BREAKING NEWS

  The United States has announced a new military assistance to Ukraine to aid in its conflict against Russia.   Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday, January 6 announced a new $2.85 billion drawdown in military assistance to Ukraine, which will include “Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, artillery systems, armored personnel carriers, surface-to-air missiles, ammunition, and other items to support Ukraine as it bravely defends its people, its sovereignty, and its territorial integrity.” The top US diplomat said the administration would work with Congress “to provide an additional $907 million of Foreign Military Financing under the Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022.” “Funds will support Ukraine and countries impacted by Russia’s war in Ukraine,” Blinken said in a statement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took to Twitter to welcome “the all-time US defense aid package."  “ Thank you, POTUS for the completely new weaponry, incl Bradley...

  Russian president, Vladimir Putin has revealed that he's open for peace talks with Ukraine to end the war, but only if Kyiv accepts 'new territorial realities'.   The Kremlin claims it has annexed the Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions despite not controlling them in their entirety. The Kremlin said on Thursday January 5, that Putin told Erdogan peace talks are possible, but only if Ukraine accepts that territories occupied by Moscow as Russian.   'Putin again confirmed Russia's openness to serious dialogue on the condition of Kyiv authorities fulfilling the well-known and repeatedly voiced requirements of taking into account the new territorial realities,' the Kremlin said in a statement.   Erdogan had called for peace talks in the phone call with Putin, his office said earlier.   'The Russian side emphasised the destructive role of Western states, pumping the Kyiv regime with weapons and military equipment, prov...

  Mrs Tofunmi Akamo, Principal of Federal Government College, Ijaniki, Lagos State, has denied allegations of covering up  some students caught absconding from school to lodge female classmates in a hotel for sex romps.   Akamo who spoke to  Punch , said the six students were picked up from the hotel by the school, adding that the incident happened once.   According to the principal, the school management noticed the absence of the students during an urgent roll call at the hostel.   She said;     “Our assignment is to mould them and we don’t expect all of them to behave well all the time. So, when they misbehave, it is our duty to do the necessary correction. “I was called from the school that they did a roll call on Sunday and some students were discovered not to be in the hostel.“So, that Monday morning, they called their parents to confirm if they were at home and the parents said they were not at home. The parents came to the s...

  The federal government has again reiterated that it would stop payment of fuel subsidy by June 2023.    This was disclosed by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, during the public presentation of the 2023 Federal Government budget. Zainab who revealed that the government has made provision of N3. 36trillion naira for fuel subsidy payment to cover the first six months of this year, added that the move is in line with the 18-month extension announced in early 2022.   The Minister added that the nation’s revenue performance as at November 2022 stood at 6. 5 trillion naira, representing 87 percent of the set target of 7. 8 trillion naira for the year. Key contributors to the revenue collection according to the minister of finance and planning, includes a N586billion collection from the Federal Government, Customs – N15billion, independent revenue collection N1.3trillion as well as a N3.7trillion collection from other ...

  A child forensic specialist, Mrs Olabisi Ajayi-Kayode told a Lagos State Sexual Offences Court, Ikeja, that a 15-year-old minor allegedly defiled by her aunt’s husband, Dr Olufemi Olaleye, said the defendant told her virginity was outdated.   Ajayi-Kayode appeared before the special offences and domestic violence court in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, Jan. 3, to narrate her forensic interview session with the victim. She stated that the victim also told her that Olaleye, the Medical Director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, after allegedly raping her, used tissue paper to wipe the blood that came out of her private parts.   Olaleye, a doctor, is standing trial on a two-count charge of defilement of a child and sexual assault by penetration. He was accused of sexually violating his wife’s niece for over 20 months. In December 2022, Aderemi, the wife of Olaleye, told the court how her husband allegedly introduced her niece to pornographic content and oral sex.   D...

  Nollywood actress, Empress Njamah on Tuesday revealed that she’s alive and fine — in her first statement after the news of her leaked nude video broke a few days ago. Recall the actress has been in the news since she alleged that her estranged fiance, George Wade was trying to blackmail her with her nude photos in his possession. In a viral video, the actress thanked her fans for their support and assured them that she is fine and alive. She said, ‘ Love you guys, I’m good, Thank you, guys, for all the love, support, and messages and visits.’ In the video, she slammed her ex-lover, saying “I’m alive, I came out alive and I’m able to speak out, so many women are hiding under this torture, this torment, last-last, we move. I’m excited about my freedom.” The duo had separated in 2022 with Njamah accusing her ‘ex-fiance’ of physically assaulting her, in a Livestream via her business Instagram. Shortly after her revelation, Wade released a video wherein he threatened the film star. “Y...

  The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has announced that it would be demanding at least a N5billion compensation for the family of slain Lagos lawyer Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem, who was shot by an Assistant Superintendent, Drambi Vandi.   In a statement released on Thursday, December 29, it was also disclosed that NBA Lagos Branch member and rights activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) will be leading a team that will be monitoring the trial of the police officer.    The statement read;    “The NBA Lagos in conjunction with the NBA President, Mr. Y.C. Mikyau, SAN, has decided to be part of the prosecution of the policeman as part of its efforts towards securing quick and effective justice for the family of the deceased. “In this regard, the NBA will be partnering with the Ministry of Justice during the trial. “The NBA is also seeking monetary compensation for the family of Mrs. Raheem from the government of Lagos State, the Federal Government, ...

  Liverpool have joined the race to sign Super Eagles and Villareal winger, Samuel Chukwueze during the January transfer after the signing of Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven   According to Fichajes, Samuel Chukwueze is attracting plenty of interest from Premier League sides as Liverpool joins the chase for the Villarreal forward. “After pulling off the first big move of the winter transfer window with the signing of Cody Gakpo, the Liverpool Reds are preparing to hit the trail of another centre-forward. The one now targeted by Liverpool is none other than Samuel Chukwueze,” the website wrote.   Samuel Chukwueze could become Villarreal’s record sale if Premier League sides splash their €50 million asking price. Among the suitors for the pacy winger is Aston Villa with his former boss, Unai Emery interested him bringing Chukwueze to the Premier League.   Chukwueze has scored five goals and registered six assists in 23 appearances across all competitions this season...

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has recommended the immediate suspension of Assistant Superintendent of Police Drambi Vandi, the officer attached to the Ajah Divisional Headquarters of the Lagos State Police Command, responsible for the shooting and killing of Barrister Omobolanle Raheem.   Bolanle was shot in the chest by the trigger-happy cop at Ajiwe, Ajah area of the state while returning home from church service with her family on Christmas Day.  Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, said the IGP gave the recommendation as he awaits detailed report on the incident.   "The IGP noted that the recommendation for the suspension of the officer is in line with the internal disciplinary processes of the Force," the statement read.  "He further noted that the suspension is also expected to create an enabling environment for necessary legal procedures to uphold justice in the case wi...

Chelsea defender,  Reece James has admitted that 2022 has been the 'toughest year' of his life after suffering another injury setback on his return to action for Chelsea.    The 23-year-old England defender limped off after 53 minutes against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night December 27, in what was his first appearance since early October. James, who missed the World Cup due to a serious knock, revealed how difficult it has been for him dealing with injuries which discussed his mental health struggles.   He said: '2022 has been the toughest year to date. I just wanted to thank you all for the support this year, none of it has gone unnoticed. 'It's naturally affected me mentally, but life is about dealing with the hand you've been dealt and that's what I'm currently tryna do.   'I hope your end of year is filled with peace, joy, and happiness. Love you all, catch you next year.'  Right back James' ...

Liverpool have joined the race to sign Villareal and Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze. According to Fichajes, Samuel Chukwueze is attracting plenty of interest from Premier League sides as Liverpool joins the chase for the Villarreal forward. Samuel Chukwueze could become Villarreal’s record sale if Premier League sides cough up their €50 million asking price. The Nigerian forward has put in impressive displays for the Spanish side this term, attracting plenty of interest from the English sides. Among the suitors for the pacy winger is Aston Villa with his former boss, Unai Emery interested him bringing Chukwueze to the Premier League. Arsenal have also been a long-time admirer of the Yellow Submarine forward but Villarreal’s €50 million asking price could pose a problem for the North London side. It is reported that Villarreal are not looking to let Chukwueze go for a reduced fee, implying that only the team with the financial will could put in the cash to acquire the dazzling for...

  Nigerian singer and one of the music duo, P Square, Paul Okoye has revealed he had been unmarried for four years and was divorced before meeting Ifeoma, his partner. The singer made this known on during an Instagram live session with his fans on Tuesday. Okoye made the decision to respond to some inquiries about his prior union with Anita, the mother of his three children. He disclosed that he had been divorced for a long time and had been single for four years prior to meeting Ifeoma. He said, “I have been single for 4 years and I have been divorced for a long time. I don divorce sef before I found Ifeoma.” The singer has been in the news for a week now after he unveiled his new younger girlfriend on social media. On the 20th of December, an Abuja High Court in the Federal Capital Territory, Maitama, finalised the couple’s divorce proceedings with five charges brought against Paul by Anita. In 2004, while both were undergraduate students at the University of Abuja, Paul met Anit...

  Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, is the leading goal scorer from open play in the Italian Serie A for the year 2022.   Osimhen has made himself a prolific striker for Napoli since arriving in the Italian League from French Ligue side Lille in 2020 and has turned With 18 goals, the highest by any player in the Serie A in 2022, the 23-year-old leads the list of highest goals scored in the year under review.   Lazio’s Ciro Immobile is the top marksman in Serie A in 2022 with 20 goals. But six of the Italy international’s goals came from the penalty spot, leaving him with 14 spotless strikes. Third, on the chart is Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez with 17 goals for the year. The forward was part of the Argentina squad that lifted the FIFA World Cup in Qatar a few days ago.   Osimhen, who is considered as the best in the division has seen nine of his goals arrived during the 2022/2023 campaign, making him the top in Serie A this season.

  The hotel room football star, Lionel Messi stayed in during the Qatar 2022 World Cup is set to be turned into a museum after Argentina’s success in the tournament.   Messi was key in Argentina’s first World Cup win since 1986 and was named player of the tournament after netting twice in the dramatic final against France. The 35-year-old picked up the silver boot after netting seven goals in the tournament. Argentina began the tournament with a shock 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia, but eventually made it out of their group after wins beating Mexico and Poland.  In the round of 16, Argentina edged Australia 2-1 and had to dig deep to defeat the Netherlands on penalties after 120 minutes of football ended 2-2.   The semi-final saw the Albiceleste outclass a Luka Modric-led Croatia side 3-0 before relying on penalty shootout to overcome France. His achievements are now set to be immortalised, with Achraf Ben Ayad tweeting that the University of Qatar space he stayed in will...

  Lionel Messi's Instagram post celebrating Argentina's World Cup triumph is now officially the most-liked social media post of all time.   The Argentine superstar has surpassed the record initially set by a TikTok video set by Filipino-born American singer and social media personality Bella Poarch back in 2020.   In the aftermath of Argentina's penalty shootout win over France, Messi took to Instagram to post 10 pictures of the celebrations in Qatar.   Messi accompanied the post with a caption that read: 'WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!!!!! I dreamed it so many times, I wanted it so much that I still haven't fallen, I can't believe it......   'Thank you very much to my family, to all who support me and also to all who believed in us. We demonstrate once again that Argentines when we fight together and united we are capable of achieving what we set out to do. 'The merit belongs to this group, which is above individualities, it is the streng...

  Elon Musk has said he will resign as Twitter’s chief executive officer when he finds someone “foolish enough to take the job”. The billionaire promised earlier to abide by the result of a Twitter poll which saw 57.5% of users vote “yes” to him quitting the role. He says he will still run the software and servers teams after his replacement is found. Since Mr Musk bought the social media site in October, he has fired about half of its staff and attempted a rollout of Twitter’s paid-for verification feature before putting it on pause. The feature was relaunched last week. Civil liberties groups have also criticised his approach to content moderation, accusing him of taking steps that will increase hate speech and misinformation. On Friday, Mr Musk was condemned by the United Nations and European Union over Twitter’s decision to suspend some journalists who cover the social media firm. The UN tweeted that media freedom was “not a toy”, while the EU threatened Twitter with ...

  The founder and CEO of the failed cryptocurrency exchange FTX, Sam Bankman-Fried has agreed to be repatriated to the United States to face fraud charges. According to BBC, the 30-year-old American who lives in the Bahamas has been accused of committing “one of the biggest financial frauds in US history.” A source close to Bankman-Fried who has repudiated the allegations said Bankman-Fried had agreed to be extradited. Vanguard had published that FTX has filed for bankruptcy, leaving many people unable to withdraw funds. According to a court filing, FTX owed its 50 largest creditors almost $3.1bn (£2.5bn). As of the time of filing this report, it was not clear when Bankman-Fried will be extradited to the US, following his arrest on 12 December. Among the most serious allegations against him is that he used billions of dollars of customer funds to prop up his investment trading company Alameda. Last week, Damian Williams, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, said B...

  Football star,  Lionel Messi was treated to a heroes reception as he returned to his home town of Rosario after leading Argentina to World Cup glory. The 35-year-old returned to his home city for the first time on Tuesday evening, December 20, since lifting the World Cup on Sunday, after he was earlier forced to evacuate Argentina's winners' parade earlier in the day, over safety concerns.    Following the parade, Messi was flown back by helicopter from Buenos Aires to Rosario - some 185 miles away - before he was pictured in a car driven by his wife Antonella Roccuzzo, as they headed home.   Upon his arrival, Messi was greeted by hundreds of cheering fans chanting 'Dale Campeon' translating to 'Let's go champion'. The jubilant fans had been pushed to two sides by security to clear space for his wife to drive the car through the middle and inside a building. Messi was born in Rosario and also started his football career playing for Newell's Old Boys ba...

  An Abuja High Court sitting in Maitama has formerly granted Anita Okoye and Paul Okoye divorce.   Recall that in August 2021, Anita Okoye filed for divorce after 8 years of marriage.   Anita Okoye cited five major reasons for her decision to divorce her husband: cheating, a claimed separation, being an absent parent, fraud, and difficult experiences.   She, therefore, requested a settlement of $20,000 monthly as well as a number of  Paul' houses.   Earlier on, in her divorce petition signed by her lawyer, Ojonimi Akpe and Okutepa J.S, Anita had claimed that she contributed N10 million as an agreement with Paul that she would be granted space at the mall he had just completed in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.   However, she accused Paul Okoye of cheating her out of the deal.   The petition reads in part, "That I know as a fact that the Petitioner founded a company called TannkCo in 2019.   "That the Petitioner and the Respondent a...