Zac Efron better after a health scare, EFCC detains Shehu Sani for extortion, Paul Pogba will play in Arsenal clash. Stay in the know with our Rave News Digest which summarizes five of the hottest global news you need to catch up on, saving you time and energy. Consider it your daily news fix.
Here is a rundown of five of the hottest news topics…
1. EFCC detains Shehu Sani for alleged extortion
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested a former Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Shehu Sani, for alleged extortion and name-dropping. The vocal ex-lawmaker was arrested in Abuja on Tuesday, for allegedly using the name of the acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr Ibrahim Magu, to extort various sums of money from unsuspecting members of the public
Among other cases, Sani was said to have extorted $20,000 from a popular car dealer. “Sani claimed that he was close to Magu and could help them to escape the agency’s scrutiny and punishments for economic and financial infractions,” an official stated.
2. Telecom giant MTN accused of paying bribes to Taliban, al-Qaeda
Africa’s largest mobile operator MTN says it is reviewing allegations that it paid protection money to militant Islamist groups in Afghanistan. The allegations, made in a legal complaint filed in a US federal court on Friday, said the firm violated US anti-terrorism laws. It was filed on behalf of families of US citizens killed in attacks in Afghanistan.
Five other companies were also named in the filing. The complaint alleges MTN paid bribes to al-Qaida and the Taliban to avoid having to invest in expensive security for their transmission towers. The alleged payments helped finance a Taliban-led insurgency that led to the attacks in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2017, the accusations say.
3. Zac Efron has ‘bounced back’ after a health scare while filming survival show in Papua New Guinea
Zac Efron says he has “bounced back” after getting a health scare while filming a survival reality TV show in Papua New Guinea. American actor Zac Efron confirmed on Twitter and Instagram on Monday that he had received medical treatment following the health scare.
“Very thankful to everyone who has reached out,” he told his followers. “I did get sick in Papua New Guinea but I bounced back quick and finished an amazing 3 weeks in P.N.G.”
The 32-year-old star, who rose to fame playing Troy Bolton in the “High School Musical” franchise, also took the opportunity to thank fans for their messages of support, adding that he was now home with his loved ones after spending time in the Pacific nation.
The post was accompanied by a photo of him with locals in Papua New Guinea.
4. Protesters storm US embassy compound in Baghdad
Dozens of protesters broke into the US embassy compound in Baghdad on Tuesday, smashing a main door and setting fire to a reception area, prompting tear gas and sounds of gunfire.
Witnesses reported smoke rising from inside the compound and said they saw at least three US soldiers on the roof of the main building inside the embassy. It was not clear what caused the fire at the reception area near the parking lot.
A man on a loudspeaker urged the protesters not to enter the compound, saying: “The message was delivered.” The US ambassador to Iraq and other staff were evacuated from the embassy.
5. Solskjaer gives update on Pogba ahead of Arsenal clash
Paul Pogba should be in contention to feature when Manchester United take on Arsenal on New Year’s Day, according to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. When asked in his pre-match press conference, conducted at Turf Moor whether he thought Pogba would travel down to London, the boss was positive in his reply.
“Yeah, I would think so,” the club’s official website quoted Ole as telling reporters.
Pogba did not travel to East Lancashire with the rest of the squad at the weekend, after making substitute appearances against Watford and Newcastle United. Solskjaer has indicated the midfielder simply required additional rest.
“When you’ve been out for such a while, it’s always going to take time to be 100 per cent,” Ole explained.
Cover photo credit: Instagram – zacefron
For the latest in fashion, lifestyle and culture, follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_
