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El Chapo’s son pleads not guilty to drug charges

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El Chapo’s son pleads not guilty to drug charges

The son of the former Sinaloa drug cartel leader El Chapo pleaded not guilty Tuesday to a raft of charges linked to one of the world’s biggest illicit narcotics operations, prosecutors said.

Joaquin Guzman Lopez was arrested in a scheme allegedly orchestrated by Washington without the involvement of Mexico, in which he was detained in Texas on Thursday.

The judge in the case denied bail and remanded him in custody, ordering a case management hearing for September 30, the assistant US Attorney’s office said in a statement to AFP.

Many of the details of the arrest operation, in which co-founder of the cartel Ismael Zambada Garcia, known as “El Mayo”, was also taken into US custody, remain murky.

He has also pleaded not guilty and has been remanded in custody.

US media have quoted law enforcement sources as saying that Zambada was unwittingly lured across the Mexico border by Guzman Lopez, one of El Chapo’s four sons.

According to a US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) report released in May, the sons were engaged in an “internal battle” against Zambada, their father’s former partner.

Guzman Lopez was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of drug trafficking, money laundering and weapons charges according to court documents previously released by prosecutors.

Broadcaster CNN reported that Guzman Lopez’s lawyer, Jeffrey Lichtman, told reporters his client faces the death penalty in the case. Lichtman did not return an AFP request for comment.

Guzman Lopez, aged in his 30s, is among El Chapo’s sons known collectively as Los Chapitos, or “The Little Chapos.”

El Chapo was convicted of drug charges in New York in 2019 and is serving a life sentence in a maximum security prison.

Guzman, the then-62-year-old former co-leader of Mexico’s mighty Sinaloa drug cartel, was convicted in February 2023 in US federal court on a variety of charges, including trafficking hundreds of tons of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines and marijuana to the United States.

DEA chief Anne Milgram said Zambada’s arrest “strikes at the heart of the cartel that is responsible for the majority of drugs, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, killing Americans from coast to coast.”

AFP

NPC working tirelessly to conduct census- Chairman

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NPC working tirelessly to conduct census- Chairman

The Chairman, National Population Commission, Mr Isa Kwarra, says the commission is working tirelessly to conduct the forthcoming National Population and Housing Census.

Kwarra disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, saying that it was in line with the Federal Government’s drive to address Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.

According to him, the exercise will generate inclusive and up-to-date data for evidence-based planning and policymaking.

“As the leading data-generating agency in Nigeria, the commission is committed to its mandate of generating reliable and acceptable demographic data for national planning and sustainable development.”

He also appealed to all Nigerians to maintain peace, calm and to shun the planned nationwide protest.

The chairman acknowledged the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and that the commission emphasised the need to prioritise national stability, peace and security.

“The NPC understands the economic hardships and hunger faced by Nigerians, but urges citizens to give the government time to address these challenges.

“The commission calls on Nigerians to have trust in President Bola Tinubu and give the administration time to deliver on its promises of a better Nigeria.

“The President is not unaware of the various challenges in the country.

“Hence, he is working round the clock to put in place policies and programmes that will deliver to Nigerians the full dividends of democracy within the shortest possible time.”

He highlighted some of the programmes the government had initiated to alleviate the living standards of Nigerians.

They include: Social Investment Programmes (SIPs): Initiatives like N-Power, Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), and Homegrown School Feeding Programme aim to reduce poverty and unemployment.

“Agriculture and Food Security Initiatives to boost food production, reduce import dependence, and enhance food security.

“Infrastructure development focusing on investments in roads, bridges, airports, and seaports to enhance connectivity and facilitate economic growth.

“The government has also started the Student Loan Scheme for the youths in Nigeria,” Kwarra said.

He, however, urged all Nigerians to remain calm, focused, and avoid actions that might compromise national peace and stability.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that some organisers are gearing up for a nationwide peaceful protest slated for August 1 to 10.

According Online reported that about N200bn was expended by the Kwara-led NPC, in preparations for the aborted 2023 population and housing census.

The Nigerian Population Commission disclosed on Saturday that it can do little until Tinubu consents to the commencement of the general census.

The population and housing census, initially scheduled for 2022, was postponed by former President Muhammadu Buhari as it coincided with electioneering campaigns for the 2023 general elections.

The exercise was eventually suspended indefinitely by Buhari, a few days before leaving office, stating that he would allow Tinubu to announce new dates for the headcount.

(NAN)

Protest: Tinubu approves N50K monthly stipend for Niger Delta youths

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Protest: Tinubu approves N50K monthly stipend for Niger Delta youths

President Bola Tinubu has approved a monthly stipend of N50,000 for 10,000 youths in Niger Delta to address the current hardship in the country.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced this during the Niger Delta Sensitisation Conference for ethnic nationalities and youths and women held on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
He said the payment would be made under the NDDC Youth Intensive Scheme and would last for an initial 12 months with the possibility of extension.
Akpabio stressed that the move was part of Tinubu’s efforts to address the region’s challenges and urged the people to shun the nationwide protest slated for August 1.
READ ALSO: Tinubu signs minimum wage bill
He said: “The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will implement this scheme immediately to support 10,000 youths with N50,000 monthly to cushion the current hardship.
“We acknowledge the severe impact caused by oil and gas activities in the Niger Delta and are taking prompt action to address these issues.
“The economic challenges in our nation are known by President Tinubu and are already receiving required attention to address them.”
The Senate President said Tinubu had also approved the simultaneous commencement of the Lagos to Calabar coastal highway project from both states to create thousands of jobs for youths in the Niger Delta.
According to him, the protest was orchestrated by faceless people aiming to instigate chaos and damage across the country.
“There is nothing in the 10 points agenda for the national protest that captures the interest of the Niger Delta.
“The organisers are merely copycats imitating the situation in Kenya, not minding the potential anarchy their protest will bring upon this country.
“The issues facing the country are currently being addressed, and so, there is absolutely no need to protest,” he added.
The post Protest: Tinubu approves N50K monthly stipend for Niger Delta youths appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Senate faults N4.2bn salaries for unverified Ajaokuta steel workers

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Senate faults N4.2bn salaries for unverified Ajaokuta steel workers

The Senate, on Tuesday, frowned at N4.2bn appropriated in the 2024 budget as personnel cost for unverifiable workers at Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited.

The issue came to the fore during an investigative hearing on alleged corruption and inefficiency in Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and National Iron Ore Mining Company from 2002 to date, by an Ad-hoc committee of the Senate.

The Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan ( PDP Kogi Central), took up the Sole Administrator of the Steel Company, Summaila Akaba, on a number of workers collecting salaries from the N4.2billion appropriated for personnel costs in the 2024 budget.

She said being an indigene of the area desirous to get the steel company revamped and working, she made unscheduled visits to it and hardly found 10 people.

The lawmaker lamented further that despite such an amount of money being spent on personnel costs, no steel has been manufactured and no mill rolled.

She said, “The sum of N4.2billion was appropriated for personnel cost in 2024, but from several visitations I’ve made to the complex, hardly were 10 people sighted to be around or doing anything.

“So, who are the workers collecting monthly salaries from the appropriated N4.2bn?

“Statistically, if N300,000 is paid monthly to 14, 000 people per month for a year, you get N4.2bn or N500,000 to 8,400 workers per month in a year..

“Where are the 14, 000 or 8,400 workers in Ajaokuta that the appropriated N4.2 billion is being spent on? “

But the Minority Whip of the Senate, who is also a member of the committee, Senator Osita Ngwu (PDP Enugu West), prevented the sole administrator from responding to Natasha’s question.

Ngwu, in his interjection, said, “Please don’t let us indict ourselves because the said appropriation was approved by the National Assembly.”

In his closing remarks at the investigative hearing, the Chairman of the Ad – hoc Committee, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC – Ondo Central), said, that presentations and submissions made by the various stakeholders, would be thoroughly looked into by the committee for a way out.

Nigeria declares prisons ‘red zones’ ahead of #EndBadGovernance protests

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The Federal Government has declared all the 256 custodial centres across the country as “red zones” ahead of the planned #EndBadGovernance protests to begin on August 1.
The Controller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Haliru Nababa, gave the warning in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Service Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, in Abuja.
He asked persons or groups with no business whatsoever in the correctional centres to steer clear of the facilities.
Nababa said: “Given the purported national protest scheduled to hold on August 1, the service wishes to inform the public that the custodial centres have been designated as red zones.
“Furthermore, the service wishes to enjoin the public that custodial and non-custodial centres are critical national assets which are germane to public safety as well as national security.
“Tampering with or attacking them will lead to a breakdown of law and order, and further exacerbate the security of the society in general.”
The CG urged Nigerians to join hands with the service to ensure the protection of correctional facilities.
He said adequate security arrangements have been put in place to ensure that no correctional facility was “defiled.”
Nababa added that the Ministry of Interior Joint Taskforce (MOIJTF) had been activated to provide extra security in and around custodial facilities nationwide.
The post Nigeria declares prisons ‘red zones’ ahead of #EndBadGovernance protests appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Senate queries Ajaokuta Steel Company on N4.2bn personnel cost

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Senate queries Ajaokuta Steel Company on N4.2bn personnel cost

The Senate on Tuesday frowned at the N4.2 billion appropriated in the 2024 budget as personnel costs for an unverifiable number of workers at the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited.
Allegation of unverifiability of workers at the non-functional steel company came to the fore during an investigative hearing on alleged incidences of corruption and inefficiency in Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and National Iron Ore Mining Company from 2002 to date, by an ad hoc committee of the Senate.
Specifically, the deputy chairman of the committee, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), tackled the sole administrator of the company, Summaila Abdul Akaba, on the number of workers collecting salaries from N4.2 billion appropriated for personnel cost in the 2024 budget.
Natasha said: “The sole administrator of Ajaokuta Steel Company, I have a good question for you, being an indigene from the area, very worried about the state of the company and passionate about its revival, the sum of N4.2 billion was appropriated for personnel cost in 2024, but from several visitations I’ve made to the complex, hardly were 10 people sighted to be around or doing anything. So, who are the workers collecting monthly salaries from the appropriated N4.2 billion?
“Statistically, if N300,000 is paid monthly to 14, 000 people per month for a year, you get N4.2 billion or N500,000 to 8,400 workers per month in a year. Where are the 14, 000 or 8,400 workers in Ajaokuta, the appropriated N4.2 billion is being spent on ?”
But in an embarrassment-saving move, the Minority Whip of the Senate, who is also a member of the committee, Senator Osita Ngwu (PDP, Enugu West), prevented the sole administrator from responding to Natasha’s poser.
Senator Ngwu interjected, “Please don’t let us indict ourselves because the said appropriation was approved by the National Assembly.”
In his closing remarks at the investigative hearing, the chairman of the ad hoc committee, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC, Ondo Central), said presentations and submissions made by various stakeholders would be thoroughly looked into by the committee for a solution report on Ajaokuta Steel Company to the Senate.
Key stakeholders at the investigative hearing include the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, a director from the Central Bank of Nigeria, a director from the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, Nigerian Society of Engineers, and Steel and Engineering Union Workers of Nigeria, among others.
Senate queries Ajaokuta Steel Company on N4.2bn personnel cost

How I fathered 100 biological children despite being unmarried — Telegram CEO, Durov

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How I fathered 100 biological children despite being unmarried — Telegram CEO, Durov

The founder and Chief Executive Officer, Telegram Messenger app, Pavel Durov, has narrated how he had 100 biological children around the world despite being unmarried.

The 39-year-old entrepreneur made this known through his popular channel on Monday evening.

According to him, despite his preference to remain single and alone, 15 years ago, his friend (unnamed) approached him to donate his sperm in a clinic, which he acceded to and resulted in him helping over 12 families all over the world have kids due to what he described as ”high-quality donor material’.

Narrating, he said, “I was just told that I have over 100 biological kids. How is this possible for a guy who has never been married and prefers to live alone?

“Fifteen years ago, a friend approached me with a weird request. He said that he and his wife couldn’t have kids due to a fertility issue and asked me to donate sperm at a clinic for them to have a baby. I laughed my ass off before realising he was dead serious.

“The boss of the clinic told me that ‘high-quality donor material’  was in short supply and that it was my civic duty to donate more sperm to anonymously help more couples. This sounded crazy enough to get me to sign up for sperm donation.

“Fast forward to 2024, my past donating activity has helped over a hundred couples in 12 countries to have kids. Moreover, many years after I stopped being a donor, at least one IVF clinic still has my frozen sperm available for anonymous use by families who want to have kids.”

He hinted that he would plan to open-source his DNA so that his biological children could easily find him, stressing, “Of course, there are risks, but I don’t regret having been a donor. The shortage of healthy sperm has become an increasingly serious issue worldwide, and I’m proud that I did my part to help alleviate it.”

Durov further advised healthy men to donate sperm to families struggling to have kids around the world.

The Telegram founder is a Russian-born Emirati entrepreneur. In 2022, he was recognized as the richest expat in the United Arab Emirates, according to Forbes. In February 2023, Arabian Business named him the most powerful entrepreneur in Dubai.

Gunmen kill one in Imo, burn govt vehicle

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Gunmen kill one in Imo, burn govt vehicle

Gunmen on Tuesday afternoon killed a young man at Orji in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State.

This incident is coming twenty-four hours after four police officers and a point-of-sale operator were killed in Irette, Owerri West LGA in the state.

The gunmen, who shot sporadically into the air while heading to Owerri-Enugu Road, also burned the Imo State Government Waste Management Agency vehicle at Nkwo Orji Market in Owerri North.

When According Metro visited Nkwo Orji Market, the vehicle was already in flames.

Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen were shouting, “Stay in your homes. Don’t come out during the sit-at-home if you value your lives.”

“The traders and buyers scampered for safety, abandoning their wares and vehicles as they ran for their lives.”

According Metro noticed that commuters were stranded, as few buses were seen plying the route for fear of being harmed.

Reacting to the killing, the Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police Henry Okoye, said, “Police operatives have been massively deployed to Orji. The situation is under control. The miscreants responsible for the attacks will certainly be brought to book.”

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Tinubu inaugurates Southern traditional rulers council

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Tinubu inaugurates Southern traditional rulers council

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, inaugurated the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council in Imo State. 

The inauguration took place in Owerri, the state capital.

The inauguration saw the Oni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, emerge as the Chairman of the council, while the co-chairmen were Obi of Obinugwu, Cletus Illomuanya and King Jaja of Opopo, Dandeson Jaja with Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi 1, Dein of Agbor emerging as the secretary.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who represented the President, said, “President Bola Tinubu is very supportive of what is going on here today. The President has a tremendous respect for this wonderful institution. You are the custodians of our culture.

“You are refined. Every one of us respects you. Nobody can do it without the support of the traditional rulers. Nigeria is a great country, rich in diversity culturally and intellectually. With traditional rulers like you, Nigeria will move forward.” 

Earlier in his remark, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, who was the host, urged members of the council to meet with their Northern counterparts to unite Nigeria. 

He said, “It is on that score that I invite you to support the current Federal Government led by our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.  This is not a call for blind support. It is because I know, like most of you do, that he is working very hard to put Nigeria on the journey of irreversible economic growth and development.

“For example, the recent move by his government to strengthen the local governments is intended to bring governance closer to the people. As a visionary leader, I foresee a greater involvement of traditional leaders in governance in the near future.

“As we know, his economic reforms have brought about temporary hardships in the country.  But it is like the pangs of labour which disappear as soon as the child is born.  Without these reforms, Nigeria would have since gone under. But with these reforms, our economic recovery is in sight.

“Already, some foreign loans are being repaid while our external reserve is increasing. President Tinubu has indeed taken deliberate actions that would bring back the economic boom. We just need to be patient.

“Again, as you would have observed, the battle has been taken to the doorsteps of the bandits and criminals. The security situation is not as severe as it was a year ago. We have not gotten to where we ought to be, but there are obvious improvements towards our target.  I am assured that with your support and cooperation, our president will surely take us to that destination.”

Also speaking at the event, The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, said, “This event marks the beginning of a unification of a new body to uphold our heritage. We are all one. It is going to strengthen the bond. It is a historic event. The inauguration of this body will enable them to perform more advisory roles in the development of this country. We appreciate Governor Hope Uzodimma for initiating and coordinating this event for the good of our zone.” 

In his remarks, the Oni of Ife, Ogunwusi, said, “We appreciate the governor for his focus, towards looking to unite the Southern protectorate of the country. It started since you were a Senator to see how the Southern region can unite and today, Governor Hope Uzodimma’s vision has been achieved.”

Osimhen’s agent debunks Chelsea loan move rumours

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Osimhen’s agent debunks Chelsea loan move rumours

Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen is yet to make any official move this summer and remains a Napoli player, his agent has said.
Agent Roberto Calenda on Tuesday labelled his client’s purported loan love to Chelsea as “fake news”.
The debunking became necessary after a report claimed that Napoli and Chelsea are in talks to bring Osimhen to Stamford Bridge on loan.
The deal, according to The Athletic was expected to include a buy option.
Read Also: Osimhen lashes out on Finidi for questioning his commitment (Video)
Reports also claimed Belgium international Romelu Lukaku would also move to Napoli on a permanent transfer as part of the deal.
But Calenda has said there is no truth in the story.
He wrote on X: “I’ve read about unfounded imaginary trades involving Victor, shipped around like a package ready for delivery.
“But remember that this “package” is the top scorer of the third scudetto in Naples’ history. Respect and no more fake news!”
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