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Nollywood Actor Among Billionaire Kidnappers Killed in Lagos Police Encounter

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Nollywood Actor Among Billionaire Kidnappers Killed in Lagos Police Encounter

Lagos, Nigeria – Barely a few hours after police forces mowed down nine notorious billionaire kidnappers who had long terrorized Lagos and its environs, it has emerged that a popular Nollywood actor and producer based in Port Harcourt, identified simply as Odee, was among those killed in the police encounter.

Popular Nigerian actor Prince Henry Ode

Initial skepticism over the report continues to linger; however, it has been authoritatively confirmed that the actor and producer was one of the billionaire kidnappers killed by detectives from the Commissioner of Police Special Squad in the Ladipo area of Lagos. Sunday Vanguard learned that since the news broke, detectives have been making frantic efforts, carrying out both electronic and intelligence investigations to identify the kidnappers they confronted at the popular Ladipo spare parts market where they attempted to kidnap a wealthy businessman.

Ode and another popular Nollywood actor now a pastor.

Further investigations revealed shocking details when police recovered four mobile phones from the pockets of the deceased kidnappers and other vital personal items. Police sources said the first shocking discovery made by detectives was that the two vehicles used by the kidnappers – a Lexus 350 Jeep and a 4Runner Jeep – belonged to the actor, Odee. Both vehicles were discovered to be their operational vehicles and were duly registered in his name.

Prince Henry Ode

Additionally, the two mobile telephones they used for operations were also registered in the name of the actor but contained pictures of two yet-to-be-identified men. One of the phones, sources said, was used to coordinate their nefarious activities, and every other relevant communication regarding the kidnappers’ operations was in his name.

Sunday Vanguard also gathered that while detectives are working hard to unravel the true identities and connections of the kidnappers killed during the encounter, investigations are paying off as they have begun to piece together the entire operation network. Further intelligence has revealed that Odee and his gang were living together in some suburbs of Lagos. However, they had multiple hideouts where they operated from, making it difficult for the police to track their movements until the fateful encounter at Ladipo.

Nigeria-Based Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin Criticized for Selling Miracle Soap and Other Spiritual Items

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Nigeria-Based Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin Criticized for Selling Miracle Soap and Other Spiritual Items

Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria – Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin, founder of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry, has sparked controversy following the unveiling of his miracle soap, shirt, perfume, and mustard seed.

Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin, founder of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry

Known affectionately as Papa J, Prophet Fufeyin and his wife announced in a Facebook video that sales of these miracle items would begin at their upcoming program, “Break the Limit,” scheduled for August. The announcement has since drawn significant attention and criticism.

Activist VDM among the pastor’s critics.

During a Facebook live session titled “The Importance of Spiritual Items of God,” Prophet Fufeyin claimed that the soap possesses the power to cure any disease, specifically aiding those experiencing disappointment, failure, and delays in achieving their life goals. He further asserted that the soap had government approval and that the mustard seed, a gift from God, could overcome obstacles for those facing unforeseen building challenges after purchasing land.

The announcement was met with sharp criticism from Abel Damina, Senior Pastor of Abel Damina Ministries and CEO of Kingdom Life Network. During one of his services, Damina condemned the sale of such items, calling it a significant deviation from God’s authentic principles.

In a widely circulated video, Damina said, “Somebody says his candles, soap, and perfume are spiritual items. Jesus used mud and clay, Paul used handkerchief, Peter used shadows, but nobody paid for those things. They were freely given. But his soap is 1000USD (N1.4m) for one soap and he calls it spiritual items. That’s a business, my friend. You have turned to a house of merchandise,” he added.

Credit: Punchng.com

Nigerian Church Choir, MFM Mountain Top Chorale Wins Two Gold Medals at 2024 World Choir Games in New Zealand

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Nigerian Church Choir, MFM Mountain Top Chorale Wins Two Gold Medals at 2024 World Choir Games in New Zealand

Auckland, New Zealand – The MFM Mountain Top Chorale, affiliated with the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Worldwide, won two gold medals at the prestigious 2024 World Choir Games, held in Auckland, New Zealand.

The announcement was made by the General Overseer of MFM, Dr. Daniel Olukoya, who had previously expressed his pride in the choir representing Nigeria on the global stage. Olukoya took to Facebook on Saturday to congratulate the choir, saying, “Congratulations to the #mountaintopchorale who won two gold medals.”

Representing Nigeria, the choir joined over 11,000 singers from more than 30 countries in Auckland for the largest choral competition in the world. The 2024 World Choir Games featured performances from a diverse range of international choirs.

The MFM Mountain Top Chorale’s performance included “Ekiti Medley,” composed by Dr. Daniel Olukoya and arranged by #seunowoaje along with a host of other compositions. The choir’s efforts earned them gold medals in the Champions Competition category, specifically in Category C19 (Contemporary Music Mixed Voices) and Category C22 (Spiritual).

The results of the Champions Competition category were released by the World Choir Games, highlighting the choir’s significant achievements. Additionally, the MFM Mountain Top Chorale has qualified to participate in future INTERKULTUR major events, including the World Choir Games’ Champions Competition and the World Choir Championships’ Champions Round, for the next five years.

The World Choir Games is a prestigious international competition that brings together some of the finest choirs from around the globe, celebrating musical excellence and cultural diversity.

Credit: Punchng.com

Lionel Messi Honored at Inter Miami Game Despite Ankle Injury

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Lionel Messi Honored at Inter Miami Game Despite Ankle Injury

Lionel Messi, sidelined indefinitely with an ankle injury, was honored at Chase Stadium during a pre-game ceremony before Inter Miami’s match against the Chicago Fire on Saturday night. The celebration highlighted Messi’s record 45 titles and Argentina’s recent Copa America victory.

Messi, wearing a protective boot on his right foot, limped to midfield alongside team owner Jorge Mas. They stood on a circle that read “Lionel Messi 45 Titles” as the scoreboard displayed highlights of Messi’s illustrious career and Argentina’s 2024 Copa America triumph.

Jorge Mas addressed the crowd, saying, “Tonight we are celebrating the greatness of Lionel Messi, who has won more titles than anybody in the history of soccer. And I’m sure the 45 titles will not stay at 45.”

Messi injured a ligament in his right ankle during the Copa America final at Hard Rock Stadium last Sunday. Coach Tata Martino stated that Messi’s recovery will be evaluated weekly, emphasizing that the club won’t rush his return.

Despite Messi’s absence, Inter Miami has been performing well, boasting a 5-1 record in their last six games without him. The team currently leads the MLS standings with 50 points, two ahead of second-place Cincinnati.

In Saturday’s game, Inter Miami took an early lead against Chicago when Matias Rojas scored at the six-minute mark, assisted by Robert Taylor. The team dominated the first half but couldn’t extend their lead, entering halftime with a 1-0 advantage.

Luis Suarez returned to the starting lineup after limited play in the previous game. Notable absences included Benjamin Cremaschi and Diego Gomez, who are in France preparing for the Paris Olympics.

The match attracted celebrities, with U.S. national team star Christian Pulisic and Miami Heat player Tyler Herro spotted in the crowd. Inter Miami players debuted the club’s third uniform, a retro aqua kit with orange trim reminiscent of Miami Vice and the Miami Dolphins.

As Inter Miami continues to perform well without Messi, fans and the team alike eagerly await his return to the field, hoping his recovery progresses smoothly.

Uganda President Museveni Warns Anti-Corruption March Organizers to Drop Plans or Face Consequences

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Uganda President Museveni Warns Anti-Corruption March Organizers to Drop Plans or Face Consequences

Kampala, Uganda – President Yoweri Museveni has issued a stern warning to the organizers of next week’s anti-corruption march, urging them to abandon their plans or face severe repercussions.

“Some elements, especially the opposition, are working with foreigners to ferment chaos in Uganda with illegal and inconsiderate processions. They should check themselves, or we will have no alternative but to check them,” Museveni stated during his national address on Saturday evening.

A group of activists has planned to march to parliament on Tuesday to express their discontent over corruption in the August House. The organizers have called on members of the public to join them in this demonstration.

Addressing the nation, President Museveni criticized the planned protests, calling it foolhardy for some people to want to destroy what has been achieved by “wealth creators.”

“This huge amount of food we eat is produced by us, the wealth creators, and everybody benefits. We are busy producing wealth and you here want to disturb us! You are playing with fire. We cannot allow you to disturb us,” Museveni warned.

He further cautioned, “When you hear people talking of demonstrations, when you do it in a place like Kampala where people are selling on the roadside, are you going to step in their products? You are playing. Don’t have such ideas in your head.”

Museveni advised the organizers of the planned demo to use Kololo independence grounds and hold their protests from there on a day like Sunday, which is not busy. He emphasized that such activities should not be allowed to disrupt the daily lives and businesses of Ugandans.

President Assad’s Baath Party Secures Parliamentary Majority in Syrian Elections

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President Assad’s Baath Party Secures Parliamentary Majority in Syrian Elections

Syria’s parliamentary elections, held on Monday, have resulted in President Bashar Assad’s Baath Party and its allies securing a majority of seats, as announced by election officials on Thursday. The vote, which took place across 8,151 centers in government-held areas, saw 1,516 candidates competing for 250 parliamentary seats.

The Baath Party and its allied parties presented a list of 185 candidates, all of whom won seats as expected. This marks an increase from the 177 seats the coalition secured in the 2020 elections. The remaining 65 seats were open for competition among other candidates.

Jihad Murad, head of the Supreme Judicial Committee for Elections, stated that the results “reflected the broadest representation of the Syrian people in their various groups and sectors.” However, the election process was not without controversy. Voting had to be repeated in several districts, including Aleppo, Latakia, Hama, and Daraa, due to reported irregularities such as double voting. Some electoral center heads were referred to the judiciary for alleged violations.

Voter turnout was reported at 38% of the 19.2 million eligible voters. Notably, Syrians in the diaspora were not eligible to participate in these parliamentary elections, unlike in presidential votes.

This election, the fourth since the onset of Syria’s civil war in March 2011, holds particular significance as President Assad faces term limits that would end his presidency in 2028. There is widespread expectation that the new parliament will attempt to pass a constitutional amendment to extend Assad’s term. Such an amendment would require a three-quarters majority, or 188 votes, just slightly more than the number of seats held by the Baath Party and its allies.

The election results and the potential for a constitutional amendment underscore the continued dominance of Assad’s regime in Syrian politics, despite the ongoing challenges faced by the country after years of conflict. As Syria moves forward, the international community will be closely watching the actions of this new parliament and their implications for the country’s political future.

Nigerian-Born Mary Fasanya Among 2024 Graduates of the Indiana CTC Nursing Academy

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Nigerian-Born Mary Fasanya Among 2024 Graduates of the Indiana CTC Nursing Academy

Nigerian-born Mary Fasanya successfully completed her studies at the Indiana County Technological Center (CTC) School of Practical Nursing in Indiana, Pennsylvania. Fasanya was among the 2024 graduating class of certified practical nurses, celebrating their achievements in a ceremony held on Friday, July 19, 2024, at the Indiana CTC hall on Hamill Road.

The graduation ceremony drew a diverse crowd of academics, alumni, students, and friends and family of the graduates. Following the official proceedings, a reception was held at the Living Spring Community Church (RCCG) in Indiana, where Pastor Yomi Fajebe praised the resilience of Mary. The pastor highlighted how Fasanya, a deaconess of the church and mother of three, overcame personal challenges to complete her academic journey.

In an interview with Bobnews24 at the event, Fasanya shared her aspirations for the future. “As a newly graduated nurse, my immediate expectation is to continue learning and grow every day,” she said. “I aim to gain hands-on experience in a clinical setting to solidify my skills and deepen my understanding of patient care.”

Looking ahead, Fasanya expressed her ambition to specialize in critical care nursing or long-term skilled care. She also plans to pursue a Master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner, which will allow her to take on greater responsibilities in managing patient health outcomes.

Fasanya emphasized her commitment to serving the Indiana, PA community and expressed her intention to seek guidance from experienced colleagues. She also noted the importance of prioritizing self-care to prevent burnout in the demanding field of nursing.

This graduation marks a significant milestone in Fasanya’s life, showcasing her determination to balance family responsibilities with academic pursuits. Her success story serves as an inspiration to other aspiring nurses, particularly those facing personal challenges or pursuing education later in life.

As Fasanya embarks on her nursing career, her journey from Nigeria to becoming a certified practical nurse in Pennsylvania exemplifies the diverse backgrounds and experiences that enrich the healthcare profession in the United States.

Woman Arrested Following Caught-on-Camera Shooting Incident Involving Baby-TMZ

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Woman Arrested Following Caught-on-Camera Shooting Incident Involving Baby-TMZ

Philadelphia, PA – The Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) announced the arrest of Billips on Friday, the day after a shooting incident caught on camera. The arrest was made without incident.

According to viral video footage, the incident occurred as two parents were walking with their baby. A woman, identified as Billips, approached and began shooting at them. The man immediately ran away, leaving the woman and baby to fend for themselves.

The mother screamed, “My baby!” while Billips allegedly yelled obscenities, “F*** your baby, b***h,” before shooting at the mother, who also scurried away.

PPD reports that the shooting, which resulted in the baby receiving a bullet wound to the leg, happened after the couple got into an argument with Billips.

The baby was treated at the hospital and is in stable condition, though police indicate the child is still receiving treatment.

Dublin Drug Raid: €8m in Drugs and €1m Cash Seized, One Arrested

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Dublin Drug Raid: €8m in Drugs and €1m Cash Seized, One Arrested

In a significant blow to organized crime in Dublin, Irish police (An Garda Síochána) have arrested a man in his 50s following a massive drug seizure worth over €8 million, along with €1 million in cash. The operation, conducted on Friday evening, targeted a residence in The Ward, Dublin 11, under warrant.

The raid uncovered a variety of suspected illegal substances, including cocaine, cannabis, ketamine, LSD, and MDMA. These drugs will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) for analysis to confirm their composition and value. The scale of the seizure highlights the ongoing challenge of drug-related crime in Ireland’s capital.

Following the initial raid, authorities conducted additional searches across the Dublin Metropolitan Region, resulting in the confiscation of more cash, vehicles, and designer goods. This broader operation further disrupts the criminal network’s activities and financial resources.

Assistant Commissioner Angela Willis of the Dublin Metropolitan Region emphasized the significance of this operation, stating, “The seizure of what is a significant quantity of drugs and cash is a major blow to this organised crime group which has been causing so much misery in communities right across the city.” She added, “Cash is the lifeboat of crime groups and the seizure of amounts of this scale causes significant disruption.

The arrested individual is currently being held at a Garda station in the Dublin area for questioning. This operation is part of An Garda Síochána’s ongoing efforts to target criminal groups involved in drug trafficking and distribution across Dublin and beyond.

French Police, Protesters Clash in La Rochelle as Protesters Rally Against Agricultural Reservoirs

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French Police, Protesters Clash in La Rochelle as Protesters Rally Against Agricultural Reservoirs

Violent clashes erupted in the French port city of La Rochelle on Saturday as approximately 4,000 demonstrators rallied against the use of water reservoirs for large-scale agriculture. The confrontation resulted in injuries to one police officer and five protesters, with at least seven individuals arrested.

The protest, which began peacefully, turned violent in the early afternoon when a group of demonstrators, described by French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin as “radical, extreme left wing participants,” began attacking property and ransacking a supermarket. In response, police deployed tear gas and water cannon trucks to disperse the crowd.

“It is hard to see a link to defence of the environment,” Darmanin stated on X (formerly Twitter), condemning the violent turn of events.

The demonstration initially gathered in front of Soufflet Negoce, a grains trading business owned by French cooperative group InVivo, before marching through the city. The protest highlights growing tensions over water resources in France, exacerbated by recent droughts. Critics argue that large reservoirs for agricultural irrigation are wasteful and primarily benefit large farms at the expense of smaller operations and the environment.

This incident follows similar violence that occurred during a protest against agricultural reservoirs in Sainte-Soline, western France, in March of last year. The recurring unrest underscores the escalating conflict over water management and agricultural practices in the country.

The timing of these clashes is particularly concerning for French authorities, as the country’s security alert is currently at its highest level in preparation for the upcoming Olympic Games. The opening ceremony, set to take place on the River Seine on July 26, has heightened security concerns across France.

As investigations into the violence continue, the incident in La Rochelle serves as a stark reminder of the complex challenges facing France in balancing agricultural needs, environmental concerns, and public safety, especially in the lead-up to a major international event like the Olympics.

Credit: Reuters

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