By Matthew OguneJustice Chukujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos has ordered the final forfeiture of five properties linked to a former Managing Director, Nigerian Army Properties Limited, (NAPL), Major-General U.M.Mohammed. The properties are No.8b, Bedwell Road, Ikoyi; No.3, Force Road, Ikoyi, Lagos; No.14, Glover Road, Ikoyi, Lagos; No.6, Marina, Ikoyi, Lagos and No. 28, Point Road, Apapa, Lagos. EFCC said its investigation revealed that the properties were fraudulently misappropriated and the proceeds of the sale diverted for personal use. Moving the application for the final forfeiture of the properties on Wednesday, Mohammed told the court that the Commission had complied with the order of the court regarding the publication.

Nigerians rejoiced on Monday following reports that the three-year travel ban to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had been lifted. However, this excitement was short-lived as the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated that the resolution came with “mutually beneficial” conditions. According to Idris, one of the conditions involves obtaining a Document Verification Number (DVN), a specialized service designed to authenticate and verify documents essential for UAE visa applications. Also, Nigerians must provide proof of a six-month bank statement with a minimum balance of $10,000 to obtain a UAE visa. Regarding the requirement for a $10,000 bank balance, the directorate stated: “We are not aware of such requirements.

Ghana’s Supreme Court on Wednesday deferred its ruling on a request to restrain parliament from transmitting a highly contested anti-LGBTQ bill to President Nana Akufo-Addo for his final approval. Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, chairing the five-member Supreme Court panel, said the court will expedite the case. Broadcaster Richard Dela Sky is contesting the constitutionality of the bill, arguing it violates several provisions of the 1992 Constitution. Akufo-Addo, who is stepping down after two terms, has refused to approve the bill, citing the multiple court cases against it. The bill, commonly referred to as the anti-gay bill, has faced widespread international condemnation, including from the United Nations, the United States, and the British government.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Didi Esther Walson-Jack as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, with effect from August 14, 2024. Prior to her new role, Walson-Jack was the permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education. She was also appointed as Permanent Secretary in 2017 and has served in several ministries. “The new appointee will take over from the incumbent Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, CFR, who is due to retire on August 13, 2024,” the statement read. “President Tinubu, while thanking the outgoing Head of Service for her stewardship, tasks the incoming Head of Service to discharge her duties with innovative flair, integrity, and stringent adherence to the extant rules and regulations of the Civil Service of the Federation,” the statement read.

Hyundai Exter Hy-CNG Duo vs Tata Punch iCNG: SpecsBoth the Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch offer CNG powertrains mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. In terms of claimed mileage, the Hyundai Exter Hy-CNG Duo edges out the Tata Punch iCNG with a figure of 27.1 km/kg compared to 26.99 km/kg. Watch: Tata Punch vs Hyundai Exter: 5 features that set them apart from each otherHyundai Exter Hy-CNG Duo vs Tata Punch iCNG: FeaturesThe Tata Punch iCNG holds a significant advantage in safety ratings, achieving a coveted 5-star rating for adult occupant protection and 4 stars for child occupant protection from Global NCAP testing. Hyundai Exter Hy-CNG Duo vs Tata Punch iCNG: PriceThe Hyundai Exter Hy-CNG Duo Hy-CNG Duo is available in three variants – S (priced at ₹8.50 lakh), SX (priced at ₹9.23 lakh) and SX Knight (priced at ₹9.38 lakh).The Hyundai Exter Hy-CNG Duo enters the market with a starting price of Rs. 47,000 more expensive than the most expensive Hyundai Exter Hy-CNG Duo variant.

King Charles III will outline Labour’s first programme for government in a decade and a half on Wednesday when the United Kingdom parliament formally reopens following the July 4 election. “Now is the time to take the brakes off Britain,” said Starmer, who led his party to a landslide win over the Conservatives. Wearing the diamond-studded Imperial State Crown and a long crimson robe, King Charles will deliver the proposals from a golden throne in the House of Lords upper chamber during a lavish ceremony. Footage showed the king leaving Buckingham Palace, escorted by mounted cavalry, en route to the Houses of Parliament. In keeping with the convention that the monarch is above politics, keen environmentalist King Charles remained expressionless during the last address in November when then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government announced new oil and gas licences.

The Kano state government has declared its determination to eradicate all kinds of malnutrition among pregnant women, adolescent girls, lactating mothers, and children under the age of five. “The Kano state government will do everything possible to support and enhance nutritional outcomes in the communities, through not only academic concepts but practical tools that have the power to transform the lives of the good people of the state,” the statement read. The training aimed to refresh and provide knowledge of Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) to health workers from various cadres, including academia, medical associations, and representatives from Kano State Polytechnics. Dr Umar Yahuza Umar, Coordinator of ANRIN Kano, elaborated on the importance of linking policy plans and the actualization of the annual nutrition budget in achieving the organised set objectives. He also highlighted the benefits of early initiation, complementary feeding, hygiene practices, and the consequences of malnutrition among the targeted groups.

Russia and Ukraine have released a total of 190 captured soldiers in the latest prisoner exchange between the two countries, officials in Moscow and Kyiv announced on Wednesday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russia’s defence ministry on Wednesday said that 95 of their soldiers had been freed. “As a result of a negotiation process, 95 Russian servicemen… have been returned,” Russia’s defence ministry said on Telegram. The ministry shared video images of the freed Russian soldiers smiling and chanting “Glory to Russia” as they were transported by bus to an undisclosed location. In June, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that 1,348 Russian soldiers were being held in Ukrainian captivity and that Russia had detained 6,465 Ukrainian POWs.

Getting your Instagram account verified without paying for the Meta Verified subscription may seem challenging, but it’s possible with the right approach. Here are the detailed steps to apply for verification:Open Instagram: Launch the Instagram app on your mobile device. Go to Settings: To access your profile, tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner. Then, tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top right corner and select “Settings.” Access the verification request form: From the Settings menu, tap Account and select Request Verification. ConclusionWhile the verification process can be competitive, following these steps can increase your chances of getting verified without paying for Meta Verified.

Murder In Punch Lane by Jane Sullivan immerses readers into the atmospheric world of 19th century Melbourne, blending historical fiction with a murder mystery that unfolds amid the upper echelons of society. Basing her novel on the death of actress Marie St Denis in 1868, Sullivan cleverly introduces other real characters from Melbourne’s past, such as Redmond Barry. Read: Book review: The Cautious Traveller’s Guide to the Wastelands, Sarah BrooksUltimately, Murder in Punch Lane requires patience to fully appreciate. Sullivan’s skill in evoking historical Melbourne and crafting memorable protagonists shines through, making this a worthwhile read for fans of historical fiction and atmospheric mysteries alike. Murder in Punch Lane, Jane SullivanPublisher: Bonnier EchoISBN: 9781760688981Format: PaperbackPages: 361ppRelease date: 2 July 2024RRP: $32.99

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested Linus Williams, a crypto billionaire popularly known as BLord, in Abuja on Tuesday. He faces allegations of cryptocurrency fraud, terrorism funding, and aiding internet fraud, among other charges related to his companies. In an interview, Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi confirmed the arrest, stating it was based on complaints against BLord’s businesses. “The FCID (NPF-NCCC) is currently investigating complaints lodged against Blord Group, Blord Real Estate Ltd, Blord Jetpaye Limited, and Billpoint Technology.”The alleged offences include “cryptocurrency fraud, aiding internet fraud, computer-related fraud, terrorism funding, and non-compliance with regulatory frameworks.”Adejobi emphasised the importance of ensuring cyberspace safety and security, stating, “We will do due diligence in our investigation. We are committed to achieving that.”He also clarified that the arrest was not due to a petition from Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk said he plans to commit roughly $45 million each month to a new fund backing Donald Trump for US president, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday. The Tesla founder formally endorsed Trump’s candidature for US president on Saturday after the former president survived a shooting at a political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. “I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery,” Musk wrote on the social media platform X, which he acquired in 2022. In March, the two met in person during a donor breakfast hosted at the Florida residence of billionaire Nelson Peltz. Trump previously decried mail and absentee voting but has backtracked on his criticisms after it became clear Democrats had an edge among mail voters.

Picture this: It’s 5 p.m. on a humid summer Tuesday. While there are still a few days before you can officially celebrate the weekend, you can help recreate the feeling with the taste of a mouth-watering, citrus-forward cocktail. Some of the best cocktails are also the simplest, and the below recipe is no different. You only need BOMBAY SAPPHIRE®, lemonade, and club soda for a bright, bubbly drink. In partnership with BOMBAY SAPPHIRE®, bars from New York to Seattle will be serving their versions of the BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® Sparkling Lemon, making it even easier to get a taste of Friday.

Economic challenges in Nigeria have put a strain on people's wallets, but the situation is also influencing health. The rising cost of living means people are having to pay more for or even go without much-needed medications.

Punch Pubs, a leading pub company in the UK, has announced it will deploy Quadient’s Parcel Pending open locker network across its network of 1,261 pub locations, enhancing the accessibility and convenience of parcel deliveries and returns for communities nationwide. Quadient has identified 400 premium Punch Pubs locations for the initial parcel locker roll out, with installations planned for October. According to Quadient, by adding lockers to their locations, Punch Pubs publicans are “likely to experience increased foot traffic and positive customer engagement, while carriers benefit from streamlined operations, reducing congestion, delivery time and costs associated with last-mile deliveries and returns”. Katia Bourgeais Crémel, EVP lockers automation platform Europe at Quadient, said, “This new collaboration will greatly contribute to our mission to provide community-driven, sustainable solutions that enhance daily life. “At Punch, we pride ourselves on our commitment to making a positive difference to local communities,” said Stephen Radford, head of estates at Punch Pubs & Co. “Our partnership with Quadient perfectly aligns with our strategy for sustainable growth and our role as a vital contributor to the local economy.