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Mbappé Will Cooperate With Judiciary In Rape Investigation If Necessary, Says Lawyer

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Kylian Mbappé, who has been linked to a rape investigation in Sweden, will provide any necessary explanations directly to Swedish authorities, his lawyer, Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard, confirmed on Thursday.

“He prioritizes presenting his explanations to the Swedish judiciary, if required,” Canu-Bernard told AFP, while condemning media reports that Mbappé had commented on the incident during his trip to Stockholm.

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French outlets Le Parisien and RMC Sports reported that the French and Real Madrid striker engaged in consensual sex with a young woman during a recent visit to Stockholm.

According to these reports, Mbappé has messages from the woman that depict their encounter in a positive light and confirm mutual consent.

However, Le Parisien could not verify if the woman in the messages is the same individual who filed the rape complaint.

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Mbappé had traveled to Stockholm from October 9 to 11 with friends, following his exclusion from France’s Nations League squad due to a thigh injury.

Swedish media reported that the group visited a restaurant and nightclub during their stay. After their departure, a woman filed a police report alleging rape.

On Monday, Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet revealed the initiation of a rape investigation, which Mbappé labeled as “fake news” on social media.

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He suggested the timing of the accusations might be linked to his financial dispute with Paris Saint-Germain, his former club, just ahead of a scheduled hearing.

“It’s becoming so predictable, the day before the hearing, as if by coincidence,” Mbappé wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

A Swedish prosecutor has confirmed the investigation is underway but has not named Mbappé. His lawyer reiterated that Mbappé is “at ease” and confident, as he has done “nothing wrong.”

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Kenya’s Deputy President Hospitalized Amid Impeachment Trial

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Kenya’s Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, has been hospitalized due to illness, his lawyer, Paul Muite, informed the Senate on Thursday.

Gachagua was scheduled to testify in his ongoing impeachment trial but was unable to attend due to his health condition.

“The Deputy President has unfortunately become unwell and is currently in the hospital,” Muite told the Senate, explaining his absence.

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Following the announcement, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi adjourned the hearing until 5:00 pm (1400 GMT) when Gachagua is expected to testify.

“We expect the Deputy President to take the witness stand at 5. Unfortunately, this is a time-bound process. It is so ordered,” Kingi said.

Gachagua’s impeachment trial commenced on Wednesday after the National Assembly voted to impeach him last week.

He faces 11 charges, including allegations of corruption, insubordination, undermining the government, and promoting ethnically divisive politics.

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Okuama Community: Court Adjourns N2Billion Suit Against Nigerian Army To November

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A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned a N2 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Mr. Lucky Okodeh, the former Caretaker Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government in Bayelsa State, to November 28.

The case was adjourned by Justice Binta Nyako following an oral request from Okodeh’s lawyer, Asmau Yunusa, who sought time to respond to a counter-affidavit submitted by Mimi Ayua, counsel for the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa.

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Okodeh, represented by human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, filed the suit (marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/590/2024) on May 3 against Gen. Musa and Chief of Army Staff (CAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

He is seeking N2 billion in damages, accusing the Nigerian Army of unlawfully publishing his photograph in connection with the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama, Delta State, despite his name not being on the official wanted list.

Okodeh contends that the defendants’ actions have violated his personal liberty and dignity, damaging his political career and forcing him into hiding.

He also asks the court to declare his inclusion in the publication unlawful, award the N2 billion compensation, and issue an injunction preventing further harassment or arrest by the Army.

Additionally, he seeks a public apology to restore his reputation.

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At Thursday’s hearing, Yunusa informed the court that she had only just received the CDS’s counter-affidavit and required time to respond.

The 2nd respondent, Gen. Lagbaja, was not represented in court.

Justice Nyako, in turn, suggested that the parties attempt to resolve the issue amicably and adjourned the case for further mention on November 28, instructing that the 2nd respondent be served a hearing notice.

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The lawsuit stems from an incident on March 14, where 17 Nigerian Army officers were killed in Okuama.

In response, the Defence Headquarters declared eight individuals wanted, but Okodeh’s photograph was mistakenly published under another name, a name he claims no one in his family bears.

As a result, he was forced to withdraw from the Bayelsa State LG elections scheduled for April 11, where he was the Peoples Democratic Party’s chairmanship candidate.

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Okodeh is seeking relief in the form of an injunction to prevent his further harassment and demands a public apology from the CDS and CAS to be published in both print and electronic media to allow him to resume his normal life.

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EFCC Presents 15th Witness In Fayose’s Alleged Money Laundering Case

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday introduced its 15th witness in the ongoing trial of former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, over charges of money laundering.

The witness, Mr. Joseph Machleb, who is not proficient in English, was questioned by the EFCC’s lead prosecutor, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN).

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Machleb, a resident of Akure and a mechanic for Samchase Nigeria Ltd., testified that he co-founded JJ Technical Services Ltd. with his elder brother, but handed over the company’s operations to a man named Azeez Michelle to seek contracts.

He stated that he had no knowledge of the company’s involvement in property transactions.

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Under cross-examination by the defense counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), Machleb admitted to authorizing Michelle to handle certain transactions on behalf of the company, following the presentation of a signed document dated November 20, 2013, which was accepted as evidence (Exhibit A20).

Despite this, the witness claimed he was unaware of Michelle executing any transactions for the company.

The defense further questioned Machleb about his knowledge of Fayose, to which he responded that he had only seen him on television and had no business dealings with him or his administration.

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Machleb also denied having any interaction with one Biodun Agbele, who is implicated in the case.

Fayose is facing charges of alleged N6.9 billion fraud and money laundering, which include accusations of receiving N1.2 billion to fund his 2014 gubernatorial campaign, receiving $5 million from former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, and using proceeds of crime to acquire properties in Lagos and Abuja.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was initially granted bail in 2018.

The case, which is now before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, will continue on October 18, 2024.

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Bill For Creation Of Ogoja State Passes Second Reading

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The House of Representatives on Thursday advanced a bill seeking to create Ogoja State from Cross River, as it passed the second reading.

The proposed legislation, sponsored by Hon. Godwin Offiono and three other lawmakers, aims to amend the 1999 Constitution to establish a new state in Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone.

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During the session, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas called for a voice vote, which saw the bill gain support. Subsequently, it was referred to the committee on constitutional review for further scrutiny and debate.

If approved, Ogoja State would become the latest addition to Nigeria’s federating units, marking a significant restructuring in the region.

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Netanyahu Vows ‘No Mercy’ In Strikes Against Hezbollah After Deadly Drone Attack

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Monday to strike Hezbollah without mercy following the militant group’s deadliest assault on Israel since the current conflict began in late September.

The attack, which took place on Sunday, saw Hezbollah launch a drone strike on an Israeli base, resulting in the deaths of four soldiers and injuries to another 60 people.

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Netanyahu made the statement during a visit to a military base near Binyamina, south of Haifa, saying, “We will continue to strike Hezbollah mercilessly across Lebanon, including in Beirut.”

Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, said it launched the drone attack in retaliation for recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon, including one that killed at least 22 people in central Beirut, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.

Since Israel escalated its bombing campaign in Lebanon on September 23, over 1,315 people have been killed, according to Lebanese health ministry figures, though the real toll is believed to be higher.

Airstrikes continued on Monday, targeting various areas in Lebanon, including a predominantly Christian village in the north, where 21 people were reportedly killed.

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Hezbollah also claimed responsibility for launching rockets at an Israeli naval base near Haifa on Monday and for a large-scale rocket attack on the northern Israeli town of Safed later in the day.

The group’s fighters were also involved in heavy fighting in the border village of Aita al-Shaab.

Air raid sirens sounded across central Israel, including in Tel Aviv, as the military reported intercepting two drones approaching from Syria.

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Israel, which has intensified its strikes against Hezbollah in recent weeks, aims to secure its northern border and allow displaced residents to return to their homes.

Hezbollah, meanwhile, says its actions are in solidarity with Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that launched an attack on Israel on October 7 of last year, triggering the current conflict.

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The war has led to widespread displacement in Lebanon, with the International Organization for Migration reporting that at least 690,000 people have been displaced.

Monday’s Israeli airstrike on the northern village of Aito, a predominantly Christian area, marked a shift in Israel’s bombing patterns, which have mostly targeted Hezbollah strongholds in Shiite Muslim areas.

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Rescue teams on the ground are struggling to keep up with the relentless strikes, with Lebanon’s civil defense chief Anis Abla reporting that ongoing attacks are hindering their efforts.

International humanitarian organizations, including the Red Cross, have called for the protection of rescue workers and medical facilities amid the escalating conflict.

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Governor Abiodun Approves N77,000 Minimum Wage For Ogun Workers, Highest In The Nation

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Ogun State Governor, Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun, has approved a new minimum wage of N77,000 for the state’s lowest-paid workers, with immediate implementation beginning in October.

This decision followed a meeting between the State government, led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, and leaders of the Organized Labour in Ogun State, including representatives from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC).

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During the meeting, Talabi revealed that the directive came from Governor Abiodun, who insisted that no worker in Ogun State should earn less than N77,000.

He emphasized that the governor is committed to alleviating the financial challenges faced by residents and urged private sector employers to follow suit in addressing the economic realities affecting workers across the state.

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Talabi also noted that the governor plans to set up a monitoring team to ensure private sector companies comply with the new wage standards, encouraging them to hold discussions with relevant stakeholders to establish a fair minimum wage for their workers.

Comrade Hameed Benco, Chairman of the Ogun State NLC, expressed satisfaction with the governor’s decision, pointing out that the N77,000 minimum wage is the highest in the country.

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He mentioned that while other states have adopted the new minimum wage, they are generally paying between N70,000 and N70,250.

He also confirmed that the new basic salary in Ogun would not be subject to taxation, as approved by the government.

Comrades Akeem Lasisi of the TUC and Isa Olude of the JNC praised the state government for its worker-friendly policies and indicated that further details, including pension adjustments, will be addressed after consultations with relevant stakeholders.

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Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, lauded the governor’s decision, stating that the generous wage increase demonstrates the government’s responsiveness to the welfare of workers.

He expressed optimism that this move would enhance the morale of public servants and boost their commitment to implementing government policies effectively.

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SEECA To Lead Protest Over EEDC’s Migration To Tariff Band A, Demands N11 Billion Refund

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The South-East Electricity Consumers Association (SEECA) has announced plans to protest against the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC)’s decision to migrate its customers in the South-East to tariff Band A starting from November 1.

The protest was revealed in a statement issued by SEECA’s National Chairman, Rev. Okechukwu Obioha, and National Secretary, Mr. Ogubuike Ibeagi, following an extraordinary meeting of the association on Sunday.

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EEDC’s Acting Managing Director, Dr. Ernest Mupwaya, had earlier announced the company’s plan to gradually shift consumers from lower tariff bands to Band A, promising that customers would benefit from a minimum of 20 hours of electricity supply daily.

However, SEECA strongly opposed the move, accusing the EEDC of failing to comply with an earlier directive by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to refund N11.86 billion owed to South-East electricity users due to overbilling between January and September 2023.

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In response, SEECA declared an indefinite strike from November 1, urging all electricity consumers in the region to cease payments for electricity and to stay in darkness in protest.

Rather than physically protesting at NERC, EEDC, and Aba Geometric Power Limited offices, SEECA intends to mobilize traditional rulers and community leaders to ensure compliance with the payment boycott.

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SEECA also criticized the EEDC for neglecting critical infrastructure maintenance, accusing the company of failing to repair or provide essential equipment such as transformers, wires, cables, poles, and prepaid meters, which are necessary for efficient electricity distribution.

The association’s demands include a halt to the transition to Band A, the provision of prepaid meters to all customers, a refund of the N11.86 billion overbilled, and the establishment of a uniform tariff across the South-East.

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SEECA further called on EEDC and Aba Geometric Power Limited to immediately begin repairing and replacing faulty transformers and other distribution infrastructure as mandated by NERC.

The group also urged the Federal Government and NERC to advise EEDC and Aba Power to suspend electricity supply to the South-East until these conditions are met.

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We Acknowledge Current Hardship, But There’s No Alternative – Shettima

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Vice President Kashim Shettima, at the Nigeria Economic Summit in Abuja, acknowledged the ongoing hardships faced by Nigerians due to the government’s economic policies but stressed that the difficult decisions are necessary to secure long-term growth for the nation.

Shettima, speaking on behalf of himself and President Bola Tinubu, expressed empathy for the burdens being borne by ordinary Nigerians, particularly the poor and the youth, as they navigate this tough period.

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He assured that the reforms, while painful, are the only viable path to putting Nigeria on a sustainable economic trajectory.

He pointed out that the Nigerian economy has long been over-dependent on oil and has struggled to generate enough employment for the country’s fast-growing population.

To tackle these issues, the administration has prioritized economic diversification, focusing on sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and the digital economy.

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The Vice President highlighted government initiatives aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), improving critical infrastructure, and cutting through regulatory red tape to create a more business-friendly environment.

Among the initiatives introduced are single-digit interest loans for manufacturers and a newly established credit corporation offering consumer loans to workers.

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On security, Shettima reiterated the government’s firm commitment to addressing terrorism and banditry, which continue to threaten stability.

In addition, he underscored the importance of fiscal reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and improved debt management practices, to stabilize the nation’s economy.

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Calling for a collaborative approach, Shettima urged the public and private sectors to work together to navigate Nigeria’s economic difficulties.

He emphasized that the Nigeria Economic Summit provides a crucial platform for dialogue and the development of actionable solutions that can help the nation achieve economic stability and growth.

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“The road ahead may be challenging, but it is navigable,” Shettima concluded. “With sound policies, strong partnerships, and national unity, Nigeria can overcome these obstacles and emerge stronger, more competitive, and resilient.”

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Edo Gov’ship: ‘We Won The Election,’ PDP Tells Tribunal

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has officially filed a petition to contest the results of the September 21 governorship election.

The party’s state chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, made this announcement during a press briefing in Benin on Monday.

Aziegbemi confirmed that the PDP successfully submitted its petition on Saturday, just before the deadline, despite facing several challenges.

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He accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of attempting to obstruct the party’s efforts to challenge the election outcome, but reassured party supporters that the PDP is committed to reclaiming its “stolen mandate.”

“We have filed our petition before the election tribunal on behalf of the people of Edo State. The process of retrieving our mandate has officially begun, and by God’s grace, justice will be served,” Aziegbemi stated.

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He also criticized INEC for allegedly delaying the release of Certified True Copies (CTCs) of electoral materials needed for the case.

“Despite INEC acting like the political arm of the APC, we were still able to proceed with filing our petition,” he said.

Responding to allegations that the PDP disrupted the inspection of electoral materials at the INEC office, Aziegbemi questioned, “Why would we sabotage a process that we initiated and for which the court granted us permission?”

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Additionally, Aziegbemi disclosed that more PDP members have been arrested in the aftermath of the election.

He claimed that individuals implicated in the killing of Inspector Akor Onuh were released after allegedly paying N64 million in bail.

“How far will the police go under this compromised Inspector General, who appears to be serving the APC’s interests? Our members are being wrongfully arrested on baseless charges,” Aziegbemi added.

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