UK Promises To Return Loot To Nigeria, Repatriates 70 Million Pounds

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August 28, 2018

United Kingdom said it has repatriated £70 million stolen by an unnamed Nigerian citizen who was convicted in an Italian court.

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Paul Arkwright, who revealed this to reporters in Abuja on Monday, however, declined to disclose the identity of the person involved in the offence.

He said, “There was an Italian court case with a particular person involved. A portion of the fund has been in the UK and that was the portion that was returned recently from the UK to Nigeria. So, it’s in that context that the £70 million was returned.”

He said more funds would be repatriated, stressing that his country was working with the Federal Government to accelerate the legal process of returning the looted money.

“The British government has no intention of keeping one kobo of Nigerian funds in the UK, it all must come back to Nigeria. Just as in Nigeria, the UK feels that the judicial process is important, and we have to go through those processes before the money can be returned,” he added.

Arkwright stated that security, trade, investment and 2019 elections will top the discussion between the British Prime Minister, Theresa May and President Muhammadu Buhari during the UK PM state visit on Wednesday.

Ronaldo Wins UEFA’s Goal Of The Season Award

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Akinwale Kasali

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August 28, 2018

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Juventus player, Cristiano Ronaldo, has been announced as the winner of the 2017/18 UEFA Goal of the Season award.

Ironically, it was Ronaldo’s overhead kick for Real Madrid against his current club, Juventus, that got him his latest award.

The announcement was made by the UEFA Champions League on its website.

The football league said that “Ronaldo’s strike, which was applauded on the night by his opposing – and it turned out future – fans, topped the poll with nearly 200,000 of the total 346,915 votes.

He succeeds his new Juve colleague Mario Mandžukić, who won last year for goal against Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final, while Lionel Messi took the award in both 2014/15 and 2015/16.”

The runner-up was Dimitri Payet’s goal in Marseille’s 5-2 UEFA Europa League defeat of RB Leipzig, while third place went to Eva Navarro’s goal for Spain in their Women’s U17 EURO final victory against Germany in Lithuania in May.

This year’s 11 nominees were selected by UEFA’s Technical Observers, with one for each of the main UEFA competitions over the past 12 months. Only goals registered in UEFA club or international fixtures were eligible for consideration.

Lionel Messi won the 2015 and 2016 editions of the award.

In another development, Ronaldo’s erstwhile club, Real Madrid are gunning for the return of their starlet, Mariano Diaz.

Real Madrid are set to bring striker Mariano Diaz back to the club, a year on from selling him to Lyon, after they matched an earlier bid by La Liga rivals Sevilla, the Andalusian side said on Tuesday.

“Real had first refusal and they have told us that they are going to activate their buy-back clause,” Sevilla president Jose Castro told media.

Spanish sports daily Marca reported that Sevilla had made a bid worth a total of 35 million euros ($41 million) including bonuses. However, Real matched that bid to beat their rivals to the signature of the 25-year-old.

Mariano, who was born in Spain but has roots in the Dominican Republic, was sold to Lyon a year ago.

But Real inserted a buy-back clause in the deal as well as guaranteeing themselves 35 percent of any future sell-on. Taking that into account, the actual fee paid by Real will be under 25 million euros.

Castro, who was speaking at a ceremony marking 11 years since Sevilla player Antonio Puerta died during a game, added: “Lyon had an agreement with Real. We negotiated a deal, and then Real had 48 hours in which to exercise their right. They decided to do so. We are still working on other alternatives.”

Mariano came through the Real reserves but made just 14 top-team appearances at the Santiago Bernabeu before being sold to Lyon, for whom he scored 18 times in Ligue 1 last season to help the French side qualify for the Champions League.

But he was left out of Lyon’s starting line-up last weekend and his return to Real comes with the European champions having so far failed to reinforce their attack following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus.

2019: Jang Joins Presidential Race

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Akinwale Kasali

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August 28, 2018

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By Akinwale Kasali

No doubt, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has a long walk ahead as the 2019 polls draw nearer. The top echelon of the party led by the Chairman, Uche Secondus, will have an herculean task of choosing the candidate that will hoist the party’s flag as the race for who clinches the presidential tickets thickens.

No fewer than 15 people have indicated interest of becoming the party’s flagbearer come 2019 for the presidential seat. Latest to join the list of aspirants his, Senator Jonah Jang, former governor of Plateau State.

Today, Jang, representing Plateau North in the National Assembly, led his supporters to the secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party to formally intimate them of his interest to join the 2019 presidential race.

Justice Daniel Longji of Plateau State High Court granted bail to Jang and a former cashier in the office of the Secretary to Plateau State Government, Yusuf Gyang Pam.

The accused persons were arraigned before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and slammed with 12 counts bordering on alleged misuse of some special funds released to Plateau state by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The offences were said to have been perpetrated few months to the end of Jang’s tenure as governor in 2015.

Jang had repeatedly linked his ordeals to his presidential ambition, insisting that they were politically motivated.

Already, the Plateau PDP secretariat is wearing a new look ahead of Jang’s declaration today.

A notice by the immediate-past Secretary to the State Government during the administration of Jang and now Director-General of his Presidential Campaign Committee, Prof. Shedrack Best, said the declaration event started at 12 noon.

He said, “This is to notify party faithful and well-wishers that the date for submission of a letter of intent to the party (PDP) for the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by Distinguished Senator Jonah Jang is now Tuesday (today) August 28 2018 at 12 noon. The venue is the PDP State Secretariat opposite NTA Jos. All are invited to grace the occasion.”

Legacy Initiative International Holds Unity and Peace Confab

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The Source

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August 28, 2018

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In an effort to ensure unity, peace and social harmony in both Christians and Muslim religion, a non-governmental and political group, the Legacy Initiative International on Thursday 23rd of August 2018, organised a stakeholders forum in Lagos to chart a way forward. Legacy Initiative International is an organization seeking to bridge the communication gap, that clearly exist on some national issues between the leadership of these faith groups, especially on political issues through constant interaction. Following are some personalities present at the event By Uche Nwosisi.

**Bishop Oscar Ossai,Mr.Sammy Martins and Chief (Mrs) Opral Benson**

**Chief Kenny Martins,Bishop Oscar Ossai and Alhaji Mauzu Abubakar**

**Dr. Bolaji Olukapa and Otunba Remi Fatukasi**

**Hon.Akeem Bello and Mr. Niyi Ojutiku**

**Hon.Charles Obih,Princess Goziem Ugochukwu and Mrs Bolatito Obaigbo**

**Otunba Andy Aniboh and Prophet Ikechukwu Okafor**

**Bishop Adebayo Babalola and Barr. Akpan Udofia**

2019 Polls Budget: NASS Reject N189.2bn, Upholds N143bn

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Akinwale Kasali

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August 27, 2018

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Reports reaching the magazine from the National Assembly after the closed door meeting by the NASS Committee on 2019 elections reveals that the Senate and House of Representatives Joint Committees on Electoral Matters have adopted N143bn as the workable budget for the 2019 polls.

The committee members, just rising from a meeting at the National Assembly, rejected the earlier version of N189.2bn, a combination of the N143bn and another N45.6bn proposed to be vired from the 2019 budget.

The lawmakers said they would stick to only N143bn.

Reports Later….

Abrahamovic Ready To Sell Chelsea Football Club

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Akinwale Kasali

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August 27, 2018

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By Akinwale Kasali

Following his ordeal with the British Authority, Russian Billionaire and London based club owner, Chelsea, Roman Abarahamovic is ready to end his romance with Chelsea Football Club, which he bought over a decade ago.

Abramovich, has indicated his interest to sell the club, only if the potential buyer can pay £2.5billion.

According to The Times UK, the Russian businessman, who was denied a new visa to enter the UK back in May has been receiving numerous sale inquiries about the club.

The visa problem also made him put on hold the £1 billion redevelopment of Stamford Bridge, he had planned.

Now, The Times UK claims that Abramovich has even set an asking price, and will demand at least £2.5bn, a sum that would make any takeover the biggest of a football club in history.

However, Chelsea sources insisted on Sunday that Abramovich remains committed to the club and has no plans to sell following reports of a failed bid from Silver Lake, an American private equity company which was seeking to buy a minority stake.

The Russian has reportedly hired US investment bank Raine Group to seek interest from investors in China, the US and Middle East.

They are the same specialist that helped Manchester City sell a 13% stake in the club to Chinese investors, and have a long association with Chelsea.

Amidst the crisis rocking its owner, Chelsea kept up their 100 per cent start to the English Premier League (EPL) season by snatching a 2-1 win at a stubborn Newcastle United on Sunday.

The Blues grabbed a dramatic victory at St. James Park, thanks to a late own goal by DeAndre Yedlin.

Eden Hazard had blasted Chelsea ahead in the 76th minute from the penalty spot after Swiss defender Fabian Schar had tripped Marcos Alonso, allowing the visitors a breakthrough after they had monopolised possession.

Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez had played a dogged 5-4-1 formation in an effort to shut out his former club.

They created little at the other end, but they drew level when Spanish forward Joselu headed in at the near post in the 83rd minute.

Chelsea got back in front with a fortuitous goal four minutes later from Yedlin, who had stretched his foot out to block a shot from Alonso, which had looked to be going wide.

Chelsea join Liverpool and Watford at the top of the table on nine points after three games while Newcastle have one.

Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez in his post match reaction blamed his team’s loss for some unquestionable decisions taken by the referee, adding however, that his team was depleted.

“Both the penalty and foul leading up to it were very doubtful.

“We had six players out. Jonjo Shelvey was not there for us today but we did a good job and it was a pity.

“We showed last year that we finished 10th and didn’t make mistakes in terms of decisions.

“We don’t have any issues. We have some injuries and it’s something we have to manage,” he said.

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri, on his part admitted that it was a very tough game against the hosts, adding that it was a hard earned victory for his side.

“I have never seen a Rafa Benitez side play with five defenders. It is very difficult to play here for every team – not only us.

“We were a bit unlucky when they scored to make it 1-1.

“Eden (Hazard) has played very well, but maybe it was better if he played for only 75-80 minutes, but (Mateo) Kovacic asked me to be replaced so it was not possible,” he said.

Jim Iyke Arrested

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Akinwale Kasali

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August 27, 2018

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By Akinwale Kasali

Jim Iyke, known for his aggressive and playboy roles in Nollywood has gotten himself in trouble. This is not in a Nollywood flick as many would have thought, but the ex-lover of Ghanaian actress, Nadia Buari was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, for slapping an employee of Dana Air.

It was gathered that the actor arrived late for his 12:15pm Abuja flight and the airline’s security personnel tried to help him to meet up with the flight by searching him.

According to eye witnesses, the magazine gathered that Iyke refused to be searched and pushed the man away, but the man insisted that he must be searched before boarding.

The man’s insistence was said to have angered Iyke, who slapped the man for ‘wasting his time.’

Iyke was later arrested by officers from the Airport Police Command.

Dana Air’s Media and Communications Manager, Kingsley Ezenwa, who confirmed the incident, said Iyke was, however, released, after he had apologised to the airline employee.

Ezenwa added that the actor eventually missed the flight, which was still on ground when the incident happened.

The Public Relations Officer, Airport Command, Alabi Joseph, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, also confirmed the incident, saying that Iyke was released after he tendered an apology.

INEC Budget: NASS Joint Committee In Closed Door Meeting

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Akinwale Kasali

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August 27, 2018

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By Akinwale Kasali

The controversy surrounding the passage of the budget of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2019 general elections may soon be over, following the meeting held today by the National Assembly joint committee on INEC.

The committee has begun the consideration of harmonised version of the 2019 election budget. The lawmakers went into a closed-door session after the co-Chairman, Suleiman Nazif, said the opening prayers and asked members to introduce themselves.

After the introductions, a member of the committee moved a motion for the meeting to go into a closed-door session, the motion was seconded and passed. The chairman now asked reporters to leave the hall.

Son Allegedly Uses Mother For Money Rituals, Smashes Her Head

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Akinwale Kasali

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August 20, 2018

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Taiwo Akinola, 29, was on Sunday arrested for allegedly attempting to murder his mother, Mrs Alice Iyabo Akinola, for a money-making ritual.

Taiwo was arrested after his nephew, Faruk, raised an alarm upon seeing his grandmother covered in blood in their home at No.2 Raji Ajanaku street, Alaja Road, Ayobo, Lagos.

According to a press statement made available by the Lagos State Police Command Public Relations Officer, CSP Chike Oti, the incident happened on Sunday.

The statement revealed that Taiwo, who is believed to be a cultist had wanted to take his internet fraud business to an advanced level, known as “yahoo plus” and killing his mother would have helped him achieve that.

Part of the police statement read: “The incident took place on the aforementioned date, at about 0830hrs, at No.2 Raji Ajanaku street, Alaja Road, Ayobo, Lagos, inside the flat the suspect, Taiwo Akinola, age 29 years lives with his mother, Mrs Alice Iyabo Akinola and her grandchild Master Faruk, age 14 years.

“In a carefully thought out plans to kill his mother, Taiwo, said to be staunch member of the notorious Aiye confraternity, went to the victim’s provision store in front of their apartment and told his mother to meet him inside the house for an important discussion and at same time sent his nephew, Faruk to go buy him a white handkerchief and a stick of cigarette.

“As soon as the victim entered the house, the suspect attacked her, smashing her head with a plank, pressing iron and a UPS charger to ensure she didn’t survive the ferocious attack.

“When Faruk returned from the errand, he didn’t see his grandmother in the shop so he went into the house only to see the poor woman lying in a pool of her blood. Shocked by what he saw, the small boy raised the alarm which attracted neighbours to the scene.

“They called the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Ayobo Division who arrived the scene with his team and promptly arrested the suspect and secured the scene for further investigation by the police forensic experts attached to the Homicide section SCIID Panti, Yaba.

“The victim was rushed to an undisclosed hospital for treatment and was found to be hanging onto life. Right now, the doctors are battling to revive Mrs. Alice Akinola.”

Meanwhile, the CP has paid the initial hospital cost which enabled the doctors to commence treatment.

The suspect disclosed that he was asked to kill his mother in order to have more money.

When his room was searched, the following exhibits were recovered in it: Two calabashes with one containing human skull and the other, a mixture of dark concoction, a plank perforated with nails and stained with blood, a pressing iron with blood stains, a white handkerchief with which he allegedly wanted to use in scooping the victim’s blood, a bottle containing oil labelled Back To Sender.

Tambuwal Replies Tinubu, Says He Has Charisma To Be President

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Akinwale Kasali

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August 20, 2018

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By Akinwale Kasali

Following the defection of Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State, to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from the All Progressives Congress, APC, which has led to brickbats between the political parties and the defectors, Tambuwal has lambasted APC stalwart and leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying he has what it takes to challenge President Muhammadu Buhari for the presidential seat in 2019.

According to a statement on the State’s Twitter handle, @sokotogovthouse, Tambuwal said; “If I wanted to and if the Presidency is what (why) Ahmed Tinubu thinks I defected, I could contest with President Buhari under the APC. I have what it takes to have contested with Mr. President.

“Tinubu tried to rock the boat when he was denied Buhari’s vice presidency. He thinks every other person could behave his way. If I wanted to contest under the APC as president, I could have done so and only the votes could have produced a winner.

“In any case, Tinubu is confessing that there is no level-playing ground for all members of the APC; that there is no internal democracy in it and that some people were denied their right to internal democracy.”

Tinubu had on Sunday alleged that Tambuwal wants to become president: “Governor Tambuwal’s exit can be distilled to one cause. He covets the Presidency. However, he had not the stomach to challenge President Buhari in a primary. Tambuwal felt further insulted that he would be compelled to face a direct primary just to retain the governorship nomination,” Tinubu said in a statement titled, “They go away because we go the right way,” which he personally signed.