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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said no amount of media campaign against its acting chairman, Ibrahim Magu, will stop the prosecution of the former President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki. The spokesman of the commission, Tony Orilade, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Sunday. According to Mr Orilade, the attention of the EFCC has been drawn to the false claim made by Mr Saraki, who is face investigation here in Nigeria. “He seems to have chosen outside the shores of Nigeria as the launch pad of his campaign of calumny against the EFCC and its leadership. “We wish to state without any contradiction that the ongoing investigation against the former senate president and other Politically-exposed Persons (PeP) are on course, while Saraki and his co travellers will surely have their day in court shortly. “Particularly, of reference is the report published in the Punch Newspaper of Sunday, June 30, 2019 entitled, “Magu begged me to help his con...

Former vice-president and the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 23 presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has slammed an aide to President Muhammadu Buhari on Social Media, Lauretta Onochie, with a whooping N2.5 billion defamation suit. The court action was necessitated by the refusal of Onochie to retract the said malicious publication in her tweeter handle on May 7, this year. The suit marked CV/2287/19 and filed in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, is among others seeking a declaration by the court that the publications made by Onochie via her social media accounts on May 7 and May 20, 2019, “are utterly false, baseless, unfounded and defamatory of the claimant, and injurious to his reputation”. Consequently, Atiku is seeking an order of court compelling the defendant to make a retraction of, and an apology to him “for the said offensive twitter and facebook publications on the same platforms, also to be publi...

“Regardless of whether I win or lose the match, I can walk off with a smile.” Almost from the moment that Serena and Venus Williams asserted themselves at the top of women’s tennis, it has been hard to look elsewhere for victors when they have been in the draw. The 39-year-old Venus rose to No1 in February 2002, Serena followed her in July the same year. The younger of the sisters—and Serena is 37—was back at No1 15 years later, with a tally of 319 weeks at the top, after winning her 23rd Major while pregnant with her daughter. It was 2017 Australian Open, and the title came almost 19 years after her first Major, in 1999. At Wimbledon in particular, the Williams has dominated. Serena has seven titles on London’s grass, while for Venus, Wimbledon has been the most success Major: five titles and four more finals. And they remain a dominant force, with 30 Major titles between them plus multiple doubles titles and Olympic medals. And at Wimbledon, Serena was runner-up last yea...

Crystal Palace have placed a £100m price tag on Wilfried Zaha to ward off interest from Arsenal, say reports Crystal Palace have placed a £100m price tag on Wilfried Zaha to ward off interest from Arsenal, according to reports in the British media. The Daily Mail is reporting that the Eagles are keen to keep hold of the Ivory Coast international and have increased his asking price in an attempt to try and force a transfer. The same story says that Palace are keen to keep hold of Zaha after having sold Aaron Wan-Bissaka to Manchester United over the weekend. According to the same article, Palace are aware that Arsenal have a limited transfer budget this summer, and they are hoping that their £100m asking price will prevent the Gunners from going after the striker. The story says that Crystal Palace do not want to lose another one of their star players following Wan-Bissaka’s exit over the weekend. Arsenal are thought to be on the lookout for a number of new signings...

The Portugal international, Bruno Fernandes, has been linked with a transfer to Man United throughout the summer window. Manchester United has reportedly made a £35million bid to sign Bruno Fernandes - but the offer has been rejected by Sporting Lisbon. Portugal international Fernandes has been linked with a transfer to Old Trafford throughout the summer window. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has prioritised signing a winger and full-back in £18million Daniel James from Swansea and £50million Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace respectively. But the Norwegian has reportedly now turned his attention to Fernandes, in the hope that he can sign the midfielder for just £35million. According to Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport, United have made contact with Sporting over a deal for Fernandes, and have offered £35m for his services.

The Liverpool's top scorer last season with 27 goals, Mohamed Salah, scored the goal that keeps Egypt sustained in the ongoing AFCON. Egypt maintained their perfect start to their Africa Cup of Nations campaign by beating Uganda in Cairo to advance into the last 16 as Group A winners. Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah opened the scoring with a superb free-kick midway through the first half. Aston Villa's Ahmed Elmohamady then doubled the Pharaohs' lead before half-time with a powerful drive. DR Congo thumped Zimbabwe in Group A's other game on Sunday, meaning Uganda progress as runners-up. Hosts Egypt go through to the last 16 with a perfect record having beaten Zimbabwe  and Congo DR in their opening two group games. The seven-time winners are also yet to concede a goal at this year's Afcon, but they rode their luck against Uganda, who were left to rue a string of missed chances. Uganda's Farouk Miya and Emmanuel Okwi, who both impressed at the...

Arsenal have made a £27 million offer for Real Madrid winger Lucas Vazquez, but the La Liga outfit are holding out for £36 million. Gunners boss Unai Emery wants to add a quality winger to his attacking ranks this summer, and he reckons the Spain international will be a perfect fit. However, cash-strapped Arsenal might not be able to meet Madrid’s asking price for Vazquez, and Inter Milan  could beat them to his signature with new manager Antoni Conte also very much keen on his services. The Spaniard isn’t in manager Zinedine Zidane first XI and isn’t guaranteed of regular football next term. Vazquez will be a starter at Arsenal given his quality, and the desire to make his country’s Euros 2020 squad could see him demand to leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer. The arrivals of Luka Jovic and Eden Hazard mean the 27-year-old will struggle for regular playing minutes, and an exit is almost a certainty. The chance to play in the English top-flight will surely excit...

Juventus has never been a club that has been all too big on player swaps.  Even with how much that the Italian press makes it seem like it will happen all the time transfer rumors involving player swap Yet, as we sit here on the eve of July starting, Juve have indeed done some swapping of players. And cash ... right before the end of the month when the books are closed for good for the year. Juventus officially announced its swap deal with Roma that involves a pair of talented fullbacks. After completing his exams at J Medical earlier in the day Sunday, Luca Pellegrini has officially become a Juventus player, with Leonardo Spinazzola going the other way in the swap deal that also sees Roma send €7.5 million to Juventus with the latter’s transfer value being that much higher than the former’s. Spinazzola underwent his medicals with Roma early Saturday. All the details of the deal, Turin, 30 June 2019 - Juventus Football Club S.p.A. announces that these agre...

Manchester United may announce that Marcus Rashford has signed a new contract as early as Monday. The England striker has put pen to paper on a new four-year deal that will commit him to Old Trafford until June 2023 although it includes the option of a fifth year. The contract is understood to be heavily incentivised but if Rashford  meets all of his performance-related targets and United deliver on the pitch it could be worth in excess of £300,000 a week to the 21-year-old and will place him at the top end of United’s pay scale, on similar money to Paul Pogba, but behind the highest earner Alexis Sanchez. Rashford has been linked with Barcelona and other high profile European clubs but he sees his future at Old Trafford in what is a boost for manager Ole Gunnar Solkjaer who plans to build his attack around the academy graduate. United intend to announce Rashford’s contract before they fly to Australia next week for the start of their pre-season tour alt...

More than 2,000 people protested Sunday in the northern Nigerian city of Maiduguri, calling for a ban on the anti-Boko Haram Civilian Joint TaskForce (CJTF) militia they accuse of abuses after the killing of a rickshaw driver. The protesters blocked major roads in the Suleimanti area of the city and set fires, causing chaos despite pleas from police and military officers, an AFP reporter at the scene saw. “We want the CJTF to be banned from the city because of the abuses we suffer in their hands,” said Suleimanti resident Bukar Saleh. “They have become a law unto themselves and are treating us badly. And now they have started killing us,” Saleh said. The CJTF militia tried to stop the demonstration, attacking protesters with batons and arresting scores of them. The protest erupted hours after a rickshaw driver was shot dead near a militia checkpoint. “The victim was a known resident and his name was Modu but the CJTF just shot him for no reason,” Saleh said. The CJTF i...

Nigeria could not stop Nicolas Dupuis’ men and suffered a humiliating loss in their final group outing at the Alexandria Stadium.  Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr admitted his players were not good enough after their disappointing 2-0 defeat against Madagascar at the 2019 African Cup of Nation (Afcon) on Sunday. The defeat ended the Super Eagles unbeaten run of nine games in the biennial showpiece since 2010. As a result, Nigeria finish Group B as runners-up. Analyses: Izuchukwu Okosi takes a look at the four takeaways from the shocking 2-0 loss suffered by the Super Eagles against Madagascar. Mikel's Off Day There was so much expectations on the shoulder of Mikel ahead of the AFCON but his performance on Sunday left so much to be desired.          Mikel needs to improve subsequently or the call for his retirement will hit the roof top! Ighalo And Etebo Won Tackles. The duo of Odion Ighalo and Og...

Four of the naval officers captured alive were made to introduce themselves while being recorded before they were eventually executed by the terrorist group. e video showed some members of the terrorist group jubilating in one of the ships belonging to the Nigerian Navy in Lake Chad. They shot into the air as a sign of victory, chanting "Allah Akbar" (God is the greatest). Four of the naval officers captured alive were made to introduce themselves while being recorded before they were eventually executed by the terrorist group. Three of the naval officers introduced themselves as Ebirek Adewale with official number X12907, Muhammed Muhammed, and Aliyu Adamu, an excavator operator. The fourth naval officers in the video released by the terrorist group said, “I was drafted from naval Air Wing, Port Harcourt, under the command of Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder to Naval Base, Lake Chad, Baga, Borno State. “Our base was attacked on the 26th to 27th. We are on our w...

Manchester United are reportedly ready to try and hijack Antoine Griezmann's proposed £120million transfer to Barcelona - by warning the striker the Catalan giants would prefer to sign Neymar. Griezmann will definitely leave Atletico Madrid this summer and has agreed personal terms with the Blaugrana - who are set to trigger his release clause next week. But, according to The Sun. United will try and convince the Frenchman that Barca will shelve their plans to sign him if they can lure Neymar back to the Nou Camp. Neymar's future was thrown into doubt after comments made by PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi - who signalled he was fed up of the South America's antics off the pitch.

It has been reported that Cadden has failed to reach an agreement with Motherwell over a new contract and is set to leave the Scottish Premiership in the summer transfer window. Sunderland and Oxford United are claimed to be interested in the midfielder, who will cost less than £200,000 in compensation for clubs outside of Sotland, according to the report.

Preston North End have denied any bids are on the table for their players amid speculation claiming Norwich City had offered £6m for Callum Robinson. Sky Sports News ran a 'yellow bar' story about Norwich being in for Robinson who is about to go into the final 12 months of his contract.

Former Super Eagles defender, Elderson Echiejile, and Finnish club HJK Helsinki have parted ways three months after the player’s arrival at the club, reports Completesports.com. Echiejile only linked up with the Veikkausliiga champions in March this year penning a one-year contract with the club. “HJK and Elderson Echiejile have canceled their contract, and Elderson is longer part of the HJK team. We thank Elderson for his contribution to the team and the club and we wish him all the best in the future. Thanks, Eddy!,” reads a Tweet on the official Twitter handle of the club. Echiejile made five league appearances for HJK during his short spell at the club. He scored twice and provided one assist. The left-back will look to secure a move to another European club for the 2019-20 season. The 31-year-old once had stints at French clubs Stade Rennes and Monaco, as well as Portuguese outfit, Braga. He was a member of the Super Eagles side that conquered the continent at the...

The Super Eagles players under the guidance of manager Gernot Rohr continued their preparations for their final group game against Madagascar at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations with another training session held at the Arab Academy of Science, Technology and Maritime Transport on Friday. Fullbacks Abdullahi Shehu and Jamilu Collins are still rated as doubtful for Sunday's clash as they sat out the full training session and had an individual session with the physiotherapist. After some jogging exercises, Rohr split the squad into two groups of ten players each, one wore red training bibs and the other team just wore the black half vests over their green jerseys. In the team wearing bibs were : Daniel Akpeyi (goalkeeper), Kenneth Omeruo, Moses Simon, Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Kalu, Samuel Chukwueze, Obi Mikel, Ahmed Musa, Odion Ighalo and Francis Uzoho as the ninth outfielder. Goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Ola Aina, Leon Balogun, Troost-Ekong, Chidozie Awaziem, John Ogu, Og...

Some Nigerian career ambassadors who have retired from service since 2018 have been retained at their duty posts, collecting millions of dollars in allowances in contravention of extant rules and regulations. A presidency source revealed how President Muhammadu Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, revoked the President’s order to recall the retired ambassadors to Nigeria. SaharaReporters gathered that as of June 2019, no fewer than 25 career ambassadors have retired from service but are still at their posts collecting millions of dollars in taxpayers’ money illegally. They include those in Morocco, Cameroon, Cuba, Austria, Kenya, Belgium, Mali, Indonesia, Philippines, Senegal, Hungary, Czech Republic, among others. SaharaReporters learnt that while other Nigerian ambassadors who retired at the headquarters were asked to disengage immediately, these "favored" retired ambassadors, some of whom are now over 60 years old, and served more than 35 years in service, are...

Guinea star player Naby Keita is doubtful for their crucial last group game at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations against Burundi on Sunday after he suffered an injury in the very physical encounter against the Super Eagles. Keita's ailment is a recurrence of a groin injury he suffered during the semifinal of the Champions League against Barcelona on May 1. In the first half, the former RB Leipzig midfielder was in pains after a clash of legs with Kenneth Omeruo and he went down again after a challenge by Wilfred Ndidi before he subbed out in the 70th minute.  In a statement, the Guinean Football Federation have blasted the Super Eagles players for injuring Keita.  ''The victim of several blows against Nigeria, Naby Keita saw the doctor on Thursday,'' FEGUIFOOT stated. ''Although there is no serious injury, Naby is very uncertain for the match against Burundi. ''He was left at the hotel to continue receiving treatment, whi...

Alex Iwobi believes Manchester City will win their third Premier League title in a row next season and says Arsenal must secure Champions League qualification to consider next year a success. The 23-year-old made 35 appearances in the Premier League last season, the most of his career, but was left disappointed after Arsenal won just one of their last five games to finish fifth and were also defeated in the Europa League final. City edged Liverpool to the title in a thrilling race, and Iwobi believes Pep Guardiola's side will repeat the feat next season and deserve their tag as favourites. "Everyone thought that last season, but Liverpool give them a tough challenge as well," he said. "So, you never know what could happen. I’m sure every club’s going to invest and try and get their team right. Pre-season’s coming up really soon, so everyone’s trying to get ready for the season to start. "It’s hard to say right now whether Man City are going to dom...

Stunning: The actress looked incredible in the vintage-inspired look as she arrived at the St. Yeghiche Armenian Apostolic Church in Kensington for the ceremony with David (right) looking dapper in a black tuxedo As Katharine arrived for her second wedding, the star highlighted her beautiful figure in the princess-style Zac Posen gown which boasted a fitted bodice that flowed into an enormous ruffled skirt. The Scorpion star pulled her brunette tresses into a sleek low bun, into which she clipped a matching ruffled veil as she made her way into the church to exchange her vows. Katharine was every inch the blushing bride as she made a glamorous arrival for the ceremony, as she finished her beautiful look with matching silver heels. Katharine's big day came after she took to Instagram to pay a sweet tribute to now-husband David, as at the time they were just hours away from tying the knot. In her pre-wedding post, Katharine shared a clip of her cover of the W...

Willian has backed Frank Lampard to succeed as Chelsae's manager if the club legend is eventually appointed at Stamford Bridge this summer. The Blues are in talks to make Lampard their new boss after being given permission to speak to their former midfielder by current club Derby. He is expected to take charge in the coming days and the 41-year-old will replace Maurizio Sarri, who returned to Italy and joined Juventus earlier this month. Willian, who played with Lampard during the 2013/14 season for the Blues, believes that his appointment will be successful for the club. 'Is he definitely going to be the next manager? I don't know, 'But I think he would be up to the task. 'He was a great player, and he is a great person. He's only starting his managerial career now, but he has everything it takes to be a success.'

Real Madrid may have to pay as much as £150m up front to sign France midfielder Paul Pogba, 26, from Manchester United. Arsenal are willing to listen to offers for Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but the 30-year-old is unlikely to join Manchester United or Liverpool. Ivory Coast forward Wilfried Zaha has asked Crystal Palace to let him join Arsenal. The Eagles value the 26-year-old at £80m.  Chelsea plan to announce Derby manager Frank Lampard as their new boss before the Blues players return for pre-season training next week. Manchester United are confident they can secure deals for Newcastle's 21-year-old English midfielder Sean Longstaff and Sporting and Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes, 24. Gareth Bale could remain at Real Madrid with the club struggling to find a buyer for the 29-year-old. The Wales forward has told Real Madrid boss Zine...

These soldiers carry 2 weapons: A firearm to fulfil a dangerous mission & a camera to share the truth. In a time when disinformation moves fast, combat cameramen — & now for the 1st time ever — camera WOMEN must get the truth out even faster... & that's exactly what they’ll do.

Leeds United are reportedly interested in a loan move for Chelsea defender Jake Clarke-Salter and he could be a hit at Elland Road if he joins. The  Sun  reports that the Whites want to take him on a season-long loan, but fear that Frank Lampard will block a deal if he takes charge of Chelsea. It is understood that Lampard could become the next manager at Stamford Bridge and Leeds had a run-in with him last season over Spygate while he was in charge of Derby County. It remains to be seen where the centre-back will be playing his football next season, but it could make sense for all parties if he moves to Yorkshire. The defender captained England’s Young Lions at the Under-21s European Championships this summer and has so much potential.

The Guardian clams that the Reds are not interested in signing the latter, despite contrary reports. Camacho has long been linked with a move back to Portugal and after completing a £7 million deal to join Sporting, many suspected that he was being used as a sweetener. There had been various reports emerging from Portugal that suggested that Liverpool were eager to sign the player, who has also been linked with Tottenham, Manchester United and City this summer. Fernandes is certainly a man in demand and looks set to leave Sporting in the coming weeks, but his next destination remains unclear. The 24-year-old scored 20 times for Sporting last season and registered a further 13 assists in the league, so it is easy to see why so many teams are clamouring to sign him.

Chelsea ought to slam the door on Bayern Munich following their disrespectful offer for youngster Callum Hudson-Odoi. The Daily Mail   report that the Bundesliga heavyweights have tabled a £22.4M offer for the 18-year-old. Yes, you read that right. Hudson-Odoi is considered one of the hottest prospects in the country, with Bayern’s offer falling drastically short of our valuation. While the Bavarian side may have figured there’d be hope of landing him on the cheap due to his contract situation, this offer is derisory. The BBC   reported at the time of Eden Hazard’s transfer to Real Madrid that the deal could end up being worth as much as £150M. Hazard too had just one year left to run on his contract, but Real Madrid recognised that wouldn’t factor into the thinking of Marina Granovskaia. We are not a club desperate to raise funds, thus treating us like we are is a waste of time. Bayern should have realised this sooner. A £22.4M offer is downright disrespect...

The 22-year-old started only 13 games in La Liga last season and has been heavily linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu this summer. Reports in Spain claim that Madrid would be open to a loan deal with both Arsenal and Tottenham heavily linked with a move for the midfielder. Ceballos has been one of Spain’s standout performers during their European Under-21 Championship campaign this month and the midfielder has suggested that he could be leaving Madrid for a temporary spell. Arsenal and Tottenham have been heavily linked with Ceballos (Getty Images)

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been linked with a shock move to Manchester United   after reports in Italy claimed he wants a move. Arsenal missed out on Champions League qualification which could place Aubameyang's future in doubt - but the Gunners have hinted he is set to stay put. Aubameyang featured heavily in their new kit launch video by Adidas, which leaked online on Thursday evening as rumours he could depart started to emerge. The Gabon international was seen enjoying breakfast with strike partner Alexandre Lacazette in north London and then appeared again under the closing tagline "this is home". Aubameyang also re-affirmed his commitment to the Gunners earlier this month when he discussed his initial excitement when he joined the club from Borussia Dortmund.

Suspected members of Boko Haram Islamic sect last Monday attacked two Borno State villages killing 29 persons. In the deadlier of the two attacks, the terrorist group attacked Ngamgam in Mobbar Local Government Area of the state killing 20 farmers. Ngamgam is about 50 kilometres east of Damasak, the Secretariat of Mobbar, which has border with Niger Republic, another country in the Lake Chad Basin troubled by Boko Haram and its sister organisation, Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP). Sources told THISDAY that the attack was a punishment on the people of the village for allegedly leaking information on their operations to the military. The source said: “The terrorists stormed the settlement in about five pickup vans and motorcycles, first accusing the villagers of divulging information on their operations to the military, thereby taking side with the military in the ongoing war against them.” He added: “They (Boko Haram) told the villagers pointblank that that ...

The federal government Thursday denied the allegation by the Northern Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration was practising bigotry and alienating Christians. It also denied that the Boko Haram terrorism has link with the official policy of the government, stressing that the violent acts by the terrorist group predated the Buhari administration, like many others that were inherited on coming to office in 2015. The response by the federal government was contained in a letter to the British Parliamentary Group, signed by Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the UK, Justice George Oguntade. Two letters were addressed to Rt. Rev. Philip Mounstephen, a former Secretary of the Church Missionary Society (CMS) and now Head, “Independent Review of Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Support of Persecuted Christians, “and Baroness Berridge, the Chair of “All Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion or Belief.” According to a pre...