Nigerians groan as cash scarcity compounds hardship (Vanguard)
A resurgence of widespread and intense cash rationing by banks have compounded the severe economic challenges confronting Nigerians driven by high prices of goods and services.
The House of Representatives, however, asked the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to urgently address the situation which has disrupted economic activities, causing significant hardship to citizens.
Vanguard’s investigation revealed cash withdrawal limits ranging from N5,000 to N10,000 in most bank branches for over-the-counter and automated teller machine (ATM) transactions. Read more
Tinubu appoints new accountant general of the federation (VON)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Mr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the Acting Accountant General of the Federation (AGF).
A statement by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on Mr. Ogunjimi’s appointment stated that his assumption of office is effective immediately, following the pre-retirement leave of the incumbent AGF, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein.
In announcing Madein’s successor, President Tinubu ensures a seamless transition in the administration of Nigeria’s treasury and consolidates the implementation of the present administration’s treasury policy reforms. Read more
3 arrested with fake notes worth N129b (DailyTrust)
The Kano State Police Command has arrested three persons for being in possession of counterfeit currencies amounting to N129,542,826,000.
The Command’s Spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, revealed this while addressing journalists at a press briefing on Tuesday.
“Counterfeit currencies equivalent to a total sum of N129,542,823,000:00 were recovered,” Kiyawa said.
The PPRO gave the breakdown of the fake currencies as $3,366,000, CFA51,970,000 and N1,443,000.
He added that the two individuals arrested with the money and the person from who they were stolen stole had been apprehended and are in police custody, helping with investigation on the actual producers of the counterfeit money. Read more
Immigration names centre after Tinubu (Nation)
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has named its command and control centre after President Bola Tinubu.
The Controller General of the NIS, Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap, announced this at the inauguration of the Centre in Abuja on Tuesday by the President.
“It is both an honour and a privilege to stand before you today, as we mark a momentous occasion in the history of the Nigeria Immigration Service and, indeed, in the development of our great nation.
“Today, we gather to commission the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex—BATTIC—here at the NIS Headquarters,” Mrs Nandap said. Read more
3 Ogun firm’s workers arraigned for N22m energy theft (Punch)
The trio of Sikiru Oyedokun aged 50, 46-year-old Oladimeji Monsuru and 33-year-old Abraham Ebenezer working with ATC Nigeria Base Station, Ogijo were on Tuesday dragged before Ogun State Magistrate Court, Sagamu, over the fraudulent appropriation of 165,033.18 Kilo Watt of electricity valued at N22,887,474.28 being the property of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company.
The offence was said to have been committed between September 17, 2019, to May 5, 2022, and August 3, 2023, to December 5, 2024, at Site ID: No. OG0061, ATC Nigeria Base Station in Ogijo, in the Sagamu Magisterial district
The suspects were arraigned on two-count charges of fraudulent appropriation of electricity, an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code laws of Ogun State of Nigeria 2006 as well as unlawful diversion of electricity power, an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 400 of the Criminal Code laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2006. Read more
New Constitution: Funding hampering activities of The Patriots —Wale Okunniyi, sec (Tribune)
Lack of funds is slowing down the concerted efforts by the group The Patriots, a group of elder statesmen and leaders of thought in the country, to build a national consensus towards producing a people’s constitution, the national secretary, Comrade Wale Okunniyi has said.
He spoke to the Nigerian Tribune at the weekend following the apparent slow pace of the operations of the body after it inaugurated a 17-man advocacy committee in August.
But he informed that the leaders are reaching out to critical stakeholders across the country on the move to give Nigerians a widely acceptable constitutional framework. Read more
Skymit Motors showcases all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class in Ikoyi (Independent)
Skymit Motors Limited, the authorised Mercedes-Benz Dealership in Nigeria has unveiled the all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class at Banana Island Estate’s annual Starlight Night, which was held recently.
Skymit, which has about 40 years experience of operating in Nigeria, shares the mission of promoting the “brand with the star” as well as providing Nigerians with exceptional service.
A statement by Olayinka Daniels, the Public Relations & Social Media Executive, Weststar Associates Ltd, Authorised General Distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria, said that the residents of Banana Island Estate enjoyed a special showcase of the all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, along with other vehicles from the Mercedes-Benz Top-End Vehicle (TEV) portfolio. Read more
Protesters storm Lagos gov’s office over planned monarch imposition (Punch)
Residents of Ajah in Lagos State have sent a distress call to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, over the planned imposition of a new traditional leader in the community.
This was expressed in a peaceful protest, which took place at the Governor’s Office on Monday morning.
The protest is the second in two weeks, following a similar one at the Lagos State House of Assembly on November 28. Read more
Jennifer Love Hewitt teases I Know What You Did Last Summer sequel (EW)
“What are you waiting for, huh?”
Fans of the 1997 movie I Know What You Did Last Summer are probably asking the same thing that actress Jennifer Love Hewitt memorably yelled into the street, only their question is about the promised sequel. EW confirmed in February 2023 that Sony was in talks with Hewitt and costar Freddie Prinze Jr. to reprise their roles.
“I will say it is truly such an honor, at 45, to even be invited back,” Hewitt told Variety in an interview published Monday. “To be thought of in that way, to not just move on to the newer, better, younger versions, but [to be offered] to come back and play that part is really cool. We’re trying really hard to make it work. We’re so close, guys! I promise I’ll make a fun announcement, and it’ll be amazing.” Read more
Henry Cavill makes special pilgrimage to mark ‘‘incredible’’ Warhammer news (Independent)
Henry Cavill’s “Warhammer 40,000” television show has officially been given the green light after Games Workshop finalised a deal with Amazon.
The Man of Steel and Mission Impossible: Fallout star has been linked to a “Warhammer” television series since 2022, when an agreement between Amazon and the game’s creators, Games Workshop, was first reported.
However, IGN reported in July that Games Workshop and Amazon have until December to agree to “creative guidelines” or the show might not happen. Read more
REEF announce ‘‘Replenish’’ 30th anniversary UK tour (NME)
REEF have announced details of a new UK tour, celebrating 30 years of ‘‘Replenish’’.
The upcoming tour dates will see the UK rock band celebrate the album that first put them on the map three decades ago, and saw them reach the Top 10 on the charts.
Comprising 13 shows across the country next year, the tour kicks off on October 16 with an opening slot at the Rock City venue in Nottingham, before continuing with stops at Glasgow’s SWG3 and UAE in Norwich on October 17 and 18 respectively. Read more
Murdoch loses bid to change trust in real-life ‘Succession’ battle (BBC)
A real-life “Succession” battle for Rupert Murdoch’s media empire has ended with a Nevada court commissioner denying the billionaire’s bid to change a family trust and give control to his eldest son.
The case pitted the 93-year-old against three of his children over who would gain the power to control News Corp and Fox News when he dies.
It has been reported that Mr Murdoch wanted to amend a family trust created in 1999 to allow his son Lachlan to take control without “interference” from his siblings Prudence, Elisabeth and James. Read more
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu testifies in corruption trial (UPI)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave testimony on Tuesday in his years-long corruption trail in Tel Aviv, and the country remained at war with Hamas and Hezbollah.
Netanyahu, who became the first sitting prime minister to stand trial on criminal charges, is accused of fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes.
Calling the charges “absurdness,” Netanyahu said he is prepared to defend himself against the complaints against him. Read more
France flies out 2 Mirage fighter jets from Chad to signal beginning of military withdrawal (ABC)
France flew out the two Mirage fighter jets it had stationed in Chad on Tuesday, signaling the beginning of the withdrawal of its military forces from the former French colony in Central Africa that last month broke off its defense cooperation agreement with Paris.
The pair of Mirage 2000-D fighters took off after midday from a French base in the capital, N’Djamena, after Chadian military forces came to wish them farewell, and were returning to a French air force base in Nancy in eastern France, French military spokesman Col. Guillaume Vernet said.
He added that negotiations with Chadian authorities were continuing on how and when France might withdraw other members of its 1,000-strong force in Chad, and whether all or just some of them will leave. Read more
Jamie Foxx in tears as he finally reveals health battle after months of silence (Mirror)
Django Unchained actor Jamie Fox was hospitalised in April last year after suffering a mystery “medical complication”
Jamie Foxx has revealed for the first time exactly what happened during his terrifying health crisis last year.
The actor broke down in tears as he revealed that he suffered a stroke caused by a bleed on the brain. Jamie, 56, said he ‘saw a tunnel’ and believed he was dying after ‘losing 20 days.’ Read more
Simon excited on Nantes’ winning goal against Rennes (Nation)
Nigerian winger Moses Simon has stressed that his goal against Stade de Rennes on Sunday was scored at the right moment in Nantes derby win over their neighbours in the French Ligue One tie.
The Canaries secured their third win of the season in the French Ligue One and it was the Nigerian International who netted the only goal of the game in the 89th minute of the game.
Simon had to dribble through two defenders before he scored the goal and the Nigerian was overwhelmed with emotions after scoring the goal. Read more
Romero criticises Spurs board for lack of spending (BBC)
Tottenham defender Cristian Romero has criticised the club’s board for a lack of investment following the disappointing 4-3 loss at home to Chelsea.
Spurs let a 2-0 lead slip on Sunday and Ange Postecoglou’s side have now won just one of their past seven games in all competitions.
Speaking to Spanish broadcaster Telemundo Deportes following the defeat, Argentina international Romero said a lack of spending is seeing the club fall behind their rivals. Read more
Man City’s 115 charges: Possible decision date “revealed” as 12-week Premier League hearing concludes (SportsMole)
Manchester City have reportedly discovered when the outcome of their hearing into the 115 charges for alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules could be announced.
The Citizens were charged by the Premier League in February 2023 with breaking financial rules between 2009 and 2018 following a four-year investigation.
Man City, who have emphatically denied the charges against them, are alleged to have failed to provide accurate financial information relating to sponsorship income, revenue and operating costs, as well as full details of players’ wages over a six-season period and the earnings of former manager Roberto Mancini during his time at the club. Read more
Sir Jim Ratcliffe “axes” new role at Manchester United after Dan Ashworth successors “decided’’ (MEN)
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly decided to axe the role of sporting director at Manchester United altogether following the sacking of Dan Ashworth on Saturday.
Ashworth had been the club’s first-ever sporting director but lasted just five months in the role before being relieved of his duties. The 53-year-old was told that his contract would be terminated after Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.
United forked out £3 million to land Ashworth from Newcastle United, who had placed him on gardening leave over the summer. He will be due dismissal compensation, just like Erik ten Hag. Read more
World Champion Cyclist pleads guilty over car incident which killed his Olympic Cyclist wife (People)
Olympic cyclist Rohan Dennis has reportedly pleaded guilty to a charge related to the death of his wife — and fellow olympian — Melissa Hoskins.
Australian sports star Dennis, 34, who is a former world champion cyclist, was driving a car that struck Hoskins on Dec. 30, 2023, reported multiple outlets including the BBC, Sydney Morning Herald and The Guardian.
She later died from the injuries she sustained in the incident and on Tuesday, Dec. 10, Dennis admitted the aggravated charge of “creating likelihood of harm,” per multiple outlets. This reportedly carries a maximum sentence of seven years. Read more
Jake Paul immediately responds to Tommy Fury making rematch demands (Express)
Jake Paul has found himself on the receiving end of a sharp rebuke from Tommy Fury, with the British fighter urging the American YouTube star to get on the phone for serious talks about a potential rematch.
Despite having beaten Paul last year by split decision in Saudi Arabia, delivering him his first professional defeat, Fury is keen on a rematch if the terms are right. He clapped back at claims he’s avoiding a fight, taking to social media to set the record straight.
“Right, so I’ve just woken up and seen Logan Paul talk on his podcast yet again about how I don’t want to fight Jake and that I’m running scared. I’ve seen Jake tweet the other day about how he offered me x,y,z on Netflix. I just wanted to come on here and say that no one here is running from this fight,” Fury declared. Read more