Kevin De Bruyne to LEAVE Manchester City at the end of the current season.
The Belgian player will be available as free agent for his next chapter. 🇧🇪
Full statement from Kevin De Bruyne on LEAVING #ManCity this summer. ⤵️
Circular introducing new ₦5,000, ₦10,000 notes is fake — CBN
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has disowned a circular claiming it has introduced two new denominations—N5,000 and N10,000 notes.
The apex bank described the circular as “fake” in a statement via its official handle on X (formerly Twitter).
The alleged circular said the new notes were set for circulation from May 1.
The viral circular widely shared on WhatsApp, falsely attributed to the CBN, stated, “The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has officially announced the introduction of two new denominations – N5,000 and N10,000 banknotes; as part of ongoing efforts to streamline cash transactions and improve liquidity management.”
The document further alleged that one Deputy CBN Governor, Dr. Ibrahim Tahir Jr., justified the move as a way to reduce cash-handling costs while offering Nigerians more efficient options for larger transactions.
However, the apex bank refuted the claims, urging the public to verify information through its official website.
“The content is not from the Central Bank of Nigeria. Kindly note that the official website of the CBN is cbn.gov.ng,” the CBN stated, emphasising its commitment to transparency and accurate communication.
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In 2023, the bank dealt with controversies surrounding the redesign of the N200, N500, and N1,000 notes.
Later that year, the CBN raised concerns about the circulation of counterfeit banknotes, particularly higher denominations.
These fake naira notes were reportedly used in food markets and commercial centers in major cities across Nigeria.
At the time, Acting Director for Corporate Communications at the CBN, Hakama Ali warned that falsifying or counterfeiting any CBN-issued note or coin is a criminal offense punishable by at least five years imprisonment.
She reassured the public that the CBN remains in active collaboration with security and financial agencies to combat counterfeit operations and ensure the integrity of Nigeria’s currency system.
JAMB opens portal for 2025 UTME-mock exam slip printing
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has announced that candidates who registered to participate in the 2025 optional UTME-Mock examination can now print their notification slips.
JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, in a statement, said candidates can print their slips from today.
Benjamin stated that the UTME-Mock Examination will be held on Thursday, April 10, while the main UTME Examination will start on Friday, April 25.
The notification slip contains vital details, including the examination date, venue (centre), time, and other essential instructions necessary for candidates to successfully sit for the test.
He urged candidates to visit www.jamb.gov.ng, click on “2025 Mock Slip Printing”, enter the registration number and click on “Print Examination Slip.”
He added that candidates are strongly advised to print their slips and visit their assigned examination centres at least a day or two before the test to avoid last-minute challenges.
“Candidates are encouraged to print their notification slip starting from Thursday, April 3, 2025.
“This will allow ample time to make necessary logistical arrangements to access their assigned centres within the chosen examination towns,” he said.
Barcelona beat Atletico to set up Clasico copa del rey final
Barcelona will face rivals Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final after Ferran Torres secured them a 1-0 win at Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, progressing 5-4 on aggregate from the semi-final tie.
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Record 31-time winners Barca had the better of the clash at the Metropolitano stadium after the wild 4-4 first leg draw, and defeat leaves Diego Simeone’s Atletico with little to play for in the rest of the season.
By contrast, the Catalans are on the hunt for a potential quadruple and are unbeaten in 2025, stretching their run to 21 games without defeat.
Atletico were the last team to triumph against Barcelona, winning before Christmas to go top of La Liga, but they now trail Hansi Flick’s team by nine points with nine matches remaining.
Flick brought winger Raphinha back into Barcelona’s starting line-up and the hosts tried to shut him down through fair means or foul.
Cesar Azpilicueta was booked for one tackle, surviving a VAR review for a potential red card, while Rodrigo de Paul was also cautioned for going in hard on the Brazilian.
Teenage winger Lamine Yamal ran the show on the other flank for Barcelona, firing wide and teeing up Jules Kounde, who bypassed Robin Le Normand with some neat juggling before lashing over.
The 17-year-old played in Torres for Barcelona’s opener with a well-weighted pass, finished clinically by the former Manchester City forward, who has earned more minutes with his recent performances.
Yamal mishit a shot himself from a good position in the box, while Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso denied Raphinha at his near post.
Simeone brought on Alexander Sorloth among three changes at the break, after he scored three goals in the three previous meetings between these sides this season.
Perhaps convinced he would make it four in four, Sorloth fired narrowly wide early in the second half with Antoine Griezmann open and ready for a simple finish.
At the other end, Raphinha forced another save from Musso but was himself guilty of not squaring for Fermin Lopez.
Sorloth rattled home what he thought for a few seconds was an equaliser, but he had strayed offside.
With Atletico ascendant, Flick brought on top goalscorer Robert Lewandowski for Torres, but the Polish veteran struggled to get involved.
With four minutes of stoppage time added on Atletico turned the screw, with Musso coming up for a late De Paul free-kick, but Barcelona held off the hosts to progress.
Nigerian Muslims Celebrate Eid-El-Fitr Today
Muslims in Nigeria are celebrating Eid-el-Fitr today after observing the holy month of Ramadan.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, on Saturday night announced that the crescent moon marking the end of Ramadan had been sighted in Nigeria, confirming that Eid-el-Fitr will be observed today, March 30, 2025.
The announcement followed reports of moon sightings from various locations across the country.
“With the sighting of the moon, Sunday, March 30, 2025, will be the 1st of Shawwal 1446 AH, marking the day for the Eidel-Fitr celebration,” the Sultan, who is also the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, stated.
He congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast and urged them to sustain the virtues of patience, piety, and charity beyond the holy month.
The Sultan also called on Nigerians to pray for peace, unity, and progress in the country, while advising worshippers to observe the Eid prayers peacefully and in accordance with Islamic teachings.
BREAKING: Saudi confirms Sunday Eid-el-Fitr
The Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, said the crescent of Shawwal has been sighted.
It also added that Eid al-Fitr will now be held on Sunday, March 30, 2025 to mark the beginning of the new Islamic month.
This disclosure was made on Haramin’s official Facebook page, an official platform for the Muslim community across the world.
“The crescent moon for the month of Shawwal 1446 was sighted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday, March 30, 2025.”
Tinubu reaffirms commitment to national peace, stability on 73rd birthday
President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his dedication to ensuring Nigeria’s peace and stability, stating that he will continue to work hard and pray for the nation’s progress.
Speaking to reporters in Abuja on Friday after a special Juma’ah prayer at the National Mosque in commemoration of his upcoming 73rd birthday, Tinubu expressed gratitude to God for granting him another year.
“I feel good. I feel happy. I thank the Almighty Allah, who has protected us and continues to answer our prayers,” the president said.
He emphasized that the safety and well-being of Nigerians remain his top priorities, adding that both hard work and fervent prayers are essential for the country’s progress.
“The word for all of us is hard work. You work harder, and you pray harder. That’s the inspiration I got from today’s sermon,” he said.
The prayer session was led by Dr. Abdulkadir Salman Solagberu, the Malami Ubandoma of Ilorin Emirate, alongside other clerics. Dr. Solagberu assured the president of continued prayers for his health, strength, and wisdom in leading the nation.
The Imam of the National Mosque, Prof. Muhammad Kabir Adam, also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu for their support to the underprivileged during Ramadan. He encouraged Muslims to sustain prayers for the country and extend goodwill beyond the holy month.
“Mr. President, Allah is with you, and you will succeed,” Prof. Adam said.
The special Jumat prayer was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, ministers, service chiefs, and members of the President’s family.
Premier league alters transfer window to accommodate club world cup
The Premier League will have two transfer windows this summer to allow Manchester City and Chelsea to register players for the Club World Cup.
Clubs in the English top flight will now be able to recruit and retain players in a special window between June 1 and 10.
The exceptional registration period was approved by FIFA last October and is open to any national association which has teams involved in the new expanded Club World Cup, which starts in the United States on June 14.
Winners of the competition could earn up to $125 million in prize money with a $1 billion collective pot on offer to the 32 teams involved.
Chelsea and City are England’s two representatives thanks to winning the Champions League in 2021 and 2023 respectively.
An earlier registration period could allow Real Madrid to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool in time for the tournament with the England international reportedly close to joining the European champions on a free transfer when his deal expires on June 30.
FIFA regulations limit closed-season transfer windows to a maximum of 12 weeks, so the Premier League window will be closed again from June 11 to 15, and reopen on June 16 through to Monday, September 1.
Bill to create prime minister office passes second reading at reps
A bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to provide for the office of the Prime Minister as head of government and the office of President as head of state and to provide for a framework for the mode of election to the said offices, has passed second reading in the House of Representatives.
It is among 32 Constitution amendment bills that scaled second reading in the House of Representatives on Thursday.
Also among the bills is a bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to provide for specific seats for women in the national assembly and state houses of assembly.
Another is a bill for an Act to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to reduce the lengthy period for determination of pre-election petition matters and provide for the establishment of pre-election tribunals for pre-election matters and regulate the process of suspending a member of the national assembly from legislative duties.
A bill for an Act to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to review the requirements that qualifies persons to be elected as president and vice-president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, governors and deputy governor, passed second reading as well.
A bill for an act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to review the status of the Federal Capital Territory as regards the election of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and bills for the creation of Wan State and Gobir State also passed second reading.
This brings the total number of Constitution Amendment Bills passed so far through second reading to 113.
Price Hike: Court fixes May 8 for judgment in multiChoice, FCCPC dispute
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 8 for judgment in the suit filed by MultiChoice Nigeria Limited against the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
Justice Omotosho fixed the date after lawyers representing the parties adopted and argued their written addresses for and against the suit.
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The court had earlier restrained the Commission from taking “any administrative steps” against the plaintiff following an increase in the service price of two of its brands; DStv and GOtv.
The restraining order was a sequel to a formal request by MultiChoice seeking the court’s protection from planned sanction from the FCCPC, over the increase in the price of DStv and GOtv.
At the proceeding, the court granted the Commission’s request for an extension of time to regularise its processes and also allowed the plaintiff to withdraw its application for interlocutory injunction which has been overtaken by event.
Arguing its case, MultiChoice through its lead counsel, Onigbanjo submitted that the bone of contention is “whether the defendant have the right to control the price at which the plaintiff offers its services to the public.”
While acknowledging the regulatory powers of the Commission, the senior lawyer argued that the Act establishing the FCCPC did not confer on it the powers to regulate price or prevent anyone including the plaintiff from increasing its prices.
Besides, Onigbanjo stated that the issue of whether the defendant can regulate price has been litigated before between the two parties, adding that the Tribunal had held that the Commission has no powers to regulate prices of goods and services in the country, except the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Plaintiff’s lawyer also submitted that even the president who is clothed with the powers to regulate prices has maintained “that his government does not believe in price control” but, that prices are determined by market forces of demands and supplies.
The plaintiff in addition submitted that if the FCCPC has no powers to control price “where does he have the powers to prevent the plaintiff from increasing price.
MultiChoice subsequently accused the Commission of discrimination, stating that all businesses in the country have been increasing their prices in line with economic conditions and inflation without the Commission raising an eyebrow, save with the plaintiff.
He, therefore, urged the court to grant all the reliefs sought in the suit.
While adopting his counter affidavit in opposition to the suit, lead counsel for the defendant, Professor Joe Agbugu, SAN, urged the court to first address the cause of action; which is the the issue of increase in the price of DStv and GOtv.
Agbugu disclosed that the Commission on February 25, wrote the plaintiff after it announced price increase effective from March 1, 2025.
According to the senior lawyer, MultiChoice was summoned to appear before the Commission on February 27, “they wrote that it was not convenient and proposed March 6. We then said that in the interim they should hold on with the price increment.”
Agbugu further stated that, “there was no issue of price regulation or fixing as at the time the action commenced.”
Besides, he claimed that the statute establishing the FCCPC, gave it “powers to check exorbitant pricing” and also powers to “regulate abuse of dominant position in the market” as it relates to prices and passing of cost to the consumer.
“The plaintiff occupies a dominant position in the television and entertainment,” Agbugu claimed, adding that the case before the court is not of price regulation but the powers of the Commission to investigate prices that are deemed exploitative and abuse of dominant position.
“The Commission is not to tell you to use price A or B but to determine that the price is exploitative” he said, “they ran away to be investigated over their planned action.
“Our action is not about price fixing; the issue is about whether the price is exorbitant…the mandate of the Commission is to protect the consumer.”
Reacting to the claim of discrimination, defendant’s lawyer, submitted that, “abuse of dominant position qualified them to be singled out for exorbitant pricing.”
Agbugu subsequently urged the court to strike out the suit and dismiss it because it attacks the major task of the Commission of protecting consumers.
“The suit should be dismissed and the plaintiff returned to us for investigation,” he added.
Responding, Justice Omotosho announced that, “judgment is reserved to May 8.”