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State Attorney not convinced with Lionel Messi’s defence in tax fraud trial

Lionel Messi’s defence in the tax fraud trial has been taken with a pinch of salt by the State Attorney. The Barcelona talisman who appeared in court yesterday  declared his innocence in the tax evasion charges levelled against him and his father by Spanish authorities. He denied knowledge of his finances saying it was his father who handled them. 

But the State Attorney felt his argument wasn’t convincing enough. He said he had zero credibility and was even compared to a ‘capo’  heading a criminal structure. 

‘At one point, Jorge Messi recognizes that he tells his son they will be needing (financial) advice. And then they speak no more about it? That has zero credibility.
Messi knew more than he is making out.
I don’t want to compare Messi to a Mafioso, but it’s as if he was the boss of a criminal structure.’ He said 
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Entertainment

Kunle Afolayan makes history.

When it comes to filmmaking, Kunle Afolayan’s achievements cannot be overlooked. The Award-winning producer who hit the ground running again after his massive 2015 AMVCA victory premiered his latest project, ‘The CEO’ today. And yes, it was a big deal.
He has become the first movie producer to hold a premier on a plane. The flick got its first airing on Air France flight 149 from MMIA in Lagos to Paris. (35,000 feet above Africa).
“What is happening tonight, that has never happened before anywhere in the world. It’s going to be a premiere of a film in a plane. We decided to come up with this initiative to show the world that Africans are innovative, Nigerians are special people.” He said before take-off
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Entertainment

Dani Alves pens goodbye letter to fans

Following the confirmation of his exit from Barcelona FC, Dani Alves has penned an emotional letter to his fans on Instagram. The right-back who joined the Spanish giants in 2008 is expected to sign a two year deal at Serie A champions Juventus.
During his 8-year spell, the 33 year-old  won 23 trophies including three Champions League winners medals and six La Ligas. Read his goodbye letter below.

“In one month it will be eight years since my arrival at FC Barcelona. In July 2008, I joined this club and I took the kit in which I have lived the most important accomplishments of my career. From day one, from the first training under the orders of Pep Guardiola, until the last of this last season, I have had the fortune to passionately enjoy my football.
“I have dozens, hundreds, of images recorded in my mind of moments shared with you at the Camp Nou and on the streets of Barcelona… many goal celebrations, and happiness at winning titles. I am a privileged, honoured worker and footballer, whom life has allowed me to wear the shirt of the best club in the world in a prodigious decade for the quality of its players and coaches. “
I could mention one by one all the extraordinary people with whom I have had the pleasure of overcoming challenges and difficulties in the many ways that have been presented throughout this time, but I prefer to give them a set thanks, because in the Barcelona locker room there is no room for individuality: We all win, we all lose. And we work together. And pulling the ship, presidents, ‘misters’ (managers) coaching staff, club workers … all of them thank you very much because they have always rewarded my efforts with their trust and support.
“With this letter I just wanted to let you know that I made the decision to seek a new challenge in my career, because you have to know when the finish each stage at the correct time. And my point is this. I go, but I will return, because I’m a culé more. Thanks for making me feel loved.”
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Entertainment

Funke Akindele celebrates Global Success of Jenifa’s Diary with Red Carpet & Q&A event in London

To celebrate the global success of hit comedy series ‘Jenifa’s Diary’, beloved Nollywood actress Funke Akindele is coming to London to spend an evening with her UK fans. iROKO and Lebara Play will be screening episodes from Jenifa’s Diary Season 4, as part of an exclusive red carpet event at London’s Greenwich Odeon on Friday 10th June 2016. 

The follow-up TV series to Nollywood blockbuster movies, ‘Jenifa’ (2008) and ‘Return of Jenifa’ (2012), sees Akindele reprise her role as the eponymous comic village hairdresser. The show follows Jenifa as she cons her way back to the city to give university life another go, whilst jotting down her experience in her trusty diary.
In addition to honouring Funke Akindele’s tremendous work towards the meteoric growth of the Nigerian entertainment industry, fans will have the chance to get up close and personal with the award-winning actress, with an exclusive Q&A session conducted by DJ Abass, where they will discuss Nollywood, the changing role of women in the business and many other aspects of African entertainment.
Starting from 9pm, fans will enjoy a rare opportunity to see the acclaimed actress and producer in person as well as watch the hilarious Jenifa’s Diary, followed by hearing her unique insights and anecdotes in an exclusive interview by DJ Abass.
Justine Powell, Chief Commercial Officer of iROKO comments: “We are bringing the incredible and super-talented star that is Funke Akindele to London, to celebrate her pivotal role as one of Nollywood’s leading ladies. We are fiercely proud of our association with Funke, and the fine work she has done in building Nollywood’s global profile and reputation with extraordinary characters, none more so than Jenifa”. 

Funke Akindele will also be out and about in London all week, hosting a number of Nollywood themed events
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Entertainment

FG Scraps Post UTME, JAMB cut-off mark now 180

The Federal Government has scrapped the conduct of post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) for candidates seeking admission into higher institution.

Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, said while declaring open the 2016 Combined Policy Meeting on Admissions to Universities, Polytechnics and other higher institutions in Nigeria.
“As far as I am concerned the nation has confidence in what JAMB is doing. The universities should not be holding another examination and if the universities have any complain against JAMB let them bring it and then we address it.
“If JAMB is qualified enough to conduct tests and they have conducted test then there will be no need to conduct another test for students to gain admission.” He said 

JAMB has been also asked to stop extra charges on several categories of changes on admissions such as the change of course, change of school etc. JAMB has pegged the cut – off mark for admission for 2016 at 180.
The 180 benchmark, applies to all universities and higher institutions in the country, including polytechnics, colleges of education, and others.
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Entertainment

"All I did was to sign deals and play football" Lionel Messi tells court.

Lionel Messi was at the Eighth Court of Barcelona today to testify over the €4.1 million tax fraud allegations levelled against him and his father, Jorge Messi . The 28 year-old vehemently denied knowledge of fraudulent activities, maintaining that all he did was to sign and entrust documents of deals with his father and lawyers and focus on his career.
 “I never asked my dad about these things. The truth is that, as I said before, I trusted him and the lawyers. I didn’t know anything about it, I just played football.” He told the court.
And on the existence of a company called Jenbril, registered in Uruguay to handle payments relating to his image rights, the World best footballer added: 

“I didn’t know I was a member and manager of this company, I signed it because he [Jorge Messi] said so and I trusted him and the lawyers.
“All I knew was that I was signing a deal with sponsors to do adverts, photo shoots and things like that.
“I remember we went to a notary but I was 18 when I signed it and as you can imagine, I was in a different world. I don’t remember anything about it.”

His father, told the court his son “knew nothing about it”.

Credit: Goal.com
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Entertainment

Cristiano Ronaldo made a touching gesture with his CL win bonus

To say Cristiano Ronaldo has an unmistakable passion for charity is like stating the obvious. And asides being a fantastic footballer, another reason he is globally revered is his habit of giving back to communities.
Recall that the Portuguese soccer giant  topped the list of the most charitable athletes on earth released several months ago. The Real Madrid talisman has donated his £600,000 Champions League win bonus to a UN charity.
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Entertainment

Pep Guardiola's first Manchester City signing unveiled.

New Manchester City coach, Pep Guardiola has made his first signing for the club.  German international, Ilkay Gundogan has made a £21m move to the English club. The former Dortmund Borussia player who signed a 4-year deal with the club was left out of Euro 2016 due to a knee injury.
Gundogan, who made 157 appearances for the Bundesliga giants  over a five-year spell told Manchester City website. “I’m thrilled to have signed for Manchester City.

“When I learned of City’s interest my heart was set on coming here and things have moved very quickly. I have loved my time with Borussia Dortmund and I would like to thank the club and the supporters for the five very happy years I spent there.

They gave me a platform to play on and I became a better player because of the belief, patience and trust they showed in me.

“Now I have a new challenge and that is to achieve great things with City. The opportunity to work with a coach like Pep Guardiola is something I am really looking forward to and I am flattered to be the first signing the club has made this summer. I can promise the City fans I will give everything to help us win titles both in England and the Champions League. These are exciting times.” He stated.
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Entertainment

Cancer sufferer inspired by Lionel Messi receives a gift from him.

Paul Hayward, a sports writer suffering from cancer has shown off a signed cheque he received from powerhouse striker, Lionel Messi. Last year November, the journalist wrote an article on how his sizzling performance during a Champions League semi-final uplifted his spirit. Read excerpts from the piece titled “How the genius of Lionel Messi and Dan Carter gave me hope in fighting cancer”.

“Then came the sharpest ray of light. Barcelona v Bayern Munich at Camp Nou, in May. On the screen in a room short on cheer, Lionel Messi collected a pass on his left foot, turned inside then out in an impossibly narrow channel and sent Jerome Boateng, the Bayern defender, falling sideways like a felled tree. Out came Manuel Neuer, the world’s best goalkeeper, to quash the threat with a giant, raised arm. And Messi chipped him. Chipped one of the biggest and most intimidating men in football.

“As the ball bounced into the net Rafinha, another Bayern defender, went with it, his body a tangle of thwarted desperation. The camera panned round the crowd to capture the sense of wonder. A man in an Argentina shirt and Barcelona scarf was having a religious experience. On the commentary, Martin Tyler said: “Only football can make you feel like this.” I felt myself rise from my chair, and illness fell away.
“That moment will not leave my memory, because it made the world feel full of possibilities again. And to think: philosophers have searched for uplifting human truths in the most complex of areas, yet here was a dink from the boot of Lionel Messi casting light across the world.”
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