Author: David Great

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has introduced strict new penalties for individuals found violating Hajj permit regulations, as part of efforts to strengthen control over access to Makkah during the annual pilgrimage. In a statement issued Thursday via the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the country’s Ministry of Interior announced that violators will now face hefty sanctions. Chief among them is a fine of $26,661 for anyone who applies for a visit visa on behalf of individuals intending to perform Hajj without proper authorization. The ministry emphasized that the new measures are part of intensified efforts to prevent unauthorized access to…

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for a nationwide extension of the retirement age for all categories of civil servants, demanding parity with the conditions already granted to specific sectors. This demand was made by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, during the May Day celebration held at Eagle Square in Abuja on Thursday. Presenting some of the union’s demands, Ajaero said, “It is imperative to extend the revised retirement age of 65 years or 40 years of service currently enjoyed by teachers, health professionals, and judges to all public servants.” The current retirement age of 65 years or 40 years…

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has returned to training for the first time since suffering a serious knee injury in September, manager Pep Guardiola said on Thursday. The Spain international’s absence following surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament has been cited as a major reason City’s quest for a fifth straight Premier League title crumbled. While the 28-year-old Ballon d’Or winner’s recovery has probably come too late for this campaign, the news of his return to the grass is a welcome boost for City. Guardiola also said their Norway striker Erling Haaland is back in training, having not played since March…

Barcelona and Inter Milan played out a dramatic 3-3 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final, delivering a spectacle packed with goals, momentum swings, and standout individual moments at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Inter got off to a dream start, stunning the hosts just 30 seconds into the match. Denzel Dumfries whipped in a low cross that Marcus Thuram stylishly flicked past Wojciech Szczesny to open the scoring. Inter doubled their lead in the 21st minute when Dumfries turned scorer, acrobatically volleying home after a deft flick-on from Francesco Acerbi. Barcelona responded swiftly. Lamine Yamal…

A Magistrate Court sitting in the Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State has sentenced controversial hip-hop artiste, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, to three months’ imprisonment for assault. The sentence comes with an option of a N30,000 fine. Portable was initially arraigned before the court in April 2023 on a three-count charge involving assault and theft of musical equipment, under charge sheet number MIF/192C/2023. At the time, he was granted bail set at N300,000 with two sureties from his immediate family. The artist, however, reportedly failed to appear in court for subsequent proceedings. As a result, he was…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared a foreign national, Elie Bitar, wanted for his alleged involvement in a cryptocurrency investment fraud associated with the online trading platform, Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX). In an official bulletin released by the Commission, the EFCC stated that the 41-year-old is being sought in connection with a suspected fraudulent scheme that has defrauded several investors across Nigeria through CBEX. “The public is hereby notified that ELIE BITAR, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for fraud allegedly perpetrated on an online trading platform called Crypto…

Former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Abubakar Baraje, has expressed confidence in the party’s ability to return to power in the 2027 general elections, brushing aside concerns over recent defections and internal divisions. Speaking on The Morning Show on Arise TV on Wednesday, Baraje downplayed the impact of the recent wave of defections on the PDP’s strength, asserting that the party remains a resilient opposition force. “As far as I’m concerned, whether there are defections or not, the PDP remains a formidable opposition party. Concerning the recent defection of the Delta State Governor and his team, we’ve…

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou believes his side has an “unbelievable opportunity” to turn around a disappointing campaign by winning the Europa League, as they gear up to face Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of the semi-final on Thursday. Despite a dismal Premier League season that saw Spurs slump to a 5-1 defeat at Anfield last weekend—Liverpool’s title-clinching match—the Australian remains optimistic. The result marked Tottenham’s 19th loss of the season, leaving them 16th in the table and set for their worst league finish since 1977. However, their Europa League run offers a glimmer of hope. At a…

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino remains upbeat about his team’s chances of reaching the Champions League final despite a narrow 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their semi-final clash at the Emirates Stadium. Ousmane Dembele’s strike was the difference on the night, giving PSG a slight advantage ahead of the return leg in Paris. Arsenal had opportunities to level the score, including a Merino goal disallowed for offside early in the second half. PSG also came close to extending their lead, hitting the crossbar late in the game. “Paris is a tough place to go, but we…

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has officially reactivated the digital Tinted Glass Permit (TGP) system across the country, aiming to address public concerns over the harassment of motorists with factory-fitted tinted windows. According to Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the new system is accessible via a “secure and user-friendly” online platform . This development follows numerous public complaints regarding indiscriminate stops and alleged extortion by police officers over the use of tinted glass. “With modern automobiles increasingly manufactured with tinted windows it has become essential to provide a standardised system that accommodates legitimate use while ensuring public safety,”…