2. Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar-Farouq has allegedly refused to honor an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding an alleged N37.1 billion fraud during her tenure. The EFCC source confirmed her non-appearance and stated that she did not show up as scheduled. This development follows the suspension of Halima Shehu, the national coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, who was arrested by the EFCC in connection with the fraud.
3. The Naira depreciated to N1,035.12/$ in the foreign exchange market despite increased dollar liquidity, marking the second time in the new year. The 4.50% weakening was attributed to heightened demand for the dollar, although there was a substantial rise in dollar supply at the official market. The FX transactions saw a significant increase in daily market turnover to $85.68 million. Meanwhile, in the money market, the Nigerian treasury bill secondary market closed with a mildly positive note, with the average yield decreasing to 6.41% from 6.43% on the previous day. The Overnight rate increased to 16.00%, and the Open Repo rate rose to 15.46%.
4. Nigerians are mourning the unfortunate demise of 17-year old Afolabi Stephen who was killed by police in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on December 31, 2023. The police claimed to have responded to a call about an armed male acting erratically. The encounter eventually led to an officer discharging his firearm, resulting in Stephen’s death. The Nigerian Association in Manitoba has offered condolences to the family and urged the community to remain calm during investigations. This incident adds to the concerning trend of extrajudicial killings of Nigerians abroad
5. Saint-Germain (PSG) secured their record 12th Trophee des Champions title with a 2-0 victory over Toulouse. Lee Kang-in scored within three minutes, followed by Kylian Mbappe’s individual effort before the break. PSG’s display, particularly from new signings Lee and Dembele, showcased a promising attacking performance. Manager Luis Enrique won his first trophy with PSG. The victory adds to PSG’s success as they lead Ligue 1 by five points, advance to the UEFA Champions League last 16 against Real Sociedad, and begin their Coupe de France campaign. Mbappe was named the Player of the Match.
6. Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has selected Alhassan Yusuf as the replacement for the injured Wilfred Ndidi in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Ndidi, a Leicester City midfielder, is ruled out of the tournament due to injury. Alhassan Yusuf, a 23-year-old midfielder from Royal Antwerp in the Belgian league, will join the team in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Yusuf was initially part of Peseiro’s provisional 41-man squad for AFCON. He is expected to partner with Brentford star Frank Onyeka in the defensive midfield role. Ndidi’s teammate, Kelechi Iheanacho, is also doubtful for the tournament due to a muscle injury. The Super Eagles start their AFCON campaign against Equatorial Guinea on January 14.
7. On Wednesday, several people came together for the posthumous birthday celebration of the late Nigerian singer Mohbad, with celebrities and fans expressing their tributes on social media. Mohbad passed away at the age of 27 in 2023. There have been ongoing investigations into the circumstances of his death. The autopsy results are still pending, and there have been calls for justice and the release of his remains for a dignified funeral arrangement.
