Arsenal complete £48.5m signing of Madueke from Chelsea

Arsenal have completed the signing of England winger Noni Madueke from Chelsea for an initial fee of £48.5m.

The 23-year-old was part of Chelsea’s squad at the Club World Cup in the United States but left the camp before last Sunday’s 3-0 win against Paris St-Germain in the final to finalise his move to Mikel Arteta’s side.

Madueke has signed a five-year contract at Emirates Stadium, with his fee rising to just over £50m with add-ons.

“Humbled and blessed to be here. Thank you to everyone that made this possible,” he wrote on Instagram.

“I can’t wait to get on the pitch and start to repay the faith shown in me. It’s going to be so special.”

He made 92 appearances for Chelsea after joining from PSV Eindhoven for £30m in January 2023 and scored 20 goals, helping them win the Conference League last season.

He was part of Crystal Palace and then Tottenham’s academy before spending four-and-a-half years in the Netherlands, where he won the Dutch Cup.

Madueke made his England senior debut in August 2024 and set up Harry Kane’s winner as Thomas Tuchel’s side defeated Andorra 1-0 in World Cup qualification last month.

Arteta told Arsenal’s website, external: “Noni is an exciting and powerful young player, with his performances and numbers in recent seasons being of consistently high quality.

“He is one of the most talented wide forward players in the Premier League.

Read Also: BREAKING: Chelsea make history with 3-0 Club World Cup Triumph over PSG

“At just 23, Noni already brings experience of club and international football, and he knows the Premier League very well.

“Having seen the quality of Noni’s performances up close in recent seasons, we’re really excited he is joining us. His arrival will really improve our squad.”

News of Arsenal’s interest in the Chelsea winger had prompted a backlash from a section of the Gunners supporters earlier this month.

A petition, titled #NoToMadueke, was signed more than 5,000 times and murals outside the club’s Emirates Stadium were vandalised with ‘Arteta out’.

Madueke becomes Arsenal’s fourth signing of the summer and second from Chelsea following the arrival of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Midfielders Christian Norgaard from Brentford and Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad have also joined while the club are also close to signing striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting and Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera.

BBC Sports

FULL LIST: Tinubu appoints new Chairmen, Heads of Federal Agencies

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday appointed Muhammad Babangida, son of former military president Ibrahim Babangida, as the new Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BoA) and seven other individuals as new chairpersons and heads of key national institutions.

The appointments were confirmed in a statement issued on Thursday, July 18, 2025, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

Here new Chairmen, Heads of Federal Agencies appointed by President Tinubu

1. Lydia Kalat Musa (Kaduna State) – Chairman, Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA).

2. Jamilu Wada Aliyu (Kano State) – Chairman, National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC).

Read Also: APC will welcome Wike – Tinubu

3. Hon. Yahuza Ado Inuwa (Kano State) – Chairman, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

4. Sanusi Musa (SAN) (Kano State) – Chairman, Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR).

5. Prof. Al-Mustapha Alhaji Aliyu (Sokoto State) – Director-General, Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa (DTCA).

6. Sanusi Garba Rikiji (Zamfara State) – Director-General, Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations (NOTN).

7. Mrs Tomi Somefun (Oyo State) – Managing Director, National Hydro-Electric Power Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC).

8. Dr Abdulmumini Mohammed Aminu-Zaria (Kaduna State) – Executive Director, Nigerian Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC).

Tinubu appoints Babangida’s Son, Muhammad as Chairman of Bank of Agriculture

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Muhammad Babangida, son of former military President Ibrahim Babangida, as the new Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BoA).

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Thursday, July 18, 2025, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

According to the statement, the appointment is part of President Tinubu’s broader effort to reposition critical government institutions for improved efficiency and greater economic impact.

Read Also: Tinubu promises to address diaspora issues

Muhammad Babangida, 53, is a graduate of the European University in Montreux, Switzerland, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Public Relations and Business Communication. He also completed an Executive Programme on Corporate Governance at Harvard Business School in 2002.

His new role at the revamped Bank of Agriculture is expected to help drive the administration’s agricultural finance reform and food security agenda.

Alongside Muhammad Babangida, seven other individuals were named as new chairpersons or heads of key national institutions.

Astronomer CEO Andy Byron apology goes viral after Coldplay Concert scandal

A Coldplay concert turned into an internet spectacle after Astronomer CEO Andy Byron was allegedly caught in a compromising moment with his company’s HR head, Kristin Cabot — a scene that has since gone viral and sparked massive online outrage.

The incident occurred during the band’s recent tour stop at Gillette Stadium in Boston, where the venue’s kiss-cam landed on Byron and Cabot, who were seen embracing on a balcony. As frontman Chris Martin playfully commented on the pair, the two appeared visibly startled, quickly turning away from the camera in an attempt to hide.

Martin quipped, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy,” a comment that quickly took on a life of its own as the internet began investigating the pair’s identities.

It didn’t take long before online users identified the man as Andy Byron, the married CEO of Astronomer — a data orchestration software company — and the woman as Kristin Cabot, his colleague and the company’s Chief People Officer. Both Byron and Cabot are reportedly married to other people.

What began as a seemingly awkward concert moment escalated into a scandal when a statement, allegedly from Byron, began circulating on social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok.

In the unverified but widely shared note, Byron appeared to acknowledge wrongdoing, writing:

“I sincerely apologise to my wife, my children, and my colleagues. You deserve better from me as a partner, as a father, and as a leader.”

Read Also: Andy Byron’s wife removes last name amid viral cheating scandal

The statement continued with tones of accountability and remorse: “A personal mistake has become a public spectacle. I accept full responsibility and ask for privacy for my family during this time.”

It ended with a striking reference to Coldplay lyrics: “Lights will guide you home, and ignite your bones, and I will try to fix you.”

While neither Byron nor Cabot have officially confirmed or denied the authenticity of the statement or addressed the incident publicly, the fallout continues to grow. Online commentators have been quick to criticize what they see as a serious lapse in professional ethics, especially given the power dynamics involved in a CEO-HR relationship.

Some users expressed support for Byron’s wife, Megan Kerrigan Byron, an educator and mother of two. Reports claim she has since removed Byron’s surname from her social media accounts following the video’s release.

Astronomer has not issued any public comment regarding the incident as of the time of this report.

The Coldplay kiss-cam moment, meant to spotlight sweet gestures between concertgoers, has instead spotlighted the personal lives of two tech executives — and raised questions about workplace boundaries, public accountability, and the limits of privacy in a viral world.

Things to know about Andy Byron, the astronomer CEO caught in viral Coldplay Concert moment

A romantic moment turned viral scandal when a couple was caught cuddling on the kiss-cam at a Coldplay concert, only for internet sleuths to identify the man as Andy Byron, the married CEO of tech firm Astronomer.

As the video sparked affair rumors and online backlash, here’s what we know about the man at the center of the drama.

1. He’s the CEO of Astronomer, a Data Software Company

Andy Byron currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Astronomer, a leading data orchestration platform built around Apache Airflow. He’s been in this role for over two years, leading the company through what employees have called a “transformative” period.

2. His Viral Moment Happened at a Coldplay Concert

On July 16, 2025, Andy Byron and a woman were caught on the kiss-cam during a Coldplay concert at Gillette Stadium in Boston. As frontman Chris Martin joked about the couple possibly “having an affair” after they ducked the camera, the clip went viral — and online detectives quickly identified the man as Andy.

3. He’s Married With Two Kids

Andy is married to Megan Kerrigan Byron, an educator. The couple live in New York and share two children. However, following the Coldplay incident, it was reported that Megan removed her last name from her Facebook profile — sparking more speculation.

4. The Woman at the Concert Wasn’t His Wife

The woman seen with Andy wasn’t Megan — she’s believed to be Kristin Cabot, the Chief People Officer at Astronomer. Their attempts to hide from the camera only fueled the controversy.

Read Also: Andy Byron’s wife removes last name amid viral cheating scandal

5. Kristin Cabot is Also from the Tech Industry

Kristin, a Boston native, holds a degree in Political Science from Gettysburg College. She joined Astronomer in November 2024, and described the company’s direction under Andy as “exciting and transformative.” She was previously married but filed for divorce in 2018.

6. His Career Includes a Stint at Lacework

Before Astronomer, Andy held an executive role at Lacework, a cloud security firm based in Mountain View, California. His experience spans leadership roles in several high-growth tech firms.

7. He’s Reportedly Worth Tens of Millions

Andy Byron’s estimated net worth is between $20 million and $70 million, largely tied to his stake in Astronomer and prior earnings in the tech industry.

8. The Scandal Could Impact His Professional Standing

Given the viral nature of the incident, and the fact that both individuals work at the same company, there’s growing speculation about HR implications and potential fallout — both at home and in the workplace.

Dangote Refinery suspends Petrol Discount Scheme over alleged misuse by partners

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has officially suspended its strategic partner petrol discount scheme following allegations that some accredited partners were abusing their Authority to Collect (ATC) rights by reselling them to unauthorized marketers.

The ATC is a legal right given to select partners, allowing them to lift petroleum products directly from the refinery at a discounted rate. However, investigations revealed that several partners were allegedly reselling these rights at the refinery gate, enabling unauthorized third parties to lift Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) below the official ex-gantry price.

In a letter signed by Fatima Dangote, Group Executive Director, Commercial Operations, the company described the development as a serious breach of trust. The letter, seen by News Access NG, noted that despite repeated engagements with strategic partners, the violations persisted.

“Over the last few months, DPRP has received unprecedented complaints of partners selling their ATCs below the prevailing PMS gantry product price,” the statement read. “It has become a matter of grave concern to the refinery as it threatens the sustainability of our operations.”

Read Also: Nigeria ranks 5th in countries with cheapest Petrol in Africa

As a result, the management has suspended the discounted pricing scheme effective July 13, 2025, pending a full restructuring of the initiative. However, the refinery clarified that existing Product Release Notes (PRNs) issued at the partner rate will remain valid. Also, any partner who made payment before the suspension will still receive the agreed pricing.

“Recommended pump prices across retail stations should still be adhered to,” the refinery cautioned, emphasizing that price discipline must be maintained across its supply network.

While assuring partners of its continued commitment to collaboration, the Dangote Group said it is exploring new reward-based schemes that will soon be unveiled to replace the suspended program.

The discounted pricing scheme was initially launched to improve affordability and accessibility of refined products across Nigeria. But recent violations have undermined the refinery’s pricing structure and raised concerns over transparency in product distribution.

Earlier this month, the Dangote Refinery welcomed a new wave of oil marketers into its distribution network. These include TotalEnergies, Garima Petroleum, Sunbeth Energies, Sobaz Nigeria Ltd, Virgin Forest Energy, Sixxco Oil Ltd, NU Synergy Ltd, and Soroman Nigeria Ltd.

Existing strategic partners such as MRS Oil, Heyden Petroleum, Ardova Plc, Hyde Energy, Optima Energy, and Techno Oil remain part of the supply chain.

Tensions in Essex as protesters clash with Police outside hotel housing asylum seekers

Violent clashes broke out between protesters and police officers outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, amid ongoing tensions surrounding the accommodation of asylum seekers at the location.

The confrontation erupted on Thursday evening, with fireworks reportedly launched and eggs thrown at the building. A section of High Road in Epping was cordoned off by Essex Police for public safety.

The protest followed outrage over a recent court appearance involving Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a 38-year-old man accused of attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl. He denied the sexual assault allegation during his arraignment at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court earlier in the day.

Police confirmed that one man was arrested on suspicion of affray linked to a separate incident during a previous protest on Sunday, July 13. “He will be taken into custody while our inquiries continue,” the force said in a statement.

Read Also: Eleven dead as Kenyan protests escalate over high costs, police brutality

One police officer sustained a minor neck injury during the altercation.

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow condemned the violent turn of events, stating, “Disruption and offending is never an appropriate response, no matter the strength of feeling in this case or on this issue.”

He added that while peaceful and lawful protests are respected, criminal activity would not be tolerated.

“We know the people who carried out these crimes do not represent Epping or Essex. Nothing about the offending we saw tonight is representative of these communities,” Anslow said.

According to Essex Police, detectives are now analyzing CCTV, drone footage, bodycam recordings, and videos shared on social media to identify offenders. Authorities have vowed to take swift action against anyone found responsible.

This is not the first demonstration to occur outside the Bell Hotel, which has been at the center of local controversy for its reported use as a temporary accommodation for asylum seekers. Tensions have risen among some community members following recent incidents, though officials urge calm and lawful behavior.

Dino Melaye makes court debut as lawyer after called to bar

Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, made his first official appearance as a lawyer on Friday, stepping into a new chapter of his public life — this time in the courtroom.

Clad in the traditional wig and gown of the legal profession, Melaye appeared before Justice Emeka Nwite at Court 8 of the Federal High Court in Abuja, marking his legal debut since being called to the Nigerian Bar.

“Senator Dino Melaye at the Federal High Court Abuja today. Appeared before Justice Emeka Nwite of Court 8,” he wrote on his verified Facebook page, celebrating the moment.

Read Also: Yahaya Bello weds fourth wife Hiqma in Abuja private ceremony

Melaye was among over 5,000 new lawyers called to the Bar in Abuja earlier this month, following the completion of his law degree at Baze University.

A prominent figure in Nigerian politics, Melaye previously served as a member of the House of Representatives and as senator for Kogi West in the 8th National Assembly. A vocal chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Melaye was known for his fiery speeches, activism, and larger-than-life persona, which even extended to appearances on reality TV.

His transition from politics to law signals a fresh phase in his public service journey, with many watchers curious about how he will shape his legal career.

The courtroom appearance has since gone viral, with reactions pouring in across social media, congratulating Melaye for his latest achievement and career shift.

Trump threatens to sue Rupert Murdoch over Wall Street Journal Epstein letter report

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to take legal action against media mogul Rupert Murdoch and the Wall Street Journal over a controversial report linking Trump to Jeffrey Epstein.

The report, published by the Journal, featured a drawing of a nude woman and a letter bearing Trump’s name, allegedly part of a 2003 birthday album for the late financier Epstein. The publication has stirred intense reactions, especially from Trump, who took to his Truth Social platform Thursday night to slam the story as “fake” and announce plans to sue.

“I told Rupert Murdoch it was a scam, that he shouldn’t print this fake story. But he did, and now I’m going to sue his ass off — and that of his third-rate newspaper,” Trump wrote.

He doubled down on Friday, threatening legal action and stating: “I look forward to getting Rupert Murdoch to testify in my lawsuit against him and his ‘pile of garbage’ newspaper, the WSJ.”

Read Also: ‘Trump plans large immigration raid in Chicago on Tuesday’

Although Trump frequently threatens media organizations with lawsuits, he does not always pursue them. In this case, it remains unclear on what grounds he intends to sue, though his camp cited “defamatory lies” as the cause.

The threat marks a new twist in the long, complicated relationship between Trump and Murdoch — who controls several conservative outlets, including Fox News and the Journal. Their relationship has fluctuated over the years, swinging between alliance and conflict depending on political winds.

A Wall Street Journal spokesperson declined to comment on the legal threats or claims that Trump directly warned Murdoch ahead of the report’s release.

However, Trump’s team insists that he personally told Murdoch the letter was fake and that Murdoch reportedly claimed he would handle it, but “did not have the power to do so.” Trump’s statement also accused WSJ editor Emma Tucker of ignoring direct warnings from both him and campaign aide Karoline Leavitt.

Insiders had long speculated that Trump’s camp was trying to suppress a damaging story related to Epstein. The former president previously dismissed the growing Epstein scandal as a “hoax” and lashed out at his own supporters who expressed concern, calling them “stupid” and “foolish.”

Despite the pressure, the Journal moved forward with the publication. The article, titled “Jeffrey Epstein’s Friends Sent Him Bawdy Letters for a 50th Birthday Album. One Was From Donald Trump,” quickly climbed to the top of the outlet’s most-read stories and appeared prominently on the front page of its Friday print edition.

Inside the newsroom, WSJ journalists expressed pride in the editorial team’s decision to run the piece despite mounting political pressure. Several staff members reportedly described the move as “brave.”

As of now, Trump has not officially filed the lawsuit.

Wema named best digital bank at Euromoney awards 2025

Wema Bank’s ALAT, the first fully digital bank in Africa, has been recognized as Nigeria’s Best Digital Bank at the Euromoney Awards 2025.

Euromoney is a leading provider of competitive intelligence and benchmarking insight for the global banking and finance industry, trusted for over 50 years to deliver data-led analysis that informs strategy, validates performance, and supports decision-making at the executive level.

ALAT has revolutionized the banking landscape in Nigeria and globally, providing seamless and convenient financial services to individuals and businesses.

Since its launch in 2017, ALAT has evolved into a holistic hub of lifestyle and financial solutions, offering a range of services including transfers, airtime and data purchases, bill payments, and loans.

Speaking at the award ceremony in London, Wema Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Moruf Oseni, expressed gratitude to the Euromoney Awards for recognizing the bank’s impact on digital innovation in Africa.

He reiterated the bank’s commitment to developing digital solutions for societal impact and shaping the future of banking.

“The world is moving fast, and so is the permeation of ‘digital’ into the most critical aspects of our lives. 80 years ago when Wema Bank was established, typewriters were the extent of banking technology.

“Today, we have pioneered a fully digital bank, and possess technology advanced enough to power over 150 FinTechs. In ten years, one can only imagine what this fast-paced digital economy will bring.

“One thing is clear, any business, venture or institution that will remain relevant by the end of the next decade, must leverage digital technology today.

“This is why Wema Bank is so driven when it comes to digital. Innovation and empowerment.

Read Also: Wema Bank to boost entrepreneurship, investment with Hackaholics 6.0

 “As a Bank, our stance is clear. Wema Bank will never relent in empowering lives through innovation and developing digital solutions for societal impact.

“We will continue to pioneer innovation, empower innovators and bridge the gap between traditional and digital, leveraging the opportunities of the digital world to generate meaningful impact on lives and businesses in Nigeria, Africa and across the world.

“We have remained resilient in this commitment since 1945 and this award tells us that the world is feeling our impact.

“We are honoured by this recognition, and I take this opportunity to extend our sincerest gratitude to the Euromoney Awards. We take this as a challenge to keep up the good work, go harder, and continue going above and beyond in shaping the future of banking through digital innovation.

“Here’s to 80 years of impact and a future of limitless possibilities with Wema Bank.”

Wema Bank has been a pioneer in digital innovation, launching several industry-firsts, including ALAT, ALAT For Business App, CoopHub App, Wema Phygital, ALATPay, and the ALAT Xplore App.

The bank’s commitment to digital innovation has positioned it as a leader in the Nigerian banking industry.

The Euromoney Awards are a prestigious recognition of excellence in the banking and finance industry. Wema Bank’s ALAT is a testament to the bank’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.