Author: Olukayode Oke

The Department of State Services (DSS) said it has intercepted some syndicates in parts of the country for allegedly selling the newly redesigned Naira notes. This is contained in a statement issued by Dr Peter Afunanya, the Public Relations Officer of the DSS, on Monday in Abuja. He said the syndicates were intercepted by operatives of the service during an operation. “Investigation has also shown that some Commercial Bank officials were aiding the economic malfeasance. “Consequently, the Service warns the currency racketeers to desist from this ignoble act. “Appropriate regulatory authorities are, in this same vein, urged to step up…

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday dismissed a suit by a former presidential candidate of Hope Democratic Party, HDP, Chief Ambrose Albert Owuru, against the election of President Muhammadu Buhari, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2019 presidential election. The suit seeking the outright sack of President Buhari was thrown out by Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo on three major grounds. Parts of the grounds are that the suit constituted a gross abuse of court process, statute barred and was an affront to the supremacy of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Besides, Justice Ekwo…

The number of confirmed Lassa fever cases in Nigeria rose to 244 in the first three weeks of 2023. The country also recorded 18 new deaths from the viral infection from January 16 to 22; bringing the total death toll to 37. This is according to the Lassa fever situation report for week three obtained from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control on Sunday. The cases were confirmed in 16 states and 50 Local Government Areas with a Case Fatality Ratio of 15.1 per cent. Meanwhile, the number of suspected cases of the infection is now 939, which is higher…

The President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, Dr Orji Innocent, raised the alarm over the huge number of members of the association moving out of the country for greener pastures, saying that the association has lost over 2,000 members in the last two years. He said if the situation is not tackled, it may degenerate to a point where Nigerians would wake up one day and discover there are no more doctors in the hospitals. Innocent raised the concern on Saturday while fielding questions from journalists after the presentation of a communiqué issued at the end of the…

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, has appealed to retired military officers to be patient with the Federal Government in the effort to pay their Security Debarment Allowance. According to him, those who retired before the law was implemented were not qualified to be paid the allowance, adding that it took the magnanimity of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), to review the law. He said rather than make negative comments on the delay of the payment, the president deserved commendation. Irabor spoke at the 42nd Anniversary Dinner of the Nigerian Defence Academy 28 Regular Course Welfare…

Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is personally driving the club’s last-ditch attempt to sign Enzo Fernandez from Benfica as he fears rival clubs will launch summer moves for the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner. It was reported on Sunday that Chelsea had revived their interest in Fernandez and were preparing a new offer to present to Benfica. The Blues, who have spent more than £400m on new signings since Boehly took over at the west London club, were strongly linked with a move for the midfielder earlier in the window, but talks broke down. Benfica were adamant Fernandez was not for…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has announced that it will conduct mock accreditation of eligible voters in the three senatorial districts of the State. Making the announcement via a press release on Monday in Osogbo, the Osun INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Mutiu Agboke stated that the mock accreditation exercise would come up on Saturday, February 4, 2023. “This is to inform the general public that the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC in preparation for a hitch free 2023 general election in Osun State will be conducting Mock Accreditation of eligible voters on Saturday 4 February,…

Newcastle United have completed the signing of Everton forward Anthony Gordon in a deal that could eventually be worth £45m. The 21-year-old, who has been at Everton since he was 11, was a target for Chelsea in the summer. The initial fee is understood to be £40m, rising to £45m with add-ons. Since I heard of the interest, I was always convinced Newcastle were for me. People haven’t seen what I’m capable of yet. I think the fan base and the city really suits me as a person, the way the team are playing under the gaffer really suits me,…

An emotional Novak Djokovic called it “the biggest victory in my life” after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas to win a 10th Australian Open title and equal Rafael Nadal’s 22 Grand Slam crowns on Sunday. The Serb will return to world number one as he overcame a hamstring injury and off-court drama to sweep past the Greek third seed 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/5) on Rod Laver Arena. The 35-year-old climbed to his player’s box afterwards to embrace his mother and broke down in uncontrollable tears, collapsing to the ground sobbing. His father Srdjan was again missing after he sparked controversy by…

Real Madrid head coach, Carlo Ancelotti has said that his team failed to beat Real Sociedad in Sunday’s La Liga 0-0 draw because luck was not on Los Blancos. Ancelotti watched as Real Madrid drew goalless against Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu. The result means Real Madrid are now five points behind leaders Barcelona on the La Liga table. Speaking at his post-match interview, Ancelotti said, “We created a lot of chances to get the goal, but luck was not on our side. That can happen.” He added, “It was one of our best performances this season. It was…

Roma manager, Jose Mourinho believes Victor Osimhen is on the same level with former Chelsea striker, Didier Drogba. Osimhen scored a sensational goal on Sunday night as Napoli defeated Roma 2-1 to extend their lead at the top of the log to 13 points. The Nigeria international also scored a similar goal when both teams met earlier in the season at the Stadio Olimpico. Speaking at a press conference after the game on Sunday night, Mourinho was asked about the comparison between Osimhen and Drogba. “He is of the same level as Drogba, but Didier didn’t dive,” replied Mourinho. “If…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has extended the deadline for the use of the old notes till February 10. CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, announced the extension in a statement signed on Sunday. He explained that the apex bank has sought approval from President Muhammadu Buhari to extend the deadline for the use of the old notes by 10 days. “Based on the foregoing, we have sought and obtained Mr President’s approval for the following:  A 10-day extension of the deadline from January 31 to February 10 to allow for the collection of more old notes legitimately held by Nigerians,”…