NIGERIA - ABIA GOVERNORSHIP TUSSLE: GOV. IKPEAZU VOWS TO FIGHT ON TO SUPREME COURT

The Forefront has learned that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia  State has said that he would challenge the Federal High Court judgement that sacked him up to the Supreme Court.

Ikpeazu said this at the Government House, Umuahia, while reacting to Thursday’s issuance of certificate of return by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to Dr Uchechukwu Ogah.

US - Mother Held As Four Children Stabbed To Death in Tennessee

Four young children have been stabbed to death and their mother is being held for questioning, Tennessee police say.

Sheriff's deputies were called at lunchtime on Friday to an apartment complex in a gated community near a golf course in a usually quiet neighbourhood of suburban Memphis.

US - FBI Grill Hillary Clinton On Emails For Hours

The FBI has interviewed Hillary Clinton about her use of a private email server while she was Secretary of State.

The Democratic White House hopeful's campaign said the "voluntary" meeting with federal agents took place on Saturday.

SAUDI ARABIA - MECCA STAMPEDE LEAVES 18 INJURED

Eighteen pilgrims have been injured in a stampede near Islam’s holiest site, Saudi media reported on Saturday, as the kingdom continues to review safety after a deadly crush during last year’s hajj.

Football - Ryan Giggs leaves Manchester United

Ryan Giggs' 29-year association with Manchester United has ended, with the club confirming his departure from the coaching staff on Saturday.

Giggs won 35 trophies during his 24 seasons as a first-team player at Old Trafford, including 13 Premier League titles. 

Serbian man kills five, injures 22, in cafe shooting

Five people were killed and another 22 were wounded early on Saturday when a man entered a cafe in northern Serbia and opened fire with an assault rifle, police said.

Police arrested the suspect, a man in his late 30s identified only as Z.S., immediately after the shooting during a local festival in the village of Zitiste, around 80 kilometers north of Belgrade.

Islamic gunmen kill 20 before Bangladesh commandos end siege

Islamic gunmen shouting "Allahu Akbar" attacked an upscale cafe in the Bangladeshi capital, killing 20 people inside, before police stormed the building on Saturday and rescued 13 hostages, officials said.

Three killed as Libya forces close on central Sirte against Islamic State

Libyan forces fighting to free the city of Sirte from Islamic State forces have surrounded a conference hall in the area still held by militants after air strikes and clashes that killed at least three pro-government fighters, senior officials said.

Bangladesh - Six gunmen killed, 13 hostages rescued in Dhaka operation

Six gunmen were killed and 13 hostages, including three foreigners, were rescued on Saturday during a police operation inside a Dhaka restaurant that came under attack, Indian television channel Times Now reported.

NIGERIA - 21 AIG RETIRED BY THE POLICE

The Police Service Commission has approved the retirement of 21 Assistant Inspectors-General of Police who were senior to the new acting IG, Idris Ibrahim, before his appointment.

With this retrenchment, majority of the experienced officers in the Force may have been swept off.

Syria - Pilot killed after plane crashed near Damascus [AP]

A Syrian pilot whose warplane crashed east of the capital of Damascus on Friday has been killed, a rebel group said, blaming Syria's al-Qaida branch known as the Nusra Front for his death.

US Election 2016 - Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Clinton's lead over Trump has narrowed to 9 points

Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton's lead over Republican Donald Trump has dipped into the single digits among likely U.S. voters for the first time in nearly two weeks, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Friday.

Ireland - Man Dies After He Was Shot In Dublin Street

A man has died after being shot in the street in Dublin.

He was approached by a lone male gunman on Bridgefoot Street, and shot several times.

Bangladesh - Gunmen take hostages at cafe in Dhaka's diplomatic quarter

Gunmen stormed a restaurant popular with expatriates in the diplomatic quarter of the Bangladeshi capital on Friday night and took about 20 people hostage, including several foreigners, in an attack claimed by Islamic State.

The Islamist militant group said more than 20 people had been killed, although police have so far confirmed the deaths of two policemen.

NIGERIA - SHERIFF CALLS ON MAKARFI AND OTHER PDP STAKEHOLDERS TO JOIN HIM MOVE THE PARTY FORWARD

The embattled National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff, has called on the party’s caretaker committee chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi and the party’s governors to join hands with him in moving the party forward.

Football - Manchester United sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic after releasing a short 'it's Zlatan time' video on their official Twitter account.

The striker moves to Old Trafford on a free transfer and becomes new manager Jose Mourinho's second signing of the summer, following Eric Bailly to the Premier League club.

Football - Manchester United launch £80m bid for Pogba

Manchester United have launched an £80 million bid for Juventus and France star Paul Pogba, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Breaking Football Transfer News - Neymar signs new Barcelona deal ending speculations

Neymar has signed a new five-year contract with Barcelona that will keep him at the club until 2021.

The Brazil international's release clause is set at €200 million but will increase to €222m next season and then move up to €250m for the remainder of his deal.

Taiwan Navy fires missile in error as China's Communists mark birthday

The Taiwan Navy fired a supersonic missile in error and hit a Taiwan fishing boat in waters separating the island from diplomatic rival China on Friday, as Communist Party rulers in Beijing celebrated the party's 95th birthday.

Iraq - Fleeing Islamic State Trucks Bombed From Air In Iraqi City Of Fallujah

A convoy of nearly 800 Islamic State vehicles has been destroyed from the air as it attempted to flee the Iraqi city of Fallujah, officials say.

Hundreds of trucks, minibuses and cars were hit by missiles after Fallujah was wrested from IS by Iraqi forces on Sunday.

HEALTH BREAKTHROUGH AS MALARIA PREVENTION VACCINE IS CLOSE TO BEING MADE IN AUSTRALIA

Some Australian researchers from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, said they had discovered a way to stop the malaria parasite invading healthy red blood cells. 

The researchers, who made this claim on Friday in Sydney, said they were now closer to developing a vaccine that could defend the body against malaria. 

Tesla Driver In First Self-Drive Fatal Crash

The US government is investigating the first known fatal crash involving a car in self-drive mode.

Joshua Brown was killed when his Tesla Model S smashed into a turning tractor-trailer after its cameras failed to distinguish the vehicle's white side from a bright sky.

Football - World cup legend Ronaldo expresses dismay at Messi's retirement decision.

Brazil legend and World Cup winner, Ronaldo feels "abandoned" by Lionel Messi and hopes he reneges on his retirement from international football.

NIGERIA - ELECTION PETITION TRIBUNAL UPHOLDS SENATOR DAVID MARK'S ELECTION

The Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Thursday dismissed the petition brought before it by the Senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Daniel Onjeh.

Onjeh had, on March 13, 2016, filed a petition against the former Senate President, Senator David Mark, challenging the victory of the former senate president.

Football - Del Bosque resigns as Spain's national team coach

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has resigned his post after the national team crashed out of Euro 2016, Spanish sports dailies AS and Marca reported Thursday.

Del Bosque informed Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Angel Maria Villar of his decision on Tuesday, a day after Spain were eliminated from the tournament following a 2-0 defeat to Italy, the reports said.

Ozone Hole Is Shrinking Because Of ChloroFluoroCarbon Ban

The hole in the ozone layer over the Antarctic has begun to shrink as a result of a ban on some pollutants, scientists believe.

A study found that the hole has reduced in size by 1.5 million square miles (four million square kilometres) since the year 2000.

NIGERIA - ABIA GOVERNORSHIP TUSSLE: OGAH ARRIVES ABIA TO A WELCOMING CROWD

Dr. Uche Ogah, president of Masters Energy Limited, fell into the waiting hands of a huge crowd at the Owerri Airport  in Imo State enroute Umuahia, Abia State.

Shortly after the airport reception, Uche Ogah immediately proceeded to Umuahia for the swearing-in ceremony in the Abia State capital.

NIGERIA - ABIA GOVERNORSHIP TUSSLE: INEC ISSUES CERTIFICATE OF RETURN TO OGAH

Following the ruling of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Dr. Uche Ogah, president of Masters Energy Limited, has been issued certificate of Return by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The court had ruled on Monday  Ogah is the validly nominated governorship candidate of the peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State since Governor Okezie Ikpeazu was guilty of tax evasion. Oh came second in the PDP primary election in 2015.

Ogah received his certificate of return as governor of Abia State from INEC director, in Abuja.

After receiving the certificate, it was learnt that Ogah headed for the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where he took a chartered plane for Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State capital, on his way to Umuahia, Abia State capital.

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At least 70 killed in north of Syria's Aleppo

At least 70 regime and rebel fighters have been killed in 24 hours in a government assault and a jihadist-led counterattack in northern Syria, a monitor said Thursday.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 30 regime soldiers and 39 rebel fighters had been killed in battles around Al-Maleh, north of Aleppo, since Wednesday afternoon.

NIGERIA - ABIA GOVERNORSHIP TUSSLE: COURT RESTRAINS SWEARING IN OF OGAH

A High Court sitting in Abia State has asked all judiciary officers, including the Chief Judge and the President of the Customary Court of Appeal in the state not to swear in Uche Oga as governor of Abia State.

The order was given by Justice Chibuzo Ahuchaogu on Thursday.

Breaking Football Transfer News - Zlatan Ibrahimovic announces he is joining Manchester United

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has confirmed that his next destination will be Manchester United.

The 34-year-old will arrive on a free transfer following the expiry of his contact at Paris Saint-Germain, having won Ligue 1 four times in four years and scored 38 goals in 31 league games during his final season.

Afghanistan - Taliban suicide bombers kill 27 in attack on Afghan police cadets

Two Taliban suicide bombers on Thursday killed at least 27 people and wounded around 40 in an attack on buses carrying newly graduated cadets on the western outskirts of Kabul, officials said.

The attacks underline the threat to security in Afghanistan about a week ahead of a NATO summit in Warsaw, where leaders are expected to discuss whether to maintain support for the Kabul government 15 years after the Taliban were driven from power.

NIGERIA - PLAINTIFF WITHDRAWS BUHARI'S CERTIFICATE SUIT, COURT STRIKES IT OUT

A lawyer, Nnamdi Nwokocha-Ahaaiwe  beat a retreat Thursday in the suit he filed before the before the Federal High Court, Abuja challenging the veracity of the academic credentials of President Muhammadu Buhari.

NIGERIA - OLISA METUH DROPS LEGAL FIGHT, TO REFUND #400M AS PART OF $2.1BN ARMS DEAL SCANDAL

The immediate past National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party( PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh on Thursday said he was prepared to pay back  his share of N400million out of the $2.1billion cash meant for arms.

NIGERIA - FG DECLARES TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY NEXT WEEK PUBLIC HOLIDAY TO MARK EID IL FITRI

The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, 5th and Wednesday, 6th July, 2016 as public holiday to mark Eid-el Fitri Celebrations. 

This was contained in a statement issued in Abuja and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Mr Basse Akpayung. 

Success a great deal as US-led strikes pound Islamic State in Iraq, killing 250 fighters

U.S.-led coalition aircraft waged a series of deadly strikes against Islamic State around the city of Falluja on Wednesday, U.S. officials told Reuters, with one citing a preliminary estimate of at least 250 suspected fighters killed and at least 40 vehicles destroyed.

NIGERIA - KUJE PRISON BOSS REMOVED, TO BE INVESTIGATED OVER LAST WEEK'S JAILBREAK

The Controller-General of Prisons, Ahmed Jafa’aru, has ordered the removal and redeployment of the officer in-charge of Kuje Medium Prisons, Musa Tanko, over the escape of two inmates last Friday.

Grizzly Bear Kills Mountain Biker In Montana

A 38-year-old mountain biker has been killed by a grizzly bear near Glacier National Park, Montana.

Brad Treat died on Wednesday afternoon on a trail in the Halfmoon Lakes area of the Flathead National Forest.

Football - Zlatan to seal Manchester United deal

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will complete his long-awaited move to Manchester United on Friday, according to the Daily Mail.

NIGERIA - MATTHEW IDUORIYEKEMWEN DECLARED WINNER OF EDO PDP GUBER PRIMARIES ORGANISED BY MODU SHERIFF FACTION

A former member of the Edo ‎State House of Assembly, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, has won the Peoples Democratic Party gubernatorial primary organised by the Ali-Modu Sheriff faction of the party at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.

Football - Manchester United still hopeful for a Neymar deal

Manchester United have reignited their interest in Neymar and will attempt to sign the Brazilian from Barcelona at all costs, according toMundo Deportivo.

The report claims that United are now trying to agree a deal with the 24-year-old before he decides to sign a new contract with Barcelona, which could then increase his release clause.

Facebook Users Fall For Seven-Year-Old Hoax

Don't be fooled - Facebook is not about to start charging fees.

Hundreds of users have apparently been taken in by a seven-year-old hoax, which even has its own section on Facebook's help centre because it is so notorious.

NIGERIA - ABUJA COURT SACKS MODU SHERIFF AS ACTING PDP CHAIRMAN

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja has sacked Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as acting Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The court in its judgement described the process that produced Sheriff as illegal.

NIGERIA - SGF BABACHIR SAYS ALLEGED FORGERY CASE AGAINST SARAKI AND EKWEREMADU IS A MATTER FOR THE JUDICIARY

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal on Wednesday said the trial of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu for forgery was not a trial for the Senate or the National Assembly as a body.

Russia - Putin lifts Turkey travel restrictions, orders trade ‘normalised’

President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday lifted Moscow’s travel restrictions to Turkey and ordered trade ties normalised after his first phone call with counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan since Ankara downed a Russian jet last year.

England (London) - Man Arrested Over Social Media 'Hate' Posts

A 41-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of posting extreme right-wing, Islamophobic and anti-Semitic messages on social media.

The man was held on Wednesday morning in London by detectives investigating the incitement of racial hatred.

NIGERIA - (PHOTO GRID) HMM! NA WA. EKITI LAWMAKERS HOLD PLENARY SESSION ON THE HIGHWAY OVER FAYOSE'S FROZEN ACCOUNT

There was mild drama in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital on Wednesday as the state House of Assembly held a plenary session right in the middle of highway protesting the freezing of the account of Governor Ayodele Fayose at the Zenith by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).

Australia - Firebomb attack outside Australian mosque

A firebomb attack outside an Australian mosque while worshippers were at prayer was condemned Wednesday by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, with one Islamic leader calling it a “hate crime”.

No one was injured in Tuesday night’s blast which destroyed a car parked outside a mosque and Islamic college in the Perth suburb of Thornlie.

EU meets without Britain for first time since Brexit vote

European Union leaders will Wednesday assess the damage from Britain’s decision to leave the bloc and try to prevent further disintegration, as they meet for the first time without a British representative.

And as the shockwaves reverberate around British politics, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is also expected in Brussels “utterly determined” to keep her pro-EU country in the club despite the Brexit vote.