By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

A Russian TV chef who ran a restaurant in central London has been found dead in Serbia.

Alexei Zimin, 52, was an outspoken critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Crimea in 2014. He had spent his final years exiled in the UK.

The 52-year-old ran a cookery show on the Russian NTV channel, which was axed after he posted anti-war messages on social media following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Serbian authorities told the BBC there were “no suspicious circumstances” related to his death and that an autopsy and toxicology report were ongoing.

Mr Zimin was found dead in a hotel room in Belgrade, according to reports in Russian media.

He had travelled to the Serbian capital to promote his new book about Britain Anglomania.

[/b]Katerina Ternovskaya, co-owner of the restaurant where Zimin had presented his book and prepared food, said people were “in shock” adding that “the last time we have seen him, he was smiling and in a great mood”[/b].

The diner was wonderful and Alexei was very happy,” she said.

Mr Zimin’s restaurant in London, Zima, confirmed the chef’s death on Instagram.

For us, Alexei was not only a colleague, he was our friend, a close person with whom we were lucky to go through a lot – both good, kind and sad,” the restaurant said.

Thank you to everyone for the words we [have received] today about Alexei. We are hurting together with you.

“The entire Zima team expresses condolences to Alexei’s family and mourns together with them.”

Written in Russian, Anglomania covers how “modern ideas about democracy, freedom of speech, human rights, capitalism with an inhuman face and socialism with a human face, science, literature, Christmas turkey and afternoon tea” originate from the UK, according to Mr Zimin’s website.

In May 2022, he told the BBC his restaurant had been targeted with abuse and arson threats after Russia’s invasion.
“My partners thought about changing the name,” he said.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

A Federal High Court sitting in Kano State sentenced 40-year-old fisherman, Musbahu Muhamud, to seven years imprisonment for s3xually exploiting a 10-year-old girl.

The Presiding judge, Justice S M. Shu’aibu, convicted Muhamud, who resides in Layin Gidan Sarki Zango, Galinje Ajingi Lo

Shu’aibu held that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt and consequently sentenced the defendant without an option of fine.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Kano State Zonal Commander, Mr Abdullahi Babale, told the court that Muhamud committed the offence on Oct.6.

The prosecution presented four exhibits, including the confessional statement of the convict and the victim’s testimony, to the court to prove his case.

He said that the offence contravened the provisions of section 16(1) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015 and punishable under Sec 26(1) of TIP ACT 2015.

The defence counsel, Mr I. Ibrahim, pleaded for leniency on behalf of the convict.

Tireless Senator Manu Haruna is on the move again as he sends experts to inspect a site in Mutum-Biyu, located in Gassol LGA in Taraba Central Senatorial District.

The experts and his delegates arrived the site on Friday and inspected the site as they prepare to start massive construction work.

Senator Manu sends experts to inspect site for ultra multi-purpose hall with library in Mutum-Biyu

The former deputy governor who has penchant to advance educational development equally wants a modern library warehoused in the hall.

Senator Manu sends experts to inspect site for ultra multi-purpose hall with library in Mutum-Biyu

This initiative further reflects Senator Manu’s commitment to fostering education, innovation, and community development in his constituency.

The delegation, comprising prominent representatives, was tasked with assessing the site to ensure its suitability for the proposed infrastructure.

This project aims to provide essential facilities for learning, skill development, and technology advancement, catering to the needs of students and the community.

Senator Manu expressed his dedication to empowering youth and enhancing educational opportunities in Taraba Central, aligning with his vision for sustainable development and progress.

The delegation earlier on Friday visited His Royal Highness Alhaji Justice Sani Sulaiman Duna at his Palace in Mutum-Biyu

Senator Manu sends experts to inspect site for ultra multi-purpose hall with library in Mutum-Biyu

The Honourable Chairman of Gassol local Government Council, Abubakar Baffa Nanu alongside Honourable Commissioner for Science and Technology Taraba State, Muslim Aruwa, Hon. Ubale Gambo Personal Assistant to the Sen. Manu Haruna and Alhaji Raubilu Umar also met with the delegation of the engineers.

Mubarak Aliyu Mutum-Biyu