Police arrest female armourer, 35 others for robbery, kidnapping

Nigerian police have arrested 35 suspects, including a woman for their involvement in cases of robbery, kidnapping and other heinous crimes in some parts of the country.

Also arrested were five jail breakers of the Oko Correctional Centre, Benin, during the ENDSARS protests.

Exhibits recovered from the suspects include: eight AK49 rifles, one Beretta Pistol with 6 rounds of live ammunition, three locally made pistols, 111 rounds of AK47 ammunition, 10 AK47 magazine, five live cartridges.

Also recovered from the suspects were seven Laptop computers, one anti-tracking device, one camouflage vest, eight stolen vehicles, one stolen trailer Mercedes Actros with reg. no. NNK 334 YT.

Among the jail breakers re-arrested was Onaruje Benjamin, who had earlier been convicted for conspiracy and Robbery and was on death-row at the time of escape.

There were also Adebayo Opeyemi, a dismissed soldier, Peter Felix Osas, Frank Odion Oloye and Alhaji Hudu Musa a.k.a Mai Cellular.

They were arrested by operatives of the FIB – Intelligence Response Team in Kaduna State for the offences of Armed Robbery, Car Theft and Unlawful Possession of Firearms.

Investigations reveal the suspects having escaped from the Correctional Centre, formed a new criminal gang and returned to their old criminal enterprise.

Indeed, Onaruje Benjamin, snatched a Toyota Corolla Car in Benin, 30-minutes after his escape from the Correctional Centre.

Five (5) vehicles earlier snatched from their owners at gun point in different parts of the country were recovered from the gang.

While Onaruje Benjamin is the leader of the gang and the arms bearer, Alhaji Hudu Musa is in charge of ferrying and disposing the stolen vehicles to Niger Republic.

Also arrested was one female suspect, Talatu Ibrahim, 40years old from Shinkafi LGA, Zamfara State from whom six AK49 rifles were recovered.

Her arrest led to the subsequent arrest of one Duleji Alhaji Abubakar a.k.a Ori jeje residing at Ekka village, Koro LGA, Kwara State. Findings reveal that Ori Jeje has been getting arms supply from Talatu Ibrahim to carry out series of kidnapping and armed robbery in Kwara State.

The operatives also arrested one Abdullahi Mohammed a.k.a ‘Governmenti’, a specialist in car snatching.

Investigation revealed that the suspect, within 90-days, August, September, and October, 2020 snatched 18 vehicles at gun-point from their owners in Jos and Bauchi States.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, has reassured citizens of the renewed commitment of the Force to their safety and security.

All the suspects will be arraigned in court on completion of investigations.

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Borno massacre: US reacts, vows to work with Nigeria to defeat terrorism

The United States on Monday reacted to Saturday’s massacre of 43 farmers by Boko Haram at a rice farm in Borno, Northeast Nigeria.

The US condemned the brutal killing and sympathised with families of those killed.

“The United States condemns in the strongest terms the November 28 violent attack in Borno, Nigeria.

“The United States offers our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those killed or kidnapped,” a statement from the US Embassy in Nigeria said.

The statement said the US abhorred the attack and pledged to work with Nigeria to defeat terrorism.

“These abhorrent attacks are a stark reminder of why the United States stands with the Nigerian government and people as they fight to defeat terrorism and work to bring the perpetrators to justice,” it said.

Boko Haram terrorists had on Saturday slaughtered 43 farm workers near Maiduguri, Borno, Northeast Nigeria.

The assailants reportedly tied up the agricultural workers and slit their throats in the village of Koshobe.

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Nigerian banker behind bars since 2011 bags 5 years jail term

Justice T. B. Adegoke of the Federal High Court sitting in Asaba, Delta State today November 30, 2020, sentenced Onus Osagie Amahian, a former staff of Access Bank, to five years imprisonment.

Amahian was prosecuted by the Benin Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a 25-count charge bordering on forgery and making false entry into Delta State Government payroll.

A former IT officer of Access Bank, the defendant was said to have between August and October 2011 fraudulently inserted names and account numbers of his family members and friends into the payroll schedule of Delta State government being handled by Access bank and subsequently paid monies into those Accounts and withdrew same and in the process defrauded the Bank of an aggregate sum of Nine Million, Three Hundred and Forty-Four Thousand, Nineteen Naira and Twenty Three Kobo (N 9, 344,019.23).

Amahian was first arraigned in 2011 and pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the 25-count charges preferred against him by the EFCC, setting the stage for a full trial.

However, on November 19, 2020, he changed his plea from ‘not guilty’ to ‘guilty’. This prompted the prosecuting counsel, F.O. Dibang to ask the court to convict and sentence him accordingly. Justice Adegoke convicted him on all counts but reserved sentencing till today.

In his judgment, Justice Adegoke took cognizance of the fact that a substantial amount of money was recovered from the defendant during the investigation and had been in the Nigerian Correctional Centre since 2011 and shown remorse for his actions.

He, therefore, sentenced the defendant to 5years imprisonment on each of the counts. The sentences shall run concurrently and shall commence from the date of arrest.

One of the counts read: “that you Onus Osagie Amahian between the month of August and October 2011 at Access Bank Branch Asaba within the jurisdiction of this honorable court did steal the sum of Nine Million Three Hundred and Forty-Four Thousand, Thirteen Naira Twenty Three Kono (N9,344,013.23) only from Delta State Government payroll (NEFT/ DTSG/.TCO/ ACC ) in Access Bank PLC branch Asaba and thereby committed an offense punishable under Section 390(6) of the criminal Act CAp C38 of the Revised Edition ( Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) 2007”.

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Kemi Olunloyo apologises for trolling Davido, Linda Ikeji, 8 others as she pleads for love to lead

Controversial journalist Kemi Olunloyo has taken to her official Instagram page to apologise to the Nigerian celebrities she has trolled.

The list of people Kemi Olunloyo is apologizing to is a long one, and contains names like Davido, Linda Ikeji Eniola Badmus, Dayo Amusa, Venita Akpofure, Seyi Law, Georgina Onuoha, Iyabo Ojo, Lasisi Elenu, Toyin Lawani.

According to Olunloyo, she wants all industry beef to end in 2020 as people are looking forward to the year 2021.

In her words :

"I love you all. Nobody is blocked. Don’t let someone’s hate for me make you hate me. Hate is a strong word. Don’t let people influence U the wrong way. Many people meet me apologising for hating me via their many comments online. Kemi Olunloyo is the nicest person in the world.

"Don’t judge people. All industry beefs should end for 2021 is about to be our biggest year. It was not about what we didn’t get in 2020. It is about what we had: Good health and our livelihoods. Many did not.

"To Davido, Linda Ikeji @eniola_badmus @dayoamusa @veezeebaybeh @seyilaw1 @georginaonuoha and everyone I’ve ever beefed online for one thing or the other, let love lead. Love you @iyaboojofespris @lasisielenu @tiannahsplacempire."

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A post shared by Dr Kemi Olunloyo #Kemitalks🗣️ (@kemiolunloyo)

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Biden to appoint Nigerian-born Adewale Adeyemo as US Deputy Treasury Secretary

US President-Elect, Joe Biden, is set to announce a Nigerian-born attorney, Adewale ‘Wally’ Adeyemo, as deputy Treasury secretary, US-based media Politico reported on Sunday.

Adeyemo, who is a former senior international economic adviser during the Obama administration, will serve under former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen, who Biden plans to appoint to lead the US Treasury Department.

Adeyemo’s appointment is one of many key cabinet positions Biden is expected to announce in the coming days.

Born in Nigeria, Adeyemo was raised in California where he obtained a bachelor’s degree before proceeding to Yale Law School for his legal education.

Before his appointment into the Obama administration, Adeyemo worked as an editor at the Hamilton Project, then served as senior advisor and deputy chief of staff to Jack Lew in the United States Department of Treasury.

He later worked as the chief negotiator for the Trans-Pacific Partnership and also served as the first chief of staff of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau under Elizabeth Warren.

In 2015, he was appointed to concurrently serve as Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economics and deputy director of the National Economic Council.

He went on to become the first president of the Obama Foundation.

According to Politico, Biden is also expected to name Cecilia Rouse, an African American economist at Princeton University, to lead the Council of Economic Advisers.

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Girl with beautiful upper region shows off her gift [photos]

A girl with beautiful upper region has showed off her gift on twitter and instagram.

Ewawunmi showed off her gift with a simple caption ''hey''.

She got numerous comments with many praising her natural gift, while one man sincerley took out time to thank her for what he calls ''free''.

Replying to Ewawunmi, Oyewale wrote; ''Upon how everything cost in Nigeria, Thank you for showing us your breast for free of charge''

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Senegal World Cup hero Papa Bouba Diop dies at 42

Former Premier League star Papa Bouba Diop has passed away at the age of 42.

According to a number of reports, Bouba Diop had been suffering with a long-time illness, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

His former club, RC Lens, paid tribute on Twitter, writing: "It is with great sadness that Racing Club de Lens has just learned of the disappearance of its former player Papa Bouba Diop , at the age of 42.

"We offer our deepest condolences to his loved ones."

So too did world governing body FIFA, who declared: “FIFA is saddened to learn of the passing of Senegal legend Papa Bouba Diop.

"Once a World Cup hero, always a World Cup hero."

Diop became a national hero when he scored the goal which saw Senegal beat France 1-0 in their opening World Cup game in 2002.

RIP

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E-Sports Threatening Traditional Sports – Mouktar cries out

The Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Football Association, Alhaji Adam Mouktar Mohammed has said traditional sports is being threatened by the rising popularity of E-sports in Nigeria.

He stated this while speaking during a one-day seminar organised by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) FCT chapter, recently.

“E-sports is seriously threatening traditional sports as it gained more ground during the lockdown. People were home and they diverted their passion and attention to E-sports and it is booming gradually,” he said.

He further said the use of data (Information gathering) is important in the development of sports while urging sports administrators to invest in data gathering.

“We have made use of data in this country. Data has become more important as the day goes by.  We have seen clubs using data to check players’ strength, weakness and even their abilities. We see them using data to rate the effectiveness of players. They use data to advance the game of sports,” he noted.

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I have realised my mistakes for criticising Jonathan – Ndume

The Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume, says he has known the value and landmark a former President, Goodluck Jonathan left in Nigeria and its political landscape after his tenure in office in 2015.

The lawmaker spoke on Saturday at Apo legislative quarters, Abuja, during the Grand Opening of Dr. PhysiQ Specialist Center for Wellness and Medical Lifestyle Change, and launching of a book titled: ‘Everything heals” authored by Dr. Susana Adams, the CEO of the Centre.

Ndume also stated that his recent detention at Kuje prison and subsequent release from the custody was the will of God, saying that “as God wants it, that I must be here, because I was just released from detention yesterday night (Friday), maybe God wants me to attend this occasion, otherwise, I would have been in Kuje prison up till now.”

Jonathan, who was the chairman of the occasion later inspected the new Wellness Centre, and was accompanied by the former of Minister of Information, Labaran Maku; the veteran journalist, Eugenia Abu, among other dignitaries.

Speaking before the inspection, the Borno Senator said other people who were skeptical about the ex-president’s behaviour have also realised how great he is, adding that many Nigerians don’t value what they have until they lose it.

The Borno Senator’s remark is coming a few days after the Chairman of the Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee of the All Progressives Congress, Mai Mala Buni, and some APC governors visited the ex-President.

The visit generated a lot of ripples between the ruling APC and the main opposition People’s Democratic Party.

“I must confess, as people call me stubborn person, I’m also a stubborn person… I feel I need to make this testimony here, and also appreciate Mr.(Former) President, as they say you will never know what you have until you lose it. I will stop there.

“For this country, I think Nigerians know that they don’t value what they have until they lose that thing. We thank God for your life and you have changed the political culture and landscape of this country.

“You don’t know how great you are in the eyes of those that were skeptical, those that don’t know you, those that didn’t come close to you. But now, honestly, I am one of those that used to criticize you very well, but I will say it was constructive move,” the lawmaker said.

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Drama as kidnapped driver finds his kidnapper among passengers [photo]

There was a drama at the Kwannawa motor park in Dange-Shuni local government area of Sokoto state on Sunday as a commercial driver identified one of his abductors amongst his passengers.

The driver (name withheld) was kidnapped along Kankara in Katsina state while returning from Kano about two months ago.

Daily Trust learnt that the driver had spent three weeks in captivity before his release after the payment of an undisclosed amount of money as ransom.

The suspect met his waterloo, when he boarded a vehicle going to Kano, unknown to him, it was the same vehicle ‘they blocked and kidnapped its driver.’

“The driver was quick to identify him because the incident happened not too long ago.

” After identifying him, he alerted our leaders who in turn informed the nearest police outpost,” one of the NURTW members told Daily Trust.

It was said that the leaders had changed the driver of the vehicle with another person after the car was loaded with passengers and the new driver started driving the car towards Shuni town.

It was gathered that the car was blocked by the police who arrested the suspect and took him to their office.

While being interrogated, he (the suspect) was said to have admitted belonging to a gang of kidnappers who fondly called him ‘Hadari’ and this was later corroborated by the driver when invited for questioning.

“The police were surprised when the driver told them the name because he was not around during the interrogation,” the source added.

It was said that the suspect was later transferred to the Sokoto State Police Command headquarters for further investigation.

The spokesman of the Command, DSP Muhammad Sadiq while confirming the incident, said investigation was still ongoing.

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Doctor who performed brain surgery on Diego Maradona faces probe for involuntary manslaughter

Leopoldo Luque, the doctor who performed brain surgery on football legend, Diego Maradona, is now the subject of a probe.

Argentine news agency Telam reported today that Luque is being investigated for involuntary manslaughter, four days after the Argentina legend suffered a fatal heart attack.

Police raided Leopoldo Luque’s surgery and home in search of possible evidence pointing to negligence, according to television images and judicial sources, the agency reported.

Maradona who won the World Cup for Argentina in 1986, died on Wednesday.

He was buried on Thursday, after lying-in-state at the Presidential Palace in Buenos Aires.

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Biden gains more votes after Wisconsin recount

The recount of U.S. presidential ballots in Wisconsin’s two largest counties finished on Sunday, with President-elect Joe Biden adding 87 more votes to his tally.

The recount, at the request of outgoing US President Donald Trump, reconfirmed that Biden defeated President Donald Trump in the key swing state by more than 20,000 votes.

Dane County finished its recount on Sunday, according to the county clerk, a few days after Milwaukee County finished its.

Each recount produced little change in the final breakdown of the more than 800,000 ballots cast in the state.

Biden’s final tally in the state was 1,630,673 votes.

Trump had 1,610,065 votes.

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105 tests positive for HIV during Covid-19 lockdown in Ogun

No fewer than 105 persons have tested positive for HIV in Ogun state during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The Commissioner for Health in Ogun State, Dr Tomi Coker, said this at a press briefing to mark the 2020 World AIDS Day with the theme “United to end AIDS in the midst of COVID – 19”.

Coker said statistics show that 20,827 people are living with HIV in the state.

According to Coker, with the figure, the state has the highest prevalence of the virus among South-West states.

The commissioner, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Hospital Management Board, Dr Nafiu Aigoro, said the 20,827 patients have been placed on Antiretroviral Treatment to keep the HIV under control.

She explained that Ogun State has a prevalence rate of 1.6 percent.

She noted that “during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, 49,211 persons have been counselled, tested and given results out of which 105 were tested positive.”

“The first case of HIV and AIDS in Ogun State was reported in 1990. In 1999, when the first HIV/AIDS zero-prevalence sentinel survey was carried out the prevalence rate was 2.5 percent.

“In 2001, it rose to 3.5 percent and recorded a drop in 2003 to 1.5 percent and a rise again to 3.6 percent in 2005. In 2008, it dropped to 1.7 percent in 2010, it was 3.1 percent, in 2012 (NARHS) the prevalence was 2.9 percent.

“Ogun State presently has a prevalence rate of 1.6 percent (NAIIS 2018). This is noted to be above the national prevalence (1.4percent) and is also the highest in the Southwest.

“Ogun state currently has 20,827 persons are currently on ART,” she said.

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Judges accused of robbing Mike Tyson after fight against Roy Jones Jr

Boxing fans have expressed their displeasure at Mike Tyson being “robbed”, after the former heavyweight champion earned a draw against Roy Jones Jr in his highly-anticipated return to the ring.

‘Iron Mike’ rolled back the years with a fine performance against former four-weight champion Jones Jr.

The 54-year-old took the centre of the ring for most of the fight, putting Jones Jr on the back foot and landing punishing body shots throughout the contest.

However, the judges scored the contest a draw after eight rounds, with both fighters appearing satisfied with the outcome.

But some fans have questioned the verdict. Here are some of the opinions tweeted after the fight:

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Nigeria thrown into total darkness as national grid collapses

Nigeria has been plunged into total blackout following the collapse of the nation’s power grid.

The power grid was said to have collapsed in the early hours of Sunday.

Eko Electricity Distribution Company, confirmed the collapse of the national grid collapse on Sunday via its Twitter handle.

It explained that the current power outage was due to system collapse on the national grid.

The company, however, assured Nigerians that electricity supply would be restored as soon as possible.

“Dear customer, the outage you’re experiencing is due to a system collapse on the National Grid.

We are working with our TCN partners to restore supply as soon as possible.

Please bear with us #PowerUpdate #EkoElectricity #EmpoweringQualityOfLives,” the tweet reads.

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Niger man who murdered two sons blames it on evil spirit

37-year-old Abubakar Maidabo of Maidabo village in the Magama Local Government Area of Niger State was arrested by the police for killing his two biological sons, Umar Abubakar (eight) and Shehu Abubakar (four). He tells Enyioha Opara how he committed the act, blaming it on evil spirits.

You were arrested for allegedly killing your two sons. Did you really do that?

I actually killed them but cannot justify the reason for committing the atrocity.

How did it happen?

I think I woke up on the wrong side on that fateful day. I was unnecessarily angry with myself that I regretted having children; for just no reason, I cannot explain how the spirit of Satan befell me to develop natural hatred for my little boys on that very day. I just called them and started beating them up. I took the elder one, Umar, to my room, slit his throat with a cutlass and he bled to death. I quickly called Shehu to come to my room.

Did he see his older brother’s corpse?

By that time, I had covered his brother with a cloth so that he would not find out and as soon as he entered my room he asked me where Umar was and I told him that I sent him on an errand. But, immediately, I dragged him to one corner of my room and killed him the same way I killed his brother. When I wanted to run away, I was nabbed by the police, following a tip-off.

When did you start nursing the idea to kill your two sons?

Honestly, the idea came on that very day I killed them (November 14, 2020). I did not plan it at all. I can’t explain what has come over me. As I am talking to you now, I can’t even explain how the whole thing happened. I think somebody is after me and my family, otherwise why should I kill my two biological sons? What have they done to deserve that? It’s unbelievable. My greatest worry now is that nobody, including members of my family, will believe my story. After this ugly incident, I still doubted myself as to whether I actually carried out this wicked act on my two precious sons Allah gave to me. I don’t think I deserve mercy at all. One thing is certain: it is not ordinary. But whatever might be the case, let the law take its course.

Do you have any issue with your marriage?

I got married 12 years ago and we have been living peacefully. So, I don’t have any problem with my wife. We love each other and are always planning for the future of our children. The community was thrown into a state of shock when they heard what happened, that I killed my two children. Frankly speaking, they did not believe that. Rather, they said that it was not ordinary.

Where was your wife when you murdered your sons?

My wife travelled with my last child to her village in Magama to see her people on the day I killed my sons. She had no idea of what transpired. She was shocked when she was told what happened. She could not believe it. She thought it was a fairy tale. I was told she couldn’t talk for more than two hours by that time I was already in police custody.

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Governor Zulum leads relatives, residents to bury 43 farmers killed in Borno [Photos]

Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum, led relatives and residents to bury 43 farmers slaughtered by the Boko Haram insurgents.

The funeral held at the Zabarmari area of Borno early morning on Sunday, according to a statement from the state government.

The statement was titled, ‘Zabarmari: Zulum leads horrified kinsmen to bury 43 farmers killed by Boko Haram’, on Sunday.

The victims lived in Zabarmari, a farming community in Jere Local Government Area, famous for rice cultivation and local processing.

They were attacked on Saturday, at Koshebe village, a place in Mafa Local Government Area.

Zulum, during his visit, was told that the death toll was yet to be fully ascertained.

“Your Excellency, as you have seen here, 43 corpses were buried, but others have not been retrieved from the scene of the incident. Nobody can tell you the exact number of people killed. Some of the victims are still missing,” a resident was quoted as telling the governor.

Zulum, who subsequently addressed the bereaved community, said people were living in “very difficult situations”.

The statement quoted the governor as saying, “It is disheartening that more than 40 citizens were slaughtered while they were working in their farmlands. Our people are in very difficult situations, they are in two different extreme conditions, on one side they stay at home they may be killed by hunger and starvation, on the other, they go out to their farmlands and risk getting killed by the insurgents.

“This is very sad. We are still appealing to the Federal Government to ensure the recruitment of more of our youths in the CJTF and hunters into the Nigerian military and the Civil Defence so that they can form part of the agro rangers that will protect farmers. We need many boots to protect farmlands and our youths understand the terrain. We will not lose hope because we have to remain optimistic about ending the insurgency,” Zulum said.

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Police arrest drunk Policeman in trending video

Following the viral video of the ‘Drunk Policeman’ at CBN Junction in Abuja at the weekend, the FCT Police Command has identified, arrested and taken into custody the Police Inspector shown in the video.

Furthermore, the Commissioner of Police CP. Bala Ciroma has ordered that the Police officer be subjected to psychological and medical evaluation, preparatory to the commencement of disciplinary actions against him.

A statement by ASP Mariam Yusuf, FCT Police Spokesperson said, “In view of the above, the Commissioner of Police wishes to unequivocally state that the behaviour portrayed by the Policeman in the video does not depict the standard discipline of the Nigeria Police Force.

“While urging residents to remain calm, the Command wishes to reiterate its unflinching commitment to the protection of lives and property in the Federal Capital Territory.”

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Federal govt to distribute over 1million prepaid meters free for stable power supply

The federal government has imported over 1million prepaid meters to distribute free of charge to Nigerians, as part of its efforts to ensure a stable power supply.

Minister for Power, Alhaji Sale Mamman announced this at the commissioning of 132/33 KVA transmission sub-station at Gagarawa local government area of Jigawa State, said the present administration under President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to improving power in the country to employment among the youths.

According to the minister, the project will not only enhanced steady power supply but create employment opportunities for the teeming youths of the area and neighbouring localities as industries will come on board due to the presence of steady power supply in the area.

Vanguard reports that the commissioning of 132/33 KVA transmission station was witnessed by the state governor Alhaji Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar, the emir of Gumel and member representing Gagarawa/Suletankarkar/ Gumel federal constituency, council chairmen, politicians among other dignitaries.

Speaking at the occasion, state governor Badaru Abubakar commended president Buhari for executing the projects in the area, saying it will pave way for manufacturers to set up their industries aimed at generating employment.

His words: “This power project started in 1994 and was abandoned until when Buhari took over the mantle leadership and decided to complete it with over 13 local government areas would get a supply from the station and the industrialization activities would rapidly improve in the area and state and country at large.”

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Nollywood actress, Iheme Nancy says her dog's more loyal than her friends

Nollywood actress Iheme Nancy said her dog is better than some of her beloved friends even though the dog doesn’t rest.

According to her, her dog DRE is 100% better than some of her beloved friends which is quite alarming to have such friends.

She said that the pet is 100% better than them. She attached a photo of her holding the animal on Instagram.

Read her post below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Iheme Nancy (@ihemenancy)

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We need N81 Million to cut grass in Abuja stadium- Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare has revealed that it will cost the ministry N81m to cut the grass and clear the weed that have taken over the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

He stated this recently while speaking during the one-day seminar organised by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) FCT chapter.

According to him, the ministry approached the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) for assessment in the stadium, which was built in 2003 with N53 billion on a 29 hectares (72 acres) of land.

The stadium is divided into Package A which houses the Main Bowl and Package B which houses other facilities like basketball courts, NFF office, volleyball courts, tennis courts, squash courts.

“We approached AEPB to come see what can be done to clear the grass and weed in the stadium and they told us it will cost us N81m.

“If we tell Nigerians we used N81m which is not even available, there will be an outcry. The funds are not really there for us and that is why we are partnering with private investors to bring back the key components of our infrastructures,” he said.

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Comedian AY and wife celebrate 12th wedding anniversary

Comedian AY -- Ayo Makun and his beautiful wife, Mabel Makun are celebrating their 12th year wedding anniversary today, November 29th.

AY who penned down an anniversary message to his wife, revealed that its been 12 years out of 16 years of knowing her..He wrote: 

''It’s been a meaningful 12 years out of the 16 years of knowing you. @realmabelmakun your love has been my strength through difficult times. Your genuine care has always been my spirit to live and work extra hard for us all. Your tears and smiles are my motivation to make you happier every single day. Having you by my side forever is my only wish on this special moment. Happy 12th year anniversary my love. #forevertogether''

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Tope Alabi paternity scandal: Daughter responds to man who claims to be her father

Gospel singer, Tope Alabi is currently in a paternity scandal as one Mayegun Olaoye openly calle dher out from ''blocking'' him from having access to his daughter. Ayomikun Alabi.

Ayomikun, the daughter of the popular singer, has now responded saying the only father she knows is her mother’s husband, Soji Alabi.

Olaoye had claimed to be Ayomikun’s father, while alleging that Tope Alabi had blocked every avenue for him to know his biological daughter in the past 22 years.

But reacting to the allegation, Ayomikun, in an exclusive interview with The Punch, stated that she was not surprised about the development as her mother had since informed her about the man who claimed to be her father.

Ayomikun, however, stressed that the only father that she has is Soji Alabi, who has been married to her mother for over two decades.

She said, “I will always know that my father is Soji Alabi. I do not know any other person and I have never met any other man. I cannot blatantly deny him because I have heard about him but I have never had anything to do with this man.”

She added, “My mother never blocked the avenues for us to see. My mother even tried for me to have a relationship with him. I remember when I was about 15 years old, she used to tell me about him but he never tried to reach out to me.

“I am very grateful to God for the kind of mother and father that I have. After God, my parents are next in my life,” Ayomikun said.

Ayomikun also said, “I cannot bear his surname. How can I bear the surname of someone that I have never met? There is no sense in that. I do not even know his surname. How can I bear the name of someone I have never met?

“God knows my real father and everyone knows who my real father is. I did not know this man when I was in crèche, daycare, primary, secondary or during my university days. I graduated and did not get a congratulatory message; absolutely nothing from him.

“So, there is no much story to tell. It is just a story about an irresponsible father and he is trying to cut every relationship he could ever build with his so-called daughter. I genuinely do not know why he is coming out after 22 years.”

Also a sonorous singer like her mother, Ayomikun stated that the only way she can give Olaoye a listening ear is if they meet in court and there is a judgment to that effect.

She said, “If the man wants to reach out to me to patch things up, it will be in court. I do not think that I want to patch things up with him but I know that I will definitely meet him in court if he ever wants to talk. It cannot be a civil matter because he did not make it a civil matter when he went to the social media to talk.”

Despite the occurrence, she said her family is fine and everything is normal as they were not shocked by Olaoye’s actions.

“I have spoken to my mother about it and we are all fine. It was not something that shocked us. He is not blackmailing the family but he is an example of a very terrible father,” Ayomikun said.

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BREAKING: Police arrest suspects as explosion rocks Wike father’s church

The police in Rivers State have arrested three suspects who allegedly detonated explosives at a Pentecostal church, Christain Universal Church International, located at Mile 3, Diobu area of Port Harcourt.

The church is said to be owned by the father of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.

It was learnt that the suspects numbering about five attacked the church around 8 pm on Saturday.

It was gathered that the gunmen’s escape plan was blocked after men of a local security outfit in the area noticed strange movements and swooped in.

The Assistant Chief Security Officer of the Azikiwe Street Security, Collins Johnbull, while narrating the incident, said one of his men was hit by a bullet in the process of chasing the suspects and currently receiving treatment in the hospital

Johnbull said, “On Saturday, 28th day of November, 2020, while I was on my duty post, we observed some movements around 8 pm to 9 pm and we were on the alert, before then we saw some strange faces, about five of them, that entered into the governor’s father’s church and we thought they were church members having their normal evening programme, but we were suspicious of them because of the way they were moving.

“About five minutes after the boys entered the church, there was an explosion, we heard a banging noise like that of a bomb from the church and we immediately approached the church and saw them (the suspects) jumping out of the church wearing masks and carrying guns and started shooting at my men.

“By God’s grace, we were able to apprehend three of the criminals that attacked the church, while two escaped. We did everything in our power to apprehend the hoodlums, as we are talking now, one of my men who was hit by a bullet is receiving treatment.”

Another member of the security team, Uche Brown, who corroborated the story said the three suspects have been taken into custody by the police.

“Around 8.43 pm, some hoodlums who attacked the state governor’s father’s church at Azikiwe street tried to bring down the building by throwing dynamites into it but (they) did not succeed.

“When they noticed that the security men were approaching them, they tried to escape and we apprehended three of them, while two escaped, before the arrival of the police who took them into custody.”

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Mike Tyson comeback fight against Jones ends in draw

Mike Tyson’s return to boxing at age 54 ended in a draw with 51-year-old Roy Jones Jr. on Saturday in an eight-round exhibition battle of former heavyweight champions.

Fifteen years after retiring with a 2005 loss to journeyman Kevin McBride, Tyson made his comeback at Staples Center in Los Angeles without spectators in a pay-per-view matchup that mixed curiosity and nostalgia.

California State Athletic Commission officials required two-minute rounds instead of the usual three-minute rounds, mandated larger than normal 12-ounce gloves, said neither fighter could seek a knockout and declared there could be no official winner in safety moves for the over-50 fighters.

“Sometimes that two minutes felt like three minutes,” Tyson said. “I’m glad I got this under my belt and I’m looking forward to doing it again.”

An “unofficial” panel of former World Boxing Council champions at ringside scored the bout a draw, an outcome that Tyson applauded despite appearing to dominate.

“I’m good with that,” Tyson said, admitting he thought he had won the fight. “Yeah, but I’m good with a draw. The crowd was happy with that.”

Jones, who looked tired and grabbed Tyson much of the fight, was unhappy at a draw.

“I ain’t never happy with a draw. I dont do draw,” Jones said, admitting that Tyson hurt him throughout the bout, particularly with body blows.

“If he hits you with his head, punches, body shots, it don’t matter, everything hurts. Body shots definitely took a toll. Body shots are what makes you exhausted.”

Tyson, who entered 50-6 with 44 knockouts, lost 100 pounds and began training again, his desire to get back in shape becoming a hunger to strap on the gloves once more.

Jones, who entered 66-9 with 47 knockouts, had not fought since a February 2018 cruiserweight victory. He hoped a solid effort against Tyson might set up a fight with 45-year-old Brazilian mixed martial arts star Anderson Silva.

– ‘It’s going to hurt’ –

Tyson came out aggressive and fast, swinging and connecting often to the body of Jones, who was able to hit and evade at times, then hugging Tyson often when all else failed.

“You came back. I hit you with good shots and you took it,” Tyson told Jones. “We have to do this again.”

A hard left to the head stung Jones in round two and he spent much of the third and fourth rounds holding and moving into clenches with Tyson.

“It’s something in there taking punches from Mike,” Jones said. “Once I go in there, I’m game. I’ll go to the end. I know when he hits me it’s going to hurt.”

Tyson landed an inside right and a hard left to the head of Jones in the fifth round, then connected to the body with a solid right and left in the sixth, Jones evading a right uppercut and tying up Tyson before he could land major combinations.

Tyson stung the midsection of Jones in round seven but was held before he could press the advantage.

In the eighth and final round, Tyson pounded a pair of left hooks to the body but Jones tied him up and they finished trading inside punches.

“I was very happy to go the eight rounds,” Tyson said. “I’m more happy with going the distance.

“I was afraid I might get hurt. Why is nobody worried about my a.s.s? I haven’t done this in 15 years.

Tyson ruled the heavyweight division in overwhelming fashion in the late 1980s but struggled through the 1990s, losing his title, being convicted of r.a.p.e and serving a ban after biting a chunk out of Evander Holyfield’s ear.

He faded from the scene after a 2002 world title loss to Lennox Lewis and has returned now to help launch his Legends Only League for over-age star athletes.

“This is bigger than fighting for championships,” Tyson declared. “I’m helping people now.”

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Drunken truck driver falls from Lagos bridge, drowns in river

A truck driver identified simply as Taiwo has met his tragic end after he fell from a bridge in the Kirikiri area of Lagos State and drowned.

Taiwo had reportedly parked a truck on the bridge on Wednesday to have fun, but he got drunk in the process.

Sunday Punch learnt that while he was sauntering on the bridge, he slipped and fell into the river below and drowned.

Some people who were at the spot at the time reportedly tried in vain to rescue the 32-year-old man, who lived in the Ifo area of Ogun State.

The case was said to have been reported at the Kirikiri Police Station by one Ibrahim who owns the truck.

A police source at the station told our correspondent that Taiwo’s corpse was recovered the following day.

He said, “The deceased driver was reported to be drunk and did not know when he mistakenly walked to the tip of the bridge. He fell and people around the area tried to rescue him. His body floated on Thursday and was recovered.”

The police spokesperson in the state, SP Muyiwa Adejobi, who confirmed the incident, said Taiwo’s body had been released to his family for burial.

He said, “On November 25, 2020, around 10.15am, one Ibrahim reported at the Kirikiri Police Station that his driver while under the influence of alcohol slipped and fell into Kirikiri river from the bridge.

“Policemen from the station visited the scene for on-the-spot assessment. His corpse was removed the next day and released to the family, who declined to have an autopsy carried out on the deceased.”

Adejobi quoted the Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, to have commiserated with the family and advised owners of trucks to always caution their drivers to avoid such incidents.

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One killed as fuel tanker explodes in Anambra

One person has been confirmed dead in a fuel tanker explosion at a mechanic workshop in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Haruna Mohammed, who confirmed the incident to newsmen said the incident happened at about 2:30pm, on Saturday at the mechanic workshop located at the new road toll gate in Ogbunike.

He said the victim was rushed to Iyienu Hospital where he was confirmed dead by a doctor, adding that the deceased has been deposited at the hospital mortuary.

The Police spokesperson said investigations have commenced to ascertain circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The incident took place when a welder named Richard was on top of an empty Fuel Mack Truck with REG number XA-740-CAL trying to weld the upper compartment.

“ All of a sudden the tanker exploded and threw the welder two hundred meters away from the truck leaving him unconscious,” he said.

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LaLiga: Zidane reacts as Real Madrid lose 2-1 to Alaves

Real Madrid manager, Zinedine Zidane, has said he has “no explanation” for their inconsistent form, after they lost 2-1 at home to Alaves on Saturday.

The defeat makes it three games without a win in LaLiga.

Lucas Perez scored an early penalty, before Joselu doubled Alaves’ advantage in the second half.

Casemiro grabbed a late consolation goal for Los Blancos.

Zidane’s team were beaten 4-1 at Valencia and drew 1-1 at Villarreal earlier this month, but appeared to have bounced back after a 2-0 victory in the Champions League at Inter Milan in midweek.

“We played a bad game, above all at the start, and we couldn’t change it,” Zidane said.

“I’m the coach and I take the blame, as always. We have to move on from this. We have another game on Tuesday. We played really well against Inter, and today we didn’t. There are no excuses. We shouldn’t single out one player or another.

“We couldn’t change the dynamic within the game and that annoys me. Right now, consistency is the problem we have. We’ve had a lot of injuries too. We don’t look for excuses, but it’s the reality. The game we played three days ago in Milan, and then today. I don’t have an explanation.”

Real’s next two LaLiga games are an away trip to top-four contenders Sevilla and a derby with Diego Simeone’s in-form Atletico Madrid.

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Woli Arole reveals how he introduced popular hip-hop star, Oxlade to the world

Comedian Woli Arole has expressed how he had first introduced rave singer, Oxlade, to the world when he was a struggling music act.

The comic actor took to his Instagram to express his joy at Oxlade’s career rise one year after introducing him to his fans and followers in a short video.

In a short video, Arole was spotted with Oxlade enjoying a chat. The one-year-old video had Arole telling the world that Oxlade is the next talent to watch out for on the Nigerian music scene.

In the shared video, Arole wrote, “I don’t want to be remembered only for the jokes I crack but also for the lives I have impacted and touched. See this was last year, I was the one that reached out to oxladeofficial myself, I heard his song on my friend’s phone and I said, I was led to meet him. We met, we played, we chatted, I prayed for him and did a video with him which I posted.

“Just in one year, see what God has done. I am grateful to God. This is just one out of many. My testimonies are the changed lives, transformed businesses, and changed destinies through my gift, that’s my ultimate goal to my maker.

“Congrats to you oxladeofficial. This is just your beginning. See, I send DMs to people randomly just to show love and support. That’s just me. And note, my prayers carry power, God backs my utterances with power and testimony follows.”

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Timi Dakolo crashs weddings in Abuja to perform for free

Timi Dakolo is trending on twitter and it's because he crashed some weddings today to perform for FEEE.

The singer who is in Abuja had announced online that he was feeling good and if there's anyone that knows where a wedding will be holding today, the fellow should drop the address. 

As expected, addresses were dropped. And what made it more special was the reaction of the couples. 

I mean, sweet sweet forever memory. Some will even say it's a sign they are actually made for each other. A video from one of the weddings below.. God bless Timi!

Timi Dakolo performed at 4 weddings for free today in Abuja 🤩 This is so sweet to watch 🤩❤️❤️❤️ @timidakolo pic.twitter.com/ImVFF0A14J

— seyi🅙 (@sheyisleekk) November 28, 2020

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Barack Obama’s new book breaks records as blacks celebrate ‘third term in office'

Barack Obama's new book broke records for his book publisher Penguin Random House. The news comes as supporters of the former U.S. president celebrate his "third term in office."

Obama's new book, A Promised Land, released on Nov. 17, sold 1.7 million units in all formats and editions in the U.S. and Canada to date.

The first week sales of 887,000 units is a first-day record for the book publishing house.

The first-week sales stand as the largest one-week total for any book ever released by Penguin Random House.

Obama promoted the book with an interview on Power 105.1's Breakfast Club last week. Co-host Charlamagne tha god held Obama's feet to the fire by demanding to know why he didn't do more for Black people in his first 2 terms in office.

Co-host DJ Envy also pressed Obama to explain why he uplifted LGBT+ people over Black people who have suffered for 200 years.

Obama said he was confident that he did more for Black people than current President Donald Trump.

He also blamed Republicans for blocking his attempts to pass laws for Black people. 

Obama was asked to name his specific pro-Black laws that Congress blocked, but he danced around the answer.

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Wife of Akeredolu’s Chief of Staff regains freedom

The abducted wife of the Chief of Staff to Ondo State Governor, Chief Olugbenga Ale, on Saturday regained freedom after spending two days in the captives of her abductors.

According to Nigerian Tribune, the woman who was abducted on Thursday night while travelling from Lagos to Akure, was rescued on Saturday morning by men of the Amotekun Corps.

It was gathered that men of the Ondo State Security Network, also known as Amotekun swung into action immediately the kidnap case was reported.

The Amotekun corps collaborated with local hunters and vigilante in the area to trace the perpetrators of the crime and said the synergy yielded result in the early Saturday morning.

A source from Amotekun corps revealed to Tribune that some hoodlums were apprehended in connection with the crime and had been transferred to the state capital, Akure for interrogation.

The source said: “I can confirm to you that the wife of the Chief of Staff has secured her freedom and on her way to Akure. She was released without paying ransom as she was rescued by Amotekun and local hunters.

Commandant of the Amotekun Corps, Chief Adetunji Adeleye who confirmed the release of Mrs. Ale said it is too early to disclose how the wife of Chief of Staff to governor Akeredolu was rescued.

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