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Tag: NBA

NBA Gambling Arrests Stun League, Expose Mafia Links: What to Know

Kamal Yalwa05 mins

A massive gambling scandal has rocked the National Basketball Association (NBA), leading to the arrests of 34 individuals — including Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former Cleveland Cavaliers player Damon Jones. Federal authorities say the arrests stem from two wide-ranging indictments that expose deep links between professional basketball figures and New York’s organised crime families. The FBI and the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York described the scheme as a “multi-million-dollar cheating conspiracy” involving both illegal sports betting and poker fraud. The scandal comes just as the NBA celebrated the start of a new season and the signing of an $76 billion broadcast deal over 11 years, adding to the shockwaves reverberating through the sport. The Sports Betting SchemeAccording to prosecutors, Terry Rozier and others exploited insider knowledge about player injuries and game absences to place strategic bets on NBA outcomes. The indictment outlines seven games between 2023 and 2024 where hundreds of thousands of dollars were wagered illegally. Authorities allege Rozier used confidential player information — often obtained through personal relationships — to ensure bets would pay off. Interim US Attorney Joseph Nocella said the defendants “misused their access and friendships within the league to corrupt the integrity of professional basketball.” Rozier’s lawyer, however, denies all allegations, insisting his client will contest the charges in court. The Poker-Cheating OperationThe second indictment details a high-stakes poker ring tied to New York’s powerful mafia groups — including the Bonanno, Gambino, Lucchese, and Genovese crime families. Prosecutors claim games were rigged using X-ray poker tables and fake shuffling machines, allowing participants to cheat unsuspecting victims out of more than $7 million. Chauncey Billups was allegedly used as a “face card,” or celebrity lure, to attract wealthy players to the fraudulent poker games. Former player Damon Jones is accused of both supplying insider betting information and helping coordinate poker events. Organised Crime LinksAuthorities say the operation was backed by members of La Cosa Nostra — the long-established Italian-American mafia network. Thirteen associates of the Five Families have also been charged for roles in extortion, money laundering, and facilitating the games. Who’s Involved? Chauncey Billups: Accused of serving as a public draw for the poker ring and participating in multiple games. Terry Rozier: Allegedly provided injury and lineup details for betting schemes. Damon Jones: Accused of insider information leaks and acting as a recruiter for poker games. Fallout for the NBAThe revelations have sparked widespread outrage among fans and players, raising questions about the NBA’s integrity and its handling of sports betting partnerships. League officials have not yet issued formal statements, though sources say internal investigations are underway. The scandal marks one of the most damaging moments in modern US sports history — intertwining professional basketball, organised crime, and gambling in a case that federal agents say “reads like a Hollywood screenplay — but with real victims, real money, and real consequences.”

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Kano Court Orders TikTok Stars Mai Wushirya And Yar Guda To Marry Within 60 Days

NBA Faults Kano Court For Ordering TikTokers Mai Wushirya And Yar-guda To Marry

Wale busari02 mins

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has faulted the ruling of a Kano State Magistrate Court that ordered TikTok creators Ashiru “Mai Wushirya” Idris and Basira Yar-guda to marry within sixty days. The controversial order, issued by Magistrate Halima Wali, directed the Kano State Films and Video Censorship Board to oversee the marriage ceremony and warned that failure to comply would be treated as contempt of court. The ruling came after Mai Wushirya’s arrest and arraignment for appearing in a viral video where he was seen displaying affection toward Yar-guda. Reacting through a statement signed by its President, Mazi Osigwe, and shared on X, the NBA condemned the judgment, describing it as unconstitutional and a violation of the individuals’ fundamental rights. According to the association, no Nigerian court has the authority to compel marriage between unwilling adults. “This order demonstrates a grave misunderstanding of the limits of judicial power under the Nigerian Constitution,” the statement read. “Marriage is a voluntary union between consenting adults and cannot be imposed as punishment, moral correction, or judicial remedy.” The NBA further warned that the decision could damage public confidence in the judiciary and called for an immediate review of the ruling. “The courts exist to uphold justice and protect citizens’ constitutional rights, not to enforce social or moral expectations,” the statement added. The association directed its Citizens’ Liberties Committee and Women’s Forum to monitor the case and ensure that the rule of law is maintained.

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NBA Refutes Selling AGC 2025 Hosting Rights Claims

Fola Badmus03 mins

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has denied selling her 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) hosting rights to Rivers State. Chairman, 2025 NBA AGC Planning Committee, Emeka Obegolu, SAN stated this in a media statement on Monday. The statement reads; “The attention of the Annual General Conference planning committee has been drawn to a statement credited to the Administrator of Rivers State to the effect that Rivers state government paid hosting rights for the hosting of the NBA AGC 2025. “We wish to clarify that the decision to host the 2025 AGC in Portharcourt was taken in August 2024 and was not subject of any bidding process or payment of any hosting rights. The host city has no hosting right and there is no representation by the NBA that the Conference must be held in a chosen city. “Traditionally, because of the enormous cost involved in hosting the AGC, NBA Conference Planning Committee approaches organizations, agencies of government and state governments for support and the support requested for is unconditional and not tied to hosting rights or any rights whatsoever. “Recent NBA conferences have been supported by different state governments, corporate organizations, ministries, departments and agencies whose budgets accommodate corporate social responsibilities and share the same vision with NBA. Such financial supports are in the form of gifts, partnerships or sponsorships. The money from Rivers State was a gift and was not tied to any purported hosting right for the NBA AGC. “We are committed to delivering a world class conference to members of the Bar and will not be drawn into any unnecessary controversy over this issue.” The 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) which has been moved from Portharcourt to Enugu is slated bwetween 22nd and 28th og August.

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Tinubu Should Restore Fubara, Administrator Unconstitutional – NBA

Tinubu Should Reinstate Fubara, Administrator Appointment Unconstitutional – NBA

Fola Badmus03 mins

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has reaffirmed its stance that the removal of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, by President Bola Tinubu is unconstitutional. The association has called on the President to reverse the decision and restore Fubara to office. On Tuesday, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the governor, his deputy, and all members of the House of Assembly due to the ongoing political crisis in the oil-rich state. He subsequently appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator. Speaking on Sunday Politics, NBA President Afam Osigwe condemned the President’s action, insisting that the constitution does not recognize the appointment of a sole administrator. “That is our position and what we expect the President to do — restore Fubara to power, as his removal was unconstitutional,” Osigwe stated. “We do not recognize a sole administrator as the legitimate authority in Rivers State because the appointment itself is unconstitutional.” Osigwe also questioned the legitimacy of the oath of office taken by Ibas. “When I saw him taking the oath, I wondered what kind of oath it was because it’s not one recognized by the constitution,” he said. He compared the President’s response to using a sledgehammer to treat a headache, calling the measures “overreaching, excessive, undemocratic, and above all, unconstitutional.” According to Osigwe, the problem in Rivers State is political and requires a political solution. No Constitutional Gap Some have argued that Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution provides a basis for the President’s action, but Osigwe firmly rejected this claim. “I do not believe Section 305 is unclear; I believe we are simply refusing to apply it correctly,” he said. Although the National Assembly has approved the state of emergency in Rivers State, Osigwe argued that this does not validate the President’s actions. “The National Assembly’s approval is like placing something on nothing,” he asserted.

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NBA calls for immediate release of Dele Farotimi

Fola Badmus03 mins

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has been deeply concerned by the arrest of Dele Farotimi on allegations of libel. In a statement signed the President of NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN urged the security agency to ensure restraints in the enforcement of the law. The statement reads; “While we recognize the powers of the Nigerian Police Force to arrest and investigate crimes, we firmly believe that such powers must be exercised within the confines of the law and in respect of offenses known to law. “It is in this context that we oppose the arrest of Dele Farotimi on allegations of libel, which is not recognized as a criminal offense under the laws of Lagos State. “The Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011 repealed the criminalization of defamation by omitting it from its provisions. “Previously, defamation was criminalized under the Criminal Code applicable in Southern Nigeria. However, Lagos State modernized its criminal law framework through the enactment of the 2011 law, aligning with global best practices that treat defamation as a civil wrong, not a criminal offense. “This position was emphatically affirmed by the Supreme Court in Aviomoh v. Commissioner of Police & Anor (2021), where Justice Helen Ogunwumiju held that defamation ceased to be a criminal offense in Lagos State following the enactment of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011. “Furthermore, the Nigerian Police Force derives its powers to arrest and investigate crimes under Sections 4 and 24 of the Police Act, 2020. These provisions mandate the Police to act only in respect of conduct that constitutes a criminal offense under Nigerian law. Arresting individuals for non-criminal matters, such as defamation in Lagos State, is a clear violation of these legal principles and an affront to the rule of law.” The NBA unequivocally demanded the immediate release of Dele Farotimi and calls on the Nigerian Police Force to exercise its powers responsibly and strictly in accordance with the law. “We also urge all law enforcement agencies to prioritize respect for human rights and adherence to the principles of legality, as these are foundational to the administration of justice and the protection of citizens.”

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