Court Sentences Ex-Afromedia Director, Mohammed Gobir, To Seven Years Imprisonment 

The Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja has sentenced a former director of Afromedia Plc, Alhaji Mohammed Gobir to seven years in prison for orchestrating a sophisticated, multi-million-naira and foreign-currency fraud.

Justice Raliat Adebiyi convicted and sentenced the defendant on all 17 counts brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges included stealing, obtaining by false pretence, forgery, and possession of fraudulent documents.

The EFCC initiated prosecution in 2016 following a damning petition from Afromedia Plc, which revealed a complex scheme of deception and financial manipulation that bled the company of hundreds of millions of naira and substantial sums in foreign currency.

According to court documents and EFCC’s presentation, Gobir fraudulently secured a seat on Afromedia’s board by falsely promising to invest N1 billion into the company. Once in a position of influence, he allegedly siphoned off a staggering $3.5 million, $514.4 million, $2.1 million, and £51,000 from company funds under various false pretences.

READ ALSO: EFCC Secures Final Forfeiture Of Assets Tied To Multi-Billion Naira Bank Scam

One of the most audacious claims Gobir made, prosecutors said, was that he needed $250,000 to secure a waiver certificate to retrieve $250 million he claimed was being temporarily held by British anti-money laundering authorities in a UK bank.

Justice Adebiyi, however, dismissed the claims as entirely fictitious and part of a deliberate ploy to mislead and defraud the company.

In another instance, Gobir deceived Afromedia into releasing over $514 million on the pretext that it was required to facilitate the transfer of $70 million from a non-existent London bank account.

His arrest in September 2015 at his upscale Ikoyi residence followed months of investigations by EFCC into what officials described as one of the more elaborate financial frauds within Nigeria’s corporate boardrooms.

In her judgment, Justice Adebiyi condemned Gobir’s actions as a grave breach of trust, stating that his manipulation of corporate structures for personal gain represented “a betrayal of confidence and fiduciary duty.”

Noel Gallagher mobbed by fans as he heads to Heaton Park for Oasis reunion gig

Noel Gallagher was in high spirits as he emerged from his Manchester hotel ahead of Oasis’s eagerly anticipated first sold-out show at Heaton Park on Friday night.

Wearing a simple black polo shirt, blue jeans, sunglasses, and a gold chain, the 58-year-old musician smiled and waved to a throng of excited fans gathered outside. His casual appearance belied the intense energy buzzing around the city as the band prepared for their reunion gig.

While Noel greeted supporters, his driver got into a brief standoff with a traffic warden attempting to issue a parking ticket for double yellow lines. However, the officer couldn’t reach the vehicle due to the large crowd surrounding it, eager to catch a glimpse of the star ahead of the show.






Noel Gallagher was mobbed by fans as he emerged from his Manchester hotel
(
FARRELL / BACKGRID)

The excitement had been building all day, with fans lining up early to secure the best spots for the event.

From dawn, a long queue formed beside the road near Heaton Park, a sprawling 600-acre public space in Bury and Manchester. Festival-goers settled in with camp chairs, hats, and umbrellas to shield themselves from the sweltering 28-degree heat.

Some fanned themselves while others sought refuge under parasols as the temperature climbed, demonstrating their dedication to seeing the legendary band perform live once more.

Oasis: What’s Their Story? An unofficial celebration magazine on sale now!





A few simple words on social media on August 27 in 2024 were enough to spark pandemonium among Oasis fans and were the catalyst for the most eagerly awaited UK gigs of all time.

The gates opened earlier than scheduled, much to the crowd’s delight, allowing eager fans to get inside and claim prime viewing areas. Despite their enthusiasm, the Gallagher brothers wouldn’t take the stage for another five hours, making the wait feel even longer.

This set of concerts marks Oasis’s only UK appearances outside major stadiums on their Live ’25 tour, which began last week in Cardiff.






Fans have been lining up outside Heaton Park since early morning


Fans have been lining up outside Heaton Park since early morning
(
Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)

Following Manchester, the band will play at London’s Wembley Stadium, Edinburgh’s Murrayfield, and Dublin’s Croke Park before embarking on dates across Japan, South Korea, South America, Australia, and North America.

Manchester’s streets have been buzzing with Oasis fever all day. Noel was spotted leaving Gary Neville’s Stock Exchange hotel, while Liam’s voice was heard playing across the city’s tram system.

Pubs were packed with fans, many proudly displaying Oasis merchandise as the Gallagher brothers’ return created a palpable sense of excitement.

With the extreme heat expected to continue, organizers issued a strong warning for concertgoers to stay hydrated.






Noel will reunite with his brother Liam on stage again tonight


Noel will reunite with his brother Liam on stage again tonight
(
AFP via Getty Images)

At Heaton Park, a recovery room was set up with stretchers ready for anyone who might collapse or faint from dehydration or overexertion.

Vernon Kay, sharing a video from the site on Instagram, urged fans to take care: “Here we go, Heaton Park – for those who refuse to hydrate themselves – come on! Fill yourselves up with liquid, people! Get some electrolytes in your body.

“We don’t want to see you on any of these mats – these are not yoga mats! This is not a sun lounger! These are where people recover. So you look after yourselves today – I know you’re going to want to have a drink or two! But just go steady people, we want to have a good time. We don’t want to see a queue for the beds of doom.”

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EFCC Secures Final Forfeiture Of Assets Tied To Multi-Billion Naira Bank Scam

The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Friday ordered the final forfeiture of a sprawling array of assets, luxury vehicles, and cash — both in naira and dollars — linked to a massive fraud scheme involving the illegal diversion of funds from Union Bank customers.

Justice Daniel Osaigor granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) application for a non-conviction-based final forfeiture of the assets following detailed investigations which uncovered a fraudulent withdrawal of over ₦2 billion from the accounts of 575 unsuspecting customers of the bank.

The application was argued by EFCC’s counsel, Hanatu Kofar-Naisa, who urged the court to permanently forfeit the identified assets as proceeds of unlawful activity, pursuant to Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and Section 44(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

In her submissions, the counsel emphasised that the suit was not against any individual but rather against properties acquired through unlawful means, noting that failure to forfeit the assets would amount to rewarding criminal conduct.

Among the properties and funds forfeited to the Federal Government are: A 3-bedroom bungalow at Macedonia Street, Queens Estate, Karsana Gwarimpa, FCT, Abuja, a house at No. 8 Grace Crescent, Efab Queens Estate, Gwarimpa, Abuja, and multiple high-end vehicles including a Mercedes Benz C300, BMW SUVs, Range Rovers, and three Toyota Hilux pickups.

READ ALSO: Coroner Rules Out Foul Play In Mohbad’s Death, Recommends Prosecution Of Nurse

Also forfeited is the sum of ₦326.4 million and $480,000 in cash recovered during the course of investigation.

Turji
A court gavel

The EFCC’s application was supported by a detailed affidavit deposed to by Sulaiman Aminu Muhammad, an investigating officer of the anti-graft agency, who described the scale of the fraud as “monumental,” and said the operation targeted dormant or “no-debit” accounts within Union Bank.

According to the affidavit, the EFCC launched its investigation after receiving a formal petition from Union Bank on October 24, 2022, detailing how its systems had been fraudulently manipulated to facilitate unauthorised debits on customer accounts.

By July 2023, a follow-up petition revealed that the total stolen funds had increased to ₦2,007,000,000, prompting a deeper forensic investigation.

The probe uncovered that the bank’s audit unit had identified suspicious transactions involving 575 accounts placed on a “no debit” status, which were nonetheless debited using methods inconsistent with normal banking procedures.

Two companies — Actus Homes Limited and Fav Oil and Gas Limited — were said to be central to the scheme.

Funds from the compromised accounts were funneled into these entities without any legitimate commercial relationship with the customers.

Actus Homes Limited was said to have received N681.2 million from 126 customer accounts, while Fav Oil and Gas Limited was said to have received a cumulative ₦1.388 billion from 429 accounts.

Further investigations showed that neither company had applied for or received loans from the bank, nor did they render any service that would justify the inflow of such large sums.

The funds were subsequently used to acquire real estate and luxury automobiles, all now forfeited by the court.

The EFCC said it was able to trace ₦887.4 million that had been transferred into various bank accounts, and also recovered large cash sums, including those discovered in a black Escalade vehicle — now forfeited.

Union Bank managed to salvage ₦519.1 million, which remained untouched in some of the accounts flagged during the audit.

In line with legal requirements for non-conviction-based forfeiture, Justice Osiagor had earlier granted an interim forfeiture order on May 16, 2025, and directed the EFCC to publish the court order in a national newspaper.

The publication on June 5, 2025, invited interested parties to show cause within 14 days why the properties should not be permanently forfeited. No objections were received.

Having complied with due process and satisfied the court of the connection between the assets and proceeds of fraud, Justice Osiagor granted the EFCC’s final forfeiture request.

Italy qualify for T20 World Cup for first time as Jersey miss out

ICC/KNCB

Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier

Italy 134-7 (20.0 overs): B Manenti 30; Van der Merwe 3-15

Netherlands 135-1 (20.0 overs): O’Dowd 47*; Kalugamage 1-25

Netherlands won by nine wickets

Italy have qualified for the T20 World Cup for the first time despite suffering a nerve-shredding nine-wicket defeat to the Netherlands.

The result simultaneously ended Jersey’s hopes of progressing to the tournament in India and Sri Lanka next year as the Dutch finished top of the standings at the European Qualifier in The Hague.

Italy finished level on five points with the Channel Islanders, who beat Scotland in a last-ball thriller earlier in the day, but secured second spot thanks to a superior net run rate (+0.612) compared to Jersey’s (+0.306).

The Italians batted first and their 134-7 meant the Netherlands would have to chase down their total in the 15th over for Jersey to qualify.

That initially appeared unlikely on a pitch which had looked tricky for batting.

However, the Dutch made a flying start to the chase as Michael Levitt and Max O’Dowd put on 71 for the first wicket in 7.3 overs causing Italian hearts to flutter.

Italy’s spinners Ben Manenti (0-25) and Crishan Kalugamage (1-25) managed to settle the nerves for the Azzurri during the middle overs as they stemmed the run rate with some tight bowling.

Jersey’s players watched from the pavilion hoping the Dutch could continue their assault but were left crestfallen when O’Dowd and Scott Edwards could not score the requisite number of runs off Grant Stewart’s over.

Related topics

  • Netherlands
  • Cricket

‘Real reason’ Liam Gallagher keeps postponing wedding to Debbie Gwyther after 6 years

Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher has postponed his wedding to fiancée of six years Debbie Gwyther three times as the varied reasons for his decisions have been revealed

Liam Gallagher is yet to tie the knot with fiancée Debbie

Liam Gallagher has proved he is a busy man as his reunion with brother Noel has taken over his wedding plans. The iconic singer, 52, has been engaged to Debbie Gwyther, 41, since 2019 but they are yet to walk down the aisle.

Aside from his mega world tour with brother Noel and Oasis this year, Liam lives a quiet life with Debbie and their beloved rescue dog Buttons. Debbie has also been on hand supporting Liam alongside his children as they have watched the reunion shows from the sidelines.

It is clear she is one of the Rock n Roll star’s biggest supporter and has even been credited with getting Oasis back together. Debbie also has patience too, as their nuptials have reportedly been postponed three times.

Liam Gallagher (L) and Debbie Gwyther
Liam proposed to Debbie in 2019(Image: Getty Images Europe)

They first got together in 2014, following Liam’s divorce from Nicole Appleton. However, the pair had known each other for a year already as Debbie started working as Liam’s personal assistant.

After five years, Liam decided to take the next step in their romance on a lavish trip to the Amalfi Coast, Italy. He popped the question in the stunning location, with Debbie saying the all important ‘yes’.

They had planned to return to the romantic setting of Italy’s Lake Como to say their ‘I dos’ however it was scuppered due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Liam and Debbie remained determined to wed as they rearranged for 2023.

Unfortunately, the pair were unable to go through with their vows once again as Liam ended up needed hip surgery. They then planned for another wedding, but again has been put on hold due to the Oasis reunion.

A source said last year: “Liam and Debbie are super committed, so aren’t in any rush. They’d rather wait until the Oasis dates are out the way and do a family affair.”

They added to The Sun: “Liam is hopeful he and Noel will be on brilliant terms by then, so he’ll be front and centre and even his best man. He loves the idea of surprising everyone and getting them all talking about. Liam and Noel have been talking regularly on the phone, it’s easier than meeting up as it would attract so much attention they wouldn’t be able to get any planning done.”

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Liam was initially married to singer Patsy Kensit and has son Lennon, 25, with her as well as Gene, 24, with his second wife Nicole Appleton. The rock star also has Molly, 27, and Gemma, 12, from previous relationships.

He is set to reunite with Noel on home turf as they pair make their long awaited comeback to Manchester for five shows at Heaton Park. 80,000 fans are descending on the city for each performance before the Gallagher brothers make their way to London, Scotland and Ireland before they head out of the UK for the rest of their dates.

READ MORE: Oasis have released new tickets for UK tour – how to buy yours if you missed out

Hollywood A-lister’s notorious father was a contract-killing assassin

The famous Hollywood star’s father was a two-time convicted murderer and armed robber who once even attempted a prison break

The actor’s father was convicted for murder twice(Image: Houston Police Department)

A Hollywood A-lister’s father is a twice-convicted murderer and armed robber.

Famed for his roles in smash hits such as True Detective, The Hunger Games (no, not the prequel), Cheers, and No Country for Old Men — Hollywood actor Woody Harrelson has a notorious father.

Charles Voyde Harrelson, Woody’s dad, was tried for three murders, spent time behind bars on multiple occasions, and even attempted a prison break over the course of his colourful life.

Two weeks ago, Instagram account historyfeels posted about Woody’s infamous father, leading to fans exclaiming their shock and surprise.

In a detailed caption, the Instagram post delved into Charles’ “deep ties to organized crime” and reminded social media users of his conviction and “two consecutive life terms” post which Charles “spent the rest of his life in federal prison, where he died in 2007”.

Charles Harrelson, Woody Harrelson's father - black and white image
Charles Harrelson was convicted for murder twice(Image: Bettmann Archive)

The post further declared: “In 1979, he was charged with the assassination of U.S. District Judge John H. Wood Jr., the first federal judge to be murdered in the 20th century. Harrelson carried out the hit for $250,000 on behalf of a drug dealer awaiting trial. He was captured after a six-hour standoff with police, during which he confessed to multiple killings, including JFK’s, though that claim was widely dismissed.

“In 1982, Harrelson was convicted and sentenced to two consecutive life terms. He spent the rest of his life in federal prison, where he died in 2007.”

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One user commented: “I was today years old when I learned this… Well alrighty then… Holy cow ! I never heard this story before!…”

While a Woody fan wrote: “Hats off to Woody Harrelson for not letting his past personal life dictate his own life and, ultimately, his career as an actor. Brilliant actor.”

A third user said: “I bet poor Woody didn’t need the world reminded of that.”

And another fan agreed, writing: “Poor woody doesn’t need reminding and really don’t see why it’s any of anyone’s business.”

Another Instagram user lauded Woody for breaking the cycle and said: “Congrats to Woody for breaking the cycle and becoming a peace loving person.”

While yet another fan was left surprised: “Wow. Had no idea… Never knew this… Interesting. Glad to know his son turned the family legacy around.”

Woody Harrelson smiling
Woody and his brothers, Jordan and Brett, were brought up by their mum Diane(Image: Variety via Getty Images)

The Oscar-nominated actor and his two brothers, Jordan and Brett, were brought up by their mum, Diane Harrelson, in Texas and Ohio.

Born on July 23, 1938, in Lovelady, TX, Charles had a stormy existence. He worked as an encyclopedia salesman and professional gambler during his early professional years and was married four times throughout his life, reports the Mirror US.

Texas Monthly reports that Charles and Diane Harrelson tied the knot in the 1950s while Charles was on leave from the Navy. In 1959, while residing in Los Angeles, he faced robbery charges but managed to secure five years probation after acting as a jailhouse “snitch,” as reported by the Houston Chronicle.

The couple settled in Midland, TX, and during the early 60s they had their three sons – Jordan, Woody, and Brett – in quick succession, over a span of three years. By 1968, Charles had abandoned his family just as the children were beginning school.

Woody Harrelson reflected on these tough times in a candid 2012 interview with the Guardian, saying: “I think they separated when I was 7, but he was gone a lot before that, in prison. Away and back. Away and back. It wasn’t like he was there all the time prior to that. [My mom] was well out of love with him. You know, I’ve got to give her credit because she never really soured us on him, she didn’t talk negative about him, never, ever. And she could have – he wasn’t the greatest husband. Or father.”

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