Author: Chronicle Editor

Paris St-Germain’s Argentine manager Mauricio Pochettino wants Manchester United to convince him he is their number one choice if he is to take over at Old Trafford. (Mail) Manchester United have “sounded out” Ajax boss Erik ten Hag in their search for a new manager and the Dutchman, 52, would be keen to speak to the Old Trafford club if they make a formal approach. (Sky Sports News) Aston Villa are plotting a move for Leeds and England midfielder Kalvin Phillips, 26. (Athletic – subscription needed) Manchester United technical director Darren Fletcher is said to be operating as a mediator behind the scenes at the club because of tensions in the dressing…

The Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, on Thursday explained that security votes collected by state governors are used to support security agencies and their operations to enhance security in the states. Fayemi stated this while speaking as a panel discussant during a two-day multi-stakeholders meeting on the “Peace and Inclusive Security Initiative”, organised by the NGF in partnership with the Center for Democracy and Development (CDD) in Abuja. Fayemi, responding to questions on what the governors do with security votes and why they are against local government autonomy, said not all governors collect security…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday prayed the Federal High Court, Abuja to transfer the fresh trial of former Abia governor, Orji Uzor Kalu and two others in an alleged N7.1 billion fraud to Lagos. The application seeking the transfer was brought pursuant to Sections 19, 22 and 45 of the Federal High Court Act 2010 and Section 93 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, (ACJA) 2015. The anti graft agency prayed for an order of the Federal High Court, Abuja transferring the case with charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/56/2007 between Federal Republic of Nigeria and Orji Uzor…

The ex-wife of former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, Precious Chikwendu, was on Thursday docked for cyberstalking. Chikwendu was arraigned before Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Federal High Court, Abuja. A former senator, Mrs Grace Bent, sued Chikwendu, for alleged defamation of character and cyberstalking. She, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read to her. Following her not guilty plea, the prosecuting counsel, Mr Victor prayed the court for a date to commence trial and also prayed the court to remand Chikwendu in the Correctional Centre in Kuje. He said the defendant should be remanded pending the…

Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has denied the rumours making the rounds that his convoy was involved in an accident in Asaba, Delta. The minister, who was in Delta for the inauguration of a Federal Government Housing unit on Thursday, stated this while responding to questions from newsmen in Asaba. He affirmed that he was in Asaba in company of the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, and the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr Chris Ngige, to access the level of work on the Second Niger Bridge. “It is unfortunate that some sections of…

The ousted caretaker chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mai Mala Buni, is due in London to confer with President Muhammadu Buhari, it was learnt last night. Buni is expected to rush back home on Wednesday from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where he went for medical checkup, had a rethink. “He will now travel to London to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari on the situation in the party,” a source said. Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami (SAN), it was learnt, had arrived in London also to meet with the President. Another official listed to…

Russia has hit back at western sanctions for invading Ukraine by imposing export bans on a string of products until the end of 2022. The ban covers exports of telecoms, medical, vehicle, agricultural, and electrical equipment, as well as some forestry products such as timber. The economy ministry said further measures could include restricting foreign ships from its ports. It said: “These measures are a logical response to those imposed on Russia.” The ministry added that the bans on countries that have “committed unfriendly actions” were “aimed at ensuring uninterrupted functioning of key sectors of the economy”. The export ban…

US actor Jussie Smollett has been sentenced to 150 days in jail after a jury found he lied to police about being the victim of a hate crime. The former Empire star, 39, was found guilty in December of five charges of felony disorderly conduct after making false reports about the hoax attack. The sentence also includes 30 months of probation and $145,000 (£110,000) in restitution and fines. Following the sentence, Smollett said: “I did not do this!” The trial stemmed from an incident three years ago when Smollett said he was attacked by two assailants. The actor, who is…

Thomas Tuchel says Chelsea face an uncertain future but has vowed the team will keep competing on the pitch. Chelsea won 3-1 at Norwich hours after owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government. “As long as we have enough shirts and a bus to drive to the games, we’ll be there and will compete hard,” boss Tuchel told BBC Radio 5 Live. “We take it day by day. I didn’t see that coming yesterday and I don’t know what is coming tomorrow.” Chelsea fans chanted Abramovich’s name during the victory at bottom club Norwich which strengthened the club’s…

The director of hit superhero film Black Panther, Ryan Coogler, was mistaken for a bank robber as he tried to take money out of his own account in the US, a police report has revealed. Coogler was briefly arrested after trying to withdraw $12,000 (£9,100) from the Atlanta bank in January. The teller had reportedly told her boss she suspected an attempted robbery after misinterpreting the situation with the Black Panther director. Mr Coogler told TMZ the “situation should never have happened”. However, the 35-year-old said Bank of America had since “worked with me and addressed it to my satisfaction…