Football Legend, Pele Dies at 82

Pele, the Brazil football legend and three-time World Cup winner, has died at the age of 82.He passed away on Thursday. His daughter, Kely Nascimento, confirmed the news on Instagram, writing: "Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace."

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele is widely considered to be football's first global superstar. Pele had been treated for colon cancer, following surgery to remove a tumour in September 2021, and had required regular medical treatment.

After being admitted back into hospital at the end of November to re-evaluate his cancer treatment, he was diagnosed with a respiratory infection before subsequently being moved to palliative care when his body became unresponsive to chemotherapy, Mirror reports.

Doctors and nurses at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo duly made him as comfortable as possible, while his wife, Marcia Aoki, remained by his bedside.

Pele made his international debut at the age of 16 and announced himself to a global audience in 1958, when, still only 17, he scored six goals in four games as Brazil won the World Cup for the first time. He scored twice in a 5-2 final win over Sweden in Stockholm.

He won the World Cup on two more occasions, in 1962 and 1970, when the Brazillian team produced arguably the greatest final performance in the competition's history, defeating Italy 4-1 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico. Pele won the Golden Ball for the tournament's best player.

During the tournament, ex-Manchester City boss Malcolm Allison, working as a TV summariser, asked: "How do you spell Pele?" Counterpart Pat Crerand responded: "Easy: G.O.D."

His 1970 teammate Tostao remarked: "Pele was the greatest – he was simply flawless. And off the pitch he is always smiling and upbeat. You never see him bad-tempered. He loves being Pele.” Sir Bobby Charlton, part of the England side beaten 1-0 in the group stage of that tournament by Brazil, remarked later in life: “I sometimes feel as though football was invented for this magical player.”

Officially, Pele scored 757 goals in 831 games during a glittering career from 1957 to 1977, although his long-time club Santos claim his tally was closer to 1,000.

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Man abscond from marriage ceremony over incessant demands

Drama as bridegroom walks out of engagement ceremony in Imo State due to extortion.He paid N1,500,000 to cater for food, tents, chairs and a public address system.

He was also made to set aside N100,000 as the bride price that the two families had agreed on.

Biobelemoye David was asked to add N50,000 to the bride price because he had already impregnated the girl.

He was slapped with a N10,000 fine for making a detour to the wrong path and ending up in a different homestead other than the girl's.

He was also asked to pay N15,000 to appease the elders who had become tired of waiting for his arrival.

Drama however ensued when twelve girls covered in loose robes from head to toe were paraded before Biobelemoye David and he was asked to guess who his fiancée was.

He pointed at the wrong woman and that led to yet another fine of N15,000.

The decisive moment specifically was when the elders demanded for a refund of the total sum of N850,000 that had been paid as the girl's school fees and upkeep since she started primary school!

Fuming with anger which he tried his best to hide, Biobelemoye David excused himself to visit a nearby latrine and disappeared!

He switched off his phone and was last seen at a bus heading to Bayelsa State from Imo.

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Just In: Wike Seals Off Atiku Campaign Office

Governor Nyesom Wike has closed the Rivers State Atiku/Okowa campaign headquarters as part of his new offensive against the Atiku Abubakar presidential campaign.The office, which is in Port Harcourt’s GRA axis, was shut down for causing loud political activities in residential neighborhoods without the state government’s consent.

Based on Executive Orders 21 and 22, Mr. Wike closed off the campaign office.

The Rivers branch of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council had submitted a written request for permission to conduct political activities on the property.

Before the venue was sealed on Friday, the application had gone unanswered for months.

The seal on the office was deemed anti-democratic and a breach of free speech by the state’s PCC’s media team.

“The public is hereby informed that the sealed premises had no bill board or poster, since the approval had not been given, yet it was sealed off, a sign that the delay in the approval is premeditated and computed to cause this sort of unlawfulness.

“We condemn this act because it rubs off on our fundamental right to free expression of interest. Furthermore, this egregious move by the Rivers State Government, seen in the prism of politics, tends to militarise our democracy and renders our dear state politically recessive when juxtaposed with other states in the country,” the media team said in a statement.

It also advised the state’s party leaders to file a lawsuit in accordance with the constitution’s requirements.

“We urge our dear leaders in the state to challenge this illegality in a court of competent jurisdiction so that friction can disappear from our political space.

“The right to campaign for preferred candidate is enshrined in the Constitution of Nigeria, which is the grand norm from which every other law derives its power.

“Thus, every clash between the Constitution and any other made law should be resolved in favour of the Constitution. The Rivers State Government, we dare say, is subject to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended).

“It is our duty to remind Gov. Wike and his co-travelers that they, like everyone else, are subject to the Laws of Nigeria.

“Meanwhile we charge the Rivers State PDP PCC, our dear leaders, to see to it that this unlawful disruption of campaign activities does not rattle their cage. They must continue to function as they always had prior to the existence of the Secretariat.

“Tyranny will expire in our state. If the Nazi Regime could die in Germany, then this facsimile of such will die even much faster to the glory of God and liberty of Rivers State,” 

it added.

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Fuel Subsidy will be remove, No Matter How Long You Protest, Tinubu Tells Nigerians

Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has said his government will remove fuel subsidy if he is elected president in 2023.Tinubu stated this while speaking at a business luncheon with business owners titled "Business Forward" on Thursday in Lagos.

The former Lagos governor said no matter how long people protest, he will remove fuel subsidy.

In a statement issued by his Media Office and signed by Mr. Tunde Rahman, the APC presidential candidate said Nigeria would no longer subsidise fuel consumption in neighbouring countries.

He said, “How can we be subsidising fuel consumption of Cameroon, of Niger, of Benin Republic. No matter how long you protest, we are going to remove subsidy,” he said.

He, however, said his government will allow the private sector to thrive and be open to collaborating with players in the sector.

“My government will collaborate with the private sector to bring about massive infrastructure renewal that enhances economic opportunities, lower business costs and overheads while producing jobs that spur further growth and development through increased consumer demand. This is the virtuous economic cycle we seek to create,” he said.

He also promised to improve security in the country, saying several measures will be implemented if he is elected as president including increasing the number of military and non-military personnel.

“I am committed to securing Nigerians from violence and the fear of such violence. Terror, kidnapping and banditry have no place in the society I envision. Upon entering office, we will move to implement several measures,” he said.

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Just In: Court convicts Okupe of breaching money laundering Act

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has convicted former Senior Special Assistant on Media to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Doyin Okupe, of allegedly breaching the Money Laundering Act. Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu presiding over the case on Monday found Okupe guilty of contravening sections 16(1)&(2) of the Money Laundering Act and accepting cash in excess of the threshold allowed under the Act without going through a financial institution.

Okupe is the Director General of the Presidential Campaign Council of the Labour Party.

The Justice has stood down proceedings till 1:45pm

This is to allow Okupe to exercise his right under Section 310 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act to call witnesses to testify about his character.

Thereafter, the court will proceed to pronounce its sentence.

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Millions Vote For Elon Musk Stepping Down As Twitter Boss

Millions of Twitter users have voted for the owner of social media platform, Elon Musk, to step down as the Chief Executive Officer.Musk had put up a poll on Monday, asking if he should step down and gave yes and no options.

He tweeted, “Should I step down as head of Twitter? I will abide by the results of this poll.”

The results are in. 57.5 per cent of the 17,502,391 votes recorded in the poll were yes, meaning he should step down.

Meanwhile, 42.5 per cent preferred that he stays at the helm of affairs at the company.

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Atiku’s Campaign Aircraft Catches Fire

The Atiku Abubakar presidential campaign narrowly escaped tragedy when one of the three aircraft with which it went to campaign in Anambra State caught fire shortly before take-off at the Anambra State International Airport.

Though the incident happened on Thursday December 15, 2022, it came to public knowledge only this morning.

It said the incident happened at the conclusion of the PDP presidential rally held at the Ekwueme Square in Awka, the Anambra capital city.

According to the report: “At the conclusion of the campaign rally, the PDP presidential candidate and the dignitaries who had joined the campaign train trooped to the Anambra Airport where three private jets were parked awaiting the arrival of the PDP campaign train.

“Alhaji Abubakar Atiku and his immediate family and close aides boarded one of the Jets and taxied out. It took off uneventfully. The second Jet also taxied and took off uneventfully.

“However, the third jet was not as successful.”

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Photostory: Davido, Chioma in Qatar ahead of performance at World Cup

Afrobeats superstar, Davido and his wife, Chioma in Qatar as he gets ready for his appearance at the closing ceremony of the FIFA 2022 World Cup.

Davido is billed among other artistes to perform at the closing ceremony of the Mundial today (Sunday).

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Ondo: ODIEC announces date for local government election

The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission, ODIEC has announced December 16, 2023 as the date for the conduct of local government elections in the state.
Chairman of the Commission, Prof Yomi Dinakin, who disclosed this at a briefing in Akure, said the release of the time table was in line with Section 28 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

Dinakin said conduct of party primaries by political parties would be between April 10th to June 10th, 2023 while campaigns would begin on July 17th and and ends midnight of December 14th 2023.

He said the body would meet with stakeholders for release of the election guidelines.

“ODIEC will continue to ensure that local government elections are conducted in credible and acceptable manner.

The ODIEC Commissioner in Charge of Training and Legal, Prof Tajudeen Ibrahim said training of Adhoc staff would hold between November 23 to December 1st, 2023.

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Man Beats Ex-girlfriend For Refusing To Marry Him

A man identified as Atumu Treasure aka Oluwa Benz Richer, has been accused of beating his ex-girlfriend, Peace, for refusing to marry him.It was reported that the couple went their separate ways six months ago in Irri, Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State.

According to an activist, Israel Joe, who shared the story on his Instagram page, the man broke into Peace’s house with a spare key, locked the doors, and began beating and strangling her because she refused to marry him on Monday.

Joe said that it was neighbours who heard the lady's cries, that saved her from her estranged lover and got him arrested.

The activist went on to charge the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Ari Mohammed Ali, to ensure the suspect is charged to court, claiming his bail is being negotiated at the Oleh Police Station.

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Ajipe Loses at Appeal Court over APC primary outcome, fine 500k

The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, Ondo State has granted victory to the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo North Senatorial District for the 2023 elections, Pastor Jide Ipinsagba in the suit filed against him by one of the party's aspirants, Chief Alex Ajipe.

It will be recalled that Ajipe had faulted the primary election that produced Ipinsagba as the party's senatorial candidate for Ondo North on the basis of delegates’ legitimacy.

Delivering judgment on the matter on Tuesday, the appellate court, presided over by Justice A.O. Lokulo-Sodipe, struck out the case on technical grounds.

The panel members, Justice C. I. Jombo Ofo, Justice Y.A. Bashir and Justice A.O. Lokulo-Sodipe also fined the appellant the sum of N500,000 for wasting the court's time.

Speaking after the judgment, Pastor Ipinsagba expressed joy over outcome of the court case, which vindicated his candidacy, adding that it is a victory for the APC and the people of Ondo North Senatorial District, who look-up to him to offer them quality representation in 2023.

He urged his opponents at the primary and their supporters, who may still be aggrieved by his victory, to sheath their swords and join hands with him for the APC to go into the 2023 elections, as a united and formidable front.

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President, Joe Biden has signed same-sex and interracial marriage

Biden held an event at the White House South Lawn with lawmakers and Cabinet members as the Respect for Marriage Act becomes law. "Today is a good day," Biden said on Tuesday, December 13, as he took the podium after Vice President Kamala Harris. "A day America takes a vital step toward equality, for liberty and justice, not just for some, but for everyone. Toward creating a nation where decency, dignity and love are recognized, honored and protected."

"We're here today to celebrate their courage and everyone who made the day possible," the president continued. "Courage that led to progress we've seen over the decades, progress that gives us hope that every generation will continue on our journey toward a more perfect union."

The ceremony included Grammy winners Sam Smith and Cyndi Lauper. Smith, who announced they were non-binary in 2019, as they performed their hit song "Stay With Me" followed by Lauper singing "True Colors."

Appearing in the White House briefing room ahead of her performance, Lauper told reporters, "We can rest easy tonight because our families are validated."

"And because now we're allowed to love who we love, which sounds odd to say. But Americans can now love who we love and bless Joe Biden and all the people that worked on this for allowing people not to worry and their children not to worry about their future," Lauper said.Lauper founded the True Colors Fund, a nonprofit that educates people on LGBTQ issues and helps to end homelessness for LGBTQ youth.

Notable guests attending the signing ceremony, according to a White House official, included Club Q founder Matthew Haynes and two survivors of the shooting that happened just last month at the Colorado Springs LGBTQ nightclub. Other attendees included a survivor of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting that killed 49 people, and plaintiffs and counselors from the Obergefell and Loving Supreme Court cases.

The marriage bill passed with bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress after months of negotiation. The House voted last week 258-169 to send the bill to Biden's desk.

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Judge hangs himself in church after killing wife and raping her corpse in front of their kids

A Zimbabwean judge who was declared wanted by the police over the brutal murd£r of his wife has reportedly killed himself in a church.The now deceased Judge Evans Zinzombe, 36, had been on the run from the police after he allegedly kill£d his wife, Pholomina Mabika, 32, on Wednesday, December 7.

He reportedly strangled Phelomina to death with his bare hands and went on to rap£ her corpse in front of their children; a 12-year-old daughter and a 7-year-old son.

A police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi who declared the Judge wanted said;

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of Judge Evans Zinzombe (36), who is being sought in connection with a case of murder which occurred on 07th December 2022 at a house in Cowdray Park in Bulawayo.

“The suspect allegedly sneaked into the room where his wife Pholomina Mabika (32), daughter (12) and a son (7) before strangling her to death with hands.

“The suspect and his wife were reportedly having marital disputes which forced them to sleep in separate rooms.

“After the callous murder, the suspect allegedly went on to sexually abuse the body in full view of his children.

“The children spent the whole night with the body before a police report was made in the morning.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police warns the public against resorting to violence in resolving domestic disputes.

“The police will ensure that the law takes its course on suspects involved in violent crimes such as murder and armed robbery.”

Judge Evans Zinzombe’s body was thereafter discovered hanging from the roof of a church in Bulawayo’s Cowdray Park suburb.

Confirming his death, the police said in a statement;

“His body was found hanging from a metal roof truss at a local church in Cowdray Park.”

The police are also treating his death as suicide.

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Exclusive: ICPC discovers 20,000 More Ghost Names Infused Into N-Power Scheme Tagged D’banj’s List, Musician To Remain In Detention

Famous Nigerian musician, Oladapo Oyebanji, famously known as D'banj will remain in the detention facility of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over a fresh discovery of 20,000 ghost workers infused into the N-Power Programme, SaharaReporters has gathered.The anti-graft agency detained D’banj on Tuesday over fraud allegations involving the N-Power Programme.

On June 8, 2016, President Muhammadu Buhari launched the programme to address the issues of youth unemployment and empowerment, and also promote social development.

SaharaReporters earlier reported how top government officials introduced over 70,000 ghost workers into the N-Power Programme and fraudulently diverted billions of naira into their pockets.

“70,000 names were infused into N-Power by officials of the Buhari regime in the last four years.

“The fake list costs Nigeria N2.1 billion per year while original N-Power candidates are left unpaid,” a source had told the newspaper.

In June 2021, SaharaReporters reported that 14,000 beneficiaries of the N-Power programme were owed for five months.

N-Power is a youth empowerment scheme sponsored by the Nigerian Government under the Social Investment Program (SIP).

Other programmes under the scheme include Home Grown School Feeding, Tradermoni, Marketmoni and the Conditional Cash Transfer in the 36 states of the country.

SaharaReporters gathered that since the social investment programme of the government was moved to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, the minister, Sadiya Farouq, had been making attempts to stop some of the programmes under the scheme.

Aside from announcing that beneficiaries would be laid off, she had also refused to release funds for the school feeding programme in some states.

A source at the humanitarian ministry on Wednesday night told SaharaReporters that top government officials in President Buhari’s government have been using cronies to siphon funds under the social intervention programmes.

A source had confided in SaharaReporters that ICPC would release D’banj on Wednesday night after failing to successfully link the musician to the fraudulent activities in the N-Power Programme.

“D’banj will be released tonight by the ICPC. The agency is unable to link him concretely with fraudulent activities in N-Power,” a top source in the agency had told SaharaReporters.

However, the source on Thursday said investigators discovered a fresh list containing over 20,000 ghost names, tagged “D’banj’s list.”

He said the names were allegedly used to divert over N600 million monthly for over two years by government officials in connivance with the Nigerian musician.

The source however added that D’banj refuted the allegation and denied any knowledge of the list.

“Like I told you yesterday, D’banj was to be released last night but our (ICPC) Director of OperationS wasn’t available. So, his lawyers were asked to come back today,” he said.

“But our investigators just discovered another 20,000 N-Power list, so he (D’banj) will remain in detention.

“Today when his lawyers arrived for his release, they were told about this fresh list containing 20,000 names. This list was being used to divert N600 million monthly from Nigeria in the last two years by Buhari government officials. The list containing 20,000 names has been bleeding Nigeria N600 million monthly over the last two years.

“It’s named the D-banj’s list. He actually denied the list when he was interrogated by our officials. That’s the reason he wasn’t released as planned.”

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Cattle Rearing Is Not Private Business; Nigerian Government Must Support It – Lawan

The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has pledged to ensure that owners of livestock businesses are supported by the Nigerian government.

According to Lawan, the livestock sub-sector has suffered neglect over the years and called on the authorities to accord the sector due recognition and support.

He said, “This sector, the livestock sector, does not get the attention of the government. And I find it strange that here, you have a sector that has the potential of boosting our economy significantly and yet it is neglected.

"I am not a Fulani in any way. I don't have any Fulani blood but I think our livestock rearers have not received a fair deal all through our history.

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Celine Dion diagnosed with rare incurable disease, cancels shows

Canadian singer Celine Dion has opened up on her battle with Stiff Person Syndrome, a neurological disorder that causes one’s muscles to tense uncontrollably.

The 54-year-old made the announcement in a video on her Instagram page on Thursday, where she disclosed that her 2023 shows had been moved to 2024.

The singer said, “Hello everyone, I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to reach out to you. I miss you all so much and can’t wait to be on stage talking to you in person.

“As you know, I’ve always been an open book, and I wasn’t ready to say anything before, but im ready now.

“I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time and its been really difficult for me to face my challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through.

“Recently, I’ve been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called the stiff person syndrome, which affects 1 in a million people

“While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what’s been causing all the spasms I’ve been having.”

The caption of the video read, “Celine Dion reschedules Spring 2023 shows to 2024,and cancels eight of her summer 2023 shows.”

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Davido To Perform At World Cup Closing Ceremony

Music star, Davido, is set to perform at the closing ceremony of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The music star, who has stayed away from social media and events aside from his uncle, Ademola Adeleke’s inauguration ceremony, since the death of his son, Ifeanyi, has confirmed that he will be performing in Qatar.

 

Chinese businessman, Stephen Hung, shared the news via his Instagram story on Thursday.

 

Hung expressed his excitement saying, “So happy my bro #davido confirmed he will be performing at the World Cup Qatar closing ceremony. Can’t wait to see him there."

 

The World Cup's closing ceremony will take place on December 18.

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D’banj: Name Govt Officials Involved, Tweeps Ask ICPC

Singer, Oladapo Oyebanji popularly known as D’banj, has been arrested and detained by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission for collaborating with some government officials to introduce ghost beneficiaries into the payroll of the N-Power scheme in order to allegedly divert funds. His arrest and detention was confirmed by our correspondent on Wednesday.

Since his arrest, some Nigerians have demanded that the government officials who were involved in the alleged fraud should be named also.

A tweep, Mark Dasouze, asked, “What of the government officials involved? What are their names and have they been detained?”

Another tweep, TC, said, “By the time ICPC is done investigating N-Power account not only D'banj will be arrested. Besides N-Power, all other programmes should be investigated.”

Idris tweeted, “Bro! They said D'banj and some govt officials diverted money. They mentioned D'banj's name but didn’t mention any govt officials. Government officials are now “Unknown Fraud Men” UFM.”

“I don't support any diversion of what should be for the benefit of others if that is it. But what about those in public offices, who claimed to be civil servants but are evil servants that have been diverting our resources to enrich their pockets?" Sunny Alex tweeted.

Focusing on the lifestyle of celebrities, a tweep Penking said, “If D’banj is convicted, it will prove that most Nigerian celebrities are funding their glamorous lifestyle with fraud. No hit song for two decades, no concerts or one boring skit with 1000 views but you are buying house in Banana Island. You must be Jesus Christ of our time.”

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EFCC Conducts Public Auction of Over 400 Cars in Lagos

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has commenced the auction of a total of 435 cars, which are subjects of final forfeiture orders in Lagos, in line with the EFCC (Establishment) Act 2004; Public Procurement Act 2007 and the Proceeds of Crimes (Recovery and Management) Act 2022.The exercise scheduled to take place across the Commands of the Commission, started on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 in Lagos with inspection of items by members of the public, while the auction exercise began today, Wednesday, December 7 and continues on Thursday, December 8, 2022.

The items are available in four locations: 40, Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi, Lagos; 15A Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos; 14 Cameroon Road, Ikoyi Lagos and CVU Obalende, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Speaking during the opening ceremony yesterday, Dr.George Ekpungu, Secretary to the Commission and Chairman, EFCC Asset Disposal Committee, ADC, said: “the exercise, which is the first of the planned auction of forfeited properties across EFCC Zonal Commands and EFCC Headquarters, is being carried out in accordance with the (Establishment) Act, 2004, Public Procurement Act, 2007 and Proceeds of Crimes (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022.

“It is being conducted in conjunction with the Bureau of Public Procurement to ensure compliance with all extant laws”.

While welcoming the auctioneers to the Centre, he expressed his gratitude to sister agencies, including the Nigerian Army, who were invited to provide adequate security and ensure orderliness.

Ekpungu also appealed to the members of the public present at the auction to listen carefully to the auctioneers and comply with all stipulated guidelines.

The nine auctioneers who were allocated to the Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC to dispose of the 435 cars at designated Centre on 14 Cameron Road , Ikoyi , Lagos are Rihanna Auction Limited; Kamyus Consult Limited; Areogun Resources Limited; BIS N JEG;Integrated Services Nig.Ltd;Mau & Sons Ltd.; Langar Aghaji & Co.; Fagobe Company Ltd and Musa Kira and Co.

The cars, which pictures were conspicuously displayed with allocated lot numbers for public inspection, were allocated to auctioneers based on assessed values and open ballot system.

The display was to provide an opportunity for interested bidders to view and indicate interest in any car of their choice.

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Nigerian pop star D’banj arrested, detained for alleged N-power fraud

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, (ICPC) has arrested and detained Oladapo Oyebanji, more known by his stage name, D’banj. The musician was arrested and detained Tuesday after ICPC operatives closed in on him, forcing him to surrender himself at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, sources familiar with the matter said.

D’banj, insiders said, had dodged summons for weeks, claiming to be overseas for scheduled concerts each time he was invited to appear for interrogation over fraud allegation.

The pop star, a wealthy Nigerian celebrity, is accused of fraudulently diverting hundreds of naira earmarked by the Nigerian government for N-Power project, an empowerment programme set up by the Nigerian government in 2016 to address youth unemployment and increase social development.

Investigators allege that D’banj colluded with some compromised government officials to introduce ghost beneficiaries into the payroll of the scheme. The stipend paid to those beneficiaries are then paid to accounts that have now allegedly been linked to the pop star.

After the musician failed to show up for interrogation despite multiple invitations, the ICPC moved to arrest him anywhere in Nigeria and abroad, forcing him to show up at the commission’s office on Tuesday.

On arrival, D’banj was subjected to a prolonged interrogation session after which he was detained. His plea for administrative bail was rejected by officials who said the musician could not be trusted to attend his trial if released on bail.

Our sources said the ICPC might approach the court on Wednesday for an extended remand order to enable the agency complete its investigation before charging the musician to court.

The spokesperson for the ICPC, Azuka Ogugua, could not be reached to comment for this story. She is said to be attending a programme abroad. Being in detention, the musician too could not be reached for comment

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