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 LeBron James signs with Philadelphia 76ers LeBron James has officially committed to the Philadelphia 76ers, signing a two‑year, $8 million contract that he announced on X. At 41 years old, James enters his 24th NBA season after parting ways with the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this summer.  His decision marks another chapter in a career that began as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 draft and has long fueled debates about his place among the greatest players in basketball history. James’s journey has been defined by bold moves and historic triumphs. After seven seasons in Cleveland, he joined the Miami Heat in 2010, sparking controversy but also launching a run of eight straight Finals appearances.  He captured back‑to‑back titles in 2012 and 2013 before returning to the Cavaliers, where he delivered the franchise’s first championship in 2016 by overcoming a 3‑1 deficit against the record‑setting Golden State Warriors.  Later, his move to Los Angeles in 2018 brough...

 President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigns over poor health Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has resigned from his position, citing health reasons, ahead of his full five-year term, which would expire in 2028. In a resignation letter to the speaker of parliament, seen by AFP, Shahabuddin, 76, cited his deteriorating health. "Due to worsening physical and mental incapacity... it is no longer possible for me to properly discharge the responsibilities of an important constitutional office such as the presidency," it said. Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said he accepted his resignation. Ahmed will take the duty as interim president of Bangladesh, and a new president must be elected within the next 90 days, according to the constitution. "According to the Constitution, the president’s resignation becomes effective upon submission of a signed letter to the speaker," the president’s spokesperson, Sarwar Alam, said. The resignation comes amid media reports that ...

 EFCC Arraigns CEO for Alleged N20m Dud Cheque Fraud  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, arraigned Mahwash Benedict Luka and Bennicle Investment Nigeria Limited before Justice A.A. Fashola of the Federal Capital Territory,  FCT,  High Court, Jabi,   Abuja. They were arraigned on a two-count charge bordering  alleged issuance of dishonoured cheques. Count one reads: “That you Mahwash Benedict Luka while being the Managing Director of Bennicle Investment Limited on 29th day of November 2023 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court did issue a First City Monument Bank Plc Cheque with Cheque no 0024633617with the face value of N10,000,000 to First Bank Nigeria Plc, which when presented was dishonored due to insufficient funds and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) of the Dishonored Cheques Act and punishable under Section 1(i) (ii) of the same Act.” Count two reads: “That you M...

 NPF COMMISSIONS NEW ARMOURER OFFICE, PROVOST OFFICE AND SICK BAY AT SPU BASE 7, ABUJA In line with the vision and strategic leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+), NPM, towards enhancing operational efficiency and personnel welfare across the Nigeria Police Force,  the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of the Special Protection Unit (SPU) Force Headquarters, Abuja, AIG Olufemi Haruna, psc (+), representing the IGP, has officially commissioned three major projects at SPU Base 7, Abuja. The newly commissioned facilities include a modern Armourer Office, a Provost Office, and a fully equipped Sick Bay and Pharmacy. All three projects were conceived and executed under the leadership of the Commanding Officer, SPU Base 7, CSP Hassan Adamu. Speaking during the ceremony, AIG Olufemi Haruna commended the initiative as a direct alignment with the Inspector-General of Police’s commitment to officer welfare and infrastructura...

Four Ondo Police Officers Arrested Over Viral Stop-and-Search Video The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four police officers seen in a viral video making unprofessional and ethnically insensitive remarks to a motorist during a stop-and-search operation along the Lagos–Benin Expressway. The officers were arrested following public outrage over the incident, which circulated widely on social media on Friday. The command also confirmed that the officers have been placed under investigation. The viral video captured a heated exchange between the officers and a motorist, reportedly a United Kingdom returnee, who challenged their attempt to stop and search him. During the confrontation, the driver accused the officers of intimidation, ethnic profiling and attempted extortion. One of the officers was also heard suggesting that the motorist would have been detained if he were of Igbo ethnicity. The incident sparked widespread condemnation on social media, with many Nigerians demanding di...

 Hospital Administrator Commends Staff During Unannounced Visits to Nawfia, Nanka Hospitals By Egoh Ebele The Anambra State Hospital Administrator, Dr Frank Ifeanaeme, has commended healthcare workers at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Nawfia, and General Hospital, Nanka, for their commitment to duty, professionalism and compliance with administrative directives. Ifeanaeme gave the commendation during separate unannounced inspection visits to the two health facilities on July 21 to assess service delivery, staff discipline and ongoing infrastructure development. At the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Nawfia, he expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded, citing the increase in patient turnout and the cordial working relationship among members of staff. He described teamwork as critical to efficient healthcare delivery and urged the workers to sustain the momentum. At the General Hospital, Nanka, the Doctor in Charge conducted the hospital administrator on a tour of the facility, h...

 Arsenio Hall reveals his unconventional approach to staying youthful as he reflects on turning 70 Arsenio Hall has shared the routine and style choices he credits with helping him maintain a youthful outlook as he approaches life at 70. During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the Coming to America star was asked by guest host Colman Domingo about his approach to looking younger than his age. When Domingo said Hall did not appear to be someone who was 70, the comedian jokingly replied, “Smoking weed,” drawing a reaction from the audience. Hall also spoke about experimenting with younger fashion trends, including barrel-style pants, which he and Domingo jokingly referred to as “death pants.” He explained that his son encouraged him to try the style after they watched Domingo’s appearance. “My son took me to buy some death pants,” Hall said while showing the khaki-colored trousers. He added that while the style may work for younger people, he was unsure about wearing them at 70. ...

 Meghan Markle's former friend reveals what she was like before joining royal family Before Meghan Markle met Prince Harry, she was already known among friends for her warmth, charisma, and polished sense of style. Brand expert Nick Ede recalled that she had a rare ability to make people feel present in the moment, and their friendship was filled with laughter.  Fashion was one of her strengths, as she effortlessly balanced high‑end designer pieces with accessible looks, projecting elegance without relying on labels. Ede emphasized that Meghan’s confidence stood out early on, describing it not as arrogance but as a grounded awareness of herself and her place in the world. He remembered shopping trips where she mixed items from Selfridges with finds from Zara, always mindful of how presentation communicates identity.  Her instinct for fashion and image was natural, and she consistently appeared polished, thoughtful, and deliberate in her choices. Reflecting on their time t...

 Nun speaks out for first time about being detained by ICE while walking to Mass in Texas Sister Leticia Ugboaja, a 56‑year‑old nun described the fear she felt when armed ICE officers approached her on her way to Sunday Mass in McAllen, Texas. Carrying only her rosary and phone, she said she broke into a cold sweat as she was taken into custody without explanation.  Ugboaja, who has long been protected from deportation because of the risk of torture in her home country, was released hours later, but the incident drew attention after parish officials posted about it online and members of Congress intervened. At a press conference, Ugboaja emphasized that many others in similar situations live with uncertainty despite following all legal requirements.  Her attorney explained that while her asylum claim was denied in 2019, she was granted protection from removal to Nigeria and has complied fully with U.S. immigration rules, working as a nurse and serving her church community...

 Oprah Winfrey reveals her birth name was Orpah and explains how she became known as Oprah Oprah Winfrey has revealed that the name the world knows her by was not the name she was given at birth. During an appearance on Keke Palmer’s “Baby, This Is Keke Palmer” podcast, the media mogul explained that her birth certificate carries the name Orpah, a name taken from the Bible. “It was Orpah from the Bible,” Winfrey told Palmer, explaining that the name comes from the story of Ruth and Naomi in the Book of Ruth. She said the name was chosen from Ruth 1:14, where Orpah and Ruth respond differently after Naomi urges them to return to their own people. Winfrey explained that she only discovered the difference between her official name and the one she had always been called when she was around 20 years old. The 72-year-old said the change happened because people struggled to spell Orpah, eventually leading to the more familiar “Oprah.” “Nobody knew how to spell it,” she said. “So it turned...

 Star Trek actor reveals wife’s reaction to Joy Behar shockingly kissing him on The View Actor Anson Mount found himself in an unexpected viral moment during his appearance on The View. As he greeted host Joy Behar, she first kissed him on the cheek before pulling him in for a longer kiss on the lips, leaving lipstick on his mouth.  Mount, who has been married to Darah Trang since 2018, later joked that he asked his wife not to divorce him over the incident. He said she thought the moment was “hilarious,” easing any tension about the playful exchange. Mount reflected that his last visit to the show was more than a decade ago, when he brought Behar flowers for her birthday, joking that he must have left an impression.  The kiss shocked Behar’s co‑hosts, prompting her to quip, “I’m old, but I’m not dead.” Mount reminded her he was married, to which she teasingly replied, “I know, that’s what I mean.”  The actor, who shares two young daughters with Trang, laughed off th...

 Sean "Diddy" Combs reportedly placed in solitary confinement after prison altercation with another inmate at FCI Fort Dix Sean "Diddy" Combs has reportedly been placed in solitary confinement following an altercation with another inmate at the federal prison where he is serving his sentence. According to NBC News and TMZ, citing a source, the incident took place at FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey, where the 56-year-old music executive is incarcerated. TMZ reported that the confrontation began after another inmate allegedly insulted Combs. Prison staff reportedly intervened quickly and stopped the incident. The reports state that Combs was subsequently placed in solitary confinement. It is not clear how long he will remain there. Combs is serving a 50-month prison sentence after being convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution following his federal trial. He received credit for the time he spent in custody before sentencing. His projected release...

 EFCC Arraigns CEO for Alleged N200m Dud Cheque Fraud in Enugu   The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, arraigned Mahwash Benedict Luka and Bennicle Investment Nigeria Limited before Justice A.A. Fashola of the Federal Capital Territory,  FCT,  High Court, Jabi,   Abuja. They were arraigned on a two-count charge bordering  alleged issuance of dishonoured cheques. Count one reads: “That you Mahwash Benedict Luka while being the Managing Director of Bennicle Investment Limited on 29th day of November 2023 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court did issue a First City Monument Bank Plc Cheque with Cheque no 0024633617with the face value of N10,000,000 to First Bank Nigeria Plc, which when presented was dishonored due to insufficient funds and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) of the Dishonored Cheques Act and punishable under Section 1(i) (ii) of the same Act.” Count two reads: ...

 The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will determine the winner of the AFCON title dispute between Morocco and Senegal on October 8, after Senegal's appeal against being stripped of their title was lodged with the Swiss-based tribunal . Senegal were originally awarded the title after winning the final 1-0 in extra time, but CAF stripped them of the title and awarded it to Morocco after Senegal's players walked off the pitch in protest against a penalty awarded to Morocco in the closing moments of normal time. The CAS panel will hold a hearing behind closed doors at its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, and will start deliberations after the hearing. A final decision will be rendered at a later date 1. Senegal's football authorities had 21 days to appeal the CAF decision and have consistently maintained that they will challenge the ruling

 LASG PRESENTS CHEQUES TO ANOTHER 626 BENEFICIARIES UNDER EKO CARES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME The Lagos State Government, through the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, has presented financial assistance cheques to 626 beneficiaries under the Eko Cares Financial Assistance Programme, reaffirming its commitment to promoting social inclusion and improving the welfare of vulnerable residents.  The cheque presentation ceremony was held recently at the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Secretariat, Alausa-Ikeja. Addressing the beneficiaries, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, stated that the Eko Cares Financial Assistance Programme was established to provide relief and support to vulnerable residents, including small-scale business owners, persons living with disabilities, and individuals facing financial challenges.  He noted that the initiative reflect...

INEC cannot be independent without financial autonomy — Amupitan The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has said the electoral umpire cannot achieve full independence without financial autonomy. He warned that reliance on the regular budgetary process could weaken its ability to conduct free, fair and credible elections. Amupitan said granting INEC greater control over its finances was critical to strengthening the commission’s operations and improving public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections. As reported by Vanguard, he spoke on Thursday while delivering a keynote address at the public presentation of ‘Shadows: Protest Essays on Africa’s Most Consequential Country (1999–2023)’, authored by THISDAY Managing Director, Mr Eniola Bello, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja. The INEC chairman argued that although the constitution provides for the commission’s funding through the Consolidated Revenue Fund, the existing arrangeme...

 Guinea-Bissau opposition leader leaves prison for treatment in Portugal Domingos Simoes Pereira, who was being held in prison for alleged involvement in coup attempts, has been released for medical treatment in Portugal, judicial and security sources say, AFP reported. Pereira, leader of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cabo Verde (PAIGC), was detained when the army overthrew President Umaro Sissoco Embalo on November 26 last year and has been in and out of prison since. The military authorities accuse Pereira of involvement in an attempted October 2025 coup, which he is alleged to have helped finance, in addition to separate financial crimes and involvement in a 2023 coup attempt. Both of the alleged coup attempts occurred under Embalo, before his November ousting. Released on health grounds An assessment by a military hospital in Bissau determined that Pereira has a condition that "could not be properly treated in Guinea-Bissau. He must therefore go to Portu...

 Michael J. Fox says revealing his Parkinson’s diagnosis was difficult for wife Tracy Pollan but explains why he chose to speak publicly Michael J. Fox has spoken about the personal impact of becoming one of the most visible public figures associated with Parkinson’s disease, including the effect it had on his wife, Tracy Pollan. The actor, 65, told The Hollywood Reporter that sharing his diagnosis publicly was difficult for his family, particularly Pollan, but he felt it was important to be open about his experience. “It was hell on Tracy, it was really hard on her — and it still is because it’s always changing,” Fox said. He explained that he told his wife he needed to fully commit to being open about his condition. “I have to go all the way here. No half measures,” he recalled. Fox was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease in 1991 at age 29 and revealed his diagnosis publicly in 1998. After going public, he established the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Resea...

Ben and Casey Affleck’s mother Chris Anne Affleck dies at 83 after a life in teaching, activism and supporting her sons’ acting careers Chris Anne Affleck, the mother of actors Ben Affleck and Casey Affleck, has died at the age of 83. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Chris died on June 2 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December. Her obituary noted that doctors had given her an estimated six months to live following the diagnosis. Born Christopher Anne Boldt in New York City in December 1942, Chris built a career outside Hollywood as a public school teacher, working in education for 35 years before retiring in 2008. Beyond teaching, she was involved in civil rights activism throughout her life. According to her obituary, she was influenced by her stepfather, Sam, and participated in the 1964 Freedom Summer campaign in Mississippi, where she taught literacy classes. Chris was married to Timothy Affleck, and the couple welcomed their sons, Ben and Casey, in 1972 and 19...

 Top Ghanaian-American Chef star banned from being alone with daughter after abuse finding A judge has issued a year-long protective order against celebrity chef Eric Adjepong, citing evidence that he abused his 7-year-old daughter, Lennnox. On July 10, a Maryland judge ruled that “there is a preponderance of the evidence to believe” the chef and TV host physically abused his daughter Lennox, whom he shares with his ex Janelle Davis-Mack, according to the Washington Post.  This led to a protective order that currently prohibits him from contacting the child without supervision. The order reportedly prohibits the 38-year-old from contacting, harassing, abusing or threatening to abuse his daughter or estranged spouse.  The outlet claimed that the order, which runs through July 10, 2027, states Adjepong may still see Lennox, but the visits must be supervised. The Ghanaian-American chef, TV host, and cookbook author must complete parenting classes and reunification therapy be...

 South African court pauses impeachment proceedings against President Ramaphosa A South African court has ruled in favour of President Cyril Ramaphosa's request to temporarily halt impeachment proceedings linked to the Phala Phala cash scandal. The Western Cape High Court granted Ramaphosa's application to pause the parliamentary impeachment process while it considers his legal challenge to a 2022 independent panel report that found he "may have committed" serious constitutional violations and misconduct. Ramaphosa has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has rejected calls to resign over the controversy, which centres on foreign currency allegedly stolen from his Phala Phala farm in 2020. Delivering the ruling, Judge Andre le Grange said: “Pending the determination by this court of the applicant’s review… respondents are interdicted from proceeding with a public impeachment hearing.” Ramaphosa is accused of failing to properly report the theft of $580,000 that had ...

Rapper Jay-Z fighting grandma of man claiming to be his son over 6-figure debt Jay-Z is asking a court to prevent the grandmother of a man who claims to be his son from using bankruptcy proceedings to erase a $119,000 judgment she owes him. According to court documents, the rapper filed legal papers in connection with the ongoing bankruptcy case of Lillie Coley. Jay-Z is asking the court to rule that the debt should not be discharged through bankruptcy, arguing that the judgment resulted from her conduct during years of litigation against him. According to the filing, the judgment was awarded because of Coley's alleged fraudulent statements and misrepresentations. Jay-Z's legal team also claimed that Coley has spent the past decade harassing him through repeated lawsuits, online campaigns and public statements. The dispute stems from claims made by Coley's grandson, Rymir Satterthwaite, who has for years alleged that Jay-Z is his biological father. Jay-Z has consistently ch...

 TROOPS IN SOUTH EAST  BUST CRIMINAL HIDEOUT, SEIZE WEAPONS AS OPERATION UDO KA SUSTAINS OFFENSIVE The Nigerian Army has recorded another operational success in its sustained offensive against criminal elements in the South-East, with troops of Sector 4, Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA (OPUK), recovering a cache of arms and ammunition during a precision intelligence-led operation in Rivers State. The latest feat underscores the military's resolve to dismantle criminal networks, deny armed groups any opportunity to cause mayhem and create a secure environment for peace, stability and socio-economic development across the region. The operation, conducted in the early hours of 23 July 2026, targeted a suspected criminal hideout at Awara Community Waterside in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area and along the Omoku–Ogbaku–Ndoni axis of Rivers State. Acting on credible intelligence, the troops raided the forest enclave believed to have been used by criminal elements as...

 MEDIA STATEMENT BY TANIMU YAKUBU THE MONEY THAT NEVER MOVED: HOW NIGERIA’S EXPENDITURE CONTROLS PREVENTED THE PEAC/PFIPC APPROPRIATION FROM BECOMING PUBLIC EXPENDITURE   The public argument has often begun at the wrong point. The National Assembly appropriated funds for the Presidential Economic Advisory Council/Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, known as PEAC/PFIPC. That fact is not in dispute. The question is what happened next. Nothing did.   An appropriation is authority in law to make provision for an expenditure. It is not a cheque. It is not a warrant. It is not cash released from the Treasury. Before money can move, other conditions must be met. Different institutions must act. Each must complete its own part. If one condition fails, the chain stops.   That is what happened here. The public finance system does not allow one office to create an agency, approve its staff, place them on payroll, release money, procure assets and spend the appr...

 INEC VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE: SOKOTO GOVERNMENT DECLARES FRIDAY 24TH 2026 WORK-FREE DAY  The Sokoto State Government has declared Friday, 24th July, 2026 a work-free day to enable Civil Servants of voting age who have not yet registered to participate in the ongoing Voter registration exercise and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). Governor Ahmed Aliyu urges Civil Servants who have not registered to take advantage of the work-free day to obtain their PVCs, to enable them exercise their civic responsibility in the forthcoming general elections. A statement by his Director General Media and Publicity, Abubakar Bawa says, the Governor restates his Administration's commitment to ensuring that Civil Servants in the State are given every opportunity to participate in the National assignments and exercise their Civic rights. The statement further enjoins its citizens yet to register or have attained the stipulated age for Voter registration, to take advantage of the two-...

 AFRICAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS UNION ADOPTS ABUJA 2026 DECLARATION ON MEANINGFUL CONNECTIVITY Africa's digital transformation journey is entering a new phase with member countries of the African Telecommunications union committing to a common framework aimed at ensuring that no one is left behind in the continent's digital future. At the Union's 7th Ordinary Session of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries, member states adopted the 2026 Abuja Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity for Africa, outlining key priorities for the continent's digital transformation. These include, digital inclusion and demand stimulation, affordable broadband access, infrastructure development and resilience, regulatory harmonization, capacity building, digital sovereignty, consumer protection and fair fiscal policies. The declaration further calls on the African Union Commission, the International Telecommunication Union, Regional Economic Communities, development partners, industry, academia an...

 Portable Arrives in Convertible Benz Ahead of Charles Okocha Fight, Sparks Frenzy With Bold Wizkid Remark Street-hop star Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has once again captured public attention with a dramatic public appearance ahead of his highly anticipated celebrity fight against Nollywood actor Charles Okocha. Cruising through the streets of Sango in a sleek convertible Mercedes-Benz, the controversial singer drew a massive crowd of cheering supporters before making a bold statement about his standing in the music industry. As crowds swarmed his luxury vehicle, Portable engaged enthusiastically with fans while making his way toward the fight venue. Known for his unfiltered commentary and theatrical flair, the singer used the moment to compare his success to that of Afrobeats icon Wizkid. Bold Claims: "I Have More Glory Than Wizzy" In viral footage captured during his grand procession, Portable boasted about his star power, declaring that his fame and desti...

 Cardi B's Tough Love: Why Her Son Would Be Kicked Out for Getting a Girl Pregnant American rapper Cardi B is no stranger to sparking conversation, and her latest revelation about parenting has certainly set social media ablaze. The Grammy-winning artist recently shared an unvarnished glimpse into the strict household rules she intends to enforce should her son find himself in a particular predicament. In a candid video clip making rounds online, Cardi B laid out her uncompromising stance: if either of her sons were to get a girl pregnant while still residing under her roof, their time at home would immediately come to an end. Her reasoning, as she articulated, isn't born of anger but a profound desire to instill vital lessons in responsibility and self-sufficiency. “If my sons ever tell me that they have a girl pregnant, the day that you tell me that you got a girl pregnant, it will be the day that you will have to get the f**k out of my house,” Cardi B stated directly. She co...