Nigerian Eye

Halep beats Mertens to win WTA Prague Open

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Top seed Simona Halep won the Prague Open, the second post-lockdown WTA event, after beating Belgium’s Elise Mertens in straight sets on Sunday. 
Romania’s Halep, the 28-year-old reigning Wimbledon champion and world number two, beat the 23rd-ranked Mertens 6-2, 7-5 in an hour and 33 minutes.
It was her 21st career WTA title, making her the fifth most successful active player behind Serena and Venus Williams, Kim Clijsters and Petra Kvitova.
Mertens took a 2-0 lead in the first set but Halep then won seven games in a row to win that set and start the second on a high, extending her lead to 4-2.
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Leaning on her superb backhand, Mertens put Halep under pressure with her aggressive display, coming back for a 5-4 lead.
But that was it from the 24-year-old Belgian as Halep won the next three games to seal the victory.
“Even the first set was not easy, she’s a great opponent and it’s always tough to play against her because she’s fast,” Halep told the public broadcaster Czech Television.
“The second set was a little bit tougher but I was strong and that’s why I could win this match.”
Halep said she would decide on whether to play the US Open on Monday.
“Now it’s too fast to take a decision, I just want to enjoy this victory and then I will have a thought about the US Open,” she added.
Earlier on Saturday, Czechs Lucie Hradecka and Kristyna Pliskova won the Prague Open doubles after beating Monica Niculescu and Raluca Olaru of Romania 6-2, 6-2.
The tournament was played behind closed doors to avoid COVID-19 contagion, and the players had to wear face masks any time they were not playing, training or eating.

Latest-News Halep beats Mertens to win WTA Prague Open

Top seed Simona Halep won the Prague Open, the second post-lockdown WTA event, after beating Belgium’s Elise Mertens in straight sets on Su...

Police confirm escape of Akinyele serial killer, Sunday Shodipe from custody in Oyo

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The Oyo State Police Command, Sunday, confirmed the escape of a notorious Akinyele serial killer, Sunday Shodipe from their custody.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Nwachukwu Enwonwu, in a statement made available to newsmen, through the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Olugbenga Fadeyi, indicated that Shodipe escaped unlawfully from the police custody.
The statement read further: “The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP. Joe Nwachukwu Enwonwu, psc wishes to state that, the prime suspect in the serial killings at Akinyele Local Government Area, Moniya Ibadan of Oyo State, one Sunday Shodipe ‘m’ 19 years who was arrested and paraded along with two others at the Oyo State Police Command on 17th July 2020 and later charged to court but remanded in Police custody escaped from lawful custody on 11/08/2020.”
“Consequent upon this, the CP wishes to implore the general public to be on the lookout, arrest and immediately inform the Officers and men of the Command when sighted for immediate handing over for further action.”
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“He further seizes this opportunity to appeal to any member of the public with credible information as to the whereabouts of the assailant not to hesitate in passing same to the Oyo State Police Command to assist in the apprehension of the offender who is now at large.”
“The CP wishes to unequivocally state that, the Command is committed to the protection of lives and properties of the good people of Oyo State.
“He, therefore, assures that adequate security measures have been emplaced to enable all and sundry transact their lawful businesses in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity, move from one place to another without any fear or molestation from any individual or groups as he sternly warns criminal elements to steer clear of Oyo State.”
“He further advice angry youths/mobs from taking laws into their hands by carrying out jungle justice when suspected criminals are arrested, but such suspect(s) should be handed over to the Police. The photograph of Sunday Shodipe ‘m’ 19 years old is hereby attached for ease of identification,” the statement concluded.
Recall that, upon Shodipe’s escape from the police custody, residents of Ori-Oke Olurunkole in Akinyele Local Government Area of the state last Friday morning, woke up to the heart-aching news of a middel-aged woman, Mrs Olufunmilayo, who was again reportedly macheted to death, suspecting he (Shodipe) was the one that carried out the dastardly act.
The development, however, infuriated youths in the area to embark on a violent protest, which led to a serious attack on the police.
While reacting to the unfortunate incident, the Caretaker Chairman of Akinyele Local Government, Mr. Taoreed Jimoh, shed light to what led to the protest by the angry youths.
According to him: “We heard that the woman was macheted, she was rescued immediately and taken to UCH, so we heard the report that she died this morning.”
“That was what prompted residents to embark on a mass protest, unfortunately, the peaceful protest was hijacked by hoodlums. The hoodlums went to the extent of pelting security operatives with stones and other objects, but with the help of God, peace is gradually returning to the area and it is under control.”
“I have called Deputy Commissioner of Police on Operations and he has deployed more officers to the area, also, I called the Area Commander and Federal SARS and other security operatives and local security agents such as Soludero and others had arrived the area to calm the situation. The Alakinyele of Akinyele Oba James Odeniran was also on ground to rescue few police officers that the hoodlums manhandled.”
“The killing was carried out by suspected ritualists. Residents suspected a ritualist who was reportedly arrested by the police but allegedly escaped from their custody, he was seen in Akinyele two days ago and yesterday, the residents had to raise alarm and people are suspecting he was the one that carried out the dastardly act,” he hinted.

Latest-News Police confirm escape of Akinyele serial killer, Sunday Shodipe from custody in Oyo

The Oyo State Police Command, Sunday, confirmed the escape of a notorious Akinyele serial killer, Sunday Shodipe from their custody. The C...

#BBNaija 2020: Laycon reveals one of his 3 favourite housemates, names Kiddwaya

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Big Brother Naija lockdown housemate, Olamilekan Agbeleshe, popularly known as Laycon, has named his three favourite housemates in the 2020 edition.
Laycon listed his best housemates while playing table tennis with fellow housemate, Dorathy on Sunday morning.
The Lagos-born rapper, said had it been he was one of the viewers of this year’s event, he would opt for Kiddwaya, Dorathy or Neo.
The 26-year-old who is seen as one of the frontline competitors for the N85 million grand prize, had earlier cried out that he was being distracted by his feelings for Erica.
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Speaking to Dorathy, Laycon said, “If I was actually watching this show from the outside, you’d be my favourite housemate. You, then Kidd.”
Asked, “Why Kidd” by Dorathy, Laycon explained that “Kidd is nonchalant about everything and I like that kind of person. Regardless of whatever the fuck is happening, he’ll be like my second favourite housemate then Neo.
“For you, [Dora] the sarcasm…that’s why when you lashed out last Sunday, I was surprised.”

Latest-News #BBNaija 2020: Laycon reveals one of his 3 favourite housemates, names Kiddwaya

Big Brother Naija lockdown housemate, Olamilekan Agbeleshe, popularly known as Laycon, has named his three favourite housemates in the 2...

Hate speech: SERAP writes Buhari over Lai Mohammed’s new codes, makes demands

14:55 Unknown 0

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Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, (SERAP) on Sunday said it has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to, without further delay, instruct the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, to withdraw what it described as the “illegal codes and memo threatening to sanction any broadcast that denigrates, disrespects, insults, and abuse president, governors, lawmakers, elders and leaders in authority.”
Recall that Mohammed, on Tuesday reviewed the penalty for hate speech in Nigeria, disclosing that the penalty for hate speech ranges from N500,000 to N5 million.
The Minister disclosed this at the unveiling ceremony of the reviewed Nigeria Broadcasting Code organized by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in Lagos.
The reviewed code, as reported, contained the Antitrust provision aimed at boosting local content and encouraging the growth of the local industry, among other provisions.
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SERAP said that its letter submitted to the Presidency on Saturday, demanded that President Buhari “instructs Mohammed and NBC to immediately rescind the fine of N5m imposed on Nigeria Info 99.3 FM radio station, following reported comments by a former Deputy Governor of the CBN , Obadiah Malafia, during an interview.”
“We’ve asked President Buhari to urgently instruct Mr Lai Mohammed & NBC to withdraw the apparently illegal codes & memo threatening to sanction any broadcast that denigrates, disrespects, insults, and abuses president, governors, lawmakers, elders & leaders in authority,” SERAP said in a series of tweets.
“In the letter sent yesterday, we asked President Buhari to instruct Mr Mohammed and NBC to immediately rescind the fine of N5m imposed on Nigeria Info 99.3 FM radio station, following reported comments by a former Deputy Governor of the CBN , Obadiah Malafia, during an interview
The letter read, “Rather than pushing to enforce a culture to respect president, govs, lawmakers, elders, leaders, Mr Muhammed & NBC should use their entrusted public office & mandates to promote a culture of public debate, access to information, transparency and accountability.
“Nothing can be more destructive to people’s exercise of basic human rights, and to democratic politics than the suppression of the media, and media freedom. The alleged “cultural codes” are patently contrary to the public interests.
“We would be grateful if the requested action and measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you on the requests by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you in the public interest.”

Latest-News Hate speech: SERAP writes Buhari over Lai Mohammed’s new codes, makes demands

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, (SERAP) on Sunday said it has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to, without further delay...

FG reacts to viral video of Nigerian immigrants in Dubai being allegedly chased into desert

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Nigerians in Diaspora Commission NIDCOM, has reacted to the viral video of stranded Nigerian immigrants in Dubai who were allegedly chased into the desert.
A Nigerian in Dubai made the video claiming they have been chased out to the desert.
Recall that UAE authorities in July had announced that Nigerians with expired visas were given up till August 17 to leave their country.
Reacting via her Twitter handle, Abike Dabiri-Erewa said some Nigerians have refused to avail themselves the opportunity to return home.
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According to her, the United Arab Emirates authorities have provided three free flights to evacuate illegal Nigerian immigrants back home but some have refused to take the opportunity.
“UAE given illegal migrants March 1 to leave extended till Aug 17 And UAE even gave 3 free flights.
“ They’ve been returning (179 came in yesterday free of charge )but some still bent on hiding and breaking the laws. You shouldn’t stay illegally anywhere.
“That video was five days ago. Once they realize they can get free flights, they go calling themselves to go sleep in front of the mission.
“The illegal ones are affecting the legal ones negatively with such behavior.
“Pls let’s obey laws of other countries,”she said.

Latest-News FG reacts to viral video of Nigerian immigrants in Dubai being allegedly chased into desert

Nigerians in Diaspora Commission NIDCOM, has reacted to the viral video of stranded Nigerian immigrants in Dubai who were allegedly chased ...

Gunmen abduct traditional ruler in Yobe

13:55 Unknown 0

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Suspected gunmen have abducted Alhaji Isa Mai Buba, the District Head of Mashio town in Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State.
ASP Dungus Abdulkarim, Public Relations Officer, Yobe State Police Command on Sunday confirmed the abduction of the traditional ruler.
He said the yet-to-be identified gunmen stormed the resident of the District Head yesterday at about 10pm with heavy fire arms and disappeared with him into the thin air.
“The District Head of Mashio under Jajere in Fune LG Alh Isa Mai Buba was abducted by yet-to-be identified gunmen.
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“At about 2205hrs on 15/8/2020, the gunmen attacked the house of the District Head with heavy fire arms and disappeared with him into the thin air”, he confirmed.
According to ASP Abdulkarim, search parties were later deployed, but till now, there is no trace of his whereabouts as the State Police command is intensifying efforts to rescue the District Head.
“Meanwhile, investigations are also ongoing to identify the hoodlums,” said the PPRO

Latest-News Gunmen abduct traditional ruler in Yobe

Suspected gunmen have abducted Alhaji Isa Mai Buba, the District Head of Mashio town in Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State. ASP D...

COVID-19: FCT records 48 deaths

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The Federal Capital Territory Administration has confirmed that it has so far recorded forty-eight, 48, COVID-19 related deaths.
FCTA in a tweet on Sunday said the total number of confirmed cases in the nation’s capital now stands at 4,714.
It also disclosed that 49 new cases were recorded on Saturday.
The tweet reads, ”49 new cases in the FCT.
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“Summary of #COVID19FCT as at August 15th, 2020.
“Total number of confirmed cases: 4714. Total number of active cases: 3518
“Total discharged: 1148. Deaths recorded: 48
“Residents are urged to #TakeResponsibility to #StaySafe.”