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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta tests positive for coronavirus

By
Alex Enemanna
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1

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has tested positive for coronavirus as the pandemic continues to affect the sporting calendar around the world.

The club released a statement on Thursday evening confirming the news, as worries continue to grow over the well-being of other figures in the sport.

The statement read: “The health of our people and the wider public is our priority and that is where our focus is. Our thoughts are with Mikel who is disappointed but in good spirits. We are in active dialogue with all the relevant people to manage this situation appropriately, and we look forward to getting back to training and playing as soon as medical advice allows.”

Managing director Vinai Venkatesham added: “Mikel and the full first-team squad, players and staff, will be fully supported, and we look forward to getting back to training and playing as soon as medical advice allows. Obviously Mikel’s full recovery is the priority now for us all.”

It follows after three Leicester City players also tested positive for the virus, as well as Juventus player Daniele Rugani.

Arteta himself added: “This is really disappointing but I took the test after feeling poorly. I will be at work as soon as I’m allowed.”

The news comes just hours after the Premier League confirmed this weekend’s round of fixtures would go ahead, something that is not happening around Europe, with La Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said earlier today that the government were considering suspending large gatherings such as sporting events, but were not at the stage where it was necessary yet.

“We are considering the question of banning major public events such as sporting fixtures,” Johnson said.

“The scientific advice is that this will have little effect on the spread but there’s also the issue of the burden such events can place on public services.”

Alleged N8.5bn Fraud: How Atewe Bought 30,000 Units Of Shares For N170m – Witness

By
ABN TV EDITOR
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0

A prosecution witness, Howard Edafe, in the ongoing N8.5billion fraud case involving a former Joint Military Task Force Commander, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Atewe (retd.), on March 12, 2020 told Justice Ayokunle Faji of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos how Atewe bought 30,000 units of shares from MTN Links for N170,350,000.00 (One Hundred and Seventy Million, Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) between 2014 and 2015.

In a statement signed by the Acting Head, Media and Publicity of the Commission, Tony Orilade and made available to ABN TV on Friday, Atewe is standing trial alongside Patrick Akpobolokemi, a former Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Kime Enzogu and Josephine Otuaga on a 22-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and money laundering.

While being led-in-evidence by counsel for the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo, the former compliance officer, currently an Internal Auditor with Stanbic IBTC bank, testified as the fourth prosecution witness, PW4.

Edafe said: “Sometime between 2014 and 2015, Atewe expressed interest in buying 30,000 units of shares from MTN Links through his Stanbic IBTC stockbroker.

“Following the notification, various documents were completed and made available regarding the transaction and Atewe made transfers to his Stanbic IBTC Bank account for the transaction.

“Although Atewe is a client to Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited ,which is domiciled with Stanbic IBTC bank, Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited and Stanbic IBTC Bank are both subsidiaries of Stanbic IBTC Holdings.

“After Mr. Atewe showed interest in buying 30,000 units of shares, we valued it and documents were prepared.

“Documents that were prepared for the transaction are: Purchase Order Form, which reflected that a unit was purchased for $27; Share Transfer Form; Utility Bill; Application Form; Means of Identification, which was the client’s international passport; three copies of Confidentiality and non-disclosure agreement.

“Evidence of transfer of money, which was provided by Mr. Atewe; a letter from Atewe authorizing remit of proceeds to Standard Chartered Bank in favour of Mr. Atewe; and a letter informing Stanbic IBTC the intention of Mr. Atewe to purchase 30,000 units of shares.”

Edafe also confirmed that the 30,000 units of shares were bought for N170,350,000 and paid for in four tranches – two payments of N40m and N10,350,000 received from Lord Firm Engineering, and N70m from INP Limited, while N50m was received from Ocean Gas Limited.

Under cross-examination by the defence, Edafe told the court that he never came across Akpobolokemi’s name during the transaction and that he was not a beneficiary of the transaction.

Earlier in the course of proceedings, the third prosecution witness, Gideon Dachung, a Forensic Analyst and Document Examiner with the EFCC was cross-examined by the defence.

He was shown Exhibit C24, Exhibit G9 and Exhibit G17, and asked if he could establish, by merely looking at the exhibits, that the signatures on them have pictorial resemblance or not.

When the witness compared Exhibit C24 to Exhibit G9 and Exhibit C24 to Exhibit G17, he told the court that the signatures on the documents had a similar pictorial resemblance.

He, however, told the court that the two signatures on Exhibit C24 did not have any pictorial resemblance.

The trial continues on March 25, 2020.

Coronavirus: Anglican church stops communion from one cup

By
Alex Enemanna
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0

The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has stopped the use of one chalice for the sharing of wine during Holy Communion as one of the steps to stop the spread of the dreaded coronavirus.

The church has also suspended handshakes and hugs which are hitherto being used for the “exchange of peace” during the services.

The church’s General Secretary, Gershinen Dajur, disclosed this in a letter addressed to all archbishops and bishops of the church on Friday on behalf of the church’s Primate, Most-Revd Nicholas Okoh.

The letter read, “His Grace, the Most Rev’d Nicholas D. Okoh has directed that certain steps be taken as guides against contacting and communicating the virus among our people.

“Let the church be encouraged to trust God who is well able to help us in our times of trouble (Psalms46:1). This is the time to trust and obey God than to be anxious and panic (Phil 4:6-7).

“Since this virus is communicable, the church is to prayerfully put on hold the sharing of one chalice to all during Holy Communion. Other smaller communion cups should be used for individual communication.

“Also, handshakes and hugs during the exchange of peace should be substituted with non-contagious gestures such as hand waving, mutual bowing, or making the sign of the cross, etc.

“Let everyone be encouraged to observe good personal hygiene through proper washing of hands with soap or hand sanitiser; covering of mouth with a handkerchief when sneezing or coughing etc.

Okoh also asked parishioners to read, study and implement important safety tips from the World Health Organisation’s website or that of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control on how to handle oneself in a time like this.

“These are temporary guides given in good spirit to help us while we navigate our way through the challenge of the pandemic of COVID 19.

“Please do not oversimplify, underrate, overrate, overreact or over spiritualise this issue of COVID 19.

“From lightning, fire, and tempest; from earthquake, drought, and flood; from famine, plague, and pestilence. Good Lord, deliver us,” the letter added.

Buhari’s $22.7bn Loan: Igbo Senators, Reps Allege Marginalisation [VIDEO]

By
ABN TV EDITOR
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0

Members of the Sout-East caucus in the National Assembly on Thursday met with the leadership of both chambers of the federal parliament to protest against the non-inclusion of their region among the beneficiaries of the $22.7bn foreign loan request by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The caucus, led by the Senate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe,  met separately with the Senate President,  Ahmad Lawan; and the Speaker of the House of Representatives,  Femi Gbajabiamila, behind closed doors.

Our correspondent learnt that the Igbo federal lawmakers were not happy with the exclusion of their region from the projects which the Federal Government  would use part of  the loan to fund.

The Senate approved the loan request in controversial circumstances last week Thursday, but the House of Representatives on Wednesday suspended deliberation on it indefinitely.

Addressing journalists after their engagements with the presiding officers, a former deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who was with other lawmakers, said the position of his colleagues was that the issue of loan request be revisited since the House of Representatives had yet to approve it.

He said,  “We decided that the best approach is constructive engagement with the National Assembly leadership.

“So this afternoon, we had a very deep conversation with the Senate President and also the Speaker.

“Our thinking is that what the Federal Government presented is a borrowing plan. It is just a plan. There is still an opportunity for us to look at the distribution.

“If we are going to be part and parcel of the payment, it makes every sense that we are going to benefit from the utilisation of those funds.

“Our concerns were about certain facilities within the eastern corridor railway of Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, we are also concerned about the access to the sea for people of the South-East to open seaports in our area.

“We hope by the time the matter is addressed, the fears of the people will be allayed.”

Ekweremadu added that the caucus also protested against the lopsided nature of the National Assembly bureaucracy which, according to him, excluded the Igbo from top management positions.

He said,  “From the Clerk of the National Assembly to Deputy Clerk, Clerk of the Senate and the House, the DG of National Institute for Legislative Studies, the Chairman and Secretary National Assembly Service Commission, the same thing with the Public Complaints Commission, the South-East was excluded.”

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW…

https://youtu.be/nVY4rH_KUqs

Coronavirus hits UN headquarters as Philippine diplomat tests positive

By
Alex Enemanna
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0

A Philippine diplomat in New York has tested positive for the new coronavirus in the first recorded case at United Nations headquarters in the city, diplomatic sources said on Thursday.

The diplomat, who had last visited the UN on Monday, showed symptoms of flu the following day and saw a doctor.

“She got the call today that she tested positive for COVID-19,” said a letter from the Philippines mission.

“As of today, the Philippine mission is in lockdown, and all personnel are instructed to self-quarantine,” the letter specified.

The diplomat works at the UN General Assembly’s Sixth Committee, which deals with legal matters.

About 3,000 people are employed at the towering riverfront UN headquarters. Numerous other diplomats from the 193 UN member countries come and go between their own missions in the area and the Manhattan UN complex.

The Philippines has confirmed 52 cases of COVID-19 illness. There have been more than 1,600 cases in the United States.

EPL, Scottish Premier league suspended over coronavirus

By
Alex Enemanna
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0

The English Premier League suspended all fixtures until April 4 on Friday after Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi tested positive for coronavirus.

“Following a meeting of shareholders today, it was unanimously decided to suspend the Premier League with the intention of returning on 4 April, subject to medical advice and conditions at the time,” the Premier League said in a statement.

Everton also announced their entire first-team squad and coaching staff have been told to self-isolate after a player reported symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

Leicester City had three players go into self-isolation on Thursday and Bournemouth said goalkeeper Artur Boruc and four staff members were also self-isolating.

“Above all, we wish Mikel Arteta and Callum Hudson-Odoi speedy recoveries, and everyone else affected by COVID-19,” said Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters.

“In this unprecedented situation, we are working closely with our clubs, Government, The FA and EFL and can reassure everyone the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority.”

The English Football League, which heads up the three divisions below the Premier League, and Women’s Super League will also be suspended until April 3.

England’s two friendly matches at home to Italy and Denmark later this month have been postponed.

However, the authorities still hope to be able to resume and complete the season at a later date.

“Despite the challenges, it is the Premier League’s aim to reschedule the displaced fixtures, including those played by Academy sides, when it is safe to do so,” added the Premier League statement.

– ‘Lack of leadership’ -British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday that the government was considering the question of banning major public events such as sporting fixtures, but was not ready to do so yet.

The Six Nations clash between Wales and Scotland is still due to go ahead in Cardiff on Saturday with a crowd of 70,000 expected.

However, the news of Arteta and Hudson-Odoi’s positive tests in the last 24 hours forced the English football authorities to act.

“I don’t think we had any great leadership last night listening to the prime minister. I was totally underwhelmed by the lack of leadership and clear message in terms of what was said in that press conference,” said Watford manager Nigel Pearson.

“Hopefully the Premier League will make strong decisions based on what is right for everybody within the game.”

Hudson-Odoi said he had already “recovered” from the virus but will continue to self-isolate.

“As you may be aware I had the virus for the last couple of days, which I’ve recovered from,” the England international posted in a video on social media.

“I’m following the health guidelines and self-isolated myself from everybody for the week. I hope to be back on the pitch very soon.”

All matches in Scotland, including Sunday’s Old Firm derby between Rangers and Celtic, have also been indefinitely suspended.

UEFA, European football’s governing body, has postponed all Champions League and Europa League games for the coming week and will have a crisis meeting on Tuesday to determine the fate of those competitions and Euro 2020.

Customs boss approves promotion of 2,974 junior officers

By
Alex Enemanna
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0

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (retd), has approved the promotion of 2,974 junior officers to various ranks.

The promotion was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by the Public Relations Officer of Customs, Mr Joseph Attah.

The statement said the promotion was strictly based on merit.

It said the cumulative marks of annual performance evaluation scores, written examination, seniority and availability of vacancies formed the basis for the promotion.

A breakdown of the promotion shows that 897 Assistant Inspectors of Customs were promoted to the rank of Inspector of Customs, 1,426 Customs Assistant 1 to Assistant Inspector of Customs, while 123 Customs Assistant ll were promoted to Customs Assistant l.

The statement added that five Customs Assistant 111 were promoted to Customs Assistant 11.

In the Support Staff Cadre, it said 21 Assistant Inspectors of Customs were promoted to the rank of Inspector of Customs, 208 Customs Assistant l to Assistant Inspector of Customs, 263 Customs Assistant ll moved up to Customs Assistant 1 while 31 Customs Assistant lll were promoted to Customs Assistant Il.

While giving his approval for the release of the promotion, the Customs CG congratulated all promoted personnel and expressed the hope that these elevations will serve as motivation to effectively discharge their duties.

T.B Joshua Reveals What Will Happen To America Over Coronavirus, Warns Trump

By
ABN TV EDITOR
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0

Founder, Synagogue Church of All Nations, SCOAN, Prophet T.B. Joshua, has warned United States President, Donald Trump over the travel ban placed as a result of Coronavirus outbreak.

Joshua in a message on his verified Facebook page, said the 30 days travel ban imposed on flights from Europe by Trump would cause a backlash on America’s economy.

The cleric added that the initial measures by Trump were the best way to curb the spread of Coronavirus not travel ban.

“The initial measures America put in place are the best way to stop Coronavirus they just need to be reinforced,” Joshua added.

Joshua further revealed that Coronavirus is caused by fear even as he noted that Coronavirus which may affect America’s election will be stopped by the end of March.

The message on his verified Facebook Page, Joshua read “This travel ban on flights from Europe will cause a backlash. It will affect the American economy more and also the world economy.

“It will also affect the forthcoming election in America in one way or another.

“Coronavirus is fear and fear lingers in the air. Fear does not need to fly to America or any other country on a plane before being contracted.

“ In conclusion, we are on our knees praying. The noise of coronavirus will be silenced before the end of this month March 2020.”

T.B Joshua Reveals What Will Happen To America Over Coronavirus, Warns Trump

Ghana, Ethiopia, other African nations confirm first case of coronavirus

By
Alex Enemanna
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0

Ethiopia, Kenya, Ghana, and Gabon, on Friday, reported their first confirmed cases of infection with the new coronavirus.

In East Africa, Kenya reported one case on Friday, while in West Africa, Ghana reported two cases just as Gabon said it had logged one case.

This, however, raised the total number of African countries affected by the pandemic to 15.

According to Kenyan Health Minister, Mutahi Kagwe, the patient is a Kenyan citizen who had recently travelled to the US.

The Gabonese Health Ministry said that the infected person in Gabon was a national who had returned from a trip to Bordeaux, France on March 8.

The ministry added that Gabonese authorities were in the process of tracing all contacts the patient had since his arrival in the capital, Libreville.

According to the Ghanaian Health Ministry, both infected individuals returned from Norway and Turkey.

The Ghanaian Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, said that both patients were currently being kept in isolation and were stable.

“I wish to assure all Ghanaians that the Government of Ghana together with all health partners will continue to work assiduously to ensure the situation is contained,” he said.

Health Minister Eteni Longondo of Congo reported the country’s second confirmed case of COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new virus, involving a Cameroonian national who lives in the central African country, who travelled to France.

Congo has already had to contend with an outbreak of the Ebola haemorrhagic fever in its Eastern border region since mid-2018, though the last Ebola patient was discharged from a treatment centre in the city of Benin.

Ethiopia on Friday announced its first case of the new coronavirus, the second to hit East Africa which had so far been spared from the rapidly spreading illness.

A 48-year-old Japanese man who had arrived in the country on March 4 from Burkina Faso was confirmed to have contracted the virus, the health ministry said.

However, experts had considered Africa to be at high risk in relation to the coronavirus due the continent’s close economic ties with China where the disease outbreak originated in December 2019.

The continent’s outbreak has so far been limited compared with those in Asia or Europe.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation recorded 129 cases of COVID-19 in 12 of Africa’s 54 countries, with three casualties in Northern Africa, compared to more than 125,000 confirmed cases globally.

Court grants interim order releasing deposed Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi from detention

By
Alex Enemanna
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0

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday granted an interim order releasing the deposed Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi from detention.

Justice Anwuli Chikere granted the order in line with the prayers on the exparte motion filed on behalf of the deposed Emir by Mr Lateef Fagbemi SAN.

The judge also notes that the order for the release of the deposed monarch should be served on the respondents to the application.

The respondents to the application marked FHC/ABJ/CS/357/2020 are, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Muhammed Adamu; the Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Yusuf Bichi; the Attorney-General of Kano State, Ibrahim Muktar, and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN).

The judge has therefore fixed March 26, 2020, for the hearing of the main suit challenging his detention.

The former Emir had earlier on Thursday approached the court seeking an interim order of the court directing his immediate release from detention.

He prayed the court to order his release from “the detention and or confinement of the respondents and to restore his rights to human dignity, personal liberty, freedom of association and movement in Nigeria, (apart from Kano State) pending the hearing and determination of the applicant’s originating summons.”

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