Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Neymar Departs Al Hilal After Injury Struggles. Brazilian star Neymar has officially parted ways with Al Hilal after both parties mutually agreed to terminate his contract. The decision comes following an injury-plagued spell in Saudi Arabia, where he managed just seven appearances since joining the club in August 2023. Neymar’s time at Al Hilal was severely hampered by injuries, including a major knee ligament setback, preventing him from making the expected impact. Despite his struggles, the 32-year-old remains focused on his long-term ambitions, with his sights set on representing Brazil at the 2026 World Cup. Reports suggest a…

Osimhen Sues Turkish Journalist Over Assault Allegations. Victor Osimhen has filed a defamation lawsuit against Turkish journalist Tolga Bozduman, who accused the Galatasaray striker of assault following his side’s recent 3-3 draw against Dynamo Kyiv. Bozduman alleged that Osimhen punched him while he was attempting to take photographs outside a venue. Further reports suggested that the Nigerian international had offered money to have the footage deleted, claims which Osimhen has strongly denied. A spokesperson for Osimhen described the allegations as “false and malicious,” emphasising that the player remains committed to clearing his name. Osimhen, who has been…

Roman Abramovich Could Owe UK £1bn In Unpaid Taxes – BBC Reveals. Sanctioned Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich may owe the UK up to £1 billion in unpaid taxes due to a failed attempt to avoid tax on hedge fund investments, according to evidence obtained by the BBC. Leaked documents reveal that investments worth approximately $6 billion (£4.7 billion) were funnelled through companies registered in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). However, indications suggest these investments were managed from the UK, meaning they should have been subject to UK taxation. Investigations by the BBC and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ)…

US Officials Assess Security Risks Of Chinese AI ‘DeepSeek’ Following Breakthrough. US officials are evaluating the national security implications of a reported artificial intelligence (AI) breakthrough by Chinese tech firm DeepSeek, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. The announcement follows reports that the US Navy has banned its personnel from using DeepSeek’s applications due to “potential security and ethical concerns”. Meanwhile, OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, has pledged to collaborate with the US government to prevent foreign competitors from replicating its technology. DeepSeek’s latest AI model, described as both powerful and cost-effective, caused a slump in US…

INEC Clarifies Funding Sources, Reaffirms Independence. The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has reiterated that the Commission does not receive direct funding from the European Union (EU). He made this clarification during a meeting with the newly appointed EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, His Excellency Gautier Mignot, at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday. Addressing concerns about INEC’s financial support from foreign partners, Prof. Yakubu emphasised that any external assistance is limited to technical aid, consultancy services, and capacity-building initiatives, all of which are channelled through implementing partners selected by donor agencies. …

Federal Government Generates N2.4 Billion From Marriage Contracts, Repatriates 828 Foreigners. The Federal Government has announced that it generated approximately N2.4 billion in 2024 from marriage contracts processed through the Ministry of Interior’s marriage registry. The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this disclosure on Tuesday during a media briefing in Abuja. He also revealed that the ministry generated over N3.2 billion from expatriate quota applications, leading to an overall 150 per cent increase in revenue. In addition to revenue generation, the government repatriated 828 foreigners to their respective countries in 2024. While the minister did not…

Atalanta’s Lookman Sidelined With Knee Injury, To Miss Barcelona Clash. Ademola Lookman, the dynamic forward for Serie A side Atalanta, has been ruled out of the upcoming UEFA Champions League match against Barcelona due to a knee injury sustained during training. The Nigerian international will also miss several additional Serie A fixtures as he begins his recovery process. The injury came as a significant blow to both Lookman and the Atalanta squad, with the 27-year-old having been a key player for the team this season. Lookman has been instrumental, contributing 14 goals and seven assists across all competitions, making…

NCC And MCSN Promote Copyright Awareness In Kaduna. The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), in partnership with the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN), hosted a stakeholders’ engagement and awareness event in Kaduna. The event, themed “Enjoy Music, Respect Copyright, Protect Your Business,” aimed to educate music users on copyright laws and highlight the significance of paying royalties to support musicians and the creative industry. Speaking at the event, Mrs Rukayya Yeldu, the State Coordinator of the NCC Kaduna office, stressed the vital role copyright laws play in protecting the livelihood of musicians and other creative professionals. She reminded attendees…

CBN Waives 2025 Licence Renewal Fees For Bureaux de Change. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has declared a waiver on the annual licence renewal fee for existing bureaux de change (BDCs). This significant policy shift, part of the 2024 guidelines, aims to ease the financial burden on operators amidst ongoing economic adjustments. The CBN’s announcement, which came as a surprise to many in the sector, promises to alleviate immediate cash flow concerns for BDCs. “This decision is seen as a supportive gesture by the CBN to ensure a smoother transition for BDCs under the new regulatory structure,” a…

Timileyin Ajayi Suspected Killer Of Girlfriend Arraigned In Nasarawa High Court. Timileyin Ajayi, the 32-year-old man accused of killing Salome Adaidu, a 24-year-old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, has been arraigned at the High Court of Justice, Lafia, Nasarawa State. Ajayi faces a charge of culpable homicide punishable by death, as defined under Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria. He appeared before Justice Simon Aboki on Monday, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge. The trial has been adjourned to 17th–20th March 2025 to ensure an accelerated process. Legal Representatives Speak   The prosecuting…

Sowore Rejects Police Bail Conditions, Opts To Remain In Custody. Omoyele Sowore, activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has declined bail conditions set by the Nigerian police, choosing instead to remain in custody. Sowore was summoned to the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Monday for questioning following a viral video he posted, alleging police extortion at a checkpoint in Lagos. Upon his arrival, accompanied by his legal team and supporters, the roads leading to the Louis Edet House and Federal Secretariat were heavily barricaded. The police outlined several allegations against him, including resisting and…

EFCC Operative Found Dead In Lagos Under Investigation. An official of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), identified as Sylvanus, has been discovered lifeless on a street in Lagos. In a video widely circulated online, the deceased was seen wearing burgundy traditional attire and lying unresponsive on the road. Bystanders, including two police officers, were captured attempting to search a small bag he was carrying for identification documents. Among the items retrieved was an EFCC identity card, which confirmed his affiliation with the anti-corruption agency. In the video, onlookers, including a policeman, could be heard remarking, “Where…