A corps member identified as Amaka Asikaogu has reportedly been found dead in an Abuja hotel, few days to the end of her service year. The deceased checked into New England Hotel in Abuja on Saturday evening with a male friend who left shortly after they were served food and drinks they ordered. . . According to reports, when asked about the lady he checked in with, Amaka's male friend insisted that she is fine and alone in the room. Amaka also affirmed that she was fine when called by the hotel workers. Amaka's corpse was however found in the room when the hotel staff who were worried that she is yet to check out the following day, forced their way in. . A family friend who confirmed the incident, told The Sun that the parents of the deceased sent her money after she complained that the person she was staying with asked her to leave the house. The family friend said; “It was like she was waiting for the end of the weekend before she get the accommodation before the unfortunate incident happened.”
Former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, said yesterday reiterated his commitment to continue to fight Nigeria’s unity till the end of his life. He spoke at the first memorial lecture of Dr. Fredrick Fasehun, the founder of O’odua Peoples Congress (OPC) in Lagos.
Obasanjo said Nigeria must address the agitation for restructuring for the country to move forward. He said, “Nigeria needs a new constitution which will contain the aspirations, fears and realities of the present state of Nigeria.”
According to him, the spate of insecurity in the country has fuelled the agitation for regional security network.
He said governors as the chief security officers of their respective states cannot afford to keep mum in the face of kidnapping, banditry, and Boko Haram attacks.
“All that our governors are doing to fight insecurity, let us join forces with them for the success of quality security in the country. If we don’t have quality security, it will lead the country to doom,” he said.
He added that restructuring would solve the nationwide agitation by ethnic nationalities.
He decried the suspicion among ethnic groups and regions in the country, saying, “The language we are using to address ourselves across the region now is uncouth and it must not continue. I will continue to fight for Nigeria’s unity until I die. But this fight is not to make my children and my race second class citizens.”
Obasanjo noted that agitations in the last century and during his presidency were for true federalism but have now shifted to restructuring.
“When I was president, what we met and what was happening, especially with the Abacha regime, people were clamouring for true federalism, not divide Nigeria. Now people are not clamouring for true federalism again, everybody is talking about restructuring.
“If we don’t address restructuring, they may go from restructuring to self-determination and this will be a serious problem.
“If Boko Haram can get external support, any group that decides to go will get support from within and outside.”
He said the late Fasehun was concerned about the lopsided political structure and arrangement in the country and would love to see these concerns addressed.
As the dreaded viral disease, Coronavirus continues to spread with no cure in sight, Nollywood actor, Gideon Okeke has bared his mind on the risk actors are taking especially with the first case of the disease confirmed in Nigeria February 27.The Nigerian model cum TV Presenter voiced his thoughts and possible precaution via his Instagram page, where he demanded that actors should start presenting their medical reports before shooting any kissing or romantic scene.
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“Or better yet…For How Much? Times have come when we ALL owe ourselves, the responsibility of presenting Medical Records. ACTING is a “Contact” sport. What with spittle running free when in the heat of passionate dialogue. For now…I DEY MY YARD. ENJOYING BANGA RICE,”
Former Nollywood actress Victoria Inyama has again taken to social media to share a lengthy piece on the effect of domestic violence on its victims.
Recall that Victoria called out Etinosa a few days ago over the latter’s refusal to apologize over her desecration of the bible but could apologize to Apostle Suleman for saying his side chicks bleach too.
Read Also: You Are A Jobless Retired Old Mother – Etinosa Fires Back At Victoria Inyama
In a new post on her page, Inyama shared her thoughts on domestic violence victims saying they sometimes suffer mental health issues.
She then went on to subtly shade Etinosa who had some months back revealed she was violated by her officer husband implying that the actress does have some mental health issues.
”Domestic violence significantly causes a range of mental health conditions. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Depression, Anxiety, Substance Abuse & thoughts of Suicide.
“Living under violent physical & emotional pressure imparts adversely on physical & psychological well being.
“D victim often has outbursts commonly followed by Remorse & Apology.
“Sadly most victims in trying to get their pain out self harm, use alcohol & drugs to escape d abuse or memory of d abuse.
“D impact of violence on individuals is complex, reflecting d interaction between d violent act on d one hand & coping strategies adopted by d victim.
“It’s hard being productive after Series of Abuse in marriage, worse still, being married to a service/ force officer in Nigeria.
“Then getting into an industry where coercive sex for stardom is d order of d day! That’s more abuse for d victim, so I do Empathize but constant outbursts won’t help.
“Every victim of Domestic Abuse needs to get help Asap….then focus on self rehabilitation or else there will be continuous frustrations as there will always be men ready to pay for segxwal gratification from ‘celebrity’.
“So smoking with bible pages is deep Anger towards God. Daring to / getting Nood & screaming ‘phyuk everyone’ is being Hopless.
“There are very few talented Actresses so I understand d desperation to be notorious to get attention from zaddy’ but Zaddy do appreciate academically intelligent ladies too, cause apart from sex…what else can U offer.
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“Get some Rehab plsssss….. Have a great weekend ma darlings….”
Babajide Akeredolu, son of Ondo state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu says he is proud that his father could consider him for the role of his chief of staff. The Senior Akeredolu had during his 3rd-anniversary dinner in Akure said his son, Babajide worked hard during his campaign and there is nothing anyone can do if he decides to appoint him as his chief of staff. “When somebody says Baba (Babajide) is this, I just laugh at them. If I wanted to make Baba my chief of staff, he can be; did you do more than him in the campaign? Ask yourself, how many of you did more than Baba in the campaign? How many?” he asked. “The young boy was going everywhere and all of us saw him but we decided not to because he wouldn’t want it. My son is satisfied, that’s why. If he is not, I will put him somewhere, there is nothing anybody can do. I will put him there, there is nothing you can do. Is he not my son? Is he not from Ondo state? Has he not worked?” Reacting to the story published by an online medium, Babajide tweeted that he was glad his father could consider him that position. He, however, said he would gladly decline because his father is a workaholic who might overwork him leading to needless clashes. Babajide whose Twitter profile reads ‘A slave to Ondo state’ said he would prefer to stick to his consultancy job.
Lol, glad he is proud of me (that was the real message that evening) but me I don't want. With the workaholic that he is, working everyday from 7am to midnight with my oga na fight. Me and him will just be clashing anyhow. Yeah, I'll stay with my consulting work. https://t.co/VD8cLZ8GGv
45-year-old Celestial pastor Ejiro Ologonla who is currently being investigated by the Lagos State Police Command for being in possession of missing person belongings has revealed that he took the items after the victim disappeared.
The missing person, Olatunfe Anthony No 27 Owode Street, Alapere Ketu was last seen on December 10 when he was sent on an errand to Ilupeju.
It was gathered that on the 12th of December 2019 at about 2pm Police received a complaint that on the the victim Olatunfe Anthony Oluwafemi of No 27 Owode Street, Alapere Ketu who was sent on an errand to Ilupeju has not returned and his whereabouts remained unknown.
All efforts made by his family members to trace him were unsuccessful. The Itel phone of the missing person was electronically analysed by Police forensic experts and that led to the arrest of the user of the phone, a 23-year old girl Monsurat Gbadegeshin.
It was learned that Monsurat fiancé Abiodun Abiola gave her the phone. That led the operatives to apprehend the said Abiodun Abiola.
During questioning, Abiodun said one Tolu Olurotimi sold the phone to him, thereby leading the operatives to him. Tolu Rotimi said he bought the phone from Pastor Ejiro Ologonla.
Suspects account
According to Ologonla who hails from Delta State but based in Lagos, “I was at Oniru beach for spiritual cleansing on the 20th of December 2019 at about 10:30 am. On that fateful day, when I met the young man Olatunfe Anthony who is now missing Oluwafemi”.
Explaining further Ologonla said, “Oluwafemi appeared drunk, and was chasing people around. At a point I saw him climbing a fisherman boat. Later I saw the missing person pulling his clothes and shoes. Later he dropped his phones and jumped into the sea. I informed the security men on guard duty at the beach and also called a Police officer as well as one princess Arike Oniru on phone to intimate them of the
incident.After which I picked up the victims clothes, shoes and phone and sold the phone to one Tolu Olurotimi for one thousand five hundred naira only”.
However, the Fishermen, the Princess and other witnesses mentioned by the suspect Ejiro Ologonla were invited for questioning.
The Fisherman stated that on that fateful day, the missing person came to the beach behaving as if he was drunk. That as he paddled the canoe to the sea, he was alerted that the man was hanging on the canoe. He brought him back and promised to give him fish. But when he came back the following day he did not see the man again.
The Princess confirmed that the Pastor called her to inform her that somebody jumped into the sea and she advised him to report the incident to the nearest Police Station.
The security guards on duty at the beach denied receiving a report of somebody jumping into the sea. The clothes and shoes of the missing person were found in possession of the Pastor.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson Lagos state police command DSP Bala Elkana said that It is established that the missing person was actually at Oniru beach before his disappearance.
The Pastor was the last person that had contact with the missing person. It is not yet established whether the missing person is dead or still alive. But circumstantial evidences gathered so far, are strongly pointing towards the Pastor.
The Pastor did not just sold the phone belonging to the missing person, he also converted the money he found in the trouser of the missing person to his own use. There is no record showing that the Pastor reported the incident to any Police Station. The Commissioner of Police Lagos State.
Meanwhile the Commissioner of Police Hakeem Odumosu has ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Yaba for further investigation and diligent prosecution.
Date :Sunday 1st, March 2020 Time: 9:00pm Stadium Santiago Bernabeu Referee Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz (Spain) Goal Scorer:
Team News: Matchday 26 of the 2019-20 La Liga season is underway and the latest round of fixtures will end with a blockbuster fixture. Real Madrid play hosts to Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu in what will be the second El Clasico of the season, with top spot on the table on the line.
Real Madrid Real Madrid have enjoyed a fine campaign in La Liga this term, with a solid defence paving the way for a return to the top echelons. Los Blancos, though, are going through their worst run of form this season, having failed to win each of their last three games. Zinedine Zidane & co. will especially be gutted after squandering a slim lead to lose 2-1 to Manchester City earlier this week. Zinedine Zidane does not have any fresh injury concerns to contend with ahead of the visit of Barcelona. On Sunday, the Real Madrid manager will be without just two first-team players due to fitness troubles.
Marco Asensio is inching closer to making his return, but is only likely to be available later this month. Eden Hazard, meanwhile, is a long-term absentee due to an ankle injury. Rodrygo Goes will be the third absentee for Real Madrid against Barcelona due to suspension.
Despite the Champions League defeat to Manchester City, Zidane is unlikely to tinker a great deal with his side. One possible option for the Real Madrid boss could be to overload the midfield, as he had done during the Spanish Super Cup. However, that would mean dropping Vinicius Jr., who has looked in great touch lately.
Vinicius was, in fact, a bright spot against Manchester City and would be the man to use his deadly change of pace to good effect on the left flank. The midfield will still have four players when off the ball, with Isco, another player who has been playing well of late, dropping down in the defensive phase.
Karim Benzema will lead the line for Real Madrid against Barcelona, but the Frenchman needs to arrest his poor run of form. As for the midfield, Toni Kroos ought to return after not being used at all in the midweek.
Luka Modric is likely to be the man to make way for Kroos, with Federico Valverde expected to be persisted with due to the intensity he brings in the middle of the park. Casemiro will sit at the base of the three-man midfield, with the Brazilian one of those who will aim for a turnaround after a poor showing against Manchester City.
One change is expected in defence as well, with Marcelo coming in for Ferland Mendy, despite the French full-back’s solid showing last time out. Marcelo will be joined by Dani Carvajal, Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos in the backline. In goal, there is no looking past Thibaut Courtois.
Barcelona For Barcelona, on the other hand, a bit of a turnaround appears to be on the cards after a dampener of a start under Quique Setien. The Blaugrana are now unbeaten in their last four games, and a 5-0 thrashing of Eibar last weekend showed signs of what the team can be when in flow.
The reverse fixture, played at Camp Nou in December last year, ended in a goalless draw, with clear-cut chances coming few and far between. Quique Setien has been handed a major injury boost ahead of his side’s visit to the Spanish capital. Against Real Madrid on Sunday, the Barcelona manager will be without just three first-team players, although he is set to welcome Jordi Alba back into the matchday squad.
Alba has recovered from a groin injury and should slot straight back into the starting lineup, with Junior Firpo blowing hot and cold in his absence. Meanwhile, the three absentees are Sergi Roberto (groin), Ousmane Dembele (hamstring) and Luis Suarez (knee).
As is the case with Real Madrid, changes are likely to be kept to a minimum. Clement Lenglet should return to the starting lineup, replacing Samuel Umtiti at the heart of the Barcelona defence, where he will have Gerard Pique as his partner.
As iterated earlier, Alba should start as the left-back while in the absence of Roberto, Nelson Semedo picks himself as the right-back. Behind the defence, there is no looking past Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the Barcelona goal.
Arthur was sorely missed for large parts of the 1-1 draw with Napoli earlier this week. The Brazilian midfielder should come in for Ivan Rakitic, who was disappointing last time out. Arthur will have Frenkie de Jong and Sergio Busquets for company in the middle of the park.
Setien has used Arturo Vidal as an auxiliary forward in the last two games, but should revert to using Ansu Fati, aiming to exploit the weaknesses showed by Real Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal against Manchester City. Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann are, meanwhile, automatic picks in attack.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; de Jong, Busquets, Arthur; Messi, Griezmann, Fati
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Key Stats Barcelona have won more La Liga games against Real Madrid than any other side (72), while Los Blancos have beaten Barcelona more than any other side in the competition (72). Real Madrid have not won any of their last seven La Liga games against Barcelona (D3 L4). Should they fail to win this game, they will have suffered their worst such streak in the competition in El Clasico history. Barcelona have only won one of their last four away La Liga games, conceding two goals in each of those four. Barcelona boss Quique Setien has won just two of the eight La Liga games he has managed against Real Madrid (D2 L4), although both wins came against Zinedine Zidane, making him the only manager to win twice against the Frenchman in the league. Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has gone seven games without scoring against Barcelona, his worst run in El Clasico.
Just few days ago, an article about Bisa Kdei and Sefa surfaced online, stating the two were involved in a romantic affair.
None of the two parties responded to the article, leaving readers in a moment of doubt, as to whether these two singers are in a relationship.
Some industry players who for some time now have been suspecting Bisa Kdei and Sefa in an affair gave comments under the post that confirm the dating rumours circulating around them.
Sista Afia’s reply which read “Boy3” attracted a lot of comments that show the truth is finally coming into light.
Sefa has just closed the comment section of the post, making it impossible for anyone to write under it.
Date :Sunday 1st, March 2020 Time: 2:00pm Stadium Tottenham Stadium Referee Stuart Attwell (England) Goal Scorer:
Team News: Tottenham Hotspur play host to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon with just one point separating the two clubs in the standings.
Although both teams have ambitions of securing Champions League football, defeat here could leave either outfit closer to mid-table Tottenham When Spurs succumbed tamely at Chelsea last weekend, Jose Mourinho was quick to allude to his team's lack of preparation after just under 65 hours separated the defeat to RB Leipzig in the Champions League and the setback at Stamford Bridge.
However, in a role reversal, Spurs will have had five more days recovery than their opponents on Sunday, who have played twice since Mourinho's side were beaten at the home of his former club.
Regardless of the time that Spurs have been able to spend on the training pitch this week, Mourinho will know that this fixture is arguably one of their biggest of the campaign if they want to finish in the top four.
Although a four-match undefeated streak led to 10 points being recorded, Spurs are now four points adrift of Chelsea in the race to secure a place in next season's Champions League.
With numerous matches against some of their nearest rivals still to come, Mourinho will acknowledge that such fixtures could make or break their season. The long-term injury to Son Heung-min has come at the wrong time, especially with Harry Kane still at least six weeks from a return, and it means that the onus is on the likes of Dele Alli to keep the club in contention heading into the closing weeks.
Although the playmaker has gone six matches without a goal or assist, having his minutes restricted against Leipzig and Chelsea may work to the team's and player's benefit going forward.
Despite the increasing influence of Giovani Lo Celso, Spurs require an added creative spark in the final third to complement the pace of Steven Bergwijn and Lucas Moura, who have made little impact in either of the last two matches. Having had another week to boost his fitness in training, Erik Lamela is expected to make his first start after a spell on the sidelines.
Alli is also likely to be recalled to the starting lineup, with Japhet Tanganga and Tanguy Ndombele potentially dropping out of the side.
After only featuring on the substitutes' bench last weekend, Serge Aurier should return at right-back. Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form: LDWWWL Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions): DWWWLL
Wolverhampton From Wolves' perspective, they will view Spurs' recent drop-off as a window of opportunity to move ahead of their hosts in the standings, but it remains to be seen whether their European excursions will hinder their efforts on the domestic scene.
The likes of Ruben Neves, Diogo Jota and Raul Jimenez were all not required as Wolves booked their place in the Europa League last 16 on Thursday night against Espanyol. Nevertheless, adding at least two more fixtures to their schedule puts extra focus on matches such as the one on Sunday, an occasion where they will hope to leapfrog one of English football's established top six.
While three goals were conceded in Spain on Thursday night, Wolves have kept three successive clean sheets in the top flight against Manchester United, Leicester City and Norwich City respectively.
Nuno Espirito Santo has also been getting more out of Diogo Jota, who has netted five times in his last two outings after a relatively poor effort in the final third throughout the season.
Daniel Podence offers an alternative to Jota after his January arrival from Olympiacos, but Nuno has shown loyalty to his long-standing players in the past.
That puts pressure on the Portuguese and his attacking teammates to deliver more regularly in the final third, with nine goals from three matches over the past week coming after previously requiring 10 games to score the same amount.
On paper, Wolves have a favourable domestic schedule over the next month, although their mindset heading into those contests will depend on how they fare in a potentially pivotal showdown at the weekend. Nuno has a concern over Jonny, who missed the Europa League game in midweek due to a knock sustained against Norwich on Sunday.
With Ruben Vinagre having come through an hour against Espanyol after a hamstring injury, the Portuguese is expected to get the nod at left wing-back.
Nuno must decide whether to use a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 formation, with one of Leander Dendoncker or Adama Traore likely to begin the game among the replacements.
Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup: Lloris; Aurier, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Davies; Winks, Lo Celso; Bergwijn, Alli, Lamela; Moura
Wolverhampton Wanderers possible starting lineup: Patricio; Boly, Coady, Saiss; Doherty, Neves, Dendoncker, Moutinho, Vinagre; Jota, Jimenez Wolverhampton Wanderers Premier League form: DWLDDW Wolverhampton Wanderers form (all competitions): LDDWWL
Head To Head Sunday's fixture will represent the 97th competitive meeting between the two clubs, with Spurs recording 48 wins in comparison to 28 victories for Wolves.
In 11 matches which have taken place since the turn of the Millennium, Spurs have prevailed on six occasions and suffered three defeats.
Six games have been played since the home team last emerged victorious in this head-to-head, a run stretching back to September 2010.
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Beautiful Nollywood actress Adesua Etomi has appreciated her husband Banky W after her surprised birthday party.
Adesua Etomi turned plus one a few days ago and her husband threw a surprise birthday party for her. After the surprise birthday party, the beautiful actress took to Instagram to gush over her husband.
She penned down some romantic message to appreciate her husband for such an awesome birthday party.
She also expressed her gratitude thanking her husband for being the best life partner. She wrote
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“Susu Day the turn up was EPIC. I had the BEST BIRTHDAY EVER. I am so grateful to have a life partner that’s so thoughtful and unbelievably sweet. Bubba @bankywellington you made last weekend soooo memorable. You threw me a whole party and yes, it turns out ‘You’re still the king of the lagos party’, just that the turn up is now in the house of the king of kings. Definitely my best birthday weekend so far. You are everything and so much more. Love you PIECES”
Date :Sunday 1st, March 2020 Time: 6:30pm Stadium Goodison Park Referee Christopher Kavanagh (England) Goal Scorer:
Team News: Everton Defeat at Arsenal last Sunday delivered a reminder of Everton’s shortcomings and confirmed Carlo Ancelotti was right to ignore the hype about Champions League qualification. The Europa League is his target and he could do with a repeat of last season’s victory to ensure it remains a realistic one. Subs from Stekelenburg, Coleman, Keane, Davies, Sigurdsson, Iwobi, Gordon, Kean, Digne
Manchester United Ole Gunnar Solskjær issued a public apology and threatened a clear-out after the 4-0 humbling at Goodison Park last season. The exodus never materialised but Sunday’s return is opportunity to demonstrate that, with Bruno Fernandes making an immediate impact and United unbeaten in seven matches in all competitions, lessons have been learned and progress is being made. Subs from Romero, Chong, Garner, Gomes, Jones, Pereira, Bailly, Lingard, Matic, Williams, Ighalo, Tuanzebe, Fosu-Mensah
An unidentified Nigerian man was spotted praying in the middle of a busy road in Lugbe, Abuja earlier this morning. The video which has since been trending online, the man can be seen on his knees, and raising his hands in prayer, as he shields himself with his car parked right behind him.
Twitter user @Leokolade who shared the video wrote;
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Lool i was driving and then saw this man praying on the road in lugbe, Abuja. What are your thoughts?
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has decried the inability of the country to conduct credible elections after several years of practising democracy.
He spoke on Friday at the Government House Port Harcourt during a solidarity visit by the leaders and people of Okrika and Ogu/Bolo Local Government Areas.
He said, “It is unfortunate that up till now, we cannot conduct free and fair elections in Nigeria.
“It is unfortunate that the giant of Africa, lacks the capacity to conduct credible elections.”
While commending the Wakirike women for defending the Rivers mandate against the invading soldiers, Governor Wike urged Rivers people to always ensure that their votes count during elections.
“At all times, continue to defend and protect the Rivers mandate”, he said.
Governor Wike said that out of the N100 million meant for the empowerment Programme for the courageous women of Wakirike ethnic Nationality, N50million has been reserved for Okrika LGA and N50million for Ogu/Bolo LGA.
Wike commended Wakirike people for maintaining peace in the area, saying that his administration will fulfil key developmental pledges to them.
He stated that he will extend electricity to Okrika Local Government Area and work towards the construction of the Jetty at Isaka.
The Governor further noted that he will link Ogu and Wakama communities as he promised during his campaign.
He added that the next phase of Okochiri internal roads will be completed by his administration
One of three suspected armed robbers arrested by the police in the Dambam Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Shehu Abdullahi, has confessed that he was planning to use his share of the proceeds to get married.
Abdullahi, 20, in an interview with Northern City News, while being paraded at the Bauchi State Police Command on Wednesday, said he initially didn’t want to be a part of the gang but his friend convinced him otherwise.
He claimed that it was his first time of participating in such an act before he was arrested by the police.
He said, “I was brought to the police headquarters because of an armed robbery operation that we did. Yes, I am an armed robber, but I have never done it before; this is my first time.
“I was at home when Dan Jauro called me that I should come and join them to go for a robbery, but I told him that I had never done it before. He begged me to just come that they needed people to participate in it. I told him that I was scared, but he encouraged me to just come.
“Before I went there, they had bought everything needed for the robbery. When I got there, they had started bringing out the logs of wood to the road when I got there.
“When we blocked the road, one car came and we stopped it. The driver came out and Dan Jauro dragged one of the women out of the car. We asked all of them to come down and we collected all their handsets and belongings. Some of us opened the boot of the car and took out three boxes and four bags.”
Asked what he was going to do with his share of the money, he said, “Honestly, I wanted to marry and I did not have the money. I wanted to use it to marry.”
The Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Philip Maku, said the suspects and seven others still at large were behind a robbery whose video went viral.
Popular Celebrity, Davido has boasted about his father’s wealth in a video he posted recently on his verified twitter page. OBO revealed that his father spent N1.4 billion naira on his brother's wedding that took place in Dubai. Watch the video below...
Date :Saturday 29th, February 2020 Time: 6:30pm Stadium Vicarage Road Referee Michael Oliver (England) Goal Scorer:
Team News: Liverpool's march towards Premier League immortality takes them to Vicarage Road on Saturday evening as they face Watford with yet more history beckoning.
Just 12 points from claiming the title, Jurgen Klopp's side would set a new Premier League record for consecutive victories should they chalk up a 19th in a row this weekend, but take on a Watford side that ran them close in the reverse fixture at Anfield.
Watford The Hornets were rock-bottom with only nine points and one win from 16 games when they travelled to Merseyside for what was Nigel Pearson's first game in charge and, while they ultimately lost 2-0, they arguably deserved a point having spurned a couple of golden chances to snatch something from the game against all the odds.
Watford's improved performance was soon reflected in their results, though, with that Liverpool loss proving to be their only defeat in Pearson's first eight games at the helm across all competitions - a run of form which briefly lifted them out of the relegation zone.
However, that honeymoon period is now well and truly over and Watford welcome the champions-elect having lost four of their last five games across all competitions, including defeats to Liverpool's Merseyside neighbours Tranmere Rovers and Everton.
The Everton defeat, which came in their most recent home game, was particularly galling as Watford failed to win a Premier League match at Vicarage Road after being two goals ahead for the first time, conceding twice in first-half stoppage time and then again in second-half stoppage time. Only West Ham and Norwich City have picked up fewer points in front of their own fans this season, although the Hornets have also only lost five of their 13 home games - the same number as fourth-placed Chelsea.
Since the Everton defeat Pearson's side have drawn at Brighton & Hove Albion and been well beaten by Manchester United, leaving them right back in the relegation mire with 11 games of the season remaining.
The situation is certainly less bleak than when they last faced Liverpool - the gap to safety now is only one point - but they know that they need to stop the rot sooner rather than later with the clubs around them all capable of picking up unexpected results.
Watford may need to do the same with three of the top four to come in their next six games, although there are not many stats to encourage them against Liverpool.
Indeed, the Hornets are the joint-lowest scorers in the Premier League this season and come up against the league's best defence, which has kept 10 clean sheets in their last 12 top-flight matches. The Hornets could have Kiko Femenia back available as they look to stifle Salah and co, but Daryl Janmaat remains a couple of weeks away having only recently stepped up his recovery from a knee problem.
The fit-again Danny Welbeck could be considered for a starting role, while Ismaila Sarr is also pushing for inclusion should Pearson look to make changes from the defeat at Old Trafford.
Watford possible starting lineup: Foster; Dawson, Kabasele, Cathcart, Masina; Hughes, Capoue; Sarr, Doucoure, Deulofeu; Deeney Watford Premier League form: WDLLDW Watford form (all competitions): DLLLDL
Liverpool Twelve points is all Liverpool need to finally put their league title ghost to bed as they head into another week with another record available for their relentless and remarkable team.
When Manchester City went a full half-season without dropping a single point in 2017-18 it was suggested that such a feat would never be repeated, yet Liverpool got to within one of the record earlier this season before subsequently winning each of their last 18 games to match Pep Guardiola's centurions.
Klopp's class of 2019-20 have perhaps not done it in such spectacular fashion, but should they claim a 19th successive win as expected this weekend then it would be another piece of evidence in the growing argument that this is one of the greatest teams English football has ever seen.
The stats certainly suggest so; Monday night's 3-2 triumph over West Ham United was closer than many expected, but it means that Liverpool have now gained as many points as Manchester United's treble-winners from 1998-99 and as many wins as Arsenal's Invincibles from 2003-04.
Those are two teams unanimously included in the argument of the best ever, and yet Liverpool have matched their league feats with a whopping 11 games of the season remaining. The Reds are also closing in on the Invincibles in the unbeaten stakes with the West Ham win taking their tally to 44, just five short of the all-time record in English football held by Arsene Wenger's side.
Liverpool have dropped just 10 points from 132 available in that time and have taken a staggering 106 from the last 108 on offer, which is an unprecedented run of form leaving them on course to gain a scarcely-believable tally of 112 points this season alone.
Klopp's description of his players as 'mentality monsters' becomes more apt every week, with Monday's result the 18th game they have won by a single-goal margin across all competitions this season, while they have also triumphed on penalties twice.
Now masters of getting the job done, Liverpool's lead at the top of the table stands at 22 points and leaves them needing only 12 more - or four more wins - to finally confirm the inevitability of their first top-flight title in 30 years.
With such a commanding lead the challenge will be to ensure that the players do not get distracted by other factors in their treble bid, particularly with an FA Cup clash away to Chelsea coming up and the must-win second leg against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League looming next month. The narrow margin by which Liverpool have won many of their games this season has helped to stave off the threat of complacency, though, and they know just how tricky a proposition Watford can be after the reverse tie at Anfield in December. Liverpool will again be without in-form captain Jordan Henderson, whose intensity and drive they seemed to miss against West Ham.
The skipper is set to miss around three weeks with a hamstring problem, joining Xherdan Shaqiri and long-term absentee Nathaniel Clyne on the sidelines.
James Milner will also miss this weekend's match with a slight muscle strain, although Klopp suggested that the veteran could be back in time for next week's FA Cup clash with Chelsea.
Trent Alexander-Arnold could break his own record for number of assists by a defender in a single Premier League season should he add to his tally of 12 already this term.
Mohamed Salah will be a grateful recipient of any such service having scored eight goals and created two more in just five appearances against Watford, making them his favourite ever opponent. Liverpool possible starting lineup: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabinho, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane Liverpool Premier League form: WWWWWW Liverpool form (all competitions): WWWWLW
Head To Head Liverpool are currently enjoying their longest ever unbeaten run against the Hornets - an eight-game streak which includes seven wins while scoring 27 goals and keeping six clean sheets, including four in a row.
The Reds' dominance in this fixture stretches back further than that, though; they have won 24 of the 33 previous meetings between the two sides, although four of Watford's five wins in that time have come on their own patch.
The reverse fixture last season saw Liverpool run out 3-0 winners, with Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Roberto Firmino all on the scoresheet.
Date :Saturday 29th, February 2020 Time: 4:00pm Stadium Vitality Stadium Referee Andre Marriner (England) Goal Scorer:
Team News: Chelsea make the trip to the Vitality Stadium to face Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon holding a three-point advantage in the race for fourth spot in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth welcome the Blues looking to end a run of two successive defeats, an achievement which may ensure that they remain out of the relegation zone. Bournemouth At a time when the West Londoners have found themselves on the slide, Eddie Howe has seen his team manage to get themselves out of the drop zone courtesy of victories against Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa.
Nevertheless, the Cherries manager is aware that the club are fortunate not to be back among the bottom three after more setbacks at Sheffield United and Burnley respectively. While there is an argument that Bournemouth were on the receiving end of two debatable VAR calls last weekend, ones which ultimately effected the game, Howe would have been concerned with the capitulation of his team during the second half at Turf Moor.
The negative momentum swing from thinking that they had netted an equaliser through Harry Wilson to the technology awarding a penalty at the other end was natural enough, but the defeat was Bournemouth's 12th in 16 matches.
As a result of the form of their rivals, the South-coast outfit remain two points above the safety line, and there will be motivation to extend that cushion with Aston Villa competing in the EFL Cup final this weekend.
Despite the tough set of fixtures remaining for the season, Howe may feel that an occasion such as the one on Saturday is perfect for his players as they attempt to rediscover the confidence they played with during the early part of the season.
Seven points have also come from their last four matches at their home ground ahead of meetings with the Blues, Crystal Palace and Newcastle United.
Although their away form is as bad as any team in the division, Howe knows that picking up at least six points from their upcoming matches at the Vitality Stadium could prove to be the difference come the middle of May. As for Bournemouth, Howe will make changes to his first XI, with Steve Cook in line to come back into the defence.
Providing that he has recovered from a back injury, Jefferson Lerma will return to the centre of midfield, potentially at the expense of Andrew Surman.
Bournemouth Premier League form: LLWWLL Bournemouth form (all competitions): LWLWLL
Chelsea After Chelsea had deservedly got the better of Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, Frank Lampard talked up the performance of his team, who had strengthened their hold of fourth place.
However, courtesy of a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich in the Champions League three days later, the Blues boss was not shy in criticising his players after they had been outclassed in front of their own supporters.
Contrasting post-match interviews have been a common theme for Lampard this season with his team struggling for consistency, and being easily brushed aside by Bayern highlighted how far away that the West Londoners are from the top teams in Europe.
Although the short-term objective is to qualify for next season's competition, Lampard must find a solution to the varying levels of performances, not helped by injuries to key attacking players.
In the absence of the injured Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi, Mason Mount has been forced to occupy a slightly different role in the final third, providing him with more freedom to influence the match. Despite impressing against Spurs, Mount's decision-making was poor against Bayern, something which has blighted this Chelsea side throughout the campaign.
From a defensive perspective, Chelsea were fortunate to only concede three times against their German opponents, with the backline having now kept just seven clean sheets from 39 matches since Lampard's arrival last summer.
Given the amount of time he has now spent with his players, Lampard would have expected bigger improvements than he has witnessed, and that will need to change over the coming months if Chelsea are going to achieve any of their objectives for the season. As a result of Tammy Abraham sustaining an injury during Tuesday's cool-down, Olivier Giroud is expected to retain his place in the team.
Lampard is likely to revert to a back four, which could see Kurt Zouma return to partner Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta move out to left-back.
Despite being hauled off after an hour in midweek, Ross Barkley may feature in central midfield, allowing Mount to feature on the left wing with Willian occupying the opposite flank.
Pulisic and Hudson-Odoi remain absent through injury, but Ruben Loftus-Cheek should feature on the substitutes' bench. Chelsea possible starting lineup: Caballero; James, Zouma, Rudiger, Azpilicueta; Barkley, Jorginho, Kovacic; Willian, Mount; Giroud Chelsea Premier League form: WLDDLW Chelsea form (all competitions): DWDLWL
Head To Head Saturday's fixture will represent just the 17th competitive meeting between the two clubs, with Chelsea recording 11 wins in comparison to five victories for Bournemouth.
Despite trailing historically, Bournemouth have prevailed in the last two matches, including by a 4-0 scoreline in the corresponding encounter last season.
Six of the last seven games have ended with the winning team also securing a clean sheet.
The Board of Ekiti State Teaching Service Commission has dismissed the three teachers accused of segxwally molesting pupils in their schools.
The teachers include Messrs.’ Ajibola Gbenga and Olaofe Abiodun both if All Souls Grammar School, Ado Ekiti and Mr Olaitan Adeyanju of Osi Community High School, Osi Ekiti. Until their dismissal, the trio were middle level officers in the teaching profession.
While Mr Ajibola, a Grade level 12 Officer taught Computer Education, Mr Olaofe, a Grade Level 14 officer was a teacher of Chemistry. Mr Adeyanju on the other hand was a GL 13 officer who used to teach Accounts. Their dismissal was announced after the plenary of the Teaching service Commission held on Thursday 27th February, 2020.
Speaking on the issue, the TESCOM Chairman, Hon Babatunde Abegunde stated that the act of the teachers amounted to gross misconduct unbecoming of those entrusted with moulding the destiny of younger ones. He explained that the penalty meted out to them was in line with the Public Service Rules and the State Teachers’ Manual.
The Chairman noted that the Commission followed the due process as laid down by extant rules to avoid miscarriage of Justice in arriving at its decision. He explained that the erring staffs were first queried and interrogated at the school level before repeating the process at the Commission.
According to the Chairman, the trio appeared before the Commission’s Disciplinary Committee which, after thorough investigation that took it to affected schools and communities, now made appropriate recommendations.
Commenting on the matter, the state solicitor General, Mr. L. B. Ojo,
who is a member of the Board of TESCOM commended the management for giving the officers fair hearing and ensuring quick dispensation of justice.
The State Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, Comrade Odugbesan expressed displeasure on the misconduct of the teachers stating that his union is a disciplined body that would not condone acts of Child molestation and segxwal harassment among its members.
The Commission chairman used the occasion to appeal to the teaching and non-teaching staff to maintain discipline in their schools. He reminded them that they are holding positions of trust which they must strive hard not to betray. He concluded that the Commission is cooperating with other stakeholders to draw up measures that will ensure that such actions become history in our schools.
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