Author: David Great

Sadiya Umar-Farouq, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, has arrived at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters to clarify allegations of fraud and money laundering levelled against her. Umar-Farouq appeared to the EFCC offices to accept the anti-graft agency’s request to provide explanation on various issues under investigation. The former minister had earlier indicated her readiness to honour the Commission’s invitation. “I remain proud to have served my country as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with every sense of responsibility and will defend my actions, stewardship, and programmes during my tenure…

President Bola Tinubu has called for an investigation into the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, which is led by Betta Edu. Tinubu’s order was contained in a statement released on Sunday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris. Chronicle NG reports that the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs ad Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu denied any fraud allegation against herself  after a memo surfaced in which she directed the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer N585 million to a private account owned by one Oniyelu Bridget who who the ministry claimed is currently the Project…

France and Paris St-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe, 25, has agreed a deal to join Real Madrid at the end of his contract. (Foot Mercato – in French) Madrid have offered Mbappe, whose deal at PSG ends this summer, less money than they did in their discussions in 2022. (Athletic – subscription required) However, Mbappe could yet make a move to the Premier League. (Times – subscription required) Mbappe was linked with a move to Premier League leaders Liverpool but it appears to have fallen through. Juventus have pulled out of the race to sign Manchester City and England midfielder Kalvin Phillips because of the loan fee and the breakdown of the 28-year-old’s salary. (Fabrizio…

The police in Lagos State arrested two men on Thursday for allegedly beating a man to death over an allegation of car door theft, the command spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said on Sunday. Hundeyin said the arrest was made after the widow of the deceased reported the case at the Iponri Police Division. He said the woman reported on Thursday that while she was at home, she received a call that some people were beating her husband. “In her report, she said they were beating her husband because he allegedly stole two doors of a car. “She reported that on…

An own goal by Jakub Kiwior and a thumping late strike by Luis Diaz sealed a 2-0 victory for Liverpool at Arsenal in the weekend’s headline FA Cup third round tie as the hosts’ dismal form extended into the New Year on Sunday. Arsenal wasted a handful of chances in the first half and were made to pay as Liverpool skipper Trent Alexander-Arnold’s free kick glanced off the head of Kiwior in the 80th minute. Diaz then made sure of eight-time winners Liverpool’s place in the fourth round draw as he lashed home in stoppage time. Earlier on Sunday holders…

President Bola Tinubu has settled the overdue arrears owed the Super Eagles and other national sporting teams by the Federal Government. In a statement on Tinubu’s Media Centre’s X (formerly Twitter) handle sighted by Chronicle NG on Sunday, the payment includes the clearance of senior national team coach salary for up to 15 months, as well as payments of allowances and pledges owed to the senior national teams, ladies, and Under-20 national team. The statement adds, “President @officialABAT has approved the payment of N12 billion outstanding backlog for Nigeria’s National teams of various sports, including Super Eagles and others.” “The…

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kano State has arrested a 25-year-old man, Alkasim Ya’u, for allegedly stabbing his father to death at Tudun Yola ‘C’, in the Gwale Local Government Area of the state. The NSCDC Corps Commandant, Mohammed Falala, disclosed this in a telephone interview with journalists in Kano on Sunday. He said the incident occurred on Friday at about 1:30 p.m. at the residence of Salisu Bala. “The deceased father, Ya’u Mohammed, brought his mentally ill son, Alkasim Ya’u, to Psychiatric Hospital Dawanau for medical treatment, where they booked to see a medical doctor…

England midfielder Jordan Henderson, 33, wants to return to the Premier League from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq and will seriously consider any offers the club receives this month. (Mail) Chelsea could move for Henderson, which would increase the likelihood of Conor Gallagher moving on. (football.london) Gallagher is however expected to remain at Chelsea this month despite interest from Tottenham in the 23-year-old England midfielder. (Mirror) Manchester United are interested in signing Crystal Palace’s French midfielder Michael Olise, 22, and could use English defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 26, as part of an exchange deal. (Star) Wolves are looking at loan moves in the January transfer window, with West Ham’s English forward Danny Ings,…

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to promptly and thoroughly probe the alleged payment by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu of N585.2 million meant for disbursement to vulnerable people in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos, and Ogun states into a private account.” SERAP also urged him “to direct Mr Fagbemi and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to promptly and thoroughly investigate whether the N585.2 million has been paid into any private account, and to…

Super Eagles players and coaches have officially honoured Victor Osimhen at the team’s Abu Dhabi camp after winning the men’s African Player of the Year (POTY) award. Osimhen became the first Nigerian after Nwankwo Kanu in 1999 to win the CAF POTY award as the best player on the continent in December. This was after he powered Napoli to their first Scudetto title in 33 years and topped the goalscorer chart during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign. However, since Osimhen’s triumph at the CAF award ceremony, the Super Eagles have not met as a team. Nigeria’s…