Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories:
1. President Bola Tinubu claims that his past accomplishments, particularly in overcoming investment obstacles in Nigeria and transforming Lagos into the fifth-largest economy in Africa during his eight-year tenure as governor, make him deserving of a place in the Guinness World Records (GWR). Speaking at the 10th German-Nigerian Business Forum, Tinubu emphasized his background in the private sector and his commitment to reforms as reasons for his presidential success. He humorously stated that if not officially recognized, he would strive to insert himself into the Guinness Book of Records for his achievements as Nigeria’s president.
2. Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court Abuja has granted bail to the immediate past Governor of the Central Bank, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, in the sum of N300 million and two sureties. Emefiele faces charges related to alleged procurement fraud, involving the illegal purchase of vehicles and awarding contracts. The bail conditions include depositing travel documents, staying within the Abuja Municipal Council, and remaining in Kuje Correctional Centre until bail conditions are met. Emefiele was arraigned on a six-count charge, and the case has been adjourned for the bail ruling and trial to take place on November 22 and November 28, respectively.
3. The All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to dissolve its Rivers state chapter structure at all levels and hand over control to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike. The decision was announced by the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, which also plans to appoint a seven-member Caretaker Committee to oversee the party’s affairs in the state for the next six months. The Caretaker Committee, consisting of individuals believed to be loyal to the FCT minister, is tasked with conducting a fresh electronic party registration and preparing for congresses to establish new executive committees in the state. The inauguration of the Caretaker Committee is scheduled for Friday, November 24, 2023, at the Party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.
4. Crypto Investors have pulled about $956 million from the cryptocurrency exchange platform Binance in the past 24 hours after its chief, Changpeng Zhao, stepped down and pleaded guilty to settle a U.S. illicit finance probe. The deal involves Binance paying $4.3 billion to U.S. authorities, raising concerns about the exchange’s future. Richard Teng has replaced Zhao, and questions remain about Zhao’s potential jail time and influence on Binance. The exchange is still facing unresolved charges by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the outflows represent a small portion of Binance’s total assets. Binance is accused of failing to report suspicious transactions, including with groups like Hamas, and not reporting transactions related to child sexual abuse materials.
5. Today marks the first day of the truce agreement between Israel and Hamas, which was mediated by Qatar. The agreement will allow the release of 50 women and children held captive in Gaza in exchange for 150 Palestinian women and children held in Israeli jails. The truce is expected to last for four days and includes humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza.
6. On the Rainbow Bridge between the U.S. and Canada in Niagara Falls, a vehicle crashed and exploded at a checkpoint. The incident resulted in two fatalities, and multiple border crossings were temporarily closed. The FBI investigated and found no evidence of explosive materials or a terrorism connection. New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated that, based on the information available, there was no sign of terrorist activity. The car was traveling at high speed, and video footage showed it crashing into a U.S. Customs and Border Protection area. The identities of the deceased were not released, and the investigation is ongoing. Both U.S. President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were briefed on the incident.
7. Hollywood actor Jamie Foxx is facing sexual assault and battery charges in a lawsuit filed in New York State Supreme Court. The alleged incident occurred in 2015 at a New York City restaurant. The plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, claims Foxx used force to touch her without consent, including groping her breasts and genitals. The lawsuit, filed under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, alleges that Foxx, who appeared “intoxicated,” caused physical and emotional injuries to the plaintiff. The plaintiff is also suing the restaurant’s parent company for negligent hiring, training, and supervision. The lawsuit is possible due to the Adult Survivors Act, allowing adult survivors of sexual abuse to sue, even if the statute of limitations has expired.
