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  • Inter Milan ready to buy Man Utd flop for €20m

    Inter Milan ready to buy Man Utd flop for €20m

    Inter are considering turning Alexis Sanchez’s loan switch from Manchester United into a permanent move as they look at securing a €20 million (£18m/$22m) cut-price deal.

    According to Goal, the Chile international will stay with Antonio Conte’s side until the beginning of August, with a loan extension having been agreed to allow him to see out the remainder of the 2019-20 campaign in Italy’s top flight.

    Sanchez was due to return to Old Trafford on June 30 and although an agreement has been reached to prolong his stay at San Siro, he will not be allowed to feature in the Europa League mini-knockout tournament, should Inter advance.

  • Court orders Public Defender to takeover alleged kidnapper, Evans’ case

    Court orders Public Defender to takeover alleged kidnapper, Evans’ case

    Justice Hakeem Oshodi of an Ikeja High Court on Friday ordered the Lagos State Office of the Public Defender (OPD) to takeover the defence for alleged kidnap kingpin, Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, alias Evans due to his inability to afford his legal fees.

    During Friday’s proceedings, the Lagos State Attorney-General (A-G), Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) informed the court that his team placed a phone call to the law chambers of Ladi Williams (SAN) and Co, who represented Evans’ on the last court date to enquire about the whereabouts of Evans’ counsel.

    The A-G noted that his team were informed by the law chambers that Evans has not “perfected their brief”.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Evans who was arraigned alongside five others on Aug. 30, 2017 on two counts of conspiracy and kidnapping has changed lawyers at least five times during the course of his trial.

    Some of the lawyers who have represented Evans include – Mr Olukoya Ogungbeje, Mr Noel Brown and Mr Olanrewaju Ajanaku.

    Reacting to the absence of his defence counsel, Justice Oshodi noted that Evans had developed a habit of engaging the services of lawyers who according to the judge, “disappeared halfway through trial” and this has caused delays in the case.

    “There are five other defendants with different counsel, the interest of the first defendant (Evans) is not superior to those of the other defendants.

    “The court will not breach Section 36(6) of the 1999 Constitution by going ahead with today’s business of the court which is the hearing of the no-case submissions,” he said.

    Justice Oshodi thereafter ordered an OPD counsel who was in court, Ms E.E. Okonkwo, to takeover Evans’ defence.

    Following the judges ruling, Evans co-defendants -Ogechi Uchechukwu, Chilaka Ifeanyi, Okwuchukwu Nwachukwu and Victor Aduba filed no-case submissions asking the court to dismiss the charges against them.

    The second defendant, Uche Amadi, however did not file a no-case submission.

    The defence counsel, Roger Adewole, Olanrewaju Ajanaku, M.C Izokwu and Emmanuel Ochai told the court that no prima facie (correct until proven otherwise) case has been made against the defendants by the state.

    The lawyers urged the court to dismiss the case against the defendants.

    Responding, the A-G asked the court to dismiss the no-case submissions of the four co-defendants.

    “The defendants are asking the court to do something that cannot be done. They are asking the court to analyse evidence and go beyond the window that no-case submissions requires.

    “All that the court needs to do is to show that there is prima facie evidence. There is before the court, legally admitable prima facie evidence enough for the defendants to enter their defence.

    “I urge the court court to dismiss all the applications and that the defendants proceed to enter into their defence” Onigbanjo said.

    Justice Oshodi adjourned the case until Aug. 14 for ruling and possible continuation of trial.

    NAN reports that the defendants are standing trial over the alleged kidnap of Mr Donatius Dunu, the Chief Executive Officer of Maydon Pharmaceutical Ltd.

    According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly kidnapped Dunu along Ilupeju Road, Lagos on Feb. 14, 2017 and collected 223,000 Euros (N100m) as ransom from his family.

    The pharmaceutical boss, allegedly still held captive by the defendants because his family had not paid additional money to the ransom already collected, escaped captivity and alerted the police.

    Four witnesses including Dunu have testified during the trial on behalf of the prosecution and on Jan. 10, the prosecution closed its case against the defendants.

  • Remdesivir first Covid-19 drug to receive EU’s green light

    Remdesivir first Covid-19 drug to receive EU’s green light

    The first drug to treat severe cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the EU on Friday was given the green light, with the European Commission approving remdesivir.

    The EU’s Health Commissioner, Stella Kyriakides, said the union would leave no stone unturned in its efforts to secure efficient treatments or vaccine against the coronavirus.

    “It is the first time the EU’s Executive arm has granted the approval to a COVID-19 drug and was the last step for remdesivir to be given the full go-ahead,” Kyriakides said.

    This decision follows a recommendation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which said that the drug, sold under the name Veklury, should be approved for treating COVID-19 patients over the age of 12 who requires supplemental oxygen.

    Remdesivir, manufactured by U.S. Biotech Company Gilead Sciences, was originally developed as an Ebola treatment, but it had little effect.

    However, the approval came shortly after the U.S. Government had announced an agreement with Gilead Sciences, which it bought up almost all of the drug supplies for the upcoming months.

    On Thursday, the European Commission said it was also in talks with the company to secure sufficient doses for the EU.

    However, the effectiveness of the treatment remained uncertain.

    An international study with over 1,000 participants showed that remdesivir could reduce the time needed for COVID-19 patients to recover from 15 to 11 days on the average.

    It also showed that mortality rates decreased slightly with the use of the drug, but not in a statistically significant way.

    One Chinese scientific paper, meanwhile, reported no benefit of using remdesivir.

    In coming weeks, WHO promised to do a meta-analysis of ongoing and published studies.

    However, to speed up the process of approval, EMA began reviewing remdesivir on April 30, on a rolling basis. Meaning that the company would submit data as it becomes available.

    Gilead submitted its official application for the limited approval of remdesivir on the European market in early June.

    WHO stressed the need for global solidarity amid discussions about which countries would be able to secure COVID-19 drugs for themselves.

    Earlier, WHO Chief scientist, Soumya Swaminathan, said it was a test for all humanity.

    Swaminathan also cautioned that clinical trials were still ongoing for the drug.

    “We don’t know what the efficacy is,” she said.

    Earlier, WHO’s Regional Director for Europe, Hans Kluge, said that the continent had at the end of June seen the first increase in weekly cases in months.

    WHO European region covers 53 countries with a total of about 2.5 million cases.

  • PDP rejects fuel price hike, says Buhari-led APC lack human feelings

    PDP rejects fuel price hike, says Buhari-led APC lack human feelings

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the increase in the price of petrol from N123 to N143.80 per litre.

    In a statement on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party described the increase as a punishment to Nigerians given the prevailing economic hardship in the country.

    “The party described the hike, despite the decline in the price of crude oil in the international market, as grossly unjustifiable and further exposes the insincerity of the APC and its administration,” the party said.

    It added, “The PDP notes that in directing a fuel price increase at the time Nigerians are facing the economic and social trauma of the COVID-19 pandemic, the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration shows a total lack of human feelings to the plights of our citizens.

    “Our party challenges the APC-led Federal Government to present to Nigerians, the indices and parameters it used to determine the price increase, which obviously cannot be in tandem with the prevalent situation in the global industry.”

    The party claimed that the actions of the APC administration have confirmed that it has never been pro-poor but only relished in imposing hardship and heavy taxes on already impoverished Nigerians.

    It also accused the administration of running an over-bloated government through which resources meant for the welfare of Nigerians were frittered by corrupt officials.

    “Under the APC, Nigerians have been subjected to untold hardship, which is worsened by excruciating taxes, including a 7.5 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) on essential commodities and services, increased electricity tariff, obnoxious Stamp Duty and other levies on bank transactions.

    “It is shocking that the APC government has continued to impose more burdens that have made life unbearable to our citizens, many of whom have lost their means of livelihood due to the misrule of the APC,” the statement said.

    According to the PDP, the present administration has turned Nigeria into the poverty capital of the world and is worsening the situation with an increase in fuel price rather than seeking ways to stimulate the economy.

    It, therefore, advised the Presidency to save resources by immediately cutting the size of its government and recover the purported over N14 trillion stolen oil money.

    The PDP also asked the government to immediately reverse the pump price of fuel to a price not exceeding N90 per litre, given the templates in the price of crude oil in the international market.

  • WhatsApp makes saving contacts easy with release of new features

    WhatsApp makes saving contacts easy with release of new features

    WhatsApp started July on a happy note, announcing new features, including a feature that will make saving contacts easier.

    In a blog post on Wednesday, the Facebook-owned messaging service revealed five new features that are expected to roll out over the next few weeks.

    “Soon, when you meet someone new, you will be able to scan their QR code to add them to your contacts. No more tapping in their digits one at a time,” the blog post read.

    WhatsApp users can now make their messaging even more effective with new Animated Stickers.

    The app said that stickers were one of the most-common ways of communicating on WhatsApp, with billions of stickers sent every day.

    “We are rolling out new animated sticker packs that are even more fun and expressive,” the blog post read.

    With video-calling becoming the most pertinent way of communicating with loved ones, WhatsApp has made improvements to the group video calling feature.

    Earlier, WhatsApp had increased the number of people joining the video call to 8. This time, it has added a special feature that will allow users to focus on a particular user on a group call by letting a user press and hold to maximise a participant’s video to full screen.

    WhatsApp will also allow users to add a video icon in group chats of 8 or less, so they can easily start a group video call with 1-tap.

    The messaging platform also plans to roll out the Status feature, that disappears after 24 hours, to KaiOS users.

    Also, the incredibly popular Dark Mode theme now extends to computer: Dark mode for WhatsApp web and desktop.

    These WhatsApp features are expected to come to users with the next, latest versions of WhatsApp.

  • Updated: Reps move to probe alleged $1 billion secret account of NPA

    Updated: Reps move to probe alleged $1 billion secret account of NPA

    Apparently peeved by the noise generated by the alleged secret account kept by the Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, the House of Representatives on Thursday moved to probe deeper into the allegation.

    The House in a motion under matters of urgent public importance promoted by Hon Kolawole Lawal moved for an investigative hearing on the secretly managed account.

    To this end, the House in session resolved to mandate the Committees on Finance and Ports and Harbours to investigate these allegations and counter allegations, determine if the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) or any of their personnel committed any infractions with regards to these allegations.

    Lawal in the motion noted that” with keen interest the controversies generated by a Whistle-blower (would not disclose name to protect the identity) who claimed that while acting in line With the Whistleblower policy of the Federal government, he duly informed, in confidence, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), about a hidden or secret account and operated by the Nigerian Ports Authority in Unity Bank to collect revenue generated from sea vessels.. details soon

    He explained that the Whistle-blower alleged that the information he gave to the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) led to the exposure of an illegal secret account in Unity Bank, Lagos Branch purportedly operated Nigerian Ports Authority where the sum of $1,034, 516,000 (one billion thirty four million, five hundred and fifteen thousand dollars) was kept contrary to financial regulations and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended);

    “The whistle blower also alleged that the information was verified and approved by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) as qualified for financial reward as prescribed under the Whistle-blower policy of the Federal Government.

    Also observed that Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in response to the these allegations admitted it operates an account With Unity Bank PLC Lagos Branch (account number 0013670344) With a total sum of $1,057,772,03 as of 4th December 2019 but denied the sum of $1,034,515,000.03 as alleged by the Whistle-blower;

    The Nigerian I Ports Authority (NPA) further admitted that the bank account mentioned by them, i.e. 0013670344, had not been operated since 27th August, 2010 due to Gamishee Order Nisi given by the Federal High Court Which was subsequently affirmed by the Supreme Court eight years , after in the case of Aminu Ibrahim & Co VS Nigerian Ports Authority (Suit No. FHC/L/CS/ 582/ 2010);

    “The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) claimed that upon the determination of the case at the Supreme Court, the judgement Creditors continued With Garnishee process Which resulted in the payment of the sum of $1,057,772,03 from the account mentioned by them to the judgment Creditor on the 4th

    When put to a voice vote it was unanimously carried by the ayes as it was not subjected to a debate.

    Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila presided.

  • SAD! Gov. Okowa loses another aide as COVID-19 escalates in Delta

    SAD! Gov. Okowa loses another aide as COVID-19 escalates in Delta

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has lost another aide, Engr Samuel Eyifoma, amidst the escalation of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the State.

    Senior Special Assistant on Youth Development to the Governor, Mr Kennedy Eyube made this known on Thursday.

    Engr Eyifoma, until his death, is special assistant to Governor Okowa on political matters.

    In March, Okowa announced the death of two aides: Friday Akpoyibo and Godspower Muemuifo. Both died on March 8 and 4, respectively. The Governor in March also lost Dr Amos Itihwe.

  • Again, ASUU kicks against re-opening of schools

    Again, ASUU kicks against re-opening of schools

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), on Thursday, implored the Federal Government to reconsider its decision on the proposed reopening of schools nationwide.

    The union expressed this concern amidst the increasing cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic across the country.

    Dr Dipo Akomolafe, the ASUU Chairman, of the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, Ondo State, made the appeal in an interview on Thursday.

    According to him, the reopening of the schools was likely to make more children and teachers vulnerable to the disease.

    Mr Boss Mustapha, the Chairman, Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, had on June 29, announced the reopening of schools in a yet-to-be decided date for all pupils and students in the graduating classes.

    He said this was to enable such students prepare for their examinations.

    According to Akomolafe, most of the schools cannot meet up with the guidelines put in place for the reopening.

    He added that most of the pupils and students would want to embrace themselves, shake hands and ignore the use of face masks and social distancing.

    The don added that reopening of schools at this time, would also increase teachers responsibilities, as they would be left to handle their teaching jobs, as well as also monitor the students, to ensure adherence to precautionary measures.

    He further noted that, reopening the schools at this crucial time with the daily increase of the disease, was like making more children and teachers vunerable.

    “The Federal Government gave guidelines for reopening of schools recently, but how many of these schools can oblige to these guidelines?

    “Children may find it difficult to use the face masks, they cannot do without embracing themselves, shake hands with themselves and play together, all of which is against social distancing.

    “Teachers will also be charged with additional responsibilities of teaching, as well as monitoring the children to comply with the precautionary measures against the virus.

    “We are, therefore, calling on the Federal Government to reconsider its decisions on the matter, so that more alarming figures of casualties will not be recorded,” Akomolafe told NAN.

    The don, however, urged parents to enlighten their children more on the pandemic and ensure that schools complied with government’s guidelines before releasing their children for schools, should government insist on the reopening.

  • Havana lifts quarantine as Cuba recovers from pandemic

    Havana lifts quarantine as Cuba recovers from pandemic

    The Cuban Government said that quarantine measures in the capital Cuba would be lifted and the rest of the country would move the second phase of reopening as the coronavirus outbreak wanes.

    Phase one of reopening will see public transport, services and trade gradually resuming, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero said in televised comments.

    Citizens will have to wear face masks and observe social distancing in public spaces.

    In the second phase, the use of masks will be required wherever there is a large number of people in a small space.

    People with respiratory problems will not be given access to the workplace.

    As of Wednesday, Cuba reported a total of 2,348 confirmed cases of COVID-19, while 2,218 people have so far recovered with 86 deaths.

    Cuban authorities are considering the spread of the virus under control.

    Marrero said that, aside from Matanzas, some 90 kilometres east of Havana, all other 14 provinces will start to move towards phase two of the reopening plan, starting on Friday.

    Havana, the capital of two million people where the new cases have been concentrated, was the only territory that went into total quarantine.

    The announcement came as international tourism to the country was reintroduced though foreign visitors will have to travel on charter flights directly to beach hotels in the north of the country without having contact with the local population.

    The Bahamas and the Dominican Republic also reopened their borders on Wednesday, making it possible for tourists to access hotels and beaches in limited numbers and under hygienic safety measures.

    Three months of coronavirus restrictions have battered the economy of the Caribbean region, where tourism is a key source of income.

  • Why I had to leave Barca – Yerry Mina

    Why I had to leave Barca – Yerry Mina

    Everton defender Yerry Mina admits he had to leave Barcelona for a regular game.

    Mina spent six months with the Catalans before leaving for Everton.

    “I don’t regret going there because I learned a lot. I improved as a person and as a player,” admitted Mina to Marca.

    “I thought about a lot of things. I thought maybe I was finished. It got so bad that Paulinho and Coutinho kept coming over to me and saying: ‘Relax, everything is going to be okay’. That motivates you but, at the same time, demotivates you as well. You always want to play and be involved.

    “I understood they had incredible players but I also wanted to have a bit of playing time. But I didn’t get it. And those few minutes I did get out on the pitch.. I played badly. I felt like everything was bringing me down, that nothing was going right, that I couldn’t even make a pass in training.

    “I spent so long training to keep fit and be ready but it wasn’t like that. Everything you do when you aren’t the chosen one, at whatever club you’re at, is a very tough situation. I gave everything at Barcelona, trained hard, trained with the first team most of the time.”