Author: Chronicle Editor

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka’s agent says the 27-year-old Switzerland international has agreed a move to German club Hertha Berlin. (Blick, via Mirror) Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants to sign France midfielder Adrien Rabiot, 24, on loan from Serie A side Juventus in January. (Times – subscription required) Chelsea are interested in Paris St-Germain’s Germany winger Julian Draxler, 26, and 30-year-old Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gueye. (Star) Chelsea boss Frank Lampard says Brazilian winger Willian, 31, is in talks with the club about extending his contract, which runs out in the summer. (Mail) Bayer Leverkusen will block any attempt from Arsenal to try to sign German winger Kevin Volland, 27, from them. (Mail)  Manchester City winger Leroy Sane, 23, will…

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje says as from January 2020, members of the opposite sex will no longer be allowed to board the same commercial tricycles in Kano State. Ganduje who spoke at the closing ceremony of the 77th annual Islamic Vacation Course, (IVC), organised by Zone A of the Muslim Society of Nigeria (MSSN), held at Bayero University, Kano, said the directive would take effect from next month. The life and times of High Chief (Dr.) O. B. Lulu Briggs Ganduje, represented by the Commander- General of Hisbah Board, Harun lbn- sins, said that the measure was meant to uphold Islamic…

Once in every generation, and to a particular people, God sends that one person who comes along with refreshing energy, impacts us so affectionately; uplifts our spirits, energizes our bones and inspires us to grander ideals beyond ourselves before bowing out at the given moment, quietly, but with grace just like the saints marching on to glory! The life and times of High Chief Dr. O. B. Lulu Briggs OON, DCF, DSSRS; the Iniikeiroari the fifth of Kalabari Kingdom and Paramount Head of Oruwari Briggs House of Abonnema evokes the very essence of divine mandate, the core and call of…

The release from custody of the leader of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky can only be decided by the Kaduna State government, the Federal Government has said. Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami said the Cleric is being tried under the Kaduna State law and not under federal law. He said his case is different from those of Omoyele Sowore and Col.Sambo Dasuki (rtd), who were released from custody on Christmas Eve following his direction to the Directorate of State Services (DSS) to comply with the court’s ruling which granted them bail. Malami…

A member of the House of Representatives representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency of Plateau State, Hon. Dachung Bagos has condemned the abduction of citizens of the State by Boko Haram, saying it was disheartening. He also condemned the abduction of a medical aide worker, Miss Jennifer Samuel by the sect. In a statement last night, Bagos appealed to the Federal government to ensure the immediate release of the citizens who are mostly girls. The statement read thus: “On behalf of the Good People of Jos South/ Jos East Federal Constituency, I Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos condemn the abduction of…

Islamic terrorists have killed at least 11 Christian hostages in Nigeria on Christmas Day, stating that, that the execution was to avenge the death of their leaders. The Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) claim they killed the captives to avenge for the killing of their leaders Abu bakr al-Baghdadi and Abul-Hasan Al-Muhajir in Iraq and Syria. A video released on Wednesday showed 13 hostages, 10 believed to be Christian and three Muslim. ISWAP claimed they spared the lives of two of the Muslims, local media reported. The deaths came after an earlier video saw the hostages plead with the Christian Association…

Police are investigating a fire-bomb attack on the Rio de Janeiro office of a production company behind a controversial Christmas special aired on streaming service Netflix. The episode, by comedy group Porta dos Fundos, depicts a gay Jesus bringing a boyfriend home to meet his family. More than 2.3m people have signed an online petition to remove the film. A video circulating online appears to show a far-right religious group claiming responsibility for the attack. In it, a group wearing ski masks and identifying itself as the “Popular Nationalist Insurgency Command of the Large Brazilian Integralist Family”, appear to attack…

Organisers of GOtv Boxing Night 20 have assured fans going to the event on Saturday at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) of adequate security and effective traffic control. The event, which has its theme: “Boxing Jams Music”, will have nine fights, the biggest bout being the World Boxing Federation (WBF) Intercontinental Heavyweight title fight between Onoriode “Godzilla” Ehwariemi of Nigeria and Ariel “Chiquito” Baracamonte of Argentina. It will also feature live musical performances from “Bolanle” crooner, Zlatan; “Up to something” singer, Mayorkun, “Mercy of the Lord” performer, Oritsefemi, TClassic  and fuji rave, Sule Alao Malaika Speaking on the arrangement, Jenkins…

Tributes have been paid to a British Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) pastor and his two children who drowned in a resort swimming pool on the Costa del Sol on Christmas Eve. Gabriel Diya, 52, his daughter Comfort Diya, 9, and his son Praise-Emmanuel Diya, 16, died in the pool at Club La Costa World, near Fuengirola. Police say they are checking claims the young girl got into difficulties and the other two died trying to save her. The church where Mr Diya was a pastor said its prayers were with the family. The Redeemed Christian Church of God…

An “angry-looking” tortoise has been rescued after it started a fire in a house. The 45-year-old reptile was home alone when it knocked a heat lamp on to its bedding in a room at the house in Duton Hill, Great Dunmow, on Christmas Day. Firefighters were called at about 16:30 GMT after neighbours heard alarms, and found the house smoke-logged. Watch manager Gary Wain said the tortoise “will now hopefully continue to live a long and happy life”. “This shows how important it is to have smoke alarms on every level of your home. “Even if you’re not home, they…