Terry suffers first defeat as Villa captain

John Terry has been made the new captain of Aston Villa.

The former England and Chelsea captain takes over the captaincy from Wales international James Chester, as Steve Bruce attempts to guide the club back to the English Premier League.
In a brief statement, the club stated:

““Aston Villa are pleased to announce John Terry as captain. Terry will be skipper for the 2017/18 campaign.””

The 36-year old who joined Villa in the Championship because he could not face playing against Chelsea in the Premier League, wore the armband for the first time during Villa’s pre-season friendly against Shrewsbury Town on Saturday afternoon.

The first half was one that no one will remember in a hurry as Shrewsbury held the Championship side to a goalless draw at the break. The second half started off in the same fashion, and it wasn’t until the 68th minute, when Gardner’s strike struck the post, that Villa really threatened Shrewsbury’s goal.

The deadlock was broken in the 75th minute when Villa failed to defend a corner and Jules headed home. Things got worse for Villa in the 80th minute when Gnahoua slotted home. Villa were rewarded a late penalty, which Lansbury converted, but there was no time left to find an equalizer, giving Shrewsbury a relatively comfortable 2-1 victory. - Read Sport

Wenger: No bid for Mbappe

Arsene Wenger says Arsenal have not made any offers to Monaco for Kylian Mbappe, who he expects to stay with the Ligue 1 club this summer at least.

Monaco forward Mbappe is one of Europe's most prized young players and the Gunners were reported to have made an offer for him that would have made him the world's first £100m player.
The 18-year-old played 29 Ligue 1 games for Monaco last season, scoring 15 goals and earning his first call into the France senior squad.
Mbappe has also been linked with a move to Real Madrid, but Wenger expects him to stay in France for the time being.

After the 3-1 pre-season win over Western Sydney Wanderers, when asked about the mooted £100m bid for Mbappe, Wenger said: "That's not true. People have a big imagination.
"What we know now is that Mbappe is over £100m and after that it's free to imagine what you want.

"We have not made any offer. I think he will stay, it looks like that. One more season. Maybe he has too much choice. In the end, people don't move."

Muguruza blows away Venus to take first Wimbledon crown

An inspired Garbine Muguruza stormed to her first Wimbledon title on Saturday, blowing away in-form American Venus Williams 7-5 6-0 with arguably the performance of her career after tight and tense early exchanges.

In the first women's final played under the Centre Court roof, a high-quality first set gradually built towards a captivating conclusion after both players began with two comfortable service holds.

Muguruza saved two set points in the 10th game, the first a 19-stroke rally that ended when Williams netted a forehand. The Spaniard broke in the following game when another lung-bursting rally ended on a forehand error from the American.

An astonishing defensive lob in the next then took Muguruza to two set points, the second of which she converted.

That three-game sequence seemed to break the resolve of the American who, trying to become the oldest woman to win Wimbledon for 109 years, lost the second set to love in an equally astonishing turnaround.

The Venezuela-born 23-year-old sealed her second grand slam victory after a successful Hawkeye challenge of a Williams forehand that sailed just beyond the baseline. - Reuters

9 persons including pregnant woman killed in fresh communal war between Ebonyi, Cross River

No fewer than nine persons including a pregnant woman was on Saturday reported killed in a renewed communal war between Ofioji in Izzi local government area of Ebonyi state and Ijutun-Idoru of Obubura council area of Cross River State.

At the time of filling this report, it was gathered that the people of Ijutun-Odoru in Cross River allegedly invaded Ofioji Izzi community shooting sporadically and killing about nine persons. Over 56 houses have equally been burnt down.

The leader of Ofioji community, Chief Nwobegu Mbam who addressed newsman from his hideout where they were taking refuge,painted a gory picture of how they were slaughtered by the Cross River militia whom he described as callous and called on the state and federal governments to come to their aid before they are completely wiped out.

Mbam further said that during the attack, a pregnant woman he identified as Ukamaka Nwifuru allegedlly lost her life while houses belonging to natives of the community were razed to dust by the rampaging fighters.
“it was very late on Friday night, we had all gone to bed but suddenly a very terrifying sound was heard in our community and in the ensuing confusion, we ran out only to see many houses on fire and that was when we knew that the people of Cross River have invaded us again. They were shooting our people without mercy; they burnt our houses and Carted away our property”

Meanwhile, over 58 lives have been lost while more than 1000 houses have been reportedly burnt since 8 years ago that the crisis erupted.
In a swift reaction, the governor David Umahi who spoke to newsman through the Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Uzor, described the incident as barbaric and called on the law enforcement agencies to investigate the level of involvement of a former minority leader in the Cross River State House of Assembly, one Alex Irek who had allegedly been indicted by a white paper on the origin of the intractable crisis in the two communities.

Uzor who said it was the height of idiocy to link Ebonyi State governor to the crisis called for the arrest of the former lawmaker for allegedly
arming his constituents to go into war with their neighbouring Ebonyi community.

“The Governor made a passionate appeal to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai over the spate of killing of the people of Ebonyi
state by their Cross River counterparts.He made the supplication which was well coded by the Chief of Army Staff and what we heard
again was this provocative carnage and wantom killing of our people by the Cross River people and a former lawmaker could descend so low to say that the crisis came as a result of Governor Umahi’s appeal for help and deployment of more soldiers,” he stated.
- Daily Post

Internet users in Nigeria now 91m – NCC

Nigeria now has 91 million internet users, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said.

The NCC said internet users increased from 90,124,428 in April to 91,565,010 in May, an increase of 1,440,582.
The telecommunications industry regulator made the disclosure in its Monthly Internet Subscribers Data obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.
The data showed that internet users on both Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks increased from 90,154,737 in April to 91,565,319 in May.

It said out of the 91,595,319 internet users in May, 91,565,010 were on GSM networks, while 30,309 users were on CDMA networks.
Also, the GSM service providers gained 1,440,582 internet customers after recording 91,565,010 users in May, as against 90,124,428 it recorded in April.
The CDMA operators retained 30,309 internet subscribers in May as recorded in April.

NAF receives five fighter planes from Pakistan

The Nigerian Air Force has received five Super Mushsak fighter planes from Pakistan to enhance its air power capability.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar and members of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on NAF inspected the war planes on Friday in Kaduna.
Sadique said the planes which would be unveiled later, were acquired for the training of NAF personnel and to improve the service air power.
The NAF chief, who witnessed the graduation of 269 NAF special squad for the protection of critical national assets, said the service remain committed to safeguarding the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

The NAF personnel went through the Basic Regiment Airmen Course and Force Protection in Complex Air Ground Environment Course at the NAF Regiment Training Centre, Kaduna.
Abubakar challenged the personnel to remain committed to the Nigeria project, assuring them that the leadership of the force would transform the service for effective and efficient response to any security challenge.

“Our engagement in different theaters of operation and the need to protect the limited resources available to undertake our statutory responsibilities of projecting air power, underscores the need to continually develop the force protection capability of the service.
“The training you have received on force protection in complex air ground environment will require you to speedily gain capacity to enable the service to locally develop and sustain additional workforce in the field of specialization,” he said.

BSc-HND now on equal pay in civil defence, immigration, prison

The federal government has  removed the dichotomy between degree and higher national diploma certificate holders in the civil defence, fire, immigration, and prison services.

There has been a disparity between holders of the two academic qualifications in the civil service. At entry point,  degree holders are usually a notch higher on the grade level than their diploma-holding counterparts.

In a statement issued on Thursday,  Abubakar Magaji, permanent secretary of the minister of interior, said Abdulrahman Dambazau, the minister, had approved the regularisation of “the dichotomy between holders of university degrees and higher national diploma in all the services”.
“The civil defence, fire, immigration and prisons board (CDFIPB), at the end of its meeting held on Tuesday, 11th July 2017, under the chairmanship of the honourable minister of interior, Lt Gen (Rtd) Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, approved the regularisation of the dichotomy between holders of university degrees and higher national diploma (HND) in all the services,” he said.
“To this end, the board directed that all officers with HND to be upgraded to Compass 08, which is the salary grade level for holders of degree certificates at entry point. While the nomenclature for the HND holders will start with the rank of senior inspector, the degree holders are with the rank of assistant superintendent II.”

Magaji also said the board approved the commencement of the 2017 promotion exercise for all the services with effect from July 17.
“In order to boost internal security mechanism, the board accordingly approved the establishment of the institute of domestic security aimed at strengthening inter-agency cooperation, among other functions,” he added. -Cable Nigeria

I want to play in the Champions League - Sanchez drops Arsenal exit hint

Alexis Sanchez has dropped the clearest hint yet that he will seek to leave Arsenal by confirming his desire to play in the Champions League.

Arsenal missed out on qualification for Europe's elite club competition for the first time in 20 years after finishing fifth in the Premier League last season.
Sanchez struck a career-best 24 league goals but increasingly cut a frustrated figure at the Emirates Stadium, especially as Arsenal were humiliated 10-2 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
And the 28-year-old Chile international, who has a year remaining on his Arsenal contract, declared his intentions for the first time in an television interview in his homeland.

"I want to play in the Champions League," Sanchez told Canal 13. "The decision does not depend on me, I have to wait for Arsenal."
Arsene Wenger denied reports Sanchez has agreed a new contract when he spoke to the media on Saturday after Arsenal's pre-season win over Western Sydney Wanderers.

But the Frenchman is "positive" about talks with Sanchez, who is on holiday after featuring in Chile's run to the final of the Confederations Cup, where they were narrowly beaten by world champions Germany.

Manchester City have been strongly linked with a move for Sanchez, with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain also among the European clubs reportedly considering bids.

Lacazette set for central role as Giroud future remains unclear

Arsene Wenger has huge respect for Olivier Giroud but conceded Alexandre Lacazette is likely to be first choice at centre-forward for Arsenal this season.

Record-signing Lacazette played on the left-hand side of the attack as the Gunners beat Western Sydney Wanderers 3-1 at ANZ Stadium on Saturday, with Giroud filling his customary role at number nine and opening the scoring.


The 30-year-old, who has been linked with Everton, West Ham and Marseille during the close season, was most recently touted for a move to Borussia Dortmund in the event of Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang leaving Signal Iduna Park.
Wenger praised Giroud's showing in Sydney but, with Mesut Ozil and Danny Welbeck coming off the bench and Alexis Sanchez to come into the mix – pending well-trodden questions over his own future – the veteran Frenchman suggested Lacazette will not be used in a wide role too often.
"Lacazette will play most of the time as centre forward," he said. "He can play in any system because he’s a provider as well, he can combine and play in a 4-4-2.

"At the moment he plays a little bit behind Giroud, tonight he was more on the left, and he can play in that position as well."
Wenger added: "There is a lot of speculation, I have many times said that I have a huge respect for Olivier Giroud for the man he is and the way he loves our club.
"Even with all the speculation he is focused and does his job. I always said [that I expect him to stay], I was always consistent with that."
Speaking in the mixed zone afterwards, Giroud was giving little away when the prospect of a switch to Everton was put to him, saying: "I am still an Arsenal player for the moment and I want to prepare well for the new season."

He was more talkative on his link up with fellow Frenchman Lacazette, however, adding: "He's a good player. It's always easy to play with this kind of player. We have a good understanding on the pitch.

"We've had a bit of an opportunity to play together with the national team and I think he will settle well into the English Premier League." - Goal

Chelsea sign £40m Bakayoko

Tiemoue Bakayoko has joined Chelsea from Monaco and become the club's second-most expensive signing of all time.

Sky Sports News HQ understands the 22-year-old has cost the Blues £40m - some £10m less than Fernando Torres in 2011.
Bakayoko, an athletic central midfielder, has signed a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge and will join up with France international team-mate N'Golo Kante.

Bakayoko said: "I have grown up watching Chelsea. Signing was the natural thing for me because it is a club I loved very much in my childhood.
"I am now looking forward to evolving under this fantastic coach (Antonio Conte) and alongside so many great team-mates."

Chelsea's technical director Michael Emenalo said: "Tiemoue was outstanding as Monaco emerged as one of Europe's best sides last season and we are delighted to welcome him to Chelsea.
"Despite his young age he already has plenty of experience as a French title winner and having competed in the latter stages of the Champions League, we believe he will add considerable quality to our squad."

Bakayoko becomes Chelsea's third signing of the summer after the arrivals of back-up goalkeeper Willy Caballero and centre-back Antonio Rudiger from Roma.
The Blues are also in the hunt for a new striker, having decided to listen to offers for Diego Costa and Nemanja Matic, who were both left out of the pre-season tour of the Far East.

Spalletti confirms Inter working on Nainggolan deal

Luciano Spalletti has confirmed Inter are trying to buy Belgium international Radja Nainggolan from Serie A rivals Roma.

Monchi, Roma's new sporting director, has been adamant the club will retain the midfielder but Inter are pursuing the 29-year-old, who hit 11 Serie A goals last season.
Spalletti said Inter are still hopeful a deal can be struck for Nainggolan, who has also been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea, and the Italian is not concerned about the club's lack of transfer activity compared to big-spending arch-rivals AC Milan.

"That is something the directors are working on," Spalletti told reporters after Inter's pre-season friendly defeat to Nurnberg on Saturday. 
"As I said, we need to let certain situations mature and Nainggolan is one of them. It has been talked about and the directors are keeping that in mind.
"We've got a good team with many players who haven't expressed themselves to their full potential and those who arrive will help complete the side. We don't need to have an extraordinary transfer market to aspire to the top four.

"I feel reassured in every way. Clearly we had some discussions and when you make a promise, you have to maintain it, so I am confident it'll happen.
"Because those two, three, four players we need to put into the squad don't necessarily have to be top champions, but simply completing the team in those areas that are lacking.

Croatia international Ivan Perisic was not named in Inter's squad for their 2-1 loss to Nurnberg but Spalletti insisted the winger's absence was not related to reports linking him with a move to Manchester United.
"If nothing changes, then Perisic will come to China [on Inter's pre-season tour]," Spalletti added.

"He had an abscess in his tooth and it was clearly visible even to the naked eye, so he preferred to go to his personal medic who has been seeing him for a long time."

Mel B to pay Stephen Belafonte $40,000 a month in spousal support

Mel B has reportedly been forced to pay Stephen Belafonte $40,000 (approximately £30,529) a month in spousal support. 

The 42-year-old singer split from her partner earlier this year, and it is believed her former beau has been granted his request for an emergency alimony by a Los Angeles judge, which will see the Spice Girls band member hand over a whopping £30,529 every four weeks, TMZ has reported.

The large figure the film producer is expecting to receive is rumoured to cover his basic amenities, such as food, the cost of housing, as well as his phone bills.
Stephen's order is also set to include an additional $140,000 to cover the legal and forensic fees he has racked up over the past few months whilst the pair have been going through their divorce, although the former couple's court proceedings are still ongoing.

However, this separate figure is believed to be a one-off payment.

This news comes shortly after the 42-year-old filmmaker recently claimed he is broke and has been couch surfing with friends after being kicked out of the home he shared with the 'Goodbye' hitmaker, their daughter Madison, five, and the singer's children from previous relationships, 18-year-old Phoenix and Angel, 10. 
He also claimed negatively publicity surrounding their split has cost him the opportunity to earn $500,000 on a project.

And Stephen has hinted the sudden change in his lifestyle has come as a huge shock to him as money was "never an obstacle" during his 10-year marriage to Mel.
Speaking in previously released court documents, he said: "We lived a very comfortable, upper-class lifestyle ... money was never an obstacle."
It has also been reported Mel - who was known as Scary Spice in the girl band - has opposed all of Stephen's requests and has asked for Stephen to be given a Gavron warning for him to become self-supporting. - Bang Showbiz

Walker 'nervous' to play under Guardiola at Man City

Kyle Walker is excited and nervous to work under Pep Guardiola, but believes he is at the peak of his game after completing his record-breaking move to Manchester City from Tottenham.

Walker became the most expensive full-back of all-time and the costliest English player ever after joining City on Friday in a deal reportedly worth up to £45 million.
The England international is yet to win a trophy in his career and believes his chances of picking up silverware will be increased due to his switch to City to play for two-time Champions League-winning coach Guardiola.

"What a manager to work under. I'm excited – a little bit nervous, I'm not going to lie," Walker told the Manchester City website. "It's the next chapter in my career where I can go on and learn.
"I'm at a good age now where I'm probably at the peak of my career. I just want to learn and try to be the best player I can be.
"I haven’t really had a deep conversation with [Guardiola] yet. The conversation that I had with him is very positive. He says I'm going to fit into his style of play really well. The main thing that we've both said is just winning trophies. It's a massive club, a great team with a great set of players and we need to go on and win things."

Walker reportedly fell out with Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino over the club's rotation policy, which saw Kieran Trippier selected for high-profile games including the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea and Premier League matches against local rivals Arsenal and Manchester United.
However, the 27-year-old praised the Argentine for the impact he has had on his career.
"Tottenham was a great club, it's helped me to get to where I am now," Walker added. "I've learnt a lot there – especially under the current manager, he's been fantastic with me.

"But sometimes your path's not there and you have to move on. What a place to come and take a different path and hopefully win trophies. That's all I'm about and that's all I want to do."
Moving to City means Walker will be tasked with succeeding the popular full-back Pablo Zalabeta, who joined West Ham United at the end of his City contract, with City having missed out on Dani Alves after the Brazilian opted instead to sign for Paris Saint-Germain.

"I watched Pablo Zabaleta countless times on YouTube and clips, because I think his timing of runs into the box is fantastic," Walker said. "It's something I can get into my game with my pace.

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"If I can time my runs as well I don't think anyone can stop me. I'm all about assists, I'm not really greedy. I don't want to score, as long as I set people up and then they get the goals, that's all I'm bothered about." - Goal

Liverpool to lodge improved Keita offer

Liverpool are ready to test RB Leipzig’s resolve once more with an improved offer for Naby Keita. 
The Reds’ pursuit of the enigmatic midfielder has been well documented in recent times, and Paul Joyce writes for the Times that a second, more lucrative bid is set to be lodged.
Leipzig have publicly insisted that their prized asset is not for sale this summer, but there have been indications that an improved offer from Liverpool could be enough to force the Bundesliga outfit’s hand.

The opening proposal made by Liverpool was worth around £57m, but was inevitably turned down by Leipzig as they look to hang on to their star man.
Keita enjoyed a hugely successful campaign last term, and caught the eye of many top clubs across Europe. 
It’s stated by Joyce that Keita could very well hand in a transfer request in the near future, with the Guinean midfielder’s heart set on a move to Anfield.-Read Sport

Three men in possession of two human skulls arrested in Ogun

Police in Ogun State has arrested three suspects identified as Saibu Popoola, Aliu Ajiroba and Jimoh Ijiola in possession of two human skulls.
The State police, through its Spokesperson, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said the suspects were arrested when policemen attached to Ayetoro Division were on a routine patrol.

According to the PPRO, the duo of Popoola and Ajiroba were accosted on a motorcycle along Idagba Olodo Road, with a bag which looked suspicious.
Oyeyemi, said a search was conducted on them and the two human skulls were discovered in the said bag.
He said the two were arrested on the spot taken to Ayetoro Police Station where they confessed to the investigators that the skulls were given to them by Jimoh Ijiola who live in Erinpa area of the town.

Oyeyemi said the Divisional Police Officer, Ayetoro Division, Makinde Kayode, thereafter, led detectives to the resident of the suspect where he was also arrested.
He said, “In his own statement, Ijiola denied being the person that gave them the skulls, but said that they all got them from neighbouring Republic of Benin and that their intention was to use it for money rituals.”

The state Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, has ordered the case to be transferred to State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Abeokuta, for further investigation and possible prosecution of the suspects. - Daily Post

Corruption chamber !!! Magu: Senate gives Osinbajo 3 conditions

Fresh effort is being made to end the frosty relationship between the Presidency and the Senate to end their frosty relationship.
But the Red Chamber of the National Assembly has given the Aso Rock Villa three conditions it must meet for peace to reign.
Top of the conditions is the removal of the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, and the withdrawal of a statement credited to Acting President Yemi Osinbajo through Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State that there is no going back on Magu’s nomination.

The other conditions include Presidency’s compliance with the resolutions/decisions/ summons of the National Assembly on budget and other issues, as well as prevailing on Power, Works and Housing Minister Babatunde Raji Fashola to withdraw his statement attacking the integrity of the National Assembly.

The conditions, The Nation gathered, were tabled by the Senate leadership before a mediator who is trying to bring the warring sides together.
Sources said yesterday that the mediator enjoys the confidence of Acting President Yemi Osinbajo and Senate President Bukola Saraki.
The parley is understood to have succeeded for now in bridging the communication gap between the two arms of government.
It was learnt that the latest initiative is part of the effort to “resolve the feud between the two arms in a family manner” without any of the sides feeling hurt.

But it was gathered that Osinbajo made it clear that only President Buhari could determine Magu’s fate.
It was also gathered that Saraki told the intermediary that he has no personal grudges against the Acting President.

He, however, said senators were determined to protect the legislative institution.
According to a top source, the three conditions formed the kernel of talks between Osinbajo and Saraki last week, with the two leaders agreeing on a mature way of addressing the “grey areas.”
The source said the Presidency had been trying to address the three conditions with only Magu’s fate still hanging in the balance.

The source said: “We are getting closer to a win-win situation between the two arms. In fact, when the mediator met with Saraki, he said he had “met with Osinbajo and he nurses no personal grudges at all.
“He also said what the senators wanted was that the Senate be respected in accordance with its constitutional mandate by complying with its resolutions, decisions and summons.”
The source also explained that the Presidency has been forthcoming on the conditions set by the Senate.

The source said: “As for compliance with the resolutions or decisions or summons of the National Assembly, the Presidency gave a commitment to the Senate leadership to give due regards to the legislature.
“You know the Acting President is a lawyer and he believes in the principle of separation of powers.

“On Magu, the Acting President insisted that only his boss, President Muhammadu Buhari can determine the fate of the Acting chairman of EFCC.
“He said the Senate would have to wait for the return of the President.”
“Regarding a statement credited to el-Rufai, the mediation has revealed that the governor ran his own errand because nothing warranted the comments in the mandate given to him to represent the Acting President. Neither the Presidency nor Osinbajo can be held liable for el-Rufai’s comments.”

Rufai, representing Osinbajo at a public function in Kaduna, had quoted the Acting President as saying there was no going back on Magu’s nomination for the EFCC job.
There were however indications that the Acting President had directed the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Fashola to “clarify his statement” in a way that it will not hurt the relationship between the two arms of government.
The source added: “This was why Fashola tactically apologised to the National Assembly in an interview with reporters on Tuesday on the sidelines of the Presidential Quarterly Business Forum held at the old Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja.

“He said if he was being misunderstood, his intention was not to quarrel with anybody but to see a better Nigeria.
“The Presidency believes such a mature retraction of Fashola’s virulent comments will assuage the National Assembly.”
In complying with the directive of the Acting President, Fashola had said:  “There is no problem between me as an individual and the National Assembly.

“And let me make that very clear, many of the senators and honourable members are my personal friends, and so you don’t fight your friends. But we have a disagreement.
“You will remember when President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurated the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, he had enormous support from the leadership of the National Assembly. So it means that we all agree there is a problem.

“There is also disagreement which I don’t think should make us disagreeable about the best way to implement that plan, and I think that is all there is to it.
“It is perhaps possible that in the heat of the moment, while trying to canvass different positions, we are misconstrued as fighting. But I am not fighting anybody. We have a disagreement it shouldn’t make us disagreeable.
“So my responsibility is to continue to engage. Also even if I wasn’t a minister, I am a citizen also, so the parliamentarians are also representing me.

“So these are the issues and if I have been misunderstood, my intention was not to quarrel with anybody but to see a better Nigeria which I believe they also want to see.”
Investigation showed that the Senate might also soft-pedal on its decision to reject nominees from the Executive.

A government source said: “With last week’s talks between the Acting President and the President of the Senate, we are expecting that tension will ease.
“The government has met some of the conditions tabled for peace between the two arms. Although the discussion is still ongoing, the latest mediator has done well.
“Ordinarily, since all the key actors are members of the same party, there is no basis for the Executive-National Assembly face-off.
“The two sides have substantially mended fences. We are hopeful that all will be well soon.” - The Nation

US seeks forfeiture of $100m laundered for Diezani

The US Department of Justice has gone to court seeking the forfeiture and recovery of approximately $144 million of Nigerian assets allegedly laundered in and through the United States.

The department filed a complaint alleging that Nigerian businessmen, Kolawole Akanni Aluko and Olajide Omokore, conspired with others to pay bribes to former Minister for Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.
In return for these improper benefits, Alison-Madueke allegedly used her influence to steer lucrative oil contracts to companies owned by Aluko and Omokore.

The complainants alleged that the proceeds of the illicitly awarded contracts were subsequently laundered in and through the US. and used to purchase various assets subject to seizure and forfeiture, including a $50 million condominium located in one of Manhattan’s most expensive buildings – 157 W. 57th Street – and the Galactica Star, an $80 million yacht.

“The United States is not a safe haven for the proceeds of corruption,” Acting Assistant Attorney General Blanco said.
According to the U.S. government, Aluko, Omokore purchased millions of dollars in real estate in and around London for Alison-Madueke and her family members, then renovated and furnished these homes with millions of dollars in furniture, artwork and other luxury items purchased at two Houston-area furniture stores at Alison-Madueke’s directive.

In return, Alison-Madueke allegedly used her influence to direct a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to award Strategic Alliance Agreements (SAAs) to two shell companies created by Aluko and Omokore: Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Nigeria Ltd. and Atlantic Energy Brass Development Ltd. (the Atlantic Companies).

Under the SAAs, the Atlantic Companies were required to finance the exploration and production operations of eight on-shore oil and gas blocks. In return for financing these operations, the companies expected to receive a portion of the oil and gas produced.
However, according to the complaint, the Atlantic Companies provided only a fraction of the required financing, or in some instances, failed entirely to provide it. The companies also failed to meet other obligations under the SAAs, including the payment of $120 million entry fee.

Yet they were permitted to lift and sell more than $1.5 billion worth of Nigerian crude oil. The US. government contends that the Atlantic Companies used a series of shell companies and intermediaries to launder a portion of the total proceeds of these arrangements into and through the US. - The Nation

Yoruba ‘intellectual’ crimes in the UK by Fredrick Nwabufo

Crime has no ethnic complexion. But when a group is the preponderant cast of a certain evil, I believe that should be addressed. For those who may want to come at me for any convoluted or bigoted reason, please read my previous article – The Igbo crime culture.

I took a two-week break after writing that article. There was a fusillade of toxic reactions to it. Sincerely, I was gutted by the fact that those who insulted me beyond every logical threshold did not dispute the points I raised in it. My offence was that I am Igbo, and as such I must not write against my kind. Disheartening! That is by the way.
It is in the orbit of verisimilitude to say that some Yoruba citizens have sculpted a criminal enterprise in the UK. It is also indisputable if posited that most of the crimes linked to Nigerians in the country have the imprimatur of some Yoruba kingpins.

Let me add, the criminal specialty of some Yoruba in the UK is fraud and drug-dealing.
I will put perspicuity to this point. As of July 2016, a Nigerian of the Yoruba stock, Bayo Lawrence Anoworin, (42), from Lagos, was declared as one of the 10 most wanted fraudsters in the UK.
According to the UK Standard, he is wanted for “allegedly stealing more than £12 million from NHS Trusts in the UK and Guernsey between January 2011 and July 2012”.
The newspaper reported he used a string of fake identities to commit fraud, and that he also laundered money.

“Anoworin, who has connections to Thamesmead, and Chatham in Kent, was arrested in Abbey Wood, in November 2012, but fled when he was released on bail,” it added.
Since 1998 the UK government has tried to break the Nigerian crime behemoth run by Yoruba citizens.
According of the UK Independent, intelligence agencies MI6 and MI5 were being used to clamp down on fraud and drug-dealing gangs linked to Nigerians (of course, Yoruba citizens).

“The criminals, mainly Nigerians, have been discovered working inside government departments, the police and tax offices,” it said.
At the time, the Yoruba crime menace was said to cost the UK government £3.5 billion a year.
Just last week, some members of a Yoruba criminal gang were sentenced to jail by a UK court. This was after they had stolen £2.5m – most of which they sent to Nigeria.

Kayode Sanni led the gang which used the identities of members of the British parliaments, judges and police officers to steal millions of pounds from taxpayers.
According to the UK Daily Mail, Sanni received a jail term of five years and three months for his part in the elaborate scam.
The newspaper reported the fraudsters stole personal details from the Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC), which provides sport and fitness facilities to more than 120,000 public sector employees and pensioners.

“Member lists were ‘stolen to order’ from CSSC and used to place orders for tax credit starter packs used in fraudulent claims over a four year period,” it said.
“CSSC events manager Adedamola Oyebode, 30, stole membership lists and passed them on to her brothers-in-law Oluwatobe Emmanuel Odeyemi, 34, and Oluwagbenga Stephen Odeyemi, 39, who ran the fraud with Kayode Sanni, 38.”
“The gang managed to get away with £2,500,000 before staff at Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs spotted the ‘extraordinarily high rate’ of claims being made by civil servants.

“He was convicted after standing trial for one count of conspiracy to become knowingly concerned in a fraudulent act between 10 March 2009 and 11 June 2013.”
It also said Odeyemi, Chantelle Gumbs and Oyebode – all members of the gang – pleaded guilty to fraud charges.
“Odeyemi was jailed for three and a half years, Gumbs was handed a 15-month sentence suspended for two years, and Oyebode received a two-year sentence suspended for two years,” it said.

It was said that the scam could have reaped more than £10,260,525 if it had not been stopped.
Also this week, a UK court slammed Babatunde Adu, a Yoruba man based in Bexley, south-London, with a six-year jail sentence for laundering £1 million in a year through bank cards and dating scams.
These are just rough pick-outs of “intellectual crimes” – as Kayode Ogundamisi calls them – perpetrated by Nigerian citizens of Yoruba extraction in the UK.

In conclusion, there is an appreciable mass of Yoruba citizens who are making an honest living in the Queen’s principality.  I must say, this is not to cast an indiscriminate slur on all Yoruba persons resident in the country, but a call for a total redress of social values, and a cry for spirited effort in addressing that which make young people travel abroad to traffic in crime.

Again, there is a known politician from the south-west who is wanted in the US for drug-dealing, and there is also a traditional ruler from the region who is wanted in the UK for fraud. Crime thrives when its purveyors are celebrated and not punished. The same scorn and stigma visited on criminals at home should be reserved for those abroad.

I would like this article to be read with an open mind.

MEANWHILE…

PDP is still sick
Last Wednesday, the supreme court “resolved” the leadership tussle in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). But I am afraid the PDP is still a long way from recovery. The party now has to contend with other issues like funding, disunity, distrust, a broken image and spirit. Anyway, congratulations PDP.

Is Buhari “recuperating”?
Acting President Yemi Osinbajo met with President Muhammadu Buhari in London on Tuesday. Speaking with journalists after the meeting, he said the president was “recuperating fast” and that he would return to the country “very shortly”. Hmm. I will say, Amen to that. But why are there no pictures of the meeting? And what does “very shortly” mean? I am just over-thinking. - Cable Nigeria

Nigerian pleads guilty to $12m fraud in US, faces 20 years in jail

Kunle Sodipo Williams, a Nigerian based in the US, has pleaded guilty to a $12 million fraud.

Williams who is a resident of St. Louis, Missouri, is guilty of mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, voter fraud and illegally re-entering the US after being removed.
NAN reports that Stuart Goldberg, acting deputy assistant attorney-general of the justice department’s tax division, and Carrie Costantin, acting attorney eastern district of Missouri, said Williams pleaded guilty in a federal court in Alabama.

According to documents filed at the court, the accused stole public school employees’ IDs from a payroll company and used them to electronically file more than 2,000 fraudulent federal income tax returns seeking more than $12 million in refunds.
The attorneys said he also stole several electronic filing identification numbers (EFINs) and used them to secure tax-related bank products and services that facilitated the issuance of tax refunds, blank check stock and debit cards.

They said Williams used the blank stock to print checks funded by the fraudulent refunds and directed some of the refunds onto debit cards.
It was gathered that Williams entered the US from Nigeria under the name Kunlay Sodipo, but was deported in 1995. In 1999, he illegally returned to the country using the last name Williams.
Williams faces a maximum 20-year jail term for the offences and deportation. He will be sentenced in October.

Costantin commended special agents of IRS criminal investigation, FBI, US postal inspection service and all the agencies that investigated the case. - News Agency

Edwin Clark to Obasanjo: Say the truth on restructuring or keep quiet

Edwin Clark, Ijaw national leader, has told President Olusegun Obasanjo to keep quiet over his condemnation of the calls for restructuring.

Clark said the ex-president knows in his heart that Nigeria’s structure is flawed but has refused to say the truth.
He made this known on Friday while reacting to Obasanjo’s criticism of the clamour for restructuring.
“The ex-president knows the truth and should say it. If he does not believe in restructuring, was it (the conference) only for his third term or concern for restructuring of Nigeria?  That is a question Obasanjo should be asked to answer,” he said.
While supporting the calls for restructuring, he said there is a need to go back to “the kind of government we had before and after independence until the soldiers struck”.

Clark said he is advocating for a regional structure where every region was independent in whatever they did.
“The truth is that he (Obasanjo) is a leader who wants to impose his will and authority on Nigeria,” he said.
“Let him keep quiet. Is it because we have a country where people do not know their right from left and everybody is being praised as a worthy leader?

“What we are saying is that we want the former one where there was devolution of power, where every region had its own constitution even the Midwest region was created based on the demand for restructuring.
“No one held the other down, which was why western Nigeria government did things that other government did not do and others were not envious of it because everybody had his own government.”

Clark further said the country is not running a federal system of government contrary to what people think, adding that “Nigeria is running a unitary government, a situation where every state first goes to the federal government for money. That is not federalism”.
“So Obasanjo is not saying the truth, he knows what to say, but he is not saying it. He is saying there is nothing wrong with the structure of the country, which is not true.

“We want restructuring to correct the defects in the current structure of the country. For instance, Kano has 47 local governments but contributes nothing to the revenue of the country, while Bayelsa, which contributes a lot has only eight local governments. I think these are anomalies that should be corrected.” - Cable Nigeria

Appeal Court Affirms Two Years Jail Term, Forfeiture of $ 2,506,988 Against Money Laundering Convict

The Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal today, Friday, July 14, 2017 upheld the February 9, 2016 judgment of Justice I.N Buba of the Federal High Court Lagos, which convicted and sentenced Mr. Ngene Linus Chibuike to two years imprisonment and ordered the forfeiture of  the undeclared  sum of $2,506,998 (Two Million, Five Hundred and Six Thousand, Nine hundred and Ninety Eight United States Dollars) to the Federal Government of Nigeria.


The convict was arrested on October 8, 2015 at Murtala Muhammed International Airport during an outbound clearance for a journey to China en-route Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with an undeclared sum of $2,506,998 (Two Million, Five Hundred and Six Thousand, Nine hundred and Ninety Eight United States Dollars).

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, arraigned the convict, on December 22, 2015 on one count charge for “falsely declaring the sum of $11,500 (Eleven Thousand, Five Hundred United States Dollars) instead of $2,506,998 (Two Million, Five Hundred and Six Thousand, Nine hundred and Ninety Eight United States Dollars) he had in his possession to the officers of the Nigeria Customs Service as required under the provision of Section 2(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended by Act No.1 of 2012) and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 2(5) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011(as amended by Act No. 1 of 2012)”

Chibuike had pleaded not guilty to the charge and the matter went into full trial.

Justice Buba found him guilty and sentenced him to two years imprisonment. Not satisfied, the convict approached the court of appeal for reprieve, which was refused today.

The prosecution counsel, Ekele Iheanacho thanked the appellate court for affirming the judgment of the lower court in the interest of justice.

Face of corruption : EFCC Docks Umezuluike, Ex- Enugu Chief Judge for Corruption

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Friday July 14, 2017 arraigned a former Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice, Innocent Azubuike Umezuluike before Justice A.O. Onovo of the Federal High Court, sitting in Enugu, Enugu State on a one-count charge of use of office to confer corrupt  and unfair advantage contrary to Section 19 of the Independent and Corrupt Practices and other related (Offence) Act (Laws of the Federation)
2000.

Umezuluike was said to have on February 2014 at Enugu, in his capacity as the Chief Judge of the State, invited one Prince Arthur Eze who, at that time, was a litigant in pending and concluded civil matters being presided by Umezuluike to the launch of a book he authored entitled “ABC of Contemporary Land Law in Nigeria,” where the said Prince Eze donated the sum of N10,000,000.00 (Ten Million Naira only) to the defendant.

The charge read:  “That you Hon. Innocent Azubike Umezuluike ‘M’ sometime in February, 2014 at Enugu within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable  Court being, the Hon. Chief Judge, High Court of Justice, Enugu ( a public officer) did use your position to confer unfair advantage upon yourself by inviting one Prince Arthur Eze, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Oranto Petroleum Ltd who was a litigant in pending and concluded civil matters to wit: Suit No. E/388/2010; Prince Arthur Eze versus Diamond Bank and E147/2012,Prince Arthur Eze versus  Major Concept Ltd respectively to the launch of a book titled “ABC of Contemporary Land Law in Nigeria” authored by you where the said Prince Arthur Eze donated N10,000,000.00 (ten Million naira) only by a Fidelity Bank Plc Cheque in the account of Oranto Petroleum Ltd which you accepted and paid the sum of N10,000,000.00 (ten Million naira) only  into your Zenith Bank Plc account number 1001189952  and thereby committed an offence.”

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him which necessitated prosecution counsel, Wahab Shittu to apply for a trial date.

However, the defence team led by Prof. Agu G.Agu notified the court of his pending motion for bail of his client and urged the court to grant the embattled former Judge bail on self recognizance, saying he has contributed to the advancement of the legal profession through his publications and had been attending trial since his he was granted bail in a similar case before a court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Justice Onovo thereafter granted the defendant bail on self recognizance.

The case has been adjourned to 26 and 27 October and November 2 and 3, 2017  for  hearing. Justice Umezuluike is also standing trial on a four-count charge of non-disclosure and false declaration of assets before Justice J. K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court Port Harcourt, Rivers State.- EFCC

Inter ask Man Utd for Martial

Inter Milan have asked Manchester United about taking Anthony Martial as part of a deal for Ivan Perisic to move to Old Trafford, according to Sky in Italy.

United want to sign Croatia's attacking midfielder Perisic this summer, and the player is also keen on joining Jose Mourinho's side.
Sky Sports News HQ understands Manchester United are getting closer to reaching a deal, but Inter are sticking to their £48m asking price and they have asked about Martial as a part of the deal.
The France international forward was in and out of Mourinho's team last season, making 18 Premier League starts and scoring just eight goals.
He moved to United from Monaco in a £36m deal in 2015 that could rise to £58m.

Talks continue over the deal and Sky Sports  News HQ understands United will need to increase their offer to around £45m to secure Perisic, who has three years left on his current contract.

Jose open to Zlatan return

Jose Mourinho says 'the door is still open' for Zlatan Ibrahimovic to play again for Manchester United this coming season.

The 35-year-old sustained "significant knee ligament damage" during United's 2-1 Europa League win over Anderlecht in April, which required surgery and brought an end to his season at Old Trafford.
Ibrahimovic, who had scored 28 goals for United, has since seen his one-year deal expire and Mourinho has confirmed that talks will continue over a possible return around Christmas time.
Mourinho said: "It's possible. He is open. We wanted to be honest and open and give everything for him to make a decision, in case his desire was to leave.

"So there was not a new contract, there was a space and time to think, feel, decide and, from his point of view, he wants to play still at the highest level.
"He didn't want to hide behind such an amazing injury. He was not happy with the way he finished the season, of course with his first European trophy, but not playing. So he wants to challenge himself and keep playing still at the highest level.
"Obviously we leave the door open for him to recover with us. Old Trafford, Carrington is open for him to recover and be one of us and, at the same time, let's make a decision that will make us all happy.

"If that decision is to stay and for us to wait until December, maybe, because I don't think he can be back in competitive football before December, then why not wait for such a good player that gave us so much?
"We are speaking, exchanging ideas, and again it is in the hands of Mr (Ed) Woodward and Zlatan's agent, but it's important the final decision is with the player." - Sky Sports