Cillessen happy at Barcelona and denies Crystal Palace links

Jasper Cillessen has denied he is poised to move to Crystal Palace, with the goalkeeper determined to stay at Barcelona for the new LaLiga season.

Cillessen has been linked with a switch to the Premier League club to reunite with his former coach at Ajax, Frank de Boer, who has taken over at Selhurst Park.
The 28-year-old started a single LaLiga game last season as he played second fiddle to Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
But despite his lack of action, the Netherlands international says he is not looking to leave Barcelona.

"I have not spoken with Frank, I know him well but I've not talked to him," Cillessen said on Thursday. "I'm not going. I am very happy here."
Cillessen is the Netherlands number one and the goalkeeper is assured he does not need to leave Barca for regular football after having talks with international coach Dick Advocaat.

"I spoke a lot with the new Dutch manager and he said the quality has to show every day and that's what I did," Cillessen said.
"I think I did, anyway. I played the two [Netherlands] games [in the international break] and that's what I do on the training ground and in the cup games here [with Barcelona].

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"I want to play more, but that depends on the coach [Ernesto Valverde]. All players want to play more." Goal

Chicharito returns to Premier League set to prove himself with West Ham

Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez is headed back to the Premier League just two years after his first European move away.

The Mexico international is heading to West Ham United from Bayer Leverkusen pending a medical and agreeing personal terms. There shouldn't be too much to sort out. Chicharito is fit and eager to return to a country where he twice won the league but never totally fit in.


Though he was a piece of Manchester United's title-winning squads, he wasn't a key piece. Sure, in the first season after his move from Mexican giant Chivas, he scored 13 goals to help United win the league, but that same season saw Dimitar Berbatov's 20 goals lead the team and the league. Two season later, it was Robin van Persie whose 26 Premier League goals dwarfed Chicharito's 10. Not long after he fell out of Manchester United's plans, Chicharito accepted an ill-advised loan to Real Madrid, where he scored a few important goals but played few important minutes, and eventually left for Leverkusen.

So it's with unfinished business that Chicharito returns to the Premier League. He's played there before, but he hasn't been 'the man' in England's top flight. This is his chance. Slaven Bilic's urgency to bring the 29-year-old to London and the club's willingness to pay a release clause reported to be £13 million ($16.8M) show just how much the Hammers want him. West Ham's 47 goals last season put the team in the bottom half, and Chicharito not only is a proven scorer but has done it in the Premier League. He should fit in well at West Ham, with Michail Antonio and Robert Snodgrass able to put in balls from the outside while the forward can combine with Manuel Lanzini behind him in the No. 10 spot. The Hammers may even seek an upgrade from Snodgrass.


Things were going well at Leverkusen, especially last season, but hit a snag toward the end of this year. After 17 goals in his debut Bundesliga campaign, the 11 he put up since disappointed, especially with the team struggling to push through when he hit a cold snap. Coach Roger Schmidt was fired in March, and Chicharito never recovered. Like many forwards, Chicharito is a player who goes through snaps when he can't miss and other times when he seems unable to even get a shot on target. Schmidt had patience with the player and also understood that there's a whole package that comes with him. Trips across the Atlantic to represent Mexico, where he is the all-time leading scorer, are a priority for the Guadalajara native.

Bilic must understand that the forward wants confidence and patience from a manager, but the Croatian coach also will be getting a player who is very motivated to score, and score often. The option of a big-money move to MLS, where Chicharito would be a commercial success, is always on the table. Likewise, Chivas would shell out a considerable sum for their beloved son.

But, while still in his 20s, Chicharito is ready to have one more go to show Manchester United and Real Madrid that they were wrong not to stay patient with him, to give him more minutes when he was in good form and ultimately to keep him at their clubs. Current Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho bemoaned Chicharito's absence last season . The Little Pea will be out to show Mou and Manchester United exactly what they let go to the Bundesliga. Will he score 20 goals, as Mourniho predicted? That will depend on the West Ham players around him and Bilic's managerial approach. But West Ham is getting a player who has proven himself on the international scene and now is waiting for a chance to show he's not only can be a Premier League winner, but a Premier League star.

I caught my wife with her pastor in our bedroom – Man laments in court

A Igando Customary Court in Lagos, on Thursday dissolved a 23-year-old marriage, after efforts to reconcile the couple failed.

The case was brought to the court by the husband, Mr Tunji Oyedele, who accused his wife of adultery, engaging in fetish activities and attempting to kill him.

The wife, Romoke, a 40-year-old trader, who denied the allegations, told the court that the man was sending her away because he now has a new wife.

The president of the court, Mr Adegboyega Omilola, said the court had no option than to separate the couple as the husband was adamant to all mediation efforts by the court and his family.
“Since the petitioner insisted on divorce after several interventions, the court has no choice than to dissolve the union in spite of the fact that the wife still claims she loves her husband.

“The court pronounces the marriage between Mr Tunji Oyedele and Mrs Romoke Oyedele dissolved today, both parties henceforth cease to be husband and wife.
“Both are free to go their separate ways without any hindrance and molestation,” Omilola ruled.
Earlier, Oyedele had accused his wife of 23 years of engaging in sexual recklessness and infidelity.

“My wife is promiscuous, whenever I travel, my wife brings men into our house; on two occasions, I caught her with her lovers in our bedroom.

“One day, I came home unannounced and caught her with one of her lovers in our bedroom.
“On another occasion, I caught her with another man who she claimed was her Pastor.
“She claimed that the said Pastor wanted to take her to a river for a special bath to avert spiritual attack,” he said.
The petitioner further alleged that his wife was fetish and always in possession of different charms.

“I see different strange objects in my bathing water, food and everywhere in the house.
“There was a day I entered her room in her absence and saw feathers tied with clothes and other diabolical objects.

“I believe that my persistent illness, which has deferred medical solution, is as a result of her fetish acts.
“I have been forced to leave my own house because I don’t want to die now,” he said.
The 52-year-old businessman, who presented the pictures of the charms as exhibit, also said that his wife got pregnant for another man after she had their first baby.

My wife abandoned our 10-month-old baby for me and got pregnant for another man. She came back after some years and I accepted her,” he said.
According to him, his wife has no respect for his family.
“My wife used to call my mother a witch and always fought with her whenever she visits; my mother has stopped coming to my house,’’ he said.
He also said his wife chased away his first wife who did not bear him any child by always mocking and calling her a barren wife.
Romoke refuted the allegations, insisting that she was not adulterous.

“The man my husband first saw in our bedroom was my classmate in primary school; the other man was my Pastor, who came for spiritual purpose,” she explained.
The 40-year-old trader said she was not fetish and did not know how the charms got into her room.
The mother of four denied abandoning their baby to get pregnant for another man, saying it was her husband that chased her out of his house.

“My husband chased me out of his house after I had our first baby and that made me to get pregnant for another man,” she told the court.
She said that she and her husband had lived in peace until January 2016, when he married a new wife.
“My husband and I never fought; but immediately he married another woman, his attitude changed.
“His new wife accused me of sending hired killers to her and my husband turned me into a punching bag,” she said.

Romoke had pleaded with the court not to grant her husband’s wish, as she was still in love with him.
NAN

Stupid talk ! Nigeria not mature for state police, says IG

Ibrahim Idris, inspector-general of police, has asked those agitating for state police to consider the “political maturity” of Nigeria.

Speaking at a meeting with governors in Abuja on Thursday, Idris said federal police system is the best for the country.
He appealed to the government to improve funding for the force and also appealed to the governors to support the passage of the Nigeria police trust fund bill before the national assembly.
“I sincerely believe that the federal police is still the best for the country and with improved funding the challenges of crime will be addressed,” Jimoh Moshood, police spokesman, quoted him as saying.

“Those agitating for state police should consider the level of our political maturity.”
On the bill, he said: “Let me use this opportunity to appeal to your excellencies to prevail on your representatives at the national assembly to ensure the passage of the bill.
“It is my sincere belief that once the police trust fund bill is passed into law, the necessary finances required to effectively police the nation will be available.”

He said this would also reduce the pressure on the state governments in the funding of the police.
Idris said police officers in the country were one of the least paid security organisations in the world in spite of operating under the UN ratio of 1:400.
He added that with the current ratio of 1:602 the Nigeria police was operating far below the United Nation’s ratio.
“About 10,000 police officers have been recruited recently to fill the gap but this is still a far cry,” he said.

“To meet up with the UN ratio of 1:400, the Nigeria police requires additional 155,000 police officers for the next five years.”
He said a request to recruit 31,000 policemen had been sent to President Muhammadu Buhari for approval.
Idris said the current police management was making efforts to establish structures that would bridge the communication gap between the Police and members of the public.
Idris said one of such structures included the establishment of the Nigeria Police Broadcasting Service (NPBS).

“When commissioned, it will broadcast Nationwide on TV, Radio, online and the National Emergency Communication Command Control Centre (NEC4),” he said.
Assuring Idris of support, Abdul’Aziz Yari, governor of Zamfara, said security was everybody’s business.

Governors had set up a six man-committee 
to look into the possibility of having state police
A public hearing on the Nigeria police trust fund was organised by the house of representatives committee on police affairs on July 1.
The bill seeks to provide alternative funding for the police.- News Agency

Fraud !!! NDDC revokes 600 contracts worth N200bn

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says it has revoked 600 contracts as part of efforts to restructure the commission.

Speaking with journalists in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Nsima Ekere, NDDC managing director, said the management of the commission and board took the decision to adopt a ‘4R’ initiative as a roadmap to development.
According to him, the 4R initiative is restructuring the balance sheet, reforming governance protocol, restoring core mandate and reaffirming commitment to doing what is right and proper.
Ekere said the balance sheet of the commission was bloated with contingent liabilities in excess of N1.3tn; hence the need for the reform.

“The move became imperative looking at the resources coming on monthly or yearly basis which necessitated restructuring it in a manner that will be meaningful to achieve results,” he said.
“The last management meeting approved cancellation of over 600 projects that NDDC already embarked on.
“We discovered that some of the contracts were either not properly awarded or some of them were awarded but the contractors have not yet gone to site.

“Some of the contracts were awarded as late as 2002 with some of the contractors collecting advance payments from the commission with zero work done at the sites.
“So, we terminated these contracts worth about N200bn, which is the first phase of our restructuring the commission’s balance sheet.”
Ekere said the second phase of the restructuring would affect projects that had only attained zero to five per cent completion status.

He explained that contractors in this category were those who went to site but had achieved negligible work compared to the contractual agreement.
“On restoration of the commission’s core mandate, we want to ensure that projects that we do are geared toward achieving the core mandates for establishing the commission,” he said.

“In the past, our contracts and projects were politically motivated while some were done to satisfy one person or interest which is not good enough.
“If there is a master plan or design to achieve a certain milestone within a set period; every year or month spent should be an incremental step toward achieving that target.

“So, we looked at the master plan which is supposed to be accomplished within 50 years but have already spent 10 years without much being achieved.

Anti-corruption : NSITF Pledges Support for EFCC

The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, led by Barrister Adebayo Somefun has expressed its determination to identify with the anti-corruption drive of the EFCC.

Somefun, during a visit to the Commission on Thursday, July 20, 2017 said that, “the new management of NSITF is solidly behind the EFCC in its bid to change the country for better, as change itself is inevitable”.

According to him, “In order for Nigeria to rise above the present gloomy economic times, Nigerians need to view problems as the optimistic who sees opportunities in difficulties in contrast to the pessimist who sees challenges as difficulties”.

“We are here to lend our support and pledge our support to EFCC so that by the time we are leaving we would have left a good footprint in the sands of time”, he added.

Magu, thanked the NSITF team for the visit and expressed EFCC’s readiness to partner with the organization noting that, the anti-graft needed support in enlightening the masses on the ills of corruption.

The Anti-graft czar noted that other countries such as Malaysia, Singapore and Pakistan have recorded successes in the corruption fight in their respective nations and called on Nigerians to take ownership of the fight against corruption.

“I believe that the victory in curbing corruption can be replicated in Nigeria as well.  We consider as our primarily responsibility, the need to eradicate corruption and prepare a better future for Nigerians”, Magu said.

Anti-corruption : Nigerian Youths Drum Support for EFCC

The management of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, on July 20, 2017 expressed its willingness to partner with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in its bid to promote the anti-corruption initiative in Nigeria.

Haruwa Okatahi, Director of Employment, Social Security and Skill Acquisition, NYCN, made this known when he led a team of management staff on a visit to the Abuja head office of the EFCC.

According to him, “The NYCN is an umbrella body which represents youths across the 36 States including FCT with strong presence in the Local Government Areas and numerous wards nationwide. The organization provides a platform for the advancement, mobilization and coordination of youth development, and the promotion of peace, unity and tolerance.”

Okatahi noted that for the council to be able to effectively discharge its directives, it needed to partner with the EFCC.

He said the council was also at the Commission in solidarity with the acting chairman, Ibrahim Magu, who he described as “the best hand to lead the anti-graft agency especially at this critical time of our nation building”.

Also speaking, Sule Yakubu, Director of Programmes, NYCN, acknowledged the numerous awareness and sensitization programmes created by the EFCC recently, and apologized for the absence of the President who he said had other pressing matters to attend to.

“We commend your resolute commitment towards revamping the fight against corruption, and we are here to seek collaboration with you”, he said.

Yakubu, however, noted that much still needed to be done as most youths were still vulnerable due to the negative influence of corrupt politicians.

He pledged the support of all Nigerians youths to the EFCC as the issues surrounding the confirmation of the agency’s acting chairman was a clear signal of corruption fighting back adding that, “the youths will be mobilized and engaged to rally support and promote the anti-corruption initiative under the leadership of Magu”.

In his remark, Ugwumba Kelechi, Chief of Staff, NYCN, while acknowledging the tremendous work done by the anti-graft agency said that Nigerian youths would resist attempts by corrupt elements to return the country to the dark days where corruption was the order of the day.

“During the 4th Annual Lecture held on May 29, 2017 which coincides with the democracy day celebrations, the group developed the ‘White and Sniper Agenda’ to encourage Nigerian youths to rise and fight the prevailing type of corruption in the Nation as most of the elites and politicians use the youths adversely to coerce them into corruption sometimes resulting in violence such as electoral violence”, said Kelechi.

Responding, Magu thanked the NYCN team for the visit and urged them to work with the various anti-corruption initiatives that have been established at the tertiary, secondary and primary school levels by the EFCC, as a proactive measure in fighting corruption.

Highlight of the occasion was the conferment of the award of Special Agent of Change - Vision 2017-2018 on Magu.

On the visit were: Blessing Okwe, Social Secretary; Anna Dennis Nege, Welfare Oficer; Awujoola Kehinde, Director, Gender and Girl- Child Empowernment; Ahmad Musa Geidam, SSA Political to the President; Adedotun Omoleye, Director, Political and Democratic Issues.

Update : INEC asks court to vacate order on Melaye’s recall

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday asked the Federal High Court, Abuja, to set aside an earlier order, suspending the recall of Sen. Dino Melaye (APC-Kogi).

INEC commenced Melaye’s recall following the receipt of a petition from members of his constituency.
Melaye, however, approached the court, seeking an order stopping INEC from going ahead with the process, pending the determination of a suit he filed to challenge his recall.
The senator had in the suit alleged irregularities and fraud in the petition.

In the application which was argued by his lawyer, Mr. Mike Ozekhome (SAN), Melaye submitted that the signatories in the petition were fake, fictitious and concocted.
He added that some of the signatures were for dead members of his constituency.
In his ruling, Justice John Tsoho, ordered parties to maintain status quo, pending the determination of the matter.

He adjourned further hearing till September 29.
INEC, however, applied that the matter be heard before a vacation judge.
When the matter came up on Thursday, counsel to INEC, Mr. Sulayman Ibrahim, informed the court of an application seeking to set aside the ex-parte order made by the court on July 6, to maintain the status quo.

He also told the court about another application, seeking accelerated hearing of the matter during vacation.
In the application seeking the vacation of the ex-parte order, INEC argued that the order violated its right to fair hearing as enshrined in Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution.
The Commission said the order was against its time-bound constitutional duty, which is the time frame stipulated by law to carry out a recall.(NAN)

Evans’ law suit stalled over his lawyer’s ‘failure to pay court fine

A Federal High Court in Lagos Thursday declined to entertain the N300m fundamental rights enforcement suit filed against the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) by suspected kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike a.k.a. Evans.

Justice Chuka Obiozor reached the decision following the failure of Evans’ lawyer, Mr. Olukoya Ogungbeje, to pay the punitive cost of N20, 000 awarded against him at the last adjourned date.
Justice Obiozor, a vacation judge, adjourned further hearing till July 27, for Ogungbeje to comply.
Justice Abdulaziz Anka, who awarded the cost against Ogungbeje on July 13, said the lawyer would not be given audience in court until he paid the N20,000 to the police.

At the commencement of proceedings yesterday, counsel for the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Effiong Asuquo, noted that Ogungbeje gave him a post-dated cheque for N20,000.
He said he rejected it, since that was not the order of court.
Justice Obiozor agreed with Asuquo and directed Ogungbeje to comply with the cost order.

The judge also directed Ogungbeje to ensure service of his suit on the IGP in Abuja.
In his fundamental rights enforcement suit, Evans, through Ogungbeje, is seeking a court order directing the police to charge him to court immediately or release him on bail.
Ogungbeje argued that Evans’ detention since June 10, 2017 without being charged to court was a violation of his client’s fundamental rights enshrined in sections 35 (1) (c) (3) (4) (5) (a) (b) and 36 of the Constitution.

City's £44.5m Mendy bid rejected

Monaco have rejected a £44.5m Manchester City bid for left-back Benjamin Mendy.

City are targeting Mendy as their latest big-money full-back after spending more than £50m to make Kyle Walker football's most expensive defender.
But sources last week told Sky Sports News Monaco also value their player at more than £50m, and City's latest offer has been dismissed.
Mendy won the French title in his first season with Monaco last year and also helped Leonardo Jardim's side reach the last four of the Champions League.

The 23-year-old hinted at a move to the Premier League last week when he posted an Instagram picture of himself in Union Jack shorts, accompanied by the caption: "See you soon."
City are in the market for a left-back following Gael Clichy's departure, although imminent new £26.5m signing Danilo has played there for Real Madrid.

Spurs end Foyth pursuit

Tottenham have cooled their interest in Juan Foyth because manager Mauricio Pochettino believes Estudiantes are asking for too much for the Argentina U20 defender.

Estudiantes value the 19-year-old defender at more than £8m and that is more than Spurs are willing to pay.
Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan and Roma are all interested in Foyth, who has played only eight times for Estudiantes.

Tottenham have been in the market for a centre-back with the future of Kevin Wimmer uncertain. The Austria international admitted last week that he was thinking of leaving the club and Sky sources understand Spurs are prepared to let him go for the right fee.

Spurs are yet to make a signing this summer and sold Kyle Walker to Manchester City for a fee in excess of £50m last week.
They are interested in Ricardo Pereira as his replacement but are yet to move on the Porto man.

Mourinho: Manchester United can't compete with clubs who buy and buy and buy

Jose Mourinho says he has had to change his transfer plans because Manchester United cannot match clubs who "buy and buy and buy non-stop".

United beat Chelsea to the £75million signing of Romelu Lukaku and have also drafted in Sweden defender Victor Lindelof from Benfica, while Ivan Perisic and Nemanja Matic are also thought to be close to moving to Old Trafford.
However, Mourinho may have to choose between Inter's Croatian winger and the Chelsea man, who Mourinho won the Premier League with at Stamford Bridge in 2015.

Manchester City have added Ederson, Bernardo Silva, Kyle Walker and Douglas Luiz, while Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Alvaro Morata to add to Tiemoue Bakayoko, Antonio Rudiger and Willy Caballero.
And, having seen deals for Antoine Griezmann, Morata and Eric Dier fall short, Mourinho says United are struggling to strike deals, just a year after breaking the world transfer record to sign Paul Pogba.

"I asked for four players," Mourinho said. "But I'm ready to go from four to thee because the market is difficult and some clubs, they think the market is different than the others. 
"We are not a club that is ready to buy and buy and buy non-stop. 
"We are not a club that is ready to pay what the clubs want us to pay. 

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"So I am ready to go from four signings to three. And with this three I just give a better balance to the team and to the squad and give us better conditions to compete."

Morata: Chelsea the best club

Alvaro Morata has exclusively told Sky Sports News he is joining Chelsea because they are "the best club" after arriving in London for a medical.

The 24-year-old striker flew in to Heathrow airport on Thursday morning to complete his move from Real Madrid for an initial £58m fee, which could rise to £70m according to Sky sources.
Jose Mourinho admitted Chelsea's move for the Spain international was "obvious" after Manchester United signed Romelu Lukaku despite previously being close to a deal for Morata.

Former Juventus forward Morata insists he is delighted to be joining Antonio Conte at Stamford Bridge, while remaining coy on how near he came to a switch to Old Trafford.
"This is the best club," Morata, speaking exclusively to Sky Sports News reporter Paul Gilmour upon arrival in London, said.
"Antonio Conte is one of the best coaches in the world and I'm so happy to work with Antonio."
Asked how close he came to joining Manchester United, Morata said: "I don't know, the most important thing is I'm here playing for Chelsea. Finally I'm here."

Morata boasted the best goals-per-minute record of any Real Madrid player in La Liga last season, with only Barcelona's Lionel Messi managing to better his 15 goals at a rate of one every 89 minutes.
The departing Real striker is confident he will be able to settle in to life in the Premier League though after speaking with international team-mate Cesar Azpilicueta.

"[It's] One of the best leagues in the world and I'm so happy to be here," Morata added, confirming a medical is the only hurdle left before completing his move to Chelsea.
"I spoke with Azpilicueta and he told me everything is OK and he found it something easy."

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Rashford: Lukaku partnership could fire Man Utd to glory

Marcus Rashford has high hopes that he and Romelu Lukaku can fire Manchester United to glory this season.

Jose Mourinho guided United to third place in the Premier League last season, securing a return to the Champions League, but a title tilt fizzled out early in the campaign - hampered by a struggle to break sides down at Old Trafford.
Their shot-shyness has been remedied somewhat by the £75million capture of Lukaku, who scored 25 goals last season - a tally bettered only by Harry Kane in the league.

Rashford and Lukaku are yet to play in tandem for United, having taken turns to lead the line in either half of their pre-season friendlies so far, but the England striker is excited by the prospect of a potential partnership.
"I think different games require different tactics and it just gives the manager one extra thing to use," Rashford said. 

"I think it's not only me and Romelu. We can play with Anthony [Martial] and Romelu. We've got a few different options that we can play. It widens our chances of glory next season."
Lukaku enjoyed his best season to date with Everton in 2016-17 and Rashford believes the Belgian is ready to make the step up, having been discarded by Mourinho at Chelsea in 2013.
Rashford added: "I think he's gone through a phase in his career now and he's coming up to his prime years and he's been scoring a lot of goals for the last three or four years. 

"He's in a good place in his career and probably come here at the right time.
"I've only been playing up front for maybe two years. We've only usually played one striker up front in the academy, so it's different for me.

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"Having two up front is definitely beneficial for me. So once you get used to it and start to build relationships and connections then it's a positive formation to play." - Goal

Nnamdi Kanu: They gave me Biafra without Benue and Rivers — I said no

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), says while in detention, he was offered the sovereign state of Biafra but he rejected it because of the non-inclusion of Rivers and Benue states.

He said this on Wednesday when leaders of Igbo civil society coalition visited him at his country home in Umuahia, Abia state.
The IPOB leader also said he was given an oil block and “mansions” in Dubai but had also rejected the offer, describing it as “greek gift” to make him back off on the struggle for Biafra.
“They gave me Biafra in prison with only the five Igbo states; I said no, I want Benue and Rivers,” Kanu said.

“Self actualization is not war. We are not for war. We are not talking of war but self actualization. Self determination is not war. Any elite that interprets self determination to be war does not understand English.
“Biafra is coming; there is nothing that can stop it, no matter the level of intimidation and blackmail. Some people are running around, saying why must it be Nnamdi Kanu, why not me. I am not an elite, I was born to restore Biafra.”
The IPOB leader also berated Igbo elites and leaders for what he described as their “anti-Biafra activities”.

He blamed them for the “poor” state of infrastructure in the south-east.
“They can’t buy us with money. If I can turn down oil block, turn down mansions in Dubai, what can they offer us? All the roads in Biafra land are in deplorable condition, yet we have elites who are just interested in their pockets,” Kanu said.
“All the roads in Biafra are bad. Apart from Okpara (late Michael Okpara), Mbonu Ojike and Sam Mbakwe, I have not seen any elite in Igbo land. Let them show us what they have done, no roads, no water, nothing. Because they are in Abuja, they are now elites, let them show us what they have done for the people as elites.

“They said everything has price, I told them that Nnamdi Kanu has no price. All of you here know my wife, I sacrificed her for two years; so what can they offer me.” - Cable Nigeria

Estate agent docked over N1m fraud

 

A 38-year-old estate agent, Badiru Ayinde, who allegedly duped five people of N1 million on the pretext of procuring a self-contain apartment for them, was on Thursday arraigned in an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

The prosecutor, Insp. Victor Eruada said that the accused was arraigned on a 10-count charge bordering on stealing, and obtaining credit under false pretence among others.

Eruada said Ayinde, a resident of Meiran Area of Lagos, committed the offences on April 25, at Agbatikuyo Dopemu, Agage, Lagos.
According to him, the accused collected N255, 000 from Abbas Abba, N150,000 from Omikunle Esther, N210,000 from Akingbohungbe Adebayo.

“He also collected N170, 000 from Ojo Samuel, and N260, 000 from Zubair Mohammed with a promise to procure apartments for them which he never did.
“The accused collected the money and failed to get the apartments as promised, and he converted the money to his personal use.”

The offences contravened Sections 287, 168 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 provides 14 years imprisonment for offenders, while Section 314 stipulates 15 years for obtaining credit by false pretence.
However, the accused pleaded not guilty to the 10-count charge.
The Magistrate, Mrs G. O. Anifowoshe, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

Anifowoshe adjourned the case until July 26, for mention.

Two travel agents charged with N3m Turkish visa fraud

Two travel agents, who allegedly defrauded a man to the tune of N3million ,on the pretext of procuring Turkish visas for him, was on Thursday arraigned in an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

The defendants – Olumide Olubashusi and Paul Okoye, are facing a three-count charge of stealing, conspiracy and fraud.

They, however, entered a not guilty plea.

The prosecutor, Insp. Victor Eruada, told the court that the defendants committed the offences on June 14 at Diamond Bank, Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos.

According to him, the defendants conspired and collected N3million and nine international passports from the complainant, Mr Chinedu Raymond, with a promise to procure Turkish visas and flight tickets for him.

“The accused persons collected the money and absconded, failed to get the visas nor flight tickets as promised, until he was sighted a month ago and was immediately arrested. ”

The offences contravened Sections 287, 411 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Section 287 provides 14 years imprisonment for offenders, while Section 314 stipulates 15 years for obtaining credit by false pretences.

The Magistrate, Mrs G. O. Anifowoshe, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N1.5m with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case until Aug. 8 for mention.

Biafra: Why Nigeria can blow up any day – Ex-NBA president, Agbakoba

Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Olisa Agbakoba has opined that Nigeria is an “artificial creation” which can “blow-up” at any time.
Agbakoba made the observation while faulting a statement credited to the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo saying Nigeria is an indissoluble country.

Speaking with Vanguard, the former NBA President maintained that Nigeria’s sovereignty is not sacrosanct.
According to Agbakoba, “I see every politician saying restructuring, but I disagree. I think there is a misconception error in assuming that restructuring will work.
“I also think the Acting President was wrong to say that Nigeria is indissoluble. There is nothing sacrosanct about Nigeria

“It can blow-up any day. It is an artificial creation. It was made in 1914 and when it was amalgamated, we were not there

“It was amalgamated for the interest of the colonialists who wanted to export things from Nigeria. And since 1914, till date, we have not had any home grown process in which people are involved in with creation of their constitution.
“Nigeria’s sovereignty is not sacrosanct. Nigeria’s sovereignty is sacrosanct for those eyeing 2019. They will deceive us, and get to 2019, pretending that restructuring is the issue. They are now climbing on the band wagon of popularism.

“We are so gullible in this country. Among the 180 million Nigerians and 160 million youths unemployed, we have no road, no health care, nothing. Yet we continue to be deceived.
“This is part of the warning we need to pass on as civil society. Restructuring is not in the interest of Nigerians. How many Nigerians understand what restructuring is about?” - Daily Post

Quarrel over menstrual pad breaks 13-year-old marriage

A housewife, Kafayat Akinade, has approached a Grade C Customary Court at Agodi, Ibadan, to seek dissolution of her 13-year-old marriage over seizure of her monthly menstrual pad by her husband.
Akinade told the court that her husband, Muideen Akinade, was in the habit of picking her menstrual pads for unknown reason.

She also accused the husband of brutality, saying that he had turned her to a punching bag and a slave in her matrimonial home.
“I live like a slave in my husband’s house without proper care; I shouldered the responsibility of our three children and never experienced happiness since I married him.
“I left his house seven months ago when I sensed that my life was in danger, but he did not bother to beg me to return, instead, he cursed my mother and threatened to kill me with charm.

“I pray the court to dissolve the marriage so that I can have peace of mind, the court should also order him to be responsible for the upkeep of the three kids, ’’she pleaded.
The woman threatened to kill herself if the court declines her request, adding that she had made up her mind to end the union.
In his defence, Akinade denied all the allegations, but accused the wife of adultery, alleging that one of his apprentices slept with her when he travelled.

He, however, did not agree with the dissolution of the marriage and appealed to the court to settle the matter.
The president of the court, Chief Mukaila Balogun, said the evidences of parties had shown that there was no more love in the union.
He dissolved the marriage and ordered the man to take custody of the first child, while the second and third children should remain in the custody of their mother.
He also directed the respondent to pay N7,000 monthly allowance for the up keep of the two children. - NAN

Anti-Graft War: Envoy Assures of Support as German Police Trains EFCC Operatives

The Consul General of the Germany Embassy in Lagos, Mr. Ingo Herbert has assured the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of continued support in combating corruption in Nigeria through regular training for its staff.

Speaking today at the opening of a 10-day capacity building programme on Corruption Control, facilitated by the German Government through Bundeskriminalamt (BKA) also known as German Federal Criminal Police, Herbert pledged adequate support for EFCC in  in achieving its mandate.  ‘’I read newspapers every day; I see that EFCC has taken up the challenge and is doing a great job. The German government is supporting through the German Police in contributing experts to share knowledge on how to better the image of Nigeria. One of the major reasons for this interaction is to bring back German Investments to Nigeria. It is known that many German companies left Nigeria, but presently, under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, German government believes and is aware of the conducive environment where business can thrive and security guaranteed,’’Herbert said. He added that one of his desires is to see the judiciary support and complement the anti graft agencies in winning the war against corruption.

EFCC’s Head of Operations in Lagos, Garuba Dugum, who represented the commission's Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, acknowledged the German government for their continual support to the EFCC. He urged the participants in the training programme to cooperate with the facilitators and be receptive to new methods and shared experiences. ‘’The fight against corruption is not for EFCC or Nigerians alone, but for all humanity and lovers of good governance because we may all be affected directly or indirectly. Fighting corruption is a very difficult task, consider it an honor therefore, to be among the few selected men and women of courage and integrity chosen for this onerous task of salvaging the nation’’, he said.
 
The proramme is geared towards equipping investigators with the fundamental principles in fighting corruption, special aspects in conducting investigation, preventing corruption and supporting investigative measures. Other agencies participating in the capacity building programme are the Department of State Services, DSS; Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB and Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission, ICPC. - EFCC

Magu Inaugurates Committee to Reposition NFIU

The acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu on July 19, 2017 inaugurated a committee to reposition the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU.

The committee which has members drawn from law enforcement, financial and regulatory agencies is chaired by Dr. Abdullahi Shehu, a former Director General of the Inter-Governmental Action Against Money Laundering in West Africa, GIABA. Other members of the committee are Mr. Chidi Chukwuka from the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC); Mr. Bamanga Bello, Head of the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML); Hajia Jamila Yusuf of the Central Bank of Nigeria;  Mr. Udofia Akpan Obot, a former deputy director, CBN , while Mrs Joke Liman of the EFCC is to serve as secretary.

Speaking at the inauguration, which is coming on the heels of the recent suspension of the NFIU from membership of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units, Magu charged the committee to take a holistic look at the mandate and operations of the NFIU with a view to coming up with proposals to reposition the agency for greater efficiency.
While noting that members of the committee are persons with rich experience in Anti Money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism, Magu reminded them that membership of the Egmont Group was critical to Nigeria's effort to tackle money laundering, and monitoring of financial flows within and outside the country.

He charged the Committee to among others, address the concern of the Egmont Group, by providing the necessary frameworks needed "to coordinate the effective process of amendment of section 1(2)(c) of the EFCC Act to expressly reflect NFIU as an autonomous unit under EFCC so as to provide legal basis or clarity on its operational independence from the EFCC.

 "Make recommendations with respect to the funding of the NFIU's operations.
“Develop career path for the staff of the NFIU.
“Develop protocol for the protection of information and confidentiality, specifically as regards the status of STR information and information deriving from international exchange.
“Develop procedure for the processing of information held by the NFIU either deriving from STR or from international exchange for legitimate purposes”.

Responding on behalf of the members of the Committee, Dr Shehu expressed delight at the opportunity given to them to serve the country. "We see this as a call to service and we assure you that we will ensure that we carry out this task judiciously in order to reposition the NFIU, and ensure that it is autonomous as this will further strengthen the anti-corruption fight", he said.

He assured that the committee will hit the ground running as members are familiar with the issues in the anti money laundering architecture in Nigeria. Reflecting on the nation’s efforts to tackle Money Laundering, Shehu said the world has really not given the country credit for its pioneering efforts in tackling money laundering in the African continent. He disclosed that Nigeria was the first country to enact an anti- money laundering law in Africa and also the first to set up a Financial Intelligence Unit, an agency that has mentored other FIUs in the West Africa sub-region.

He further commended Nigeria’s role in setting up and nurturing GIABA to global reckoning. Shehu however acknowledged that there were challenges in the country’s ant- money laundering framework which must be tackled for the country to fully achieve the objective of fighting corruption and money laundering.
The Committee has one month to submit its report.

The NFIU was suspended on 5 July, 2017 at the plenary of the Heads of FIUs which took place in Macao. Contrary to claims in some quarters, the decision to suspend the NFIU was largely premised on the failure to address the Egmont Group’s concern regarding the autonomy of the FIU. It specifically wants Section 1(2)(c) of the EFCC Establishment Act which makes the EFCC the designated Financial Intelligence Unit to be amended, and create the NFIU AS AN AUTONOMOUS UNIT UNDER the EFCC.

Contrary to the views being expressed in some quarters, the Egmont Group is not asking for the creation of a standalone agency removed from the EFCC. “It is only demanding for greater autonomy for the NFIU in terms of having its funds and control over its staff.”
What is happening to NFIU is not strange or peculiar to Nigeria. Germany suffered a similar fate when its FIU was placed on suspension after it was moved from the German Police where it had been domiciled, to the Custom.

The Egmont Group is not averse to having FIUs domiciled in law enforcement organizations. Most FIUs are indeed domiciled within existing law enforcement organizations except for a few that are stand alone.
What Nigeria is facing today may have been self- inflicted as certain citizens with vested interests in the running of the NFIU are known to regularly feed the world body of FIUs with false information regarding the situation in Nigeria.

The issues that culminated in the recent suspension of Nigeria are predicated on a false petition by a former director of the NFIU who, embittered by the manner of her dismissal, painted a false imagery of siege on the NFIU with the objective to compromise information from the Egmont Secure Website.

Though this allegation was investigated and proven to be false by the Egmont Group, it triggered the placement of the NFIU  on the Egmont Group support and compliance process, which necessitate a review of the entire compliance requirement of the NFIU.
“It is noteworthy that the Egmont Group recognizes that that an FIU CAN BE LOCATED OR DOMICILED IN ANY LARGER ENTITY, BUT THAT THERE MUST BE A CLAR CUT DICHOTOMY OF ITS FUNCTIONS AND OPERATIONS IN THE LARGER ENTITY”

Appeal Court Okays Bench Warrant Against Tompolo

The Court of Appeal in Lagos today dismissed the appeal brought by Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo against the EFCC over the Bench Warrant issued against him by Justice Buba of the Federal High Court in Lagos.

It will be recalled that on 15 December, 2015 the EFCC instituted a Criminal Charge against  Tompolo and 9 others. The Commission, through its counsel Festus Keyamo, could not serve Tompolo personally with the summons. On January 12, 2016 Keyamo applied and obtained an order for substituted service of the said summons by pasting same on Tompolo's last known address at No. 1 Agbanu DDPA Extension Warri, Delta State.

However, despite the substituted service of same on Tompolo, he refused, neglected and failed to appear in court in response to the Summons. Consequently on January 14, 2016 Justice Buba issued a Warrant for the arrest of Tompolo pursuant to Section 131 of the Administration of Criminal justice Act 2015.

Tompolo thereafter filed a Motion on Notice dated the 27th day of January, 2016 seeking the following reliefs: an order of court setting aside its order of 12th January, 2016 for issuance of Summons to compel the appearance of the defendant; an order setting aside Charge No: FHC/L/553C/15 and service of summons to compel the appearance of the defendant and, an order setting aside the Warrant for the arrest of the defendant issued on 14 January, 2016.
After arguments, Justice Buba dismissed Tompolo's motion. Dissatisfied, Tompolo appealed the dismissal of his motion.  
In its judgment today, the Court of Appeal agreed with the Commission that Tompolo had been properly served with the summons and saw no reason to set aside the Bench Warrant still subsisting against him. The Court unanimously held that Tompolo's appeal is devoid of any merit and thereby dismissed it. The Court upheld the decision of Justice Buba to issue a Bench Warrant against Tompolo. - EFCC

Manchester social showdown

Which Manchester club has more global support on social media and which players have the most followers? We've used Brandtix, Twitter and Google data to find out...

The first Manchester derby on foreign soil will take place during the early hours of Friday morning (UK time), competing for the International Champions Cup in Houston, USA.
Both sides were set to face each other during the pre-season campaign last season in China, but the game was cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch.
Both clubs have enormous global appeal - but which has a bigger global fan base on social media?

Across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, United have 104.2m followers - three times the total of City's 35m fans, according to Brandtix.
United have more followers than the UK population on Facebook alone with 75.8m fans, another 18.4m on Instagram and 12m on Twitter. In contrast, City have 25.5m followers on Facebook, 5m on Instagram and 4.5m on Twitter.

Across the three platforms over the last three months, Jose Mourinho's side have had greatest social support in Great Britain (33.58 per cent), USA (9.39 per cent), Nigeria (8.39 per cent), India (6.03 per cent) and South Africa (3.77 per cent).
City have generated fan bases in similar locations, with a majority in Great Britain (42.65), followed by USA (18.13 per cent), Brazil (3.52 per cent), Nigeria (3.35 per cent) and India (2.91 per cent).
United's dominance for global appeal is even greater on Google search, with the Red Devils generating four times as many queries than the Citizens since July last year.

In fact, City were more popular than their neighbours in just five countries around the world for internet search: Brazil, Chile, Guatemala, Monaco and Romania.
The most discussed Premier League moment on Twitter last season came in the first Manchester derby when Claudio Bravo gifted Zlatan Ibrahimovic an equaliser, generating 32,000 tweets per minute.

The next two most popular moments involved United, with N'Golo Kante's first goal for Chelsea to put the Blues 4-0 up at Old Trafford sparking 31,000 tweets per minute, followed by Paul Pogba's first goal against Leicester on 30,000 a minute.

The playersFollowing Wayne Rooney's move to Everton and Ibrahimovic's departure, City's Sergio Aguero is the most followed player from the Manchester clubs on social media with 29.9m followers.
Pogba is the next most popular player on 26.8m, followed by David de Gea (21.4m), Juan Mata (20.3m), Marouane Fellaini (8.2m), Kevin De Bruyne (7.3m), Vincent Kompany (7.3m), Claudio Bravo (7m), David Silva (6.7m) and Ander Herrera (6m).

In the Premier League, only Mesut Ozil (60.9m), David Luiz (51.5m) and Rooney (51.4m) have more fans on social media than Aguero and Pogba.
United's latest signing Romelu Lukaku has acquired more fans in the last week than any other player at the two clubs, picking up 229,000 new followers, while Gabriel Jesus leads City during the same period with 69,000 additional fans.
United also dominate a combined XI of most mentioned players on Twitter, with De Gea in goal, behind a back three of Marcos Rojo, Eric Bailly and Kyle Walker, a midfield quartet of Leroy Sane, Pogba, Herrera and Raheem Sterling, and a front three of Lukaku, Aguero and Marcus Rashford. - SKY