Polo Player escapes unhurt as horse collapses, dies on field of play in Borno

The week-long Annual Bauchi Polo Tournament ended on a sad note Saturday when a horse on the field of play belonging to a Yola club side collapsed and died instantly.

A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Correspondent covering the game reports that the match, between Bauchi Gabasawa and Yola Yelwa clubs, was in progress when the incident occurred, eliciting emotions from players and spectators.

Umar Modibbo, one of the players of Yola Yelwa, told NAN that the horse, a Sudanese brand, was worth N700, 000.

Buhari rescued Borno from being a Boko Haram State - Shehu of Borno

Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Garbai, said on Saturday that the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari as Nigerian President had saved Borno from extinction.

Garbai stated this when he received the new Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Ibrahim Idris, in his palace in Maiduguri.

He said that but for the election of Buhari in May 2015 and his dogged determination in fighting the insurgents, the story would have been different today.

Militant Group says Buhari, Osinbajo saying rubbish; bombings will continue

A new militant group, the Ultimate Warriors of Niger Delta, has warned that bombing of oil installations in the region will not cease.

The militant group, also described the alleged doublespeak by the federal government on dialogue with the people of the region as absurd.

A statement issued by the group on Saturday also asked the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) to stop parading itself as leader of the militant groups.

Things would have been better if Nigeria did not gain Independence – 99-year-old ex-civil servant laments

A 99-year-old man, Albert Adesanwo, who served as a technician at the Nigerian Navy, has declared that if he had a second chance to return to life after death, it won’t be as a black man nor a Nigerian.

Speaking with the Punch on Sunday, the elderly man noted that Nigeria before Independence was much better than what was obtainable in the present day.

According to him, “Because then, the economy was better, people had good food to eat without spending too much.

“One shilling then could buy enough food. I think the British people acted better than Nigerians who took over the country after independence.

‎SERAP sues FG over failure to name suspected looters

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sued the Federal Government over “failure to release the names of suspected looters and the circumstances under which recovered stolen public funds were recovered.”

The suit filed last Friday at the Federal High Court Ikoyi followed a Freedom of Information request to the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Muhammed asking him to use his good offices to “provide information about the names of high ranking public officials from whom public funds were recovered and the circumstances under which funds were recovered, as well as the exact amount of funds recovered from each public official.”

The originating summons with suit number FHC/CS/964/2016 was brought pursuant to section 4(a) of the Freedom of Information Act, and signed by SERAP executive director Adetokunbo Mumuni.

Comptroller of Prisons under fire over brutality of Ekiti OPC chief

The immediate past Comptroller of Prisons in Ekiti State, Attahiru Mustapha is under fire over alleged brutality meted out on the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) leader Adeniyi Adedipe in custody.

Adedipe’s lawyer, Jamiu Tijani, disclosed on Sunday that his client was beaten, dehumanized, stripped naked and beaten by armed prison guards under alleged supervision of Mustapha at about 10.00 am last Wednesday, July 13.

Sources at the Ekiti State Command of the Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS) revealed that Mustapha has been transferred to Taraba State where he will resume office tomorrow (Monday).

Federal Government slam with N15bn lawsuit by Dasuki, demands release, public apology

Detained former National Security Adviser (NSA) Colonel Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (rtd) has dragged the federal government before an Abuja High Court, challenging his incarceration in the custody of the Department of the State Service (DSS) since December last year without trial.

Dasuki in the fresh legal action is praying the court to order his immediate release from the claws of the federal government security agents either conditionally or unconditionally.

The suit marked FCT/HC/ABJ/CV/2005/2016 instituted on his behalf by his two lead counsels Messrs Joseph Daudu SAN and Ahmed Raji SAN was brought pursuant to Order 11, Rule 1, 2 and 3 of the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rule 2009.

Any impeachment attempt on Buhari will be resisted like Turkey - APC governors

The All Progressives Congress, APC, governors, under the umbrella of Progressive Governors Forum, PGF, yesterday warned that Nigerians will resist any attempt to remove President Muhammadu Buhari from office.

Late last week, there were reports of threat by the Senate to impeach Buhari amid the face-off between the Presidency and the Senate, which was deepened by charges instituted by the federal government over alleged forgery of Senate Orders. However, the Senate has come out to deny plotting to impeach the President.

PDP Crisis: No Agreement Yet With Anybody - Sheriff

Barely 36 hours after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) zoned its national chairmanship to the South and declared it has not foreclosed full reconciliation with the embattled former National Chairman and his associates, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff yesterday said that he has not reached an agreement with any­body.

PDP had at its expanded national caucus meeting held on Thursday in Abuja said that the presence of Sen. Buruji Kashamu, a strong supporter of Sheriff was an evidence that its reconciliation effort was making progress.

In Armenia: Attempted Coup, Gunmen reportedly Storm Police Building

Gunmen have stormed the police headquarters in Armenia provoking fears of an attempted coup in the country.

The country borders Turkey where an attempted coup took place on Friday night.

One person has been killed and a number of people wounded after the building in Yerevan were stormed by gunmen.

It is also being reported that police chief Valery Osipyan is being held, hostage.

No Chill! See how Nigerian reacts to Dino Melaye's invasion of Bourdillon road on twitter

Nigerians really have no chill. Senator Dino Melaye stormed the state to dare APC South West zone members who had earlier released a statement informing him that he is barred from coming to the South West until he apologizes to Sen. Oluremi Tinubu following his recent row with her. See how they pounce on him on twitter above.

"A time I had just N100 to feed my son, unborn daughter" - Actress Iyabo Ojo

See what Iyabo posted on her Instagram Page below:

Be grateful! It helps u appreciate d little u have knowing fully well that there are better days ahead! A time had been when all i got on a gud day in our one room apartment where 2 of my inlaws also lived with us was 100 naira daily to feed my son, my unborn daugther n my self which didnt even come regularly but

Actress Dakore Akande and her bikini bod ... Nice!

Actress Dakore Akande puts her bikini bod on display

Borno state: Troops, CJTF ambush Boko Haram terrorists in Marguba

Nigeria troops along with Civilian JTF have continued clearance operations within Sambisa forest despite harsh climatic conditions and bad terrain occasioned by heavy down rainfalls, especially within Gombale area. Despite bogging down of vehicles and equipment because of the bad terrain, the troops have continued with their clearance operations.

Minister of Youth and Sports held talks with Niger Delta Avengers

Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, took to his twitter handle to state that he held talks with members of the militant group, Niger Delta Avengers. No other detail was given.

Vice President Osinbajo in Kigali, Rwanda for AU Summit (PHOTOS)

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday morning arrived Kigali, Rwanda for the 27th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU). He had a breakfast meeting with some African leaders preceding the Africa Union leaders retreat later yesterday, Saturday, July 16.

After 4 years of marriage Actress Drew Barrymore files for divorce from her third husband

Actress Drew Barrymore has filed for divorce from her third husband, Art consultant Will Kopelman, the son of former Chanel CEO, Arie Kopelman, after 4 years of marriage. The couple announced their separation in April of this year.

Drew filed for divorce fon Friday in Manhattan according to the NY Daily News. 

The divorce is uncontested, which means it should be pretty amicable, absent of any squabbles over money or their 2 daughters, Olive Barrymore Kopelman 3 years old and Frankie Barrymore Kopelman who is 2 years old.

Photos from the graduation dinner of Buhari's children

Photos from the diner President Buhari's children, Halimat, Zahra and Yusuf, hosted yesterday to celebrate their recent graduation from University and Nigeria Law School

Heartrending moments a policeman rescue a soldier in Turkey from mob (PHOTOS)

These images show the moments a Turkish policeman came to the aid of a pro-coup soldier. Just before these pictures were taken, the soldier was stamped on, punched and pelted with rocks by an angry crowd. Then, amid the violence, the policeman above saw what was going on, boarded an armoured vehicle and hugged the soldier and urged the angry crowd to calm down. The anonymous policeman, wearing a gas mask and carrying a rifle, then helped the man up.

22 year old Singer, Meghan Trainor acquires $4.9 million LA mansion (PHOTOS)

The 22-year-old singer paid the huge sum for the stunning home located in Toluca Lake, a wealthy area just outside of Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles Times. The newly renovated property which was formerly owned by Megan Fox and Brian Austin has four huge rooms complete with floor to ceiling windows, a separate guest house, a pool and spa amongst other luxuries.

PHOTONEWS: Mrs Patience Jonathan visits her hometown, Okrika in Rivers State

Former First lady, Patience Jonathan, yesterday visited her hometown, Okrika in Rivers state for the funeral ceremony of Late Queen Comfort Kaine Obudibo, wife of His Royal Highness, King E. T. I. Obudibo, Ikwo V., Amayanabo of Ogoloma.

Abia State: First lady comes to the aid of 11 years old girl raped by 2 men

The wife of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu (PhD), Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu has come to the aid of an 11-year-old girl Blessing (real name withheld) a native of Okaiuga Nkwoegwu in Umuahia North LGA of Abia State, who was bad wordually molested by two men.

A national daily, had on Sunday reported the story of the girl and her friend who were lured by the two men to a building in the community where the victim who was bad wordually abused, mauled and maimed by the two men now at large. 

The girl had sent an SOS to the authorities and Mrs. Aisha Buhari alleging that the police are not doing enough to bring her molesters to justice.

Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu who visited the home of the victim immediately after the news broke expressed shock that humans could debase themselves to the level of animals to attack and molest an 11-year-old girl.

Nigeria ranks 4th with 35% on investment return in the world - Waheed Olagunju

The Acting Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BOI), Mr Waheed Olagunju, said Nigeria ranked fourth with 35 percent on return investment in the World.

Olagunju said this on Saturday in Lagos on the sidelines of BOI media parley titled: “Sustaining Nigeria’s industrial sector growth through impactful partnership’’.

He said that a lot of countries are in competition for investment resources.

According to Olagunju, the return on investment is much higher in Nigeria than other countries.

He said that return on investment should not be taken for granted, adding “we should try and de-risk our environment, improve on climate and continue to take measures by increasing our ranking in doing business.

Turkish government launches total cleanse after attempted coup

Turkey has begun a purge of soldiers and judiciary officials allegedly connected to an effort to topple the government, one day after a failed military coup attempt.

By Saturday evening, the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had detained 2,839 military personnel, with a number of arrests expected to rise, according to Prime Minister Binali Yildirim.

Turkey’s top judicial body, the HSYK, dismissed 2,745 judges on Saturday, according to Turkey’s Anadolu news agency.

Ambode says only creative unemployed youths will benefit from N25bn ETF

Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State said on Saturday that only creative unemployed youths would benefit from the first tranche of the N25 billion State Employment Trust Fund loan scheme.

Ambode made the disclosure at a Youth Empowerment Programme organised by the `Eleniyancare Leadership Foundation’ in Epe, Lagos state featuring over 1,000 youths drawn from across the state.

The empowerment programme is entitled: “Unlocking the Potentials Within: Making your Ideas Work.”

Regional Allies back President Erdogan, critics silent

Turkey’s regional allies on Saturday condemned a deadly but failed coup attempt by a faction of the army against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s rule, while his opponents abroad kept silent.

Key regional powers Iran and Israel, which have both had strained relationships with Erdogan’s government in the past, condemned the putsch that began late on Friday.

Despite the enmity between the Turkish and Syrian governments, officials in Damascus did not comment on the failed coup, which was reported by state media including the SANA news agency.

Damascus regularly accuses Ankara of supporting “terrorist groups” fighting regime forces in Syria, while Erdogan has repeatedly called for the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Cristiano Ronaldo pole position for the Ballon d’Or - Neymar

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo is the clear leader in the race to win the Ballon d’Or, says Barcelona’s Neymar.

Ronaldo helped Portugal win the European Championship just weeks after leading Real Madrid to Champions League glory.

Nigerians and the failed Turkey coup, by Reuben Abati

By Reuben Abati

Turkey is about five hours away from Nigeria by air, about 2, 634 miles from here, but the night there was a coup attempt in Turkey, July 15, with soldiers shutting down parts of Ankara and Istanbul, you’d think Ankara is a city somewhere in Nigeria and Istanbul is an extension of our country. Commentaries kept flying up and down on Nigeria social media space, with the coup attempt in Turkey becoming a trending topic. And yet the strongest connection between Nigeria and Turkey is probably trade, tourism, socio-cultural affinities, and the fact that many Nigerian travellers now find it easier and cheaper to travel through Turkey to other European capitals, with Turkish Airlines making all the profit and no Nigerian airline on that route! Still, if Turkey finds itself in a bad shape, as it has, that is not likely to affect the already sorry fortunes of the Naira or the forbidding cost of food items in Nigerian markets. On Friday, many Nigerians stayed awake and projected their own worst fears unto the Turkish situation.

VP Osinbajo urges African nations to address inequality, poverty

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has reiterated the need for African nations to quickly address the problems of poverty and inequality.

Osinbajo made the call at an event hosted by Ghanaian President John Mahama on Africa and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the African Union meeting in Kigali, Rwanda.

This is contained in a statement released by the vice-president’s Spokesman, Mr Laolu Akande, in Abuja on Saturday.

Diego Costa harasses referee as Chelsea lose first game under Conte (Watch Highlights)

Chelsea has lost their first game under new manager Antonio Conte. The Blues were beaten 2-0 in a friendly against Austrian side, Rapid Wien, with Diego Costa getting furious just after 13 minutes.

The very temperamental Costa charged at a player after he was fouled and also exhibited his usual anger towards the centre referee. 

Goals from Joelinton and Tomi Correa saw the Austrians emerge victorious, as Chelsea lost their first pre-season game ahead of the 2016/2017 season.