Duncan Mighty beaten and picked up by unknown gunmen in Owerri - Cubana Chief Priest

Nigerian nightlife king, Cubana Chief Priest has raised an alarm of Duncan Mighty allegedly being beaten and whisked away to an unknown location by gunmen. 

According to Cubana Chief Priest, the incident occurred in Owerri after several gunshots was allegedly fired. 

He wrote "Duncan Mighty beaten n picked up by unknown gunmen in Owerri after numerous gunshots. Pray for Duncan Mighty"

This is coming months after the singer raised an alarm over threats to his life while begging former governor of Imo state, Rochas Okorocha to take back the money he gave to him to record a song.

Imo Speaker promises to give $10,000 to anyone who can travel to Italy to verify authenticity of his academic certificates

Imo State House of Assembly Speaker, Dr. Chiji Collins has promised a $10,000 reward for anyone who can travel to Italy to verify the authenticity of his academic certificates which has sparked off controversy in the last few months. 

Several groups have called on the speaker to come out clean on claims of bagging a Doctorate Degree from Universita degli Studi di Reggio Calabria. According to the different political groups, Chiji Collins was conferred with ‘Laurea di Dottore' from the Italian institution, the basic for which he affixes Ph.D to his name. They however stated that it is misleading as the Nigerian equivalent of Laurea di Dottore is a Bachelor Degree and not doctorate in rank.

The Imo House of Assembly Speaker who increased the money from $5,000 he earlier promised to $10,000, affirmed that he attended one of the best institutions in the world which has trained notable individuals including Dr. Richard Agbarakwe, a renowned medical practitioner.

Collins urged his critics and opponents to sheath their sword and embrace peace while pointing out that no Nigerian University is rated among best 100.

Chairman House Committee on Information and Judiciary, Dominic Ezerioha also denied claims of members of the committee having cold feet in investigating the certificate scandal the Speaker is enmeshed in. According to him, investigation will soon be concluded and the committee's report will also be submitted. 

Abdelmadjid Tebboune wins Algeria’s presidential election

Abdelmadjid Tebboune has been elected the new president of Algeria, the Head of the National Independent Election Authority, Mohamed Chorfi, announced on Friday, December 13th.

Chorfi announced this at a news conference in Algiers saying, Tebboune won a majority 58.15 per cent of vote in the presidential election held on Thursday to become the 8th president of the North African nation since gaining independence from France in 1962.  

The figures show that Abdelkader Bengrina came second as he collected 17.38 per cent of votes, followed by Ali Benflis with 10.55 per cent, and Azzeddine Mihoubi with 7.26 per cent and Abdelaziz Belaid came fifth with 6.66 per cent.

Chorfi added that the turnout of the polls hit 41.13 per cent nationwide, while the overall turnout with voters abroad hit 39.83 per cent.

There is nothing evil about us - Ogboni Fraternity

Chief Francis Meshioye, leader of the Reformed Ogboni Fraternity (ROF) dispelled claims of them being evil at the flag off of 2019 Founders’ Day Celebration in Lagos state. 

Meshioye disclosed that the  fraternal institution was founded in 1914 by a Christian, Deacon Jacobson Ogunbiyi and the initial objective was to promote Christian values among the people.

The leader of the group who disclosed that the group was expanded to accommodate people of other faiths hence the change in name from Ogboni Fraternity to Reformed Ogboni Fraternity, stated that founding fathers of ROF were part of those who fought for the decolonisation of Nigeria, developed such establishments as the civil service, judiciary and many functional post-colonial institutions. 

Francis Meshioye debunked claims of the fraternity being for people who are seeking for easy and quick wealth and also urged members of the public who are of good character to join. He listed some known members of the group as late Sir Adetokunbo Ademola, late Chief Ladoke Akintola and late Sir Adeyemo Alakija.

He said; 

“We are far from being a secret society; we are a registered entity that abides with the laws of the land and our objectives are to promote positive values, truth, justice and cultural heritage. 

”The Reformed Ogboni Fraternity (ROF) has the ultimate objective of promoting good values, love discipline, not only in Nigeria but in other parts of the world wherever her members finds him or herself.

”There is a clear distinction between ROF as a fraternity and any other forms of organisations.

”Our fraternity compels her members to imbibe the fundamental injunction of ”do unto others as you wish others to do unto you ”

”However, the fraternity had to overcome many challenges that were rooted in misinterpretations of what we stand for."

PDP mocks Akpabio, says he withdrew to avoid another defeat

The People's Democratic Party has reacted to Senator Godswill Akpabio's withdrawal from Essien Udim Local Government Senatorial rerun election after securing a rerun win in court. 

Recall that the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State stated that he can't abandon a critical national assignment placed on him by President Muhammadu Buhari in pursuit of a rerun election.

However commenting on Godswill Akpabio's letter in which he urged the All Progressives Congress national excos to submit a replacement to run in his place, the PDP stated that the the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs withdrew from the senatorial race to avoid another defeat. 

The opposition party maintained that the only way the APC can substitute a candidate is ''if the incumbent candidate dies a physical death, not a political death as that currently witnessed.''

The statement partly reads; 

“Some days ago, our party, like other members of the reading public, saw a letter infixed in the headed paper of Senator Godswill Akpabio attempting to convey the purported withdrawal of the Senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress candidate in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District.

“Our response to that joke taken too far is that the rerun is a court ordered election to complete an earlier started electoral exercise, which by the judgement of the court has been declared inchoate. The only way the APC can substitute a candidate is if the incumbent candidate dies a physical death, not a political death as that currently witnessed.

“Senator Akpabio was a party before the court and the order of the court is that he should go back for a rerun in Essien Udim- that’s an order of the court and as a lawyer, he should obey that order and submit himself for confirmatory defeat.

“The purported withdrawal of the Senatorial candidate is a clear face-saving attempt by Chief Akpabio, in a bid to avoid a recurring defeat by Senator Chris Ekpenyong, whom he had earlier boasted was not a match for him. But like it’s common knowledge, pride goes before a fall. Senator Ekpenyong Defeated Chief Akpabio in 8 local government areas with a large margin of more than 38,000 votes-which is Akpabio’s present nightmare.

“On the funny claim that he has a patriotic task to perform at the Federal Executive Council as Minister, which is why he wants to withdraw from the race, the question is, when did he realize this duty which he claims he owes the Niger Delta? Why did he not withdraw before the Appeal court judgment? If the Court of Appeal had granted the reliefs he sought for, would he have still withdrawn?

“Our party seriously frowns at the clowning attempts by Senator Akpabio to derail the electoral process in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, as we have on good authority that he intends to use the judicial process to prevent the conduct of the rerun, by institutions court actions to compel INEC to accept his purported withdrawal- this suit he intends to drag up to the Supreme Court if he loses. Senator Akpabio, who once boasted that he couldn’t lose an election should have been excited as he was earlier, to show the world that he cannot lose an election in his local government area. Why is he afraid of going for an election in his native Essien Udim?”

See more photos from heavyweight boxing rematch as Anthony Joshua defeats Andy Ruiz to regain his titles

Anthony Joshua defeated Andy Ruiz Jr in their world heavyweight title rematch which took place on Saturday Dec 7 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The British-Nigerian boxer who suffered a shocking defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr back in June in New York City, regained his IBF, WBA and WBO titles as he defeated the Mexican-American boxer by unanimous decision.

The bout which lasted until 12 rounds was scored 118-110, 118-110 and 119-109 by the judges. 

Speaking on his victory, Joshua said:  "I wanted to put on a boxing masterclass."

"First of all, thanks to god. The first time was so nice, I had to do it twice," he said. 

"I knew I could win this. This is about boxing, I’m used to knocking guys out.

"I gave the man his credit, I said I would correct myself, I respect Andy, But I wanted to put on a boxing masterclass.

"It’s the sweet science, it’s about hitting and not getting hit.

"No change in mentalist, stay hungry and stay humble. I’m going to remain humble in victory. Thanks to Ruiz and his family, thanks to Saudi, the fans and thanks to god and Eddie Hearn."

See more photos from the fight below.

Andy Ruiz blames 'three months of partying' for defeat to Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia (video)

Mexican-American boxer, Andy Ruiz who spearheaded one of the biggest upsets in boxing by defeating Anthony Joshua to win the world heavyweight titles in New York in June, has blamed his defeat in their rematch on three months of partying and celebration. 

The boxer who rolled out his excuses at the post match conference, said he partied, became overweight and undertrained for the rematch which took place in Saudi Arabia on Saturday December 7. 

Andy Ruiz said: "Three months of partying and celebrating affected me, what can I say?

"Being overweight, I wasn't fluid enough, I wasn't moving the way I wanted to move.

"I think if I'm lighter I'm going to let my hands go and be a completely different fighter."

When asked what he would have done differently if granted a rematch against Anthony Joshua, he said; 

 "Listen to my coach. Listen to my dad. And take it more seriously.

"I'm OK, I'm just a little disappointed. I should have listened to them.

"I tried to do the training on my own. I should have listened to them more.

"There's no excuses...the partying and all that stuff got the best of me.

"For being out of shape I did pretty good, I took all his shots."

Ruiz recognized that he lost a wide decision to Joshua but said he holds a victory too. He said the scores are tied with one win apiece and he wants a trilogy bout. 

 "I know for the third one I'm going to be a lot better."

He added: "There's a lot of responsibility being a champion of the world. I think the partying and all that stuff got the best of me. Next time it'll be a lot better."

Here is the video below;

Anthony Joshua defeats Andy Ruiz to reclaim his world heavyweight titles

Anthony Joshua has defeated Andy Ruiz Jr at the Diriyah Arena, Saudi Arabia to reclaim his IBF, WBA and WBO titles.

Joshua lost the titles to Ruiz in a shock June defeat in New York. With his victory, Joshua has joined greats such as Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield on the list of heavyweights to reclaim world titles on the first attempt. 

Dominating from the outset, Joshua won by margins of 118-110 on two scorecards with the third judge making it 119-109.

Nigerian defender Kenneth Omeruo reveals he told Chelsea's Tomori to choose Nigeria over England

Former Chelsea and current Super Eagles of Nigeria defender Kenneth Omeruo has revealed that he asked Chelsea starlet Fikayo Tomori to play for Nigeria before he eventually decided to play for Gareth Southgate's England.

                                    

  

Both Tomori and Omeruo were once Chelsea players before Omeruo was sold to CD Leganes in Spain this season having been deemed unwanted by Frank Lampard. 

According to Omeruo who was on loan last season, he and all players on loan incuding Tomori had a whatsapp group where messages were constantly exchanged.

Tomori is now the third Chelsea player of Nigerian decent after Ross Barkley and Tammy Abraham to be capped by England.
 

Tomori, who has been capped once by England was cajoled to play for Nigeria but finally caved in to the English FA according to Omeruo..

  ''Tomori was a bit younger but he has really improved a lot. Unfortunately for him he chose England. I wanted him to play for Nigeria! ' Omeruo said to The Sun UK

''(The WhatsApp messages) were good, the boys could catch up and share videos whenever a player made it into team of the week or was man of the match. That was a good connection.''

It’s not a sin that I don’t follow Jackie Appiah on social media - Yvonne Nelson

Jackie Appiah and Yvonne Nelson

Yvonne Nelson has reacted to speculations that there could be some bad blood between Jackie Appiah and herself.

Speaking during an interview, the “Fix Us” actress admitted that the “Set Apart” actress is not her friend and as such does not even know where she lives. She, however, emphasized it doesn’t mean they have a hostile relationship.

Speaking to Abeiku Santana on Okay FM, Yvonne added that she even attempted casting for her new movie but she couldn’t make it.“We waited for her for a while and she said she was busy. She is my colleague if I see her, we’re good we talk but we don’t pick up our phones to call each other … I don’t know where she lives” she said’

One may think as Ghana’s top 2 movies stars, the actresses may at least be friends on social media but interestingly they don’t even follow each on Instagram. Reacting to this, Yvonne Nelson said it’s not a sin that she isn’t following her colleague because she doesn’t follow her either.

“I was never following Jackie” when asked why she said “ She doesn’t follow me and I don’t follow her either, why is it sinful?” she quizzed in Twi. Watch the video below for more.

Court orders final forfeiture of N1.5bn hospital traced to Okorocha's aide to Federal Government

A Federal High Court which sat in Owerri today December 6, ordered the final forfeiture of a N1.5 Billion state-of-the-art 200-bed hospital traced to an aide of former Governor of Imo State and Senator representing Imo West Senatorial district, Rochas Okorocha. 

Justice T.G Ringin ordered the final forfeiture of the hospital after Pascal Obi, now a serving member of the house of representatives denied ownership of the medical facility. The application for interim forfeiture was triggered by evidence that the facility may have been acquired through proceeds of illicit activities, as funds from Government House, Owerri were traced to the hospital.

It was further gathered Paschal Obi, former permanent secretary and principal secretary to Okorocha was a signatory to some of the accounts linked to the hospital. 

EFCC's statement read in parts “These developments led the Commission to file for the forefeiture of the property on July 25, 2019 under Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud,and Other Related Offences Act 2006,” Uwujaren said in a statement.

“In granting the request for the interim forfeiture of the property, the court ordered the anti-graft agency to publish the Order in a national newspaper, which was accordingly complied with in the Nation Newspaper of August 30, 2019 and Leadership Newspaper of September 3,2019 respectively, asking interested parties to show cause why the property should not be forfeited to the federal government within fourteen days from the dates of the publications.

“Upon the expiration of the fourteen day notice and with no one showing interest in the hospital, the Commission filed for the final forfeiture of the facility.”

Here are more photos of the hospital below; 

Ogun State Police arrest man with 300 wraps of Indian Hemp

A man identified as Ibrahim Aremu, popularly called Jenromi, has been arrested by the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly being in possession of about 300 wraps of suspected Indian hemp.  

The command spokesperson, Abimbola Oyeyemi, made this known on Friday, December 6th saying the suspect was arrested following information received by the police at Enugada division ”about his activities as an alleged leader of a cult group terrorising Itun Seriki community, Totoro Abeokuta”.

He said information further revealed that the suspect is also a ‘big-time’ dealer in illicit drugs ”and that his cult group always uses his abode as their meeting point from where they plan how to carry out their notorious activities”.  

“On receiving the information, the DPO Enugada division mobilised his men to the scene where the suspect was promptly arrested while some of his accomplices escaped. About 300 wraps of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp was (were) recovered from him,” he said.

The commissioner of police, Kenneth Ebrimson, has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspect to the state criminal investigation and intelligence department.

Sowore: Nigerian Bar Association demands immediate suspension of DSS boss, Yusuf Bichi

The Nigerian Bar Association has demanded the immediate suspension of the Director-General of Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi, over the style used in rearresting Omoyele Sowore in court premises.  

Operatives of the DSS had invaded the Federal High Court on Friday, December 6th to arrest Sowore.

The NBA in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kunle Edun, said it was “greatly dismayed at the exhibition of primitivity, thuggery, insane passion for lawlessness, contempt and disrespect for the rule of law by the agents of the DSS”.  

The body of lawyers in the country also said that it finds it disgraceful that this 'court riot' occasioned by the high-handedness and insensitivity of the security operatives interrupted judicial proceedings and made the presiding judge to abandon judicial proceedings because of safety concerns.  

NBA urged President Buhari to “ensure that the Federal Government and agencies under it obeyed court orders,” as the display of “disrespect of the court by the DSS is legendary and unrivalled”.  The organisation called on all Nigerians to stand up and ensure that no government or any of its agencies disrespected the constitution of the country.

The statement added, “We call for the immediate suspension of the Director-General of the Department of State Security from office.  

“We make this demand bearing in mind the fact that the DSS under his leadership had established itself as a brutish and irresponsible agency that derives immense pleasure from violating the fundamental rights of Nigerians and disrespecting court orders.    

“The National Assembly should review the laws setting up the DSS and indeed all security agencies in Nigeria with a view to repositioning them to be more responsible and responsive to the public.”

Smuggler hides 385 litres of petrol in 2 caskets

A smuggler who hid 385 litres of premium motor spirit (PMS) better known as petrol in 2 caskets, has been nabbed by the joint anti-bunkering team of the Nigeria Customs Service. 

Abdullahi Maiwada, Nigerian Customs Service Ogun 1 Area Command spokesperson confirmed the arrest on Wednesday December 4. He said the petrol kept in 13 Jerry cans of 25 litres and six Jerry cans of 10 litres was concealed in two new caskets which were placed in a rickety Mazda 626 with Lagos number LSD 617 CW.

“We therefore appeal to the general public to embrace legitimate means of livelihood and to avoid smuggling in all its ramifications. The eagle eye is all around Ogun state to halt new techniques initiated by economic saboteurs to perpetuate their illicit acts”, Maiwada said.

This is coming after the NCS banned supply of fuel to stations 20 kilometres to the borders.

The church must stop worshiping rich people - Ex-minister, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi

Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, the former Minister of External Affairs in Lagos on Wednesday, December 4th advised Nigerian churches to stop patronising the rich with a questionable source of wealth.  

Akinyemi gave the advice while speaking with journalists at the Centenary Anniversary Lecture of the Anglican Church held at All Souls’ Church, Lekki, Lagos. The theme of the lecture, organised by the Diocese of Lagos, is ‘The Church and Good Governance”.  

He urged churches to continue to preach against the evil of abuse of office by public officials. “The church has to stop showing favouritism towards rich people whose source of their wealth is questionable; the church should stop worshipping them,” he said.  

The former minister urged churches in the country to stop worshipping money, adding that the church should have the courage to confront those in authority.

Pandemonium in Lagos as pipeline explosion rocks Gloryland estate in Isheri-Olofin (videos)

Residents of Gloryland estate in Isheri Olofin are currently running for safety following a pipeline exploson in the area. Some vandals came to the area this morning to vandalize petroleum pipelines running through the area and an explosion ensued during the act. The fire is still burning at the moment.

Writer and Editor, Blessing Ofia-Inyinya Nwodo, who resides in the area, shared a video from the scene and wrote

Nigerians like to play with people's lives!!! They came to burst a pipeline of crude oil and it resulted in this. I woke up this morning and it sounded like the whole world was on fire, I looked outside the window and a wall of flame was racing towards us and people were running. I didn't know how I reached outside in my sleepwear and joined them. I nearly died of panic because because i had to hunt for keys to open the house and the fire was already close. There is a pipe of crude oil there and people come there to burst it at night. If this little mini forest wasn't here, we would all have been consumed. That man was burnt by the fire and as I'm writing this, he is dead. He was bathing in a river there. The person he came with couldn't make it out of the fire. I am told that this is not the first time this has happened. I know Nigeria is a piece of shit but my mother has lost a house before, she cannot lose one again, the pain will be too great. The relevant authorities whoever they are should come to the pipeline at Igando and do something about it.

See videos posted online as shared by residents of the area below

‘Rush God the way you rush money to be successful’- Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin

Popular Warri-Based Prophet, Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin has set the internet agog with his recent revelation on the secret to success.

 

The General Overseer of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry (C.M.D.M) and founder, Mercy Television during Sunday breakthrough service threw money into the congregation and members rushed to pick in it to the extents chairs were broken. In his reaction, he said only if the congregants would rush the word of God the way they rushed the money he threw, they would be successful.

 

 

“How I wish the way you are rushing the money, you rushed the word of God like this; poverty will never near your life. You are not rushing the word of God, the word of God is superior” he said.

 

 

 

 

The renowned cleric is known for his philanthropic gesture and he has revealed that the secret behind his success is sacrificial giving.

 

Click to watch how it happened………

 

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2916102045119738&id=993704570692838

 

Stay connected with the man of God on social media and the following platforms: Twitter @christmercyland, Instagram Verified page @prophetjeremiahomoto, YouTube @christmercyland, Facebook Verified page @prophet Jeremiah Ministries or visit the church website:www.christmercyland.org

Meet Karim Adeyemi, the Nigeria-born wonderkid Barcelona, Liverpool and Arsenal are fighting to sign

Football clubs, Barcelona, Liverpool, and Arsenal are all in the race to sign Nigeria-born wonderkid Karim Adeyemi.

The 17-year-old who was born in Munich, Germany to a Nigerian father and Romanian mother has scored eight times in just 13 appearances while out on loan in Austrian Bundesliga 2 this season with Liefering from RB Salzburg.

Spanish giants Barcelona are said to be very interested in signing Karim Adeyemi with academy director Partrick Kluivert considering a move for the talented striker. 

According to Spanish publication Sport, Premier League giants Liverpool and Arsenal are also monitoring Adeyemi's situation. 

Adeyemi who started his club career with FC Bayern München, joined Salzburg from SpVgg Unterhaching in July 2018 for £2.8million following a two-year spell in Bayern Munich's academy between 2010-12.

Breaking: Court finds Orji Uzor Kalu guilty of N7.65bn fraud

Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court in Lagos has found former Abia State Governor cum Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, and two others guilty of N7.65bn fraud.

Kalu’s co-defendants are his firm, Slok Nigeria Limited and Udeh Udeogu, who was Director of Finance and Accounts at the Abia State Government House during Kalu’s tenure as governor.

In an amended 39 counts charged filed before the court, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, accused the former governor and his co-defendants of conspiring and diverting N7.65bn from the coffers of the state when he held sway as Governor of the state between 1999 and 2007.

EFCC in the court papers, alleged that Kalu, used his company, Slok Nigeria Limited's account to keep a total of  N7,197,871,208.7 withdrawn from the treasury of the Abia State Government and was converted into several bank drafts before they were paid into the said company’s account.

EFCC's counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), told the court that the former governor violated Section 17(c) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004, and was liable to be punished under Section 16 of the same Act.

Apart from the N7.1bn,  the ex-governor and the other defendants were also accused of receiving a total of N460m allegedly stolen from the Abia State Government treasury between July and December 2002.

The prosecutor said they breached Section 427 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap 77, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1990.

The judgement in the case is still ongoing.

Will Smith sends cheeky birthday message to Jay-Z as he turns 50

ay-Z turned 50 on Wednesday, December 4, and Will Smith took to Instagram to celebrate him with a cheeky post.

Will posted a photo of him, his wife Jada Pinkett Smith, and Jay-Z having a good time.

His caption on the photo reads: "I can’t believe Beyoncé’s husband turns 50 today. Much love from Jada’s husband. Happy Birthday HOV!"

The caption on the photo amused a number of people and they commented on it.

Ebuka Obi-Uchendu wrote: "The actual Real Husbands of Hollywood."

Another IG user wrote: "That caption bruv #goat"

Megan Thee Stallion moves her nanny to tears as she surprises her with the truck she's always dreamed of (video)

Megan Thee Stallion moved her nanny to tears after she bought her a brand new truck.

The rapper revealed her nanny had always wished for the truck. She added that her nanny was so good to her when she was growing up and always bought her things.

Sharing a video of the moment her nanny was gifted the truck, Megan wrote: 

Surprised my nanny with the brand new truck she had been wishing for ! She literally bought me everything in every color as a child  she’s always been so generous to everyone she meets and she taught me the importance of always being kind ! I love you nanny I’m gonna give you everything you deserve

Watch the video below.

Croatian police deport Nigerian table tennis players with valid visas to Bosnia after they suspected them as 'illegal immigrants'

Police in Croatia have deported two Nigerian table-tennis players, Abie Uchenna Alexandra and Kenneth Chinedu to Bosnia and Herzegovina, claiming both men were in the country illegally, even though they both arrived in Croatia with valid visas.

 According to Hina, the government-owned national news agency, Alexandra and  Chinedu, students from Owerri Technical University in Nigeria, arrived in Zagreb the capital of Croatia on November 12 to participate in the sport's World University Championships in Pula.

                                         
 

After the tournament ended two weeks ago, both Nigerians traveled from Pula to Zagreb, and settled into a hostel on November 16 then decided to check out the city as tourists since they were scheduled to fly back to Nigeria through Istanbul on November 18.

The pair were then stopped and arrested by police as they got off a train because they were not carrying their documents with them..They were then put in a van and taken to the Bosnia border and then dumped near a forest area.

"They took us to the police station. We tried to explain who we were and that we had left our documents in the hostel. They didn't pay attention to what we were saying," said Chinedu.


"I refused to go into the woods," said Chinedu. "The officer told me he would shoot me if I didn't move."

After being chased by police, they reached the Miral Camp near Velika Kladusa in Bosnia. The students complained to representatives of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which runs the Miral Camp, and it was confirmed that the students had been staying in Croatia with legal visas.

Alberto Tanghetti, a representative of the Inter-University Sports Committee and the organiser of the competition in Pula, confirmed the validity of the Nigerian's stay in Croatia.

"The two students were participating in the competition, they had a Croatian visa, return plane tickets from Zagreb to Istanbul and from Istanbul to Lagos," Tanghetti said to Al Jazeera.

Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, have promised to give 99% of their personal wealth to their charitable initiative

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, have promised to give 99% of their personal wealth to their charitable initiative.

The couple is steering their Facebook stock towards the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), which is awarding millions of dollars to projects like eliminating all disease and improving equity in education.

In their first-ever joint network TV interview, the two spoke about what they want to accomplish with the philanthropic endeavour.

Speaking on "CBS This Morning" the couple revealed their plans to give back through their charitable initiative, the CZI company, that turned four years old on Tuesday and has about 400 employees.

Zuckerberg said: "There are a lot of philanthropies that try to bring capital, right? And help fund important work. But there aren't that many that have the capability to build tools to empower different folks who are on the front lines."

Chan added: "Teachers, doctors, scientists — we don't have the right tools to do that. And Mark has such incredible experience of building tools."

The couple has promised to give the initiative 99% of their personal wealth, mostly in the form of Facebook stock.

"One of the promises that you gave… was you want to eliminate all diseases," King said. "I heard that and I went, 'What?'" 

Zuckerberg replied: "Well, we're not going to do that ourselves, but... we do think that it will be possible to cure, prevent, or be able to manage all diseases by the end of this century."

King noted that it sounded almost "fantastical" and a little "pie-in-the-sky," to which Chan said: "Setting audacious goals is important, and we need to think about beyond what's possible." 

Chan said one of those goals is to map every single cell in the human body.

She added: "You would think that we already know all the cells and what they do, and the thing is, we don't … and we need a reference."

Zuckerberg said such a biological map could serve as a "very basic building block for a lot of biological research to happen on top of that." 

Recalling how they began working together on the initiative, Zuckerberg said: "One of the first things that she said to me was, 'Okay, if we're going to work together on education, you need to go be a teacher somewhere.' And I was like, 'I can't be a teacher. I'm running this company. It's a public company. I don't have time to do that.' And she was like, 'No'. She was like... 'There's no way that we're going to do this work together if you don't get some experience doing this.' So I started this after-school program on entrepreneurship."

Chan told CBS co-host Gayle King she felt it was important for her husband to gain that practical experience because, "one, it's so rewarding... and, two, it makes you feel what you read in the news… in a visceral way … and I want you to have that deep gut feeling of, like, 'This is critical.'"

Watch the couple speak about their plans in the video below.

CBS This Morning

✔@CBSThisMorning

.@facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, have promised 99% of their personal wealth to their charitable initiative, @ChanZuckerberg.

"Setting audacious goals is important, and we need to think about beyond what's possible." https://cbsn.ws/2Pc1fMl 

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1:22 PM - Dec 3, 2019

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