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 Nicolas Cage never thought he would have three children with three different women Nicolas Cage is opening up about fatherhood. In a recent interview with The New Yorker, Cage was honest about what it's like having three children with three different women, telling the outlet, "They’re all different experiences." "It’s not what I had originally thought would happen when I fell in love or got married – that I would have three different children with three different moms – but nonetheless that’s what’s happened," he explained. "So every child is different. There’s a different kind of level of attention." The actor shares his eldest son Weston, 33, with his ex Christina Fulton, his middle son Kal-El, 18, with his third wife, Alice Kim, and his 22-month-old daughter, August, with his fifth wife, Riko Shibata. When asked what he is currently reading or watching, the "National Treasure" star joked he isn't reading as much as he should be, as h...

 Manhunt in UK for man with crossbow after wife, 2 daughters of BBC commentator killed in home A manhunt was underway Wednesday in north London for a man believed to be armed with a crossbow after three women, later identified as the wife and two daughters of the BBC commentator John Hunt, were killed inside a suburban home. Kyle Clifford, 26, was identified as the suspect in the triple murder, which is believed to have involved a crossbow and other weapons, Hertfordshire Police said. "The manhunt also involves armed police officers and specialist search teams responding at pace in the wake of what has been an horrific incident," Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson said. The BBC confirmed that the victims were Carol Hunt, wife of BBC commentator John Hunt, and two of their daughters. Police said the ages of the victims were 25, 28 and 61. John Hunt is BBC radio’s main horse racing commentator, having covered the world-famous Grand National and The Derby. He had just returned hom...

 George Clooney urges Biden to step aside or he'll lose, says he's clearly declined Actor George Clooney called on President Biden to leave the 2024 race Wednesday in a New York Times guest essay, just weeks after raising millions for the Democratic candidate. "It’s devastating to say it, but the Joe Biden I was with three weeks ago at the fund-raiser was not the Joe ‘big F-ing deal’ Biden of 2010. He wasn’t even the Joe Biden of 2020. He was the same man we all witnessed at the debate," Clooney wrote.  "Was he tired? Yes. A cold? Maybe. But our party leaders need to stop telling us that 51 million people didn’t see what we just saw. We’re all so terrified by the prospect of a second Trump term that we’ve opted to ignore every warning sign," he continued. The actor joined a growing list of Hollywood elites and megadonors who've turned on Biden following the debate, where his halting, frail and at-times confused performance alarmed supporters. Members of ...

 Scarlett Johansson jokes that prenup requires husband Colin Jost to appear in all her films Scarlett Johansson fans could be seeing a lot more of husband Colin Jost in the future. On Monday night's episode of "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," Johannson joked that her husband made a cameo appearance in her upcoming movie, "Fly Me to the Moon," because it was written in the prenup. "Greg Berlanti was our director … [he’s] a huge fan of Colin’s," Johansson began. "Colin … I think he had to do it ’cause it’s, like, in our prenuptial agreement."  Johansson jokingly added, "If I ask him to do something, he has to be there to support me. He has to be in every one of my films." Johansson and Jost, a comedian and writer best known for his work on "Saturday Night Live," tied the knot in October 2020. In August 2021, the couple welcomed their first son, Cosmo. The Marvel actress was previously married to actor Ryan Reynolds ...

 Russian court orders arrest of Yulia Navalnaya, widow of opposition leader Alexei Navalny A court in Russia ordered the arrest of the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny during a hearing Tuesday that was conducted in absentia as part of a sweeping Kremlin crackdown on the opposition. Yulia Navalnaya, who lives abroad, would face arrest if and when she returns to Russia. Moscow’s Basmanny District Court ruled to arrest Navalnaya on charges of alleged involvement in an extremist group. ZELENSKYY SAYS ACTION AGAINST PUTIN CANNOT WAIT UNTIL US ELECTION IN NOVEMBER: 'STEP OUT OF THE SHADOWS' Navalny, the fiercest political foe of Russian President Vladimir Putin, died in February in an Arctic penal colony while serving a 19-year sentence on extremism charges that he had condemned as politically motivated. Authorities said he became ill after a walk but have otherwise given no details on Navalny's death. Navalny was imprisoned after returning to Moscow in January 2...

 Commutes One Death Sentence to Life Imprisonment, Grants Another Pardon  Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on the recommendation of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, has approved the release of 56 inmates from various correctional facilities across the State and the commuttal of the death sentence of an inmate to life imprisonment. He also granted full pardon to another inmate. According to a release signed by Mr. Lawal Pedro, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Governor signed the release, commuttal and pardon orders on the 25th of June, 2024. He said the exercise is in pursuant to the provisions of Section 212 (1) (2) of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria (amended), adding that the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy in reaching its recommendations exercised due diligence in its deliberation of the applications in line with the applicable guidelines. According to the release, “The Council took note of the inform...

 Lagos In Need Of 30,000 Medical Doctors – Health Commissioner The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, has revealed that the state’s healthcare system is severely understaffed. Speaking on Wednesday at the ongoing 2024 Clean-Air Forum in Lagos, Abayomi said the state’s health care system lacks 30,000 medical practitioners to meet its needs. He said the scarcity of medical professionals has resulted in an overworked and overstretched workforce, struggling to bridge the gap in the available doctor-to-patient ratio. “The dearth of medical doctors in Lagos has overstretched the available officials, making it challenging to bridge the gap in the available doctor-to-patient ratio. “Brain drain has significantly contributed to this personnel deficit.” the commissioner said. Abayomi emphasized the need for inter-agency collaborations to address the crisis, adding that the state urgently requires more medical professionals to cater to its growing population. “Lagos’...

 Fubara to pro-Wike lawmakers: You’re gone — I’m already preparing 2025 budget Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, says he will soon present the 2025 appropriation bill to the state house of assembly. Fubara was reacting to the seven-day ultimatum issued by members of the Rivers assembly loyal to Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT). During plenary on Monday, the 27 lawmakers asked Fubara to resubmit the state’s 2024 budget within seven days. The sitting followed a court of appeal judgment in Abuja dismissing the order of a Rivers high court which restrained the lawmakers from conducting legislative proceedings.  The high court had restrained the lawmakers from carrying out legislative activities after they defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In December 2023, Fubara presented the state’s 2024 N800 billion budget estimate to the Edison Ehie-led faction of the house of assembly. The Rivers governor ...

 Toyin Abraham faces backlash for action against trolls who cursed her over Tinubu’s support Nollywood actress, Toyin Abraham, is under fire on social media platforms after she reported trolls who cursed her for supporting President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general election to the police for cyberbullying. Abraham, during the 2022 election campaign period, had declared her support for Tinubu while assuring her fans that the President had reeled out his ‘Renewed Hope’ action plans that would address some of the nation’s problems and she was convinced that he would perform. Aside from the popular Nollywood actress, other Yoruba movie stars also declared their support for Tinubu and campaigned vigorously for him. However, since his emergence on May 29, 2023, the country’s economy has nosedived. On the inauguration day, Tinubu declared that his administration would no longer subsidise fuel. His decision has made the price of the Premium Motor Spirit rise from N185 to over N700. Also, as...

 ‘Stop using police, go to court if trolls defame you’ – Mr Macaroni tells celebrities Nigerian comedian and actor, Adebowale Adedayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, has urged fellow celebrities to seek redress in court if they feel defamed by online trolls rather than use the police to “illegally” arrest or detain anyone. He claimed that he had been defamed on several occasions by alleged trolls of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, but never took justice into his own hands. He warned that there was “serious danger” in using the police to “illegally detain citizens.” The movie star urged his colleagues to stop using their friends in government to “illegally detain citizens.” On his X handle, Mr Macaroni wrote: “If anyone insults you or defames your character, go to court and seek justice. “APC trolls insult me and tell so many Lies against my person. I have never for once used the police to illegally arrest or detain anyone and Never will I. “There is serious danger in us...

 EndSARS Protest: ECOWAS Court finds FG guilty of human rights violations The Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, on Wednesday, found the Federal Government guilty of violating the fundamental human rights of youths that participated in the October 2020, EndSARS protest. The court, in a unanimous decision by a three-man panel of Justices, held that there was merit in a suit that three participants in the protest- Obianuju Catherine Udeh, Perpetual Kamsi and Dabiraoluwa Adeyinka- lodged before it. Specifically, the court held that the Federal Republic of Nigeria, through its security agencies, violated Articles 1, 4, 6, 9, 10, and 11 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, ACPHR, pertaining to the right to life, security of person, freedom of expression, assembly and association, prohibition of torture, duty of the state to investigate, and the right to effective remedy. The Applicants had in their suit, alleged that these violatio...

 BEWARE OF FRAUDULENT PEOPLE USING MY NAME TO COMMIT FRAUD - HON. IKWECHEGH  It has come to the attention of the member representing Aba North and Aba South Federal constituency, House Of Representatives, Hon. Alex Ikwechegh (Onyeocha n’Aba) that some dubious persons have been going around collecting money from the unsuspecting public in the guise of empowering such people.  Hon. Ikwechegh wishes to state as follows: 1: He has never requested a dime from anyone for empowerment. 2: All his empowerment programmes have been fully funded by him at no cost to the beneficiaries. 3: Onyeocha n’Aba is using this medium to call on all Aba residents, businessmen, traders, market unions, cooperative societies to be on the lookout for such people and report to the Police for prompt action. 4: Hon. Ikwechegh is asking those who may have fallen victim to report to his constituency office, 59 Pounds Road by Georges, with evidence including the phone number of the scammers. Signed: Hon....

 Gospel music superstar Sinach sells out Wembley Arena in landmark concert On July 6, 2024, Sinach sold out the 15,000 capacity OVO Wembley Arena in a landmark concert. The Gosgem-powered monumental event drew thousands of fans from across the globe, celebrating a night of worship, praise, and unforgettable music. Record-making Nigerian gospel singer Sinach, known for her powerful worship songs and inspirational lyrics, captivated the audience with a dynamic and spirit-filled performance. The sold-out concert is a testament to her far-reaching impact and the profound connection she has with her fans worldwide. At the electrifying concert, fans were treated to a spectacular show, featuring Sinach’s biggest hits such as 'Way Maker,' 'I Know Who I Am,' and 'Victory is My Name' among other hit records. The evening was not only musical but also a deeply spiritual experience, leaving attendees uplifted and inspired. Sinach expressed her heartfelt gratitude to her fans...

 Mass protest looms if food prices keep rising - Lawan Another lawmaker stated that the cost of basic food items has increased by more than 300 percent due to the removal of the petrol subsidy. Ahmad Lawan, a former Senate President, warns that widespread protests will occur if the legislative, executive, and judicial branches do not collaborate to lower food prices and electricity tariffs. Lawan made this statement during a debate on a motion introduced by Sunday Karimi, a senator from Kogi West. Karimi’s motion addressed the issue of ‘food insecurity.’ Lawan emphasised that Nigerians should not be underestimated amid the increasing economic challenges. According to TheCable, he said, “If we don’t take urgent actions on increased food prices and electricity tariffs, we will not like the actions we will see on the streets. We cannot take the people for granted for too long.” Meanwhile, the Kogi West senator stated that the cost of basic food items has increased by more than 300 per...

 Marwa elevates 5,042 NDLEA officers, gives 15 commands, 70 personnel special awards  . Creates 5 new strategic commands, deploys body cameras for operational efficiency   Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) has approved the promotion of a total of Five Thousand and Forty-Two (5,042) personnel in an exercise that saw two senior officers elevated to the rank of Deputy Commander General of Narcotics, DCGN; 22 as Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, ACGN and 66 as Commander of Narcotics, CN. The promotion, which followed weeks of examination and interviews conducted for qualified candidates, is part of an ongoing exercise to enhance human resource management, particularly on staff motivation and welfare, for efficiency and effectiveness in the achievement of organizational goals. Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday 10th July 2024 at an event to decorate some of the promoted officers with the...

 Young Man Arrested for Fatally Stabbing Mother in Delta A 23-year-old young man, identified as Samson, has been apprehended by Delta State police after fatally stabbing his mother, who was in her 50s, in Obiaruku, Delta State. Samson, who had been sent to Asaba for vocational training but returned involved in drug activities that reportedly affected his mental health, attacked his mother with a knife following an early morning altercation. Eyewitnesses recounted that the tragic incident unfolded when his mother confronted him about smoking, escalating into violence resulting in her death. Police authorities arrived at the scene and arrested Samson, who was found near his mother's body. Efforts to reach the Delta State Police Command for further details were unsuccessful as of the time of reporting.

 Bill To Carve Out 'Tiga State' From Kano Undergoes First Reading At Senate  In conjunction with the bill's introduction, Senator Bamidele Michael Opeyemi (Ekiti Central), Senate Leader, highlighted ongoing efforts to amend the Standing Orders of the Senate.  enator Kawu Suleiman Abdurrahman, representing Kano South has introduced the "Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Creation of Tiga State Bill, 2024 (SB.523)" in the Nigerian Senate. The bill, aimed at establishing Tiga State from Kano, underwent its First Reading on July 10, 2024. In conjunction with the bill's introduction, Senator Bamidele Michael Opeyemi (Ekiti Central), Senate Leader, highlighted ongoing efforts to amend the Standing Orders of the Senate.  "The amendments are essential to ensuring our legislative processes remain adaptable and effective," Senator Opeyemi explained. "We aim to reflect current realities and optimise the Senate's operatio...

 Food prices to crash in 180 days – Agric Minister AS Nigerians hit the streets to protest hunger, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen Abubakar Kyari, Wednesday, disclosed that in 180 days food prices will crash. Kyari stated this on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, where he unveiled measures that will be implemented over the next 180 days. He said: “Our administration has unveiled a series of strategic measures aimed at addressing the high food prices currently affecting our nation. These measures will be implemented over the next 180 days; “150-Day Duty-Free Import Window for Food Commodities •Suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes for the importation of certain food commodities through land and sea borders. These commodities include maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas. “Imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP). We understand concerns about the quality of these imports, especially regarding their genetic composition...

 Bandits Invade Southern Kaduna Community, Injure Three, Abduct 21 According to reports, bandits invaded Akwando village in the Kachia Local Government Area at approximately 1:00 AM, causing significant harm and distress among the residents. Three individuals, Adamu Maiwada, Taku Dan'asabe, and Ango Kingsley, sustained injuries during the attack. Additionally, 21 people were reportedly abducted and taken to an unknown destination. The assailants also set fire to the residence of Mr. Shehu Maiwada, adding to the devastation. There has been no contact or information regarding the whereabouts of the abducted individuals, as at the time of filing this report.  The community remains in a state of anxiety and uncertainty as they await further developments.

 Egypt approves energy exploration projects worth $200m Egypt’s Cabinet has approved several petroleum commitment agreements involving the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS), the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC), and several international and national companies, with investments totalling $200 million. In a statement the government highlighted these approvals as part of its intensified efforts to address the ongoing electricity shortage crisis, which has led to daily power cuts of up to three hours, Anadolu Agency reported. The deals include a commitment to explore and exploit natural gas and crude oil in the North Port Fouad offshore area in the Mediterranean Sea and cover similar projects in the South Nour offshore area in the Mediterranean and the North El-Khatatba onshore area in the Nile Delta. The agreements also involve amendments to existing commitments for oil exploration, development and exploitation in the Horus Development Area in the Western Deser...

 Court Jails Three for Internet Fraud  in Kaduna Justice A. Bello of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna has convicted and sentenced the trio of Saadu Salisu, Omoruyi Osavbie (a.k.a Antonio Hendo Henderson) and Daniel Japheth (a.k.a Cain Steven) to various jail terms for internet fraud. The convicts were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on one-count separate charges.  While Osavbie and Japheth’s charges bordered on impersonation and cheating, that of Salisu bordered on obtaining by false pretence and cheating. Salisu’s charge reads: “That you Sa’adu Salisu and Ihasas Ventures Nigeria Limited on or about the 1st of March,2021 within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court, cheated and dishonestly induced one Adamu Bakori to part with the sum of N300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira only) with the promise to secure a job for him and you thereby committed an offense contrary to and punishable under ...

 American man with his Nigerian lover face online criticism over age gap, cultural differences A 56-year-old American, Dino Soriano, and a 27-year-old Nigerian ex-beauty queen, Joyceline Kalu have opened up about the online backlash encountered due to their age gap and differing cultural backgrounds. In a recent interview on the YouTube show "Love Don’t Cost a Thing," , Soriano sated that their love story began on Instagram, where they connected through Joyceline's crochet business.  He said, “I met my wife through her crochet business. We are being judged online because you know people have an attitude. They have an issue with her being younger than me. “The way the world looks at us, I’m white, she’s black, I’m older 56, she is younger 27, I am from America, she is from Nigeria.” Joyceline shared more about their initial meeting, revealing, "So we met through Instagram. He was literarily looking for crochet for three of his girlfriends, three girlfriends in Africa ...

Man caught trading human parts for N600k in Abuja The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested a man for allegedly trading human parts in Abuja. Nuhu Ezra, a resident of Gosa Kipikipi village, Lugbe, was caught with a human skull and bones on July 9, 2024, at about 9:00 p.m. by operatives from the Iddo police division. According to the police, Ezra was found with the human remains while hunting in Kuje and intended to sell them for N600,000. The police public relations officer, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the arrest and urged residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities. “The suspect, Nuhu Ezra, stated that he picked up the human skull and bones from the bush while hunting in Kuje. He intended to sell them for six hundred thousand naira (N600,000),” she stated. The Commissioner of Police, FCT,  Benneth Igweh, has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter to ascertain the source of the human parts, the intended buyer, and how long Ezra has...

 God is not a Christian, says popular Nigerian pastor Popular pastor, Abel Damina, has explained why God is not a Christian while charging his congregations to stop believing that only the people who believe in Jesus Christ will go to heaven. Damina, the senior pastor of Abel Damina Ministries International, made this known during one of his sermons on Monday. He chided Christian believers who thought Christianity was the only religion that could take one to paradise to discard their position, as he further hinted that Jesus was not even a Christian. According to him, biblical characters like Abraham, David, and Jesus Christ did not use the term “Christianity,” but instead unbelievers, adding that these holy people were merely disciples or believers, not “Christians” in the traditional sense. He said, “Many of you think God is a Christian. God is not a Christian. Many of you think if you are not a Christian, you won’t go to heaven, lie. People went to heaven before Christianity sta...

 Minimum wage: Tinubu to meet Organised Labour Thursday Minimum wage: Tinubu to meet Organised Labour Thursday President Bola Tinubu will meet with the Organised Labour in Abuja on Thursday to further discussions on a new minimum wage for workers in Nigeria. Channels Television reports that the President invited the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to the meeting expected to be held at the Aso Villa in the nation’s capital city. According to the report, the President is expected to make a decision on the ₦62,000 proposal of the government and private sector side; as well as the ₦250,000 demand of the Organised Labour. The Thursday meeting is coming about a month after the President said in his Democracy Day speech on June 12, 2024, that an executive bill on the new national minimum wage for workers would soon be sent to the National Assembly for passage. Recall that on June 25, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) chaired by the Presiden...

 Reps Grill Women Affairs Minister Over N1.5bn The House of Representatives Committee on Women’s Affairs and Social Development, on Tuesday, grilled the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, over the non-payment of N1.5 billion to contractors after the release of funds for the purpose. The committee was investigating the alleged diversion of the N1.5bn meant for the payment of contractors after it received a petition from the contractors over non-payment for contracts they executed for the ministry. The committee had at its last sitting summoned the minister to appear before it to explain the rationale behind the non-payment. The committee also ordered the stoppage of all 2024 contract processes by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs until the whereabouts of the money for the said contracts are determined. Chairperson of the committee, Rep Kafilat Ogbara, at the resumed hearing, said the committee’s investigative hearing was not a witch-hunt but to unravel the truth behind th...

 ‘I’m retiring from music’ – Kanye West American rapper, Kanye West has said he’s retiring from professional music. He said he’s unsure of what to do next. The ‘Ye’ crooner stated this in a recent chat with Rich The Kid. Rich The Kid shared the screenshot of their conversation via his Instagram story on Tuesday. In the screenshot, YE wrote, “I am retiring from professional music. Not sure what else to do.” In a bid to persuade him to shelve his plans, Rich The Kid wrote, “Retire? Why? How? The people need you. The music you, TY [Dollar $ign] and we have made was the biggest stamp in culture to this date in 2024. “Drop Ye about mine & V2 and we do it all over again. The kids need you, big bro. Fashion maybe some time to chill but retiring ain’t it.” [Sic]. He didn’t share whether West accepted his advice or not. Kanye West is one of the most prominent figures in hip-hop; he is known for his varying musical styles. He started his music career as a producer in Chicago after droppi...