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Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka wins Young Player of the Year at 2021 London Football Awards

Arsenal youngster, Bukayo Saka has been named Young Player of the Year at the 2021 London Football Awards.


The English winger, 19, saw off strong competition from Mason Mount, Declan Rice, Emile Smith Rowe, and Reece James to win the award at a virtual ceremony on Tuesday night, April 27. 


Accepting his award, the four-cap Three Lions international said: “I’m really happy to win this award.

“I want to say a big thank you to everyone for your support and of course another big thank you to everyone who voted for me.


“I promise to keep giving my all on the pitch to make you happy and keep you entertained.”

Saka, who has become a talisman under coach Mikel Arteta is being tipped for a place in the England squad at Euro 2020 in the summer following a brilliant season for club and country.


Nominees for the award were selected by an expert judging panel from the worlds of football and media, from former players to major footballing bodies and sports media, including The Evening Standard, Sky Sports, BBC, The Daily Telegraph, and talkSPORT.

By Terry W.

Harry Kane, Tottenham star, wins Player of the Year at London Football Awards 2021

Tottenham striker, Harry Kane has been crowned Premier League Player of the Year at the London Football Awards. 

The England international, 27, beat off competition from team-mate Heung-Min Son, West Ham duo Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek and Chelsea’s Mason Mount to win the award after scoring an impressive 21 goals and 13 assists in the league this season.

With five matches remaining, the England captain is leading the race for the Golden Boot with 21 goals and has the most assists in the top-flight with 13.

If he maintains both leads, he would be the first player to be complete the double in the Premier League era.

Kane’s award was one of 10 announced on Tuesday night at a virtual ceremony hosted by Harry Pinero and Alex Scott.

By Terry W.

Boxing: Floyd Mayweather fight with Logan Paul, YouTuber Boxer, confirmed for 6 June in Miami

The boxing exhibition between Floyd Mayweather and Logan Paul, is now set to take place June 6 from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Mayweather, a five-weight world champion with a 50-0 record, was originally due to take on YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul on February 20, before it was postponed. 

Announcing the fight on Instagram, Mayweather wrote: “Me and Logan Paul will be fighting at the Hardrock Stadium.

Mayweather last fought professionally in August 2017 when he stopped UFC star Conor McGregor in the 10th round. It was McGregor’s first and, only professional boxing match.

Mayweather also took on Japanese kickboxer and mixed martial artist Tenshin Nasukawa in an exhibition match in December 2018, recording a first-round knockout.

Paul has only one fight on his record, a split-decision loss to fellow YouTuber KSI in November 2019.

bY Terry W.

Jay-Z talks about he’s survived lockdown and his family

Music mogul, JAY-Z, has revealed how he has been living with his family and staying productive during quarantine.

Over the first few months of 2021, Jay-Z has launched his own cannabis brand, sold half of his champagne brand Armand de Brignac to LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton and sold a majority ownership stake in TIDAL to Square, Inc.


In a rare interview with The Sunday Times to promote his partnership with Puma as creative director, Jay-Z, 51, discussed his life in lockdown with Beyoncé and their three children.

Jay-Z and fam


“In the beginning it was time for everyone to sit down and really connect, and really focus on family and being together, and take this time to learn more about each other,” says JAY-Z.


 “And then, as it wore on, it’s like, ‘OK, all right, what is the new normal?’”


“If anything came from this,” Jay says of the pandemic, “it’s that we have to recognize that we’re all connected. It’s a metaphor for how connected we are.”


He also revealed he has no plans to tour in the near future. 

“I’m not planning it, but I’m definitely missing it,” he says.


During the zoom call interview, Jay takes a moment to acknowledge his youngest daughter off camera. “Hiii, beautiful!” he says while blowing kisses. 


“That’s my youngest daughter, Rumi.”


Despite his many businesses Jay-Z says family remains his “foundation.” 


“Feeling loved is the most important thing a child needs, you know? Not ‘Here’s this business that I’m going to hand over to you, that I’m creating for you,’” says JAY-Z. 


“What if my child doesn’t want to be in music or sports? I have no idea, right? But as long as your child feels supported, and feels loved, I think anything is possible.”


He adds, “Just make sure we provide a loving environment, be very attentive to who they want to be. It’s easy for us, as human beings, to want our children to do certain things, but we have no idea. We’re just guides.”


Following the trial of Derek Chauvin for George Floyd’s murder, Jay-Z says says there’s still a long way to go but acknowledges that progress has been made. 


“As a human race we’re still on basic things. We’re still on Stop Asian Hate. We can’t sit and cry over spilt milk, but we do have to acknowledge that there’s milk, right?” he says, adding, “Are we here today? No. Are we further than 50 years ago? Yes.”


Although he rarely uses social media, Jayz says its necessary for today’s stars. 


“You can’t give someone a microphone for 24 hours a day and [have them] not think they have to use it!” he says. “These kids, it’s unbelievable. Imagine having a microphone and you’re asked about social justice questions at 18 years old?


 It’s like, ‘What? I’m meant to know the answer, and if I don’t answer the correct way, if I don’t say everything right, even if my intentions are right, and I don’t say the same right thing, it’s going to be everywhere.’”


Speaking about how he’ll like to be remembered Jay Z said;. “I have no idea,”


 “I’m not beyond ego, right? Hopefully they speak of me [with] the names of Bob Marley and all the greats. But that’s not for me to say.”


When asked what he’s most proud of, he responds, “I’m most proud of overcoming my circumstances and providing opportunity for people who look like me and who came from the same situation that I’ve come from.”

bY Kingsley U.

How Igbo Informants Helped Security Operatives To Kill ESN Commander, Ikonso

“He was targeted and killed after some of the Igbo he was fighting for gave out his details to the security forces,” a source explained.

The Nigerian Army ‘s operation against the Eastern Security Network and Indigenous People of Biafra in Awomama Village, Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State was aided by local informants which led to the killing of top commander, Ikonso Don, and others, SaharaReporters has learnt.

Sources told SaharaReporters that Ikonso was also given away by some of his photographs shared on social media as well as by one of his friends, who had been in touch with security agencies for weeks, if not months.

Ikonso

“Ikonso Don was a well-known hardcore IPOB member. When the ESN was launched, he joined and participated in several operations, rising to later become a commander. He was going to his village in Umuoma alongside other ESN members when they were ambushed.

“He was targeted and killed after some of the Igbo he was fighting for gave out his details to the security forces,” a source explained.

“His photographs were also shared on social media by a friend and he was given away as the ESN commander. That was the same place his photograph with Nnamdi Kanu was obtained,” another source revealed.  

On Saturday, the army stated that its troops and the police intelligence team killed Ikonso, known as Vice President, and six IPOB commanders who worked for the Eastern Security Network in a raid the operatives carried out on the “operational Headquarters of the IPOB/ESN terrorists in Awomama village.”

The army had confirmed that an officer and three policemen were also shot dead by the ESN during the gun battle on Saturday.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig Gen Mohammed Yerima, released a photograph of Ikonso with IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, as well as of the shrine where the ESN and IPOB fighters reportedly gathered in Oru East.

The army spokesman had revealed that they had been on the trail of Ikonso and other ESN commanders for weeks before he was finally captured.

“The IRT and DSS teams along with troops of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army have been on the trail of the terror group since the unfortunate attacks on the Imo State Police Command and the Owerri Correctional Center on April 5. 

“The said Ikonso Commander, who was the mastermind of those attacks in addition to multiple attacks in the South-East and South-South regions, was neutralised along with six of his top Commanders. 

“The joint intelligence team had earlier interviewed several arrested IPOB/ESN terrorists in connection with the April 5 attacks and they all confessed that Ikonso Commander who was named as Vice President by their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, was the one that mobilised men and resources as well as ordered and orchestrated the attacks on Owerri. 

“They equally revealed that Ikonso was responsible for many other attacks on police stations across the two geo-political zones. The intelligence team later tracked the IPOB/ESN top leader to his exact location in Awomama village where he (Ikonson) and his commanders were hibernating and plotting dastardly acts against the Nigerian state. 

“The neutralised Ikonso Commander had on several occasions posed for photographs with the fugitive leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu,” the army stated. 

IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, said on Sunday that Ikonso was truly ambushed.

“Yesterday (Saturday), our commander went to his village. They ambushed him with some politicians. They ordered the military to kill him. In Imo State, they arrested more than 50 people. They have been going to people’s houses to arrest them; in Anambra, they arrested so many people; in Abia, they arrested so many people,” he stated.

Source: Sahara Reporters

EFCC warns Nigerians against the use of Bitcoin, forex trading, etc

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned Nigerians against what it described as any investment that promises returns that looks too good to be true.

“Though risk-taking is considered by some as the oxygen that drives investment decisions, the commission warns the public against taking unmitigated risk in desperation to earn a windfall.

“Investment in Bitcoin, for instance, is a high risk activity as the terrain is largely unregulated, and prone to fraud,” the anti-graft agency said.

EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, who gave the warning in Abuja, said the commission was alarmed at the rate Nigerians send petitions to the anti-corruption agency on fraudulent investments that promise high return with little risks to investors. x

According to EFCC, Nigerians are losing, money to Ponzi schemes, forex trading and most recently, Bitcoin trading, compounding the nation’s economic woes.

To the EFCC spokesman, the trend indicates that investment scams continue to thrive despite enforcement and public enlightenment interventions by the commission and other stakeholders.

“While EFCC will continue to investigate and prosecute persons complicit in fraudulent investment schemes, it is incumbent on the investing public to be circumspect in their investment decisions..”

MEANWHILE, EFCC has reminded civil society organisations (CSOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that it is mandatory to report to the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML) any transaction through any formal financial channels in excess of $10,000 and any cash donations in excess of $1,000.

The Head of EFCC, Lagos Zonal Office, Ahmed Ghali, who stated this in Ikeja, Lagos at a seminar jointly organised by Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa, (GIABA) warned that “failure to do this is punishable by the law.”

Delivering a paper entitled “The Role of NGOs and CSOs in Countering Terrorism Financing in Nigeria”, Ghali warned that the law would not spare any such group that allows itself to be used as a tool for perpetrating money laundering or terrorism financing in Nigeria.

“The varied funding sources and the ability of NGOs and CSOs to process large amounts of cash to beneficiaries and regularly transmitting funds between jurisdictions make them prone to money laundering and financing of terrorism,” the EFCC official said. According to him, both the CSOs and NGOs have critical roles to play in curbing money laundering and terrorism financing in Nigeria.

By Jide N.

Nigerians worried over the worsening insecurity

Nigerians have expressed worries over the deteriorating security challenges, stating the country is ‘sitting on a keg of gunpowder.’

The Nation has reported about several cases of insecurity across Nigeria with killings and kidnapping at alarming rate.

Apart from the activities of the terrorist group Boko Haram in the Northeast, armed bandits routinely attack communities in Northwest, killing and kidnapping residents.

Kidnapping for ransom, gunmen attacks, attacking policemen, military and police formation/checkpoints, burning of police stations and attacks by armed herdsmen have become commonplaces in many other parts of Nigeria.

Nigerians expressed concerns on social media that killings, kidnapping and other nefarious activities have become daily occurrences in the country.

They called on President Muhammadu Buhari to do more to stop Boko Haram terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements threatening national security.

Some others sued for peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.

Popular Comedian, DeboMacaroni said: “It’s no longer a question of whether people die daily in Nigeria due to the high rate of insecurity emboldened by a very unresponsive and reprehensible Government. The question is how many will continue to die daily?”

Social Commentator Tosin Olugbenga lamented: “In all my life as a Nigerian, this nation has never been this unsecured.

“When incompetent Buhari took over insecurity was largely concentrated in the north east but now it has spread like wildfire to every part of the nation. This is the change APC brought upon the nation.”

Public Affairs commentator Hamma Hayatu tweeted: “Nigeria has never been this unsecured. When Buhari took over insecurity was largely concentrated in the north east but now almost every region is battling with some sort of insecurity. We are now worse off under APC.”

Francis Adeboye argued: “Buhari knew the solutions to Nigeria’s insecurity when he wasn’t President. El-Rufai complained about their security recommendations not being adopted. APC clamored about knowing how to tackle insecurity. Then, they came into power & suddenly forgot the solutions & approaches.”

Popular On-Air personality Osi Suave noted: “This govt came into power on the back of solving the insecurity mess. And it’s even worse now. The President and his govt cannot continue to bury its head in the sand as people are killed and properties destroyed day in day out.”

Another social commentator Dr. Ayo Sogunro lampooned the Federal Government saying: “The stages of fighting Boko Haram: 1 – Boko Haram kills, destroys, and seizes territory. 2 – Buhari’s govt claims to have defeated Boko Haram. 3 – Boko Haram transfers a few ‘captured’ men to Buhari’s govt for ‘rehab’ and stops for a while.”

By Jide N.

Julian Nagelsmann to join FC Bayern as head coach

RB Leipzig manager, Julian Nagelsmann has been confirmed as the new head coach of Bayern Munich and will begin his new role on July 1.

Both RB Leipzig and Bayern announced the decision on Twitter. 

The move confirms the departure of Bayern’s current boss Hansi Flick, who will step down when his contract expires on June 30.

Nagelsmann, 33, has signed a five-year contract with the Bundesliga champions.

Nagelsmann told the club’s official website: “I will leave RB Leipzig with a heavy heart. I’ve been able to coach a special team here at a club with huge opportunities and the best possible conditions to work in. Everybody here, including the staff who work alongside the team, have ensured that we’ve written plenty of stories for the club’s history books and are continuing to do so now. I’m really proud of that.”

RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff said: “There has been a lot of activity over the past few days regarding the role as head coach of FC Bayern Munich. Following this, Julian Nagelsmann approached us and expressed in open talks that it is a lifelong dream of his to become coach of FC Bayern, and that he would like to make the move to Munich if the opportunity presented itself after the end of this season.

“Julian has taken a fantastic path in Leipzig and developed the club very successfully. He has not only improved individual players but has also taken the team as a collective to the next level.”

By Jide N.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic been probed by UEFA over allegations of owning a gambling company

UEFA has launched an investigation into allegations that football star, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has a financial interest in a betting company.


In sports, it is a very big crime for sports men, coaches or managers to have betting companies or be involved in betting and if found guilty such a person could be banned from the sport or given a hefty fine.


Ibrahimovic, 39, signed a a new deal with AC Milan last week. However, UEFA has appointed an inspector to look into the allegations that he’s financially involved with a gambling company.


In a statement on its website, UEFA said: “In accordance with Article 31(4) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has today been appointed to conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations by Mr. Zlatan Ibrahimovic for having an alleged financial interest in a betting company.


“Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course.”

The probe comes following a report in Ibrahimovic’s native Sweden that said he could be hit with a ban on account of reports  earlier in April alleging Ibrahimovic’s company Unknown AB owns shares in Bethard gambling company.

By terry W.

Feras Antoon, Pornhub CEO’s £11m mansion on fire in suspected arson attack

Pornhub CEO Feras Antoon’s £11m mansion has gone up in flames in a suspected arson attack.

The mansion was under construction and recently put up for sale boasting eight bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, and plans for multiple elevators in Montreal in Quebec, Canada.

Pornhub CEO's home

Police found the 1.4 acre property ablaze after receiving reports of two people spotted trespassing there at 11.30pm on Sunday, April 25.

Neighbours were evacuated as more than 80 firefighters tackled the flames in the Ahuntsic-Cartierville neighbourhood, DailyStar reports.

No one was hurt but the fire caused “major” damage to the mansion before it was under control by 2.30am.

Pornhub CEO's home

Police spokesman Julien Lévesque told VICE: “Police officers who arrived on site were able to see that the fire began inside the residence.

“Earlier this morning… our arson squad from Montreal police took charge of the investigation. They were onsite this morning to analyse all the scene, meet some witnesses to try to understand what was the cause and the circumstances of the beginning of this fire.”

Feras, who is the CEO of Mindgeek Canadian operations – the company that owns Pornhub, said in a statement: “Over the weekend, a fire occurred at my residence.

“The residence was under construction. I am grateful that my family and I and our neighbours are safe. Out of respect for the ongoing police investigation, I will not be commenting further.”

By Jide N.

30 suspected members of Black Axe arrested by the Italian Police

Italian police said on Monday, April 26, they had arrested 30 suspected members of the Nigerian Black Axe mafia gang that have been operating in many regions of the country.

The Black Axe members,  including their alleged leader, were detained in Italy after a series of raids around the country, police have said.

All those seized were Nigerian nationals. The suspects face almost 100 charges, including mafia association, drug trafficking, illegal immigration, prostitution, computer fraud and money laundering, which involved cryptocurrency, police said in a statement on Monday.

The operation – codenamed “Hello Bross” – involved state police, as well as officers in Rome, Rieti, Bari, Caserta, Naples, Reggio Emilia, Parma, Modena, Catania, Genoa, Messina, Potenza and Terni.

Reporting the development, RT alleged that the “Black Axe mafia has attained a reputation for ritual murders, mutilation and rape since originating in Africa in the 1990s.”

Police said they had arrested a 35-year-old man who led the Italian “branch” of Black Axe from his home in the city of L’Aquila in the central Abruzzo region. The gang’s parent organization is managed from Nigeria.

“There is evidence that the members had a direct connection with the Nigerian gang, drawing on the same vocabulary, symbols and affiliation rituals,” police said.

Most of the suspects’ alleged crimes are web-based scams, including using bitcoin to buy the numbers of cloned credit cards on the dark web for online shopping.

Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese said Italy was showing its determination to tackle organised crime, Reuters reports.

bY Francisca C.

See Lionel Messi’s new Miami apartment with 1,000-bottle wine cellar, worth £5m (photos)

Barcelona superstar, Lionel Messi has reportedly splashed out £5million on his second apartment in Miami, fuelling speculation he might head to MLS this summer.

The Argentine playmaker previously said he would like to play in the United States one day and his contract at Barcelona expires this summer.

Lionel Messi's new home

It’s believed the 33-year-old already has a £7.25m apartment in Miami’s Porsche Design Tower but has purchased the entire ninth floor of another luxury apartment in Florida that boasts all the facilities for £5m.

Lionel Messi's new home

According to The Real Deal, the remarkable property sits on Sunny Isles Beach with beautiful views of the ocean. It has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, 360-degree views, and even a 1,000-bottle wine cellar in 511 square metres of indoor space.

Lionel Messi's new home

As well as his own private pool, Messi and his family have access to six pools in total. There is also a spa, a fitness centre, a yoga studio, a children’s playhouse, and a champagne bar.

Lionel Messi's new home
Lionel Messi's new home
Lionel Messi's new home
Lionel Messi's new home

By Terry W.

NBC suspends Channels TV for speaking with the Leader of IPOB

Channels Television has been suspended by the National Broadcasting Commission which also slammed a N5 million fine against the news agency for allegedly breaching the broadcast code.

Acting Director General of the Commission, Prof. Armstrong Idachaba who referred to Channels 7pm live broadcast programme of Sunday, 25th April, 2021 in the letter addressed to its Managing Director, accused the TV station of allowing a leader of the Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) to make secessionist and inciting declarations on air without caution or reprimand by the station contrary to the broadcast code.

Idachaba alleged that the station allowed its IPOB guest to make derogatory, false and misleading statements about the Nigerian army despite being proscribed by a court of law.
 

By Kingsley U.

Kamaru Usman and Conor McGregor trade words on social media

Conor McGregor and Kamaru Usman exchanged words on social media after the Irish UFC fighter accused the Nigerian of ‘copying’ his shots. 


The Nigerian Nightmare made a fourth successful defence of his welterweight title on Saturday at UFC 261, after he dropped  Jorge Masvidal at 1 minute, 2 seconds of the second round of their fight in Jacksonville, Florida.


After the fight, McGregor accused Usman of ‘copying’ his shots’’ before promising to ‘give him a smack for it’ and move up to challenge at 170lbs.


To back up his claims, McGregor also posted a small clip from his fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 257, a fight he lost via TKO.


Responding to McGregor’s comments, Usman warned he would be in for a very different night if he moves up in weight again to challenge him.


McGregor then responded by reminding Usman he was ringside the night he defeated ‘Cowboy’ Cerrrone at welterweight, also aiming a dig at ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ for withdrawing from a meeting with Gilbert Burns last year due to an undisclosed injury.

Conor McGregor is currently training to face Dustin Poirier in a trilogy bout at UFC 264. Both fighters are currently tied 1-1, going into the third bout, with McGregor winning the first clash at UFC 178 and Porier getting his hands raised in the second at UFC 257. 

The UFC 264 will take place on July 10 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

By Terry W.

Kim Kardashian allegedly dating Van Jones, a CNN Presenter

Kim Kardashian is rumoured to be dating CNN reporter Van Jones amid her ongoing divorce from estranged husband Kanye West.

There are speculations that the reality star, 40, is romantically linked to the CNN presenter,52, as they have been working together as close friends during her four-year law apprenticeship.

Kim Kardashian

This comes two months after the mother-of-four filed papers to divorce rapper Kanye West. 

On Sunday April 25, New York Post columnist Cindy Adams fueled the rumors as she noted he is ‘so left,’ he ‘maybe even influenced her politics.’

‘I will not wait while everybody tells me I don’t know what I’m talking about,’ she went on.  

The dating rumours have led to mixed reactions between fans on Twitter, with many accusing Kardashian of ‘using’ Jones to ‘further her law career.’

‘People are gonna look at Kim as using Kanye to advance her in the fashion world and using Van Jones to help advance her into her next career field in law,’ fired one fan.  

Another wrote: ‘If Kim Kardashian marries Van Jones I’m no longer doing this whole life thing. That will be simply too much for me.’ 

However, some loved the idea of the two stars getting together as a couple, with one person writing: “I really hope Kim Kardashian actually is dating Van Jones. She would have her legally blonde where she dumps Warren at the end & starts dating Luke Wilson.”

Another person shared: “Van Jones is a good choice. A smart stable guy. He’s a good guy and he has his own money. You would make a nice couple.”

“OMG! They deserve each other!” a third person added.

Kim Kardashian

Van Jones ended his marriage to his wife of 14 years, Jana Carter, in 2019.

 It has also been reported that Kim is being pursued by royals, billionaires and A-lister suitors.

A source told Page Six: “People are reaching out through mutual friends and people that she’s worked with to set her up with everyone from royal family members to A-list actors to athletes to billionaire CEOs.

They added: “She’s not looking to jump into anything but is keeping an open mind.”

By Kingsley U.

Imo Commissioner shot by unknown gunmen, valuables stolen

Imo State Commissioner for Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition, Iyke Ume was one of the victims of Sunday April 25 attack by unknown gunmen in Orji area of Owerri, Imo state’s capital. 

Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodinma on Inter-party Affairs, Dominic Uzowuru told newsmen that he was in the company of the commissioner who was driving home in an unmarked security vehicle when they were attacked by the gunmen. 

Uzowuru said they were returning from a service of songs in the area when the gunmen double-crossed their vehicle, shooting the commissioner in the leg and arm.

He said; 

“I was not shot. The commissioner was shot. My handset and that of the commissioner were snatched.

“The commissioner was dropping me off, when the robbers struck.

“I am fine and the commissioner is responding to treatment to the glory of God.”

Imo police spokesperson, Orlando Ikeokwu also confirmed the attack and further disclosed that the victims were evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, by the police.

bY Lucky B.

“Nigeria will fly again” – Kumuyi

General superintendent of the Deeper Life Christian Ministry, William Kumuyi has expressed hope of Nigeria overcoming its present challenges. 

Addressing journalists after a special service organised by the church on Sunday April 25, Kumuyi urged Nigerians to retrace their step instead of promoting division. 

The cleric also asked the Nigerian government to make the country conducive so intellectuals won’t be lost to Western countries. 

He said; 

“Instead of identifying ‘this person is my enemy’; ‘that person is my problem’; ‘that tribe is the problem’, if we stop all that and just look up to God and love one another, and understand that we came to this by some steps we have taken as individuals and as leaders, then, the same way, we retrace our steps. 

“We’ll wish for the best, so that we desire the fulfilment of the prayer we’re praying for.

“God has given us a mind, a brain, and he has also given us fertile ground, and he said we should till the ground; we should cultivate; we should do things that we ought to do. Whatever we sow, is what we’ll reap.

“We find that the governments of those countries, they recognise those Nigerians who are there specially. Instead of having this brain drain that goes to the west to lift those countries up, and here we are, let’s make the place conducive for them to come back. And those who are here should do their work. I believe that we will fly again.”

By Jide N.

For using ‘provocative phrases’ Romelu Lukaku and Zlatan Ibrahimovic fined for £7,000

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku have been fined for unsportsmanlike conduct after the pair clashed during January’s Milan Derby at the San Siro.


The strikers, who play for AC Milan and Inter respectively, had a bust-up during the Coppa Italia quarter-final, which Inter won 2-1 after Ibrahimovic was later sent off.  


The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) said on Monday that Ibrahimovic had been fined 4,000 euros (£3,477), Lukaku 3,000 euros (£2,608), AC Milan 2,000 euros (£1,738), and Inter 1,250 euros (£1,086).


The former Manchester United stars exchanged insults during the match and Lukaku had to be restrained by his teammates at the end of the first half after being left infuriated by Ibrahimovic’s comments.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic


Lukaku appeared to call the Swedish veteran a ‘son of a b****’ as well as shouting ‘f*** your wife’ while Ibrahimovic reportedly said ‘Go do your voodoo s***, you little donkey’ during the exchange. 

Both players were fined for unsportsmanlike behaviour with provocative phrases, while the clubs were punished due to their responsibility for the conduct of their players. Lukaku and Ibrahimovic were also handed one-match bans in January. 

Several inmates of IOWA prison given overdoses of Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine

77 inmates of IOWA prison were given overdoses of Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine by Prison staff.

The incident took place at the state’s maximum-security prison at Fort Madison where some inmates may have received six times the normal dose, the Iowa Department of Corrections confirmed.

None of the inmates became ill enough to need outside medical treatment or hospitalisation, said spokesman Cord Overton.

“The large majority of inmates continue to have very minor symptoms consistent with those that receive the recommended dose of the vaccine,” Mr Overton told The Des Moines Register.

“These include sore arm, body aches, and one inmate has experienced a low-grade fever, which was treatable with Tylenol.”

Following the incident, prison officials have consulted with experts at the University of Iowa, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Pfizer.

Experts have said that the prisoners should be monitored for 48 hours but that “they did not expect any inmates to have severe reactions.”

The two nurses who delivered the vaccine doses have been placed on administrative leave while an investigation is carried out.

By Jide N.?

Tyrese Gibson seen on video shaving his girlfriend’s pubic hair (video)

Tyrese Gibson’s new girlfriend, Zelie Timothy, shared a video of the 42-year-old singer/actor shaving her pubic hair.

The 20-something model is seen in the video with her legs spread wide while Tyrese stands between her legs and begins to shave her pubic hair.

The Fast & Furious actor applies cream on his palms and rubs his hands together before saying he is “going to put the creamer on it first” then “mix it with some oil.”

“I know we’re supposed to be shaving but I’m thinking about something else,” Zelie says in the video.

“I will never let go of my King. But does your man shave you though?” Zelie wrote as she shared the video.

Sources claim Zelie is the reason for Tyrese’s divorce from his second wife, Samantha Lee, last year.

Shortly after he announced their divorce, he introduced Zelie to his social media followers.

Tyrese and Samantha share 2-year-old daughter, Soraya, while he has a 13-year-old daughter, Shayla, with his ex-wife Norma Mitchell.

Watch the video below.

bY Lucky B.

“Some people think say marriage na moimoi” – Charly Boy

Charles Oputa, better known as Charly Boy, had told his followers that “marriage is management “and not everyone will get married.

He said that even his 40-something-year-old marriage hasn’t been easy but he and his wife agreed to never give up on each other.

He said every marriage has its issues, including his.

Sharing a photo his took with his wife Lady D, he wrote:

Some people think say marriage na moimoi.
How dem fit know say no be everybody God create go marry.

I don swim many rivers for dis
my 40sometin year marriage.

Don’t for one minute think our marriage is made in heaven. It has been through Hell many times over, we still dey patch am, e still dey leak.
We have our issues, problems and challenges.(never for public consumption)
We disagree on many things smtimes.

The ONLY Thing we basically Agree on, is never to give up on each other.
We both go die here I think

Biko enjoy ur weekend for marriage is management.

May God bless your Union too.

Charly Boy

By Francisca C.

“Forgive Dr. Pantami, He Is A Changed Man” — Presidency Begs Nigerians

The presidency has ended its quietness on the controversy surrounding Isa Pantami, minister of communications and digital economy, as it relates to the latter’s past views supporting terror groups.

Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, said the Buhari administration stands by the minister, alleging that information and communications technology (ICT) companies are the ones behind calls for his removal.

Many Nigerians and groups have been asking President Muhammadu Buhari to sack Pantami after videos from the 2000s resurfaced wherein the minister was seen supporting Al-Qaeda and the Taliban.

Pantami has, however, recanted his past views on the terror groups, saying his position at the time was based on his understanding as a teenager.

“I was young when I made some of the comments; I was in university, some of the comments were made when I was a teenager. I started preaching when I was 13, many scholars and individuals did not understand some of the international events and therefore took some positions based on their understanding, some have come to change their positions later,” he had said.

That notwithstanding, Nigerians have continued to demand for his sack, arguing that he occupies a sensitive government position.

But in a statement on Thursday, Shehu described the controversy as a “cancel campaign” targeted at Pantami.

The presidential spokesman said those who want Pantami out of office are the enemies he has made in office who have no grievances about his extremist views.

He said: “The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami is, currently, subject to a “cancel campaign” instigated by those who seek his removal. They do not really care what he may or may not have said some 20 years ago: that is merely the instrument they are using to attempt to “cancel” him. But they will profit should he be stopped from making decisions that improve the lives of everyday Nigerians.

“The Minister has, rightly, apologized for what he said in the early 2000s. The views were absolutely unacceptable then, and would be equally unacceptable today, were he to repeat them. But he will not repeat them – for he has publicly and permanently condemned his earlier utterances as wrong.

”In the 2000s, the Minister was a man in his twenties; next year he will be 50. Time has passed, and people and their opinions – often rightly – change.

”But all discerning Nigerians know this manufactured dispute is nothing to do with the Minister’s prior words, but solely concern his actions in the present.

”This Administration is committed to improving the lives of all Nigerians – and that includes ensuring they are not over-charged or under-protected for those services on which modern life depends.”

He lauded the minister for driving the contribution of the information and communication technology (ICT) sector to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) to “more than 18 percent” in two years in office.

“In putting people first, the Minister and this administration have made enemies. There are those in the opposition who see success and want it halted by any means.

“And there is now well-reported information that alleges newspaper editors rebuffed an attempt to financially induce them to run a smear campaign against the minister by some ICT companies, many of which do indeed stand to lose financially through lower prices and greater consumer protections.

“The government is now investigating the veracity behind these claims of attempted inducement, and – should they be found to hold credence – police and judicial action must be expected.

“The Administration stands behind Minister Pantami and all Nigerian citizens to ensure they receive fair treatment, fair prices, and fair protection in ICT services.”

By Lucky B.

Read how Boko Haram attacked the Military Mainok camp – Nigerian Army

Boko Haram in the army

The Nigerian Army has confirmed an ambush on one of its bases at Mainok, Borno State.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Mohammed Yerima, on Monday evening, the army described the attack as a multi-directional attack which claimed one officer and six soldiers.

There were reports on Sunday about the death of an unspecified number of soldiers who died after a deadly attack on the N156 battalion in Mainok.

Mainok is about 60 kilometres west of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Sources told TM the terrorists who came around noon disguised themselves in a military convoy, went straight to the formation’s armoury and attacked the personnel.

Amongst the casualties recorded was the commander of the battalion, a lieutenant colonel.

“The terror groups disguised in military convoy and gained access to 156 TF Bn position in Mainok and headed straight to the arms store and started inflicting heavy firepower on the troops and dislodged them,” one military source said.

The source said many other soldiers fled into the bush during the attack.

PREMIUM TIMES saw some gory pictures of some of the soldiers killed during the attack.

The terrorists also set ablaze a Nigerian army tanker and some buildings in the military base.

But according to the statement by the army, the terrorists were held by the troops until reenforcement arrived.

He also said scores of Boko Haram terrorists were killed during the attack.

Read the full army statement:

MAINOK: COAS APPLAUDS TROOPS OF OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE FOR THEIR RESILIENCE AND DOGGEDNESS

On Sunday 25 April 2021, troops of Operation Lafiya Dole deployed in Mainok, Borno State, came under multi-directional attacks by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists mounted on unconfirmed number of Gun Trucks as well as foot soldiers with possible intent of establishing a phantom caliphate in the town. The terrorists were held by the gallant troops of 156 Task Force Battalion until the arrival of reinforcement teams from 7 Division, Special Army Super Camp Ngamdu and Army Super Camp 4, Benesheik.

During the fire fight which lasted several hours, the gallant troops tactically lured a number of the terrorists into a killing zone within their camp where the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole scrambled Alpha jets and helicopter gunboats which took turns in decimating the already trapped terrorists. In the aftermath of the encounter, scores of Boko Haram terrorists were neutralized with their body part littering the area and a number of their gun trucks destroyed.

Regrettably, one gallant Officer and six soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice while 5 other soldiers sustained various degrees of injuries. The wounded soldiers have already been evacuated to the military medical facility for treatment. Currently, troops are in full control of Mainok and environ as exploitation for fleeing terrorists is ongoing.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru has applauded troops of Operation Lafiya Dole for their resilience, commitment and doggedness and further reassured Nigerians of the Army’s unalloyed commitment to defeating Boko Haram/SWAP terrorists while urging citizens to always avail the troops with accurate and timely information for prompt action.

By Hajia R.

Sunday Igboho claims plot to arrest him, says home under siege

Sunday Adeyemo, a self-styled Yoruba activist, on Monday morning claimed soldiers invaded his Ibadan residence in a bid to arrest him and his supporters.

Mr Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, raised the alarm through his spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki, who ran a live Facebook broadcast at the car park of the activist’s residence.

Mr Koiki, who kept lampooning federal and state authorities, claimed soldiers invaded Mr Igboho’s residence at around 2 am Monday morning but that they were being resisted.

Gunshots could be heard intermittently in the background as Mr Koiki spoke. He claimed soldiers were doing the shooting but that could not be independently confirmed by PREMIUM TIMES.

It is also unclear at this time if soldiers indeed swooped on the property located in the Soka area of Ibadan. Oyo state police spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, did not respond to PREMIUM TIMES calls and text messages seeking to clarify Mr Igboho’s claim.

The known telephone number of Nigerian Army spokesperson, Mohammed Yerima, did not connect as this reporter dialled it multiple times Monday morning.

“We are more than capable of securing ourselves, we have chased them far from here,” Mr Koiki said in the video. “I am sure you can hear gunshots. That is them shooting from afar, we cannot be intimidated because we are fully prepared and ready for them.

“By tomorrow morning, I am sure the government would come with false press statements, that it was a set of unknown soldiers, that was the same tactic they used to attack Fela’s mother. They equally used it during #EndSARS.

“They brought us a letter sometimes ago but we rejected them because the letter was what they used to kill Dele Giwa. We have chosen to be peaceful only for them to keep looking for our trouble which we won’t hesitate to give to them.”

Mr Igboho had in January led a group of men to Igangan in the Ibarapa axis of Oyo state to eject the Seriki Fulani of Igangan, Salihu Abdulkadir, triggering a face-off with the state and federal governments.

He accused Mr Abdulkadir of backing criminal herdsmen behind the kidnapping and killing of farmers and residents of the community. Mr Abdulkadir denied the allegation but he was nonetheless forcefully ejected from a community he had lived in for decades.

The federal and Oyo State governments frowned at the development, saying no citizen has the right to eject other citizens from wherever they wished to reside in the country.

But on February 1, Mr Igboho rebuffed authorities and proceeded to neighbouring Ogun State to purportedly evict herdsmen resident there. During that visit, he also vowed to dislodge herdsmen from the entire Yoruba land.

On February 26, the self-styled warlord claimed some security operatives attached to Oyo State Operation Burst attempted to arrest him at the Lagos-Ibadan expressway while on his way to meet elder statesman, Ayo Adebanjo, in Lagos.

The police and the State Security Service did not confirm that attempt to arrest Mr Igboho who posted a video clip he said was of the encounter on social media.

With Mr Koiki’s disclosure that the authorities recently tried to serve Mr Igboho a letter, it appears the country’s law enforcement might be trying to take him in for questioning.

By Murtala D.

Armed Bandits kill nine police officers, two vigilante members in Kebbi – Official

A divisional police officer and eight other officers on Sunday lost their lives in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State while repelling an attack by bandits.

Two vigilante members were also killed by the bandits in the incident.

The police spokesperson in Kebbi, Nafi’u Abubakar, told TM that the officers responded to distress calls following the attack on Sunday night.

Mr Abubakar said the bandits launched the attack at Makuku and surrounding villages in Sakaba council area.

“Upon arrival in the area, the police engaged the criminals in a fire fight. Unfortunately, the the DPO and eight of his men and two vigilante members paid the supreme call defending their fatherland,” Mr Abubakar said.

The police spokesperson said details of the attack were still sketchy on Monday, so he could not say if there were causalities among the locals.

Sakaba Local Government Area had witnessed recent attacks by bandits in Kunduru, Bajida and Rafin Gora where the gunmen reportedly rustled many livestock.

Sakaba LGA shares boundary with the troubled Zamfara and Niger States

By Jide N.

“400 Bureau De Change operators funding the Boko Haram?” — Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume

“The Presidency said recently that Nigerians would be shocked if it revealed the identities of those who are sponsoring the Boko Haram insurgents.

Can you imagine that 400 Bureau De Change operators are the people funding the Boko Haram?” “The presidency is already saying their case is confidential.

What is confidential about it?”“The presidency should expose the identities of all the BDC operators so far arrested and carry out their trial in public. If any one of them is innocent, he should be allowed to go while those found guilty must be made to face the music.”

“When I was wrongly accused, I was tried publicly and I was vindicated. The trial lasted six years in an open court. If there is any criminal act linked to anybody, no matter how highly placed, let the evidence be placed before the public, there should be no secret trial.”

By Hajia R.

How Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jet misfired, killing soldiers in strike against Boko Haram

At least 20 soldiers have been feared killed in an aerial attack meant to neutralise Boko Haram/Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) that overran a troops’ base in Mainok on Sunday.

The air strike, according to a soldier, was carried out by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jet which mistook the gun truck carrying the troops for terrorists.

The Nation reports the terrorists, said to have invaded Mainok in a convoy of four MRAPs, a scorpion Armoured Personnel Carrier and several gun trucks had disguised as friendly forces on Sunday night before dislodging troops of 156 Battalion and setting their camp ablaze.

They were said to have subsequently mounted checkpoints and moved into the community still dressed in Nigerian military desert camouflage.

Narrating how the fighter jet killed own forces, a soldier who made a 14-second video said they were shelled in error.

In the now viral video, the soldier, who spoke pidgin English, said one of the army’s gun trucks coming to Mainok for reinforcement has been shelled by the NAF.

He explained he was calling the gun truck to come and carry him and a colleague standing on the express but the gun truck was going into the bush, alleging the smoke that was captured in the video was that of the bombarded gun truck and the soldiers in it were dead.

“The Boko Haram terrorists disguised in military uniform and gained access to the camp. They came in different groups and could not be counted.

“The Nigerian Army were pinned down, they requested for reinforcement, the reinforcement got on their way only to get shelled by the Nigerian Air Force.

“The (reinforcement team) was coming from Ngandu when they were killed by the airstrike targeted at Boko Haram. The Boko Haram were dressed in military uniform and carried high calibre military weapons,” a source said.

Earlier, a message was sent out warning soldiers passing through Maiduguri to steer clear because the insurgents, disguised as military personnel, have taken over roadblocks and checkpoints.

“Any of our regular passing through Maiduguri should know that, at Mainok, it’s not soldiers that are at the checking point but Boko Haram because BH dislodged Mainok in the early hours of today (Sunday) and they remain at the camp and at the checking points,” the warning stated.

Lamenting the lack of adequate weapons to tackle insurgency, a soldier told The Nation there was no way the terrorists won’t overrun the troops giving the armaments they deployed.

“I have been hearing that Boko Haram has heavy equipment but I saw it myself today. I saw it live. I saw Boko Haram with four MRAPS, APC and many gun trucks and weapons they are displaying. Imagine Boko Haram in a convoy with four MRAPS.

“Do you know what that means? It means we won’t even be able to get them with just our gun truck and if you set mine traps for them, they will walk over it. The worst that can happen is that their tyres will be burst but still they can drive the MRAPs still for at least 2km.

“Just imagine what the casualty will look like. Why are our people treating us this way? I just read a report this afternoon that President Buhari signed billion dollar for procurement of arms but now the money is missing, unaccounted for. Just imagine!

“If they bought the weapons mentioned in that report and distribute them to locations, no Boko Haram will try us. But we continue to lose men out of our people’s greed. Why are they doing us like this?

“Many people have lost interest in this job because of this kinds of senseless killings. A whole Commanding Officer was killed in today’s attack in Mainok. This week alone, Boko Haram has killed many, dislodged bases and entered towns,” the soldier lamented.

Similarly, terrorists on Friday killed an officer and a soldier attached to 3 Battalion, Abbari/Bulalaiye, Ngala in Borno State.

Same Friday, suspected BHT-ISWAP were said to have invaded an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp at Aburi in Damboa, Borno State, where they kidnapped five women and nine children.

The Nation gathered the terrorists carried out the attack in the night but eventually released a women with her two kids because they were too young to move.

According to a source, the Aburi IDP Camp was located close to Technical College Damboa, adding the terrorists went away with four women and seven children unhindered.

Reacting to reports on the alleged killings, the Nigerian Air Force through its official Twitter account said it was investigating visuals and reports being circulated.

It said: “The attention of the @NigAirForce has been drawn to reports alleging “How NAF killed over 20 Nigerian Army Personnel by Accident in Air Strike” at Mainok which is about 55km to Maiduguri.

“The NAF wishes to state that visuals and reports being circulated are currently being investigated and the general public will be duly updated on the alleged incident.

“All inquiries should please be directed to the Office of the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force or forwarded to [email protected].”

By Murtala D.

Live! Yoruba and Hausa Youths Clashes in Lagos Now

What began as a minor clash between Hausa motorcyclists and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, in the Iyana-Iba area of Ojo, Lagos, quickly degenerated into a tribal clash, early Monday morning, as Hausa and Yoruba youths confronted themselves, wielding dangerous weapons.

The fracas according to eye witnesses began when Hausa motorcyclists gathered themselves to protest constant harassment by the road union members, after an Hausa motorcyclist was allegedly beaten and stabbed to death.

According to Vanguard, the fight which began with exchange of stones between members of the union and the motorcyclists, soon degenerated into a full blown crisis, as sporadic gunshots were heard at the scene.

Shouts of “e no concern una”, was barked at passerbys, as supposed members of the road union, tried explaining to whoever cared to listen, that the fight was between “us and aboki dem”.

As at the time of filing this report, the Vanguard reporter who was caught up in the scene of the clash, revealed that more Hausa youths were reportedly seen rushing towards the Volks area of the road, purportedly from nearby Alabarago, where one can find them resident in their numbers.

By Jide N.

Breaking: Jihadists kill 31 soldiers in near Maiduguri

At least 31 Nigerian soldiers were killed when IS-aligned jihadists ambushed a military convoy escorting weapons and overran a base in northeast Nigeria’s Borno state, military sources said on Monday.

Fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacked the convoy with rocket-propelled grenades on Sunday in the town of Mainok outside the regional capital Maiduguri before storming the nearby base, the two sources said.

The attack was the deadliest this year against Nigeria’s army which has been battling a decade-long jihadist insurgency in the region that has killed 36,000 people and displaced around two million from their homes.

“We lost 31 soldiers, including their commander who was a lieutenant colonel, in the ambush by the terrorists,” a military officer said about the attack which happened around 1100 GMT.

The convoy was transporting weapons to Maiduguri when it came under attack, said a second military source who gave a similar toll.

“The terrorists came in several trucks, including four MRAPs (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles) and engaged the convoy in a fierce battle,” the second source said.

The militants overwhelmed soldiers, leading to the “colossal loss” of troops, he said.

“We lost a lot of men in very gruesome way.”

The jihadists seized weapons and two MRAPs in the attack before overrunning and partially burning the base outside the town, the two sources said.

Mainok, about 50 kilometres (30 miles) from Maiduguri, has been repeatedly targeted by the jihadists.

ISWAP has frequently set up bogus checkpoints along the 120-km highway linking Maiduguri and Damaturu in neighbouring Yobe state on which Mainok lies, killing and abducting travellers.

ISWAP split from mainstream Boko Haram faction in 2016 and rose to become a dominant force in the northeast as Nigeria’s conflict has spilt over borders into neighbouring Chad, Niger and Cameroon.


Around 2,000 residents of Geidam in neighbouring Yobe state fled their homes after a separate attack by ISWAP who invaded the town Friday, local officials said.

On Sunday residents fled, crossing to the other side of the river to escape militants who have been in control since they attacked the town.

“Our people are fleeing Geidam which is now under the control of the insurgents,” Ali Koko Kachalla, Geidam’s political administrator, said.

Late on Friday ISWAP jihadists took control of Geidam after a gunfight with troops, looting and burning stores in the town.

At least 11 civilians were killed in the fight after a projectile hit two adjoining homes, killing all occupants, according to residents.

The exodus was prompted by targeted killings of residents by the insurgents, according to fleeing residents.

“Everybody is running away because the insurgents have started killing people who are Christians and those with western education,” resident Babagana Kyari said.

“So far they have killed two Christians and two Muslim school teachers. They went to their homes and slaughtered them,” said another resident Ari Sanda.

The army issued a statement on Saturday, claiming to have taken back Geidam from the jihadists. But residents and local officials said militants were still around.

Since 2019, soldiers have closed up some smaller bases and moved into larger fortified garrisons known as “super camps” in an attempt to better resist militant attacks.

But critics say the “super camp” strategy has also allowed militants more freedom in rural areas and left travellers more vulnerable to kidnapping.

By Murtala D.

Thierry Henry and Alan Shearer, Football icons, inducted into Premier League Hall of Fame (Photos)

Former England striker, Alan Shearer, and ex-France forward, Thierry Henry, have become the first players to be inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame is the highest individual honour awarded to players by the League and celebrates the talent and achievements of standout professionals who have featured in the division since its creation in 1992. To be eligible, players must have been retired as of August 1, 2020.

Hall of Fame

Former Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United striker, Shearer still holds the record as the Premier League’s highest scorer with 260 goals in 441 appearances across 14 seasons.

He won the title with Blackburn under Kenny Dalglish in the 1994/95 campaign and went on to score 148 times in the top flight during 10 years at his boyhood club Newcastle from 1996 to 2006.

The former England forward is a three-time Golden Boot winner and remains the only player to have reached 100 Premier League goals for two different clubs.

Shearer said: “When you look at some of the unbelievable players to have graced the Premier League – week in, week out, year in, year out – I feel very honoured to join the Hall of Fame. I have to thank all of my team-mates, as well as the managers and coaches that I’ve worked with.

“All I ever wanted to be was a professional footballer. It was my dream to do that, my dream to win trophies and my dream to score at St James’ Park, to wear the number nine black-and-white shirt and it was fantastic. I enjoyed every minute of it.”

Hall of Fame

Following his move to Arsenal from Juventus in 1999, Henry won the Premier League title twice and was a key member of the ‘Invincibles’ team which went unbeaten during the 2003/04 title-winning season.

Henry scored a club record 175 Premier League goals in 258 appearances for Arsenal and was the league’s top scorer in a season a record four times.

The Frenchman won the Golden Boot award a record four times and scored a club-record 175 Premier League goals in 258 appearances for the Gunners.

He scored over 20 Premier League goals in five campaigns in a row between 2001 and 2006. Henry also surpassed Ian Wright’s total of 185 goals in all competitions to become Arsenal’s all-time record scorer (with 228) during his time in north London.

Henry said: “To be inducted alongside Alan Shearer as the two first inductees into the Premier League Hall of Fame is more than special.

“When I was young, I was just trying to make sure I could get a pair of boots and now we’re talking about the Hall of Fame. During my career I wanted to play hard and make sure I was fighting for the cause, because that’s all the fans want to see.

“If you asked me at the start of my career about entering the Hall of Fame, I wouldn’t have believed you. It’s an amazing honour.”

Hall of Fame

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: “Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry are two world-class players who lit up the Premier League throughout their time in the competition. Both players were capable of scoring every kind of goal, including some of the best we have ever seen.

“Shearer’s record 260 Premier League goals puts him at the top of a long list of exceptional goalscorers. The fact that record remains unchallenged today, 15 years since his retirement, goes to show what an achievement it was.

“Henry broke individual and team records during eight seasons with Arsenal when he became a footballing icon. He was a talisman in the ‘Invincibles’ team and his four Premier League Golden Boots during a five-year period reflect the impact he had.”

Hall of Fame
Hall of Fame

By Jide N.

A ‘human trafficking victim’ reunites with her family after 20 years

A human trafficking victim has been reunited with her family after 20 years by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and Other Related Offences (NAPTIP). 

The victim who was reunited with her mother (name withheld) at the palace of Idu Uruan Village Head in Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom on Saturday April 24, was taken away at the age of six from Idu Uruan to Benin City by a woman who gave her out to another woman.

Ijeoma Uduak, Commander of NAPTIP, Benin Zone said the two women had been arrested by the agency.

Uduak said; 

“Prosecution is ongoing to ensure that justice prevails.

“Our task here is to fulfil part of our mandate as an agency that is against human trafficking, and one that rescues and reunites victims with their families.

“This victim was taken away from the classroom at the age of six, she had no contact with her family for several years.

“Her captor must have used all manner of tricks to deceive the young and innocent mind; today we celebrate breakthrough and freedom.”

It was learnt that the victim’s mother expressed joy that her daughter returned home after 20 years. She said; 

“Our belief at home was that she is dead, nobody believes that we shall meet her again, we are thankful to God Almighty.”

She also commended the Federal Government and NAPTIP for their commitment to tackling human trafficking.

By Hajia R.

Chris Weidman undergoes successful surgery after horrific leg break at UFC 261 (Video)

Chris Weidman has undergone successful surgery after breaking his leg at UFC 261 on Saturday, April 24.

The former middleweight champion suffered the horrific injury just 17 seconds into his clash with Uriah Hall after throwing the first kick. As soon as the kick landed, Weidman’s leg was immediately injured and he fell down to the canvas in agonizing pain as medical personnel rushed to help him. 

The bout was immediately waved off as Weidman, 36, fell to the mat in agony.

The American UFC star was soon carried out of the ring on a stretcher and transported to a local hospital.

He underwent surgery on Sunday and later posted an update on his Instagram.

“The pain is pretty bad,” Weidman said. “I think it’s like 3.30 in the morning. They’re trying to get me some more pain meds now.

“I know Uriah Hall was super classy and upset this happened to me, and I really appreciate that. It’s pretty brutal, but I’m gonna get through this. I think it’s gonna be eight weeks ‘til I can walk without crutches and stuff and drive and all that.

“As far as actual training, I don’t know. They said between six and 12 months, I’ll be good to go. I’m trying to find the blessing in disguise, the silver lining in this.

“Honestly, as soon as it happened and I hit the mat, saw what happened and the pain started hitting me, I was just trying to put my mind on something positive that’s gonna come out of this.

“This is not fun, I can’t believe it happened. I just appreciate all my family, my friends and fans.

“[And] the surgery was successful. They put a titanium rod through the tibia. They go through the knee and drill it through the tibia, make it straight and hard. My fibula was broken as well, but I guess when they put the tibia back together and my leg was straight, the fibula kind of matched back up to where it was broken.”

??Chris Weidman

By Jide N.

2 suspected ritualists CAUGHT with human skulls at Muslim cemetery in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested two suspected ritualists with human skulls in Kudenden area of the state. 

Spokesperson of the command, ASP Mohammed Jalige, who disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, April 24, said the suspects were caught at a Muslim cemetary. 

“On the 23rd April, 2021 at about 2130hrs the command received a distress call through DPO Kakuri, Kaduna that some people were sighted at the Muslim graveyard at Kudenden and were suspected to be carrying out a heinous act,” Jalige stated.

“On getting the report, Operatives were immediately dispatched to the area where they succeeded in apprehending the following persons; (1) Abdulaziz Jimoh ‘M’ 68yrs of Zaki Close, Kabala West Kaduna, and (2) Mohammed Isa ‘M’ 30yrs of the same Address. Recovered in the possession of the said persons were a hoe and some human skulls,”

human skulls

Jalige said investigation into the incident is ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court on completion of same.

“The command is still soliciting for prompt information on any suspicious person or group to enable it tackle the activities of the men of the underworld.” the statement concluded.

By Lucky B.

“Lying on my bed” – Akuapem Poloo regains freedom

Rosemond Brown,  aka Akuapem Poloo, has finally regained freedom and she released a video on Instagram.

The Ghanaian actress was sentenced to 90 days in jail for posing nude with her 7-year-old son.

However, on Wednesday, April 21, an Accra High Court granted her bail at GH¢80,000 with two sureties, pending an appeal by her lawyer Andy Vortia.

She has now returned home and she thanked everyone for their support.

Akuapem Poloo regains freedom

Watch the video below.

By Jide N.

Photos: See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars

The 93rd Annual Academy Awards which celebrates the achievements in television and film over the previous year, held on Sunday night, April 25 with just 170 guests in attendance. 


The socially distanced ceremony was broadcast from two locations in Los Angeles: The Dolby Theatre and Union Station, and celebrities stormed the red carpet in style.


Stars like Carey Mulligan, Zendaya Amanda Seyfried, Regina King,  Margot Robbie, Laura Dern, Maria, Viola Davis, Jena Friedman, Chloe Zhao, Reese Witherspoon, Olivia Colman, Angela Bassett, Vanessa Kirby,  Celeste Waite,  Emerald Fennell, Andra Day,  Tiara Thomas, Brad Pitt, and lots more all looked incredible on the red carpet. 

See full photos below. 

See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars
See red carpet photos from the 2021 Oscars

By Francisca C.

Tristan Thompson accused of cheating on Khloe Kardashian again

NBA star, Tristan Thompson has been accused of cheating on Khloe Kardashian again.

Hip-hop podcast host, Adam22 interviewed 4 girls, who call themselves The Blackout Girls, on the No Jumper podcast. The interview eventually turned to sexual experiences they had recently. 

Khloe

stillshot from the interview 

During the conversation, one of the girls, Hayden, turns to her friend, Sidney, to ask a question.

She says, “How was Tristan Thompson’s di-k?”

Sidney initially appears embarrassed but finally answers.

She said, “It was a peek-a-boo di-k but baby it was good.”

Sidney then goes on to spills details of her alleged hookup with Thompson. 

She claims, “I did not know he was in a relationship. He told me he was not in a relationship anymore.”

Sidney also claims she, “talked and hung out” on multiple occasions with Tristan.

One of the friends asked Sidney when the alleged encounter took place and Sidney said she believes it was in January or February. 

She claims to have asked him if he was really single and she says Tristan told her he was single and ready to mingle.

Sidney claims she eventually ended things between them.

By Francisca C.

Nigerian man advises women not to leave their husbands for cheating

A Nigerian man has advised women not to leave their men for having multiple partners and should learn to share. 

Bodmas Kemepadei from Sagbama, Bayelsa, stated this on Sunday, April 25, as he marked the second wedding anniversary and 13 years of togetherness with his wife, Ebi Bella. 

cheating

According to the father of two, throughout their eleven years of dating, Bella was aware that there were other women in his life yet she waited patiently for him. 

Kemepadei also advised women to learn to share their men with other women as he is yet to see a man with only one partner.

“11years of dating, during these times, there were still other babes and she was aware, yet patient and we both tolerated nonsense from each other, we got married and it’s been almost two years in marriage. Don’t leave your man for having too many partners, women should learn to share, i am yet to see a man with only one partner, men are the same, just find one that is caring, a giver, not a bully and settle down, nothing dey for Waka Waka life” he wrote.

cheating
cheating
cheating
cheating

By Franisca C.

5 suspected cultists arrested at initiation ground in Ekiti

Five suspected cultists who claimed to be students of the Ekiti State University (EKSU) have been arrested during an initiation ceremony held in a bush behind the school campus.

The state police spokesperson, Sunday Abutu said the Police Rapid Response Team acted on a tip-off and burst into the initiation venue to stall the exercise.

Those arrested have been identified as Adeyeye Adeyemi (29), Adeyemi Tobi (25), Moyosore Onajobi (22), Dickson Godwin (23), and Olowosaye Martins (21).

Abutu said that upon sighting the police team, the suspects shot sporadically but later bowed to the superior power of the security operatives, leading to the arrest of five of them while others took to their heels and escaped.

Items recovered from the scene included a small-sized locally made pistol, two expended cartridges, a gallon containing liquid drug, weeds suspected to be Indian hemp, and two motorcycles.

Abutu said; 

“The information was received by the Police Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Ekiti State Command, that some members of the Black Axe (Aiye) secret confraternity were holding an initiation rite inside a bush behind the Ekiti State University (EKSU) Campus, Iworoko-Ekiti. 

“Upon the receipt of the information, a team of the RRS Operatives, in synergy with the police personnel attached to Iworoko Divisional Police Headquarters swung into action and stormed the bush where the suspected cultists shot sporadically on sighting the police.”

By Jide N.

Ghana: Man allegedly kills his girlfriend for denying him sex (video)

A 42-year-old man identified as Papa Gyabi has been arrested for allegedly killing his girlfriend with a hammer after he claims she denied him sex.

The incident happened in Shama-Kumasi in the Western region of Ghana in the early hours of Saturday, April 24. 

It was gathered that the incident which occurred shortly after midnight started with a quarrel which later degenerated into a struggle between the suspect also known as Landlord and the girlfriend identified simply as Rita

The residents told Graphic Online that the deceased, a native of Daboase-Krobo in the Wassa East District visited Papa Gyabi at his residence at Shama-Kumasi.

They said later in the evening the two retired to Landlord’s room but at about 12:10am, a heated argument started between the two resulting into a struggle which appeared to have ended at about 1:00am.

At about 5:00am one of the residents who did not understand what all the commotion was about and the sudden quietness, curiously peeped through Papa Gyabi’s window and found the girlfriend lying motionless in a pool of blood. The eyewitness reported the incident to the Shama District Police. 

Spokesperson of the police, DSP Olivia Ewurabena Adiku, who confirmed the incident, said the police proceeded to the scene and found the suspect’s room locked.

Papa Gyabi

                                                               The murder weapon 

According to the Ms Adiku, the police went round the building and saw the suspect through the window wielding a hammer and threatening to harm anyone who dared open the door.

She said the police persuaded Papa Gyabi to open the door and let the police in for a discussion but he refused.

“The police were left with no option than to force the door open, overpower Papa Gyabi and disarm and effect his arrest.” she added.

Upon opening the door, the body of the deceased was found lying in a pool of blood with the head smashed. There were also multiple deep wounds on the right wrist of the victim.

Adiku said the Regional Crime Scene Management Team has since taken over the crime scene and had the scene processed after which the body was removed and deposited at the Effia Nkwanta Regional Referral Hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.

She said the suspect was subsequently sent to the custody of the Shama Police to help in police investigation. 

By Jide N.

Police looking for men who brutally tortured an old woman falsely accused of witchcraft in Delta

The Delta Police Command has launched manhunt for the men who tortured a 98-year-old woman, Mrs Margaret Okpole, accused of alleged witchcraft at Otor-Iyede community, Isoko South Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that the old woman is currently in severe pains, shock and undergoing medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital after she was tortured by her kinsmen on Friday, March 19. 

The unfortunate incident was reportedly masterminded by a relative identified as Wada Okpole and Sunday Pada, Jerry Okpole, Emonana Okpole, Egbe Aluya, Oghenemaro, among others, all said to be natives of Otor-Iyede. 

In a video shared online, Mrs Okpole and another woman were seen being flogged and tortured by some young men in front of a house. Both were later dragged into the house and the door shut against them. 

A voice could be heard saying, “These are the witches of Otor-Iyede. They can kill their children for anything” Another man asked if the women had released the person they planned to kill in their coven.

Spokesperson of the command, DSP Bright Edafe, who confirmed the incident to The Tribune on Saturday, April 24, said that the command swung into action after the receipt of a petition from Mrs Alice Jete, daughter of the victim.

In the petition, Mrs Jete called on Human Rights organizations and the Nigerian Police to bring the perpetrators to book.

She said that her mother was not a witch and was falsely accused, clubbed and dragged on the ground into a room to be burnt to death.

“I was called that evening. My son and I got to the village around 10 in the night. We took her to the hospital that night. It was my 20-year-old son that carried her. They beat her to the extent that up till now she cannot tell where she is. When I ask her ‘Mama, where are you?’ she would say, ‘I don’t know’. It’s like it affected her mentally.” she told The Nation.

“This should not be tolerated, this so-called witch-craft issue is ridiculous and primitive,” she added. 

Speaking further on the incident, Mrs Jete disclosed that after the case was incidental and the community oracle consulted, her mother was exonerated of the witchcraft allegation.

“The matter was reported, at the Otor-Oweh Police Station on the 20th 03 2021 but some community leaders protected those youths from being arrested as they promised to consult their local Oracle which later confirmed that the accused 98 years old woman was innocent,” she explained. 

She appealed to Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Ari Muhammed Ali and Humans Rights organisations to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“It is painful that superstitions have resulted in the victimisation of innocent elderly in a society where the extremely poor are often singled out as witches rather than being catered for.” she said. 

DSP Edafe said although the suspects are currently on the run, operatives of the Command would smoke them out of their hiding in no time.

witchcraft
witchcraft

By Kingsley u.

Boko Haram attacks Mainok community in Borno state

Boko Haram insurgents on Sunday April 25, attacked Mainok community in Borno state. 

Mainok which is the headquarters of the Kaga Local Government Area, is located on the Maiduguri – Damaturu Highway and is 55 kilometres away from Maiduguri, the state capital.

Eyewitnesses told Daily Trust that houses were set on fire by the insurgents who also broke into shops.  It was also learnt that the insurgents were seen in a convoy of between 15 and 20 vehicles near Mainok town on Sunday afternoon.

The Nation reported that because of the attack, the highway was closed for about four hours, causing heavy traffic from both sides of Maiduguri and Damaturu. Many commuters were almost caught breaking their fast in the gridlock before the road was reopened.

Some of the drivers who passed through Mainok from Maiduguri told The Nation correspondent that parts of the military base and a police station in the town were burnt during the attack.

One of the drivers said; 

“We noticed that the some part of the military base was still burning because I could see some heavy smoke still coming from the camp. The police station was also burnt.”

By Usman U.

Oscars 2021: See the full list of winners

The 93rd Annual Academy Awards which celebrates the achievements in television and film over the previous year, held on Sunday night, April 25.

The award ceremony was broadcast from two locations in Los Angeles: The Dolby Theatre and Union Station. Once again, there was no host for the third time following the 2019 controversy which forced Kevin Hart to step down from hosting the previous gig over his homophobic tweets.

David Fincher’s Netflix film Mank led the nominations with 10 in total, while The Father, Judas And The Black Messiah, Minari, Nomadland, South Of Metal, and The Trial Of The Chicago 7 all followed with six nods apiece.

The big winner on the night was Nomadland, which won three prizes in Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Frances McDormand.

Six films managed two awards, with The Father, Mank, Sound of Metal, Soul, Judas and the Black Messiah all managing a pair of prizes.

Frances McDormand won her third best actress Oscar for her role in “Nomadland” and Anthony Hopkins notched his second-best actor win for “The Father.”

See the full list of winners below.

Best Picture

  • “Nomadland” — Winner
  • “The Father”
  • “Judas and the Black Messiah”
  • “Mank”
  • “Minari”
  • “Promising Young Woman”
  • “Sound of Metal”
  • “The Trial of the Chicago 7”

Best Director

  • Chloé Zhao, “Nomadland” — Winner
  • Thomas Vinterberg, “Another Round”
  • David Fincher, “Mank”
  • Lee Isaac Chung, “Minari”
  • Emerald Fennell, “Promising Young Woman”

Actress in a Leading Role

  • Frances McDormand, “Nomadland” — Winner
  • Viola Davis, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”
  • Andra Day, “The United States vs. Billie Holiday”
  • Vanessa Kirby, “Pieces of a Woman”
  • Carey Mulligan, “Promising Young Woman”

Actor in a Leading Role

  • Anthony Hopkins, “The Father” — Winner
  • Riz Ahmed, “Sound of Metal”
  • Chadwick Boseman, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”
  • Gary Oldman, “Mank”
  • Steven Yeun, “Minari”

Actress in a Supporting Role

  • Yuh-jung Youn, “Minari” — Winner
  • Maria Bakalova, “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm”
  • Glenn Close, “Hillbilly Elegy”
  • Olivia Colman, “The Father”
  • Amanda Seyfried, “Mank”

Actor in a Supporting Role

  • Daniel Kaluuya, “Judas and the Black Messiah” — Winner
  • Sacha Baron Cohen, “The Trial of the Chicago 7”
  • Leslie Odom Jr., “One Night in Miami…”
  • Paul Raci, “Sound of Metal”
  • LaKeith Stanfield, “Judas and the Black Messiah”

Original Song

  • “Fight For You” from “Judas and the Black Messiah” — Winner
  • “Hear My Voice” from “The Trial of the Chicago 7”
  • “Husavik” from “Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga”
  • “lo Sì (Seen)” from “The Life Ahead (La Vita Davanti a Se)”
  • “Speak Now” from “One Night in Miami…”

Animated Feature Film

  • “Soul” — Winner
  • “Onward”
  • “Over the Moon”
  • “A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon”
  • “Wolfwalkers”

Makeup and Hairstyling

  • “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” — Winner
  • “Emma.”
  • “Hillbilly Elegy”
  • “Mank”
  • “Pinocchio”

Visual Effects

  • “Tenet” — Winner
  • “Love and Monsters”
  • “The Midnight Sky”
  • “Mulan”
  • “The One and Only Ivan”

Cinematography

  • “Mank” — Winner
  • “Judas and the Black Messiah”
  • “News of the World”
  • “Nomadland”
  • “The Trial of the Chicago 7”

Film Editing

  • “Sound of Metal” — Winner
  • “The Father”
  • “Nomadland”
  • “Promising Young Woman”
  • “The Trial of the Chicago 7”

Production Design

  • “Mank” — Winner
  • “The Father”
  • “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”
  • “News of the World”
  • “Tenet”

Sound

  • “Sound of Metal” — Winner
  • “Greyhound”
  • “Mank”
  • “News of the World”
  • “Soul”

International Feature Film

  • Denmark, “Another Round” — Winner
  • Hong Kong, “Better Days” 
  • Romania, “Collective”
  • Tunisia, “The Man Who Sold His Skin”
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina, “Quo Vadis, Aida?”

Documentary Short Subject

  • “Colette” — Winner
  • “A Concerto Is a Conversation”
  • “Do Not Split”
  • “Hunger Ward”
  • “A Love Song for Latasha”

Documentary Feature

  • “My Octopus Teacher” — Winner
  • “Collective”
  • “Crip Camp”
  • “The Mole Agent”
  • “Time”

Live Action Short Film

  • “Two Distant Strangers” — Winner
  • “Feeling Through”
  • “The Letter Room”
  • “The Present”
  • “White Eye”

Animated Short Film

  • “If Anything Happens I Love You” — Winner
  • “Burrow”
  • “Genius Loci”
  • “Opera”
  • “Yes-People”

Original Screenplay

  • Emerald Fennell, “Promising Young Woman” — Winner
  • Screenplay by Will Berson and Shaka King; story by Will Berson, Shaka King, Kenny Lucas and Keith Lucas, “Judas and the Black Messiah”
  • Lee Isaac Chung, “Minari”
  • Screenplay by Darius Marder and Abraham Marder; story by Darius Marder and Derek Cianfrance, “Sound of Metal”
  • Aaron Sorkin, “The Trial of the Chicago 7”

Adapted Screenplay

  • Christopher Hampton and Florian Zeller, “The Father” — Winner
  • Screenplay by Sacha Baron Cohen, Anthony Hines, Dan Swimer, Peter Baynham, Erica Rivinoja, Dan Mazer, Jena Friedman and Lee Kern; story by Sacha Baron Cohen, Anthony Hines, Dan Swimer and Nina Pedrad, “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm”
  • Chloé Zhao, “Nomadland”
  • Kemp Powers, “One Night in Miami…”
  • Ramin Bahrani, “The White Tiger”

Original Score

  • “Soul” — Winner
  • “Da 5 Bloods”
  • “Mank”
  • “Minari”
  • “News of the World”

Costume Design

  • “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” — Winner
  • “Emma.”
  • “Mank”
  • “Mulan”
  • “Pinocchio”

By Francisca C.

Rivers state: Unknown Gunmen kill policemen, custom officers and air force officers

Gunmen who struck on Saturday evening, April 24, in Rivers state, reportedly killed 9 security operatives at different security checking points in the state.

An eyewitness Chidadi who spoke to Vanguard, alleged that the invaders attacked four security checking points on the Owerri-Port Harcourt road. He said four policemen, three Nigeria Customs operatives and two soldiers, believed to be Airforce personnel in the JTF died in the attack.

It was also learnt that the killers beheaded two of the security operatives killed at a Joint Task Force, JTF, a military close to the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omuagwa in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

 

It was reported that the gunmen who attacked a Nigeria Customs checking point at Isiokpo Umuanwa interchange killed four persons and burnt down NC operational van, commenced the attack at Elele and stretched uninterrupted till Omuagwa community Jn Ikwerre LGA, adding that they carted away guns and two operational vehicles of the security posts.

They also reportedly made an attempt to burn down the Ikwerre LGA headquarters in Isiokpo Community, recently renovated by the LGA chair, Mr Samuel Nwanosike, but were resisted by a local vigilante in the area, Isiokpo Security Planning and Advisory Committee, ISPAC.
 

The source told the publication; 

“There was serious attack on security checking points on the Port Harcourt-Owerri road. About eight security men were killed.

“The boys that are still unknown came at night and attacked the a JTF checking point and killed three soldiers and two police They also attacked a Nigeria Customs’ checking point and killed three operatives.

“They were trying to attack the Police Area Command in Isiokpo and the local government council headquarters before ISPAC, a local vigilante engaged them.”

The state police spokesperson, Nnamdi Omoni who confirmed the incident said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Friday Eboka has ordered full scale investigation into the attack. He also assurred the general public that the culprits will be arrested and prosecuted.

 

Omoni said; 

“I can confirm the attack on security Personnel along the Omagwa/Isiokpo/Elele Owerri Road. Details sketchy.

“The CP has launched a full scale Investigation into the dastardly attack with a view to arresting the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.

“Meanwhile, area is calm with reinforced and increased joint patrols of that stretch and other areas in the state by the security agencies. So far, the State is calm and secure and no cause for alarm.”

By Jide N.

Oprah Winfery says she was surprised Meghan’s with racism claims

Oprah Wifrey has admitted that she was surprised that Meghan Markle “went all the way there” with allegations of racism against the royal family during her interview with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Meghan and Prince Harry made a number of revelations during their interview with Oprah, which aired in March. One of the most shocking revelations was Meghan’s claim that royal family members had had “conversations with Harry about how dark [their son Archie’s] skin might be when he’s born”.

A shocked Oprah asked, “What?” during the interview.

Harry later corroborated his wife’s claim, saying the conversation “shocked” him, but refused to identify who had the conversation with him.

Speaking to Nancy O’Dell on talkshoplive, Oprah said: “I’m like, ‘What? You’re going there? You’re going all the way there’.’”

Oprah told Nancy O’Dell that she had only texted with Harry, 36, and Meghan, 39, before the interview.

Oprah explained: “Whenever I’m doing interviews with anybody for anything that is significant, I have a conversation with them before.

“I didn’t see Harry and Meghan before but I did text them and say intention is very important to me, tell me what your intention is, so that we can be aligned in our goal. And our shared intention was the truth. They wanted to be able to tell their story and tell it in such a way that allowed them to be as truthful as possible.”

She continued: “The reason why it was such a powerful interview — first of all, I know how to ask questions, and you [Nancy] know how to ask questions, we all know how to do our jobs, but what makes it powerful is when you have someone else who is willing to be as open, as vulnerable, as truthful, as they were.

“So, I don’t give myself credit for that, I give myself credit for asking the questions, but the reason the interview was what it was, was because they answered the way they did.”

By Jide N.

After 20 years, human trafficking victim reunites with her mother in Akwa Ibom (photos)

Tears of joy rolled down the cheeks of Idu Uruan people in Akwa Ibom State as their daughter, who was trafficked twenty years ago was rescued, rehabilitated, empowered and reunited with her family by NAPTIP in collaboration with IOM.

TM reported thatt he victim, who was reunited with her mother at the palace of Idu Uruan Village Head in Uruan Local Government Area of the state on Saturday April 24, was taken away at the age of six from Idu Uruan to Benin City by a woman who gave her out to another woman. 

human trafficking victim

After a thorough search of the victim for twenty years to no avail, the family and community mourned and forgot all about her. 

During the reunion, the Director General of NAPTIP Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim represented by the Zonal Commander NAPTIP Benin Zonal Command, Mrs Ijeoma Esther Uduak, reiterated the DG’s commitment in stamping out Human Trafficking, exploitation and abuse of children. 

Responding, the Village Head of Idu Uruan, Etenyin Obong Godwin Okoho on behalf of the State expressed his profound gratitude to the President Muhammadu Buhari, the Director General of NAPTIP and the entire management of the Agency.

human trafficking victim
human trafficking victim

By Jide N.

Kamaru Usman, UFC star, knocks out Jorge Masvidal in second round to retain UFC Welterweight title (Photos/Video)

Nigerian-born martial arts champion, Kamaru Usman has become the first fighter in MMA history to knock Jorge Masvidal out with a brutal right hand at UFC 261. 

The Nigerian nightmare, 33, dropped his American opponent, 36,  at 1 minute, 2 seconds of the second round of their fight in Jacksonville, Florida, to retain UFC welterweight title.

It was the first time Masvidal has been finished by KO/TKO since 2008.

After the fight, Usman said: ‘Y’all said you wanted violence, you’re welcome. First and foremost, no disrespect, thanks to Jorge. You elevated me and it’s been a while since I’ve been nervous for a fight but I had to go to the workshop and bring all my tools for this fight.

Jorge Masvidal beaten

‘I am still getting better all the time and this fight proves it. Coach kept yelling at me to stay with the fundamentals and that’s it. I know I am the pound-for-pound best fighter on the planet right now with these fundamentals.’  

Jorge Masvidal beaten

Masvidal added in defeat: ‘I’ve never been knocked out in 50 pro fights and Usman brought something he didn’t show in the first fight.

‘That’s what happens when you get overconfident and he won this fair and square.’ 

Usman’s 14-fight win streak is now the second-longest in UFC history, behind only Anderson Silva’s 16-fight win streak between 2006 and 2012. 

Jorge Masvidal beaten

By Terry W.

Nigerian Security Operatives kill IPOB militia commander and others in sting operation (photos)

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and their counterparts from the Nigerian Army and DSS in a joint operation on Saturday, April 24, stormed the operational headquarters of Insurgents (IPOB Militias) in Awomama Village Oru East LGA of Imo State.

According to police sources, the Insurgents are responsible for the attack on the Imo State Police Headquarters and the headquarters of the Nigerian Correctional Service on 5th April 2021. They allegedly also carried out series of calculated, violent attacks on security personnel and formations in the southeast and South-South region of the country. 

According to the police, as the security forces approached the base of the insurgents, they came under rapid fire from the group. In a bold and clinical response,  the joint security forces fought back gallantly.

IPOB militia

The Forces eventually neutralized the overall commander of the insurgents in the Southeast is popularly known as Ikonso Commander and six (6) other armed fighters of the insurgent group. Commander Ikonso is known as the Vice President-designate as well as the coordinator of all the militia operations of the group. He is alleged to be the mastermind and coordinator of the attack on the Imo Police Headquarters and several other attacks on security and military personnel and facilities on April 5.

The police say the operation is part of a deliberate effort by the Police and other security forces to quell the activities of insurgents in Imo State and other States of the South East and South-South region of the country. 

After the fierce gun battle, the security team recovered the remains of Ikonso Commander and the six (6) of his fighters. Several sophisticated weapons including six(6) AK47 rifles, hundreds of ammunition of different caliber, and lots of charms including bullet Proof charms were recovered from the insurgents. 

IPOB militia
IPOB militia
IPOB militia
IPOB militia

By Jide N.

Ryan Giggs finds love again

Ryan Giggs has found love with a lingerie model — as he waits to appear in court charged with assaulting two women, including his ex-girlfriend.

The former Manchester United star, 47, was seen out with Zara Charles, 33, in Hale, Cheshire, days before he was also charged with coercive and controlling behaviour against ex Kate Greville, 36.

A source said: “Zara has been supporting Ryan over the last few months.

“She’s a great, upbeat girl. Ryan has been completely open with her about his situation. They seem very strong together.”

Giggs was, on Friday, charged with assaulting two women.

One alleged victim is his ex Kate and the other — a woman in her twenties — is believed to be her younger sister.

The star has also been charged with coercive and controlling behaviour against PR executive Kate over nearly three years.

Giggs insists he is innocent and has vowed to clear his name.

Last week Zara — who is well-known on the Manchester nightclub scene — wore a camel coat, black leggings, trainers and sunglasses as she and Giggs walked with her dog in upmarket Hale, Cheshire.

The Sun on Sunday can also reveal that Giggs turned to his ex-wife Stacey, 41, for support as he waited to learn if he would face charges.

But Giggs told a friend: “I’ve been in total shock, feeling numb and living in a fog since hearing I was going to be charged.”

The Sun told how he could face up to five years in jail if found guilty.

Giggs and Stacey, the mum of his two children, split in 2016. She is now in a relationship with The Wanted singer Max George, 32.

I’ve been in total shock, feeling numb and living in a fog since hearing I was going to be charged.

But a pal said: “Stacey has been a tower of strength — she’s been incredibly supportive.”

Police were called to Giggs’ £1.7million mansion in Worsley, Greater Manchester, last November after reports of a row.

Giggs — who has been replaced as Wales’s manager for the European championships — put the home up for sale on March 31.

A source said: “He loved that house but if he’s ever to have a fresh start, it needs to go.”

Giggs met Kate when she was working on the PR for his Hotel Football business venture. They went public in 2018, eight months after his divorce was finalised.

The star, due in court this Wednesday, said after he was charged: “I have full respect for the due process of law and understand the seriousness of the allegations. I will plead not guilty in court and look forward to clearing my name.”

In 2011, he failed to prevent publication of his affair with ex-Big Brother star Imogen Thomas.

It also emerged he’d had an eight-year affair with Natasha Giggs, wife of his brother Rhodri.

By Jide N.

West Ham United 0-1 Chelsea

Chelsea are now one step closer to securing Champions League football for next season as Timo Werner scored his first goal since February, helping the blues beat top four rivals West Ham on Saturday night, April 24.


In a tightly-fought game, Werner who joined Chelsea for £47m last summer fired home from Ben Chilwell’s cross after a well-worked move involving Christian Pulisic.

West Ham United 0-1 Chelsea


West Ham, who have enjoyed renaissance since David Moyes took over, struggled to create chances and finished the game with 10 men after Fabian Balbuena was shown a straight red card in the 81st minute after fouling Chilwell.


 The Paraguay defender was then dismissed after the referee consulted VAR.


In a week when top clubs signed up for the controversial European super league, many football fans expected West Ham to upset the odds and defeat Chelsea but it was not to be as West Ham did not register a shot on target until after half-time making Chelsea extend their unbeaten run away from home under Tuchel to 10 games in all competitions.

West Ham United 0-1 Chelsea


West Ham wanted a penalty when the game was goalless after Tomas Soucek’s shot struck Cesar Azpilicueta before hitting his arm, while Timo Werner missed a glorious chance to double the lead after Mason Mount’s shot was placed into his path but the striker shot it wide.


West Ham tried through out the game but couldn’t break through a resolute Chelsea defence.


Chelsea were ninth in the table when Tuchel took charge in January but they now have a clear advantage in the race to finish in the top four


West Ham remain fifth in the table, three points behind Chelsea, after Liverpool’s failure to beat Newcastle earlier on Saturday.

By Jide N.

Monster truck carries DMX casket for his memorial service (Videos)

Hip Hop legend, DMX passed away on April 9, at the age of 50 after he suffered a drug overdose that triggered a heart attack on April 2.

DMX

On Saturday, April 24, DMX’s casket was put on the back of a monster truck as thousands of bikers led the funeral procession from his birthplace in New York to Brooklyn’s Barclay’s Center for his memorial service.

The monster truck was emblazoned with the words “Long Live DMX” across the side and the “Ruff Ryders” logo at the back. 

DMX casket

The private memorial is restricted to only friends and family because of the coronavirus, and it will be livestreamed on YouTube. His funeral is at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 25. 

Watch the videos of DMX’s funeral procession below.

By Jide N.

The Battle Line Has Been Drawn — Nnamdi Kanu

The leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has vowed to avenge the death of one of the leaders of the Eastern Security Network, ESN in Imo State, identified as Ikonso, IgbereTV reports.

Recall that the Nigeria Police Force and their counterparts from the Nigerian Army and DSS in a joint operation, in the early hours of Saturday allegedly killed the commander of the Eastern Security Network ESN in Awomama Village Oru East LGA of Imo State,
Reacting over the killing, Nnamdi Kanu said as the body of the ESN leader identified as Ikonso was paraded by Fulani Jihadists in police and Nigerian army, so shall it be on Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma.

Kanu made this known in a statement made available to IGBERE TV by his Spokesman, Emma Powerful.

He said “the killing of the heroic innocent Biafrans protecting our communities and towns from Fulani terrorists herdsmen masquerading as cattle herders in cold blood is very painful.”

The statement added that “the Supreme Court Administrator of Imo State Hope Uzodinma and all those who had a hand in this wickedness will pay dearly.

“Hope Uzodinma and his cowardly Nigerian security agencies that cannot confront Fulani terrorists but only flex their muscles when they see Biafra agitators. For murdering Ikonso, the ESN unit COMMANDER in in cold blood, Uzodima has stirred the hornet nest! He should get ready for a sting.

“Uzodima decided to kill Ikonso because he refused his offer to head Ebubeagu ghost security outfit formed by South East governors. Uzodima has tried but without success to lure ESN operatives into EBUBEAGU. He had made irresistible offers to them which were turned down, hence his resorting to elimination of these patriotic heroes who vowed never to betray Biafra.

“Hope Uzodinma sent a lot of emissaries to beg Ikonso and other ESN officers to join EBUBEAGU security outfit.

So, because of their refusal to betray Biafra agitation and our Leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the hopeless governor mobilized joint security forces to attack them today.

“Contrary to claims by the cowardly security forces who flee from terrorists but kill innocent citizens, they were not able to peneterate into the camp of Eastern Security Network ESN.

They only ambushed Ikonso but we promise them hell for this cowardly act!

“Hope Uzodima has murdered sleep, so he should be ready to stay awake! FULANI terrorists pretending as cattle sellers in Enugu destroyed Police van and attacked Government officials on lawful duty with AK-47 but no Army, police or DSS attacked them till now.

But ESN operatives defending our communities against the terrorists are being hunted like games everyday.

The world has kept quiet over this atrocity until we begin our own madness.

“Hope Uzodinma as you the body of Ikonso was paraded by Fulani Jihadists in police and Nigerian army, so shall it be your portion one day.”

By Kingsley U.

Many youths killed as security operatives raid ESN headquarters

A security team made up of officials of the Nigerian Army, the police and the State Security Service (SSS) has raided the headquarters of the Eastern security Network (ESN), the militant arm of the outlawed pro-Biafra group, IPOB.

At least 11 people were killed in the ensuing battle including four security operatives and a man described as the second in command of the ESN, an official said.

According to a statement by the army spokesperson, Mohammed Yerima, the second in command of the ESN, whose name was given as Ikonson Commander, was killed in the gun battle with the security team. Six other ESN commanders were also killed, he said.

The statement also said sophisticated weapons and operational vehicles of the ESN were also recovered.

The latest development is coming on the heels of attacks on police officers and police facilities, lately, in the South-east and South-south regions, which has compounded the security challenges in the two regions.

Apart from more than a decade of the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-east, several states in Nigeria have been struggling with kidnapping for ransom, banditry, frequent clashes between farmers and herders, and inter-communal conflicts.

Due to the repeated attacks on security outfits in the two regions, the governors and heads of security agencies in the five states in the South-east had a regional summit on security, where they agreed to establish a joint security outfit to check the insecurity in the region.

IPOB, a pro-Biafra group, has been accused of being responsible for some of the attacks against the police in the South-east, but the group has denied any involvement.

According to the statement by the army, some of the terrorists who were arrested during the raid have confessed their complicity in the various attacks in the regions.

It also stated that one army officer and three police men lost their lives in the process.

Read full statement from the Army:

SECURITY FORCES BUST IPOB/ESN OPERATIONAL HQ, NEUTRALISE IPOB’S NO2 MAN

A combined team of security forces led by troops of the Nigerian Army have raided the operational Headquarters of the IPOB/ESN terrorists in Awomama Village, Oru East LGA of Imo State.

The early morning raid by troops of Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) was launched in the early hours of Saturday 24 April, 2021, following a detailed intelligence report on the location of the terrorists’ Operational Headquarters and the movement of the overall Commander popularly known as Ikonson Commander.

The IRT and DSS teams along with troops of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army have been on the trail of the terror group since the unfortunate attacks on the Imo State Police Command and the Owerri Correctional Center on 5 April 2021.

The said Ikonson Commander who was the mastermind of those attacks in addition to multiple attacks in the South East and South South regions, was neutralised along with 6 of his top Commanders.

The joint intelligence team had earlier interviewed several arrested IPOB/ESN terrorists in connection with the April 5 attacks and they all confessed that Ikonson Commander who was named as Vice President by their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, was the one that mobilized men and resources as well as ordered and orchestrated the attacks on Owerri.
They equally revealed that Ikonson was responsible for many other attacks on Police stations across the two geo-political zones.

The intelligence team later tracked the IPOB/ESN top leader to his exact location in Awomama village where he (Ikonson) and his to Commanders were hibernating and plotting dastardly acts against the Nigerian state.

On noticing the presence of the joint operations team, IPOB/ESN terrorists brought heavy volume of fire on the raiding team who swiftly responded and overwhelmed them with superior fire power that neutralised Ikonson and six of his top Commanders. Sadly however, a Second Lieutenant and three IRT operatives paid the supreme price in the fire fight that ensued. The four officers who fought gallantly have already been evacuated to a military facility in Owerri.

So far, 3 AK 47 riffles, a Toyota Sienna van belonging to the terrorists and several other items of value including drugs suspected to be psychotropic substances were recovered and are being processed by the intelligence team to assist in further investigations and operations in the area. The joint security team is already dominating the general area while preparations for further operations are in top gear.

The neutralised Ikonson Commander had in several occasions posed for photographs with the fugitive leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru has commended the troops, the Police IRT and DSS operatives for their determination in ensuring that the operation was a success. He prayed for the repose of the souls of the gallant officers who lost their lives in the operation, stressing that their sacrifice will never be in vain.

The Nigerian Army along with other security agencies will sustain intelligence-based kinetic operations in the South East and South South until the regions are free of terrorist activities.

Mohammed Yerima
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations
24 April, 2021

John Henry rejects £3billion offer from Middle East to sell Liverpool football club

Liverpool’s billionaire owner and president of Fenway Sports Group, John Henry has reportedly rejected an astonishing offer of £3billion to sell the club. 


According to a new report, a bid from the Middle East was submitted to owner, John Henry, before news broke early this week of the club’s involvement in the failed European Super League.

According to the Mirror, John Henry rejected the bid.


Liverpool’s US owner John W. Henry and his company Fenway Sports Group (FSG) are under pressure to sell the club after supporters protested against the owners this week following the clubs involvement in the highly criticized European super league.

Liverpool


The report adds that other potential buyers are ready to buy the club if the owners decide to sell but it would cost more than £3bn to convince them 


FSG bought the club for around £300million in 2010 and have overseen Liverpool’s first Premier League title win, as well as a Champions League triumph under Jurgen Klopp.


The value of the club has rocketed since then. They recently sold a 10% stake to RedBird Capital for £543m.


Club legend Jamie Carragher suggests there may be no way back for FSG as the fan backlash towards them means they just have to sell the club.


‘I don’t see where they go from here, the owners. They apologised – that may make a difference but I even think long term it will be really difficult for them,’ Carragher told BBC Radio Merseyside.


‘Time is a great healer, we all know that, and they (FSG) have done good things at the club, I don’t forget that – the ownership which brought in Jurgen Klopp, you think of the new Main Stand, the training ground.


‘They have made mistakes along the way, but this being the biggest one. It’s just whether supporters can ever forgive them for it. I think it will take a very long time for this to heal.’

By Terry W.

Over 200 health workers contract COVID-19, 2 consultants, a senior matron die in LASUTH

The management of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, has revealed that out of the about 200 of its health workers that were infected with COVID-19, no less than four had died.

The tertiary hospital said among those killed by the global pandemic were two consultants and a senior matron. It didn’t state the category of the fourth worker who also died of the disease.

The hospital stated this in a series of tweets while responding to a chartered accountant, Kunle Enitan’s tweet about how his critically-ill mother was initially refused admission by LASUTH, until the Lagos State Commissioner of Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, intervened.

The incident happened on Sunday.

Mr. Enitan had narrated how his ailing mother was made to wait for four hours at the LASUTH, with no doctor or nurse to attend to her.

According to the tax expert in a tweet via his Twitter handle @kunleenitan on Sunday, his mother was referred to the tertiary hospital from Unita Hospital in Ikotun, a Lagos suburb, as an emergency case.

The aged woman was on oxygen, Enitan, who is also a political analyst, said.

He had tweeted, “My mother was referred to @LASUTH from Unita Hospital, Ikotun, Lagos, as emergency after stabilising her with oxygen. Its been 4 hours & she’s still left in the car at the medical emergency entrance with no doctor or nurse attending to her @LASUTH Ikeja.”

His tweet caught the attention of the Lagos State Commissioner of Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, who tweeted back: “Sorry for the delay in attending to your mother. I have sent you an important message, check your DM now.”

Enitan later tweeted back: “Dear all, I really appreciate your prayers, comment and concerns. The honorable commissioner of health Prof. Akin Abayomi, has intervened. My mother has also been taken in. God bless you all.”

However, responding to Enitan’s tweet, LASUTH, via its Twitter handle @LASUTHikeja, stated in a series of tweets the reasons it could not admit the elderly patient.

Among the reasons it gave for refusing Enitan’s mother an admission, despite the critical nature of her illness, was that some patients are deemed COVID-19 suspect until test proves otherwise.

“There is a covid pandemic. Suspected covid cases have to be carefully handled so as to reduce the chances of our health workers getting infected,” LASUTH said.

It stated that despite the tertiary hospital’s caution, almost 200 of its staff still got infected with the contagion, resulting in four fatalities that included a senior matron and two consultants.

LASUTH said, “Even with such caution applied, almost 200 LASUTH health workers had been infected with the covid virus so far. There had been four fatalities, including two consultants and a senior matron.”

It added that suspected COVID-19 cases need to be immediately investigated before admission, even if there is a vacant bed.

“They are temporarily admitted to the Covid Holding Bay until their test results are available. These are some of the reasons why there may appear to be some delay in certain cases,” it explained.

Meanwhile, LASUTH eventually admitted Enitan’s mother after the Lagos State Commissioner of Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, stepped in.

Source: PUNCH

50 suspects arrested in connection to the recent Imo attacks – Uzodinma

Governor Hope Uzodinma has announced that 50 suspects have been arrested in connection with the recent attacks in Imo state.

Addressing newsmen after meeting President Buhari on Friday April 23, Uzodinma alleged that those funding this banditry are politicians. He also asked security agencies to make their names available to the press “because what they want to do is to distract a government that is focused.”

He also stressed that claims of “no job creation, people are not feeding, salaries are not paid, infrastructure” have been going down since 2015.  According to Gov. Uzodinma, ”these things are there, available — a passmark for the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.”

Uzodinma said; 

“It’s not only CCTV; some of those arrested by security agencies, some of them are not from Imo state or the south-east. It was a combination of those within the state and those from outside the state. As of the last count, we arrested almost 40 to 50 people, who also made useful statements and confessed to the crime. 

“From 2015 till today, I thought what the problem would be is people saying that there’s no job creation, people are not feeding, salaries are not paid, infrastructure are going down, social interventions are not approved by government. These things are there, available — a passmark for the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Now, people are no longer talking about that. Rather, what they are doing is to sponsor crisis, to the extent that those funding this banditry are politicians, which I challenge and call on security agencies to make their names available to the press, because what they want to do is to distract a government that is focused.

“If this government is not doing well, I’ll be one of those that will declare the government as not doing well. But a situation where you’ll leave the formal way, ethical way of doing politics, and you are now sponsoring banditry to bring down a government, for Christ’s sake, we should rise up and condemn it, all of us.”

By Jide N.

Dr. #Pantami should resign as Minister — Moghalu

In a series of tweets on Saturday, Moghalu said Pantami should “never have scaled the vetting process and approved for that office.”

Moghalu said the presidency exhibited double standards as Kemi Adeosun, former minister of finance, was made to resign for a wrongdoing in her past.

He said: “I have refrained so far from commenting on the #Pantami controversy. From information available, anyone can a mistake and has the right to recant from it.

“But when the evidence shows that a serving minister of Nigeria has expressed open support for global terrorist groups, he should never have scaled the vetting process and approved for that office.”

He added: “The implication of the timing of Pantami’s recanting of his views now is that he has been serving as a minister while presumably still harbouring those views.

“His disagreement with Boko Haram does not absolve him of, at the very least, moral culpability for supporting Al-Qaeda and the Taliban.

“For this reason, Pantami should not continue to serve as a minister. For him to remain in his position and for presidency to support this is to tell Nigerians that we have two sets of standards from the very same government, one for the likes of former Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun who had to resign for a wrongdoing in her past, and another for Pantami.

“This position of presidency undermines public accountability as well as Nigeria’s struggle against terrorism.

Other Nigerians who took to the media to express their views accused the Presidency of indirectly supporting terrorism.

Adenekan Mayowa said: “According to Garba Shehu, it is about forgiving people’s past mistakes & crimes. Kidnapper Evans has been in the prison & has on national TV shown remorse for his past deeds. Please when is Buhari releasing him? “Just as Pantanmi, Evans has changed too.”

Tope Femi stated: “@GarShehu, so you could prefer terrorist comment to a forged certificate? Both are bad, both are supposed to face justice. With intelligent view, terrorism is evil and more dangerous than forgery. Both are unacceptable.”

Tifase Oladayo posited that “This government kept on setting new erroneous standard day in day out with no principle guiding decision making. One rule for the likes of Kemi Adeosun and another for the Pantamis. So erratic in words & action so much anything detrimental to national peace is possible with them.”

Sodiq Tade said: “Forgery is greater than terrorism. In order to justify Pantami’s past actions, the lousy Garba Shehu goofed. This is the new Nigeria where forgery poses more threat to national unity than terrorism.”

Vivian Umukoro argued: “How can forgery be greater than terrorism? Garba Shehu is the worst of them all. Thank goodness, nobody can bribe God.”

Femi Coker said: “Greater crime and smaller crime. This is coming from the spokesman of a president? Crime is crime.

“Are we saying that if Kemi Adeosun is reinstated then this all goes away? We are talking about terrorism here. Bringing up Kemi Adeosun’s case is like watering down the issue.” Moses Mudiaga queried.

By Hajia R.

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