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Tag: Nigerian Newspapers

  • Court sentences two to death by hanging in Ekiti

    AN Ado-Ekiti High Court has sentenced two men, Adewa Sunday, 34, and Adedayo Amos, 33, to death by hanging for robbery and illegal possession of firearms.

    Delivering judgment, the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, held that the prosecution had proved its case of robbery and illegal possession of firearms.

    He said the evidence tendered proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.

    Prosecuting counsel Gbemiga Adaramola said the convicts robbed Mrs. Abosede Oyeyemi Malomo at Ilogbo-Ekiti in Ido/Osi Local Government on June 4, 2015.

    He said they attacked the victim with guns, cutlasses and other weapons, thereby injuring her.

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    The victim was said to be reading at night when they broke into her apartment and robbery her at gunpoint.

    During the operation, one of the convicts was said to have mistakenly called the name of his colleague, which served as a lead for the police to carry out their investigations.

    Hearing began on March 27, 2017 and two count charges bordering on robbery and illegal possession of firearms were slammed on the convicts.

    During hearing, the prosecuting counsel called two witnesses and also tendered a cut to size pistol, iPad and the victim’s statement on oath as exhibits.

    Counsel to the defendants, Adeyinka Opaleke, didn’t call any witness.

     

  • DR Congo in talks with Rohr

    FLORENT Ibengé has quit as coach of Democratic Republic of Congo national team after five years in the saddle.

    According to congoprofond.net, Nigeria’s manager Gernot Rohr is the favourite to replace Ibengé and Constant Omari, president of FECOFA, has opened a line of communication with the former Bayern Munich defender.

    Gernot Rohr’s future as coach of the Super Eagles is hanging in the balance after they failed to win the Africa Cup of Nations, despite the German contracted to the Nigerian Federation until 2020.

    The 66-year-old was brought in as Nigeria coach in 2016, having previously coached French-speaking countries Gabon, Niger and Burkina Faso.

    The Super Eagles qualified for the 2018 World Cup and 2019 AFCON with a game to spare under the tutelage of Rohr.

    The experienced tactician has also coached Bordeaux, OGC Nice and Nantes among others.

  • Afrobasket: Nigeria releases final roaster

    With 24 hours to the commencement of hostilities at the FIBA Afrobasket for Women in Senegal, the names of players that will do battle for Nigeria has been released.

    The 12-man D’Tigress list has Akhator Evelyn, captain, Elonu Adaora, Ibekwe Ifunanya. Aisha Balarabe, Nyingifa Atonye, Macaulay Victoria, Amukamara Promise, Kalu Ezinne, Imovbioh Sarah, Ogoke Sarah, Edeferioka Elo and Nwajei Jasmine.

    Most of the players were at the World Championship with few new faces added to the team.

    The announcement was made by General Manager of the team Mactabene Amachree, who is also a former international. She expressed hope that the team would retain it’s title in Senegal.

    Read Also: Afrobasket: D’Tigress fly out to Senegal today

    According to her, Coach Otis and his Tigress are ready to Rumble in the Jungle of Senegal in order to defend their title.

    “We feel we’ve addressed some of our weakness and our team has been upgraded from the World Cup roster with much room to grow as our WNBA Allstars are anticipating to join the Team  when we qualify for the Olympics by his Grace,” she added.

    The Afrobasket s also the beginning of the chase for 2020 Olympic first phase ticket, while second phase takes place in February next year.

     

  • CD Leganes defender confirms Omeruo’s departure

    GREECE international Dimitrios Siovas has claimed that Kenneth Omeruo’s proposed switch to CD Leganes is a done deal.

    According to Spanish sports daily Marca , Siovas leaked the information that the Super Eagles star has already signed for Leganes and will be unveiled by the La Liga side in the coming days.

    Siovas posted the information on Instagram before deleting it with official details not yet decided.

    After long negotiations, Leganes have agreed to pay Chelsea 4.5 million euros for the permanent signing of Omeruo.

    The 25-year-old, who arrived Chelsea from Sunshine Stars in January 2012, is expected to put pen to paper on a five-year deal until the summer of 2024.

    Omeruo had attracted interest from Celta Viga, Villarreal and Amiens but his priority was to continue his career at Leganes, where he shone last season.

  • IHF Youth tourney: Nigeria force N/Macedonia to work for first win

    The Nigeria U19 boys’ team made host North Macedonia work for their first win as the Nigerians lost 34-37 at the IHF Men’s Youth World Championship.

    It was 60 minutes of intense battle as both teams fought for the two points at stake with the European side ultimately coming out on top and adding their first two points to the table.

    North Macedonia held a four-goal lead more than once in the first half before Nigeria fought back, and it was a close second period with the African side always threatening.

    As hosts and a nation playing within handball’s most competitive continent, it seemed North Macedonia would have the edge ahead of the round two clash against Nigeria. But the match turned out to be a tough encounter for the home team, who led by just two goals at the break and had to survive a difficult second period in order to collect their first victory at the Youth World Championship.

    It was a huge contest between three players in particular. Nigeria line player Ebinatei Kiripoimini Ekpodio was a nightmare for the Macedonians’ defence, as he led his side with six goals in the first period and finished with a total of 11. The African team stuck largely with their starting six throughout the match, while North Macedonia could afford a little more rotation with their greater depth.

    For the hosts, Martin Serafimov and Nenad Kosteski combined for 11 goals in the first half and totalled 10 and 13, respectively.

    The hosts were lulled into a false sense of security in the opening 20 minutes, as they pulled ahead to lead comfortably at 11:7 by the 16th minute and 13:9 in the 20th. Four consecutive goals – three from Ekpodio – saw Nigeria draw level, 13:13, but the hosts managed to edge in front again before the break.

    The two-goal distance was far from comfortable, and though North Macedonia always held the edge, Nigeria equalised multiple times in the second period. With 15 minutes on the clock, the score was level at 25:25 – and that proved to be the last chance for Nigeria. Led by six goals from Kosteski in the last quarter, the hosts tightened their hold on the match.

    After Faruk Yusuf pulled Nigeria within one at 30:31 in the 54th minute, the hosts scored three unanswered goals that decided the outcome. Nigeria broke a four-minute scoring drought in the 58th minute, but at that point, North Macedonia had created a four-goal distance that was too much for the African team to overcome so late in the game.

    When Serafimov added his ninth goal inside the last two minutes and put the score at 36:32, the two points were decided.

     

     

  • BetBonanza unveils Amokachi as Brand Ambassador

    THE newest entrant into the Nigerian sports betting business BetBonanza yesterday in Lagos officially unveiled former Super Eagles’ Striker Daniel Amokachi as its brand Ambassador.

    Speaking at the media briefing in Lagos, Amokachi said he decided to serve as BetBonanza Brand Ambassador after securing their assurances of transparency and accountability to the public.

    Speaking at the event, the former Everton of England star said he was honoured to be counted worthy to be selected as the Brand Ambassador from a long list of several legends.

    “I am honoured because there are so many legends out there before they decided to pick me.

    “Their level of transparency attracted me because as a person, I have to protect my name, it must not be about launching but giving it my all, I believe in BetBonanza and I want all Nigerians to support the brand because it is going to be better and better.”

    According to the Managing Director of BetBonanza, Adekunle Adeniji, having been around for a while in the betting industry, he understands the yearnings of the stakers who invest their hard-earned money.

    Adeniji said BetBonanza will make everyone winners apart from getting 100 per cent bonus on deposit, the punters are going to be enjoying lucky draws regularly as long as they remain faithful customers.

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    He added: “We are going to create several job opportunities in the country directly and indirectly because we have to give back to society.

    “There will be better bonuses for everyone especially the online users and also our loyal consumers because they are the reason why we are in business. There will be transparency, better customer support.

    We are going to make everyone winners.”

    On why Amokachi was chosen as the Brand Ambassador, BetBonanza Acquisitions Manager George Mbam said the former Super Eagles’ Assistant coach possessed the same qualities as the company.

    Mbam assured of their readiness to give the best product, best odds and ensure a high level of transparency, something Amokachi represented during his playing days and even in retirement.

    The online version of the business was inaugurated on July 24th, while the retail market began operations two months ago.

    Few months after hitting the market, BetBonanza already has 400 active agents across the country with plans to expand the market in the offing.

  • I will be happy to be in the Semifinals — Barbora

    WOMEN’S number one seed for the 2019 ITTF Nigeria Open tournament, Balazova Barbora of Slovakia has said that she would put in her best as she competes for her debut edition of the tournament, starting her campaign in the Round of 32 main draw today at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

    The female top seed also feels excited coming to Nigeria with the impression of a lovely weather and hopes to give  her best as this will be her tournament after the holidays.

    “Well, it’s my first tournament after the holiday break so I just hope to enjoy playing. I think the the atmosphere and the hall are pretty nice.

    “It’s my first time of seeding number one in a senior competition so I will try to enjoy and give my best because it’s a game so I can’t say if I am going to win or not. I will be very happy to be in the semifinals but after tomorrow we will see what next comes in.”

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    Meanwhile, Nigeria’s female number one, Edem Offiong hopes for a podium finish as she will be starting her campaign today in the Round of 32 main draws against India’s Akula Sreeja.

    Edem Offiong won bronze at the 2018 ITTF Africa Top 16 and the 2018 ITTF Africa Senior Championships. The 31-year-old player has featured in the All Africa Games since 2007.

    The Cross River State-born player said that: “Been seeded in this tournament is an advantage for me and I hope to go further in the game but I know it’s very difficult because playing against top players in the the world is quite difficult but I am a little confident because I know I am in good shape and I hope to go further, hopefully, get to semifinals.”

  • Tribunal warns parties in Kano governorship suit over adjournments

    KANO State Governorship Election Petition tribunal sitting at Miller Road on Thursday warned parties in the petition filed by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) challenging the election of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of the All Progressive Congress (APC) that it will not entertain unnecessary adjournments.

    Justice Halima Shamaki said proceedings in the matter are expected to end in October.

    Counsel representing the petitioners, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), on Thursday told the court that they had to end presentation of their case.

    Justice Shamaki said the tribunal would not accommodate delay tactics from the respondents.

    The judge said INEC, Ganduje and APC are to put up their defence serially, explaining that the court, on the commencement of the opening of defence by the respondents, would not concede to requests for short adjournments.

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    “If one of the respondents finishes today, the next respondent should be ready the next day. We will not grant adjournments from any of the respondents, because you want the record of proceedings and that you want to go and study the record of proceedings; you all have your records.

    “We are working with time. The respondents will take their days. For defence, we will allow all the parties the statutory time to file their written addresses. There will be no abridging of time. We should be rounding up by first week of October,” Justice Shamaki stated.

    The PDP sued INEC, Ganduje and APC before the tribunal, faulting the March 23 governorship election victory by the defendants.

    The petitioners tendered 1020 exhibits alongside the appearances of 34 witnesses of the 253 depositions made before the tribunal.

  • Jime, Ortom suit: We can’t open defence for logistical challenges, says INEC

    THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has told the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Makurdi, the Benue State capital,  that “due to logistical challenges”, it would not be unable to open defence.

    The electoral body was due to open defence today in a petition filed by Emmanuel Jime of All Progressives Congress (APC) challenging the return of Samuel Ortom of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as Benue State governor.

    But, INEC lead counsel OEB Offiong, SAN at the beginning of proceedings urged the tribunal to adjourn the matter to August 15.

    “My Lords, the matter was fixed for the 1st respondent (INEC) to open defence. Regrettably, due to logistical challenges, we are unable to open today.

    Read Also: Ortom swears in 15 commissioners in Benue

    “We have reached a consensus with my brothers of the inner Bar for the 2nd and 3rd respondents and the petitioners that the matter be adjourned to Thursday. I’ve given them my undertaking that on that day, we will open and close our case.

    “In the light of that, we are requesting the honourable tribunal to adjourn the matter to August 15, 2019.”

    Chief E.K. Ashiekaa SAN, Chief Chris Uche SAN and Kehinde Eleja SAN, who appeared respectively for 2nd respondent (Ortom), 3rd respondent (PDP), the petitioners (Jime/APC) gave their consent to the request by INEC’s counsel.

    Uche SAN told the Honourable Tribunal: “I stand to confirm the position as stated by my learned brother silk for the 1st respondent Chief Offiong. We have also agreed among ourselves that cognisance of the timelines for various steps by the parties and also for the honourable tribunal to perform its own statutory responsibilities  in the matter in moving forward in due course, make consequential adjustments to timelines previously agreed upon.

    “And we have all agreed to come back on August 15, 2019, after the Sallah holiday, to continue the proceedings subject to the convenience of your lordships.”

    Eleja SAN confirmed on behalf of the petitioners that “parties have agreed to come back next Thursday for the 1st respondent to present its case”.

    The tribunal Chairman Justice Henry A. Olusiyi, in his ruling, granted the request as prayed.

  • Kwara NURTW leader seeks ban of illegal transport unions to stem kidnapping, others

    Kwara State National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Chairman Alhaji Aliyu Issa Ore has advised that kidnapping and other violent crimes on highways can be stemmed, if illegal transport unions are banned by the government.

    Ore spoke while welcoming members in the North Central states (Zone 4) to the opening of their secretariat in the Kwara State capital.

    The secretariat was funded by the national body of NURTW headed by Alhaji Najeem Yasin and Kwara donated the land opposite the Ilorin International Airport.

    According to him, illegal transport unions abound across the states of the federation, which often times were difficult to be held responsible for suspected involvement in the events of crimes committed on the routes they ply illegally.

    He said no registration of these unions were done in the first place and so they operate freely even in these days of crimes like assassinations and robberies aided by unknown transporters and fake passengers.

    His words: “Three of such unions operating in Kwara were the Nigeria Association of Cooperative Transporters (NACT), Association of Okada Riders and Taxi Owners Association.

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    Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who commissioned the edifice through his deputy, Mr. Kayode Alabi, said NURTW is one of the major partners of government helping to reduce unemployment in the country.

    “Statistics ?shows that the road transport sector constitutes one of the largest employers of labour in the economy with over 1.5 million people engaged in the sector,” the governor said.

    President of NURTW, Alhaji Najeem Yasin, who was commended for bringing the union to a level of envy among other unions in the country, told the gathering that his executive was building six edifices in the geo-political zones of the country.

    Yasin said already, four (including Ilorin) had been built and commissioned in Gusau for North West, Gombe for North East, Oshogbo for South West and the newly commissioned Ilorin for North Central.

    First Class traditional rulers led by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambari, Federal Road Safety Corps Marshall, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi and NURTW delegates from across Nigeria attended the occasion.