UK health officials confirms first coronavirus cases

UK health officials on Friday said that two people had tested positive for the novel coronavirus, in Britain's first cases since the deadly outbreak emerged in China and spread globally.

The announcement came as 83 British citizens arrived back on a UK government-chartered flight from Wuhan, the Chinese city at the centre of the epidemic which has so far killed 213 people.

The plane carrying the Britons and 27 other foreign nationals landed at the Brize Norton military airbase in south central England shortly after 1:30pm (1330 GMT).

Angélique Kidjo dedicates her Grammy Award to Burna Boy

Beninese ace singer, Angélique Kidjo, has dedicated her fourth Grammy Award won on Sunday to Nigerian Afro-fusion singer, Damini Ogulu, better known as Burna Boy.

Recall that Burna Boy lost the Best World Music Album trophy to Beninese ace singer, Angélique Kidjo, at the 62nd Grammy Award held on Sunday night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, US.

Rio Ferdinand visits Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos

Former Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, visited Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos on Friday.

Odion Ighalo Set To Join Manchester United

Manchester United are in talks to sign former Watford striker Odion Ighalo, with the chances of a deal being completed before the 11pm deadline rated "50-50".

A £20m bid for Bournemouth striker Joshua King was earlier rejected as United target cover in the absence of the injured Marcus Rashford, but their pursuit of the Norway international appears to have ended.

Tottenham also made their own late attempt to secure a six-month loan deal for 30-year-old striker Ighalo from Shanghai Shenhua on Deadline Day, Sky Sports reports.

However, a move to Spurs is not expected to materialise because if Ighalo does leave China he will go elsewhere, potentially to United before the 11pm transfer deadline.

Macron aide, Benalla who struck protester to be fired

The office of French President Emmanuel Macron told AFP on Friday that it has begun dismissal proceedings against a top security aide who violently struck a protester during a demonstration in Paris in May.

A video published this week shows Alexandre Benalla manhandling and striking a demonstrator while wearing a police helmet, even though he is not an officer.

Paris prosecutors also said Benalla has been detained for questioning in the assault inquiry, where he also faces charges of impersonating a police officer.


Macron’s office said the decision to fire Benalla was taken after “new elements” emerged in the case, which has become the most damaging scandal facing the centrist president since his election last year.

Buhari meets Bukola Saraki in Aso Rock

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday m­et with Senate President Bukola Saraki ­at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Saraki arrived the Villa at about 6:02 p.m.­ and proceeded straight for a closed-doo­r meeting. No official reason was given ­for the meeting.

On arrival, governors of Kebbi, Ogun­, Zamfara and the governor-elect of Ekit­i State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who had emerge­d from a separate meeting with the President, joined the Senate Preside­nt and the President.

It was learnt that the meet­ing between the two leaders ­may not be unconnected with the recent b­udget request of N­242.4 billion for the Independent Nationa­l Electoral Commission (INEC) and securi­ty agencies for the conduct of 2019 general elections, a request that had ignited a fresh crisis between the executive and­ the legislative arms.

South Korea's ex-President Park given eight more years in Prison

Disgraced former South Korean president Park Geun-hye was convicted of charges including illegally receiving funds from the country’s spy agency on Friday and given eight more years in prison, on top of her current term.

Park, the South’s first female president, was impeached last year after huge street protests over a sprawling scandal, and was jailed for 24 years for corruption and abuse of power in April.

Friday’s penalty — issued in her absence after she refused to attend the Seoul Central District Court — came after a separate trial for pocketing money from the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and improperly intervening in 2016 in the selection of her ruling party’s parliamentary candidates.


The Seoul Central District Court gave Park six years for taking 3.3 billion won ($2.9 million) from the spy agency, and two years for the electoral offence.

The penalties apply consecutively, meaning the 66-year-old now faces a total of 32 years in prison.

“The accused received some three billion won over three years from the three NIS chiefs. Through this crime, the accused incurred a considerable amount of loss to the state treasury,” said senior judge Seong Chang-ho.

Three former NIS chiefs testified they had funnelled the funds to Park on her orders, the court said.

Banky W Replies Ladies Trolling Him Over His Car

A video which made the rounds last week on social media showed some ladies trailing Nigerian musician Banky W and wife Adesua Etomi while they were trying to shop.

The singer was driving a 2008 Range Rover and the women were alarmed wondering why Banky is driving such an old car after all the money he is making.

Read Banky W’s reply on social media below:

Dear Stalker,

In response to the cringe worthy, creepy video you made about my wife and I, I think there are some things you need to know. First of all, poverty will never be my portion in Jesus name. Also, it is a 2008 Range Rover Sport not a 1999. Amen and Lol. Oh, and additionally, it’s currently for sale to the highest bidder. I had decided last month that I’d sell it, and whatever I got for it, I’d hand over

Tonto Dike Stands With Bobrisky No Matter How He is Perceived In The Society

Nollywood star Tonto Dikeh has revealed that she is standing with Nigeria’s male barbie Bobrisky no matter how he is perceived in the society.

She wrote:

Ekiti Election: Fayemi Receives Certificate Of Return From INEC

The Ekiti State Governor-elect, Dr Kayode Fayemi, on Wednesday, received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The National Commissioner in charge of Oyo, Ekiti and Osun states, Prince Adedeji Soyebi, presented the certificate to him at a ceremony held at the state’s INEC office in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress won the Saturday’s governorship election by defeating the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prof. Kolapo Olusola.

His running mate, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, also received his Certificate of Return at the event.

Olu Jacobs Son Weds Traditionally In Rivers State

Olusoji Jacobs, son of movie veteran Olu Jacobs has married his Rivers State bride, Boma Douglas.

The traditional occasion was held in Rivers, while the white wedding will hold in Lagos.

Leo, Cee-c Bag Endorsement Deals From Numatville Tourism Megacity

BBNaija 2018 ex housemates, Leo and Cee-C have gotten themselves new endorsement deals.

The rumoured lovebirds are the latest Numatville Tourism Megacity Ambassadors and have also received plots of lands from the firm.

The company released the statement below:

“Big Brother Naija 2018 Celebrities, *Cynthia Nkemdili Nwadiora aka CECE & Leo Da Silver* joins the list of credible Nigerian celebrities as Ambassadors of Numatville Tourism Megacity. Gets complimentary plots of land each at

Falz Signs Sir Dauda To Bahdguy Entertainment Records

Falzthebahdguy Signs New Artist. Sir Dauda To Bahdguy Entertainment Records

Nigerian rapper and musician Falz has announced a new artist, Sir Dauda who has just been signed to his Label, BahdGuy Entertainment.

WoW.. Cardi B Gets 10 Nominations For MTV Video Music Awards

The 2018 MTV Video Music Awards nominations has been released and new mum Cardi B got nominated in 10 categories. Can you beat that?

See the full list below.

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Ariana Grande – “No Tears Left to Cry” – Republic Records
Bruno Mars ft. Cardi B – “Finesse (Remix)” – Atlantic Records
Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug – “Havana” – Syco Music/Epic Records
The Carters – “APES**T” – Roc Nation/Parkwood Entertainment
Childish Gambino – “This Is America” – mcDJ / RCA Records
Drake – “God’s Plan” – YMCMB/Cash Money/Republic Records

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Ariana Grande – Republic Records
Bruno Mars – Atlantic Records
Camila Cabello – Syco Music/Epic Records
Cardi B – Atlantic Records
Drake – YMCMB/Cash Money/Republic Records
Post Malone – Republic Records

SONG OF THE YEAR
Bruno Mars ft. Cardi B – “Finesse (Remix)” – Atlantic Records
Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug – “Havana” – Syco Music/Epic Records
Drake – “God’s Plan” – YMCMB/Cash Money/Republic Records
Dua Lipa – “New Rules” – Warner Bros. Records
Ed Sheeran – “Perfect” – Atlantic Records
Post Malone ft. 21 Savage – “rockstar” – Republic Records

Atiku Begins Nationwide Tour Ahead Presidential Race

Former vice-president and leading presidential aspirant, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, will be commencing a consultation and familiarization tour across the country beginning from July 16, 2018 ahead of the presidential primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The former number two citizen will begin with a scheduled visit to Gombe State on Monday then proceed to Borno State on Tuesday, Taraba on Wednesday and Adamawa on Thursday.


According to a schedule released by the the Director-General of the Atiku Presidential Campaign Organisation and former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Alhaji Atiku will commence the South West visitation on Monday, July 30 in Lagos while that of North East will start from Jigawa on August 6th with North West, South East and North Central scheduled for August 7th, August 13th and August 15th respectively.

An official reception in respect of his presidential ambition has been slated for Saturday July 21st in Yola by the Adamawa State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, tagged “Mega Rally”

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable released in January mandates all political parties to conduct party primaries including resolution of disputes arising from the primaries between August 18 and October 7, 2018.

Buhari appoints Banire as AMCON Chairman

Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari has appointed former Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr. Muiz Banire, as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON.

Buhari also appointed the chairman and 12 commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission.

PHOTOS: Meghan, Harry unveil Nelson Mandela Centenary exhibit

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on Tuesday unveiled the Nelson Mandela Centenary Exhibition in Southbank, London to celebrate the 100th birthday of former South African president, Nelson Mandela.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex chatted with Mandela’s granddaughter, Zamaswazi Dlamini-Mandela at the event marking 100 years since the late freedom fighter was born, reports Mirror UK.

The London exhibition provides an insight into Mandela’s journey from young anti-apartheid campaigner to becoming the inspiration for an international movement against South Africa’s violent and oppressive system.

Barcelona Set To Join Real Madrid In Pursuit Of Hazard

Barcelona are ready to join Clasico rivals Real Madrid in pursuit of Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard, reports Don Balon .

The Belgium international has long been linked with a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu and has hinted that he will be on the move this summer.

Musa battles Ronaldo, Messi, Modric, others for Russia 2018 Word Cup Goal of the Tournament

Ahmed Musa’s goal in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Iceland at Volgograd Arena has been nominated along 17 others for the 2018 World Cup Goal of the Tournament.

The Leicester City man combined pace, composure and brilliance to complete his brace, after a well-taken opener, to help the Super Eagles secure their lone victory in Russia.

The effort has not gone unnoticed as it has been shortlisted along strikes from Portugal duo Cristiano Ronaldo and Ricardo Quaresma, Croatia captain and Golden Ball winner Luka Modric, Spain defender Nacho, Brazil’s Philipe Coutinho, Russia attackers Denis Cheryshev [2] and Artem Dzyuba for the best goal in the global football showpiece.

Wenger: My 22 Years At Arsenal Was A Mistake

Arsene Wenger concedes that spending 22 years in charge of Arsenal was a mistake, with the Frenchman feeling as though he became “a prisoner of my own challenges”.

Having worked so hard to rebuild the Gunners in his image, the long-serving coach found it difficult to sever ties with the club.

There were plenty of opportunities for him to walk away, with Real Madrid and England having made several attempts to secure the services of a proven performer.

Wenger also faced fan protests towards the end of his reign, but he eventually departed on his own terms at the end of the 2017-18 season.

Fayose Meets Ewi Over Harrassment

The Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, on Tuesday made his first public appearance since his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, lost the Saturday’s governorship election.

Fayose, who went to the palace of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, the Aladesanmi III, was mobbed by the people in areas such as Okesa, Oja Bisi, Oja oba, Irona and Oke Oriomi.

At the palace of the Ewi, the governor said it was unfortunate that he and his supporters were still being hounded after the election had come and gone.

Drug peddler dies as cocaine capsule explodes in her stomach In Portugal

A mother who is believed to have been smuggling drugs to fund plastic surgery died from a drug overdose after a suspected cocaine capsule exploded inside her.

Moments before she died, Dayse Ricarte, 28, spoke in distress to a friend on camera.

She is believed to have swallowed 71 grams of cocaine inside capsules and smuggled them from Brazil to Europe. However, one of them is believed to have ruptured, causing the overdose at Sao Pedro Hotel in Lisbon, Portugal

She told her friend in the distressing video: “I think I’m going to die, my friend. Oh Lord, help me. My friend, talk to my mum and tell her I love her and my dad. I’m not going to make it. God help me.”

Girl beheaded after witnessing grandmother’s murder

 A 13-year-old girl with special needs was beheaded because she saw her grandmother murdered in a cemetery, a US court has heard.

Mariah Lopez was killed after her grandmother reportedly went to buy drugs but the deal turned into an argument.

The teenager saw how her grandmother was attacked with a knife by her live-in boyfriend and left to die on the ground, testimony revealed.

Israel Palomino, 34, and Yoni Aguilar, 26, are charged with two counts each of murder – punishable by the death penalty.

Ms Lopez’s family wept in Madison County Court court as details of the case were related.

Nigerian model stabbed to death by rival in Instagram feud over a girl In London

A Nigerian model, Harry Uzoka, 25, was stabbed to death by a rival model, George Koh, after being taunted that his killer had slept with his model girlfriend, a court heard.

Uzoka was stabbed in the heart after the IMG model, Koh, 24, boasted in Instagram messages that he had slept with his girlfriend, jurors were told, the Mirror UK reported.

Koh was obsessed with Mr Uzoka’s success and told French model Anna Cetta Lafon he had slept with Mr Uzoka’s girlfriend Ruby Campbell, the Old Bailey heard.

Koh also claimed his now deceased rival was a “bad man and a liar.”

The court heard that after being told of the claims by Ms. Lafon, the pair arranged a confrontation in Shepherd’s Bush in west London, on the afternoon of Thursday, January 11 this year.

Warren Buffett donates $3.4 billion to 5 charities

Buffett’s own foundation, named for his late first wife Susan, and charities run by his children Howard, Susan and Peter received the rest.

Buffett, 87, has since 2006 made more than 30.9 billion dollars in donations to the charities, including roughly 24.5 billion dollars to the Gates Foundation.

His largest previous annual donation had been 3.17 billion dollars, in 2017.

Buffett still owns roughly one-sixth of Berkshire, the Omaha, Nebraska-based conglomerate he has run since 1965, in spite of giving away 43 per cent of the shares he owned in 2006.

Buhari orders repatriation of stranded Nigerians in Russia After World Cup

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and Minister of State, Aviation, Hadi Sirika, to commence the process of repatriating Nigerians who travelled to Russia for the FIFA 2018 World Cup and got stranded after the competition.

The Nigerian football fans got stranded in the country following the activities of some unscrupulous travel agents who cancelled their return tickets and abandoned them to their fate.