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The European Commission (EC), as expected, has ordered the Irish government to recover up to €13 billion (£11bn) plus interest in “illegal tax benefits”. An investigation found Apple had been able to avoid taxation on almost all profits generated in the EU single market thanks to a structure which routed revenues through two “paper” headquarters in Ireland and minimal tax rates in the country. The EC says Apple only paid an effective corporate tax rate that fell from one percent in 2003 to 0.005 percent in 2014 – a rate which other companies in Ireland were not subjected to. This effectively amounted to state aid, the commission said. Apple tax amazon“Member States cannot give tax benefits to selected companies – this is illegal under EU state aid rules,” said Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, who is in charge of competition policy. “The Commission’s investigation concluded that Ireland granted illegal tax benefits to Apple, which enabled it to pay substantially less tax than ...

A suspected suicide car bomber rammed the gates of the Chinese embassy in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek on Tuesday, killing the attacker and wounding at least three other people, officials said. An Interior Ministry spokesman said the car exploded inside the compound and quoted Deputy Prime Minister Janysh Razakov as describing the blast as "a terrorist act".

More military equipment have been moved to the Niger Delta, where the army says it is flushing out criminals. The weapons include: Main Battle Tank, two Mine-Resistant, Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and three Scorpion Tanks from the Headquarters of Nigerian Armour Corps.

EKITI State Governor Ayo Fayose yesterday signed a bill to regulate grazing, into law, with a warning that any herdsman caught with arms will face charges of terrorism. The governor said the law would curtail activities of suspected herdsmen, who move about with firearms, unleashing terror on citizens.

One thousand and seventy one illegal workers were uncovered in the employ of the Kwara State government, it was learnt yesterday. The government said it lost N400 million monthly to the illegal workers in the last few months.

BT and Nokia have signed a research collaboration agreement together to work on next generation 5G technologies. Both companies say they went to work on finding potential customer use cases for emerging 5G networks, and will collaborate on proof of concept trials for 5G. “Nokia is delighted to be working with BT in laying the foundations for 5G adoption in the coming years, and in helping define how this technology will enable exciting and innovative experiences,” said Nokia UK head Cormac Whelan. Speed Nokia stand MWC 20165G networks should offer customers faster speeds and lower latency, and will become especially pertinent through the Internet of Things over the next decade. Commercial 5G networks will offer speeds of at least 1Gbps, and have 1,000 times more capacity than 4G networks. Such speeds would allow for the simultaneous streaming of data-heavy content such as virtual reality or live 360 degree video to any device, while greatly reduced latency would mean real-t...

Opera has brought its free Virtual Private Network (VPN) application to Android, helping users of Google’s mobile operating system to block ads and tracking cookies, boost privacy, and access apps outside their intended geographic range. The app has been available for iPhone and iPad since May and Opera claims it has more than one million users. A VPN has also been added to the company’s desktop browser but this has yet to roll out to all users Opera VPN Android

Jollof rice has been a major delicacy at every events ranging from wedding ceremony, burial, naming, coronation and other activities that requires dishing of foods especially among youths and and people of the younger generation.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has approved the sum of N15.5million as seed funding and grants for final year students enrolled in the Ready.Set.Work (RSW) program.

The Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Harry Purwanto, on Monday announced that no fewer than 200 Indonesians in Nigeria recently joined their compatriots globally in celebrating their country’s 71st Independence anniversary. Purwanto told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that about 50 Indonesians participated in the celebration in Abuja, while about 150 converged in Lagos for the anniversary.

The management of the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria cannot not provide common cotton wool and methylated spirit needed for the dressing of patients’ injuries. Also, the Haematology Department of the teaching hospital cannot provide blood component for patients. The hospital is also having problems with its X-Ray machines.

Researchers said aside that Zika virus caused microcephaly and brain abnormalities in foetuses, new study had revealed that adult brain cells critical to learning and memory may also be infected.

The need to improve business relations, boost counter-terrorism measures and stabilise the region from civil war are the key reasons United States Secretary of State John Kerry is returning to Nairobi on Monday.

Detectives have arrested a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldier, a former soldier and three other men suspected to be selling explosives in Lang’ata, Nairobi. During the operation, police recovered explosives which were taken for analysis.

Ahead of an ever-more-likely initial public stock offering, hyperconverged infrastructure startup Nutanix this morning announced it is adding Cisco Unified Computing System hardware for use with its Enterprise Cloud platform. It’s the kind of arm’s-length handshaking announcement that would merit a relatively small point size for its headline, were it not for the fact that Cisco and Nutanix are clear competitors in the emerging hyperconvergence space. “Hyperconvergence, as the fastest growing segment of the data center, provides a different course for those building and architecting data centers,” said Greg Smith, Nutanix’ senior director for product and technical marketing, in an interview with Data Center Knowledge.  “I think the benefit here is, if I’m a data center manager, and I’ve made or planning to make significant investments in [Cisco] UCS, but I still want the benefits that hyperconvergence brings, now I can get that.”

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora has charged intending Muslim pilgrims on the need to stay on the side of the law.

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), on Thursday in Oweri, the Imo State capital, said it will shut down Polytechnics and Mono-technics nationwide to protest the non-payment of 14 months salary arrears of its members and the  Federal Government’s refusal to implement the agreement reached with the Union two years ago.

Anambra State is now battling to save lives, as Lassa fever has claimed the lives of a medical doctor and three others in the state. This was a revelation by the state Ministry of Health Thursday in Awka during a one-day Lassa fever training workshop.

Lagos State said yesterday that plans are underway to deploy 13,000 Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras across the state, additional 6,000 streetlights and  security sensors to enhance surveillance and crime prevention. The plan, the government said, will ensure safety of lives and property of residents.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, on CST bill which seeks to levy nine per cent on subscribers for the use of the various communication services, Shittu said the outcome of deliberations on the bill would form the basis of his advice to the President. The services include voice call, SMS, MMS, Data usage from telecommunication service providers, internet service providers and Pay TV Stations.

Networking company Cisco may be set for the single biggest round of job cuts in its history, with plans to cut up to around 14,000 staff, or about 20 percent of its workforce, according to a report.

Automotive giant Ford has outlined its plans to manufacture a fleet of driverless, autonomous cars by 2021. The cars would be supplied to ride-sharing services such as Lyft and Uber, which are themselves working on autonomous driving technologies.

The Federal Government, yesterday, announced the approval of four of the five Aje Oil wells, discovered in Lagos State and disclosed plans to commence disbursement of 13 per cent derivation fund to the state as an oil producing entity. Chairman, Indices and Disbursement Committee of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in Alausa, Ikeja. The visit of RMFAC was sequel to a letter sent by Governor Ambode to President Muhammadu Buhari a few months ago, seeking the inclusion of Lagos on the list of oil producing states to qualify it for payment of 13 per cent derivation fund. Mohammed noted that the request of the governor prompted the set-up of an Inter-Agency Technical Committee, comprising RMAFC, DPR, Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation and the National Boundary Commission, to determine the location of Aje Oil Wells. He explained that the committee...

The Rivers police command said on Tuesday that it had made adequate security arrangements for the National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Mr. Nnamdi Omoni, DSP, Public Relations Officer of the command, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt that the command had carried out necessary deployments for the convention. “ The command is prepared for the convention; necessary deployments have been carried out and we are prepared for the convention,” he said. Omoni said the command had made arrangements to protect lives and property in the state while the convention was on. “ Remember, that there are other Nigerians living in the state. “The command is aware of this fact and will provide security for all including those attending the convention and others living in the state,” he said. The spokesman however declined to disclose the number of police personnel deployed for the convention. Meanwhile, Sharks stadium, Port Harcourt, venue of the convention...

The Brazilian was predecessor to Sepp Blatter at world football's governing body, serving from 1974 to 1998. He resigned as Fifa's honorary president in April 2013 following an investigation into bribery allegations and was admitted to hospital the following year with a lung infection.

Kenyan 800m king David Rudisha produced a last-lap kick to successfully defend his Olympic title in style in Rio on Tuesday morning. Rudisha, also the world champion and world record holder, timed a season's best of 1min 42.15sec to become the first man in 52 years to retain the 800m title.

The company launched a free new video calling service called Duo on Tuesday that's not unlike Apple (AAPL, Tech30)'s native video calling app. But it comes with a few bells and whistles to help the app stand out. The name Duo comes from Google's desire to focus on one-to-one video calling. That's why there is no group calling function -- something Google Hangouts originally made famous.

Diego Costa's late goal earned Antonio Conte's Chelsea a 2-1 win over West Ham at Stamford Bridge on Monday. The Blues were largely dominant and took the lead shortly after half-time through Eden Hazard's penalty.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is at the top of his game despite his age and can spearhead Manchester United's trophy drive both at home and in Europe, says Jose Mourinho. United boss Mourinho was thrilled with his team's 3-1 win at Bournemouth on the Premier League's opening weekend, with Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney and Ibrahimovic scoring at the Vitality Stadium.

A man who died after he was shot by police with a Taser gun has been named locally as ex-Aston Villa footballer Dalian Atkinson, according to the Press Association. Officers were called to a home in Meadow Close, Telford in the early hours of Monday morning amid concerns "for the safety of an individual".

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits his side were not physically ready to face Liverpool in their Premier League opener. The Gunners lost 4-3 to Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on Super Sunday, meaning no points from their first league game of the season. Wenger selected a starting XI which was lacking key players Mesut Ozil, Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny, who have been given extra time off after their lengthy Euro 2016 campaigns. Centre back pairing Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista were also missing due to injuries picked up in pre-season, with the young duo of Calum Chambers and new signing Rob Holding forming the centre back partnership against Liverpool.

The UN Security Council on Friday authorised the deployment of a robust force of 4,000 troops to South Sudan after heavy fighting set back efforts to end the country's devastating war. The council adopted a US-drafted resolution that also threatened to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan if the government blocks the deployment.

Canadian police shot dead an alleged Islamic State sympathizer who was about to activate an explosive device in Ontario late on Wednesday, media reports said as police confirmed thwarting a “potential terror threat”. There was no immediate confirmation from Canada’s federal police that anyone had been shot, with a statement saying only that a suspect had been identified and that they had taken “action” after receiving “credible information” about a potential attack. “Earlier today, the RCMP received credible information of a potential terrorist threat. A suspect was identified and the proper course of action has been taken to ensure that there is no danger to the public’s safety,” the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said in a statement. They did not say where the incident took place. Media reports said the suspect was a 24-year-old man who had been arrested in 2015 for expressing support for the Islamic State group in postings on social media. He had been released in February ...

The Federal Government’s renewed interest and deliberate policy on empowering Nigeria youths through skills acquisition, in partnership with INNOSON KIARA Academy, is expected to rejuvenate the economy. Yes, the partnership will create the opportunity for the reinvigoration of the latent abilities of our youths to be creative, productive and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s industrial growth and development.

Paul Pogba has arrived at Manchester United's training ground to undergo his medical ahead of his £89m transfer from Juventus.

One of the four suspects arrested in connection with the gruesome murder of a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Gideon Aremu, on July 1, 2016, Ayobami Adedeji (23) has disclosed that they were mere robbers and not assassins as it was insinuated.

Students of the Niger State College of Education on Monday blocked the Minna – Suleja road after a tanker driver crushed a pregnant woman to death. The incident happened at the gate of the College of Education, Minna.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Yusuf Tukur Buratai has assured residents of Jos, the Plateau state capital that they will never witness frequent bombing at markets, schools and worship centers as they witnessed in Jos in recent past.

Dozens of other people were injured in the blast, which happened in the grounds of a government-run hospital in Quetta. The explosion took place shortly after the body of a prominent lawyer killed in a shooting attack was taken to the hospital.

The death toll of military personnel killed by suspected gunrunners and bandits in Kopa, Dagma and Gagaw villages of Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State, has risen to 12 following the recovery of the dead body of a soldier earlier declared missing.

Adam Peaty smashed the 100m breaststroke world record to become Olympic champion and secure Great Britain's first gold at Rio. The 21-year-old from Uttoxeter powered home in 57.13 seconds to become the first British man to win gold in the pool for 28 years.

The Kenyan delegation at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro has remained non-committal even as Team Kenya grapples with a fresh doping scandal. The scandal is likely to jeopardize the country’s participation in the Games.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic announced his arrival in English football with an 83rd-minute winner as Manchester United edged Leicester City 2-1 at Wembley on Sunday to win the Community Shield. The former Paris Saint-Germain striker had had a quiet game, but he outjumped Wes Morgan to head home Antonio Valencia's cross to earn Jose Mourinho his first piece of silverware as United manager.

South African athlete and convicted murderer Oscar Pistorius has returned to his cell after being treated in hospital for injuries from a fall, prison officials said on Sunday, as his brother denied claims he had deliberately hurt himself.

A Ugandan forged documents to fix bribery and money laundering allegations against International Criminal Court President Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi, the ICC has said. According to the ICC, Mr David Nyekorach Matsanga forged invoices and bank statements, and named bank account holders who either do not exist or do not come from the country he cited.

The Kenya Ports Authority has said the expansion of the port of Mombasa will make it better for business, in spite of rising competition in the region. Ahead of the infrastructure summit Monday morning at State House in Nairobi, KPA Managing Director Catherine Mturi-Wairi told journalists on Friday that the construction of the second container terminal allows it to stay ahead of the competition and address delays long associated with East Africa’s largest port.

Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd),  has said there was nothing wrong with restructuring the country, provided it was done within the context of one Nigeria. Gowon said this, yesterday, when Shehu Sani, Vice-Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja. He recalled that Nigeria was restructured under his leadership as the head of state with the creation of states in 1967.

Eight persons died and two others were seriously injured in a clash between some military personnel and villagers in Kpaidna village in the Bosso local government area of Niger state. The two injured persons were alleged to be army personnel while the identities of the deceased were yet to be known as at the time of filing this report. The incident which occurred at about 1.30am on Thursday morning began when the villagers mistook a team of soldiers and Nigeria Air force personnel who were in the village on official operation as armed Fulani herdsmen. Information from the Assistant Director Army Public Relations, Major Njideka Agwu disclosed that the military team was in the village because intelligence reports claimed that some arms and ammunition were hidden in some houses in the community. As soon as the military team entered the villages, the villagers who have been warned of Fulani herdsmen invasion attacked the team, a situation which led to the death of the five people a...

The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), has threatened to shut down the nation’s ports over 43 per cent hike in customs duty. President of the association, Alhaji Olayiwola Shittu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos. Shittu said that the association condemned in totality the monetary policy that led to the collapse of the maritime industry. He frowned at the import regime of fixing the foreign exchange rate at N331 to the dollar. “There should have been a deliberate effort to save Nigerian importers from the debilitating effect of fixing the foreign exchange in calculating the import duty, “ Shittu said. He noted that it was condemnable to force Nigerians to open form ‘M’ for imports at N197 to the dollar, and now forced to pay N331 after the goods had been shipped. According to Shittu, this is very devastating and uncalled for. “Governments all over the world make conscious efforts to protect the interest of their citizens, ‘’h...

To ensure full implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on Ogoniland, President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday inaugurated the Governing Council and the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Trust Fund for the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).

The Navy said yesterday it is optimistic that dialogue and political intervention will address the militancy in the Niger Delta, otherwise,it is “more than ready to take the military option’’. Commodore Christian Ezekobe, its Director of Information, stated this when he featured at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja.

Nigeria’s U-23 national team were airlifted last night by an  aircraft in the presidential fleet to bail out the National Sports Commission (NSC) from further disgrace. The presidency had to come to the team’s rescue after the NSC were struggling to sort out the team’s trip. A call from the Vice President, Yemi Osibajo was enough to lift the morale in the team’s Atlanta camp which had been low due to absence of funds.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has advocated a united Nigeria, saying the country would be better as one entity. According to him, Nigeria’s prominent position in the global map is attributable to its size, diversity and human resources.

A policewoman who became an Internet star due to her glamorous selfies has died from tuberculosis (TB) after a vile thug spat in her face.