Justice A.N. Erhabor of Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City the State capital has convicted and sentenced 15 internet fraudsters to various jail terms between November 18 and 20.

The convicts were prosecuted on one-count separate charges bordering on obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

This was contained in a statement on the X handle of the anti-graft agency on Thursday, November 21.

The statement reads in part: “Justice A.N. Erhabor of Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City between November 18 and 20 convicted and sentenced 15 internet fraudsters to various jail terms

“The convicts are Egbai Jude, Diamond Aliza, Ugochukwu Chijindu, Oboh Isaac, Olabode Bright, Ngbakor Godstime Oghechi, Agbi Paul, Amadin Samuel and Imade Nelson Ikponwonmwosa.

“Others are Osasenge Eguavoen Daniel, Emeka Ebube, Friday Edosa Elijah, Alfred Stanley Godbless, Ifeanyi Amadi Omote and John Ogheneyole.

“They were prosecuted on one-count separate charges bordering on obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Commission.

“The charge against Egbai reads: “That you Jude Egbai (m) on or about the 30th of October, 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did have in your possession documents which you knew or ought to have known contained false pretence, thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 and 8 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

“All the defendants pleaded guilty to their charges when they were read to them, prompting the prosecution counsel, F.A Jirbo, I.M Elodi, K Y. Bello, Isa K. Agwai, Ibrahim Faisal and Salihu Ahmed to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. However, counsel to the defendants pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that they have become remorseful for their actions.

As part of the activities commemorating the 2024 International Children’s Day, Kaduna State One-Day Governor, Miss Hussaina Adam, assured children of the state government’s commitment to enforcing and protecting their rights.

Governor Adam gave this assurance at the Council Chamber of Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House on Tuesday while addressing children who were led on a courtesy visit by officials of the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF).

The 15-year-old Adam, a pupil at KADBUSA Community Centre for Adolescents in Kaduna, was accompanied by the State Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajia Rabi Salisu, and other government officials.

Governor Adam assured the children of quality lives and equal opportunities under her administration.

She said: “We have taken it as our responsibility to end hunger among our children and ensure all out-of-school children return to school. It is our responsibility to address all the challenges faced by the children of Kaduna State.

“All children of Kaduna State should be rest assured that, under this administration, they will live a quality life and all children will be given equal opportunity to be great,” she said.

She however called on all agencies of the government, Non-Governmental Organizations, and well-meaning citizens of the state to join hands in protecting the children’s rights.

Earlier at an event organized by UNICEF, the “One Day” Governor, emphasized the importance of parents’ role in shaping the future of children.

He added that the bureau employs evidence-based prevention programmes to cover all of the stages of development of children from the prenatal period to adolescence.

“We have programmes in primary schools, primary health care centres, immunisation and nutrition clinics where pregnant women and women with young children go, secondary schools, sport, and community-based programmes.”

The Executive Secretary said the programmes were aimed at empowering adolescents and children with the resilience they need for effective development by shying away from drug abuse and living successful lives.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the International Criminal Court of anti-Semitism on Thursday after it issued arrest warrants for him and his former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

“The anti-Semitic decision of the International Criminal Court is comparable to a modern-day Dreyfus trial — and it will end in the same way,” Netanyahu said in a statement, referencing the infamous 19th-century case where French Jewish army captain Alfred Dreyfus was wrongfully convicted of treason.

Netanyahu argued that Israel’s current war in Gaza, sparked by Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023, was “just” and that Israel “rejects with disgust the absurd and false actions and accusations made against it.”

He also accused ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan of corruption and alleged that the arrest warrants were an attempt “to save himself from serious accusations of sexual harassment,” a claim Khan has denied.

Netanyahu claimed that the ICC judges were “driven by anti-Semitic hatred of Israel” and vowed that the arrest warrants would “not prevent the State of Israel from defending its citizens.”

His former Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, called the warrants, which also included Hamas leader Mohammed Deif, a “dangerous precedent.” Gallant argued that the ICC’s decision had “placed the State of Israel and the murderous leaders of Hamas in the same row,” thus legitimising violence such as “the murder of babies, the rape of women, and the abduction of the elderly from their beds.”

President Isaac Herzog described the court’s move as a “dark day for justice,” stating on X, “It ignores the basic fact that Israel was barbarically attacked and has the duty and right to defend its people.”

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the ICC had “lost all legitimacy” with its “attack on Israel’s right to defend itself.”

Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir urged the government to respond by annexing the entire occupied West Bank, which Palestinians claim as part of their future state.

Centrist opposition leader Yair Lapid also criticised the court’s decision, stating, “Israel is defending its citizens’ lives against terrorist organisations that attacked, murdered, and raped our people. These arrest warrants are a reward for terrorism.”

Israeli human rights group B’Tselem called for foreign governments to “enforce the warrants” against Netanyahu and Gallant, marking the decision as “one of the lowest points in Israeli history.” It argued that “personal accountability for decision-makers is a key element in the struggle for justice and freedom for all human beings living between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea.”

Four foreign tourists have died after a suspected mass methanol poisoning from drinking tainted alcohol at a backpacker hotspot in Laos, Western government officials and media said Thursday.

A young Australian woman was the latest confirmed death, and her friend was fighting for her life, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

Two Danish citizens and an American had also died, officials said, after what media said was a night out in Vang Vieng where they drank possibly tainted alcohol.

The group of about a dozen tourists became ill after going out on November 12, 2024, according to British and Australian media.

“Tragically, Bianca Jones has lost her life. Our first thoughts at this moment are with her family and friends who are grieving a terrible and cruel loss,” Albanese told parliament.

“We also take this moment to say that we are thinking of Bianca’s friend Holly Bowles who is fighting for her life,” he said, without giving further details.

Bowles was on “life support” in a hospital in Bangkok, her father Shaun Bowles told Australia’s Nine News on Wednesday.

At the Bangkok hospital where Bowles was reportedly receiving treatment, staff said they could not confirm her presence.

Denmark’s foreign ministry said in a statement Thursday that two Danish citizens had died in Laos, without providing further information.

The Vietnamese manager of the Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng where Australian media said the two Australian women were staying has been detained for questioning, the Laos tourist police told AFP.

No charges have been made, however, as police are still “investigating,” an official said, speaking on condition of anonymity

The US State Department also confirmed the “death of a US citizen in Vang Vieng, Laos,” and said it was “closely monitoring the situation and providing consular assistance.”

It did not give details on the date or cause of death.

Super Falcons duo, Rasheedat Ajibade and Chiamaka Nnadozie have been nominated for the 2024 CAF Women’s Player of the Year.

The two players are nominated along with eight other players.

Ajibade and Nnadozie were part of Super Falcons squad to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

The duo also put up impressive displays for their respective clubs.

Ajibade helped Atletico Madrid finish third in the Spanish Iberdrola in the 2023/24 season.

Nnadozie on her part inspired French D’Arkema outfit Paris FC to UEFA Women’s Champions League qualification.

She was named Best Goalkeeper at the 2023 CAF Awards.

Asisat Oshoala won the award last year.

NBA superstar, LeBron James, said on Wednesday he was taking an indefinite hiatus from social media after sharing a post which railed against “negative” coverage in US media.

James, who has some 212 million combined followers on his Instagram and X accounts, announced his break from social media after sharing a post by Rich Kleiman, the long-time agent of NBA star Kevin Durant.

“With so much hate and negativity in the world today, it confuses me why some of the national sports media still think that the best way to cover sports is through negative takes,” Kleiman wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

“I for one find it all a waste of breath.”
Los Angeles Lakers ace James shared the post to his followers with a one word comment: “AMEN!!”

The 39-year-old then followed up that post to confirm he was leaving social media — for now.
“And with that said, I’ll holla at y’all! Getting off social media for the time being. Y’all take care,” James wrote on X.

It is not the first time James has stepped away from social media. The all-time record points scorer has taken breaks before, but usually to concentrate on his basketball.

James had hinted at disaffection with online criticism following the Lakers’ win over Utah on Tuesday, when Los Angeles rookie Dalton Knecht erupted for 37 points.

Talking about Knecht’s performance, James said he had been aware of the rookie’s talent from watching his collegiate career at Tennessee.

“Everybody on the internet calls me a liar all the time,” James said.

“They say I lie about everything. So what am I now? I’ve been said it. I watched him. I watched Tennessee a lot.”

Britain’s former deputy prime minister, John Prescott, who served under Tony Blair and with him helped transform the country’s Labour party, has died at 86, his family said on Thursday.

“We are deeply saddened to inform you that our beloved husband, father and grandfather, John Prescott, passed away yesterday (Wednesday) at the age of 86,” a statement read.

Blair, the privately educated lawyer who appointed working-class Prescott to help appease the Labour left as he moved the party to the centre ground, said he was “devastated” at Prescott’s death.

“There was no one quite like him in British politics,” he told BBC radio.

Keir Starmer, who became Labour’s first prime minister since 2010 after a landslide general election win in July, called Prescott “a true giant of the Labour movement”.

“He was a staunch defender of working people and a proud trade unionist. During a decade as deputy prime minister, he was one of the key architects of a Labour government that transformed the lives of millions of people across the nation,” he added.

“So much of John’s work set the path for those of us fortunate enough to follow. From leading climate negotiations to fighting regional inequality, his legacy will live on well beyond his lifetime.”

Prescott, a former merchant seaman and trade union activist who served as a member of parliament for Hull in northern England for four decades, died “peacefully” at a care home, his wife Pauline, and two sons said.

“He did so surrounded by the love of his family and the jazz music of Marian Montgomery,” they added.

Prescott, who was appointed to the House of Lords, suffered a stroke in 2019 and had been suffering from Alzheimer’s. He stopped being a member of the upper chamber of parliament in July because of his health problems.

Plain-speaking, Prescott served for 10 years as Blair’s deputy following Labour’s landslide 1997 general election win. During a campaign stop in north Wales he punched a protester who threw an egg at him.

But he also acted as a mediator between Blair and his finance minister Gordon Brown, who also helmed the transformation of Labour in the 1990s and who had designs on power.

Prescott’s brief included the environment and transport, as well as leading negotiations for Britain for the international Kyoto Protocol on climate change.

Blair said in a 2007 letter to Prescott that he saw his role as “smoothing out colleagues and sorting out colleagues and trouble-shooting”.

“The completely unique Prescott blend of charm and brutality… got you through the decade, kept the government together and above all, gave me a lot of fun. I was lucky to have you as my deputy,” he told him.

The US government late Wednesday asked a judge to order the dismantling of Google by selling its widely used Chrome browser in a major antitrust crackdown on the internet giant.

In a court filing, the US Department of Justice urged a shake-up of Google’s business that includes banning deals for Google to be the default search engine on smartphones and preventing it from exploiting its Android mobile operating system.

Antitrust officials said in the filing that Google should also be made to sell Android if the proposed remedies don’t prevent the tech company from using its control of the mobile operating system to its advantage.

Justice officials “chose to push a radical interventionist agenda,” Google president of global affairs Kent Walker said in response to the filing.

Calling for the breakup of Google marks a profound change by the US government’s regulators, which have largely left tech giants alone since failing to break up Microsoft two decades ago.

Google is expected to make its recommendations in a filing next month and rival sides will argue their positions at a hearing in April before US District Court Judge Amit Mehta.

Regardless of Judge Mehta’s eventual decision, Google is expected to appeal the ruling, prolonging the process for years and potentially leaving the final say to the US Supreme Court.

The case could also be upended by the arrival of President-elect Donald Trump to the White House in January.

His administration will likely replace the current team in charge of the DOJ’s antitrust division.

The newcomers could choose to carry on with the case, ask for a settlement with Google, or abandon the case altogether.

Trump has blown hot and cold in how to handle Google and the dominance of big tech companies.

He has accused the search engine of bias against conservative content but has also signaled that a forced break up of the company would be too large a demand by the US government.

Determining how to address Google’s wrongs is the next stage of the landmark antitrust trial that saw the company in August ruled a monopoly by Judge Mehta.

The proposal “would break a range of Google products” and chill the company’s investment in artificial intelligence, according to Walker.

“DOJ’s approach would result in unprecedented government overreach that would harm American consumers, developers, and small businesses — and jeopardize America’s global economic and technological leadership,” Walker said.

Adam Kovacevich, chief executive of industry trade group Chamber of Progress, said the government’s demands were “fantastical” and defied legal standards, instead calling for narrowly tailored remedies.

The trial, which concluded last year, scrutinized Google’s confidential agreements with smartphone manufacturers, including Apple.

These deals involve substantial payments to secure Google’s search engine as the default option on browsers, iPhones, and other devices.

The judge determined that this arrangement provided Google with unparalleled access to user data, enabling it to develop its search engine into a globally dominant platform.

From this position, Google expanded its tech and data-gathering empire to include the Chrome browser, Maps, and the Android smartphone operating system.

The US government currently has five cases pending against big tech over antitrust concerns after the Biden administration adopted a tough stance on reining in the dominance of the companies.

If carried through by the Trump administration, the cases against Amazon, Meta, and Apple, as well as two against Google, could take years to litigate.

In a significant shift in U.S. military strategy, President Joe Biden has authorised the supply of anti-personnel mines to Ukraine.

This decision comes as Ukraine continues to face mounting pressure from Russian forces in the east, where the front lines have become increasingly volatile.

Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed the decision on Wednesday, stating that it was made to help Ukraine strengthen its defences against Russian ground assaults, particularly as front lines in eastern Ukraine continue to falter.

This move follows a series of military escalations between Russia and the U.S., including Ukraine’s recent use of long-range American missiles to target Russian positions, a step that prompted Moscow to adjust its nuclear strategy.

On Wednesday, Mr Austin told reporters in Laos, where he was for a visit to discuss regional security and strengthen U.S.-Southeast Asia relations, that the decision was motivated by Russia’s changing tactics on the frontlines.

“Because the Russians have been so unsuccessful in the way that they have been fighting, they’ve kind of changed their tactics a bit,” he said.

The mines to be sent are “nonpersistent,” meaning they are designed to self-destruct after a certain time, minimizing the risk to civilians once the conflict ends.

Mr Austin explained that Russia’s growing dependence on infantry troops, instead of armored vehicles, along with its reliance on thousands of North Korean soldiers, was a key factor in the decision to send the mines.

The U.S. decision, made in the final weeks of Mr Biden’s term, highlights the increasing urgency of the situation.

While Mr Biden has previously been cautious about escalating the conflict with Russia, the recent geopolitical climate, particularly with the incoming administration president-elect Donald Trump, has shifted the calculus.

The U.S. and its allies are bracing for more intense Russian assaults in the coming weeks, particularly as mines continue to play a strategic role in both Russian and Ukrainian military tactics.

Russia has already made extensive use of landmines, employing both hand-placed and rocket-dispersed devices to disrupt Ukrainian advances and slow down counteroffensives.

The most notable example of this was a vast minefield in southern Ukraine, which severely hindered Ukrainian forces in 2023.

Mali Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maïga has been dismissed after he criticised the military rulers’ handling of the transition to civilian rule.

The secretary general of the presidential office, Alfousseyni Diawara, announced the decision on national television stating that “the duties of the prime minister and the members of the government are terminated.”

The move came after Mr Maïga’s remarks at a rally in Bamako on Saturday, when he accused the junta of unilaterally and indefinitely postponing the transition process that was initially set to begin on March 26.

Mr Maïga also expressed frustration over the lack of debate on the issue, claiming he has been left to rely on media reports for updates.

While military leader Assimi Goïta had previously promised elections would be held in February, those plans have since been delayed “for technical reasons” with no new timeline provided.

Mr Goïta was among the rebels to overthrow the government in 2020 and then became interim president after another coup in 2021.

He then announced a 24-month transition timetable starting in March 2022 to return Mali to civilian rule.

The government has yet to announce who will replace Maïga as prime minister.

Four persons were arraigned in an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday for allegedly defaming Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye.

The defendants, Owolabi Kazeem , 47, Adebisi Muritala, 48, Mustapha AbdulRahman, 33, and Abdulsalam Abdullahi, 33, were charged on a three-count bordering on conspiracy, publishing defamatory matter through social media and disturbing public peace.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Earlier, the prosecuting counsel, Cpl. Akeem Akinloye, told the court that the defendants allegedly conspired to publish a defamatory matter on social media.

Mr Akinloye said that the defendants on October 25, at about 3:00 p.m at Ogbomoso, allegedly published defamatory matter through video on Facebook and other social media platforms.

He said the defendants allegedly published that Oba Olaoye was causing trouble and inciting religious hostility in Ogbomoso Town, which they knew to be false.

Mr Akinloye said the defendants allegedly published false news that Oba Olaoye was causing trouble by fighting Ogbomoso Muslims with intent to create fear and disturb the public peace.

He said the offences contravened Section 59 (1) (2), 375 and 517 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000.

O. F. A. Adeosun, who appeared for the defendants, asked for their bail in most liberal terms.

The Chief Magistrate, Olabisi Ogunkanmi, admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N5 million each, with two sureties each in like sum.

Mr Ogunkanmi said one of the sureties must be blood relation of the defendants, while the second must have three-year tax clearance.

She, thereafter, adjourned the matter until March 10, 2025, for hearing.

The British High Commission in Nigeria has announced a change of management at all its centres in Nigeria.

The management change was made known via the Nigeria UK Embassy social media platform, X, on Tuesday.

“The supplier of our visa application centres in Nigeria is changing. During this transition, some customers may submit and collect their documents from different locations. You will be contacted via email if this affects you,” the statement said.

The transition in the management change across the country would subsequently result in a change in the locations where applicants would submit and collect documents.

Applicants are advised to check their emails regularly for updates to ensure a smooth process.

While the centres in Abuja and Lagos will remain operational, some applicants might need to use alternative locations, according to the high commission.

The statement urged applicants to schedule appointments before visiting these centres to ensure a seamless process.

The police in Zamfara have detained a 58-year-old Algerian national for alleged transborder arms trafficking.

Police commissioner Mohammed Dalijan announced this in Gusau on Tuesday.

He said that the police recovered 16 AK47 rifles during various raids within the last three weeks.

He said that the command also recovered one double barrel and one locally made pistol from a suspected arms manufacturer based in Jos, Plateau.

”The command, acting on intelligence, traced and arrested an arms manufacturer in Jos and tracked and arrested a regional arms trafficker from Algeria at the Illela border point. The suspected Algerian told the police he had been committing this crime for eight years.

”The suspect supplies arms and ammunition to bandits in all parts of the northwestern states. At the point of the arrest, four AK47s were recovered from him,” he said.

Mr Dalijan said the police also detained some suspects, including bandits and motorcycle suppliers.

“The police recovered live ammunition and N2.5 million cash, among others, from the suspects,” he said.

He said the police also detained some illegal gold miners and recovered several mining excavators.

The commissioner warned that the federal and state government bans on illegal mining were still in force.

The Federal Government has commended the Republic of Ghana for reconstructing and formally handing over a property belonging to the Nigeria High Commission in Accra.

According to a statement signed by the acting spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the ceremony took place on Wednesday.

The building, a block of four-bedroom flats, was demolished in 2020 by Ghanaian authorities, an act that was strongly condemned by FG.

Following high-level diplomatic engagements, the Government of Ghana pledged to rebuild the property, a promise that has now been fulfilled.

The keys to the newly reconstructed building were handed over by Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Mrs. Shirley Botchway.

Representing Nigeria at the event was the Director of the Foreign Service Academy, Lagos, Ambassador Chimezie Ogu, who received the property on behalf of FG.

According to the statement, Nigeria described the gesture as a commendable act that reflects Ghana’s commitment to fostering stronger bilateral ties.

The ministry also noted that the reconstructed building symbolised the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect that defines the relationship between the two West African nations.

The FG expressed appreciation for Ghana’s actions, emphasising the importance of continued collaboration to strengthen the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

“The handing over by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana, Her Excellency Mrs Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, is seen as a commendable development and a symbol of Ghana’s commitment to strengthening the ties between both countries.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs applauds the laudable gesture and affirms that the reconstructed building embodies the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect that defines the relationship between the Republic of Nigeria and the sister Nation, Ghana,” the statement read in part.

The House of Representatives has mandated electricity distribution companies to undertake a N500bn recapitalisation to enhance their financial stability and ensure they can efficiently meet their obligations to the Nigerian public.

This resolution followed the adoption on Wednesday of a motion titled “Need to Address the Activities of Distribution Companies in Nigeria,” sponsored by Ayokunle Isiaka, the member representing the Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency of Ogun State.

In soliciting support for the motion, Isiaka highlighted that recent actions by DisCos have posed a significant threat to the nation’s economic stability and the welfare of Nigerians.

He expressed concern that despite Nigerians paying for electricity meter installations, distribution companies are still demanding additional payments for the replacement of these meters under controversial circumstances.

“The House notes that Nigerian consumers paid for electricity meter installation, but DisCos are demanding additional payments for the replacement of these meters under dubious pretences, undermining consumer trust and exacerbating financial burdens,” he said.

“The House is concerned that consumers are being coerced into paying for meters they have already financed, putting additional financial strain on households and businesses already facing economic challenges.”

The All Progressives Congress lawmaker also expressed concern over what he termed the ‘Sabotage of Economic Development’ by DisCos, where essential services are used against citizens, stifling growth and development.

He added that despite constant regulatory oversight and demands for accountability from the Committee on Power, DisCos have remained recalcitrant, operating with impunity and disregarding consumer rights.

Following the adoption of the motion, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas urged DisCos to “undergo recapitalisation of no less than N500bn, and only those with the required financial capacity, which can provide maximum satisfaction to consumers, should be allowed to continue operating.”

The House also directed the Federal Ministry of Power to declare DisCos as non-state actors and take immediate measures to address their reckless actions, which threaten the nation’s economy.

Additionally, the House mandated its Committee on Power to investigate the activities of DisCos with the intent to hold them accountable and safeguard consumer rights.

The committee was also tasked with carrying out awareness campaigns on consumers’ rights and examining the implementation of strict regulations governing DisCos to ensure transparency and fairness in dealings with consumers.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, on Wednesday, announced the sack of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State, Ohieku Salami, due to actions “unbecoming of his office and violations of established procedures.”

According to a statement by the Director of Press, Federal Ministry of Education, Folashade Boriowo, the decision followed a series of unprofessional actions by Salami, “including the suspension of the Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures.”

The statement noted that despite intervention by the education ministry and formal requests to rescind the unlawful suspension, Salami refused to comply, resorting to “abusive and threatening behaviour towards the ministry’s directors, including the Permanent Secretary.

“The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, noted that such conduct undermines the ministry’s supervisory role over the university and jeopardises the institution’s stability and governance.

“In line with this decision, the minister has requested the appointment of a new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council for the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, to restore proper governance and ensure the university operates in accordance with the principles of law, due process and accountability.”

A magnificent volley from Lautaro Martínez secured a 1-0 victory for world champions Argentina over Peru, while Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Uruguay in the South American World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday.

Argentina remain top of the CONMEBOL standings, with qualification for the 2026 tournament seemingly a matter of time.

It was far from a vintage performance by Lionel Scaloni’s team, but a moment of brilliance from Inter Milan’s Martínez proved decisive at the Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires.

Lionel Messi delivered a cross from the left, and Martínez leapt into the air, leaning back to unleash a thunderous left-footed volley past Pedro Gallese.

Argentina’s eighth win from 12 games leaves them on 25 points, five clear of second-placed Uruguay, who earned a valuable point against Brazil.

The five-time World Cup winners struggled in Salvador, falling behind in the 55th minute to a fine finish from Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde.

However, Brazil equalised seven minutes later when a headed clearance fell to Gerson, who smashed home a perfectly struck volley.

Gabriel Martinelli came close to a winner, showing deft control before unleashing a volley that drew a brilliant save from Sergio Rochet.

The draw leaves Brazil in fifth place on 18 points, one point behind fourth-placed Colombia, who suffered a surprise 1-0 home defeat to Ecuador in Barranquilla.

Mehmet Oz, a heart surgeon, television personality, and author, has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump as the Centres for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator.

Mr Trump made the announcement on his social media platform, Truth Social, highlighting Mr Oz’s extensive experience in medicine and public communication as central to tackling what the U.S. president-elect described as America’s “healthcare crisis.”

In his statement, Mr Trump expressed strong confidence in Mr Oz’s abilities to reform the healthcare system.

“Dr Oz will work closely with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to take on the illness industrial complex and all the horrible chronic diseases left in its wake,” said Mr Trump.

He also emphasised Mr Oz’s focus on disease prevention, fraud elimination, and ensuring that every healthcare dollar yields world-class results.

Dr Oz first rose to prominence as a pioneering cardiothoracic surgeon, earning acclaim for innovations in heart valve surgery.

His reputation as a medical expert expanded with appearances on ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’, leading to his long-running syndicated ‘The Dr. Oz Show’.

Over the years, Mr Oz became a household name, advocating for health and wellness while addressing diverse medical topics for a general audience.

Mr Oz recently entered the political arena, running as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania during the 2022 midterms.

Although unsuccessful, his candidacy demonstrated his willingness to engage in broader national issues.

The CMS administrator position is one of the most influential in the U.S. healthcare system, overseeing a budget of over $1 trillion annually.

His collaboration with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent vaccine sceptic and public health advocate, suggests a potentially unconventional approach to tackling chronic diseases and healthcare inefficiencies.

Mr Oz’s confirmation process is expected to draw significant attention, given his high-profile career and the sweeping healthcare reforms promised by Mr Trump’s administration.

If confirmed, Mr Oz will oversee a massive agency responsible for managing federal healthcare programmes that serve millions of Americans, including Medicare for the elderly and Medicaid for low-income individuals.

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Linda McMahon, former WWE executive and administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), as the U.S. next education secretary.

Ms McMahon, a leading advocate for school choice and parental rights, will play a pivotal role in shaping education policy under the Trump administration.

In a statement, Mr Trump praised Ms McMahon’s extensive leadership experience, highlighting her work as board chair at the America First Policy Institute, where she championed universal school choice in 12 states.

“Linda will fight tirelessly to expand ‘Choice’ to every state in America and empower parents to make the best education decisions for their families,” he said.

Ms McMahon’s background in education includes serving for two years on the Connecticut Board of Education, where she helped oversee public education and technical high schools statewide.

She also served on the board of trustees at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut for over 16 years.

Ms McMahon is best known for her tenure as the CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), a company she co-founded with her husband, Vince McMahon.

After stepping away from WWE, Ms McMahon transitioned into public service, leading the SBA from 2017 to 2019, where she focused on supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Her political involvement has deepened over the years. As Chair of AFPI, she worked to promote education reform, particularly school choice, advocating for policies that give parents greater control over their children’s education.

She also serves as co-chair of the Trump-Vance Transition Team, reflecting her growing influence in Republican policy-making circles.

As education secretary, Ms McMahon is expected to advance policies that prioritise school choice and decentralise federal oversight of education, returning more control to state governments.