Author: Chronicle Editor

The Lagos Division of Appeal Court, has ordered Polaris Bank Plc to pay the sum of N10. 2 million as compensatory damages to a businessman, Mr. Jyde Adelakun, for breach of his fundamental right to privacy under section 37 of the 1999 constitution. The three man-panel led by Justice Joseph Shagbaor Ikyegh, in their unanimous judgement held that Polaris Bank breached the confidential obligation a bank owes its customer in the operation of his account. The court held that Polaris Bank unilaterally blocked the accounts of the appellants without a court order, noting that, the bank’s action was illegal and…

Chelsea slipped further behind leaders Manchester City in the Premier League title race as they were held to a goalless draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers. The visitors had a request for the fixture to be postponed because of a coronavirus outbreak rejected on Sunday morning – with manager Thomas Tuchel saying they were “a bit angry” with the decision. Consequently, the Blues named just four outfield players on the bench at Molineux. The first XI was still strong enough to be competitive but they struggled to create as they were held to a second successive draw. Daniel Podence had an early…

Reigning champions Manchester City recorded their eighth successive Premier League victory as they swept aside struggling Newcastle United 4-0 at St James’ Park. The league leaders were gifted a fifth-minute opener as Newcastle defender Ciaran Clark failed to attack Joao Cancelo’s hooked cross and Ruben Dias had a simple task to head City ahead. City doubled their lead in the 27th minute when Cancelo collected the ball 35 yards out, beat two Newcastle players and fired an unstoppable strike into the top corner from outside the penalty area. Riyad Mahrez scored his 50th Premier League goal for the club in…

Global real estate consultancy, Knight Frank, has tipped Ocean City Lagos, Nigeria’s newest top-end property location, to become the next luxury world-class destination for investors. The London-headquartered independent real estate consultancy disclosed that the man-made island is on the verge of meeting international Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) requirements. With its location beside the Atlantic Ocean, Knight Frank reckons that Ocean City Lagos will transform the Lagos coastline into the next 5G-powered community and make it a magnet to prime property deal seekers, multi-sectoral investors and tourism enthusiasts. The new community, already named “Jewel of the Atlantic,” occupies 308 hectares…

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to “issue an immediate moratorium on borrowing by the Federal Government and the 36 states to address a systemic debt crisis, prevent retrogressive economic measures, and the disproportionately negative impact of unsustainable debt on the poor Nigerians.” The request followed the recent approval by the National Assembly of President Buhari’s request for a $5.8bn loan and grant of $10bn. Previous approvals in 2021 alone include $8.3bn; €490m, and $6.1bn. The foreign debt stock of the Federal Government, 36 states, and Federal Capital Territory reportedly stands at $37.9bn. In an…

There is anxiety in the All Progressives Congress (APC) over an alleged plot to hold presidential, governorship and other primaries before the national convention of the party. The party’s Caretaker/ Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) is yet to fix a date or set up a committee for the convention although President Muhammadu Buhari last month advised the Caretaker Committee to consider February for the convention. But the Director-General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Salihu Moh. Lukman, has warned the CECPC that further delay in holding the party’s national convention is not in the best interest of the APC. According…

The European Union has imposed sanctions on the Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary organisation accused of committing human rights abuses in the Central African Republic and elsewhere. The EU has said that it will no longer train CAR government soldiers because of their links to Wagner. In Africa, its fighters are also involved in Libya, Sudan and Mozambique and look likely to play a role in Mali. Why is the Wagner Group in CAR? The mercenaries are there to support President Faustin-Archange Touadéra in the fight against rebels, who still control many parts of the country despite recent government advances.…

Germany has become the latest European country to ban most travellers from Britain, to try to slow the spread of the Omicron variant. German nationals and residents will still be allowed to enter from the UK. They must have a negative test and quarantine for two weeks, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated. The measures take effect from Sunday evening and France has already introduced similar curbs as coronavirus infections surge in Britain. The Robert-Koch-Institut – a federal health agency – announced the new rules as it classified the UK as a virus variant area of concern, the highest…

Tammy Abraham netted twice and fellow Englishman Chris Smalling was also on the scoresheet to give Roma an impressive 4-1 Serie A win at Atalanta. Abraham bundled home after just 57 seconds and smashed in Roma’s fourth to take his tally to 12 for the season. Smalling converted a smart finish at the back post, while midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo had put Roma 2-0 in front. Bryan Cristante’s own goal before half-time pulled one back for Atalanta, who also had a goal disallowed for offside. Centre-back Jose Luis Palomino thought he had equalised for the home side for 2-2 but his…

Juventus are interested in Arsenal and Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 32, with his future at the Emirates Stadium in doubt after being stripped of the captaincy. (Tuttosport – in Italian) Leeds are looking at signing Juventus’ American midfielder Weston McKennie but it will cost about £20m to sign the 23-year-old. (Sun) Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani is Barcelona’s top target for the January transfer window but Barca want assurances that the 34-year-old Uruguayan is fully recovered from injury before committing to a deal. (Sport – in Spanish) Winger Juan Mata remains a transfer target for Barcelona, with the 33-year-old Spaniard struggling for playing time at Manchester United. (Star) Manchester United are prepared to rival Chelsea in the…