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A onetime Somali refugee and the daughter of Palestinian immigrants shared the historic distinction Tuesday of becoming the first two Muslim women elected to the US Congress. Both women -- Ilhan Omar, 37, and Rashida Tlaib, 42 -- are Democrats from the Midwest and outspoken advocates of minority communities that have found themselves in the sights of US President Donald Trump's anti-immigrant policies.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is probing Senate President Bukola Saraki, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State and the Accountant-General of the state over how a N17-billion bond secured by the State Government was spent. The anti-graft agency suspects that part of the funds may have been diverted into private use. The bond was intended to cover 13 projects and loan refinancing package during the tenures of Saraki as governor and Ahmed,his successor. The investigation is digging into what has become of the N2billion Asa Dam Mixed Use Development Project and the Ilorin Water Distribution Project which has gulped N3.736billion but without water to drink by residents. The EFCC has already interrogated the Secretary to the State Government, two Permanent Secretaries, the Accountant-General of the state, and about three contractors. All those invited were said

European Champions Real Madrid have announced that Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has left the club to join Serie A champions Juventus. It had been widely reported that CR7 wanted to leave Real Madrid after Portugal exited from the World Cup. Juventus swooped in and have reportedly offered €105 million for the 33-year-old star.

An unidentified gunman has shot dead a Nigerian, Lawrence Ozumba, in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The assailant was said to have made his way into Ozumba’s compound on July 6 and requested to see him after which he shot him six times resulting in his death. The Consulate General, Nigeria High Commission in South Africa condemned the incident and asked South African authorities to unravel the mystery behind the dastardly act. The Vice-Consul, Information and Culture at the Embassy, David Abraham, said in a statement on Sunday that efforts should be made by the police and other relevant agencies to apprehend the assailant and bring him to justice. He called on Nigerians in South Africa to cooperate with the police and judicial officers in their

The Spanish FA (RFEF) has announced that Fernando Hierro will not continue in the post of Spain head coach following the country's last-16 exit at the hands of Russia at World Cup 2018. Hierro was hastily ushered into the position after the sacking of Julen Lopetegui just days before the competition began, which followed the announcement that his predecessor would take up a role with Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappe upstaged Lionel Messi as France recorded a 4-3 win over Argentina in a topsy-turvy last-16 clash to open the knockout stages at the World Cup. Teenager Mbappe was in devastating form in the heavyweight clash in Kazan, scoring two second-half goals to bring Argentina's tumultuous campaign

The one-year-old son of Nigerian music star D'banj has drowned in a pool at his home in the commercial city of Lagos, local media report. D'banj did not directly confirm the Sunday incident but posted a black image on his Instagram account with the caption: "Trying Times. But my God is Always and Forever Faithful." He was in Los Angeles attending the BET awards

Nigeria has overtaken India as the country with the largest number of people living in extreme poverty, a new report by the World Poverty Clock has said. According to the report, extreme poverty in Nigeria is growing by six people every minute, the highest number in the world. India on the other hand, is witnessing a decline in its level of extreme poverty. At the end of May (2018), the survey showed that Nigeria had an estimated 87 million people in extreme poverty, compared to India’s 73 million. The report further stated that in Africa, D.R Congo may soon overtake India as number two, while Africa may be home to additional 3.2 million people living in

The 18th annual BET Awards, where African Americans and other American minorities are honoured for their work in acting, music and entertainment, went live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California.

Some of you would wondering why i decided to post this today it took me a while to get this, we are youth and we should learn to advice ourselves and learn one or two things from each other.      The time of youth is the prime time in anyone's life. It is a great privilege to be young. Many old people do envy the youth. they wish they could return to being young again; and that is why they try to do whatever they can to look young.

In Tanzania, a thief in handed himself over to the police after a bag he stole from an old woman got stuck on his head and refused to get off his head.

LMAO Singer brymo former choc city signee rocks G-string for a video shoot What are your view on this guys?

A day after hundreds of thousands of people protested gun violence at March for Our Lives events in the US and around the globe, Pope Francis called on the world's youth to continue speaking out and standing up. "Dear young people, you have it in you to shout," the Pope said in his Palm Sunday address at St. Peter's Square in Rome.

American television personality and film star Oprah Winfrey has offered advice to Lionel Messi on how he can win the World Cup with Argentina. Messi is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, but his detractors often point to the fact he has never won international football's biggest trophy in order to rule out his eligibility as the best ever. Argentina's best finish during the Messi era came four years ago when they knocked out Belgium and the Netherlands en route to the final, only to come undone by Germany after extra time in Rio de Janeiro. The 64-year-old urged the Barcelona superstar to find his inner strength to achieve his biggest feat to date, telling Pronto: "Messi this message is for you, and it's something you already have to know in advance. "You have to go deep, deep inside of you to find all the strength you have inside. Messi, be a warrior." Winfrey's co-star in new film A Wrinkle in Time, Reese Witherspoon, a...

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti has complained about what he perceives to be double standards in refereeing, arguing that Lionel Messi rarely gets booked for dissent. The Italy international midfielder picked up his 50th booking in Ligue 1 on Sunday against Nice but was the high-profile recipient of a red card against Real Madrid in the Champions League earlier this month. He was dismissed for arguing with the referee – a favourite reason for being cautioned by the fiery midfielder. While it has drawn criticism from fans, Verratti has defended himself. “It was a bad reaction but I didn't insult anybody, whereas Messi goes around pointing his finger in the referee's face and doesn't even get punished,” he told Gazzette dello Sport . “But anyway, I need to improve “I got it wrong against Real, but it was a red card out of frustration and sometimes referees could be more tolerant.”

Anthony Martial’s agent admits he “can’t confirm” that the Frenchman will be staying at Manchester United amid talk of interest from Juventus. The 22-year-old has seen his Old Trafford future called into question after facing mounting competition for places. Jose Mourinho is also expected to spend big again over the summer, with the Red Devils preparing for another squad refresh. Philippe Lamboley, director of UFSA management, told Ilbianconero.com on his client’s future: “I can’t confirm Martial will remain at Old Trafford next season, I am sorry but I can’t add anything else about it. “Martial’s objective is to win the FA Cup and to finish in second place with Manchester United. That way the Red Devils would qualify for the Champions League.” He added: “I’ve never met Juventus chiefs and Doyen Sports do not represent the interest of Martial. Everything that was reported by Italian media is fake news.” Martial has contributed 11 goals and 10 assists to the United cause thi...

Real Madrid and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo again hit back at his critics after winning yet another individual award. Ronaldo was named the best Portuguese player of 2017 on Monday, beating Sporting CP goalkeeper Rui Patricio and Manchester City star Bernardo Silva. The 33-year-old claimed a record-equalling fifth Ballon d'Or last year, having helped Madrid win La Liga and the Champions League. Ronaldo is finding form again late this campaign and the superstar forward dismissed his critics. "I am grateful for this award to all those who are here," he said. "It is also an award for all my colleagues — 2017 was an excellent year, unforgettable both collectively and individually." "I also won my fifth Ballon d'Or and my second The Best award. I also dedicate it to my four children. That's another record — three children in three months. "We have to defend what is ours because there is always a Portuguese in the fight. "I alw...

Yesterday, users in Iran lost access to Apple's App Store. When users attempted to connect or download apps, they received a message saying that the App Store was "unavailable in the country or region" in which they resided. The cessation of services began around noon GMT yesterday, and services resumed around 5:00am GMT this morning, according to social media posts and sources who spoke with Bleeping Computer. A virtual private network (VPN) could still reach the App Store normally.  Media coverage and social media posts were quick to speculate that the store's downtime was an Apple-imposed ban driven by US economic sanctions against Iran, as Apple is based in the US. However, we are not yet aware of evidence to support this. An accidental outage is also possible, as is a block imposed by Iran's government—Iran has previously blocked the Google Play store, though that block was later lifted. Apple has not responded to our requests for clarification. Because of...

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has raised alarm about an illegal voter registration centre discovered in Offa, Kwara State. According to the Commission, the culprits of the illegal act were using Corel Draw application to change the particulars in a scanned INEC PVC. Paul Atser, INEC’s Administrative Secretary said in a statement on Friday that, “It has come to the notice of Independent National Electoral Commission, Kwara State that some unscrupulous persons are carrying out illegal registration of voters in Offa Local Government area,” Atser said. INEC added that a suspect arrested in connection with the crime is undergoing interrogation by the police.

The African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL), has called on the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, to urgently intervene and void the sack of a lecturer, Mr Joseph Akeju, whose appointment was terminated by the governing council of Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech), Lagos, for exposing corrupt practices at the institution. Mr. Akeju, a Chief Lecturer in the Department of Accountancy at Yabatech was dismissed for seven years for using his position then, as bursar, to expose corrupt practices at the College. Although he was recalled in 2016 after the Minister of Education gave the directive for his immediate reinstatement, Akeju who has worked for 31 years at Yabatech may be denied his entitlements due to the recent termination of his appointment by the college’s governing council, just a few days to his retirement.

The General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, on Friday expressed displeasure with the mindless killings of people by Fulani herdsmen in Benue State and other parts of the country. Adeboye, alongside his wife, Folu, made his feelings known when he visited Benue to condole with Governor Samuel Ortom and pray for the government and people of the state over the killings by suspected herdsmen. The cleric called for a halt to the killings. Speaking to the gathering, Pastor Adeboye said he did not visit the state before the President did so that politicians would not read meaning into his action. He said Benue State was very dear to his heart and that he had felt every pain the people felt, saying he wept when he saw the people weeping. He said, “Of course, no man of God will see a mass burial anywhere and not feel the pains of the people affected. We want these killings to stop. Happily, we know someone who can stop it. He is the almighty God, He does not...

Unai Emery says Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez should be asked about Neymar's future at Paris Saint-Germain. Neymar has been heavily linked with Madrid since becoming the world's most expensive footballer by joining PSG from Barcelona for €222 million in August. Madrid full-back Dani Carvajal has said he would sign Neymar for the Liga giants, while Casemiro suggested his fellow Brazilian could play in the same team as Cristiano Ronaldo. But with Neymar on the sidelines due to a broken bone in his foot and Pérez reported to have met with the player's father in Brazil, a frustrated Emery no longer wants to be asked about the PSG forward. "I think I have answered questions on this subject about 30 times in press conferences," Emery told reporters on Friday. "The PSG project is very strong with Neymar in it. "As for Real Madrid? I don't know, ask Florentino."

Sergio Busquets is a doubt for Barcelona's Champions League quarter-final first leg after being ruled out for approximately three weeks with a fractured toe. The Spain international was injured during the second half of Barca's 3-0 defeat of Chelsea on Wednesday, which sealed a 4-1 aggregate victory in the last 16. Busquets was replaced by Andre Gomes shortly after the hour mark at Camp Nou and was subsequently sent for tests, with Barca confirming the defensive midfielder has suffered a fracture to "the phalanx of the fifth toe of his right foot". It means Busquets faces a fitness battle ahead of the first leg of the Champions League quarters, which take place on April 3 and 4, while it will also rule him out Spain's internationals against Germany and Argentina this month.

Antonio Conte hopes any decision on his Chelsea future will not rest on trophy triumphs, with another route to silverware closed in the Champions League. The Blues crashed out of European competition at the hands of Barcelona on Wednesday, with a 3-0 reversal at Camp Nou condemning them to a 4-1 aggregate defeat. The FA Cup now represents Chelsea’s last opportunity to get their hands on a major prize, with the reigning Premier League champions having staged a forgettable defence of their domestic crown. He told Mediaset when quizzed on his future following a disappointing defeat to Barca: “It's not about winning or not. “I think that a coach's work should be judged on the development of his players and what you see in terms of the value of the squad, not trophies. Chelsea can do better, but the team is growing.” “Luck appears to have turned its back on us this season, even though I don't like to pin everything on misfortune,” he added “But I do think [the Barcel...

The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed that England will tour Sri Lanka for 5 ODIs, a one-off T20I and 3 Tests in October later this year. The tour will start on October 10 and conclude on November 27. England will have about 8 days to acclimatise to the conditions before they play the  October 10 - 1st ODI, Dambulla.  October 13 - 2nd ODI, Dambulla  October 17 - 3rd ODI, Kandy  October 20 - 4th ODI, Kandy  October 23 - 5th ODI, Colombo    One-off T20I in Colombo November 6-10 - 1st Test, Galle  November 14-18 - 2nd Test, Kandy  November 23-27 - 3rd Test, Colombo

According to the state government, commercial fee charge is reduced by 50 percent, while owner occupier third-party fee is reduced by 25 percent and the owner-occupier fee charge is reduced by 15 percent. This was made known after the executive council meeting which was held today at the State House. Earlier, the Lagos State government had clarified the figures on the rate for the newly reviewed Land Use Charge Law of 2018. The state government said that many of the numbers were based on several years of arrears on the levy not paid by affected property owners. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Kehinde Bamigbetan, made the clarification to newsmen. He decried the misconceptions and misinformation about the new law, describing the law as a progressive enactment duly made by the House of Assembly and handed over to the executive for implementation in the overall interest of the people. The commissioner specifically dismissed the humongous figures being bandied about on ...

Three days after President Muhammadu Buhari visited Benue State, the state government has said the visit did not rekindle any hope in the people. Special Adviser to Governor Samuel Ortom on Media and ICT, Mr Tahaz Agerzua, stated said on Thursday during his appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily. “We appreciate the visit, but we didn’t get any hope,” he said. “In Benue State, the President did not condole with us." "We appreciate that he was able to take his time and come and sit down for several hours to listen to the stakeholders, but he did not sympathise with the families,” the governor’s aide added. The President’s visit to Benue comes weeks after some communities in Guma and Logo Local Government Areas of the state were attacked by suspected herdsmen. After conducting a mass burial for at least 70 persons in the wake of the killings, the state government is preparing to bury more victims of the attacks.

Rapper Olamide Adedeji popularly known as ‘Baddo,’ on Thursday, announced the launch of his Television Channel, `Voice Of The Streets’. The science student crooner who is set to launch the new station said it is ‘a birthday gift to myself’. Olamide dedicated the station to his family, especially his late mother who passed away recently, his son and his record label YBNL. Olamide, 29, shared the news through his instagram handle @baddosneh, where he wrote, “I dedicate this television station to my late mum and dad. Thanks for letting me chase my dream." Olamide announced that the station ‘VOTS’ will be available on Play TV from Thursday, March 15, 2018. The rapper, who has been described as ‘the voice of the streets’, proposed to his long-time partner and mother of his son a week ago.

A Chinese TV presenter has become an internet sensation as she hasn't seemed to age a day despite having been on screen for more than two decades. Yang Dan, a weather girl from China's state broadcaster, looks no different today than her 22-year-old self in her first show in 1996. Incredibly youthful Ms Yang, who is now 44 years old, has been hailed as an 'ageless goddess' after a compilation video of her was shared online by the China Central Television Station. The video was posted onto Weibo, the Chinese equivalent to Twitter, by the weather programme in order to mark the International Women's Day yesterday. It shows Ms Yang's age-defying looks over 22 years since 1996 when John Major was the Prime Minister of UK, Bill Clinton was the US President and internet was still a strange thing. The weather programme wrote in the post: 'Many web users have grown up watching her show. They marvelled why they have grown older but she hasn't.

Finland has overtaken Norway to become the happiest nation on earth, according to a UN report. The 2018 World Happiness Report also charts the steady decline of the US as the world’s largest economy grapples with a crisis of obesity, substance abuse and depression. The study reveals the US has slipped to 18th place, five places down on 2016. The top four places are taken by Nordic nations, with Finland followed by Norway, Denmark and Iceland. Burundi in east Africa, scarred by bouts of ethnic cleansing, civil wars and coup attempts, is the unhappiest place in the world. Strikingly, there are five other nations – Rwanda, Yemen, Tanzania, South Sudan and the Central African Republic – which report happiness levels below that of even Syria. For the first time the UN also examined the happiness levels of immigrants in each country, and found Finland also scored highest. “Finland has vaulted from fifth place to the top of the rankings this year,” said the report’s authors, although they...

Lionel Messi scored his 100th Champions League goal in Barcelona's last-16 second leg against Chelsea, joining Cristiano Ronaldo as the only players to hit that illustrious milestone. The Argentine star scored his 99th goal in Europe's top club competition in the third minute at the Camp Nou on Wednesday, slipping a near-post shot between the legs of Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to mark the fastest goal of his career for club and country. And after setting up an Ousmane Dembele strike, Messi hit the century mark in the 63rd minute with a second nutmeg of Courtois. That tally capped Barca's 3-0 win on the night, with the La Liga leaders advancing via a 4-1 aggregate triumph. Messi and Ronaldo are now the only players with 100 Champions League goals, though the Barca star managed the feat in 123 matches — 14 fewer than the 137 games his Real Madrid counterpart needed to reach the threshold.

Libya has issued 205 arrest warrants for Libyans and foreigners suspected of being involved in a smuggling network for migrants heading to Europe. The Libyan attorney general's office said the network included members of the security services, migrant detention camp leaders, and officials from African embassies in Libya. The country has become a key point on the route of hundreds of thousands of sub-Saharan African migrants trying to reach Europe by sea. The investigations into smuggling networks are being carried out in conjunction with the Italian prosecutor's office after a joint unit - pooling intelligence, coastguard and justice resources - was set up last year by the two countries. The director of the attorney general's investigations office, Seddik al-Sour, said many immigration department officials had been found to be involved "There are 205 warrants against the persons who organised the illegal immigration and the human trafficking, and the torture,...

The Kaduna government in collaboration with Teacher Development Programme, TDP is currently conducting an induction and orientation program for new teachers employed by the state. The program, which is expected to last eight days involves training of 25,000 newly employed teachers to familiarize them with the national teaching curriculum. The orientation program is being held in 135 centres simultaneously across the state with teachers being taken in batches. Speaking to SaharaReporters, the Communications Officer of TDP, Chinedu Anarado, said the program is meant to equip teachers with basic skills and help them deliver their works effectively. Chinedu said, “What we are trying to achieve is that the next batch of teachers who are coming into the system should have a clear understanding of topics at basic education level. We equip them with the right set of skills and classroom management to be able to deliver effectively.”

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has raised alarm that a lot of “fake marriages’’ are taking place in the country. Mr Muhammad Babandede, Comptroller General of the agency who revealed this in Abuja on Wednesday stated that male foreigners were mostly involved in the act. According to him, the aim was to cheat on the conditions for the issuance of residence and work permits to foreigners by the agency. He explained: “We have observed that foreigners, especially men, are trying to beat the system of issuance of residence permits. A lot of fake or `arranged’ marriages are going on, and that would give them permission to stay in this country without much liabilities. The advantage is that when you are the spouse of a Nigerian, you have no limitation on the job you will do; you don’t have to pay residence permit fees; it is easier for you to stay." Babandede said NIS had arrested some culprits. But he added that the agency has introduced measures to check the abuse. Accord...

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians that the Federal Government will not rest until all the Chibok and Dapchi schoolgirls in the Boko Haram custody are released and reunited with their families. The President said this on Wednesday during a meeting with the Yobe State Governor, Mr Ibrahim Gaidam, as well as the parents of the missing Dapchi schoolgirls at the Government House in Damaturu, the state capital. Also present at the meeting are traditional rulers, community leaders, and top government officials among other stakeholders in Yobe. The Federal Government had confirmed that 110 students were unaccounted for after Boko Haram terrorists invaded the Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC), Dapchi, in February. President Buhari, who paid a condolence visit to the state, sympathised with the families of those whose children were abducted by the insurgents. On measures put in place to secure their release, he disclosed that he has ordered the service chief...

Scores of people are feared dead, following a suicide bomb attack and multiple explosions in Maiduguri on Wednesday. A member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) told SaharaReporters that the explosions occurred at about 8.33pm in Allahkanti behind Giwa barracks area of the Borno State capital. A rescue worker told Saharareporters that six persons were injured but the number of those killed could not be ascertained at the time of filing the report. "We can't yet ascertain the number of those casualties. They were many and six persons were injured. The bomber struck less than a kilometre to Giwa Barracks," said the rescue. Saharareporters gathered that two loud explosions rang out, with some sources claiming that the came from Improvised Explosive Device on the bodies of two female suicide bombers.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has barred the National Assembly from taking further action or proceeding with the Electoral Act Amendment Bill. The restraining order was issued on Wednesday, March 14, by Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the High Court. This ruling is a sequel to an oral application made in a suit filed by the Accord Party against the National Assembly, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In the ruling, the court ordered the parties to “maintain status quo ante bellum” that stays every proceeding pending the determination of the motion on notice filed by the Accord party. The matter has been adjourned to March 20 for the hearing of the motion on notice filed by the plaintiff.

                                                               Lionel Messi brought up 100 Champions League goals with a strike in each half as Barcelona dumped Chelsea out of the competition with a 3-0 win at Camp Nou. The sides were locked together at 1-1 after Messi's equaliser in the first leg of the last-16 tie at Stamford Bridge and Antonio Conte's men held their own for long periods once again, only to be undermined by uncharacteristic defensive errors. Messi scored the earliest goal of his professional career in the third minute, with Ousmane Dembele opening his Barcelona account in style to ground an encouraging Chelsea response. Thibaut Courtois was tamely beaten in the first instance and Barca's ruthless qualities on the break were in full view as Dembele clattered into the top corner and Messi secured his...

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Rev. Akpen Leva, Benue State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has revealed that herdsmen have destroyed over 500 churches in different parts of the state since 2011. He said this in Makurdi on Tuesday, adding that most worshippers at the affected churches were also displaced as a result of the crisis. His statement reads: “The destruction cuts across Catholic, Pentecostal, NKST, Anglican and several other churches located in areas affected by the crisis. The level of destruction is actually worrisome and that is the more reason why there is every need for the Federal Government to consider availing these churches some form of compensation so that we can rebuild the affected structures and also effect repairs on others." “Majority of those affected in the crisis are Christians, which means that the Church also carries the burden of contributing its widow’s mite to the upkeep of the close to 170,000 persons displaced in the state as a result of the crisis. ...

Mr. Simon Angyol, the Management Committee Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau state has been sacked over incessant killings in his locality. Governor Simon Lalong informed lawmakers of the sack of the local government chairman in a letter to the State’s House of Assembly on Tuesday. “Following certain unpleasant development in the management of Bokkos local government council, I wish to seek approval for the removal of Mr. Simon Angyol as Management Committee Chairman of the Council. I also wish to seek your approval to appoint Mr. Tamai Simon as the new Management Committee Chairman of the Council,” he stated. The lawmakers approved the removal of Angyol and appointment of Simon in accordance with the request of the governor.

An official from Nigeria’s state oil company, NNPC said on Tuesday that refinery overhaul projects will begin in the country as soon as the second quarter of 2018. The Chief Operating Officer of Refineries and Petrol Chemicals in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Anibor O. Kragha said the company will get Nigeria’s refineries to begin functioning at 90% capacity by the end of 2019. “We are working with consortia right now, negotiating terms, trying to finalize the time sheets so that we can access the money… through the end of 2019. He revealed this at a meeting of the African Refiners Association in Cape Town- South Africa. “We are working with consortia right now, negotiating terms, trying to finalize the time sheets so that we can access the money… through the end of 2019, when we believe we will have the minimum 90 percent capacity utilization in place, he disclosed.” Cragha said the government-owned corporation will start overhauling the refineries by the 2n...

President Muhammadu Buhari has summoned and met with the Inspector-General of Police to ask him why he did not follow his directives The correspondent of Benue said that the IGP spent less than a day before moving to nassarawa where he spent more time The President called the IGP on Tuesday morning he was the first person to be called to the Villa. The IGP spent at least 30minutes behind closed doors

One of the world's most famous astrophysicists Stephen Hawking passed away early this morning. He was 76. His scientific works include a collaboration with Roger Penrose on gravitational singularity theorems in the framework of general relativity and the theoretical prediction that black holes emit radiation, often called Hawking radiation. Hawking was the first to set out a theory of cosmology explained by a union of the general theory of relativity and quantum mechanics. He is a vigorous supporter of the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics. Hawking is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), a lifetime member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the US. In 2002, Hawking was ranked number 25 in the BBC's poll of the 100 Greatest Britons. His book A Brief History of Time appeared on the British Sunday Times best-seller list for a record-breaking 237 weeks. ...

Pep Guardiola's men could clinch the crown at the Etihad Stadium against none other than their arch-rivals, a chance Kompany is raring to grab.    Vincent Kompany says Manchester City's squad are well aware they could have a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to win the Premier League title against rivals Manchester United next month. "I think everybody in the blue side of Manchester knows it's a once in a lifetime opportunity," said City's captain. "But steady, we've one more game before United, which will be difficult, and then we see. I'm sure it won't be handed to us. It's that time of year where you feel every win takes you one step close to your goal." "The manager said it before the game, we'll look to keep this standard until end of season and hopefully into next season as well.

A journalist, Umukoro Akpobaro, has released a suicide note he received from his wife who reportedly ingested insecticide to facilitate her death. This is coming following accusations leveled against him by the deceased, Peace. It was alleged that Akpobaro killed his partner over reports of cheating but her last note made available to him via WhatsApp proved this to be false. She died in Iwhrekpokpor, Ughelli, Delta State, says reports. A conversation between the pair revealed a woman disturbed by a huge debt settlement. This provided a motivation for a suicide text that saw her make an appeal for a befitting burial. Her message bore a semblance of one who is depressed and feels overwhelmed by what appeared to her as an insurmountable challenge. Maxwell Johnmark, the elder of the deceased had earlier alleged murder following allegations that the journalist had earlier made threats to kill her. Two children survived by the children can confirm this he claims. She reportedly c...

Presidential spokesperson, Femi Adesina, has said that it remains an allegation that the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, failed to heed President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive to relocate to Benue. The IGP was ordered by President Buhari to relocate to Benue shortly after the January killings in the state. But the IGP was said to have spent less than a day in the state before moving to Nasarawa. Reacting to the development and the criticism that trailed the president’s comment, the presidential spokesman said the alleged disobedience is yet to be confirmed. “They were in the realm of allegations until the key stakeholders mentioned it yesterday. They were just allegations as far as I’m concerned,” he said on a Channels Television programme, Sunrise Daily, on Tuesday. “Even now, they are still in the realm of allegations until we hear from the IGP.” Speaking further on the matter, he said: “It’s in the public domain that he went from Benue to Nasarawa but nobody knew th...

25 people have again been killed Monday night at Dundu village, Kwall District of Bassa local government area of Plateau State. There has been renewed attacks by people residents say are Fulani men in that local government area in the last one week and some of those killed were scheduled to be given a mass burial today. The fresh attack claimed the lives of 19 men, three women and three children but the State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mathias Tyopev who confirmed the incident stated the figure is uncertain. Tyopev said, “Yes, there has been an attack but right now, we don’t have the figure but the DCP Operations is on his way to the village to ascertain the true position. Once we establish the fact, I’ll get back to you.”

Jose Mourinho has warned Real Madrid they will be wasting their time if they attempt to lure David de Gea away from Manchester United this summer. De Gea has just 18 months to run on the four-year contract he signed in September 2015 following the collapse of a move to Real due to paperwork not being submitted before the transfer window in Spain closed. But Mourinho wants to keep the Spanish No 1 at Old Trafford and is confident he can do so. "I see him here - I don't know what the intentions are of Real Madrid but they should think about another player," Mourinho said. De Gea will be in action for United on Tuesday when they host Sevilla in the second leg of their last-16 tie in the Champions League.

Manchester United midfieder Scott McTominay has earned his first Scotland call-up for their upcoming friendlies with Costa Rica and Hungary. The 21-year-old is eligible for both Scotland and England, with his emergence under Jose Mourinho leading to much conjecture over which nation he should choose to play for. Lancaster-born McTominay has previously stated he sees his international future with the country of his father and reportedly pledged to represent Scotland this month following a meeting Alex McLeish. And he is in line to make his debut for Scotland after McLeish included him as one of six new faces in his first squad since being re-appointed as manager in February.

Southampton have parted ways with manager Mauricio Pellegrino, the club confirmed on Monday. Assistant manager Carlos Compagnucci and assistant first team coach Xavier Tamarit have also parted company with the club. After 30 matches the club sit 17th in the Premier League and face a relegation fight in the closing run with Crystal Palace and Stoke both just one point back. Under Pellegrino, Southampton have not won a home Premier League fixture since November. A 3-0 loss to Newcastle on Saturday seems to have been the final straw for Pellegrino, who joined the club last summer on a three-year contract.

Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has announced that he is to retire at the end of an upcoming campaign with Phoenix Rising. The iconic Ivorian striker will take part in the 2018 USL season, but will then hang up his boots. "It's really a pleasure for me to play. I started late at the top level. I really enjoy playing. I like my role of owner-player a lot. I'm surrounded by a lot of youngsters, and I like passing my know-how on to them. But this season is the last. I'm 40, it's time now, " said the Ivorian. Drogba could return to France at some stage, with a non-playing position at Marseille appealing to a man who has achieved just about everything on the field. He added: "We'll have to see what is offered. I'm always ready to help. "In any case, Marseille are showing good things this year. Rudi Garcia's project is taking shape, they're building a team with young players. It's excellent to stay in the top three with a team l...

Brazil coach Tite named some new faces were included in his Brazil squad that will meet Russia and Germany this month. Brazil face Russia in Moscow on March 23 before facing Germany in Berlin on March 27. Given that this a final chance for the players to secure a spot in the World Cup sqaud, Valencia goalkeeper Neto, Besiktas star Anderson Talisca and Real Sociedad forward Willian Jose have joined the Selecao. 📜Squad: Goalkeepers: Alssion (Roma), Ederson (Manchester City), Neto (Valencia). Full-backs: Dani Alves (PSG), Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Fagner (Corinthians). Defenders: Pedro Geromel (Gremio), Marquinhos (PSG), Miranda (Inter Milan), Rodrigo Caio (Sao Paulo), Thiago Silva (PSG). Midfielders: Casemiro (Real Madrid), Fernandinho (Manchester City), Fred (Shakhtar), Paulinho (Barcelona), Coutinho (Barcelona), Renato Augusto (Beijing Guoan), Anderson Talisca (Besiktas), Willian (Chelsea). Forwards: Douglas Costa (Juventus), Roberto Firmin...

A man suspected to be mentally challenged, Lekan Adebisi, on Monday allegedly stormed St. John’s Anglican Primary Primary School, Agodo, in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State and hacked two pupils to death. The victims were Mubarak Kalesowo, and Sunday Obituyi, and both of them were 4-year-old and were in kindergarten class. The suspect was said to have stormed the school while the pupils were on lunch break and did the havoc. Adebisi who is said to be known in the community reportedly fled the scene immediately. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed the incident. He said the Area Commander, Ogbere, Divisional Police Officers Ogbere and Abigi moved to Agodo and investigation had commenced into the incident. He said police operatives were already on the trail of the assailant, and definitely, he would be arrested. Oyeyemi, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, said when caught, the suspect would be taken to the psychiatric hospita...

President Muhammadu Buhari says he is not aware that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, left Benue State for Nasarawa State after he was ordered to relocate to the state. President Buhari said this on Monday during a meeting with some stakeholders at the Government House in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. On January 9, the President had ordered the Inspector General of Police to immediately move to Benue State to restore law and order and prevent further loss of lives and properties, due to attacks by herdsmen in the state. Although the IGP visited Benue after the President’s directive, the state government accused him of spending only one day in the state and then proceeding to Nasarawa State and spending several days there. President Buhari who was visiting the state for the first time since suspected herdsmen struck the state on New Year’s Day, killing 73 and reigniting the debate over the herdsmen-farmers clashes, said he was just learning of the alleged...

Eden Hazard believes Lionel Messi's continued brilliance means Chelsea will be able to take little comfort from Neymar no longer playing for Barcelona when the sides meet in the Champions League. "You know, they have a guy who is not from this world," he said. "He's different, a superclass. But this is not about one player, it is about the whole team." Chelsea have suffered a collective slump of late, with Hazard's fine solo goal not enough to stave off a damaging 4-1 loss at Watford last time out. Nevertheless, facing an in-form Barcelona is a prospect that sparks excitement rather than trepidation for the Belgium star.

 Russia will vote in presidential elections next month that Vladimir Putin is certain to win. Consider that statement for a moment. An election implies a contest. So how can the current president, who has already served three terms and wielded power in the Kremlin continuously since 1999, be assured of victory in advance? The answer is that Russia’s is an election in name only. In truth it is a sham and a smokescreen, designed to confer democratic respectability on to a corrupt oligarchy. For Russians accustomed to unaccountable rule from on high, this is nothing new. More surprising is the supine acquiescence, bordering on complicity, of western democracies. Putin will win on 18 March because the system he created, politely known as “managed democracy”, removes all elements of surprise. His most credible challenger, Alexei Navalny (who in any case did not expect to win), has been banned from participation on specious legal grounds.

Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber went to church together last night! The 25-year-old “Wolves” singer and the 23-year-old “Sorry” singer were spotted arriving at the same time on Wednesday (February 7) in Beverly Hills, Calif. They were also seen leaving in the same ride. Justin wore a peach-colored hoodie, black pants, and black and white sneakers, while Selena‘s outfit can be seen in full (from earlier that day) here. The duo was joined by Justin‘s pastor Carl Lentz as well.

WhatsApp has begun testing a new payments feature in India that will allow people to send money to other WhatsApp users, excluding merchant accounts. The feature is currently in beta, according to sources familiar with the company’s plans, but hasn’t been publicly announced because it’s not widely available at this time. The company has been working on support for a payments feature for some time, which would take advantage of UPI (Unified Payments Interface) and include support by a number of Indian banks, including State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, and Axis Bank. Beta testers have now found that this functionality is live, with a large list of supported banks displayed in the WhatsApp user interface.

Philippe Coutinho scored his first goal for Barcelona as they secured a 2-0 win over Valencia on Thursday and a 3-0 aggregate victory in their Copa del Rey semi-final. The Brazil international, a €160million signing from Liverpool last month, came off the bench to break the deadlock before Ivan Rakitic sealed the win and kept the Catalans' hopes of a treble alive. Coutinho was perhaps surprisingly left out of the starting line-up in favour of Andre Gomes at Mestalla as head coach Ernesto Valverde named a strong side that included Gerard Pique, who recovered in time from a knee problem. Valencia had lost their last three matches in a row but looked the more dangerous in the first half, with Rodrigo Moreno powering their best chance off the underside of the crossbar. Coutinho's half-time introduction changed the course of the game, though, the midfielder sweeping home a cross from fellow former Liverpool man Luis Suarez, who also set up his first goal for the Premier Leag...

Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has taken a swipe at the Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, over the recent killings in the state. Mr Idris had appeared before a Senate Committee on Friday to brief the lawmakers on the progress made in the effort to end the crisis between herders and farmers in Benue. It was, however, reported that the police boss allegedly blamed the recent killings by suspected herdsmen on the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law enacted by the state government. In his reaction Governor Ortom condemned the alleged comments by the IGP, saying they indicated complicity in the act and an abdication of responsibility to protect the citizens and maintain law and order. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary Terver Akase on Saturday, the governor noted that the alleged statement by Mr Idris was out of place, given the fact that the anti-open grazing law was only a fallout of the continued attacks on farming communities in...

A Nigerian in the United States, Osa Alohaneke, faces the prospect of spending the rest of his life in jail, after he was convicted by a court in Fort Bend County, Houston for the 2015 stabbing to death of his fiancée, a Cameroonian. After deliberating for some 13 hours, a jury late Friday afternoon convicted 59-year-old Osa Alohaneke in the slaying of Evelyne Ebane Epiepang, 52. Alohaneke looked down and showed no emotion when the verdict was read in court. Prosecutors alleged that Alohaneke used a kitchen knife to attack Epiepang, his fiancée, and her friend, Veronica Taku. Alohaneke, who was living at the time in a section of southwest Houston that lies in Fort Bend County, was charged with first-degree murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Jurors acquitted Alohaneke of the assault charges. Epiepang was stabbed more than 30 times and died as she called 911 operators for help. Screams echoed in the courtroom for more than four minutes when prosecutors played the 9...

Fire on Friday night gutted three duplexes in Gowon Estate, Federal Housing Authority, Egbeda, Lagos. According to News Agency of Nigeria reports, no casualty was recorded. The fire was first noticed at 7.15 pm in one of the duplexes before spreading to others. The arrival and efforts of a combined team of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency and State Fire Service officials at the scene helped put out the fire. Some of the residents commended the early arrival of the LASEMA personnel, saying that they got to the scene 30 minutes after being called. “They came with five trucks, all with sufficient water that tackled the inferno before it was finally put out,’’ the Community Development Association Chairman, Mr Nathanel Okoro, said. He also praised the DPO of the Gowon Estate Police Station, Mr Adeniyi Adedeji, for personally leading his team to the scene to provide security.

Uganda could begin enforcing the death penalty again, President Yoweri Museveni has said, 13 years after the country's last execution. Mr Museveni said his "Christian background" had prevented him from going ahead with executions, but this "leniency" was encouraging criminals. Human rights groups have warned against the move. In Uganda, 28 offences merit the death penalty, the highest in East Africa. Some 278 people are on death row. "I have not been assenting to hanging of convicts because of my Christian background but being lenient is causing people to think they can cause harm and get away with it," President Yoweri Museveni wrote on Twitter. He also said he would "hang a few" at a graduation ceremony for prison wardens in Kamapala on Thursday. "Executing prisoners won't end crime," the executive director of Uganda's Foundation for Human Rights Initiative, Livingstone Ssewanyana, told the Washington Post. "The...

For the seventh year in a row, the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has been adjudged as the richest man in Africa with a net worth that Forbes pegged at $12.2bn for 2017. That was an increase of $100m from a year earlier. Bill Gates maintained his position as the richest in the world with a net worth of $86bn, while Warren Buffet and Jeff Bezos were second and third, respectively with a net worth of $75.6bn and $72.8bn. “Dangote is looking beyond cement – his most valuable asset – and has been investing in a fertiliser production company and a large oil refinery. Dangote Fertiliser is expected to start operations in the second quarter of this year,” Forbes stated. Dangote was recently the only African selected among Bloomberg’s world 50 best persons in the year 2017. Wow I think it should be Dangote with the money oooo 😂😂

Members of the House of Representatives are alarmed over what they call the “worrisome spending plans” of the Presidential Committee on North-East Initiative, which had a budget of N45bn in 2017. Between December 2016 and May 2017 alone, the committee spent a whopping N6.1bn on “foodstuffs and catering materials,” “drugs and medical supplies,” “medical services consulting,” “refreshment and meals” and “purchasing of bulling materials.” The PCNI, a temporary intervention measure by the Federal Government, is to provide relief services to Internally Displaced Persons in the North-East. The IDPs are mainly the victims of Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East and are scattered in various camps in Borno, Adamawa, Yobe , Gombe and Bauchi states. Budget documents The PUNCH obtained in Abuja on Thursday, showed that the committee got approval to spend another N21bn in 2017 on largely the same services and got a retention of another N45bn in the 2018 budget now before the National Assembl...

The leader of a Nigerian gang responsible for the death of a British aid worker has been killed, according to the Nigerian army. A manhunt for gang leader Peregbakumo Oyawerikumo, known as Karowei, had been underway in southern Nigeria since last year. He co-ordinated the kidnap of four British missionaries in October. Three were released but one man, Ian Squire, was shot dead in captivity. Kidnapping for ransom is common in southern Nigeria though most often those taken are freed after a ransom is paid. The Foreign Office currently advises against all but essential travel to Delta state, saying there is a "high threat of criminal kidnap". A special military task force said it arrested the gang leader in a village. As the task force led him back to his camp they were ambushed and in the fighting, Karowei was killed, the army said.

Taylor Swift assembles her "A-Team" of Ed Sheeran and Future for a round of international parties in the official music video to "End Game," which dropped overnight. Joseph Kahn takes director duties for TayTay's latest glossy clip, which sees the pop star hit the party scene in Miami, Tokyo and London. The pop star also slams shots with her good pal Sheeran at a karaoke bar in Tokyo, orders kebabs and drops by a house party in London on New Year's Eve.

Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele, has been listed as a member of the cast of 2018 superhero movie Avengers: Infinity Wars, alongside international movie stars Robert Downey Jr and Chris Hemsworth. According to popular movie review website, IMDB, where the actress’ name was published, she will be a member of Dora Milaje, a team of women who serve as personal bodyguards of the Black Panther, the spiritual leader of Wakanda. While Akindele has yet to confirm the news herself, her name and picture can be found in the official cast for the movie and her appearance in it would mark the first time a Nollywood actress will be featured in a superhero movie. Yeee Go Funke aka Jenifer this is really great keep breaking records we at naijabusta loves you 😍😍

Everything seemed to be set for Alexis Sanchez to be reunited with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, but now cross-town rivals Manchester United have joined the race, according to reports. In fact, Mourinho contacted Wenger and offered Mkhitaryan as part of the deal, a player the French manager is intrigued by. The former Borussia Dortmund player could be heading to London if they can get past the issues concerning his high wages, at the moment there’s some distance between the parties. Should Arsenal and Manchester United reach an agreement, Manchester City could be left disappointed.

Contrary to the statement credited to Femi Adesina, a senior spokesperson to President Muhammadu Buhari that his son, Yusuf, was ready for "discharge" from an Abuja hospital. He was later ferried out of Nigeria through the Presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport early this morning. Yusuf is headed for treatment at St. Josef Hospital in Wiesbaden, Germany according to Presidency sources. The departure of Yusuf to Germany followed earlier departure last night by his sister, Mrs. Halima Buhari-Sherif and the official physician to the first lady, Kamal Mohammed. Both arrived Stuttgart earlier today on a Bombardier Challenger 600

James Franco is reportedly not doing well following sexual assault allegations that have recently come out against the actor. The 39-year-old The Disaster Artist, who skipped the Critics' Choice Awards on Thursday, is "in a really bad place" according to a report by People. "So bad that he changed his phone number," a source said. "His close friends are trying to be there for him but it's been hard - he's only talking to a select group of people.

I miss Jonathan ooo. Now that Buhari is the president, his wife hasn't made Nigerians laugh and forget their sorrows like first lady Dame Patience did? The   woman increased the life span of an average Nigerian. Examples of her "award winning speeches" include: 1- * Nigeria is a great CONTINENT. 2- * My husband and Sambo IS good people. 3- * I rather KILL myself than commit SUICIDE. 4- * My fellow widows. 5- * I travelled to abroad to rest in peace. 6- * My husband is the best couple on earth. 7- * The doctors are responding to treatment. 8- * For those who said I speech bad English, I left them for God. 9- * Ojukwu is dead, but his Manhood still lives on. 10- * Na only you waka come? 11- * Chai ! Chai !! Chai !!! This blood we are "sharing" 12- * diaris God o... 13- * on behave of N2million I donate my family. 14- HAPPY baiday to my Husband your days are numbered 15- *To all those who think Goodluck Jonathan has failed, I hav...

President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State over the reported killings, injury of several persons and wanton destruction of property in Guma and Logo Local Government Areas of the state in the New Year. Mr. Ortom said on Tuesday that armed herdsmen killed over 20 and injured over 30 in Benue between Monday and Tuesday in Guma and Logo local government areas. He disclosed this while addressing journalists in Makurdi after the State Council Security Meeting. On Wednesday, hundreds of Benue youth protested the killings, blocking the major entry points into the state. They called for presidential intervention to forestall future attacks. In his reaction, Mr. Buhari, while expressing sadness at the “wicked and callous” attacks, assured the governor and people of the state that relevant security agencies have been directed to do everything possible to arrest those behind the regrettable incidents and avert further attacks. “This is one attack...

Nigeria’s power transmission grid collapsed on Tuesday night, a development that led to a widespread blackout across the country. It was learnt that the collapse was due to a fire incident on the Escravos Lagos Pipeline System of the Nigerian Gas Processing and Transportation Company Limited. The incident led to a shutdown of the pipeline that supplies gas to six thermal power plants, which prompted the collapse of the country’s electricity grid at 10:20 pm on Tuesday. This was confirmed by the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing in a statement issued around 12:44 am on Wednesday. The ministry said it was regrettable that after a sustained period of increasing production and distribution of power since September 2017 to date, the Nigerian Gas Processing and Transportation Company Ltd reported a fire incident on its Escravos Lagos Pipeline System near Okada, Edo State on Tuesday, January 2, 2018. It said, “The sudden loss of generation due to interruption in gas supply fr...

Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registrar Prof Ishaq Oloyede has said no fewer than 2 million candidates are expected to register for this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME). Prof Oloyede declared that the examination body returned N7.8 billion to the Federal Government coffers from the proceeds of examination forms sold in 2017. He stated that the fund was sourced from the N12billion income made during the year. He said the board had effected changes in the  process and procedure for registration and conduct of examination for candidates to curb hitherto malpractices in the processes. The JAMB boss told reporters at the weekend  in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital. He said contrary to the insinuation that the board increased the examination fee, which enabled the milestone, the JAMB boss said the agency rather made some reductions in the fee payable for the examination. He said the examination board also significantly red...