CF Montreal Club sold their striker, Erik Hurtado for refusing Covid vaccine

July 9, 2021

Canadian football club, CF Montreal have sold striker Erik Hurtado to Columbus Crew for refusing to get the Covid-19 vaccine.

According to Mail Online, the Canadian side recently completed the sale in return for the equivalent of about £150,000 in general allocation money, sealing the exit of a player who only signed in February, playing seven times and not at all since May 22.

According to the Athletic, sporting director Olivier Renard admitted that his refusal to get jabbed ruled out cross-border travel, was a key factor in the decision to let him go. To make that process go more smoothly, the club traded Erik Hurtado to the Columbus Crew SC for $200,000 after Hurtado declined the COVID-19 vaccine.

The team announced the deal, and the reason behind it, in a news release Thursday. Team sporting director Oliver Renard explained Hurtado being unvaccinated made his situation “problematic” if the team wanted to return to Montreal to play games.

“There was some interest in Erik during the past few weeks and we listened to the offers, even though we were satisfied with Erik’s work. Because he’s not vaccinated against COVID-19, his situation was problematic and we started considering a trade when we got the confirmation that the team could return to Montreal,” said CF Montreal sporting director Olivier Renard. “Before proceeding, Erik also confirmed that he was not comfortable taking the vaccine, so we concluded this deal, which we felt was very satisfactory. We would like to thank Erik for his professionalism and wish him good luck in his career.”

Hurtado, 30, signed with CF Montreal as a free agents in the offseason. He played seven games with the team, including two starts. He registered one assist with the team.

Prior to joining CF Montreal, Hurtado played for Vancouver and Kansas City. His best season came in 2014, when Hurtado scored 5 goals in 19 starts with Vancouver.

Geoff Makhubo, Johannesburg City Mayor, dies of COVID-19

July 9, 2021

Geoff Makhubo, Mayor of South Africa’s economic hub and largest city, Johannesburg, has died after contracting the Coronavirus.

Earlier this month, the City’s spokesperson, Mlimandlela Ndamase said Makhubo had been hospitalised for Covid-19 complications following a positive test result in late June.

He however succumbed to the infection on Friday morning at the age of 53. Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Health and Social Development Eunice Mgcina has been appointed as acting mayor.

Mgcina in her tribute to the late Mayor said;

“We had hoped that Makubo would defeat the virus, return to work and lead the City as we face this pandemic that has devastated lives and livelihoods. Sadly, it was not to be.
“Our heartfelt condolences go to his wife, daughters, mother and the rest of his family, friends and comrades. The family has requested to be afforded privacy and space as they process the untimely passing of one of their own.”

Geoff Makhubo took office in December 2019 after the ruling party wrested control of the city from an opposition coalition.

Late Prophet T.B Joshua laid to rest in SCOAN church (photos/videos)

July 9, 2021

The remains of clergyman, Late Prophet T.B Joshua, have been laid to rest in his church premises in Lagos state today July 9. See photos and videos below

US Actor, Harry Hamlin reacts to Scott Dissick, 38, dating his daughter, 20

July 9, 2021

Actor Harry Hamlin has revealed how he feels about his daughter dating a man who is 18 years older than she is.

During Wednesday night’s episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, the 69-year-old dad to Amelia Hamlin said though he wished Amelia was dating someone closer to her age, he doesn’t exactly have a leg to stand on when it comes to critiquing the age difference because he had dated 44-year-old Ursula Andress when he was only 28 years old and shares a son with her.

He said;

“My feelings about it, I must confess: The issue that’s the most enduring is the age difference, which to me is odd.
“But, then again, every time I think of that, I think of myself and Ursula Andress. I was 14 years younger than she when we had (our son) Dimitri, so I can’t really complain, right?”

Rinna also said that her daughter’s relationship with Disick has come with its own set of challenges, pointing out the false rumors of them being engaged.

She said;

“The press stuff that’s coming is, like, holy guacamole. My mom saw it in the market and called and said, ‘Is this true?’ I’m like, ‘Mom, no!’ But I mean, that’s what we’re dealing with.”

Nigeria: First confirmed case of deadly Delta variant of COVID19 found !

July 9, 2021

WHO says that Covid-19 is proving exceptionally difficult to stop.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has detected a confirmed case with the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant, also known as lineage B.1.617.2.

A statement released by NCDC’S head of Communications, Dr. Yahya Disu, says the variant was detected in a traveler to Nigeria, following the routine travel test required of all international travelers and genomic sequencing at the NCDC National Reference Laboratory, Abuja.

Disu said the Delta variant is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a variant of concern, given its increased transmissibility.

”The variant has been detected in over 90 countries and is expected to spread to more countries. The variant has also been linked to a surge in cases in countries where it is the dominant strain in circulation. There are ongoing studies to understand the impact of the variant on existing vaccines and therapeutics.
As part of Nigeria’s COVID-19 response, NCDC has been working with the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), African Centre for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), and other laboratories within the national network, to carry out genomic sequencing. This is to enable the detection of variants of concern, and initiate response activities. All data on variants from Nigeria have been published on GISAID, a global mechanism for sharing sequencing data. Given the global risk of spread of the Delta variant, positive samples from international travelers to Nigeria are sequenced regularly.”the statement further read

Disu said given the high transmissibility of the Delta variant and following its detection in Nigeria, the NCDC urges all Nigerians to ensure strict adherence to public health and social measures in place. He said proven public health and social measures such as physical distancing, frequent handwashing, and proper use of face masks, prevent infections and save lives. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective and offers protection against the disease.

”Additionally, states are urged to ensure sample collection and testing for COVID-19 is accessible to the public. Public settings such as schools with accommodation facilities, workplaces and camps should utilise the approved Antigen-based Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) for rapid testing of their population.” the statement further reads

‘I had my first orgasm while watching Nicolas Cage in Face/Off film as a teen’ – Tiffany Haddish

July 9, 2021

Tiffany Haddish has opened up about her first ever orgasm and she gives actor Nicolas Cage credit for it.

The 41-year-old comedienne, while promoting the new season of her animated comedy series Tuca & Bertie on Adult Swim, spoke about her life.

She revealed in her interview with NPR that she had never met Nicholas Cage before that and she had to tell him a funny story before they proceeded with the film.

She said she told him how she got her first orgasm watching his 1997 film Face/Off.

Haddish began by saying she gets uncomfortable when she has to act around someone she doesn’t know, and usually has to tell them a story to break the ice.

After the first hour, she convinced Nicholas Cage to let her tell him the story and everything would be “cool” after that.

She said: “So basically, I was at the movie theater seeing Face/Off, I was about 17 years old, on a date with this guy, and nobody else was in the theater really.

She said they started making out and it was her, “first time being fiddled with,” adding she was, “achieving a momentous moment that I never achieved in my life, I opened my eyes and the eyes of Nicolas Cage are looking into my eyes.”

“That was my first Big O,” she said, adding she stood across from, “those same big old eyeballs telling him the story.”

She added her brain was “going crazy” and that she had to tell him the story so she could get it out of her head.

When asked how Cage reacted to the story, Haddish said, “He laughed super hard and he goes, ‘You know, my first wife, she saw me in a movie and she said she was gonna marry me and we ended up getting married.'”

Ogun State Assembly passes bill that bans open grazing

July 9, 2021

The Ogun State House of Assembly on Thursday July 8, passed a bill banning open grazing.

The lawmakers while passing the bill, said it would address incessant clashes between herders and famers.

The bill titled “HB No. 045/OG/2021- A Law to Regulate Animal Grazing, Establishment of Cattles Ranches in Designated Grazing Areas of Ogun State and for other Matters incidental thereto and connected therewith”, scaled the third reading and final passage following the presentation of the report of the House Committee on Agriculture by the Sponsor, Ganiyu Oyedeji, at a plenary presided over by the Speaker, Olakunle Oluomo.

The bill prescribed a jail term of not less than three years without the option of fine for violators of the ban.

It read;

Including the forfeiture of the herds of cattle or livestock under his/her control to the State Government for anyone who rears, herd or grazes any livestock in any part of the State except within the permitted ranches or anyone who rears cattle or livestock outside the permitted ranches after the commencement of the law.

After the bill was passed, Speaker of the assembly Olakunle Oluomo directed the assembly’s Clerk to prepare a clean copy of the bill for assent by Governor Dapo Abiodun.

See Barron Trump, Donald Trump’s son @ 15 years stands at 6’7″

July 9, 2021

Donald Trump and Melania Trump’s son, Barron Trump, who just turned 15, is being referred to as “the new Trump Tower” because of his height.

New photos of the teenager looking taller as he stepped out with his mother months after they left the White House have got people talking.

The teenager, who stands at 6’7″, was photographed on Wednesday, July 7, towering over his 5-foot-11-inch mom, Melania.

Barron walked next to his mother and carried Melania’s vintage limited edition orange Louis Vuitton x Richard Prince bag, while the former First Lady carried a $11,000 black Hermes Birkin.

See the Funeral rites of the late Prophet T.B Joshua with his body laid-in-state in his church in Lagos (photos)

July 8, 2021

The Funeral rites of clergyman, late Prophet T.B Joshua, continued this morning July 8 with his body laid-in-state in his church in Lagos.

His wife, children, family members as well as church members took turns to pay their respect to him. The clergyman died on June 5.

See more photos from his lying-in-state ceremony below

Lagos: Police arrests a Man for intentionally infecting his wife, stepdaughter and 12 others with HIV

July 8, 2021

The Lagos state police command has arrested one Bolaniran Orimolade alias Bola Bebo, for intentionally infecting his wife, stepdaughter and twelve other women with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Chief Operating Officer Of Advocates for Children and Vulnerable Peoples Network, Ebenezer Omejalile said the suspect claimed to be chairman of Iyana Iba motor part and had boasted that he was above the law.

It was also learnt that Mrs Bolaniran had two identical twins, both males who were born with HIV courtesy of their father’s status.

Omejalile said;

“He does it with so much impunity without any form of remorse, he was arrested several times but buys his way out and goes after his victims and makes life a living hell for them.
“His latest atrocity was on his wife Mrs Bolaniran, who after infecting her with HIV, he domestically abused. He also sexually molested his stepdaughter who is now living with HIV.
“Efforts to get Bolaniran arrested by Igando Police Station proved abortive initially.
“It’s also on record that Mrs Bolaniran had two identical twins, both males who were born with HIV courtesy of their father’s status.
“Mrs. Bolaniran couldn’t bear the trauma of humiliation her husband subjected her and her children to, so she moved out to seek refuge in a church.
“Ever since she moved out of the apartment, Bolaniran has been going to the church to cause trouble.”

Bolaniran was reportedly transferred to the Gender Anti-human trafficking unit of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligent Department (SCIID), Panti, following his arrest.

Omejalile added;

“Our findings on Bolarinan showed that he was once jailed for 10 years, which makes him an ex-convict.”

Bolaniran has however been disowned by the National Union of Road Transport Workers after he claimed to be a member of the union.

Lagos State Secretary of the union, Oluwaseyi Bankole who debunked the claim said the suspect who reportedly operates at Iyana Iba Motor Park is not a member of the Union as the Lagos NURTW does not operate at the said park.

Bankole said;

“The man is not a member of our union. As a matter of fact, our union does not operate at Iyana Iba Motor Park. The park in question is operated by another union. NURTW is made up of law-abiding citizens, hence our members will not engage in criminal activities.
“We have a database of our registered members, from units to state and the national headquarters of union, and these members are known to be above board in all their dealings.”

Novak Djokovic defeats Marton Fucsovics to reach 10th Wimbledon semi-final

July 8, 2021

World No 1 Novak Djokovic has defeated Marton Fucsovics to reach the semi-finals of the 2021 Wimbledon.

The Serbian superstar and five-time champion, who is seeking to capture a 20th Grand Slam crown and draw level with all-time leaders Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, got off to a fast start against Marton Fucsovics of Hungary on Centre Court, but ultimately needed to work his way to a 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victory over two hours and 17 minutes.

“It was a solid performance and I started off really well, particularly in the first five games of the set,” said Djokovic. “One break of serve in the second and third sets was enough today and I’d like to give credit to Marton for fighting so hard.”

Djokovic has now won 32 of 35 matches this season, which includes securing the first two major trophies of the year at the Australian Open and at Roland Garros. He also lifted the Belgrade Open crown prior to the clay-court major in Paris.

Crowd flock to see dwarf cow in Bangladesh, smaller than a goat

July 8, 2021

Thousands of people have defied a nationwide coronavirus lockdown in Bangladesh to see a dwarf cow believed to be the world’s smallest cow.

Rani, a 23-month-old dwarf cow, is 51-centimetre (20-inch) tall and only weighs 26 kilograms. It has become a media star with scores of newspapers and television stations throwing the spotlight on the small cow at a farm near Dhaka.

Tourists are flocking to the farm in Charigram, southwest of Dhaka.

“I have never seen anything like this in my life. Never,” said Rina Begum, 30, who came from a neighbouring town.

The owners say Rani is 10 centimetres shorter than Manikyam, a small bovine from Kerala that currently holds the Guinness World Records for the shortest cow.

M.A. Hasan Howlader, manager of Shikor Agro farm, used a tape measure to show dozens of onlookers how Rani dwarfs her closest rival Manikyam, a cow in the Indian state Kerala that currently holds the world record.

Rani’s owners applied to the Guinness Book of Records claiming it to be the smallest cow

“People come long distances despite the coronavirus lockdown. Most want to take selfies with Rani,” Howlader told AFP, adding Guinness World Records had promised a decision in three months.

“More than 15,000 people have come to see Rani in the past three days alone,” he said.

India: A Thief leaves apology note after stealing from a home

July 8, 2021

A thief in Bhind city, Madhya Pradesh, India, stole valuables from the home of a policeman and left behind an apology note to the homeowner.

The thief in his apology letter stated that he was committing the act to save a friend’s life and will return the stolen money.

The theft occurred at the home of a policeman, who works in Chhattisgarh, while his family lives in Bhind city, assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Kamlesh Katare of Kotwali police station told news agency PTI.

The policeman’s wife and children had left for a relative’s place on June 30, and after returning home on Monday night, July 5, they found that the locks of the rooms had been broken and things were lying scattered, the official said.

According to the police, the thief’s letter read: “Sorry Dost majboori thi (Sorry friend, it was a compulsion).”

The thief added: “If I had not done this, then my friend would have lost his life. Don’t worry, as soon as I get the money, I will return it.”

The thief stole some silver and gold ornaments, the official said, adding that it is suspected some acquaintance of the family was involved in the act.

A case has been registered in this regard and further investigation is underway, the official said.

Donald Trump to sue Twitter, Facebook and Google CEOs over being banned from their platforms

July 8, 2021

Former US president Donald Trump has announced plans to sue tech giants Google, Twitter, and Facebook along with their CEOs, Mark Zuckerberg and Jack Dorsey because of bans imposed on him and others.

Mr Trump was suspended from his social accounts in January over public safety concerns in the wake of the Capitol riots, led by his supporters.

On Wednesday, Mr. Trump called the lawsuit “a very beautiful development for our freedom of speech”.

In a news conference from his golf resort in Bedminster, New Jersey, Mr Trump railed against social media companies and Democrats, who he accused of espousing misinformation.

“We are demanding an end to the shadow-banning, a stop to the silencing, and a stop to the blacklisting, banishing, and cancelling that you know so well, adding that “we are asking the court to impose punitive damages.”

Trump argued that the suspension of his social media accounts amounts to an infringement on the First Amendment’s guarantee that speech won’t be curtailed by the government.

“The Founding Fathers inscribed this right in the very first amendment to our Constitution because they knew that free speech is essential to the prevention of, look … the prevention of horror,” said Trump, who called the case a “pivotal battle” for the right to free speech.

Trump is filing the suit as a class action instead of simply on his own behalf, contending that the social media platforms should not enact limits on other conservative users.

Tokyo: State of Emergency to be declared during Olympics due to surge in Coronavirus infections

July 8, 2021

Tokyo will reportedly be under a state of emergency while hosting the upcoming Summer Olympics in Japan.

According to Kyodo News, the Japanese government will declare another COVID-19 state of emergency in Tokyo until August 22 which exceeds the duration of the upcoming Olympic Games amid a recent surge in infections, a source with knowledge of the plan confirmed.

The decision will impact whether fans will be allowed to attend the event, which was already limited to 50% capacity (maximum 10,000 fans) as of last month.

A senior government official told Kyodo News that venues in Tokyo will likely remain empty, while some events will be held outside of the city.

The Tokyo metropolitan government reported 920 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, which is the largest increase since Japan’s fourth wave of infections in mid-May and marked the 18th consecutive time the country saw an increase from the previous week.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said a decision on what to do regarding a quasi-state of emergency set to expire on Sunday in 10 prefectures (including Tokyo and Osaka), as well as the ongoing state of emergency in Okinawa, will be made on Thursday (July 8).

“Infections in Tokyo are trending upward, and we will take every necessary measure to curb the spread of the coronavirus,” Suga told reporters after meeting with cabinet members, including health minister Norihisa Tamura and Yasutoshi Nishimura, the minister in charge of Japan’s COVID-19 response.

Tokyo has been under a state of emergency three times previously since the COVID-19 pandemic began last year, which has included the Japanese government banning restaurants from serving alcohol, a measure reportedly being considered again, according to sources who spoke to Kyodo News anonymously.

The decision comes amid public opposition of Japan hosting the four-year annual event which was canceled in 2020 amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic due to continued coronavirus concerns.

Insecurity: Unknown Gunmen kill Prof. Samuel Ndubuisi, SEDI DG and his security in Enugu (photos)

July 8, 2021

Unknown gunmen have killed the Director General of the Science and Equipment Development Institute (SEDI), Enugu, Prof. Samuel Ndubisi.

He was said to have been killed along Port- Harcourt Express Road Enugu with his police orderly this evening Wednesday, July 7.

The driver of the deceased who sustained gunshot injuries has been rushed to the hospital where doctors are battling to save his life.

His official vehicle, which was riddled with several bullets holes, was seen driven into the gutter.

It is not clear why the DG was killed as nothing was removed from the vehicle or its occupants.

Confirming the incident, Enugu Police spokesman, Daniel Ndukwe, said

“Information surrounding a shooting incident today, 07/07/2021 at about 1600hrs, along Enugu/Port-Harcourt Expressway, said to have led to the death of a man and his police orderly, is still sketchy.
Meanwhile, preliminary investigation has commenced. Further development will be duly communicated, please”.

See graphic photos from the scene of the incident below

Dubai: Huge fire explosion after Container Ship catches fire (video)

July 8, 2021

A container ship anchored at Dubai’s huge Jebel Ali port caught fire late Wednesday, July 7, the Emirate’s media office has reported.

According to the report the fire caused an explosion that sent tremors across the commercial hub of the United Arab Emirates.

Dubai’s state-run media office said that a team of firefighters was working to control the blaze and there were no immediate reports of casualties. The extent of the damage caused by the explosion to the port and surrounding cargo as at press time is not clear.

Eyewitnesses in Dubai recording with their phones posted images on social media showing a fiery fire ball illuminating the night sky.

Witnesses also reported seeing shaking buildings across the city. Residents of neighborhoods as far away as 25 kilometers (15 miles) felt the blast around 11:45 p.m.

Journalists working with the Associated Press say they felt the blast rock the glass windows of their apartments.

The Jebel Ali port in Dubai is one of the largest sea ports in the world and the largest in the Middle East. It serves cargo from the Indian subcontinent, Africa and Asia.

See the video below

Teenage girl sentenced to 7 years in juvenile prison for killing Uber Eats driver

July 8, 2021

A 14-year-old girl has been sentenced to seven years in a juvenile prison after she pleaded guilty to murdering an Uber Eats driver during a botched carjacking.

The teenage girl, who can not be named for legal reason, was caught on camera with another girl, aged 15, trying to steal 66-year-old Mohammad Anwar’s car in Washington DC, while he was delivering food on March 23.

The girls tried to drive away in his car while he clung to the driver-side door. The girls crashed the car, ultimately killing Anwar, a father-of-three and grandfather-of-four, in the process.

Both girls were subsequently charged with murder and the 14-year-old, who was 13 at the time of the incident, was handed the maximum possible sentence at a hearing on Tuesday, July 6.

The 15-year-old, who has since turned 16, was handed the same sentence in June and will be released at the age of 21.

Other charges lodged against the girls were dropped as part of their plea deals with prosecutors, reports Fox 5 DC.

Aaah! Nigerian Senate approves President Buhari’s N2.3 trillion loan request

July 7, 2021

Senate Prsident tells Buhari to address Nigerians

President Muhammadu Buhari’s request to borrow N2.3 trillion (about $6.183 billion) to fund the deficit in the 2021 Appropriation Act, has been approved by the senate.

The approval came after a report by the Committee on Local and Foreign Debts chaired by Senator Clifford Ordia (PDP, Edo) was considered. Presenting the report, Ordia said the request is not new as it was approved in the borrowing plan when the national assembly passed the 2021 budget.

He said;

“What we are about to pass is not a new borrowing, it has been approved in the 2021 budget.”

After the loan was approved, Senate President Ahmad Lawan said the national assembly must make sure that there are no frivolous expenditures by the executive.

Lawan said;

“Let me thank the committee, this is not a new loan. This is a borrowing plan we have approved.
“What we have done is to provide the necessary resolutions for the implementation of it.
“Every cent counts. Our committees must be alive to oversee it. No frivolous expenditures should be entertained.”

The Senate also directed the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, the Director-General of the Debt Management Office, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria to submit to the National Assembly within ten (10) working days (excluding the day of close of trading) a letter containing the United State Dollars amount so raised and received as a result of the above approval together with the applicable exchange rate.

Antoine Griezmann, Barcelona Superstar, sacked by Konami for mocking Asian workers

July 7, 2021

Barcelona superstar, Antoine Griezmann has been sacked as Konami’s Yu-Gi-Oh! ambassador.

The France international was only hired for the role by the Japanese company last month, a key partner of Barcelona.

But after a video emerged of him laughing along as Ousmane Dembele appeared to mock Asian workers during a club tour of Japan in 2019, Griezmann has been dropped.

Konami also produces the Pro Evolution Soccer series, with whom Barcelona are official partners.

In a statement, Konami revealed that they would be asking the Catalan side for its observations regarding the incident.

They wrote: “Konami Digital Entertainment believes, as is the philosophy of sports, that discrimination of any kind is unacceptable.

“Previously we had announced Antoine Griezmann as our Yu-Gi-Oh! contents ambassador, however in light of recent events we have decided to cancel the contract.

“With regard to our eFootball PES franchise, we will be requesting FC Barcelona as a club partner to explain the details of this case and its future actions.”

Among Dembele’s crass comments heard in the video, he said to Griezmann in French: “All these ugly faces, just so you can play PES [Pro Evolution Soccer], aren’t you ashamed?”

Barcelona’s Japanese shirt sponsors Rakuten have also contacted the club for comment.

Since the video came to light, both players have issued grovelling apologies, insisting that their language wasn’t racially motivated.

Griezmann said: “I have always been completely against all forms of discrimination.

“For the past few days, certain people have wanted to paint me as someone that I am not.

“I firmly refute the accusations made against me.

“I’m sorry if I have offended any of my Japanese friends.”

Dembele added: “Hello all, during these last few days, a private video dating back to 2019 has been circulating on social media.

“It all took place in Japan. It could’ve taken place anywhere on the planet and I would’ve used the same expression.

“I was therefore not targeting any community.

“I just happened to use this type of expression with my friends regardless of their origins.

“This video has since been made public. I appreciate therefore that it could’ve hurt the people present in these images.

“Because of this, I would like to sincerely apologise to them.”

2 women arrested after stealing a French bulldog puppy worth $10,000 from pet store

July 7, 2021

Two dognappers have been arrested by police after trying to steal a very expensive puppy. The women were arrested on Monday, July 5, after allegedly stealing a French bulldog puppy worth $10,000 from a Texas pet store.

According to ABC News, the incident occurred around 12:25 p.m. at Petland Woodlands in Shenandoah, about 30 miles north of Houston.

Petland Woodlands manager, Andrew Jones (Pictured above with the dog) told police how the women came into the store and asked to see the puppy. As soon as the dog, Mario, was brought out, the women grabbed the pup, fled the store, and sped off in a silver Chevy HHR car with no license plates.

The women were shortly arrested after they stopped over to put back their license plates. The Little dog known as Mario was returned to the store unharmed. Both women have now been charged to court.

“This happens more often than we would like to say,” Jones, the store’s manager, told KTRK.

“French bulldogs are very highly sought after and, as a result, it is what people are attempting to steal.”

This is not the first time in recent memory that French bulldogs have been kidnapped.

In February this year, robbers shot a dog walker working for Lady Gaga and took two of the singer’s French bulldogs in Los Angeles.

Ryan Fischer, the dog walker, has since recovered.

Five people, including the woman who returned the dogs to the LAPD, face a number of charges, including attempted murder and dog robbery.

Breaking! Fire guts shops at Ladipo market in Lagos

July 7, 2021

There was a fire outbreak on Wednesday morning, July 7, at Ladipo market in Lagos State.

The cause of the fire which reportedly started around 4:20am is yet to be known.

No fewer than seven shops were affected by the fire. The affected shops contained various types of explosive items, including domestic gas for sale, vehicle air conditioners, engine oil, paints and other car accessories.

Because most of the accessories were inflammable, firefighters had a hectic time putting out the fire.

The fire, which destroyed goods worth millions, razed a one-storey building situated in the market.

The Director-General of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed the report.

He said that the agency received a call in the morning about the fire.

He noted that the LASEMA team responded at the scene to put out the fire.

The statement read, “The agency received distress calls on around 6:00 a.m. and activated its response plan. On arrival, the LRT discovered a storey building engulfed in flames.

“The cause of the fire could not be ascertained as at the time of writing this report, and no casualties have been recorded.”

A bank in the area evacuated cash from its vault on Wednesday following the fire outbreak.

Ladipo is the major spare parts market in Lagos.

11 people sentenced to prison in France for bullying a teenager online after she called Islam a ‘religion of hate’

July 7, 2021

A court in France has found eleven people guilty of sending abusive messages to a French teenager who posted videos criticizing Islam online.

After Mila (aged 16 then) was called a “dirty lesbian” by a Muslim blogger for speaking about her sexuality on Instagram she posted a clip on Instagram criticizing Islam.

She described Islam as a “religion of hate” which made her receive so many death threats.

Two opposing hashtags trended on social media: #JeSuisMila (I am Mila) and #JeNeSuisPasMila (I am not Mila) and France President Emmanuel Macron spoke out in support of the teenager, arguing that in France “we have the right to blaspheme”.

Mila, now aged 18 was forced to withdraw from school over the abuse and now lives under 24-hour police protection.

On Wednesday, July 7, 11 defendants were given suspended sentences for abusing her online and so will only serve time in prison if they are convicted for other crimes. Some will also have to pay €1,500 ($1,773; £1,287) in damages to the teenager, as well as €1,000 for her legal fees.

The judge said the tweets were part of a campaign of “harassment which had a psychological and physical impact” on Mila.

“In the street, one would refrain from insulting or threatening or insulting someone whose attitudes and words we dislike,” he added.

“The same goes for social media.”

Speaking to the media after the sentences were announced, Mila said: “I don’t ever want victims to be blamed again.”

“We have won and we’ll win again,” Mila said .

Her story has revived debate about freedom of speech and blasphemy in the country, as well as protection for schoolchildren from online bullying.

In October last year, a French schoolteacher was murdered after showing caricatures of the Prophet Muhammed to a class discussing freedom of expression.

Presidency explains the crackdown on Igboho and Nnamdi Kanu

July 7, 2021

The Presidency has defended the security crackdown on popular Yoruba secessionist Sunday Igboho and the ‘interception’ of leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

In a statement released by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity Mallam Garba Shehu, the Presidency said Nnamdi Kanu who is the leader of a group known “for its murderous actions and virulent messaging was detained as a result of cross-border cooperation.”

Igboho was also accused of being a “militant ethnic secessionist, who has also been conducting acts of terror and disturbing the peace under the guise of protecting fellow kinsmen.”

The statement read;

“Last week, we saw the enhanced collaboration of the Nigerian law enforcement agencies, as they executed with great synchronisation arrests of individuals who had inflicted pain and hardships on fellow citizens.
“The subversive leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group known for its murderous actions and virulent messaging was detained as a result of cross-border cooperation.
“This international operation was executed in a closely coordinated fashion following which he was handed over to our National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and then returned to Nigeria to face the Law.
“The violence inspired by IPOB has led to hundreds of fatalities, particularly targeted at government assets and law enforcement agents.
“Additionally, there have been at last count, fifty-five (55) separate violent attacks, heavily concentrated in the Southeast, which heaped further hardship on our honest and hardworking citizens, preventing them from earning their livelihood and going about their normal lives.
“The government had long been monitoring the activities of IPOB and had strong cause to believe that their funding sources include proceeds of suspected illicit criminal activities.
“By this singular action of our security forces, sanity, calm and peace had been returned to our communities who previously lived in constant fear of these misguided elements.
“In furtherance of continued diligent work, the Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday, 1ST of July, raided the residence of a militant ethnic secessionist, who has also been conducting acts of terror and disturbing the peace under the guise of protecting fellow ‘kinsmen’.
“His seditious utterances and antics, which he is known to have publicly expressed, have overtime morphed into very hateful and vile laden speeches.
“It must be highlighted that the government respects fundamental rights of citizens to express their views and recognises this as a democratic tenet.
“However, any attempt to build an armoury, coupled with plans either subtle or expressed, to undermine our unity as a nation will not be condoned.
“Mr. President’s directives to security services regarding anyone seen to be carrying arms, particularly AK-47, are clear and require no further illumination. Assault weapons are not tools of peace loving people and as such, regardless of who they are and where they are from the security agencies should treat them all the same.
“The successes of our security agencies must be commended as they have demonstrated significant deftness, guile and secrecy in carrying out these missions. This level of professionalism must be sustained and brought to bear as we focus on extracting from our society those who have found a new trade in targeting students, rural dwellers and our citizens in the Northwest. The nation recognizes their efforts and sacrifice.”

An 11-year-old boy has obtained a bachelor’s degree in physics at the University of Antwerp

July 7, 2021

An 11-year-old boy has obtained a bachelor’s degree in physics at the University of Antwerp.

Young graduate, Laurent Simons, from Oostende on the Flemish coast, Belgium, successfully completed a three-year course in one year, whilst also taking master’s courses on the side.

He outperformed other students by getting the highest distinction possible.

“Simons has been studying for his bachelor’s degree in physics since March 2020, and he now graduated with 85%, which is the highest distinction,” said an Antwerp University spokesperson.

“This year, he also took some courses from the master’s programme. After the summer, he will officially start his master’s degree,” the spokesperson added.

Simons, 11, said he put all other work on hold to take courses on classical mechanics and quantum physics, as he “wanted to know everything about these subjects right away.”

“Immortality, that is my goal. I want to be able to replace as many body parts as possible with mechanical parts. I have mapped out a path to get there. Quantum physics – the study of the smallest particles – is the first piece of the puzzle,” he said.

“Two things are important in such a study: acquiring knowledge and applying that knowledge. To achieve the second, I want to work with the best professors in the world, look inside their brains and find out how they think,” Simons added.

Simons studied at TU Eindhoven when he was nine years old, and would have been the youngest person ever to obtain a diploma in higher education, however, he left due to disagreements with the Dutch university before graduating.

He also previously studied at UGent where he already obtained credits, meaning he could obtain his bachelor’s degree with a shorter programme at Antwerp University.

Social influencers will be jailed if they post edited photos without adding disclaimer that the photo was modified – Norway law says

July 7, 2021

A new law in Norway is coming into force that will make it illegal for social media influencers to post edited pictures without declaring what they’ve done.

This is part of an effort to “reduce body pressure” among young people.

The rules will affect any paid posts across all social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter and Snapchat.

Instagram influencers who do not explicitly state whether they have edited the photo, which is an advertisement, may be fined or imprisoned in Norway.

Advertisers and influencers paid by advertisers need to clearly label social media posts when retouched. The labels must be added when someone’s body shape, size or skin has been edited.

Harald V, the Norwegian monarch, decides when the law will come into force.

Police arrests 28 cultists and foiled their initiation ceremony in Delta State

July 7, 2021

The Delta State Police Command has foiled a cult initiation ceremony and arrested 28 suspected cultists in Ukwuani Local Government Area of the state.

Acting spokesperson of the command, DSP Bright Edafe, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, July 6, said eight robbery suspects were also arrested across the state.

Edafe said the suspected cultists were nabbed after successfully initiating Obanor Ifeanyi, Oliseh Onimichi, Moses Samuel and Olusola Ese.

“On the 3/7/2021 at about 0300hrs, State anti cult unit (SACU) detectives on a tip off of intelligence got an information that there will be a cult initiation at a bush in Ogume community forest in Ukwuani LGA of Delta State by members of the Aiye confraternity group a.k.a black axe,” he stated.

“The commander SACU detailed police operatives who stormed the bush around 0300 hours midnight, a total of twenty-eight (28) male suspects were arrested, though four suspects namely Obanor osasuyi ‘m’ 24, Oliseh Onimichi ‘m’ age 27yrs, moses samuel ‘m’ age 18yrs and Olusola Ese ‘m’ age 18yrs had already began the process of initiation, but the timely intervention of the police, the initiation process could not be completed, why the other suspects were not initiated. Items recovered two (2) locally made single barrel guns, eight vehicles, six (6) motorcycles and charms. Investigation is ongoing”

The PPRO added that on July 3, Safer Highway 018 stationed at Alifikede boundary between Edo and Delta States, while on stop and search intercepted a a Toyota Camry with Reg. No. RLU 04 MBB ash colour driven by Tochukwu Obinakana with Mohammed Maduabuchi,17.

“On interrogation, they could not give satisfactory account of themselves. They were arrested and taken to the station for further investigation where they later confessed that the said vehicle was snatched at gun point from a reverend father in Owerri and that they were. The vehicle was recovered and both suspect arrested. Investigation is ongoing.” he said.

In a similar development, the Delta state police Rapid Response Squad arrested four suspected armed robbers/cultists on 2 July, along Udu Road Warri.

“The four suspects namely Prince Onotanare ‘m’ 22yrs of Ekurude Warri, Gift Ogbeje ‘m’ 19yrs of Ekurude Warri, Lucky Egere ‘m’ 22yrs of No. 7 Old Egan road Orhowunho community, Charles Eungu ‘m’ 25yrs of opposite Ultimate Hotel Jeddo and Joshua Omatseye 22yrs of Ekurude Warri were intercepted along Otokutu bridge Udu Warri,”the statement read.

“The Operative of RRS who had reasons to suspect them, subjected them to search, upon searching them, a fabricated barretta pistol with 9mm live ammunition was recovered from the first suspect, they all confessed to be members of Aiye and JVC confraternities. Investigation is ongoing.”

Similarly, on the 04/07/2021 at about 1830hrs, Operative of ‘A’ division Quick Response team while on patrol along NPA Link road received information that three young men on a tricycle were robbing innocent citizens of their valuables.

Edafe said “The team gave the hoodlums a hot chase, on sighting the police patrol team, one of the hoodlums Godbless Joseph ‘m’ sensing danger jumped out of the moving tricycle, he was later arrested while the two others fled with the tricycle. The suspect was searched and one (1) knife, two (2) Infinix phones were recovered from him,”

The two other suspects, one Ovoke Akpovikanyen and Ismaila Mohammed were later apprehended by the Warri Area Command patrol team. The owners of the phones have identified Godbless Joseph to be the person who robbed them of their phones. Investigation is ongoing.

Testimony Time: Nnewi couple welcomes triplets after 12 years of marriage

July 7, 2021

Emeka Anyaegbunam from Nnewi, Anambra state and his wife have welcomed a set of triplets after 12 years of marriage.

Members of the Anyaegbunam family took to Facebook to announce the goodnews as well as thank God for his blessing.

According to Emeka’s sister, Ngozi Gloria Maduabum, the children, all boys, were born on June 30, 2021.

“Here comes our wonderful, miraculous babies. ( Three boys) God of wonders, I am still thanking you on behalf of my brother and his wife. Friends and family pls help us and continue to thank this our God o, cos who doesn’t know will not understand. Receive all the Glory God” she shared on Monday, July 5.

On July 4, another sister, Chinenye Anyaegbuman Ewuzie, wrote: “There is nothing u cannot do protocol breaker, Jehovah overdo,I appreciate you for blessing my elder brother with triplets all boys,after so many years of waiting upon you,All we have to say is thank you Lord,”

On Tuesday, July 6, Emeka’s younger brother, Ugochukwu Anyaegbunam, confirmed the good news.

“OUR ALMIGHTY GOD BLESSED MY SENIOR BROTHER EMEKA ANYAEGBUNAM WITH TRIPLETS(THREE BOUNCING BABY BOYS) AFTER 12YEARS OF BEING CHILDLESS,HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST.”

President of Haiti, Jovenel Moïse has been assassinated by some foriegners in his home

July 7, 2021

President of Haiti, Jovenel Moïse has been assassinated in his private residence by a group of armed men.

The country’s interim Prime Minister, Claude Joseph said a group of unidentified individuals attacked the private resident of Moise and shot him dead. First Lady Martine Moïse is hospitalized following the attack early Wednesday, July 7.

Speaking on a local radio station, the prime minister said the attack was carried out by an “armed commando group” that included foreign elements.

Joseph said in a statement quoted in media outlets;

“Around one o’clock in the morning, during the night of Tuesday 6th to Wednesday 7th of July 2021, a group of unidentified individuals, including some speaking Spanish, attacked the private residence of the president and fatally injured the head of state.”

The Prime Minister added that “all measures are being taken to guarantee the continuity of the state and to protect the nation.”

The attack occurred amid a rising wave of politically linked violence in the impoverished Caribbean nation. The nation of more than 11 million people had grown increasingly unstable and disgruntled under Moïse’s rule.

Its economic, political and social woes have deepened, with gang violence spiking heavily in the capital of Port-au-Prince, inflation spiraling and food and fuel becoming scarcer at times in a country where 60% of the population makes less than $2 a day. These troubles come as Haiti still tries to recover from the devastating 2010 earthquake and Hurricane Matthew that struck in 2016.

53-year-old Moïse had been ruling by decree for more than two years after the country failed to hold elections, which led to Parliament being dissolved. Opposition leaders have accused him of seeking to increase his power, including approving a decree that limited the powers of a court that audits government contracts and another that created an intelligence agency that answers only to the president.

While Haiti’s opposition claims Moïse should have stepped down on 7 February to coincide with the fifth anniversary of 2015 elections that were cancelled and then re-run a year later because of allegations of fraud, Moïse and his supporters rejected that argument, saying he only took power in 2017 after winning the re-run.

Haiti was scheduled to hold general elections later this year.

‘We don’t know who the father of the child is’ – both would-be fathers said

July 7, 2021

A Twitter user has taken to the platform to celebrate his polyamorous girlfriend and also share a photo from her baby shower.

@eaglesbetter in his tweet, disclosed that he and his girlfriend’s co-lover don’t know who the father of the child is.

See his tweet…..

FBI hunts more suspects and charges more than 535 people over US Capitol riot to court

July 7, 2021

The FBI has announced it is still searching for some of the most violent rioters who participated in the deadly Capitol riot six months ago when supporters of former President Donald Trump clashed with law enforcement authorities in a failed attempt to halt the certification of President Joe Biden’s election.

On Tuesday night, July 6, the FBI released 11 new videos showing suspects with some of them engaged in hand-to-hand combat with police, a milestone in what has become the largest criminal investigation in U.S. history.

Since January, at least 535 people have been arrested, including 165 who have been charged with assaulting, resisting or interfering with police who battled rioters for hours.

Among the new videos released Tuesday by the FBI, one showed an unidentified man dressed in camouflage, a protective vest and clown mask hurling a pole into the direction of officers as a crowd of rioters pressed forward. Another clip showed an office being pulled to the ground on his back while a bearded man in a black hat and flannel shirt hovered the fallen officer.

The videos were accompanied by an appeal for the public’s help in identifying the suspects.

“As we mark six months since the violence at our nation’s Capitol, we continue to encourage the public to send tips to the FBI,” said Steven D’Antuono, chief of the FBI’s Washington, D.C. Field Office. “As we have seen with dozens of cases so far, the tips matter… The public has provided tremendous assistance to this investigation, and we are asking for additional help to identify other individuals for their role in the violence at the U.S. Capitol.”

Of the 165 suspects charged in offenses involving officers, more than 50 have involved weapons-related offenses that caused injuries. Eighty-three suspects were found to have ties to extremist organizations.

During the riot, 140 officers were assaulted, including 80 from the U.S. Capitol Police and about 60 from the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department.

“Not even during the Civil War did insurrectionists breach our Capitol, the citadel of our democracy,” Biden said in a statement Tuesday.

“But six months ago today, insurrectionists did. They launched a violent and deadly assault on the people’s house, on the people’s representatives, and on the Capitol police sworn to protect them, as our duly elected Congress carried out the sacred ritual of our republic and certified the Electoral College vote.

“This was not dissent. It was disorder. It posed an existential crisis and a test of whether our democracy could survive -a sad reminder that there is nothing guaranteed about our democracy.”

UK Parliament to Debate Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s Repatriation to Nigeria

July 7, 2021

The issues surrounding the repatriation of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) will be discussed by the United Kingdom parliament.

The UK parliament in a schedule shared on its website, said it will discuss “the circumstances surrounding the transfer of Mr Kanu to Nigeria against his will” and the alleged role of the government of Kenya in the detention and alleged mistreatment of the IPOB leader.

Lord Alton of Liverpool is expected to raise the issue at the House of Lords. It read;

“To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of (1) the alleged role of the government of Kenya in the detention and alleged mistreatment of Nigerian activist Nnamadi Kanu, (2) the circumstances surrounding the transfer of Mr Kanu to Nigeria against his will, and (3) of any assistance being provided to him by the high commission in Abuja.”

It was also revealed that the question tagged ‘HL1665’ was tabled on July 5, 2021 and will be “due for answer” by the “relevant government department” by July 19, 2021.

The United Nations reacts to abduction of Bethel Baptist High School students

July 7, 2021

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has condemned the abduction of some students from Bethel Baptist High School, Damishi, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Guterres’s spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, disclosed this while briefing correspondents on Tuesday, July 6, at the UN headquarters in New York.

Dujarric said that Guterres condemned the kidnapping of the students.

Dujarric said: “I can tell you that the Secretary-General strongly condemns the abduction of students from the Bethel Baptist School as well as hospital employees in two separate incidents in Kaduna State on July 5.

“The Secretary-General is disturbed by the frequency of kidnapping for ransom of predominantly children from schools by extremist groups and criminal networks.”

According to Dujarric, Guterres underscores the need to bring perpetrators of the grave human rights violations to account and also enhance the safety and security of schools and educational facilities.

Recall that bandits stormed the boarding school in the early hours of Monday, July 5, and abducted students.

Father of a kidnapped student praying at the school for safe return of his child

154 students were in school at the time of the abduction. Authorities said 28 students were rescued from the bandits. 121 students are still in the bandits’ custody. No explanation has been given on the remaining five students.

Sha’Carri Richardson quits the USA Tokyo Olympics team after Marijuana ban

July 7, 2021

Banned sprinter, Sha’Carri Richardson won’t be competing in the Tokyo Olympics at all this summer, after USA Track and Field decided not to include her in its lineup in the wake of her one-month suspension over positive test for marijuana.

The 21-year-old, who won 100m at the US Olympic trials in June, was expected to be one of the biggest stars at the upcoming Tokyo Games. But last week the USATF announced the runner would be suspended for a month after the drug test.

On Tuesday, the US track body announced the 21-year-old wouldn’t make the roster for the relay because of the drug test, ending her Olympic hopes.

“While USATF fully agrees that the merit of the World Anti-Doping Agency rules related to THC [a chemical in marijuana] should be reevaluated, it would be detrimental to the integrity of the US Olympic Team Trials for Track & Field if USATF amended its policies following competition, only weeks before the Olympic Games,” the organisation said in a statement on Tuesday.

“All USATF athletes are equally aware of and must adhere to the current anti-doping code, and our credibility as the National Governing Body would be lost if rules were only enforced under certain circumstances.”

In an interview on Friday with the Today Show, Ms Richardson said she used marijuana, which is legal in Oregon, to cope with the recent revelation during an interview that her biological mother was dead, which left her “in a state of emotional panic.”

“Right now, I’m just putting all of my energy into dealing with what I need to do to heal myself,” she said on the show last week. “If I’m allowed to receive that blessing, then I’m grateful for it. But if not, right now, I’m going to just focus on myself.”

“I want to take responsibility for my actions,” she added. “I’m not looking for an excuse.”

Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Nigeria’s first batch departs for Tokyo

July 7, 2021

The first batch contingent of Team Nigeria have left for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

The team members departed on Tuesday, July 6, through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The Director, Federation of Elites Athletes Department (FEAD), Simeon Ebhojiaye in a statement explained that the members include the Canoeing team; Ayomide Bello and her coach Ebenezer Ukwunna; Esther Toko and her coach Regina Enofe of Rowing event alongside Secretary-General Olubunmi Oluode.

Also in the team is the Special Adviser on Sports to the Minister, Mary Onyali; Medical crew of Dr. Samuel Ogbondeminu – Okoh Joseph, Abdulsalam Shuaibu, and Ekundayo Ogunkunle.

Earlier on Monday, an advance team of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development departed via the Muritala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.

The second batch will depart on July 13th.

Nigeria will be competing in nine sports at the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics which runs from July 23rd- August 8th. The Paralympians will be competing in four sports from August 24-September 5, 2021.

The Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Sunday Dare at the send forth ceremony held in Abuja on Tuesday morning said the departure of the team for the Games is evidence that “working in unison, we can collectively, achieve whatever we set our minds to achieve as humans.”

He said all the athletes and officials that would feature at the Games have been severally educated on COVID-19 compliance and anti-doping instructions and urged them to adhere to the rules in order to compete safely and avoid the discomfort of COVID-19 isolation.

“In continuation of his grandiose support to the sports sector, President Muhammdu Buhari has committed enormous resources in the preparation and participation of Team Nigeria for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. As part of this effort, Mr. President would formally unveil the official Team Nigeria uniform for the Games during the presentation of the contingent to His Excellency, by the Honourable Minister,” Dare added.

The Nigeria contingent to Games is scheduled to move to Tokyo in four batches as follows:

Batch 1: July 6, 2021

Canoe Sprint

Rowing

Table Tennis

Batch 2: July 13, 2021

Athletics

Taekwondo

Wrestling

Batch 3: July 17, 2021

Gymnastics

Badminton

Batch 4: July 19, 2021

Basketball

UK Soldier dischargd from Army for stealing a colleague’s bank card to buy FIFA points for his Xbox

July 7, 2021

A British Army soldier has been kicked out of the military for stealing a colleague’s bank card – to buy FIFA points for his Xbox.

The dismissed officer, Private Lewis Billam bought £216 worth of the virtual currency used in the popular football video game.

Bulford Military Court heard that the 27-year-old bought three lots of £71.99 FIFA points packs on his colleague Private Megan Martin’s card. The £71.99 packs give players 12,000 points which can be spent in the game.

The points can buy ‘FUT packs’ which allow players to build a squad of footballers or ‘FUT Draft’ which lets players pick the best fit for each position from a five-player draw, Mail Online reports.

After stealing Pvt Martin’s card at a party, Pvt Billam also purchased £16 worth of items at a local garage, the report said.

Pte Billam was found out when everyone who attended the party in March 2020 was rounded up and asked to show their Xbox account history – if they had one. When Pte Billam showed his account, it was discovered that he made three transactions, and was then found in possession of the card.

It was also discovered that Pte Billam used another colleague’s card to buy £227 worth of items in Tesco before this incident.

In August 2019, Pte Billam approached Lance Corporal Joshua Gibbon and asked to borrow his card to buy cigarettes and a drink, promising to return the card later. But instead of cigarettes and a drink, Pte Billam bought something worth £101 and another item worth £126.

The court heard that Pte Billam’s excessive consumption of alcohol had led him to have little or no money in the past.

Judge Advocate Alistair McGrigor told Pte Billam that he would be dismissed from the military as it was clear the army no longer wanted to keep him on.

He said: ‘Soldiers who steal from colleagues undermine the respect and comradeship that is the basis of service life.’

Pte Billam, of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, told the court he ‘sincerely apologised’ for what he had done after previously pleading guilty to three charges of fraud.

He said: ‘The things that I did were not acceptable and I do sincerely apologise.’

As well as being kicked out of the army, Pte Billam was ordered to repay the full amount of the money he took from Pvt Martin and LCpl Gibbon and received a 12-month service community order with a 30 days rehab activity requirement.

Katsina Youths empowered with catapults to fight bandits (photos)

July 7, 2021

Members of Katsina State Peoples Democratic Party Social Media Organization have started sharpening their skills in the use of locally made catapults for self-defense against armed bandits.

The exercise is tagged “Operation Catapult Shoot”.

According to the youths, the exercise is in response to Governor Aminu Ballo Masari’s directive that people of the State should defend themselves against bandits’ attacks.

Recall that Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, during the inauguration of Katsina Joint Security Operations and Communication Control Centre, said it was ridiculous that people in the state are not defending themselves against bandits’ attack.

He said, “Why should I sit in my village and be only making telephone calls without doing anything?

“Every bandit, every criminal has an address, has a location, and they are human beings like us. The only difference is that they have taken arms against us; does it mean we have nothing to take against them?”

Comrade Nuraddeen Adam Kankara Tina, the State Chairman of the Katsina State Peoples Democratic Party Social Media Organization, led other members of the social media group to launch the catapult training exercise in Katsina metropolis, in response to the State Governor’s call that residents defend themselves.

He said: “We embark on the exercise in compliance with the recent directive issued by the Katsina State government and we are determined to expand the exercise across local government areas of the state”.

Pastor caught with human skull in Cross River(photos)

July 7, 2021

A Pastor of the United Evangelical Church has been arrested by the Cross River state police command for allegedly being in possession of human skull.

45-year-old Michael Bassey was arrested following a complaint from a concerned citizen on threat to life.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Sikiru Akande said the suspect was arrested at No. 56 Uwanse by Asuquo Ekpo Street in Calabar South.

Akande said;

“The suspect was arrested with one human skull tied with the complainant’s picture and carved human image with red clothes.
“Investigation is still ongoing and the suspect will be arraigned in court.”

Bassey however denied being into any diabolical act. He told newsmen that he has been conducting healing services for his congregation members before his arrest.

The Pastor said;

“I don’t know anything about this human skull. I am innocent of the charges against me. my mother gave me Bible and garment as a young boy, then I started helping people by liberating them from various curses and enchantments,’ he said.
“I started by liberating my family who always “sacrificed” their male children for the female ones to survive, I broke that covenant and I have been liberating people in Cross River and beyond, I am not a killer, I only help people.
“I am not a herbalist, I am a prophet, I was ordained at a Church ( names withheld)at Azikiwe Street, Calabar by my spiritual father. After I liberate people, they come back and show appreciation, I am not a native doctor ” he added.

A student goes to jail for 8 years for illegal possession of firearms

July 7, 2021

A Magistrate Court sitting in Lokoja has sentenced a student of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja to 8 years imprisonment for illegal possession of firearms and unlawful association.

Shehu Tenimu Mohammed, an ND II student of the Department of Public Administration, was nabbed with a locally fabricated revolver pistol and five rounds of live ammunition while making his way through the main entrance of the Polytechnic on Friday, April 9, 2021.

Delivering his Judgement on Tuesday, July 6, the trial judge, Justice Mohammed convicted the suspect on the three-count charge having pleaded guilty to the offences in the charge sheet, and also fined him the sum of Eight thousand Naira.

Barr. Samuel Ikutanwa, the prosecuting counsel at the hearing had demanded the charges to be read to the hearing of the accused person, who pleaded guilty to committing the offences of unlawful association, possession of firearms and a member of a cult group.

A Homeless man kills the Man who gave him ‘shelter’

July 6, 2021

A homeless man, Moses Ewan(pictured above), 35 has confessed to killing his neighbor in Brooklyn, New York.

Police said Moses Ewan, confessed to the crime and told shelter workers Friday night, July 2, that he killed his roommate, Ronald Snoddy, 67, whose body was later found in his East New York apartment with multiple stab wounds.

A neighbor who lived near the victim at the Spring Creek Towers, said she never suspected Moses Ewan would take another man’s life.

“I spoke to him about the word of God,” said the neighbor, who said she was too afraid to share her name.

“I said you have a very powerful name. I would always encourage him. ‘Go to church. Be positive. These streets are no good.’ ”

The neighbor said she sensed something was not quite about Ewan, but was shocked to hear him confess.

“To me, he was always a sweet person,” the neighbor said. “I can’t believe I know the killer.”

Friends of the victim said Snoddy took Ewan into his home three years ago after meeting him at a local grocery store where Ewan worked, and learning about his plight.

Snoddy had reportedly lived in the Spring Creek Towers for more than 25 years, working odd jobs, including a stint as a parking lot attendant.

His neighbors say he loved to cook, and often went to the supermarket, which was where he met Ewan.

“Ronnie’s the kind of person who’s too friendly,” said neighbor Migdalia Vega.

“You meet him, you have a friend for life.”

Vega (pictured below) said she was home with her daughter Friday, and that Ewan knocked on their door after the slaying.

They heard him, but by the time someone reached the door, he was gone.

Police said Ewan later showed up at the 30th St. Men’s Shelter in Kips Bay, claiming he killed his roommate in an apartment they shared.

According to a criminal complaint, Ewan showed up at the shelter saying he couldn’t go home, and needed a place to stay because he had killed his roommate

Shelter officials also called police, who went to the 10th-floor apartment on Saturday at 4:30 a.m. where the body of Snoddy was found sprawled out on a bedroom floor with stab wounds to his head and body.

Ewan was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon.

Another neighbor revealed Snoddy had survived a stroke last year.

“He was a survivor,” she said, describing him as a “people person” with “a good heart.”

“Honestly, I was kind of scared of him,” she said. “One day I was sitting out there and I guess he felt comfortable enough to conversate.”

She said he asked her if she had a boyfriend.

“I said ‘Oh, I’m going upstairs now.’ ”

The woman said Ewan used to complain about having to sleep on the sofa.

“OK, if you’re living in someone else’s house, they’re not going to allow you to come in their bedroom,” she said. “Get you a pullout bed and put it in the living room.

Achraf Hakimi from inter Milan signs a €60 million deal with Paris Saint-Germain football club of France

July 6, 2021

The Morocco international was signed on Tuesday, July 6, for €60 million (£52m/$71m), plus €10m (£9m$12m) in add-ons.

“I feel a great sense of pride today,” Hakimi told PSG’s official website.

“After Spain, Germany and Italy, Paris Saint-Germain offers me the chance to discover a new championship with one of the most prestigious clubs in the world.

“I can’t wait to meet my new team-mates, the fans and experience the incredible colour and passion inside the Parc des Princes.

“I share the same big ambitions as the coaching staff and my teammates and will do everything I can to deliver what is expected of me.”

Inter Milan’s CEO Giuseppe Marotta explained that the club’s dire financial situation meant they had no choice than to sell him.

He told Sky Italia: “Obviously, this is a painful moment for us, but I am an administrator who must guarantee the economic sustainability of the club during a difficult time for the world of football in general.

“Once the Hakimi operation is concluded, it will allow us to have a bit of breathing room and we really hope that we will no longer need to sell any other big players, as we want to maintain most of the squad that won the Scudetto.”

Hakimi made 37 appearances in all competitions for Inter during his one season at the club, helping them win the Serie A title.

Paris Saint-Germain football club of France have completed the signing of full-back Achraf Hakimi from Inter Milan.