president from 1983 to 1993.

By Jide N.

‘Nigeria is now a failed country’ – Ex. US Ambassador to Nigeria says

A former United States Ambassador to Nigeria, John Campbell (L), and a former Director with Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, Prof. Robert Rotberg (R), have said it is time for the United States to acknowledge that Nigeria is a failed state.

Campbell and Rotberg said this is in light of the many security threats plaguing the country.

This was made known in an article titled, “The Giant of Africa is Failing” which was published in the May/June edition of Foreign Affairs magazine.

Both men stated that every part of Nigeria now faces insecurity which threatens the nation’s corporate existence.

The article read in part, “Nigeria’s worldwide companions, particularly the USA, should acknowledge that Nigeria is now a failed state. In recognition of that truth, they need to deepen their engagement with the nation and search to carry the present administration accountable for its failures, while additionally working with it to supply safety and proper financial system.”

Campbell and Rotberg noted that the security agents have been unable to curb crime due to the sophisticated weapons that the criminals in the country have known their possession.

They also spoke about the Buhari Administration, stating that the country had moved from being a weak one to a failed one.

“Underneath the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, a number of overlapping safety crises has remodelled Nigeria from a weak state right into a failed one. Buhari’s authorities has struggled to quell numerous Jihadi insurgencies, together with the one waged by the militant group Boko Haram,” the article read.

The duo alleged the Federal Government seemed to have given up in some areas and non-state actors had taken over while quasi-police organisations and militias controlled by state governments have become more common. 

The authors stated that due to kidnappings and other crimes, several schools had been forced to shut down.

The article reads: “Regional quasi-police forces and militias—generally related to state governments however not often formally sanctioned—train de facto authority in some areas. However in lots of others, the federal authorities have successfully ceded management to militants and criminals.”

Campbell and Rotberg said that most failed states in Africa such as the Central African Republic, Somalia, and South Sudan are small or marginal but Nigeria, in contrast, boasts rising inhabitants of over 200 million people and could be the third-largest country on earth by 2050.

Campbell and Rotberg said happenings in Nigeria also affect other areas of Africa.

The article adds that Nigeria depends too much on oil and is regularly faced with economic disasters.

The authors wrote: “However the Nigerian state has long failed to supply its residents with social companies and Nigerian politics is basically an elite sport disassociated from governance.

“The Federal Government doesn’t or cannot tax the true wealth of the nation, stays too depending on income from oil and gasoline, and lurches from one fiscal disaster to a different. Corruption is structural, too, casting almost everybody as each perpetrator and sufferer.”

The authors recommended that through conferences, technical recommendations, and different instruments of “comfortable diplomacy,” the US ought to help civil society and Nigerian non-governmental organisations in their efforts to strengthen the nation’s democracy.

By Jide N.

Police arrest over drug dealers, recover cracks, cocaine and Indian hemp

The Delta State Police Command has arrested 12 members of a drug syndicate that allegedly supply criminals in Sapele illicit drugs. 

Spokesperson of the command, DSP Bright Edafe, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday June 1, said police acted on a tip-off and raided the hideout of the syndicate. 

Police arrest 12 illicit drug dealers in Delta, recover cocaine, Indian hemp, cracks

“Acting on Credible intelligence that a cartel suspected to be dealing in cocaine are domiciled in Sapele, police operatives attached to SACU went on a discreet operation to investigate and fish out these elements who supplies criminals in Sapele with cocaine, Indian hemps and other illicit drugs, which they depend on before going for their criminal activities,” Edafe stated.

“On 29th may 2021, SACU Operatives stormed their hide out, where over 50 suspects were sighted, they immediately took to their heels, the police went after them, and arrested Eric Atijegbe ‘m’ 35years, Adams Esubi ‘m’ age 46years, Joshau Oda ‘m’ age 18years and nine others all of Okpe Delta State, exhibit recovered includes cocaine, refnol, Indian hemp, cracks and other illicit drugs. Case is currently under investigation.” he added.

Police arrest 12 illicit drug dealers in Delta, recover cocaine, Indian hemp, cracks
Police arrest 12 illicit drug dealers in Delta, recover cocaine, Indian hemp, cracks

By Jide N.

Ahmed Gulak’s murder maybe to be politically motivated – Governor Uzodinma

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo state has described the killing of former presidential aide, Ahmed Gulak, as politically motivated.

Gulak was murdered while on his way to the airport in Owerri, the Imo state capital on Sunday, May 30.

Speaking at a press conference today May 31, Governor Uzodimma said he was shocked by the murder of the politician. 

“I was shocked to my marrows when the sad news of his callous murder was broken to me. I was getting ready to go to church when the sad news came and I could not attend the service again. It was simply one of the most devastating news I have had in my life and I am yet to recover from the shock.

Alhaji Ahmed Gulak was in Imo State for a national assignment. He came to Owerri with the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendment. Being a humble man, he chose to travel incognito according to his friend who was with him.

Someone must have trailed him from the hotel to the airport. That is exactly why his gruesome murder appears to be a clear case of political assassination.

According to reports by the police, he was shot in cold blood and the assailants did not remove a pin from him. It is most benumbing that people chose to waste such innocent blood in such a dastardly and cowardly manner.

Let me make it very clear that everything will be done by security agencies to find those who murdered Gulak and their sponsors. They will not by the grace of God escape their deserved punishment.

This is not in our character as Ibos, not in our tradition nor in our culture. We must condemn this callous act.”he said

By Kingsley U.

Argentina will no longer host Copa America amid rise in Covid-19 infections

Argentina has been axed as Copa America host just 13 days before the tournament’s first game following a rise in Covid-19 infection rate.

The tournament, featuring 10 South American nations, had been due to be held in Argentina and Colombia between June 13 and July 10, the first time in its 105-year history with joint hosts.

However, Colombia was removed as co-host on May 20 after a wave of protests demanding social and economic change spread across the country and Argentina has now followed due to what CONMEBOL said was the ‘present circumstances’.

CONMEBOL did not disclose the nature of the circumstances that led to the decision but Argentina is currently experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases.

‘CONMEBOL is analysing offers from other countries that have shown interest in hosting the continental tournament,’ it said in a short statement. ‘Updates will be announced soon.’

Officials from the organisation will meet on Monday to decide on the next steps for the tournament, which was held over from 2020 due to the pandemic.

Argentina saw COVID-19 cases grow quickly in May and prompted the government to mandate a strict new lockdown.

By Terry W.

Man accused of planting cameras to monitor ESN members had his possessions destroyed (photos)

Members of the Eastern Security Network, the paramilitary organization of the Indigenous People of Biafra have been accused of burning a man’s mansion and fleet of cars over claims of him planting cameras to monitor them. 

Facebook user, Ugo Egbujo identified the victim as Chief O.K Ugba and also disclosed that the incident occurred in Amangwu Ohafia community of Abia state. 

Egbujo disclosed that the man’s brother said he installed solar lights in the village, but ESN members misjudged him and claimed that he installed cameras to monitor their activities. 

It was alleged that they looted and burnt down his mansion. They also burned his G-Wagon. BMW X6, Range Rover Sports and other cars. 

Egbujo wrote; 

Chief O.K Ugba

Ishi bu MBA.

The head that carries the burden of the town .

That’s his house.

Razed by unknown arsonists.

His brother said the man installed solar lights in the village. The ESN misjudged him..they said he installed cameras to monitor their activities.

That’s their story.

The man’s mansion has been burnt down,.

His fleet of cars. G wagon. BMW X6. Range Rover Sports etc., all burnt.

His entire house looted and razed.

His sin was that he installed solar lights in Amangwu Ohafia.

This is that last thing a republican and capitalist society that encourages being brothers keepers needs

A culture of arson and assassinations will make Igbo land desolate.

Once violence sets in it spreads like a wild weed.

My sympathy is not for the rich like Isi bu Mba

It is for the poorest of the poor . They will suffer the most .

The rich dont live in IDP camps.

Igbo land is already in a big mess.

IPOB
IPOB
IPOB
IPOB
IPOB

By Francisca C.

Belarus Man slits his own throat in horrific scenes that played out in court

A man on trial was filmed slitting his own throat in horrific scenes that played out in court.

In the video, filmed in a courtroom in Minsk, Belarus, the man, an opposition activist named Stepan Latypov, is seen behind a caged dock as he stands trial for organising opposition to the Belarusian dictator, Alexander Lukashenko.

In the middle of the court proceedings, Latypov is seen rising from the dock, picking up a sharp object – believed to be a pen – and plunging it into his throat.

In the moments before he made an attempt on his life, Latypov had shouted to his father in the courtroom, saying he had been warned that his family and neighbours would be persecuted if he didn’t plead guilty.

He also claimed authorities had placed him in a punishment cell for the past seven weeks.

Man slits throat in court in horror scenes after claiming he received threats that his family is at risk if he doesn

When he started stabbing himself, officers ran to him in an effort to save his life. As he was in a caged dock, prison officers seemed to be unable to get access to the cage, and while they went off looking for keys, Mr Latypov continued to hurt himself, losing consciousness in the process.

The judge ordered the courtroom to be emptied as chaos broke out.

Man slits throat in court in horror scenes after claiming he received threats that his family is at risk if he doesn

The Independent reports the activist is believed to have been put in an induced coma at Minsk’s Semashko hospital as doctors battle to save his life.

Man slits throat in court in horror scenes after claiming he received threats that his family is at risk if he doesn

Mr Latypov was arrested back in September while trying to protect a pro-opposition mural in the city.

Authorities in the communist dictatorship later claimed they had found evidence he was trying to poison police officers. Latypov, a tree surgeon, often trades poisonous chemicals as part of his work.

President Lukashenko, who has ruled the ex-Soviet state for 27 years, has faced increased opposition in the past year and has responded with state violence.

The official backlash to protests has already claimed a number of lives.

Last week, 17-year-old Dmitry Stakhovsky committed suicide while under pressure from prosecutors.

By Jide N.

Coronavirus Pandemic not Over – WHO

Coronavirus will be with us 'forever' and will require regular vaccinations, expert warns

The World Health Organization has come out to remind everyone that the world is not yet out of the Coronavirus pandemic yet, despite declining coronavirus infection levels and increasing vaccine rates.


The mood may be lightening up in the U.S. and elsewhere as people get their shots, and infections and deaths decline, but COVID-19 is still a very real and present danger, World Health Organization (WHO) director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said.


The world has seen 170.5 million documented cases of the novel coronavirus, with 3.5 million dead, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University. Nearly 2 billion vaccines have been administered.


Speaking at the 74th World Health Assembly on Monday night, May 31, Tedros called on the world’s nations to work together to end this pandemic and prepare for the next one, proposing a treaty on pandemic preparedness and response.


“The reality is, we still have a lot of work to do to end this pandemic,” Tedros said in his closing remarks. 


“It’ll be a monumental error to treat it as over at this stage”


“We’re very encouraged that cases and deaths are continuing to decline globally, but it would be a monumental error for any country to think the danger has passed.”


He urged member states to aim to vaccinate at least 10% of the population of all countries by the end of September, and at least 30% by the end of the year.


“One day – hopefully soon – the pandemic will be behind us, but the psychological scars will remain for those who have lost loved ones, health workers who have been stretched beyond breaking point, and the millions of people of all ages confronted with months of loneliness and isolation,” Tedros said.


“We will still face the same vulnerabilities that allowed a small outbreak to become a global pandemic,” he pointed out. 


“The questions the pandemic is asking us cannot simply be answered with new institutions, mechanisms, facilities or processes. The challenges we face are profound, and so must be the solutions we design.”

“The one recommendation I believe will do the most to strengthen WHO and global health security is the recommendation of a treaty on pandemic preparedness and response which could also strengthen relations between member states and foster cooperation,” Tedros said.


“This is an idea whose time has come.”

By Jide N.

NATO deploy warships and fighter jets in Atlantic as they practice for war

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has deployed 19 warships with accompanying fighter jets from 11 of it’s member nations in war games off Portugal as they practise deploying to the Black Sea.

NATO squares up to Russia as UK, US and 9 other nations deploy warships and fighter jets in Atlantic in massive show of strength (Photos)

Britain’s state of the art Navy carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth led other Warships from the US, Germany, France, Canada, Turkey, Portugal, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Netherlands in a display of maritime strength just days ahead of Russian president, Vladimir Putin’s meeting with US president, Joe Biden. 


HMS Queen Elizabeth, costing £3 billion, led the other battleships in the war game titled ‘operation Steadfast Defender’, which started off the coast of Portugal over the weekend and will conclude with ground exercises in the Black Sea region later this month.

The armada included submarines, destroyers and frigates, with aerial support from the Royal AirForce’s brand new F-35B Lightning stealth fighters, Portuguese F-16 Fighting Falcons and Spanish F-18 Hornets, as well as the US anti-submarine Poseidon and Orion warplanes. 

NATO squares up to Russia as UK, US and 9 other nations deploy warships and fighter jets in Atlantic in massive show of strength (Photos)


Nato chiefs insist the military exercises, involving 9,000 troops, are not aimed at Russia specifically, but they focus on the Black Sea region where Moscow deployed thousands of troops ahead of military drills throughout mid-April.


More photos below.

NATO squares up to Russia as UK, US and 9 other nations deploy warships and fighter jets in Atlantic in massive show of strength (Photos)
NATO squares up to Russia as UK, US and 9 other nations deploy warships and fighter jets in Atlantic in massive show of strength (Photos)
NATO squares up to Russia as UK, US and 9 other nations deploy warships and fighter jets in Atlantic in massive show of strength (Photos)
NATO squares up to Russia as UK, US and 9 other nations deploy warships and fighter jets in Atlantic in massive show of strength (Photos)
NATO squares up to Russia as UK, US and 9 other nations deploy warships and fighter jets in Atlantic in massive show of strength (Photos)
NATO squares up to Russia as UK, US and 9 other nations deploy warships and fighter jets in Atlantic in massive show of strength (Photos)

By Lucky B.

Euros England Squad: Gareth Southgate finally confirms his final 26-man Squad

Gareth Southgate

Gareth Southgate has just confirmed his final 26-man England squad for the Euros.

Before now, there was debate over which right-back the Three Lions would be heading into the tournament with; but the manager decided to choose all four of them, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James, Kieran Trippier, and Kyle Walker making the cut. 

Jesse Lingard misses out despite his impressive half-season on loan at West Ham, while James Ward-Prowse, Ollie Watkins, Mason Greenwood, Ben Godfrey, Ben White, and Aaron Ramsdale were also dropped. 

Here is the England squad in full.

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Sam Johnstone, Jordan Pickford

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben Chilwell, Conor Coady, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice

Attackers: Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling

By Terry W.

Breaking! WHO renames Indian variant ‘Covid Delta’ and South Africa’s variant as ‘Covid Beta’

The World Health Organisation has renamed the Indian variant, also known as B.1.617.2, the Delta variant.

Under WHO’s new plans, the UK’s Kent strain will also be known as ‘Covid Alpha’ while South Africa’s variant will become ‘Covid Beta’, with the Brazilian variant to be known as ‘Covid Gamma’. 

WHO’s Covid-19 technical lead Maria Van Kerkhove said the change ‘is aimed to help in public discussion’. 

She said: ‘No country should be stigmatized for detecting and reporting variants.

‘The labels are simple, easy to say and remember and are based on the Greek alphabet, a system that was chosen following wide consultation & a review of several potential systems. 

‘They will not replace existing scientific names.’

It comes as the WHO, International Monetary Fund, World Bank Group, and World Trade Organisation urged richer countries to give more jabs to poorer nations or risk new variants emerging and forcing future lockdowns.  

The heads of the organisations warned a ‘dangerous gap’ is emerging between richer and poorer nations in the availability of coronavirus vaccines and risks creating a ‘two-track’ pandemic.

Writing in the Telegraph, they said: ‘Increasingly, a two-track pandemic is developing. Inequitable vaccine distribution is not only leaving untold millions of people vulnerable to the virus, it is also allowing deadly variants to emerge and ricochet back across the world.

‘Even countries with advanced vaccination programmes have been forced to reimpose stricter public health measures. It need not be this way.’ 

By Jide N.

Bird H10N3 flu to Human infection just recorded in China

China has reported the first case of human infection with the H10N3 strain of bird flu from the country’s eastern Jiangsu province, China’s National Health Commission said on Tuesday June 1.

The man, a 41-year-old resident of the city of Zhenjiang, was hospitalised on April 28 after developing a fever and other symptoms, the NHC said in a statement.


The patient was diagnosed as having the H10N3 avian influenza virus on May 28, National Health Commission said in a statement without elaborating on how the man had got infected with the virus.


The man was stable and ready to be discharged from hospital. Medical observation of his close contacts had not found any other cases.


No other cases of human infection with H10N3 have previously been reported globally, it said.


H10N3 is a low pathogenic, or relatively less severe, strain of the virus in poultry and the risk of it spreading on a large scale was very low, the NHC added.


The strain is “not a very common virus,” said Filip Claes, regional laboratory coordinator of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases at the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific.


Only around 160 isolates of the virus were reported in the 40 years to 2018, mostly in wild birds or waterfowl in Asia and some limited parts of North America, and none had been detected in chickens so far, he added.
Analysing the genetic data of the virus will be necessary to determine whether it resembles older viruses or if it is a novel mix of different viruses, Claes said.

By Kingsley U.

The NATO punishes Belarus amids civil aircraft hijacking Saga

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), has punished Belarus for its president’s decision last week to order a military jet to hijack a RyanAir flight heading to Lithuania so it can arrest political dissident and journalist, Roman Protasevich.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said that personnel at Belarus’ diplomatic mission to NATO will have their access restricted at the alliance’s headquarters. 

Belarus is not a member of NATO but has had ties with the military alliance since 1992 following the fall of the Soviet Union.


Since then Belarus has maintained a diplomatic mission to NATO since 1998.


Belarusian personnel can attend seminars and meetings at NATO and in NATO countries as part of a cooperation partnership that tackles issues such as arms control and military education.


But that access has now been halted by NATO following the RyanAir hijacking.


“We have decided to restrict the access of Belarusian personnel to the NATO headquarters,” Stoltenberg told a news conference on Monday, May 31, ahead of meetings of NATO defence and foreign ministers on Tuesday.


NATO also plans to give more sanctions to Belarus.


Protasevich has been a critic of Belarus President, Alexander Lukashenko (pictured below).

NATO punishes Belarus following hijacking of airplane to arrest political dissident Roman Protasevich


When asked about new Russian military formations and units, intended to be deployed close to the alliance’s borders, Stoltenberg said NATO would continue to seek dialogue with Moscow, while also exercising troops for defensive purposes.


“It is important to manage difficult relationship with Russia with transparency on military activities, risk reduction and also for instance related issues like arms control,” Stoltenberg told reporters.

B Jide N.

Inter Milan midfielder, Arturo Vidal hospitalised with severe tonsillitis and COVID-19 just days after being vaccinated

Inter Milan midfielder, Arturo Vidal has been hospitalised for severe tonsillitis and Covid-19 after testing positive while on international duty with Chile.

The 34-year-old, who was vaccinated against the virus on Friday, has been isolated from his Chile team-mates for 72 hours after initially being taken into hospital with the throat infection.

The national team confirmed he had later tested positive for coronavirus but that no other players in the squad had been infected.

“The medical team of the Chilean national team emphasizes that at the request of the player Arturo Vidal, it is announced that he has been diagnosed positive for Covid,” the national team said on its official website.

The midfielder will now miss Chile’s World Cup qualifier with Argentina on Thursday. 

Infection rates in Chile remain high with over 6,000 daily cases reported.

Vidal posted a picture of him receiving the vaccine on Instagram on Friday alongside the caption: ‘Happy with the vaccine !!!

‘Now we are better for the next challenges with @laroja. 

‘To take care of each other and to get vaccinated.’ 

By Terry W.

NDLEA Uncovers N30B Hidden Cash

The chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Buba Marwa, has revealed that the NDLEA is currently investigating N30bn slush funds believed to be proceeds of drugs.

He disclosed this in Abuja on Monday, May 31, while giving commendation letters to 45 outstanding officers as well as the best performing commands award for the months of March and April 2021.

Marwa said the agency’s offensive action would not stop until the nation’s streets, communities, towns, and cities had been cleaned up of any remnant of illicit drugs.

He said: “While we keep up the offensive in the field, the leadership of the agency will daily continue to work out effective strategies and tactics to sustain the momentum.

“That is why we’ve strengthened our Directorate of Assets and Financial Investigations to go after all assets or funds linked to drug trafficking which had led to interim and final forfeiture orders on assets and funds worth billions of naira linked to drug traffickers and barons.”

According to Marwa, the agency has made a seizure of 2,050,766.33kg of assorted illicit drugs and cash worth over N90bn as well as the arrest of 2,175 drug traffickers.

He stressed the need to deny criminal elements all benefits of their proceeds of crime in addition to sending them to jail.

By Jide N.

US Actor, Blair Underwood and wife Desiree DaCosta split after 27 years of marriage

Actor, Blair Underwood, and his wife, Desiree DaCosta, have split after 27 years of marriage.

The “Quantico” actor and his spouse, who tied the knot in 1994, announced they’ve parted ways and will remain “the best of friends and co-parents” to daughter Brielle, 22, and sons Blake, 19, and Paris, 24.

Actor, Blair Underwood and wife Desiree DaCosta split after 27 years of marriage

The couple wrote on Instagram: “After a tremendous amount of thought, prayer & work on ourselves individually & collectively, we have come to the conclusion to end our marriage that began 27 years ago. It has truly been a beautiful journey. Our proudest achievements are our three incredible children. Three souls to which God entrusted us. We continue to be awed & humbled by the blessings of parenting. We have always put their best interests first & will continue to do so. We will continue to be the best of friends and co-parents and have the utmost respect for one another as we embark upon this new chapter of our lives, separately.

“We thank you all for all your support throughout the years & we humbly ask for privacy & understanding during this new season of change. Blair & Desiree Underwood.”

Actor, Blair Underwood and wife Desiree DaCosta split after 27 years of marriage

By Lucky B.

Naomi Osaka withdraws from French Open amid media controversy

Four-time Grand Slam champion, Naomi Osaka has decided to withdraw from the French Open following the bitter fallout from her decision to boycott all media activity.

In an announcement made on Twitter, Naomi said she intends to “take some time away from the court” rather than continue to be a distraction for her stance against speaking to the press.

Last week, on the eve of the tournament, Naomi she would not face the press during the 2021 French Open, citing mental health reasons.

She said at the time: “I’ve often felt that people have no regard for athletes mental health and this rings very true whenever I see a press conference or partake in one.”

True to her word, following her win over Patricia Tig in the first round on Sunday, May 30, Osaka failed to attend the post-match press conference.

Afterward, she was threatened with expulsion over her press boycott. On Sunday, the former world number one was warned she could be thrown out of the French Open if she continues to boycott post-match news conferences at the tournament.

She was also fined $15,000 by Grand Slam organisers for failing to attend a news conference following her first-round win.

French Tennis Federation president Gilles Moretton described her vow of silence as “a phenomenal error”.

Naomi has now decided to drop out of the tournament so “everyone can get back to focusing on the tennis going on in Paris.”

She says she never intended to ignite a controversy when she cited mental health for skipping media conferences a few days ago, but she believes the best thing for her to do now is quit the tournament.

Read her statement below.

Naomi Osaka withdraws from French open as she reveals she
Naomi Osaka withdraws from French open as she reveals she
Naomi Osaka withdraws from French open as she reveals she

By Jide N.

Romelu Lukaku and Cristiano Ronaldo won the Serie A 2020-21 MVP award

Inter Milan’s Romelu Lukaku has been named as the best overall MVP of Serie A after he helped Inter Milan win the league title for the first time in 11 years.

The Belgium international, 28, scored 30 goals across Serie A, the UEFA Champions League, and the Coppa Italia with 11 more assists as Antonio Conte’s men ended Juventus’ stranglehold on the domestic scene.

Romelu Lukaku wins Serie A 2020-21 MVP award?

He also came second after Cristiano Ronaldo as the best forward in the Italian top flight.

AC goalkeeper. Gianluigi Donnarumma was crowned best goalkeeper after he kept 14 clean sheets for his, while the top defender award went to Atalanta’s Cristian Romero.

Nicolo Barella picked up the best midfielder award to join Inter teammate Lukaku on the honours list.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been awarded the award of best striker for the 2020-21 Serie A campaign. 

The 36-year-old striker won the Serie A Best Striker award after a season in which he finished top scorer with 29 goals in 33 appearances for Juventus.

Cristiano Ronaldo awarded Serie A?s MVP Striker award

The Portugal international beat out the likes of Romelu Lukaku, who was second in the scoring standings with 24, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who found the net 15 times in the Italian top flight to scoop the award.

Thierry Henry joins the Belgium’s coaching team for Euro 2020 under Roberto Martinez

Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry will rejoin Belgium’s coaching staff for their Euro 2020 campaign.

The Former France international served as the second assistant to manager Roberto Martinez during Belgium’s run to the semi-finals at the 2018 World Cup.

Henry, Arsenal’s all-time leading scorer, was then promoted to Martinez’s No 2 before he became the manager of Monaco in October of the same year.

The Belgium national team tweeted: “Unfinished business. We welcome back Thierry Henry in the staff for #EURO2020!”

Henry most recently served as the manager of MLS side Montreal Impact before quitting his post in February.

The 43-year-old, who also played for Barcelona and Monaco, was due to be part of the BBC’s punditry team for this summer’s tournament.

Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry returns to Belgium

But the broadcaster announced he will no longer be involved.

“It is with much sadness that I can no longer be with all my friends and the wonderful team at the BBC during the European Championships this summer,” said Henry in a BBC statement.

“When I was asked to rejoin the Belgium National team staff, it was an opportunity that was impossible to turn down.

“I’m deeply thankful for the understanding that the BBC have shown in allowing me to take this opportunity.”

Belgium, who are considered among the favourites to win the tournament, have been paired with Russia, Finland and Denmark in Group B.

By Jide N.

“I slept with my Prison Counselor to reduce my prison sentence” – Mike Tyson

Former boxing champion, Mile Tyson revealed that he slept with a prison counselor in order to reduce his prison sentence.

In the prime of his career, Tyson was arrested for raping an 18-year-old beauty pageant contestant. Although he maintains his innocence, Tyson was convicted in 1992 and sentenced to six years in prison.

However, he spent less than 3 years at the Indiana Youth Centre before being released in 1995. He had also gotten a fourth year added to it because of his bad behavior while locked up

Speaking about his life in prison, he said he was supposed to spend 4 years and needed to pass the GED (General Educational Development) in order to reduce the term, so he helped himself by dating the counselor.

He said; “I got in trouble like the first six months and stuff, cursing, getting written up. And then by that time, I got the hang of the place. ‘Hey, I know how to do this.’ Next thing you know, I’m dating one of the counsel workers now, she’s letting me have sex with her now.”

According to Tyson, he got another year tacked onto his sentence because he was so hard to deal with initially.

“So I’m going good. But the first six months I was getting write-ups, I have to pay that year back. … I’m like a star pupil prisoner. Trusty, everything. Then, ‘Hey Mike, remember the first six months you were a prick?’ Boom. They gave me another year.”

Desperate to shave the year off of his sentence, Tyson found out that he could reduce his time if he got his GED. The high school dropout began courting a prison counselor in order to get her to pass him.

“So by passing the GED they took that year away,” Tyson said, adding, “So I flunked the f*cking GED … and got mad, and so I had to start dating this counselor and stuff, giving her money and doing really some nasty stuff to her, and she let me pass this test.”

As he expected, the prison took the year off of Tyson’s sentence and he was able to go home in three years.

Looking back on the incident, Tyson admitted that he should’ve been in prison for a lot longer. He was initially slapped with over 50 years.

“I came in with 50-something [years] … They cut it all the way down to three years,” Tyson concluded. “I was doing 69 at first—they gave me 63, no. Then they took 10 off, then it was 53. And then they gave me 10, I had to do three, I got seven on parole, I guess, yeah.”

By Kingsley U.

Kate Middleton willing to reconcile with Harry and Meghan for sake of the kids – Royal expert claims

A royal expert has claimed that Kate Middleton wants to make peace with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for the sake of Archie’s relationship with his cousins.

Royal commentator Camilla Tominey said Kate Middleton “remained keen to bury the hatchet” with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex despite their controversial Oprah Winfrey interview, Daily Express reports.

Highlighting how close Kate is with her sister Pippa and brother James, Ms Tominey added that the Duchess of Cambridge appears to want to patch things up with Harry and Meghan for the sake of young Archie’s relationship with his cousins.

Writing in the Telegraph, the royal expert said: “Having grown up being close to her own siblings, Pippa, 37, and James, 34, the Duchess remained keen to bury the hatchet even after the interview aired to a global audience of millions, seemingly for the sake of two-year-old Archie’s relationship with his cousins.”

A source told Telegraph: “Her natural instinct is to try to smooth things over.”

When Prince Harry returned to the UK for the first time since Megxit for Prince Philip’s funeral last month, Kate was widely praised for appearing to act as a peacemaker between Harry and William.

The Duchess was seen chatting with Harry as the royals walked back to Windsor Castle after the service. Kate then subtly moved away, allowing the brothers to continue on their own.

By Jide N.

Emmanuel Macron threatens to withdraw French military troops from Mali following second coup in nine months

France President, Emmanuel Macron has warned that France would withdraw troops from West African nation, Mali, following the country’s second military coup in just nine months.


France has 5,100 troops in the Sahel region and has helped in the war against Islamist militancy but Macron has warned of the risk of Mali “moving towards” greater Islamist influence if there is no democratic government in place.

image 1 1


For decades France has provided military support to its former colonies in Africa, but has told regional leaders that France had no intention of keeping its troops in Africa forever.


Macron is also annoyed by a lack of commitment from other European countries to fight the multiple militant Islamist groups in the region as Europe could be affected by possible jihadist attacks on the continent and illegal migration.


On Tuesday last week France and the European Union denounced an “unacceptable coup d’etat” after Mali’s interim President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane were detained and stripped of their power.


Coup leader Colonel Assimi Goïta was then named transitional president by the constitutional court on Friday.

Macron threatens to withdraw French military troops from Mali following second coup in nine months


Macron speaking to Le Journal du Dimanche newspaper said; 


“Radical Islamism in Mali with our soldiers there? Never,” 


“There is this temptation today in Mali. But if it goes in that direction, I will withdraw,” he warned in comments made during a trip to Rwanda and South Africa. Macron flew home to Paris on Saturday.

The French president added that he had given a message to West African leaders that they could not back a country “where there is no longer democratic legitimacy or transition”.


Macron, in his comments published Sunday,  May 30, warned that if Africa’s development fails then Europe “will pay dearly in terms of migration”.


He stressed the need to “invest massively” adding that the international community must also erase some of the continent’s debt burden “to help Africans build their future”.

By Kingsley U.

You can now have 3 kids in China – President Xi Jinping

China has scrapped its controversial ‘two child’ policy and will now allow couples to have three kids.


According to Chinese state media, the move was approved by President Xi Jinping in order to aid the country’s ageing population.


This comes after Beijing abolished its infamous ‘one child’ policy in 2016 which had been in place since the late-1970s.

The government believed that the high cost of raising kids in Chinese cities deterred many couples from starting families so the two children policy wasn’t helping with population growth .


“To further optimise the birth policy, (China) will implement a one-married-couple-can-have-three-children policy,” state news agency Xinhua said in a report on Monday, 31.


The policy change will come with “supportive measures, which will be conducive to improving our country’s population structure, fulfilling the country’s strategy of actively coping with an ageing population and maintaining the advantage, endowment of human resources”, the report continues.


Early in May, a once-in-a-decade census showed that China’s population grew at its slowest rate during the last decade since the 1950s, to 1.41 billion.

Data also showed a fertility rate of just 1.3 children per woman for 2020 alone, on a par with ageing societies like Japan and Italy.

By Kingsley U.

Naomi Osaka reacts after she was fined $15k for skipping french press conference

Tennis star, Naomi Osaka fired back Sunday after she was fined $15,000 for skipping a mandatory press conference following her first-round victory at the French Open.


Tournament organizers said Osaka was fined for failing to “honor her contractual media obligations.” 


Osaka announced that she would not participate in any media events in a post last week. The 23-year-old cited mental health concerns as the reason for her decision.


Osaka acknowledged the likelihood of a fine in her initial post, expressing hope that “the considerable amount that I get fined for this will go towards a mental health charity.”


Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam tournament winner, addressed the fine in a tweet after her 6-4, 7-6 (4) victory over 63rd-ranked Patricia Maria Tig on Sunday, May 30.


“Anger is a lack of understanding,” Osaka tweeted. “Change makes people uncomfortable.”

French Open: Naomi Osaka responds after she is fined $15k for skipping press conference

In a lengthy statement addressing the fine, the organizers of the French Open said they had urged Osaka to reconsider her decision ahead of the tournament.

 The officials warned that Osaka could face additional penalties, including disqualification from tournaments, if she continued to skip press conferences.


“We have advised Naomi Osaka that should she continue to ignore her media obligations during the tournament, she would be exposing herself to possible further Code of Conduct infringement consequences,” the officials said.


The organizers said the mental health of competitors was “of the utmost importance to the Grand Slams,” adding the disciplinary action was meant to ensure fairness.


“We want to underline that rules are in place to ensure all players are treated exactly the same, no matter their stature, beliefs or achievement,” the statement said. “As a sport there is nothing more important than ensuring no player has an unfair advantage over another, which unfortunately is the case in this situation if one player refuses to dedicate time to participate in media commitments while the others all honour their commitments.”

By Jide N.

‘Why Boris Johnson, a 2-time divorcee allowed to remarry in Catholic church’ – A Priest asks

Some Catholics have questioned why the twice-divorced British prime minister was allowed to remarry in a Catholic church.

Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds got married at a private ceremony on Saturday, May 29, in front of a handful of family and friends at Catholic Westminster Cathedral.

But some have demanded to know why the PM, who was previously married to Allegra Mostyn-Owen for six years followed by a 27-year marriage to Marina Wheeler, was able to remarry in the church.

Catholic canon law does not allow a divorcee to remarry in the church if their former spouse is still alive.

Catholic priest Father Mark Drew, who said he’s had to deny his own divorced congregants the opportunity to remarry in church, questioned why Boris Johnson was allowed to wed in the Catholic church.

He wrote: ‘Can anyone explain to me how “Boris” Johnson, who left the Catholic Church while at Eaton and is twice divorced, can be married at Westminster Cathedral, while I have to tell practicing Catholics in good faith who want a second marriage in Church that it’s not possible?’

Priest questions why twice-divorced Boris Johnson was allowed to remarry in Catholic church

However, some say neither of Boris Johnson’s last weddings were Catholic ceremonies and could be seen as invalid in the eyes of the church, meaning his recent marriage is technically his first.

Priest questions why twice-divorced Boris Johnson was allowed to remarry in Catholic church

By Jide N.

‘Cat n Dog’ Sweet Couple fall off balcony together while arguing

A couple smashed through their balcony railings and fell 25ft to the pavement below while having an argument.

Footage shows Olga Volkova and Yevgeny Karlagin, both 35, struggling on the balcony of their second-floor home in St Petersburg, Russia, on Saturday morning, May 29.

Couple fall off balcony together while arguing

While the pair were arguing, they smashed into the balcony railings which suddenly broke and caused the couple to fall onto the concrete below.

Ms Volkova was wearing underwear with a robe or blanket wrapped around her when they fell, while Mr Karlagin was fully dressed.

Couple fall off balcony together while arguing

The pair were rushed to hospital with “serious” injuries, reported local media.

Both are said to have suffered broken limbs but they are not in a critical condition.

Couple fall off balcony together while arguing

Eyewitnesses said they saw the pair, who have a young son, arguing at around 10am before they fell from the balcony.

Someone with medical experience was nearby and said they had both survived after checking their pulses. An ambulance was then called.

By Jide N.

Victorious Chelsea Players bring the Champions League Trophy to England (Photos)

Chelsea’s victorious players have returned to Cobham in England with the Champions League trophy after winning their second European title on Saturday May 29.

The Blues overcame Manchester City 1-0 at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto on Saturday night thanks to Kai Havertz’ calmly taken first-half goal.

Victorious Chelsea stars return to England with the Champions League trophy (Photos)

Chelsea captain, Azpilicueta said after the match: ‘That’s done, we are very happy, we will celebrate, we are champions of Europe again after nine years, second time in our history.

‘I’m pleased that I could get my hands on the trophy that I missed before. But that’s gone, we are part of the history of Chelsea and then we will go for the next challenge. ‘I was proud to lead the team out but I wanted to be prouder.

Victorious Chelsea stars return to England with the Champions League trophy (Photos)

‘Of course to lift the trophy, to lead the team, this club, it’s amazing after nine years to get this chance and thank you to my whole team mates, for the staff, to make this moment possible is incredible. It was very emotional and of course I’m very happy.’ 

Victorious Chelsea stars return to England with the Champions League trophy (Photos)

By Jide N.

Super Falcons captain, Asisat Oshoala wins the treble with Barcelona (Photos)

Super Falcons captain, Asisat Oshoala has won the treble with Barcelona after defeating Levante 4-2 in Sunday’s Copa de la Reina final.


This season, the Blaugranes have won the Uefa Women’s Champions league, the Primera Division (for a record sixth time) and now the Copa de la Reina.

Asisat Oshoala wins the treble with Barcelona (Photos)


On Sunday, May 30, Lluis Cortes’ women playing at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque rampaged their opponents defence scoring as early as the fifth minute through Patricia Guijarro gave Barcelona a fifth-minute lead after heading.


Cortes’ doubled their lead in the 20th minute as Alexia Putellas flicked the ball past onrushing Lopez.


Nine minutes later Barca scored again.

Asisat Oshoala wins the treble with Barcelona (Photos)


In the second half, Levante scored one goal a minute to the hour mark as Alba Redondo rolled the ball inside the net after a mix-up between goalkeeper Catalina Lluch and one of her defenders.


In the 67th minute Argentine midfielder Estefania Banini drilled home a cool strike to make the scoreline 3-2. But six minutes later, Putellas completed her brace to put the game beyond Levante’s reach. 


Reigning African Women’s Player of the Year Oshoala was an unused substitute in the encounter.

By Terry W.

Slain Ahmed Gulak, buried in Abuja (photos/video)

The remains of Ahmed Gulak, the former presidential aide to ex-president Goodluck Jonathan, has been buried.

He was laid to rest at the Gudu Cemetery in Abuja on Sunday night, May 30, at about 8pm. His funeral service was held at the National Mosque, Abuja.

Gulak was killed while driving to the airport on Sunday, May 30. See photos and video from his funeral below

Ex-presidential aide, Ahmed Gulak, buried in Abuja (photos/video)
Ex-presidential aide, Ahmed Gulak, buried in Abuja (photos/video)

By Jide N.

IPOB’s ‘sit-at-home order’ in South East states fully implemented (photos)

Streets in many parts of the SouthEast states are currently deserted following the sit-at-home order issued by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra IPOB. The order is to mark two days of Remembrance for Biafra Day.

Many state governments and security agents last week asked residents of the state to ignore the order and go about their lawful businesses. The residents however ignored the assurance of both the government and the security agents and decided to stay in their homes.

Markets, banks, motor parks, and other commercial places, including schools and government offices, are under lock and key.

See more photos below

Residents obey IPOB sit-at-home order in South East states (photos)
Residents obey IPOB sit-at-home order in South East states (photos)
Residents obey IPOB sit-at-home order in South East states (photos)
Residents obey IPOB sit-at-home order in South East states (photos)
Residents obey IPOB sit-at-home order in South East states (photos)
Residents obey IPOB sit-at-home order in South East states (photos)
Residents obey IPOB sit-at-home order in South East states (photos)

By Francisca C.

Unidentified man shot dead on the road in Enugu, later identified as Justice Stanley Nnaji (video & graphic photos)

The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mohammed Ndatsu Aliyu, psc, has ordered the launch of a full-scale manhunt of yet-to-be idenitifed armed assailants alleged to have trailed and shot dead an unidentified man driving in a Mercedes Benz Jeep, which they carted away, along Ebeano Tunnel, Enugu on Sunday, May 30, at about 5pm.

A statement released by the spokesperson of the state police command, ASP Daniel Ndukwe, said the victim, whose true identify is yet to be known, was rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead by doctors on duty and deposited in the mortuary for autopsy.

A video circulating online shows the armed men pulling the man from his SUV nd then shooting him dead, leaving him on the road and carting away with his ride.

Ndukwe said the state Commissioner of police has vowed that no stone would be left unturned in fishing out perpetrators of the heinous crime. The police boss has also called on residents of the State to remain law-abiding, vigilant and assist the Police with useful information that will lead to the arrest and prosecution of the assailants.

Watch graphic video from the scene below:

Justice Stanley Nnaji has been identified as the man shot dead on Sunday evening in Enugu State.

The former Enugu State High Court judge was shot multiple times beside the Enugu Diagnostics Centre, by Ebeano Tunnel, after he was dragged out of his Mercedes Benz Jeep. The shooters then drove off in Nnaji’s car.

Justice Stanley Nnaji identified as the man killed by unknown gunmen in Enugu (graphic photos)

The shooting was captured in a now-viral video.

Justice Stanley Nnaji identified as the man killed by unknown gunmen in Enugu (graphic photos)

A statement by the spokesperson of the Enugu State Police Command, Daniel Ndukwe, stated that the victim was rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead by doctors on duty and deposited in the mortuary for autopsy.

The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, Mohammed Ndatsu Aliyu, has ordered a full-scale manhunt for the gunmen.

Justice Stanley Nnaji identified as the man killed by unknown gunmen in Enugu (graphic photos)

By Kingsley U.

ECOWAS suspends Mali’s membership several coup plots in few months

Leaders of the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have suspended Mali from their regional bloc in response to last week’s coup, the second coup in nine months by the poor Sahel country’s military. 

The group which stopped short of imposing new sanctions like those it imposed after the coup last August which saw members temporarily close their borders with landlocked Mali and halt financial transactions, took the decision at an emergency summit in Ghana’s capital, Accra on Sunday May 30. 

In a communique after the summit, ECOWAS said Mali’s membership in the bloc was suspended with immediate effect. Ghana’s Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey said after the meeting; 

“The suspension from ECOWAS takes immediate effect until the deadline of the end of February 2022 when they are supposed to hand over to a democratically elected government.”

The final declaration called for the immediate appointment of a new civilian prime minister and the formation of an “inclusive” government.

Mali’s new president Colonel Assimi Goita had arrived in the Ghanaian capital Accra on Saturday for preliminary talks. Goita led the young army officers who overthrew Mali’s elected president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita last August over perceived corruption and his failure to quell a bloody jihadist insurgency.

By Jide N.

Veteran Producer and Reality TV Judge, Simon Cowell cancels ‘X Factor Israel’ appearance

Simon Cowell has canceled his scheduled appearance as a judge on the upcoming season of “X Factor Israel.” 

The veteran producer and reality TV judge, had signed a deal to serve as one of the judges on next season of the Israeli musical reality show which is slated to begin filming this summer.

Over the weekend, Reshet, the Israeli company that produces X Factor locally confirmed Cowell canceled without elaborating on the reasons for his decision. A Reshet representative however told Variety that members of Cowell’s staff had reached out with “legitimate concerns” over his participation in the show after the recent violence between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, but that at the time he had made no final decision.

Rumors of Cowell pulling out of the show began last week in the wake of renewed violence in the region between Israel and Hamas, and with reports of confrontations between Jewish and Arab Israelis in the streets of the country’s cities. 

Jewish News, Britain’s largest Jewish newspaper cited an unnamed source close to the media mogul that claimed Cowell could not take part in the show for “a number of reasons” and was “bitterly disappointed.”

Cowell who created the original version of The X Factor in Britain, announced in December that he would appear as a judge on the fourth season of X Factor Israel. At the time, Cowell said he could “barely wait to see what the Israelis have to offer.”

Cowell’s team also helped the local show select judges for the new season, including Israeli singer and former Eurovision Song Contest winner Netta Barzilai, alongside Israeli singers Aviv Geffen, Ran Danker, Miri Mesika, and Margalit Tzanani.

bY Jide N.

A Nigerian Drug Peddler allegedly stabs Indian Police Officer during arrest in India

An Indian police constable has been injured in an attack while he was arresting two Nigerian nationals based on a tip-off that they were drug peddlers. 

Officials said the incident occurred at Major Deepak Tyagi Marg in the Janakpuri area of West Delhi, on Sunday morning, May 30.

One of the accused Nigerians was arrested while his accomplice identified as Joseph managed to escape from the spot. 

It was gathered that on Saturday, police were tipped off that one African would show up with heroin at Major Deepak Tyagi Marg, Janakpuri around 3 am to 4 am on Sunday. 

A police team reached the spot. Around 3.45 am, the two Nigerians came on a scooter and were waiting for someone. When they tried to leave, constable Rakesh pounced on them and caught one of them, Joseph, a senior police officer said.

“The accomplice of Joseph stabbed Rakesh to help him break free from the constable’s hold. Rakesh, however, did not allow Joseph to escape,” the officer said.

The accused, who stabbed Rakesh, managed to escape from the spot. A total of 280 grams heroin was recovered from the possession of Joseph. A search for the absconding accused is underway.

Meanwhile, Constable Rakesh is undergoing treatment at Safdarjung Hospital while further investigation is in progress. 

Reacting to the incident, Delhi Police Commisioner, SN Shrivastava described the injured officer as a brave man. 

“West Delhi Police team was sent as decoy to nab two foreigners learnt selling heroin. While nabbing one Const Rakesh was stabbed on back by other. Yet, displaying exemplary courage kept holding him till remaining arrived. Kudos to the brave man recovering in hospital,”  he tweeted. 

Suspected Nigerian drug peddler allegedly stabs police officer during arrest in India
Suspected Nigerian drug peddler allegedly stabs police officer during arrest in India
Suspected Nigerian drug peddler allegedly stabs police officer during arrest in India

By Jide N.

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