Author: Staff Reporter

The ECOWAS Court of Justice has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the sanctions imposed on Niger following the July 2023 military coup. The court, presided over by Justices Edward Asante, Dupe Atoki, and Sengu Koroma, ruled that the matter was moot since ECOWAS had already lifted the sanctions. The suit, filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Egalitarian Mission for Africa, Professor Bola Akinterinwa, and lawyer Nuhu Dantani, sought relief against the sanctions, which included electricity cuts and movement restrictions. However, the applicants’ counsel, Ifunanya Okeke, moved for discontinuation, citing that the issues had been overtaken by events, notably the restoration of…

The stage is set for an epic battle as England and Spain face off in the 2024 European Championship final at Berlin’s Olympiastadion on Sunday, July 14. This highly anticipated encounter promises to be a historic moment for either side, with England seeking to break their 58-year trophy drought and Spain aiming to secure their fourth Euro Championship title. UEFA’s Prize Money Distribution In December 2023, the UEFA Executive Committee approved the prize money distribution system for the tournament, totaling €331 million, same as UEFA EURO 2020. The breakdown is as follows: – Participating fee: €9.25m – Match bonus: €1.0m…

A former acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Anamekwe Nwabuoku, has appealed to the Federal High Court in Abuja for additional time to complete the refund of allegedly looted public funds. Nwabuoku and his co-defendant, Felix Nweke, face 11 counts of money laundering totaling ₦1.6 billion, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The defendants, accused of committing the fraud while Nwabuoku served as Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence (2019-2021), requested a delay in their arraignment to finalize the refund. Nweke’s lawyer, Emeka Onyeaka, informed the court that his client had made significant refunds…

England has secured a spot in the Euro 2024 final after a thrilling match against the Netherlands in Dortmund. Ollie Watkins, a substitute player, scored a decisive goal in the 80th minute, sending the Three Lions to their second consecutive Euros final. England dominated the first half, confining the Dutch to their own final third. Despite their efforts, they only managed a 1-1 draw at halftime, with Harry Kane scoring a penalty awarded by VAR. The Netherlands’ Xavi Simons had earlier scored a stunning goal. The second half was less eventful, with Bukayo Saka’s disallowed goal being the most notable…

In a significant development in the football transfer market, Donny van de Beek has officially joined Girona in Spain, leaving Manchester United behind. The LaLiga club has agreed to pay a fixed fee of €500,000, with additional add-ons that could potentially increase the deal’s value to €15 million. According to renowned football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, “Easy add-ons can bring the fee up to €4/5m, plus extra add-ons can make it €15m. Contract until June 2028. #MUFC will also have a sell-on clause.” Meanwhile, Mitchell van der Gaag, assistant coach to Erik ten Hag, has also parted ways with Manchester…

NGX Regulation, the regulatory arm of NGX Group, has suspended trading in the shares of eight listed companies effective Monday, July 8, 2024. The affected companies failed to submit their audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023. Godstime Iwenekhai, Head of the Issuer Regulation Department, announced the suspension, citing non-compliance with post-listing requirements. The companies include Unity Bank, C&I Leasing Plc, Guinea Insurance, Lasaco Assurance, Mutual Benefits Assurance, NPF Microfinance Bank, Regency Alliance Insurance, and Secure Electronic Technology Plc. Iwenekhai stated, “Trading in the shares of the eight companies…have been suspended…for not filing their Audited Financial Statements…

The Edo State Government has lamented the country’s socio-economic state under the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, citing “gross mismanagement” as the culprit. In a scathing address, Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Chris Nehikhare, highlighted the challenges faced by Edo residents despite state-led interventions. He criticized the federal government’s removal of fuel subsidies, unification of exchange rates, and alleged mismanagement of national security. Nehikhare accused the APC of spreading misinformation and engaging in propaganda, questioning the literacy and vision of their gubernatorial candidate, Monday Okpebholo. With the governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024, Nehikhare expressed confidence in the…

The Napoli squad, including Victor Osimhen, has begun pre-season training in Castel Volturno under the guidance of new manager Antonio Conte. Osimhen, who underwent medical examinations before joining the team, is expected to leave Napoli this summer. However, the club is yet to receive a suitable offer for the Nigerian striker, despite his impressive performance last season, scoring 15 goals in 25 league appearances. Osimhen’s contract includes a €130 million release clause, but Napoli has not received any formal offers from interested clubs like Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. The 25-year-old’s future at Napoli remains uncertain, but he has reported for…

The United Nations has expressed outrage over Israel’s latest mass evacuation orders in Gaza City, as the Israeli army intensifies its military operations in the area. The orders have left tens of thousands of civilians fleeing for their lives, with many forced to relocate multiple times. Gaza City residents described a night of intense fighting, with explosions, gun battles, and helicopter strikes rocking southwestern neighborhoods. Despite the chaos, civilians continued to flee, with many seeking refuge in areas that have since become targets themselves. The UN Human Rights Office condemned the evacuation orders, stating that civilians are being told to…

In a bid to ensure a peaceful and violence-free local government election in Delta State, ten political parties have signed a peace accord. The accord was signed on Monday at the headquarters of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) in Asaba. The parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), and others, pledged to conduct themselves with decorum and avoid hate speech, blackmail, and vendetta. DSIEC Chairman, Jerry Agbaike, urged the parties to embrace the outcome of the election results and seek peaceful resolution at the law courts if necessary. Agbaike commended the…