Baltasar Engonga The Government of Equatorial Guinea has imposed restrictions on its citizens’ use of WhatsApp, limiting the ability to download and share multimedia files via mobile data. This move follows guidelines issued to telecommunications providers, urging them to block access to inappropriate content. The restrictions come after Baltasar Engonga, the Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), became embroiled in a sex scandal. The 54-year-old economist, who is under investigation for fraud, had his home and office searched by ANIF officials, uncovering over 400 videos that reportedly show him engaging in sexual acts with the wives of prominent individuals. The footage, which includes encounters with high-profile figures such as the sister of the President, the wife of the Director General of Police, and several ministers' wives, was allegedly recorded with the participants' consent and has since been leaked online, causing a media frenzy...

  A human rights radio and television station based in Abuja, Brekete Family has temporarily shut down its station in protest of the detention of minors involved in the #EndBadGovernance protest. The minors who were arrested during the August 2024 nationwide hunger and hardship protests have been in detention. They were arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja last week, and later granted bail of N10 million each. An official statement released by the prominent media station on X on Monday confirmed the partial shutdown. The statement read, “Human Rights Radio and Television (Brekete Family) shuts down partially in protest of the Nigerian government’s detention of underage children. “This decision reflects our deep commitment to defending the rights of the vulnerable and holding authorities accountable. “We call on all well-meaning Nigerians and international bodies to join us in demanding the immediate and unconditional release of these children. “Until justice is served, we...

  Major General Olufemi Oluyede has officially assumed the role of Acting Chief of Army Staff during a handover ceremony at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Friday. The Defence Headquarters shared photos from the ceremony on X.com , captioned: “Formal Taking Over Ceremony of the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Major General OO Oluyede.” It was previously reported that Oluyede was set to take on his new duties today. He was appointed in an acting capacity by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, pending the return of the current Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who is currently indisposed. Before this appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the Nigerian Army’s elite Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna. The 56-year-old general and Lagbaja are coursemates from the 39th Regular Course. The announcement of Oluyede’s appointment followed a recent statement from the Defence Headquarters indicating that appointing an acting COAS was not recognized under the Ha...

  Nigerian blogger VeryDarkMan has been granted bail of N2 million under strict conditions following allegations of impersonation and unauthorized use of police uniforms. The court appearance was in response to allegations of impersonation linked to the unauthorized use of Nigeria Police Force uniforms in a viral video. The FCT Police Command led the prosecution, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of police symbols and preventing their misuse. In a previous video, VeryDarkMan apologized to the police and urged Nigerians to seek permission before using police property. Reports indicate that he was detained after responding to a police invitation in Abuja on Wednesday. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, noted that VDM has consistently advocated for a positive relationship with the police, despite widespread negative perceptions.

  Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Aba North and South federal constituency of Abia State, appeared before an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court in Kuje on Wednesday, charged with allegedly assaulting a bolt driver at his residence. Ikwechegh pleaded not guilty to the First Information Report filed by the Nigerian Police Force, which includes charges of abuse of office, assault, and threats to life. Following his plea, prosecution counsel Mr. A. Umar requested a date for a full hearing on the case. In response, Ikwechegh's lawyer made an oral application for bail, arguing that the charges were bailable and that the defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence under the 1999 Constitution. Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id agreed to grant bail and set it at N500,000, requiring two sureties of the same amount. The court emphasized that the sureties must reside within its jurisdiction and provide utility bills as proof of residence....

  Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri has won the men's Ballon d'Or - awarded to the best footballer of the year - for the first time. The 28-year-old, who lost just one game last season for club and country, is the first Spanish player to win the men's award since 1960 and the first Premier League player to win the award since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008. Rodri, who helped Spain win Euro 2024 in July, was awarded the prize in Paris on Monday. He also won the Premier League, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup with City. Rodri, the first player in the club's history to win the Ballon d'Or, claimed the award ahead of Real Madrid and Brazil winger Vinicius Jr. Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham was third - the highest an English player has finished since Frank Lampard's second place in 2005. Rodri is the third England-based player to win, following Manchester United's George Best in 1968 and Liverpool's Michael Owen in 2001. Real Madrid won the awar...

  Erik ten Hag has been relieved of his duties as Manchester United manager, the club announced on Monday. This decision follows a disappointing 1-0 defeat to West Ham United, marking the end of the Dutchman's two-and-a-half-year stint at Old Trafford. Under Ten Hag’s management, United struggled at the start of the 2024–25 season, securing only three wins from nine league matches. Overall, the team achieved just four victories in 14 games across all competitions, leaving them in 14th place in the Premier League—seven points behind the Champions League qualification spots. In the wake of Ten Hag's departure, Manchester United is expected to appoint club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy as interim manager. Van Nistelrooy, who joined the coaching staff in the offseason to assist Ten Hag, will take charge while the current coaching team remains in place. Ten Hag began his tenure with high hopes in 2022 and recently had his contract extended through 2025. His time at the club included an...