Covid-19: Food will no longer be served aboard domestic flights — Minister of aviation, Sirika

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, has said refreshments will no longer be served aboard domestic flights.

The minister gave the reason for the decision is to avoid risk of contamination. Special Assistant to President Buhari on Digital and New Media, Tolu Ogunlesi disclosed this via a tweet this afternoon. Ogunlesi’s tweet reads ;

BREAKING: FOOD WILL NOT BE SERVED ON RESUMING DOMESTIC FLIGHTS, TO AVOID RISK OF CONTAMINATION

TAKE NOTE ALL THOSE WHO CANNOT SURVIVE AN HOURLONG FLIGHT WITHOUT CAKE AND JUICE AND TOMTOM

Jokes apart. Not kidding. Minister of Aviation announced it today. No Food will be Served.

FG to close 3rd mainland bridge for six months beginning from July 24

The Federal Ministry of Works says it will be closing the ever-busy 3rd mainland bridge in Lagos for a period of six months beginning from July 24.
Disclosing this to newsmen today July 6, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olukayode Popoola, said consultations are currently ongoing for another phase of repair works to begin on the 11.8 km bridge. According to Popoola, the repair works would start on the outward mainland section of the bridge. He said the Ministry is already working with relevant agencies to ensure the free flow of traffic during the period.

The bridge has gone through a series of repair works and was last shut in August 2018 for a three-day investigative maintenance check.

Ondo governor, Rotimi Akeredolu recovers from COVID-19

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state has recovered from COVID-19. He announced this at a press conference on Monday, July 6.



The governor who tested positive for the novel virus on June 30, said another test carried out on him returned negative today.

''I tested positive for the virus and immediately went into isolation with supervised home management. Those days in isolation were defining periods for me.

After some days in isolation, our team of doctors decided to take my sample and I was tested again in accordance with the treatment protocol of COVID19.

The result came earlier today. I tested negative'' he said

UPDATE: DSS denies arrest of EFCC acting chairman, Ibrahim Magu

The Department of State Services (DSS) has refuted some media reports that it arrested Ibrahim Magu, the acting chairman of the Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).

This was contained in a press statement made available to Vanguard in Abuja on Monday by Peter Afunanya, the Public Relations Officer, Department of State Services.

The statement titled; “OFFICIAL: Dagu is Not Arrested by DSS” stated; “The Department of State Services (DSS) wishes to inform the public that it did not arrest Ibrahim MAGU, Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as has been reported by sections of the media.

“The Service, has since, today, 6th July, 2020, been inundated with enquiries over the alleged arrest.” However, Vanguard reliably gathered that the acting chairman of the EFCC, Magu, is being grilled by a panel set up to investigate alleged infractions against him.

The panel is sitting at the Conference Centre of the Presidential Villa (Old Banquet Hall) Abuja. Recall that the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami had recently written to President Muhammadu Buhari on why the EFCC boss should be replaced having been rejected many times for confirmation by the National Assembly.

The former Director-General of the Department of State Service, DSS, Lawal Daura had also written what was said to be damaging report against Magu to the senate.

Meanwhile, journalists who went to cover the event at about 3.20 pm, were turned back by security personnel. Even when the journalists who cover the State House decided to go to the press center at the Old Banquet Hall, they were politely told to excuse the place for a while.

“They said you people should excuse the use of this place for today,” a security official detailed to the venue, politely told reporters.
CREDIT: Vanguardnews

EFCC Docks ‘Adeherself’ For Alleged Possession Of Fraudulent Documents

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has arraigned a self-acclaimed social media influencer, Adedamola Adewale Rukayat (a.k.a Adeherself) before Justice Sherifat Solebo of the Special Offence Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos on one-count charge of possession of fraudulent documents.

The defendant was arrested following intelligence received by the Commission on the activities of some young men allegedly involved in internet fraud in the Lekki axis of Lagos State.

The count read: “That you, Adewale Adedamola Rukayat, on or about the 15th day of June, 2020 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, with intent to defraud, had in your possession documents titled “WhatsAPP”, which representations you knew or ought to have known, was false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 (8) (b) and 1 (3) (d) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14 of 2006.

She pleaded not guilty to the charge.

In view of her plea, prosecution counsel, S.O. Daji, asked the court for a trial date and also prayed that she be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCS.

The defence counsel informed the court of a bail application for his client and also prayed for a short date to enable its hearing.

Justice Solebo adjourned the matter to July 13, 2020 for hearing of the bail application and also ordered the defendant to be remanded in the EFCC custody.

DSS arrests EFCC Acting Chairman, Magu

Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu, has been arrested by the Department of State Services.

Magu was arrested on Monday afternoon at the Wuse II, Abuja office of the EFCC on Monday over allegations that he was siphoning part of money recovered by the commission from suspected looters.

It was learnt that the security details to Magu put up a stiff resistance during the arrest of their principal, as they objected to the DSS move.

But he is now undergoing interrogation at the DSS Headquarters In Aso Drive.

This is happening barely two weeks after the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN) reportedly complained to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) about Magu’s conduct and advised that he should be relieved of his appointment.

The AGF was said to have accused Magu of insubordination and discrepancies in the figures of funds recovered by the EFCC.

He was also accused of disposing of assets, especially buildings seized from corrupt politicians and others, without approval, or knowledge of the AGF’s office, which is the supervisory ministry of the EFCC.

The AGF allegedly listed 22 offences allegedly committed by Magu, for which he should be sacked.

Magu has been in an acting capacity since the National Assembly twice refused to confirm his nomination to head the anti-graft agency after the president sent his name to the federal lawmakers on both occasions.

The DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, could not be reached for comment on Magu’s arrest.

credit: punchnews

“When I was in the university, I was a member of the Pyrates Confraternity.

Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the September 19 gubernatorial election in Edo state has denied pouring acid on a fellow student during his undergraduate days at the University of Benin.⁣

In 2016, the former Chairman of the APC and ex-governor of Edo state, Adams Oshiomhole had alleged that Ize-Iyamu poured acid on a student.⁣

⁣
Debunking the allegation on an online television programme in Benin on Sunday, July 5, 2020, the politician said contrary to the claim, he drew the attention of the then university management to the plight of the student.⁣

He said despite the fact that he ensured the student got first aid treatment, he and others linked to the incident were rusticated because the identity of the culprit was never known.⁣

Narrating the incident, he said, “When I was in the university, I was a member of the Pyrates Confraternity. At that time, we didn’t look at it as a cult arrangement but some people were already coming in with tendencies to create problems. We had this very confrontational group and one evening, somebody reported to us that they beat up a final year student who was also close to us and they mentioned the names of those involved, and we said no, this is bad.⁣

“Don’t also forget too that I was a students’ union leader, very prominent in the students’ union congress. So, myself and some persons who heard about this complaint said let’s go and see the people concerned and talk to them.⁣

“We went there and met with the people concerned. They opened the door for us and we were discussing the matter under a very cordial atmosphere only for some people to come in and before we knew it, there was smoke in the whole place and somebody shouted acid and was screaming. It was then I realised that somebody has poured acid on somebody and I quickly rushed to the security post. I brought them in and we took the young man to get first aid treatment.⁣

Source: Pulse

Enugu Gov Offers 10yr-Old Brutalized Househelp Scholarship To University Level

In furtherance of the Enugu State government’s contributions towards the wellbeing and quick recovery of Miss Nneoma Nnadi, the 10-year-old female househelp, who was brutally injured and maltreated by her guardians, Mrs Ifeoma Ozougwu, and her husband, Mr Jude Ozougwu, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has approved the award of scholarship, up to university level, to the little girl.

The Enugu State commissioner for information, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh, told newsmen yesterday in Enugu that Gov Ugwuanyi directed the state scholarship board to implement the approval with immediate effect.

300,000 sign petition against anti-Jesus movie starring Michael Jackson’s daughter

Almost 300,000 people have signed a petition on Change.Org against the release of an upcoming movie titled, ‘Habit’, starring Paris Jackson, the daughter of the late pop icon, Michael Jackson.

In the unreleased movie, Paris is said to portray Jesus as a lesbian.

The petition, which is directed at entertainment companies, Warner Brothers and Lions Gate, was started by one Vivian N.

It reads in part, “A new blasphemous Hollywood film is predicted to come out soon depicting Jesus as a lesbian woman. The film ‘Habit’ stars Paris Jackson who plays the role of ‘lesbian Jesus’.

Distributors haven’t picked it up as of yet, so let’s please spread awareness and wake people up to the Christianophobic garbage that is spread nowadays, but is somehow accepted and praised by society.”

The independent film is about a street smart party girl with a Jesus fetish who gets mixed up in a violent drug deal and finds a possible way out — by masquerading as a nun, CNN reports.

The petition had attracted over 296, 000 signatures as of 12.30am on July 5, 2020.

“They keep mistaking my winning in life to BB4 winning” – Tacha says

Reality TV star and serial entrepreneur, Tacha has reacted to people who keep mistaking her winnings in real life for “winning” in the fourth edition of the BBNaija reality TV show.

A titan had taken to Twitter to narrate how while in a cab, they heard a lady say she’s tired of Tacha and her noise and just can’t wait for the fifth edition of the show to start.

The user wrote, I am in Cab now

An Nice looking Lady just said” BBn5 should sTart already!so Tacha can Rest!I am Tired of her Noise..she is Acting like she is D first person to win A reality show!

I am still in shock n frozen that I ve skipped my Bus stop

Who won BB4
#TachaTitans4Ever

Reacting to the tweet, Tacha says “they keep mistaking my winning at life to BB4 winning”…. She wrote in full,

They keep mistaking my “WINNING AT LIFE” to “BB4 winning”
I did not WIN IT PLIS! na “NO DURATIONAL WINNING” at life CROWN pin for my HEAD

Makeup artist allegedly slumps and dies while dancing at her birthday party in Jos

A young makeup artist slumped and died yesterday, July 4, while dancing at her birthday party.

Deborah Tushima had been counting down to her birthday on her Facebook account. Her birthday came on Saturday, July 4 and she shared new photos of herself on the platform. She captioned the photos: "So many things to be grateful for, the greatest is the gift of LIFE! Happy birthday to me, pls say a prayer for me." Unfortunately, she slumped hours later while partying with friends and died.
Friends who had wished her a happy birthday only hours earlier are now mourning her via their respective pages.

Rape allegation: DBanj's former manager, Franklin Amudo breaks his silence

Rape allegation: DBanj's former manager, Franklin Amudo breaks his silence, gives his own account of what transpired at the hotel

Franklin Amudo, a former manager of singer, Dapo Oyebanjo aka DBanj, has released an official statement regarding the rape allegation leveled against DBanj by a lady, Seyitan Babatayo.

In his statement, Franklin said he was the one who invited Seyitan to an event in Lagos where DBanj attended and performed on December 30, 2018. He said he gave Seyitan the keys to his room to pass the night at Glee hotel when she told him she couldn't return home that night as it was too late. He did not sleep in the room as he had to go home to prepare for an early morning flight to Accra, Ghana.

Franklin said Seyitan called him later that night to allege that DBanj found his way into her room and raped her. He said he immediately called one Ajia Mohammed and informed him of the allegation Seyitan made. Franklin said Ajia told him not to worry about it and that he had given Seyitan $100, though the purpose for the money wasn't stated.

Franklin said he was unable to ask DBanj at the time because it was the same period the singer lost his son and he felt it would be insensitive for him to discuss such a thing with him.

Police prevent Oyo Deputy Gov, Commissioners from attending Ajimobi’s 8th day Fidau

A delegation from the Oyo State government were prevented from entering the Oluyole residence of late former Oyo state governor Abiola Ajimobi, venue of the 8th day Fidau prayer for the deceased.

The delegation led by Oyo state deputy governor, Engr. Raufu Olaniyan, Barristers Abiodun Abdul-Raheem and Seun Ashamu, commissioners for land and energy respectively, were turned back at the venue by security operatives and it almost resulted in a confrontation.

According to The Nation, Engr. Olaniyan arrived the residence at about 11:20 am in a convoy of five vehicles. On getting to the gate of the road leading to Ajimobi’s residence, the convoy was stopped by policemen and members of other security agencies manning the gate. They insisted that only the deputy governor’s vehicle could be allowed into the street to join the prayer.

The publication added that deputy governor’s security details initially rebuffed the idea but when their argument was degenerating, a senior policeman intervened and they eventually agreed that only the deputy governor’s vehicle should go in.

But on getting to Ajimobi’s house, the gate was also locked. The deputy governor’s aides introduced their principal but they were told that the gate had been locked, and that Mrs Ajimobi was in possession of the key. Olaniyan waited, believing that the issue would be sorted in no time.

After waiting for about 15 minutes, however, without any positive development, Olaniyan left the residence.

Reacting, a spokesman for Ajimobi's family said they were not informed that the deputy governor was coming.

The press statement, signed by Bolaji Tunji on behalf of the Ajimobi family, reads: "There is the need to clarify the believed presence of the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan at the 8th day prayer of HE Senator Abiola Ajimobi, the immediate past Governor of Oyo State.

"1. The Deputy Governor arrived after the prayer had started. The event was strictly a family affair.



"2. There was a need to comply with the Covid-19 protocol as established by NCDC 

Social distancing, not more than 30 people in a place and seats arranged, accordingly. After which the gate was shut.



"3. No one was aware that the Deputy Governor was coming as neither the advance team nor the protocol informed us.



"4. By the time we got to the gate to usher him into the sitting room, he had left. Everything happened within a spate of 10mins.



"5. Through a serving Senator and a former Attorney General we tried to get in touch with him that it was not to slight him and he could sit in a private sitting room provided by the family. Unfortunately, he had left. We however apologise to his Excellency.



"Thank you."

35 primary and secondary school students arrested at drug-filled party; used condoms found at venue

35 primary pupils and secondary school students have been arrested in a raid carried out by the Kenyan police in a rental house at Sango Estate in Homa Bay town on Friday.

While 6 others escaped, 20 girls and 15 boys aged between 13 and 17 were found drunk and naked. Used condoms were also found in the 2-bedroom apartment in the raid led by Arujo Location Chief Robert Lango, Homa Bay Township Assistant Chief Duncan Odhiambo and his Arujo Sub-location counterpart Jackton Olielo.



Lango said a parent rented the house for her two daughters, but neighbours raised the alarm after hearing loud music. The owner of the apartment, Patrick Ayieko was also arrested.

He said;

“We found used condoms which we believe the children used to engage in sex. Six managed to escape when we arrived.

“Some of the minors were dressing up when we got to the house. They had turned the house into a brothel.

“I mobilised my team and went to the house. We locked the door and called police officers who came in a vehicle and arrested the children. The owner of the house, Patrick Ayieko was also arrested for allowing children to conduct immoral activities within his compound."

They were all taken to Homa Bay Police Station but were later released because of lack of space.

Homa Bay Sub County Police Commander Sammy Koskey who also confirmed the incident, said that they have summoned the parents and guardians of the children to report to the police station on Monday July 6.

Kanye West announces 2020 presidential bid and Elon Musk endorses him

Kanye West has announced his plans to run for president in 2020.
The 43-year-old Billionaire rapper made the announcement on Saturday night, July 4, via his official Twitter account.

He wrote: “We must now realize the promise of America by trusting God, unifying our vision and building our future. I am running for president of the United States! #2020VISION."

The announcement was endorsed by Tesla and SpaceX CEO, Elon Musk who tweeted: “You have my full support!” Recall that at the MTV VMAs in 2015, West first announced that he would be running for president in 2020. “As you probably could have guessed by this moment, in 2020, I have decided to run for president,” he said.

Last November, during a speech at the Fast Company Innovation Festival, he announced again he would be running in 2024. When the audience laughed at his announcement, West replied, “What y’all laughing at? We would create so many jobs! I’m not going to run, I’m going to walk.”

Six dead, two missing as boat going to Ikorodu capsizes in Lagos(photos)

Six persons were confirmed dead in the early hours of Saturday, while two passengers were declared missing after a commercial boat enroute Ikorodu, Lagos, capsized in the wee hours of Friday, 3rd of July, 2020 at Ipakodo ferry terminal.

The six adult females that lost their lives to the incident were later recovered by local divers. The boat captain and his assistant could not be found as search and rescue effort is ongoing to recover the victims. All efforts by the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) Team to get the manifest of the boat proved abortive as the LASWA Officials at Ikorodu jetty could not establish the number of passengers on board from Ebute – Ero. The 20 capacity passenger boat with the name LALEK MARINE, is suspected to have left Ebute Ero jetty around 8 p.m, which is two hours after approved sailing time of 6 p.m.

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, distances self from Hushpuppi

Former Nigerian Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has denied having any affiliation with embattled alleged fraudster, Hushpuppi.

Recently, ruling party, APC released a statement in which it urged the EFCC and other security agencies to investigate the links between Hushpuppi and some PDP chieftains.

The party in its statement stated that Hushpuppi has been photographed with Atiku and some other PDP stalwarts like Bukola Saraki, Dino Melaye, and Yakubu Dogara and so they should be investigated to determine if they have any link with the socialite. Reacting to the statement by the ruling party, Paul Ibe, media aide to the former Vice President, said the photo of Atiku and Hushpuppi making the rounds was a mere photo-op and not at any meeting as is being speculated. Read the statement from Ibe below,

It is curious that the All Progressives Congress is mischievously trying to link Atiku Abubakar to the alleged fraudster, Ramon Abbas, AKA Hushpuppi, simply because he was photographed with Atiku at an event where many Nigerians had gathered.

For the avoidance of doubt, it was a mere photo-op and not at any meeting as being ingloriously speculated. We would advise the APC and Mr. Nabena to be very mindful of such senseless statements in the future especially as the case under reference is a subject of litigation in another country.

Had they been more sensitive, they would have come to terms with the reality that the case is a national embarrassment – not something to cheer about for any political blackmail.”

“Genevieve is an average actress. Adesua’s acting is underwhelming” – Nigerian Journalist

A Nigerian journalist has shared his opinion on the acting dexterity of Nollywood actresses, Genevieve Nnaji and Adesua Etomi.

Gimba Kakanda on Twitter opines that veteran actress, Genevieve Nnaji is an average actress and there isn’t anything extraordinarily spectacular about her acting. He also said the same for Adesua Etomi but says her acting career is still quite early for her to be judged.

He wrote, Genevieve is actually an average actress, there’s nothing extraordinarily spectacular about her acting. You should be talking about someone like Mercy Johnson if you want to talk about someone much more talented, and above the league of Adesua.

I watched Sugar Rush when it hit the cinema, and I didn’t find Adesua Etomi’s acting underwhelming as some have observed. She’s your everyday Nollywood actress, nothing spectacular but commendable. It’s too soon to judge her fairly because we haven’t seen the extent of her range.

Adesua is yet to be stretched in the fashion of, say, the incredibly talented Mercy Johnson. She’s unlikely to have Mercy’s range, and talent, but her difference with actresses like Genevieve is the one between six and half a dozen. She’s a Genevieve with less movies and stardom.

Bukola Saraki distances himself from Hushpuppi

Bukola Saraki distances himself from Hushpuppi following APC's call for an investigation into his alleged link with the suspected fraudster

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has distanced himself from Hushpuppi after the ruling All Progressives Congress APC called for an investigation into his alleged links with the suspected fraudster who was recently arrested in the United Arab Emirates and extradited to the United States.

APC in a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary Yekini Nabena today July 4, called on the relevant security agencies to investigate the links Hushpuppi had with some PDP stalwarts.

The party said the investigation is necessary considering the fact that many of PDP chieftains had several meetings in Dubai ahead of the 2019 general elections.

The statement read in part;

''That the PDP leadership turned Dubai into their “Strategic” meeting place ahead of the 2019 general elections in Nigeria and “Hushpuppi’s” affinity with the PDP leadership is not mere coincidence.

At different times, “Hushpuppi” was been photographed in Dubai meeting with the PDP’s 2019 presidential candidate, Alh. Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President, Bukola Saraki; former Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; Senator Dino Melaye among other PDP stalwarts.

While relevant authorities investigate the nature of their relationship and business partnership, we also challenge the PDP leadership to do same by opening up on the nature of the relationship, particularly the kind of services the arrested “Hushpuppi” provided them.'' APC's statement read

In a swift reaction, Saraki in a statement released by his media aide, Yusuph Olaniyonu, described as irresponsible and cheap politics the statement from APC in which it tried to link him with Hushpuppi.

Saraki in the statement said he has no form of association with the said suspect, Ramon Abbas otherwise known as Hushpuppi and neither does he know him in any way.

“The statement credited to the APC, the ruling party in our country, is one of the ways by which our anti-graft agencies are weakened and why the fight against corruption in the country is often viewed with 

suspicion by the international community. This is because when these cyber-crime suspects were operating freely and openly displaying wealth, the APC saw nothing bad in their activities. Also, the party at that time did not deem it necessary to call on the anti-graft agencies to investigate their activities.

Also, since the arrest of those cyber crime suspects and the subsequent damage to the image and the economy of Nigeria as well as the crisis it created for Nigerians engaged in lawful businesses across the world, the ruling party had been muted. The only time the APC deemed it necessary to make a statement was when it thought it should play dirty, cheap and irresponsible politics.

Dr. Saraki was the only political leader who has publicly made a statement through an Op-Ed article published in the Daily Trust newspaper of July 1, 2020 titled “Cyber Criminals: Confronting The Few Who Dent Many” and this opinion article had been widely circulated online and on other platforms. In that article, he strongly condemned the activities of these cyber criminals and called on the law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to make decisive interventions to checkmate their activities. He has also got a research institution, the Politeia Institute, whose board he chairs to commence a research on the best ways to tackle the menace.

Such a noble intervention in tackling a menace is what Dr. Saraki believes in, not mudslinging and playing politics at the expense of the nation’s image. At this point, we call on the APC leadership to rein in the so-called Yekini Nabena and compel him to desist from making and circulating such malicious, odious and offensive claims”, the statement concluded.