Barcelona superstar, Messi To Spend 21 Months In jail And Pay £1.7 Million Over Tax

July 6, 2016

A Catalan court has sentenced the 29-year-old Barcelona superstar, Lionel Messi to 21 months in prison over tax charges on Wednesday. He was also fined £1.7million even as his father, Jorge was found guilty of three counts of tax fraud.

The lawyer of the father and son has however described the sentence as “incorrect” and vowed to appeal to the Spanish Supreme Court.

Regardless of the appeal, under Spanish law, a prison sentence under two years can be served under probation; meaning Messi and his father are unlikely to go to prison.

The court ordered Messi to pay a fine of around 2 million euros (£1.7million) and his father to pay 1.5 million euros for the crimes.

During the four-day trial last month, Messi and his father denied any wrongdoing. Both said the player was unaware of the tax issues that led to the fraud charges.

But the court agreed with the state prosecutor that Messi and his father did have at least some knowledge of the corporate structures created to lower his tax burden in Spain.

Last month, Messi denied having any knowledge of tax issues that sparked fraud charges against him

Messi denied having any knowledge when he gave evidence in a court in Barcelona last month

Tax inspectors testified that they found evidence that Messi’s father used companies in countries such as Uruguay, Switzerland and Belize to reduce tax on the player’s income from image rights. Messi’s father said he was told by a legal adviser that the practice was legal.

Barcelona issued a statement to ‘give all its support to Leo Messi and his father.’

The club said that it ‘considers that the player is in no way criminally responsible with regards to the facts underlined in this case.’

The court ordered Messi to pay a fine of 2 million euros (£1.7million) and his father to pay 1.5 million euros

Messi told the court he had signed documents without reading them because he trusted his father

‘FC Barcelona continues to be at the disposition of Leo Messi and his family to support him in whatever action he decides to take in defense of his honesty and his legal interests,’ it said.

The 29-year-old Messi is Argentina’s career-leading scorer with 55 goals in 113 international appearances.

But he has lost three Copa America finals with Argentina – in 2007, 2015 and 2016 – and announced his international retirement after last month’s penalty shootout loss in the final to Chile.

With Barcelona, in contrast, Messi has won four Champions League titles, three Club World Cup trophies and eight Spanish league titles. The forward has scored a Spanish league record of 312 goals.

Speaking for less than 15 minutes a court last month, Messi said he never suspected any wrongdoing

This is just one legal case involving Barcelona’s players.

Earlier this year, Javier Mascherano was handed a suspended one-year prison sentence for not paying all his taxes for 2011 and 2012.

Adriano is also being investigated for alleged tax fraud, while Neymar has had to testify before a judge because of alleged irregularities involving his transfer to Barcelona. He and the club are accused of withholding the real amount of the transfer fee, in part to avoid paying the full amount of taxes. [myad]

We Lost An Entertainment Icon, Actors, Musicians Associations Mourn Bukky Ajayi

Greenbarge Reporters

July 6, 2016

The Actors Guild of Nigeria and the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria have described the death of veteran Nollywood actress, Bukky Ajayi, as the loss of an entertainment icon.
Reacting to the news of the death of Ajayi which occurred on Wednesday morning at the age of 82, AGN and PMAN described her demise as a big loss to the entertainment industry.
Agility Onwura, the Chairman, Federal Capital Territory chapter of the AGN, told NAN Ajayi died at a time when the young generation of actors was still drawing from her wealth of experience.
“The news of her death came to us as a surprise. She died when her wealth of experience and guidance were most needed by the younger generation of movie stars.
“Though at 82 one can say she was quite old, but we in the entertainment industry were still learning from her.”
Also, Pretty Okafor, the National President of PMAN, mourned the late actress, extolling her contributions to the growth of Nollywood and the entertainment industry in Nigeria.
“She was an enviable professional, who inspired us with her outstanding roles in many home movies. Her exit will leave an indelible footprint on the entertainment industry generally.”
Okafor, however added that solace should be drawn from the fact that the late actress lived a fulfilled life as a professional and role model to many.
“Her life and achievements should be celebrated, because 82 years is quite a feat to celebrate.”
Okafor prayed to God to grant the family of the late veteran the fortitude to bear the loss, while urging them to emulate her life of hard work and dedication to service.
Late Ajayi started acting in the 70s, featuring in the popular movie series such as Village Headmaster.
She later got a role in Amaka Igwe’s “Checkmate” and so many home videos.
Ajayi also worked as an announcer, presenter and newscaster at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

At her last known public function, the 2016 edition of the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards, she was brought in on a wheel chair. She confirmed that she was ill at the 2016 AMVCA, where she won one of the two Nollywood legends awards on offer.
Sadiq Daba won the second one.
Ajayi received a standing ovation when she was called to receive the AMVCA Industry Merit Award.
She had said: “I just want to say to all my friends and non-friends thank you very much.
“You do not know how much this award means to me.
“If I have offended in one way or another, please find it in your heart to forgive me and if you think you have offended me, don’t worry I have forgiven you a long time ago.
“I am very happy from the bottom of my heart. I wish I could stand up, but if I do, I will fall.
“But you all standing for me, I say thank you.” [myad]

Students To Pay N2, 500 For Post UTME Screening In Universities

Greenbarge Reporters

July 6, 2016

Students who are seeking for admissions into Nigeria universities and other higher institutions are now to pay the sum of N2, 500 each for the post UTME screening.

This was one of the decisions taken when representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education met with other stakeholders in the tertiary education sub-sector.

A statement by the Secretary-General of the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, Professor Michael Faborode on Wednesday in Abuja, said that the agreement was reached after a deliberation of officials of the ministry, federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
The secretary-general said that it was agreed that the post-UTME screening should be sustained following the scrapping of the Computer Based Test.
“From the statement made by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan at the meeting, there is no objection to screening by universities as long as it is not another CBT.
“She agreed that universities should advertise and the maximum fee that should be charged for the screening should be N2, 500 – bank charges inclusive.”
According to the statement, the association will formally convey its stance to the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu.
The recent announcement by the education minister, scrapping the post UTME, raised controversies in many quarters. [myad]

Ebonyi Governor Empowers 500 Women, Youths With N.5 Million Each

Greenbarge Reporters

July 6, 2016

Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi has empowered 500 women and youths with initial sum of N500,000 each, to enable them engage in businesses of their choice, with particular preference for food production.

The Governor, who spoke when his wife, Rachael, flagged-off campaign against female genital mutilation in Abakaliki, said that once any of the beneficiaries is able to show evidence of N1 Million in his account at the end of the first year, such person would receive additional N1 Million to boost his business.

According to the governor, the next batch of 2,100 would be selected and empowered within a very short period in his administration’s drive to produce successful farmers and millionaires during his tenure in office.

“Within three years of our administration, we will fulfill all our campaign promises made to Ebonyi people. In the next two days, we will assemble about 2,600 of our youths and women for empowerment and half of it will be our women. We are going to launch operation one hectre per person.

“We will assemble 500 of our women and it is going to be an ongoing process. There will be three women in each ward. What we want to do is to give empowerment of minimum of N500, 000 each to farmers but we won’t give it to somebody who has no plan.’’

On female genital mutilation, Umahi condemned it, saying that the law against it will be looked into to provide severe sanction for offenders.

“Our women are gift to us, our women are important to us. We must support them and whatever that pains them, we must fight against it.

“I challenge all the women especially those in positions of authority to rise up and fight t this female genital mutilation because we want to have complete eradication of that.

“The wife of the President is the great friend of my wife. Why I like her most is that she has adopted herself as a mother of all. She is not into partisan politics; she’s travelling round the country and even wives of PDP Governors usually follow her.

“She doesn’t discriminate; she carries everybody along. And I think that is the kind of love we need. I continue to emphasize unity irrespective of political affiliation; when we have faced election and done with election, let us fear God and continue to live in unity. So, I have so much tremendous respect for this woman. She has taken my wife as her very dear daughter in the envy and jealous of men.

“I must thank my wife so much. One of the qualities she has is her humility and passion for the down trodden, she has a large heart.” [myad]

Buhari Mourns Shinkafi Who Died In London On Wednesday

Greenbarge Reporters

July 6, 2016

President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the government and people of Sokoto State over the death, on Wednesday in a London hospital, the former boss of the National Security Organisation (NSO) and Marafan Sokoto, Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi.

In a statement by the special adviser to the President on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari described the departed politician, administrator and technocrat, as an expert whose contributions to the development of the security architecture of Nigeria remains indelible, adding that others carried on where he left off.

The President recalled that Shinkafi who was also former Federal Commissioner of Internal Affairs, played frontline roles in the activities leading to the eventual return and enthronement of democracy in the country.

He asked members of his family, friends and associates to take solace in the fact that the late Umaru Shinkafi played the parts assigned to him diligently, conscientiously and patriotically, even as he called on them to emulate the good virtues that he left behind.

Umaru Shinkafi died in a hospital in London at about 4:07pm Nigerian time.
family source hinted that his body will be flown back to Nigeria on Friday for burial at Abubakar III burial ground in Sokoto.
Shinkafi is survived by three wives and five children.

One of his daughters is Zainab who is married to the present Kabbi state governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu even as another one, Hadiza is married to Zamfara governor, AbdulAzeez Yari. [myad]

Govt Approved Freight Forwarders Thumb Up For Maritime Agency’s Restructuring

Greenbarge Reporters

July 6, 2016

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has commended the Management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for its commitment to the on going restructuring exercise in the Agency for enhanced efficiency.

The Chairman, Board of Trustees of the NAGAFF, Chief Chidiebere Enelamah who spoke when a delegation of NAGAFF Executive Members paid a courtesy visit on the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, said that the NIMASA boss is a dynamic and focused personality even as he commended him for his astute leadership quality, in restructuring NIMASA.

He asked him to remain resolute in his determination to make Nigeria a major maritime hub in Africa.

Chief Enelamah called on the NIMASA DG to partner with NAGAFF to enthrone professionalism and efficiency in ports operations for the economic benefit of the country.

The NAGAFF delegation also welcomed the idea of a new shipping line being championed by the Minister, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, saying that it was high time the nation took more than a passing interest in its huge import/export trade.

Responding, Dr. Peterside thanked members of the delegation for their solidarity and assured them that NIMASA will undergo the entire gamut process of restructuring, reformation and repositioning in order to emerge more productive.

The DG who described the job of freight forwarders as indispensible to the shipping and logistics chain, assured the delegation that the current Management took professionalism very seriously and therefore committed to partnering with NAGAFF, for that cutting edge expertise that only professionals can provide.

He said Freight Forwarders are a major stakeholder group in the maritime sector which NIMASA must collaborate with in the area of revenue generation given the Nation’s determination to diversify the economy from being oil dependent.

Dr. Peterside stated that “because the country has come to a realization that oil is not enough to build our economy based on its dwindling price in the International market, we need to partner with relevant stakeholders to make our maritime sector more viable.”

The DG who promised to convey the support of NAGAFF for the National Carrier to the Hon. Minister of Transportation also assured the delegation that the Federal Government is committed to the actualization of the vision of a National Fleet for Nigeria.

In his words, “we shall endeavor to do everything constitutionally possible, to ensure that a National Carrier is floated shortly. The Hon. Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi has already inaugurated an implementation committee for its establishment”.

High point of the visit was the investiture of the Director General as a Fellow of NAGAFF with two other management staff of the Agency, the Director of Maritime Services, Mrs. Juliana Gunwa and the Head of Corporate Communications, Hajia Lami Tumaka. [myad]

Austin Okocha Auctions His Jersey For N260,000

Greenbarge Reporters

July 5, 2016

Former Super Eagles captain, Austin Jay Jay Okocha has auctioned one of his designed jerseys as he launched a foundation, known as Jay-Jay Okocha Foundation that is aimed at providing a platform for young, talented, but less privileged Nigerian youths to realize their dreams in life through football.

The jersey was bought for N260,000 by the President of Certified Institute of Auctioneer, Nigeria, Mr. Adeleke Hassan.

Okocha who played football to the highest level said that his foundation has entered into an agreement with an online auctioning firm, I-Naira.com to auction his memorabilia, covering the nearly three decades of his illustrious career.

Speaking during the unveiling of the foundation at the I-Naira.com centre in Ikoyi, Lagos, the former Bolton Wanderers play-maker said, “I have been looking forward to this day, to create a platform to give back to the society what football has given me.

“It is a wonderful initiative which I urge Nigerians to support me. It is beyond football because we want to use this platform and bring about lasting unity among Nigerians because I can use my voice to unite this country,” Okocha, who was flanked by his elder brother, Emma Okocha and the chief executive officer of I-Naira.com, Hilary Nwaokor said.

Nwaokor assured that, “from August 1, we will start auctioning his memorabilia and those of his colleagues to raise funds for the foundation.”

The event was attended by former Nigerian stars, including Peter Rufai, Austin Eguavoen and Mutiu Adepoju. [myad]

Nigerian Government Extends Sallah Holiday To Thursday

Greenbarge Reporters

July 5, 2016

The Federal Government has added Thursday, July 7 to the public holiday which was earlier declared for Tuesday and Wednesday.

The additional day became necessary as the new moon was not sighted on Monday to signal the observance of Eid-El-Fitri, declared Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th July, 2016 as Public
Holiday.
Minister of Interior, retired Lt Geneneral Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, who announced the additional one day, called on Nigerians to use the holiday period for sober reflections and to ensure harmony, unity and peaceful co-existence.

He asked for full support to the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in his sustained effort to pursue socio-economic and political growth of the nation. [myad]

Kuje Prison Jailbreak: 14 Officers On Suspension

Greenbarge Reporters

July 5, 2016

The Nigerian Prisons Service has suspended 14 officers in connection with the recent Kuje Prison break.
A statement by the spokesman of the Nigeria Prison Service, Francis Enobore, listed the affected officers and men as DCP Musa Tanko; SIP Buhari Dogo; PIP Stephen Edogbanya; PIP Patrick Teru; IP Usman Peter; and IP Dennis Makum.
Others are IP Fassan Akin; SPA Daka James; SPA Adamu Luka; SPA Zakari Yunasa; PA Asnamal Samuel; PA Ejegwa Patrick; PA 11 Isah Ibrahim; and PA 11 Ngede Salifu.
The statement said the two inmates, Solomon Amodu and Maxwell Ajukwu, were standing trial for culpable homicide.
The statement said that the suspension of four senior officers has been approved by the Board of Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration and Prisons Services.
“The suspension is sequel to the outcome of the preliminary investigation into the incident and in consonance with PSR 030406 (2008) Revised Version; the officers were suspended from duty to allow for unhindered trial process.
“The commissioned officers among them are to be served with letters of query, while the junior staff will be given Form 96 (Charge Sheet ) to explain their role in the unfortunate saga.”
The statement said that efforts to recapture the fleeing prisoners in collaboration with sister security agencies are ongoing.
“This is in addition to tightening security measures in and around prison formations nationwide to forestall a repeat of such incident.
“The controller general wishes to solicit the cooperation of members of the public to volunteer useful information that will assist in the recapture of the fugitives.” [myad]

Modu Sheriff Produces His Governorship Flag Bearer In Edo

Greenbarge Reporters

July 5, 2016

The embattled National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, has produced Matthew Idurioyekemwen as his own faction’s gubernatorial candidate in Edo State.

Modu Sheriff had conducted a parallel congress during which Idurioyekemwen, who had earlier lost to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu at the primaries conducted by the PDP National Caretaker Committee, emerged. This was even as Sheriff expressed confidence that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will acknowledge his candidate for the election.

Speaking on Tuesday when he presented certificate of return to Iduoriyekwemwen in Abuja‎, Sheriff said that he was backed by Justice Okon Abang of Federal High Court in Abuja‎, which ordered the electoral body to accept nomination for the September 10 election from his faction of the PDP.

“It is clear from Abuja High Court that INEC is obliged to accept the candidate we are to present.

“You know ideally, most of our officials have travelled for Sallah. We need to do this because, the first working day, we are going to submit our candidate’s form to INEC.

“I have to stay behind to do some of the things so as to ensure that the forms are submitted after the Sallah break.” [myad]

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