Julius Berger Suspends Further Work on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

The Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing said on Sunday that Julius Berger Nigeria Plc had finally suspended work on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as a result of delays in the payment of agreed contract fees for work already done.

PUNCH had reported that the contractor handling the reconstruction and expansion works on the Section II from the Sagamu interchange to Ibadan, Reynolds Construction Company Nigeria Limited, with Contract No. 6205, had suspended further work on the project due to an outstanding debt of N8.94bn.

The RCC had in a letter addressed to the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, and dated June 2, 2017, called his attention to the worsening financial situation of the project and pleaded for his intervention in order to ensure the continuation of work on the site.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Appointed UK Bank Director....To Earn £130,000 Per Year

Nigeria’s former Coordinating Minister of the Economy/Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has been appointed an independent non-executive director at Standard Chartered Plc in the United Kingdom where she would be earning £130,000 per annum for her expertise in financial and development financing.

Diageo, maker of Guinness Stout and other Alchoholic Drinks says Profit after Tax Soars to £2.7bn

Diageo, the British maker of alcoholic drinks including Guinness stout, said Thursday that annual profits soared more than a fifth, aided partly by the pound weakening on Brexit uncertainty.

Profit after tax climbed 21 percent to £2.7 billion ($3.5 billion, 3.0 billion euros) in the group’s financial year to the end of June, compared with 2015/2016, Diageo announced in a results statement.

Sales rose 15 percent to £12.1 billion, helped by favourable exchange rate moves.

262 Nigerians Voluntarily Return from Libya

Two hundred and sixty-two more Nigerians voluntarily returned home from Libya on Wednesday with the help of the International Organisation for Migration and the Nigerian Embassy in Libya.

The returnees arrived aboard a chartered Libyan Airlines aircraft with registration number 5A-LAR, which landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at 10 p.m.

The returnees, who had been stranded in Libya, were made up of 108 males, 135 females, eight children and 11 infants.

They were received by officers of the Nigerian Immigration Service, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and the Police.

Also on ground to receive them were officials of the National Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

South African police arrests Woman, 24, for Rhino Horn Smuggling

South African police officials today Wednesday arrested a 24-year-old woman with 20 kilogrammes of rhino horn before boarding a flight bound for Hong Kong, a spokesman said.

The woman whose nationality has not been revealed, was detained at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport while in transit from the Zambian capital Lusaka.

Police said a luggage scanner revealed her suitcase “contained 11 pieces of rhino horn weighing approximately 20 kilogrammes.”

[PHOTOS] FLASH: PDP Governors, Others meet Buhari in London

Sequel to the news regarding some governors to visit  president Buhari in London, seven state governors on Wednesday met with ailing President Muhammadu Buhari in London.

AKONUCHE gathered that the team was led by the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and the Zamfara State governor, Abdulaziz Yari.

Alvaro Morata Passes Chelsea Medical

Spanish striker Alvaro Morata has passed his Chelsea medical ahead of his move to the Premier League champions from Real Madrid, according to Sky Sports on Friday.

The 24-year-old is now expected to fly to Singapore to link up with his new team-mates, who are preparing to play Arsenal in a friendly in Beijing.

Morata, who is expected to join in a deal worth up to £70 million ($91 million, 78 million euros) with the Blues paying £58 million up front, could make his unofficial debut against Bayern Munich in Singapore next Tuesday.

Kidnappers shot Dead During Ransom Negotiation

The Police have smashed a four-man armed kidnap syndicate terrorizing Aba and its environs.

Police detectives attached to Omoba Division got the upper hand on the syndicate on Wednesday at Ovungwu, Isiala-Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State.

Doctor Transfuses HIV-infected Blood into boy in Nasarawa

Securities officials and Civil Defense Corps in Nasarawa State have arrested an alleged fake medical doctor, Jonathan Sidi-Ibrahim, for allegedly infecting a six-year-old boy with HIV.

The incident reportedly took place in Iwashi, Dogo of Sarkin Dawaki ward in the Doma Local Government Area of the state.

The commandant of the NSCDC, Mr. Lawal Bashir-Kano, who confirmed the incident to Northern City News on Thursday, said the suspect had been operating an illegal clinic since 2015.

He said, “The suspect was arrested for operating an unregistered, illegal clinic known as Abrason Destiny Clinic.

Diamond Bank Confirms Apapa Fire Incident...Assures Customers of Safety.

The Management of Diamond Bank Plc on Wednesday confirmed that there was a fire incident as a result of Mob action at its Creek Road, Apapa branch in Lagos State.

In a press release made available to correspondents, Head, Corporate Communications, Chioma Afe, said the bank was set ablaze by an angry mob after a policeman allegedly shot dead a trailer driver outside the bank premises.

“We had a fire incident at our branch office on Creek Road, Apapa which severely damaged branch infrastructure as a result of mob action. While the situation is under control, we are working with the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to investigate actions leading to the fire incident. While these investigations are ongoing, the branch will be closed to customers for their safety and to allow for completion of all repairs”.

Police Rescue Director, others from Kidnappers’ Den in Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of four victims kidnapped by unidentified armed men last Saturday in the Kokona/Keffi Local Government Area of the state.

 DSP Kennedy Idrisu, the state Police Public Relations Officer, told Northern City News in Lafia, that the rescued victims included a director in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Sam Anzaku.

Others were Obinna Maduagwu of the Bank of Agriculture, Enugu branch, a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police, David Mathew from Lafia, and a lady, Hauwa Dahiru.

R.Kelly Denies Abusive Cult Allegations

R. Kelly has found himself at the center of damning allegations once again.

In an explosive story published by Buzzfeed on Monday (July 17), there are claims that the R&B crooner is running a sex-fueled “cult” consisting of several young women.

The jaw-dropping allegations made in the story were primarily made by the parents of the women who are allegedly being held against their will by Kelly.

One parent, who is simply referred to as “J.” in the story, recalled meeting Kelly with her daughter, an aspiring singer, backstage at a concert in Indio, California in 2015. Kelly flew J. and her teen daughter out to the concert after meeting the 19-year-old at a show in Atlanta.

JAY-Z's "4:44" Nabs The Billboard 200 Throne

JAY-Z’s critically acclaimed 13th studio album, 4:44, has hit #1 on the Billboard 200 for the week ending July 13. According to Nielsen Music, the project sold 262,296 equivalent album units and is the fourth-largest week for any album of 2017, behind the debuts of Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN. (603,000 units), Drake’s More Life (505,000) and Ed Sheeran’s Divide (451,000). 

Alexis Sanchez is going Nowhere - Arsene Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said Tuesday he wants to make more new signings before the season begins next month and batted away fresh doubts about the future of Alexis Sanchez.

Wenger is under pressure after the Premier League side failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years, and he is also dealing with persistent doubts about several of his star players.

Chief among them is the future of attacker Sanchez, who has a year left on his Arsenal contract but is stalling over an extension.

Abia State House of Assembly, Barr Chikwendu Kalu Denied Ordering the shooting of two officers of FRSC

The Speaker Abia State House of Assembly, Barr Chikwendu Kalu has denied ordering the shooting of two officers of the Federal Road safety corps, shot by his Police orderlies on the Aro -Ngwa axis of the Enugu Port- Harcourt express on Saturday.

Kalu who spoke to journalists at his official residence in Umuahia, also condemned the over zealousness of the security officers said to be involved in the incident.

The speaker who added that he was not physically present at scene of the incident, pointed out he only sent his security details together with his younger brother to find out the people that accosted his wife while on her way to Aba.

Women Arise for Change Condemns Police attack on FRSC Officers in Abia State

FRSC Officer who was shot on the Hospital Bed 

The Women Arise for change has condemned the shooting of men of the Road safety officers by mobile policemen on the convoy of Abia State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Chikwendu Kalu. The association made this known to the public through a statement signed off by its president Dr. Joe Okei -Odumakin, seeking for justice for the inhumane action by the government official. Read the statement after the cut.....

APC lawmaker, Representing Delta Central, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege Escapes Assasination.

The All Progressives Congress (APC)’s lawmaker, representing Delta Central, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, at the weekend, narrowly escaped an attack by suspected assassins.

The incident occurred at Effurun market in Uvwie Local Council Area of Delta State, while carrying out an empowerment programme for his supporters. It was leant that one of the two bullets fired at him cropped his ear while his wife, Rosemary and some members of his team were also assaulted.

While about 200 women were due to be empowered with N20, 000 each, the attack occurred after he had reportedly attended to about 150 of them. Some of his supporters, who were seriously beaten up and injured, are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Effurun, near Warri.

Wizkid Drops 10 Tracks Album - “Sounds From The Other Side” .

Two day ago, Wizkid released his highly anticipated extended play record (EP) titled "Sounds From The Other Side" #SFTOS and  it went viral, as expected.

The album features 10 tracks which include: Sweet Love, Come Closer featuring Drake, Naughty ride featuring Major Lazer, African Bad Gyal featuring Chris Brown, Daddy Yo, One For ME featuring Ty Dolla $ign, Picture Perfect, Nobody, Sexy, All For Love featuring Bucie, Dirty Wine featuring Ty Dolla $ign, and Gbese featuring Trey Songz.

Governor Ambode Deposes Baale of Shangisha

The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Sunday deposed the suspended Baale of Shangisha in Magodo, Chief Yusuf Ogundare, for allegedly faking his abduction on July 5, 2017.

Ambode had last Friday suspended Ogundare after he was paraded alongside his brother, Mohammed Adams, by the Lagos State Police Command for conspiring to fake the alleged kidnap.

Roger Federer Breaks Record, Wins Eighth Wimbledon Title

Roger Federer hit a record in tennis of eight Wimbledon titles on Sunday after a three-set win over Marin Cilic. Federer triumphed from start to finish against his opponent, recording a 6-3 6-1 6-4 victory after the match that lasted for an hour and 43 minutes. He has now won 19 Grand Slam titles.

What to know about Hepatitis B

A man once volunteered to donate blood to his family member who needed blood transfusion. After doing all the necessary checks, the man was told that he was not qualified to do so and was asked to see the doctor for further examination.

On getting to the doctor, he was told he had hepatitis B. He was given medications and managed for six months. After that period, a repeat test was done twice and both came out negative.

The doctor first congratulated the patient, saying his own immune system got rid of the virus, and that his condition was called acute hepatitis.

Many Feared Dead in Calabar Tank Farm Explosion

More than 15 persons were feared dead and many others injured yesterday in a fire incident at a tank farm in Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ), Calabar, Cross River State.

Akonuche learnt that the incident occurred when a vessel was supplying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to two of the tank farms around 2:00 a.m.

The eyewitness said the ship was on the river supplying the product through pipes that passed through the premises of the tank farms about 700 metres away.

Tax Default: FIRS shuts FCT school, Hotel

In continuation of its tax enforcement efforts, the Federal Inland Revenue Service on Friday sealed off the premises of tax-owing companies in Abuja.

Among those shut is an educational facility, Fanaks International Schools in the Asokoro area of the Federal Capital Territory. The school allegedly owes a total of N976,133.57 in Company Income Tax, Education Tax and Withholding Tax.

Chelsea signs Tiémoué Bakayoko from Monaco in deal worth up to £39.7m

Current English premiership Champions Chelsea football club, has completed the signing of French international midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko from Monaco, the Premier League champions announced on Saturday.

Rapper DMX Arrested over $1.7m Tax Evasion Charge

Rapper DMX turned himself in to authorities on federal charges of tax fraud Thursday, according to New York prosecutors.

The recording artist, whose given name is Earl Simmons, allegedly engaged in a multi-year scheme to hide millions of dollars in income from authorities and owes $1.7 million in taxes.

Acting Manhattan US Attorney Joon Kim said the performer took in millions from his performances, television shows and songs — including the 2003 hit “X Gon’ Give it to Ya” — but evaded paying taxes on his earnings by “avoiding personal bank accounts, setting up accounts in other’s names and paying personal expenses largely in cash.”

Flash- Court Grants ex-OAU VC, Bursar Bail

An Osun State High Court has granted bail to an ex-Acting Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Anthony Elujoba and the bursar of the university, Mrs. Aderonke Akeredolu, who are standing trial for alleged stealing.

Justice David Oladimeji granted bail to the two accused persons in the ruling he delivered on Friday. Elujoba was granted bail on self-recognition while the bursar was granted bail in the sum of N50 million and two sureties.

There is wild jubilation at the court premises immediately the judge granted the bail and workers and students started chanting Elujoba.

Baale of Shangisha faked his kidnap and got himself suspended by Ambode

Alleged suspects, Baale of Shangisha, Chief Yusuf Ogundare (right), with his brother and accomplice, Mohammed Adams (left), being paraded during a press briefing at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Thursday, July 13, 2017.

Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday suspended the Baale of Shangisha in Magodo, Chief Yusuf Ogundare for faking his kidnap.

The kidnap allegedly took place on July 5 along Center for Management Development (CMD) Road in Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of the State.

In a memo with reference number OLGAS.83/S./Vol.1 dated July 13, 2017 addressed to the Sole Administrator of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA and signed by the State’s Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon Teslim Folami, Governor Ambode directed Ogundare to stop parading himself henceforth as the Baale of the community till further notice.

BREAKING: Etisalat Nigeria Changes name to 9Mobile Telecom.

Etisalat Nigeria on Thursday, July 13, changed its name after weeks of reported crises. The management of the company at the end of a management meeting in Lagos adopted the name 9Mobile as the new brand name. 

Akonuche gathered that the Emirates Telecommunications Corporation (ETC) has directed Etisalat Nigeria to stop using its brand name within the next three weeks. ETC, the largest shareholder in the firm, had since terminated its management agreement with its Nigerian arm. 

12 killed, Several Wounded in Cameroon Suicide Bomb Attack

Doula – Local officials confirmed two suicide bombers killed 12 people and wounded over 40 others in a small town in northern Cameroon near the Nigerian border late on Wednesday. 

An army colonel responsible for evacuating the wounded, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “there were 14 deaths, including the two suicide bombers, and 42 wounded.

I am Still Surprise over Supreme Court's Judgement - Ali Modu Sheriff

Dismissed National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, has said that he is still in shock over the judgment of the Supreme Court which removed him from office on Wednesday.

Sheriff said he was still waiting for his lawyers to brief him on the details of the judgment.

His reaction was sent to the media by his erstwhile deputy, Dr. Cairo Ojuogboh and the former Spokesperson for his faction, Mr. Bernard Mikko, in Abuja on Thursday.

Two Brothers Beheaded in Rivers State

There was tension yesterday in Rivers State following the killing of two brothers from Rumuokparali Community in Obio/Akpor Local Council, who were beheaded.

The two victims, Ifeanyi and Emeka Wobo, were found dead and their heads decapitated around Elekahia Housing Estate in the same local council.

Akonuche gathered that the victims had taken a taxi out of Rumuokparali on Monday and did not return. It was on Tuesday morning that their decapitated bodies were discovered by the police.

Spanish Armed Custom Officials Search Ronaldo’s luxury yacht

Armed customs officers are reported to have boarded Cristiano Ronaldo’s holiday yacht as part of an inspection, according to Daily Mail.

The Real Madrid star is said to have been stopped at high sea after leaving a restaurant on the paradise island of Formentera near Ibiza.  Officials are believed to have boarded the yacht  on Tuesday afternoon.

Ronaldo, 32, was reportedly on the yacht with girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez and friends and family when the officials approached the vessel on a large boat.

Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger Holds 'Face to Face' talks with Mbappe

Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger has underlined how serious the club are about signing much-coveted Monaco forward, Kylian Mbappe by holding face-to-face talks with the France international. The 18-year-old is the hottest property in world football after a stunning campaign last term and appears destined to leave the principality this summer.

The Daily Mail reported in June that the Gunners had been quoted £130m to sign Mbappe. The deal would be the biggest in transfer history and require the 13-time FA Cup winners to lay out more than double what they paid for their own record signing Alexandre Lacazette.

23 Killed in Suicide Attacks in Maiduguiri

Multiple suicide attacks in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Tuesday claimed 23 lives, the state Police Commissioner, Damien Chukwu revealed wednesday.

Those killed were 19 persons, including 12 members of the Civilian JTF, and the four suicide bombers who carried out the attacks.

The commissioner, who briefed journalists at one of the scenes of the attacks, added that 23 other persons were injured.

JAY-Z Teams Up With Meek Mill, Will Smith, Kendrick Lamar & More For Candid "4:44" Footnotes Video

Jay Z -Tidal

Chris Rock, Chris Paul, Lil Rel and more have teamed up with JAY-Z for an extremely candid footnotes video for the title track from 4:44 that dropped last week.

The video features several major stars talking about issues they’ve faced with the women in their lives and the ever-changing roles of men in the context of romantic relationships.

Bankers Arrested for Defrauding Customers of N150m

Three bankers have been arrested by the police for allegedly hacking into the bank accounts of customers and diverting a total sum of N150m.

The bankers – Oyelade Shola-Isaac, 32, Osuolale Hammid, 40, and Akeem Adesina, 33 – were apprehended along with eight other suspects in connection with the fraud. Three of the accomplices, Okpetu John, 29; Chukwumnoso Ifeanyi, 30; and Salako Abdulsalam were said to be MTN agents, while others were identified as Ismaeel Salami, 49; Akinola Oghuan, 34; Sarumi Abubakar, 32; James Idagu, 56; and 33-year-old Sunday Okeke.

Diamond Bank Hosts Beauty Souk Biggest Beauty Products Fair - Photos + Video

Beauty enthusiasts from across the country were recently hosted to the biggest beauty products and services fair at the Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos. Tagged The Beauty Souk, the event was hosted by Nigeria’s leading retail bank, Diamond Bank Plc in collaboration with Eventful Limited.

Cosmetologists, beauty practitioners, beauty industry observers, beauty care mentors, beauty counselors and beauty care students/apprentices were all present at the event which also featured a number of celebrity appearances. The various brands in attendance gave away numerous freebies ranging from makeup tutorials to beauty makeovers and also heavily discounted products.

Click Read more for more info, pictures and video after the cut.....

Four Lions Escape from Park in South Africa

South African rangers on Monday continued searching for four male lions that escaped from the country’s flagship Kruger National Park, a spokesman for the national wildlife parks said.

SANParks spokesperson William Mabasa said that the lions were seen near a road a few kilometres from the park.

It was not known how the lions got out of the park, most of which is fenced.

Eleven dead, Several missing in Niger Floods

Eleven people have been reported dead as a result of flooding in Suleja and Tafa Local Government areas of Niger State.

The rainfall, which lasted for about five hours, between Saturday and yesterday, also submerged some houses while many other people were injured. Out of the deceased, nine were killed by the flood at Checheniya area of Suleja, one killed at Kuspa area of the town, while another died at Ayin-Nassarrawa in Tafa. 

World’s Oldest hippopotamus Dies at 65

Bertha, believed to be the world’s oldest hippopotamus, has died aged 65, the Manila zoo said Monday, having beaten the typical lifespan for the mostly herbivorous mammals by decades.

The 2.5-tonne female was found dead Friday in her enclosure, with a post mortem examination concluding that Bertha, the zoo’s oldest resident, had died from multiple organ failure, zoo director James Dichaves said.

“Bertha was among the pioneer animals here. Her mate died sometime in the 1980s and the couple failed to produce any offspring,” he told AFP.

Flood Wreaks Havoc in Lagos most Expensive Neighbourhoods

A heavy rain that fell on Friday night and Saturday morning has left hundreds of homes and roads flooded in Nigeria’s affluent neighbourhoods of Ajah, Ikoyi, Lekki and Victoria Island areas of Lagos State. AKONUCHE gathered that Lekki Phase I, all the way down to Lekki Free Trade Zone, and Ajah were severely affected by the flood. Other areas affected were Lekki Phase II, Osapa London, Victoria Garden City, Ikoyi,  Banana Island, Badore, Bugije, Igbo Efon and Awoyaya.

Police Apprehends Gang Leader as Robbers Invade Ogbomoso

Policemen on patrol engaged suspected armed robbers in a gun duel during a robbery operation in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, yesterday.

The leader of the gang was shot dead during the operation, while five others were later arrested.

While parading the suspects at the state police command in Ibadan on Friday, the state Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Odude, said that the gang invaded Ogbomoso on June 17, 2017 around 10pm.

The gang first snatched a Toyota Corolla and used the car as their operational vehicle for operations they carried out that night.

Manchester United close in on £100m Lukaku Deal.

Manchester United is set to confirm Everton's pointman Lukaku, in a deal valued at £100m, which would also incorporate Wayne Rooney’s return to Goodison Park.

Lukaku is understood to have undertaken a medical at the UCLA campus in Los Angeles, where he has been on holiday with his friend and future club-mate, Paul Pogba. United hope to announce the transfer on Saturday, with the player to meet up with his new team-mates in the city on Sunday when they touch down to begin a five-match pre-season tour of the United States. The deal will be worth an initial £75m plus a further £15m of easily attainable add-ons linked to achievements and appearances.

Diamond Bank Promotes Nigeria’s Biggest Beauty Products’ Fair

Diamond Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s biggest banks, has again, raised the stakes in the promotion of female entrepreneurs in collaboration with Eventful Limited to hold Nigeria’s biggest beauty products and services fair in Lagos.

The fair tagged The Beauty Souk, is expected to see the gathering of beauty enthusiasts in Nigeria’s over N500 billion beauty and personal care products industry, and help stimulate vibrant business networking among budding female entrepreneurs in the industry, connecting them to successful beauty practitioners, mentors, active customers and beauty care products manufacturers and importers. 

Messi is World’s Best Paid Player - Barcelona President

Barcelona’s Argentinian striker Lionel Messi, who recently extended his contract with the Catalan club, is “the best paid player in the world,” club president Josep Maria Bartomeu said Friday.

Barcelona announced Wednesday that Messi had agreed to extend his contract until 2021, in a deal that will keep the five times winner of the Ballon D’Or at the club until he is 34.

Gonorrhoea is becoming Untreatable, WHO Warns

Gonorrhea infections are increasing because doctors are running out of antibiotics that can fight the increasingly resistant bacteria causing the sexual disease, the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned on Friday. Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhea or gonococcus.

Nigeria, Libya Oil output threaten Global Market

THE increase output of crude oil by Nigeria and Libya has posed a threat to the global market, even as there are indications that the global oil market may see some rebound in the second half of the year. International Energy Agency, IEA, Chief,  Fatih  Birol, told Reuters in an interview that the development is seen as a distortion to global market.

No One Can Remove Magu - Osibanjo

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo says nobody can remove Ibrahim Magu, acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).

He said this in Kaduna on Thursday while commissioning a zonal office of the EFCC.