Court refuses to order Diezani’s arrest, demands AGF’s extradition evidence

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, rejected the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s request to issue a warrant of arrest against a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, who is believed to be residing in the United Kingdom.

Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu rejected the EFCC’s request for an arrest warrant citing the commission’s failure to enforce the earlier criminal summons which the court issued on the former minister as far back as July 24, 2020.

The commission had in requesting for the criminal summons in July claimed that it was required to facilitate the ex-minister’s extradition to Nigeria |||READ MORE

Lekki shootings: Why families of victims are afraid to speak out —Falana

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), says the families of #EndSARS protesters killed by soldiers at the Lekki toll gate are afraid to speak out because they “understand the environment under which we operate”.

Falana also urged Nigerians and the international community not to believe the explanations offered by the Nigerian Army on the Lekki shootings.

The Nigerian Army, after an initial denial, yesterday, admitted that its operatives were at the Lekki toll gate on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 |||READ MORE

 

US Rejects WTO’s Proposal To Endorse Okonjo-Iweala As DG

A key group of WTO ambassadors has proposed Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to be the next head of the World Trade Organization, a WTO spokesman said on Wednesday, but the United States said it could not endorse her.

The recommendation, confirming news earlier reported by Reuters, needs clearance from all 164 WTO members. If appointed, the former Nigerian finance minister would become the first woman and African to head the global trade watchdog in its 25-year history.

The WTO spokesman said that her candidacy would be put to a General Council of the WTO on Nov. 9 for endorsement and that there was likely to be “frenzied activity” before then to secure the required consensus |||READ MORE

How Safe Is Outdoor Dining at Your Favorite Restaurant?

The world has been craving any type of normalcy since the COVID-19 pandemic changed life as we know it. Eating at your favorite restaurant may help you feel closer to normal — except the pandemic has thrown the restaurant industry into chaos. Almost one in six restaurants has closed, while countless others have tried to survive by reopening business outside. But is outdoor dining even safe? Before you head to your local restaurant or bar, learn what changes these establishments have implemented and what health recommendations the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has made |||READ MORE

Woman spends $120K on body modifications to morph into a 'blue eyes white dragon'

A heavily-tattooed Australian woman is revealing she went through $120,000 worth of body modifications to morph from a blond-haired teen to what she describes on Instagram as a “blue eyes white dragon.”

Amber Luke, 25, recently shared a selfie on her Instagram Stories under the caption “body modification is the ultimate form of self-expression.” She also has a section in her Instagram account dedicated to before and after photos of her surgeries, including breast augmentation and a butt enhancement.

Among other things, Luke has a split tongue, lip tattoo, gauged ears, tattoos on nearly every part of her body and has even tattooed the sclera (whites of her eyes) blue |||READ MORE

 

Gang member who says he beat up R. Kelly sentenced in deaths

HAMMOND, Ind. (AP) — A convicted gang member who said he beat up jailed R&B singer R. Kelly in a Chicago cell in August has been sentenced to life in prison for a racketeering conviction that involved two 1999 murders.

A federal judge in Hammond, Indiana, sentenced Jeremiah Farmer, 39, on Tuesday during a hearing in which Farmer represented himself and appeared combative, at times raising his voice and frequently interrupting the judge.

Farmer, a Latin Kings street gang member, had faced a mandatory life sentence following his conviction last year on conspiracy to commit racketeering activity in a drug-related case that involved the killings of Marion Lowry, 74, and Harvey Siegers, 67 |||READ MORE

Hundreds of thousands lose power as Northern California braces for more wildfires

Hundreds of thousands of people lost power in dozens of California counties Sunday as weather forecasters predicted the most powerful winds of the year and the potential for more raging wildfires, officials said.

Pacific Gas & Electric, which supplies power to millions across Northern and Central California, had shut off electricity to 225,000 customers by Sunday night, said Mark Quinlan, the utility's incident commander. Another 136,000 were expected to lose power by midnight, he said.

The outages are expected to hit 36 counties, he said |||READ MORE

 

Cops pull over white driver for speeding—but they end up arresting her Black boyfriend

The officers demanded identification, which he refused to give.

A white woman recently shared footage to TikTok showing her Black boyfriend being arrested at a traffic stop despite her having been the one driving.

Heather Janney was stopped by Maryland police for allegedly going 45 miles per hour in a 30 mph zone, but for some reason, the cops decided they wanted to see identification for Antoine Webington, who was sitting in the passenger seat at the time |||READ MORE

 

Three-year-old boy in Texas shoots and kills himself at his own birthday party

The accident happened on Saturday afternoon in Porter, 30 miles from downtown Houston.

“Family and friends had gathered earlier to celebrate the birthday of the three-year-old, and while playing cards, heard a gunshot,” the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office said.

“The child was located with a gunshot wound to the chest.” |||READ MORE

 

 

Clinton says most Republicans want to see Trump gone but can't say it publicly: report

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that most Republicans want to see President Trump voted out of office but can’t say it publicly, Axios reported on Sunday.

Clinton told the New York Times Opinion podcast “Sway” that most Republicans “have been cowards, spineless enablers” of the president throughout his administration

"Most Republicans are going to want to close the page," Clinton said on an episode of the podcast set to be released Monday. "They want to see him gone as much as we do, but they can't say it publicly." |||READ MORE

 

 

  

Why Buhari didn’t speak on Lekki shootings, by Presidency

President Muhammadu Buhari didn’t mention anything about the shooting of #ENDSARS protesters in Lekki on Tuesday night during a nationwide broadcast yesterday because it would be “premature and presumptuous.”

Many Nigerians have carpeted Buhari for not mentioning about the shootings or empathising with the victims during the much-awaited presidential broadcast, describing the ommission as deliberate and callous.

But his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, who appeared on Politics Today, a live show on Channel Televisions monitored by The Nation, said the President couldn’t have said anything about the shooting because it was being investigated |||READ MORE

 

 

Yoruba group berates Buhari, says speech undermines Lekki Tollgate shooting

A Diaspora group, Yoruba One Voice, YOV, on Friday, condemned the recent killing of peaceful protesters in Lekki area of Lagos State, describing the act as genocide.

Nigerian soldiers opened fire on #ENDSARS protesters in Lagos which led to casualties and fatalities.

In a statement by Yoruba One Voice Communications Director, Zacheaus Somorin, the coalition stated that the killing was premeditated; callous, criminal and contravenes democratic engagement; saying the incident should be investigated and perpetrators brought to book |||READ MORE

 

Yoruba Diaspora group seeks global intervention on Lekki shooting

A Diaspora group, Yoruba One Voice, YOV, on Friday, condemned the recent killing of peaceful protesters in Lekki area of Lagos State, describing the act as genocide.

Nigerian soldiers opened fire on #ENDSARS protesters in Lagos which led to casualties and fatalities.

In a statement by Yoruba One Voice Communications Director, Zacheaus Somorin, the coalition stated that the killing was premeditated; callous, criminal and contravenes democratic engagement; saying the incident

should be investigated and perpetrators brought to book |||READ MORE

Lagos Puts 20 Policemen on Trial for Murder, Rights Abuses

The Lagos State Government has set dates for the prosecution of 20 policemen, including the dismissed Inspector Ogunyemi Olalekan, whom the police found guilty of killing Kolade Johnson in March, 2019, for various infractions.

The 20 policemen, whose charges were listed in several tweets yesterday by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, are being prosecuted for offences ranging from alleged murder, manslaughter and violation of human rights in Lagos.

Beginning his tweets yesterday, Governor Sanwo-Olu gave a list of the pending cases reflecting the identities of the various judges assigned to each of them |||READ MORE

 

 

A few details about my new climate book

I’ve been working for some time now on a book about climate change, and I want to share an update now that we have some details nailed down.

It’s called How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need, and it will be published by Knopf on February 16, 2021.

It’s inspiring to see so much passion these days for dealing with climate change, and to know that the world has set some ambitious goals for solving it. What we need now are practical plans to reach those goals |||READ MORE

 

Pre-Screening Your Date — How Far Is Too Far?

Online dating is the most popular way to meet a potential partner these days. While convenient (and ideal during the pandemic), apps and websites can be impersonal, making it difficult to gauge true chemistry. So when interest in someone builds, it makes perfect sense to start lurking on their social media accounts for some additional intel.

But since “lurking” sounds like the behavior of a clique slasher flick killer, we call this conduct “pre-screening.” And guess what? Everyone’s doing it.

“A date is basically a job interview for the position of significant other,” says Brody, 30. “Researching their social media is a good way to check their references and conduct a background check before the date. I would expect them to do the same for me.” |||READ MORE

 

What You Hide From Your Friends When You’re Dating Online

I wanted to ignore my own bad behavior. And because online dating is often such an isolated and isolating experience, it was convenient for me to do.

“I have a confession the next time we see each other,” I texted Laura from the grocery store parking lot. I wanted to put it out there before I forgot. And by “forgot,” I mean I’d conveniently not remember to tell her.

Because I didn’t want her to know, that’s why.

Laura, who’s my favorite, replied, “I love confessions.” |||READ MORE

 

 

How To Take Care Of Your Mental Health

Are mental health issues becoming more common, or is it only that we are growing aware of them? Perhaps, today's sped-up life can be held accountable for how many people face mental health issues in their life. But at the same time, it's because of this advancement and spreading awareness that these issues are not looked at as taboo.

Every one in five is due to get diagnosed with a mental health issue, according to statistics. Which surely is a cause of concern!

However, many people only think about improving their mental health when they've hit rock-bottom. Also, it is a common misconception that people with good mental health suffer no traumas, stress, anxiety, depression, etc. when it's not the case |||READ MORE

Would You Have Justified Slavery?

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.” Proverbs 31:8

If we're citizens of God’s Kingdom, we want to value what He values even if it affects our pocketbook and our popularity.

Slavery existed in America because most of God's people didn't speak up. Perhaps the majority were opposed to slavery, but they didn't do anything about it.

Did they feel that abolitionists were too focused on the rights of slaves, overlooking the interests of others? |||READ MORE

 

Rivers Govt Outlaws IPOB, Places N50m Bounty On Wanted Stanley Mgbere

The Rivers State government has outlawed the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Governor Nyesom Wike made the announcement in a state-wide broadcast on Friday in Port Harcourt, following reports of violence in parts of the state.

He blamed the proscribed group for the recent attacks on some Local Government Areas (LGAs), especially in Oyigbo LGA.

The governor also declared one Stanley Mgbere from Onne in Eleme LGA wanted and placed a bounty of N50 million on him. The money will be paid to any person who can provide credible information that would lead to his arrest and prosecution |||READ MORE

Simi Asks A Question

Simisola Kosoko, better known by her stage name Simi, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and actress. She drops a tough question on her twitter handle "I don't know if this is ignorant ... but is it possible to form a community of sorts where we can start to groom or have leaders who are accountable to us and maybe eventually a party that is funded and powered by us. Or something of that nature ... ???"

See the screenshot of her post and reactions from a some of her followers at press time |||READ MORE

Nigeria is not a democratic state, the presidential address is proof | #EndSARS

For all intents and purposes, the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a democratic state, at least it ought to be. Yet, when the elected president of the federation address a nation in turmoil and steeped in grief and he alludes that his prompt response to the demands made by the people who voted him into office – a demand for a life free from the fear of being brutalised by the Nigerian Police Force no more – was misconstrued as a sign of weakness and hence his decision to deploy the military to summarily execute completely peaceful protesters, one begins to wonder if the act if up.

If a memo was passed around by the Nigerian Government where the end of the civilian democracy was communicated, perhaps the handlers of the President should let him know that some 200+ million Nigerians are yet to receive it. Maybe the president had somehow missed the memo that it is no longer business as usual, a memo which the mandate that Nigerians gave him when they forgave his past excesses as a dictator and brought him into office as a democratic president in 2015 was supposed to communicate.

Not only did the president take over 24 hours to address the country after the massacre of armless protesters whose only crime was sitting on the asphalt on Lekki-Epe expressway and singing the national anthem, but when he did address the nation, he casually skirted past it with no regard whatsoever for the weight of this tragedy |||READ MORE

Photos showing how Lagos was burnt to the ground by hoodlums

There is black soot everywhere and the current picture of Nigeria's most populous, thrumming city looks straight out of Syria.

After the Lagos state government imposed a curfew on the city in the wake of the #EndSARS protests, hoodlums and arsonists hit the streets, burning everything in sight, in what appeared to be coordinated attacks.

Government-owned mass transit buses were also torched. A chunk of the city has been reduced to rubble |||READ MORE

Fresh hopes wreckage of MH370 could be found six years after the plane went missing – as experts finds a likely crash site and say they would 'bet their house on' it being there

Aviation experts claim they have finally located the crash site of MH370, which vanished in March 2014 with 239 passengers on board.

Despite a four-year, $200million international search effort covering more than 120,000sqm, the wreckage of the Malaysia Airlines plane has never been found, sparking the world's biggest aviation mystery.

The experts believe the Boeing 777 plunged into the South Indian Ocean, near the co-ordinates of S34.2342 and E93.7875 - which is about 1,285 miles (2,070km) off the coast of Perth in Western Australia |||READ MORE

 

National Sports Festival To Go On, Minister Insists

Despite the ongoing #EndSARS protest across the country, the minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, has insisted that the 20th National Sports Festival slated for Benin, Edo State, will hold.

Dare who spoke through a press statement from his media office, said consultations were ongoing between the ministry, Edo state government, Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Covid-19, and National Council on Sports to decide on a new date to host the festival.

He described the news report to the effect that the games have been postponed indefinitely as fake and unfounded.

“Like we did by consulting with the PTF on Covid-19 when we lifted the ban on non-contact sports and later contact sports, discussions are ongoing to decide on a new date for the Festival. The fake news that the Festival has been postponed indefinitely must have emanated from a false source,” the statement said |||READ MORE