Nigeria Immigration confirms  Bobrisky’s arrest 

The Nigeria Immigration Service has confirmed the arrest of Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, at the Seme border while he was attempting to leave the country. In a statement issued by DCI KT Udo Service Public Relations Officer. “In keeping with its commitment to securing the borders, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) intercepted Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju otherwise known as Bobrisky at the Seme Border over an attempt to Exit the Country. “The Service wishes to inform the public that OKUNEYE IDRIS is a person of interest over recent issues of public concern. He is undergoing interrogation and will be handed over to the appropriate Authorities for further action. “The Service assures the public that it will continue to be civil and professional in its statutory responsibility of manning the Country’s Borders.”

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Dangote now 65th richest person worldwide with $28bn

Nigerian business mogul, Aliko Dangote, remains the richest man in Africa. Dangote is also ranked the 65th richest man in the world. Bloomberg, in its latest Top 500 Billionaires Index released on Thursday, revealed that Dangote with a wealth of $28 billion had his wealth increased significantly after the commencement of operations of his newly built Petrochemical refinery, said to be worth over $20 billion. This new ranking is the highest the renowned entrepreneur has risen. He was previously ranked 83rd in 2022. No African is close to Dangote’s latest ranking as Johann Rupert, of South Africa is 174 on the world list, with a wealth of $13.6bn and Nicky Oppenheimer also of South Africa is number 224 on the world list with a wealth of $11.6bn. Other Africans on the list are: South Africa’s Natie Karsh, number 297 in the world with a wealth of $9.25bn, Egypt’s Nassef Sawiris on number 302 in the world with a wealth of $9.16bn, and Naguib Sawiris also of Egypt with a wealth of $7.37bn on number 407 in the world. Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are the richest in the world with $242 billion and $210 billion respectively in their kitties while Mark Zuckerberg and Larry Ellison followed respectively with $204 billion and $185 billion on the world’s billionaires’ chart.

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EFCC, NAPTIP join forces against money laundering 

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr Ola Olukoyede has expressed the readiness of the Commission to work closely with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, in order to tackle the scourge of Money Laundering more fiercely. He gave this indication in Abuja when the Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Bello Adamu, led the management team of the agency on a courtesy visit to  Olukoyede at the corporate headquarters of the Commission.  The EFCC’s boss explained that there was a strong linkage between human trafficking and money laundering and that all efforts should be made to confront and conquer the two crimes together. “There’s a very strong nexus between human trafficking and money laundering. Wherever human trafficking takes place, there will definitely be money laundering, so that makes it necessary for us to work together,” he said. While assuring NAPTIP of EFCC’s support, he pledged the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that the relationship is further strengthened for optimal outcomes, noting that NAPTIP plays a critical role in Nigeria’s economic development and good international image. “Even though there’s an existing relationship, the essence of enhanced collaboration is to strengthen it and take it to a higher level. So, we will always be willing to collaborate with you, especially in areas like joint investigation, public awareness, resource mobilization, and manpower development as you have requested. The mandate of your agency is critical to our economic development and in giving a good international reputation to our country. So we will always be willing to support and to collaborate with you,” he said. Earlier in her remark, Bello pointed out that “the key points for this visit today are to seek collaboration on joint investigation, cybercrime and online trafficking investigation because this kind of crime involves a lot of finances, intelligence sharing, and capacity building, public awareness, and resource mobilization. I need all the support that will make us succeed in this fight so as to curtail the menace of human trafficking and violence against persons to the barest minimum,” she said. She noted that NAPTIP has been working closely with the EFCC since its inception, adding that “because of that, we think it is very important to come and present ourselves again before the Executive Chairman, particularly regarding the fight against human trafficking.”  She recalled that the landmark conviction her agency got in 2022, involving a transnational human trafficking syndicate operating between Nigeria and European countries was achieved through a robust collaboration with the EFCC, adding that “Previous joint efforts also yielded notable results, such as the 2021 rescue operation that liberated 500 human trafficking victims from Libya, Europe, and the Middle East, and the 2020 partnership that resulted in the arrest of several traffickers and the recovery of over N100 million illicit funds.”

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Senate passes vote of confidence on Akpabio 

The Nigerian Senate, on Thursday, passed a Vote of Confidence on Godswill Akpabio, reiterating loyalty in his leadership as President of the red chamber. The lawmakers also passed a confidence Vote on the entire leadership of the 10th Senate. Repots claimed that the assurances of loyalty to the leadership of Akpabio by the senators followed social media reports on Wednesday, that some aggrieved senators from the North planned to impeach the Senate President. While the the Presidency and the upper chamber refuted the reports, the Senate also directed its Committee on Special Duties chaired by Shehu Kaka to investigate and reports findings within 24 hours.

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Ademola Lookman makes African Footballer of the Year final shortlist

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially revealed the final three-man shortlist for the highly anticipated CAF Player of the Year award. Ahead of the grand ceremony in Marrakesh, the original ten-man list has been narrowed down to just three players, recognized for their outstanding contributions to both their clubs and national teams. These players were shortlisted due to their stellar contributions on the field, making them top contenders for Africa’s most prestigious football award. The following players made the final cut: Ademola Lookman (Nigeria): The Super Eagles and Atalanta winger, Ademola Lookman, earned his place on the shortlist due to his exceptional performances for both club and country. In the 2023/2024 season, the 26-year-old helped his team win the UEFA Europa League and was also named Atalanta’s Player of the Year. Victor Boniface (Nigeria): The Super Eagles and Bayer Leverkusen striker, Victor Boniface, played a crucial role for both his club and national team. During the 2023/2024 season, the highly regarded forward secured victories in the Bundesliga, the German Cup, and the German Super Cup. Brahim Diaz (Morocco): Moroccan and Real Madrid playmaker Brahim Diaz was equally instrumental in his club’s and country’s successes. The 25-year-old enjoyed a stellar 2023/2024 season, winning the Spanish La Liga title, the UEFA Champions League, the Spanish Super Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup.

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Dominican Republic 2024: Flamingos breeze past New Zealand

Nigeria coasted to a 4-1 victory over flummoxed New Zealand as the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals rolled into action in Santiago de los Caballeros on Wednesday. Shakirat Moshood scored one of the competition’s fastest goals since it was launched 16 years ago, when she rounded the defence of the girls from Down Under to score the first goal after only 80 seconds at the CFC Stadium. The precocious Faridat Abdulwahab rocked the crossbar seven minutes later from 23 yards, and in the 13th minute, Nigeria went two goals up when defender Taiwo Adegoke’s shot from well outside the box was misjudged by the goalkeeper who palmed the ball over the line before scrambling in vain to push it out. A check with the Video Assistant Referee confirmed that the ball had, indeed, crossed the line. Firing from all cylinders, Nigeria again rattled the opposing goalkeeper in the 17th minute, with a sharp shot from Moshood that was punched over the bar. Four minutes later, Peace Effiong, all over the pitch, heaved the ball too high from six yards. In the 26th minute, Harmony Chidi rounded the goalkeeper who made a great block on the second attempt. Captain Taiwo Afolabi stung the goalkeeper’s palms from close range in the 28th minute, and from the resultant corner kick, Abdulwahab easily lifted the ball over the goalie from 16 yards for Nigeria’s third goal. In the second half, the Flamingos continued their raid on the opposition goal, and eight minutes into the restart, it was 4-0 after Afolabi’s looping header from Adegoke’s cross from the right sailed over the goalkeeper into the net. On the hour, Saxon scored a goal right from the training ground, collecting the ball from a corner kick and doing a smart turn to shoot past goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma, thus pulling one back for the New Zealanders. Although Chidi, Nigeria’s top scorer from the qualifying series, was again foiled in the 75thminute, the Flamingos finished on the ascendancy and will look forward to another three points against debutants Ecuador on Saturday, that will take them to the tournament’s knockout stage.  

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AFCONQ: Super Eagles land in Nigeria 

Super Eagles players and officials have returned safely from Libya to Nigeria. The team landed at Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano about 6.01pm.  “Super Eagles finally return to Nigeria.  “Just landed in Kano,” NFF source hinted.  The former African champions boarded a flight back to Nigeria after 13-hour delay at Libyan airport on Monday..  The former African champions were billed to play the second leg of the AFCON 2025 qualifier against Libyan national team on Tuesday but were refused entry by authorities at the airport.  Having waited patiently at the airport for over 13 hours, the Nigerian side returned home without kicking a ball. 

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AFCONQ: Super Eagles head back to Nigeria 

Members of the Super Eagles have boarded a flight back to Nigeria after 13-hour delay at Libyan airport on Sunday.  The former African champions were billed to play the second leg of the AFCON 2025 qualifier against Libyan national team on Tuesday but were refused entry by authorities at the airport.  Having waited patiently at the airport for over 13 hours, the Nigerian side resolved to return home without kicking a ball.  Members of the William Troost-Ekong team are going through process of the immigration to board the available flight back home.  Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has also wished the team safe journey back home.  “Super Eagles team now boarding . Journey mercies to all of them,” She wished the Eagles.  Super Eagles’ player, Bruno Onyemaechi also emphatically said he is done with the tie against Libya.  “Me and Libya I done washed my hands commot nothing concern me and una again thank God going back home,” the Boavista of Portugal player stated. 

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