Yahaya Bello’s Wednesday Court Appearance Seen as Last Opportunity Amid ₦80.2 Billion Allegations

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is set to appear in Federal High Court on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, to respond to charges of money laundering involving ₦80.2 billion. This court appearance, after numerous missed sessions, is viewed as his “last opportunity” to enter a plea on the 19-count charges levied by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Bello’s continued avoidance of court dates and a prior arrest warrant issued in April escalated tensions, culminating in a standoff with security forces. His media aide insists that Bello has “nothing to hide,” but sources suggest Wednesday’s session is critical for his legal defense.

Notorious Bandit Leader Killed in Gang Conflict in Kaduna

Kachalla Tukur Sharme, a notorious bandit leader responsible for the 2021 abduction of 121 students from Bethel Baptist High School in Kaduna, has reportedly been killed. Sharme and other criminals died in a violent clash with a rival gang in the Rijana and Kaso Forests, which span parts of Kachia, Chikun, and Kajuru local government areas.

The Kaduna State government confirmed that the conflict occurred over the weekend, resulting in Sharme’s death. Two other criminals were also killed, and several others were wounded. Sharme had long been a target of security forces due to his involvement in numerous kidnappings, killings, and cattle thefts across Kaduna and neighboring states.

The government urged local residents to report any suspicious individuals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds.

Manchester City’s Rodri Faces Eight-Month Absence Due to ACL Injury

Manchester City midfielder, Rodri, is expected to miss the remainder of the 2024-2025 season after suffering a serious knee injury during their match against Arsenal on Sunday, September 22. The 28-year-old was substituted early in the game after an awkward movement, with initial tests suggesting a torn ACL in his right knee.

Further examinations are pending, but according to ESPN, Rodri will likely require surgery in Barcelona, potentially sidelining him for over eight months. His absence is a significant blow to City, as his outstanding performances have earned him a Ballon d’Or nomination this year.

Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s coach, expressed uncertainty about the severity of the injury after the match but emphasized Rodri’s strength and importance to the team. Despite the setback, Guardiola remains hopeful about the team’s ability to adapt in upcoming fixtures.

PDP Challenges Edo Governorship Election Results in Court

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially rejected the results of the recent Edo State Governorship election, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Monday, the party’s Acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome, claiming that the people of Edo State had voted for their candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.

Damagum called on INEC to rectify what he described as a flawed process, urging the commission to honor the will of the people. He also accused the All Progressives Congress (APC), INEC, and the police of conspiring to manipulate the election.

The PDP intends to challenge the results, which saw APC’s Monday Okpebholo win with 291,667 votes, while PDP’s Ighodalo secured 247,655 votes. Labour Party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata, finished third with 22,763 votes.

Maduka Okoye Reflects on Udinese’s 3-0 Defeat to Roma, Urges Team to Refocus

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, has called on his Udinese teammates to put their 3-0 away defeat to Roma behind them and focus on upcoming matches. Okoye, who was in goal during the Serie A match on September 22, admitted disappointment over the result, marking Udinese’s first loss of the season.

Despite the setback, Okoye stressed the importance of improving team communication and movement. He highlighted the upcoming Coppa Italia match against Salernitana and a crucial Serie A fixture against Inter Milan as opportunities for Udinese to bounce back and demonstrate resilience.

“We played against a great team, but now we must look forward to Salernitana and Inter,” Okoye said.

Patrick Doyle Criticizes ‘I Am A Chosen’ Phrase, Calls It Nonsensical

Veteran Nollywood actor Patrick Doyle has expressed his disapproval of the popular phrase “I am a Chosen,” commonly used by members of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries. In a recent Facebook post, Doyle condemned the phrase, labeling it as “nonsensical” and unrelated to Christian doctrine.

According to Doyle, the phrase is directed toward the church’s leader, rather than Jesus Christ. He warned against associating it with the broader Christian faith, calling it a mockery of the gospel. Doyle’s comments come amid growing discussions about church practices, with fellow celebrities like IK Ogbonna and Kemi Lala Akindoju also calling attention to controversial religious doctrines and practices.

Juventus Eyes January Move for Nigerian Striker Victor Osimhen

Juventus is reportedly preparing to make a bid for Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen during the January transfer window. According to Rai Sports’ Paolo Paganini, the Italian club’s confidence in their current forward, Dusan Vlahovic, has diminished, prompting them to seek alternatives.

Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, has emerged as a top target for Juventus. His contract includes a €75 million release clause, making him a prime candidate to strengthen their attack. Osimhen’s strong relationship with Juventus sporting director Cristiano Guintoli may further facilitate the transfer.

Since joining Galatasaray in September 2024, the 25-year-old striker has already made an impact, providing assists in both of his appearances for the Turkish champions.

EFCC Issues Final Ultimatum to Yahaya Bello Over ₦80.2 Billion Money Laundering Case

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has given former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, a last chance to appear in court and defend himself against ₦80.2 billion money laundering allegations. The EFCC set a deadline for his court appearance on Wednesday after rejecting his earlier attempts to surrender, citing concerns over the authenticity of his motives. Bello is facing 19 charges, and the commission warned that further delays could worsen his case, urging him to comply with legal proceedings.

Health Benefits of Apples: Why You Should Eat the Peel

Apples, scientifically known as Malus domestica, are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. These fruits are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, all of which contribute to good health. A key question for many is whether to eat apples with or without the peel.

Nutritionally, apple peels are highly beneficial. They contain a significant amount of fiber, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. The peel is also rich in vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin A, as well as antioxidants like quercetin, which help fight inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.

In short, if you’re looking to get the most out of apples, eating the peel is a great choice for boosting your nutrient intake.

Rising Power Subsidy Signals Potential Electricity Tariff Increase

Electricity customers on Band A feeders should prepare for a possible tariff hike as the government’s electricity subsidy has surged to N181.63 billion in September, up from N102.30 billion in May. This significant rise follows the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) previous removal of subsidies for these customers, who typically receive a minimum of 20 hours of electricity daily.

The subsidy was initially N140.7 billion when the removal was announced in April, leading to a tariff increase to N225 per kilowatt-hour. This decision faced backlash from consumers, including labor unions and educational institutions, as their electricity costs tripled.

After the subsidy briefly dropped in May, the tariff was reduced to N206.80/kWh, but it was subsequently raised to N209/kWh in July as the subsidy climbed again. With the subsidy continuing to rise—recorded at N163.87 billion in July, N173.88 billion in August, and N181.63 billion in September—speculation grows that another tariff increase could be on the horizon in the October Multi-Year Tariff Order.

The ongoing foreign exchange crisis has been a major factor in the subsidy increase, with the dollar exchange rate reaching N1,601.50 in September. NERC has stated that both the dollar rate and inflation significantly influence power production costs.

As of September, the NERC maintains a benchmark gas-to-power price of $2.42/MMBTU, although contracted gas supply and transportation costs are further complicating the situation. Despite rising generation costs, the Federal Government has yet to approve a new tariff hike, potentially due to the current economic hardships faced by citizens.

Power distribution companies (Discos) are increasingly vocal about their financial struggles due to non-cost-reflective tariffs, with some refusing to take additional electricity from the grid. Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has expressed concern over this refusal, noting that it has led to a significant reduction in potential generation capacity.

As the government aims to increase electricity generation to 6,000 megawatts by year-end, the call for a more sustainable tariff structure continues to grow amid the mounting financial pressures on the power sector.