Real Madrid emerged victorious with a dramatic 3-2 win over Barcelona on Sunday night’s thrilling El Clasico encounter.

The defeat at Santiago Bernabeu ends the La Blaugrana’s slim chances of defending the La Liga title.

Barcelona started brightly, with Andreas Christensen breaking the deadlock, capitalizing on Raphinha’s corner to give the visitors an early lead within the first ten minutes.

However, Real Madrid quickly responded, with Vinicius Junior converting from the penalty spot to level the score.
Lamine Yamal thought he had put Barcelona ahead again, only for his goal to be ruled out by VAR.

The match took a sour turn for Barcelona as they suffered an injury blow with Frenkie de Jong sustaining an ankle injury just before halftime.

Despite the challenge, Barcelona regained the lead through substitute Fermin Lopez’s finish inside the box.

However, Real Madrid once again clawed their way back into the game, with Lucas Vazquez leveling the score for the second time.

With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Bellingham delivered the decisive blow, netting his 17th league goal of the season to secure a crucial win for Real Madrid.

The result dashes Barcelona’s hopes of a late claim for the La Liga title, while Real Madrid now have a clear path to pursue it.

With just a few games left in the season, Real Madrid now require a maximum of eight points to seal the La Liga title.

The Senate Minority Leader, Senator Comrade Abba Patrick Moro, from the PDP party in Benue South, has revealed why Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), was given permission to attend the National Caucus meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

This meeting was held as preparation for the National Executive Committee meeting of the party that took place last week.
According  to Moro, there was no way Wike would have been stopped from attending the meeting since he has not been found guilty of any crime and penalized by the party.

The Minority Leader further stated that if the party’s disciplinary committee, led by former Senate President Senator Bukola Saraki, finds Nyesom Wike guilty of the alleged antiparty activities and sanctions him, Wike himself has stated that he will no longer attend the party’s meetings.

Moro said the survival of Amb. Umar Lliya Damagum as Acting National Chairman of PDP was not a victory or defeat for anybody but a decision that was unanimously agreed on by the relevant stakeholders for the party to forge ahead.

Senator Moro’s reaction was against the backdrop of rumours in some quarters that Amb. Damagum’s survival, against call for his resignation, was victory for the former governor of River State,  Nyesom Wike, and a defeat for PDP Presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections,  Atiku Abubakar.

In a statement in Abuja by his Media Adviser, Emmanuel Eche’Ofun John, Senator Moro said that  the activities and inactivities of PDP should not be translated to Atiku and Wike. He said the whole issue was not about victory or defeat for anybody but about PDP; about providing an alternative formidable platform for Nigerians to look up to.

Moro said, “We cannot translate the entirety of PDP’s activities and inactivities to Wike and Atiku, out of millions of other members of the party across the country who also have their own thinking and reasons for being in the party. The whole issue was not about Wike or Atiku, or victory for Wike or defeat for Atiku, the issue was existential. We came together and reasoned together, that in the present scenario where Nigerians are hurting due to the maladministration of the APC government, what do we do to provide an alternative platform for Nigerians to look up to? In that circumstances, we decided to thread with caution so that we dont throw away the baby with the bath water,” he said.

On why the National Caucus of the party allowed Nyesom Wike into their meeting, the Minority Leader said, “The constitution of our party is very clear on who is a member and who is not a member of the caucus of the party and I dare say, at this point, that as a former governor who is still a member of the party, Nyesom Wike is a member of the National Caucus of the party.

“If actions had been taken immediately after the elections and people who are perceived to have acted contrary to the desires and yearnings of the PDP have been sanctioned, then we can say that having been expelled or suspended, you can’t be here, but as it is, non of such actions has been taken, so you can’t just ban people from attending meetings.

“One of the fallouts of the last NEC meeting was the resuscitation of the Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committee, which is saddled with the responsibility of identifying the area of antiparty and the dramatis personae involved in the activities, and recommend appropriate punitive measures against those who have been found guilty to serve as deterrent to future occurrence.

“Unfortunately, that hasn’t been done, and so to that extent, as a voluntary organization, if the members involved insist they are still members of the party, until actions are taken by the Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committe we want to take that they are still members of the party.“

Using his knowledge of law, the popular content creator and lawyer, Timi Agbaje, explains why the crossdresser, Bobrisky, was jailed for committing the same crime for which the socialite, Cubana Chief Priest, was granted bail.
Recalls that the crossdresser, Bobrisky was jailed for 6 months after pleading guilty following an allegation by the EFCC of abusing the naira.
Following this, the renowned socialite Cubana Chief Priest was also arraigned in court by the antigraft agency for committing similar crime as Bobrisky.
However, it was shocking to many when he was granted a N10M bail condition by the same court that had sentenced Bobrisky.
The content creator, Timi Agbaje who holds a degree in Law has explained why the punishment for the offense differed.
According to Timi, Bobrisky had pleaded guilty whereas Cubana Chief Priest hadn’t.
In Bobrisky’s case, two likely options were left open, which was either he pays a fine or get jailed. However, the latter was handed down to him.

Cubana Chief Priest on the other hand was given bail, because under the law, no case exists, until the EFCC are able to provide the serial number of the money as well as its source.

Timi Agbaje added that it can also be argued that the money in the video wasn’t real.

Watch him speak below …

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The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has described the recent litigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against naira abuse as a misplaced priority
According to him, the practice of spraying money is more cultural to the Yoruba and Igbo.
Oluwo said in a statement on Wednesday by his press secretary, Alli Ibrahim.
“There is a cultural spirit in Yoruba that forces you to spend money uncontrollably at your exciting moment. I’m sure the spirit will be tamed when people have public knowledge of possible penalties for naira abuse. The commission should not place cart before the horse.”
He advised the operatives of the EFCC to conduct comprehensive enlightenments for Nigerians on naira handling before enforcing penalties.
He asked EFCC to exercise caution and redirect their efforts to public enlightenment on naira handlings and impending punishment for offenders.
He, however, commended the commission on its efforts in recovering stolen funds.
The monarch states:

A Nigerian woman has claimed that Junior Pope visited her in a dream and told her that he did not drown in the river.

In the video shared on TikTok by @mxtaxcoded, the woman claimed that Pope told her that he was killed before being thrown into the river.

According to the woman, the actor asked her to tell the world, that he was beaten, his clothes were torn, and that it was not the river that killed him.

The woman added that the people who killed him had already planned his death and because of their evil plans other innocent souls were lost.

In her words: He said that he has been watching people he took as his brothers lie to cover up what they did to him. He can’t believe that people he went to shoot movie with could do that to him. Junior Pope’s spirit is crying that it was not the river that killed him.

“Spread this video wide so that everyone can hear it. He’s still crying and calling on his fans, loved ones, wife, and children to let them know that it was not the river that killed but he was killed by people. This was what he told me in the dream.”


Watch the video below:

@mxtaxcoded Junior Pope Visited her and explained what happened to him. #igbo #IgboAmaka #followme #mxtaxcoded #xyzbca #xyzcba #mahnativewriter #foryoupage #reels #moot original sound - Mxta Xcoded

In a recent development, Florence Otedola, popularly known by her stage name DJ Cuppy, has taken to X platform to reveal how 2024 has been going for her so far.
Sharing a recent gorgeous image of herself on X platform she remarked on the fact that it’s only been a quarter of the year, 2024 has been her best year yet.
“It’s only been a quarter of the year and 2024 is already my best year yet!”
The music sensation has also recently got a lot of tongues wagging after she debuted a new look on her social media page.
Netizens could not help but comment about the fact that she had lost considerable weight. She also looked more elegant and well put together.
Now, let’s recall that in the beginning of the year, DJ Cuppy had announced her six major plans for 2024.
She had expressed that she wanted to be her softest, healthiest, prettiest, and most successful version. And it seems like true to her words, 2024 is turning out to be her best year yet.
She had also shared in the beginning of the year that she was also going to take gym seriously.
She went on to express that she would give the gym as much as she had given her ex, which netizens speculate is none other than her ex fiancé, Ryan Taylor.

Repentant female B’Haram insurgents say they are finding it difficult to find husbands. They complained that since their return, it has been difficult for them to marry as the law-abiding men in the society avoid them like a plague.

Some of the leaders of the communities have complained to Arewa PUNCH that their men are scared of venturing into any form of romance with the surrendered female insurgents.

“Our fear is that if these women and girls do not get the men to marry, they may be tempted to renege on their repentance vow from terror activities and return to the bush.

“But when they get suitors and marry or remarry in the law-abiding society, other girls and women still in the bush could be encouraged to surrender and come back home.”

Date: Thursday 18th April, 2024
Time: 8:00 pm
Stadium Stadio Olimpico Rome
Referee  Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Goal Scorer:

Roma
After resting Paulo Dybala, Gianluca Mancini and captain Lorenzo Pellegrini for the trip to Udine, Roma will be back to their strongest against Milan, excepting the absence of suspended midfielder Bryan Cristante.

Edoardo Bove could replace Cristante in Daniele De Rossi's starting XI, while Evan Ndicka's setback means that Chris Smalling is likely to return in defence - neither Dean Huijsen nor Rasmus Kristensen were included on the Giallorossi's squad list for the knockout phase.

Ex-Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy is set to join Dybala and Europa League specialist Romelu Lukaku in the hosts' attacking trident - the latter has scored seven times in this term's competition and 27 overall.
Roma possible starting lineup:
Svilar; Celik, Mancini, Smalling, Spinazzola; Bove, Paredes, Pellegrini; Dybala, Lukaku, El Shaarawy

AC Milan
Meanwhile, Milan also rotated their squad on Sunday, but Mike Maignan will start in goal after his absence in Sassuolo, with Fikayo Tomori - who missed the first leg through suspension - featuring just ahead of him.

Simon Kjaer was forced off by a flexor problem at the Mapei Stadium, and Tomori should beat Malick Thiaw to partner Matteo Gabbia at the heart of the Rossoneri's back four.

Tommaso Pobega is back in full training, so Stefano Pioli has an almost full squad to select from: despite impressing last time out, Luka Jovic and Samu Chukwueze - the latter of whom had two goals chalked off by the VAR at the weekend - will make way; Olivier Giroud and Christian Pulisic join Rafael Leao up front.
AC Milan possible starting lineup:
Maignan; Calabria, Tomori, Gabbia, Hernandez; Bennacer, Reijnders; Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek, Leao; Giroud

Prediction: Roma 1-1 AC Milan (Roma win 2-1 on aggregate)

Date: Thursday 18th April, 2024
Time: 8:00 pm
Stadium Gewiss Stadium
Referee  Francois Letexier (France)
Goal Scorer:

Atalanta[/size
As well as hamstring victim Giorgio Scalvini - who is also expected to sit out Thursday's second leg - Atalanta's defensive ranks were further ravaged before the Anfield beatdown, as ex-Arsenal man Sead Kolasinac picked up an adductor problem.

However, the Bosnia-Herzegovina international was back on the bench for the weekend's visit of Verona, where Marten de Roon missed out on account of a yellow-card suspension, but the experienced Dutchman is now back at Gasperini's disposal.

As a result, only Scalvini should be absent from the Atalanta squad this week, and De Roon's timely return will likely see the 33-year-old shoe-horned into a three-man defensive wall with Berat Djimsiti and Isak Hien, as was the case at Anfield. Davide Zappacosta is back from a Serie A ban too, and should start on the right.
Atalanta BC possible starting lineup:
Musso; De Roon, Djimsiti, Hien; Zappacosta, Pasalic, Ederson, Ruggeri; Koopmeiners; Scamacca, De Ketelaere

Liverpool
While the hosts' rearguard ranks will be reinforced this week, Liverpool will likely have to make do without young right-back Conor Bradley, who overstretched his foot in the loss to Palace and had to be helped off the field by medics.

There is still no official word on the seriousness of Bradley's issue, but Trent Alexander-Arnold should now be primed for his first start since recovering from a knee injury, while Stefan Bajcetic could also make himself available after returning to action for the Under-21s last week.

Ben Doak (knee), Joel Matip (knee) and Thiago Alcantara (muscle) remain out, but Alisson Becker and Diogo Jota have also battled back from their afflictions in recent weeks; the latter is a candidate to replace Luis Diaz or Darwin Nunez, whose big chance conversion rate of 19.4% is the worst in Europe's top-five leagues.
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Elliott; Salah, Jota, Diaz

Prediction: Atalanta BC 2-3 Liverpool (Atalanta win 5-3 on aggregate)

Nollywood actor, Seun Jimoh has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, of “scapegoating” celebrities in its ongoing clampdown on Naira abusers.

He was reacting to the news that the commission is set to arraign popular socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest for Naira abuse days after crossdresser, Bobrisky was sent to prison for a similar offence.

Jimoh said it is “unfair that certain people are being selected for a crime almost 70% of Nigerians or more are guilty of with overwhelming video evidence all over the internet.”

He argued that the “scapegoat approach to cultural reforms is quite sinister and lacks any concern for the mental health of the Nigerian citizens.”

On his Instagram page, he wrote: “It looks like scapegoats are being selected to send a message to the general populace. But then, is it not unfair that certain people are being selected for a crime almost 70% of Nigerians or more are guilty of with overwhelming video evidence all over the internet?!

“Why hasn’t anyone ever caught on video spraying money between the time the law has been in effect till now being arrested? Why celebrities? Celebrities are citizens too! This scapegoat approach to cultural reforms is quite sinister and lacks any concern for the mental health of the Nigerian citizens.”

Dubai’s government had started using drones to create artificial rain as a way to battle the extreme heat the city faces in the summer.

On the 9th of April 2024, Meteorologists in the UAE released a video showing a rainstorm that was the result of drones zapping the clouds with electrical charges.

Looks like the artificial rain tech ended up causing more h@rm than good.
Watch the video below...

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A post shared by Ije-Luv (@ijeomadaisy)

Date: Wednesday 17th April, 2024
Time: 8:00 pm
Stadium Etihad Stadium
Referee  Daniele Orsato (Italy)
Goal Scorer:

Manchester City
Guardiola and co were able to revel in a quadruple fitness boost for the weekend's visit of Luton, where Phil Foden - substituted with a knock in the first leg - and the ill Kevin De Bruyne both made the squad alongside Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake.

As a result, there is nothing to suggest that the quartet will not be fit to start the return fixture, and the holders' only minor concern relates to John Stones, absent from the thrashing of Luton due to a niggle, although Guardiola affirmed that the Englishman was suffering from discomfort rather than something more sinister.

The Citizens could therefore have every single one of their troops available at a pivotal time in the season, and recalls are in order for the likes of Rodri, Silva and Foden after the trio enjoyed well-earned breaks on Saturday.
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Walker, Dias, Stones, Gvardiol; Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Foden, Haaland, Doku

Real Madrid
In contrast, Real Madrid still have long-term ACL victims Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba watching on from the infirmary, but Eder Militao is slowly regaining match fitness and was brought on for the dying embers of the weekend's triumph over Mallorca.

The Brazilian could now be an option to step in for the banned Tchouameni, absent on account of picking up his third yellow card of the current Champions League season, although he has curiously been included in their travelling squad.

Militao's lack of minutes will work against him, though, so club captain Nacho Fernandez ought to be given the nod alongside Antonio Rudiger in the heart of defence, allowing Eduardo Camavinga - whose strike cannoned off Dias into the back of the net at the Bernabeu - to strut his stuff in midfield again.
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:
Lunin; Carvajal, Nacho, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Kroos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr

Prediction: Manchester City 3-2 Real Madrid (Man City win 6-5 on aggregate)

Date: Wednesday 17th April, 2024
Time: 8:00 pm
Stadium Allianz Arena
Referee  Danny Makkelie (Netherlands}
Goal Scorer:

Bayern Munich
After receiving a quintuple injury boost before heading to the Emirates, another absentee crisis could now befall Bayern boss Tuchel, who is definitely without first-choice left-back Alphonso Davies due to suspension; the Canadian was booked for the third time in the tournament in the first leg.

Fellow wide man Gnabry, Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman have also entered the treatment room with injuries of varying severity; the former's hamstring issue and Coman's groin problem will render them unavailable, while a question mark is hanging over Sane's head owing to a knock.

Sacha Boey (hip), Bouna Sarr (ACL), Tarek Buchmann (hamstring) and Gabriel Marusic (ACL) remain confined to the infirmary as well, but Manuel Neuer - rested for the weekend's beating of Koln as a precaution - should be fine to guard the posts.
Bayern Munich possible starting lineup:
Neuer; Kimmich, Dier, De Ligt, Guerreiro; Laimer, Goretzka; Muller, Musiala, Sane; Kane

Arsenal
Tuchel and Arteta can share each other's pain over fresh attacking concerns, as captain Martin Odegaard could not complete the full 90 in the loss to Villa due to an unspecified issue, leaving Gooners sweating over his fitness for the second leg.

Jurrien Timber is a guaranteed absentee as he continues his recuperation from his devastating ACL injury, but there is hope that the Dutchman will make his long-awaited comeback in May, and Arteta could still opt for a change in the full-back areas.

Oleksandr Zinchenko's performance against Villa left a lot to be desired, and with Jakub Kiwior also struggling to cope with Bayern's effervescent wingers last week, Takehiro Tomiyasu might be given the nod from the off this time around.
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli

Prediction: Bayern Munich 2-1 Arsenal (Bayern win 4-3 on aggregate)

May Edochie, the estranged wife of Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie hailed her husband’s aunt, Rita Edochie.

Taking to her Instagram page to share a slide of photos of her, she hailed her for her too much action as she noted how anyone who has her as somebody.

Raining prayers on her, she wished the veteran actress a happy birthday.

“Guess whose birthday it is?

It’s the last slide for me, too much action.



Rita Edochie on her part had refused to celebrate her day as she dedicated it in memory of her late junior colleague, Junior Pope. She noted how the late actor never missed her birthdays and would always call her, send her messages, post her pictures online, and more.

Rita stated that she refuses to believe he is dead until the day ends and she doesn’t receive a reaction from him while adding that no death in Nollywood has made her this crãzy.

Recall that following her separation from Yul Edochie, Rita Edochie had stood solidly behind her, fighting for her in public.

Months back, Rita had proudly adopted May Edochie, making it known that she would continually protect May as she likened herself to a Mother Hen.

Sending a message to those who insist she leaves May alone, she let them know that May is now her daughter and she would never leave her, as she promised to stand against anyone who wouldn’t allow her to breathe.

In another post, she offered a little prayer to those constantly criticizing her for defending May Edochie in public.

She noted how people always questioned why she was always defending May noting how she isn’t her mother-in-law nor does May even acknowledge her or notice her and replied to them with a little prayer.

Date: Tuesday 16th April, 2024
Time: 8:00 pm
Stadium Signa Iduna Park
Referee  Slavko Vincic (Slovenia}
Goal Scorer:

Borussia Dortmund
Dortmund were missing Jadon Sancho against Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday due to illness, but the on-loan Manchester United attacker is expected to return to the side on Tuesday night.

Haller picked up a knock in the team's last match, which saw him replaced early on, and the experienced forward could miss out on Tuesday, while Ramy Bensebaini is absent due to a knee problem.

Fit-again Donyell Malen could come into the XI for this match, while Julian Brandt, who was a half-time substitute against Atletico in the first leg, is also pushing to be included in midfield.

Only Malen (13) has scored more times than Niclas Fullkrug for BVB this term, and the 31-year-old is set to lead the line against Atletico on Tuesday night.
Borussia Dortmund possible starting lineup:
Kobel; Ryerson, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Maatsen; Sabitzer, Can, Brandt; Sancho, Fullkrug, Malen

Atletico Madrid
As for Atletico, Memphis Depay is absent with a muscular problem, while Thomas Lemar and Marcos Paulo are also unavailable for selection, but Mario Hermoso was back against Girona on Saturday.

Saul Niguez will require a late fitness test, having been replaced in the latter stages of the first period against Girona in La Liga.

Pablo Barrios will be back in the squad, having missed out on Saturday through suspension, while Jose Gimenez, Cesar Azpilicueta, Marcos Llorente, Axel Witsel, Lino and Alvaro Morata are also set to return to the side after being rested from the start in the league last time out.

There is every chance that Simeone will go with the side that started the first leg against Dortmund, with Antoine Griezmann again featuring in the final third of the field.
Atletico Madrid possible starting lineup:
Oblak; Witsel, Gimenez, Azpilicueta; Molina, Llorente, Koke, De Paul, Lino; Griezmann, Morata

Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 2-2 Atletico Madrid (Atletico win 4-3 on aggregate)

Date: Tuesday 16th April, 2024
Time: 8:00 pm
Stadium Estadio Olimpico Lluis Companys
Referee  Istvan Kovacs (Romania}
Goal Scorer:

Barcelona
Barcelona remain without the services of Gavi and Alejandro Balde due to long-term injuries, and neither player will be available for selection until next season.

The Catalan outfit have not reported any further fitness concerns, and the squad will be boosted by the returns of Joao Cancelo, Inigo Martinez and Robert Lewandowski, who were all suspended against Cadiz in the league.

However, Barcelona do have two players banned for this contest, with Christensen and Sergi Roberto picking up milestone yellow cards in the first leg in Paris last week.

Pedri has featured off the bench in the team's last two games after recovering from a thigh problem and is now in line for a start, while outstanding teenagers Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal are also set to be in the XI.
Barcelona possible starting lineup:
Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Cancelo; Pedri, Gundogan, F de Jong; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha

PSG
As for PSG, Presnel Kimpembe, Layvin Kurzawa and Sergio Rico remain on the sidelines, while Nordi Mukiele will need to be assessed due to a head injury.

Achraf Hakimi was suspended for the first leg, but he will be back in the team at right-back here, while head coach Enrique could also introduce Goncalo Ramos and Warren Zaire-Emery into his starting side.

Ousmane Dembele will once again line up against his former club, while Mbappe will be bidding to add to the four goals that he has scored against Barcelona in the Champions League.

Marco Asensio is likely to be the player to drop out to make way for Ramos, while Lee Kang-in and Nuno Mendes may also be named on the bench for the first whistle on Tuesday night.
Paris Saint-Germain possible starting lineup:
Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Hernandez; Zaire-Emery, Ruiz, Vitinha; Dembele, Ramos, Mbappe

Prediction: Barcelona 2-1 Paris Saint-Germain (Barcelona win 5-3 on aggregate)

Nigerian singer 1Da Banton has revealed that he wrote his colleague, Davido’s ‘No Competition’ featuring Asake.

1Da Banton also disclosed that he produced Davido’s ‘Na Money’ featuring Angelique Kidjo and The Cavemen.

The ‘No Wahala’ crooner featured in the latest episode of the Afrobeats Podcast hosted by Adesope.

“I produced Davido’s ‘Na Money’ with Cavemen and wrote ‘No Competition’ featuring Asake,” he said.

1Da Banton said popular skit maker and singer, Nasboi, inspired him to do music while he was dating his sister.

“My older sister’s ex-boyfriend, Nasboi inspired me to make music,” he added.

Channels Television reporter, Joshua Rogers, who was abducted from his residence in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, has regained freedom.
The journalist who was forcefully taken away in a Channels Television-branded vehicle, was released around 10 p.m. on Friday, April 12, unharmed, about 24 hours after being abducted from his home in Rumuosi, Obio/Akpor area of Port Harcourt on Thursday, April 11.
The management of the television station has confirmed Mr Rogers’ release in a brief statement. It read;

“Channels Television reporter, Joshua Rogers, who was abducted last night in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has been freed. We thank our viewers and all those who expressed concern over the unfortunate incident.”

A dispatch rider, Monday Osazuwa, dazzled the Special Offences Court in Lagos with revelation on Friday when he narrated how the embattled former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, instructed him on different instances to collect the sum of $3 million cash in tranches.

Osazuwa, who was led in evidence in chief by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), told the Court that he had been a dispatch rider at Zenith Bank since 2001 before joining the CBN as a contract staff member in 2014.

The witness, who testified before Justice Raman Oshodi, said he was later appointed as a senior supervisor (full-time) in charge of recording and filing documents while working in the CBN Governor’s office in Lagos.

He stated that when he collected money for his boss (Emefiele), he would take it to his residence at Iru Close, Ikoyi, Lagos.

“The highest amount I collected was $1m, all in cash. Some weeks later, the businessman also called me, and I collected $850,000, $750,000, and $400,000 in cash in different tranches.

“I have never been rewarded, paid, or given anything. I was doing it out of faithfulness, and he knows it, but he never once said, ‘Take this,” the witness said.

Recall that the EFCC arraigned Emefiele on Monday, April 8, on 23 counts bordering on abuse of office.

He is being tried for alleged abuse of office and fraud to the tune of $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion.

Meanwhile, Justice Oshodi had granted Emefiele bail in the sum of N50 million.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suspended Emefiele in June last year.

The United States, US, President, Joe Biden has vowed to defend Israel in the ongoing war.

Biden warned that Iran will not be allowed to succeed against Israel.

Addressing journalists, Biden warned Iran against attacking Israel.

Biden said, “We are devoted to the defence of Israel. We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed.”

Asked about his message to Iran in the wake of the threat, Biden said, “Don’t”.

Biden said he wouldn’t be able to reveal secure information, adding that his expectation was that an attack could come “sooner, rather than later.”

A US intelligence reports says Iran is planning to attack Israel in the next 24 to 48 hours.

According to Wall Street Journal, WSJ, no final decision has been taken on the planned attack which are being discussed by Iran’s top leadership.

WSJ said Israel is preparing for an attack on either the southern or northern part.

“The strike plans are in front of the Supreme Leader and he is still weighing the political risk,” WSJ quoted an adviser to Iran’s Supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as saying.