Emefiele: Court ordered examination of WhatsApp messages deadlocked

An Ikeja Special Offences Court was told on Tuesday that its order on the examination of the phone and WhatsApp conversations in the on going trial of former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele met a brick wall as parties failed to agree on modalities for the examination.

Justice Oshodi had ruled that the mobile device, marked ‘iPhone 2’, and its WhatsApp contents tendered by EFCC as evidence against Emefiele should be examined scientifically.

This was as a result of Emefiele’s lawyer’s application on the necessity of subjecting the phone device to forensic examination in the presence of experts on the sides of the prosecution and defence, to serve the interest of justice.

But at the resumed trial of the case on Tuesday, Emefiele’s lawyer, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, told Justice Rahman Oshodi that on two occasions, representatives of the Economic and Finance Crimes Commission, EFCC, as the prosecution, successfully blocked execution of the court’s order to examine the phone.

Ojo told the court that on the 24th and 25th September, 2025 the dates directed by the court for the forensic examination of the device, although representatives of both parties were present, together with the Registrar of the court, nothing could be done as EFCC’s representatives failed to present the phone to the examination team.

‘The first brick walls we faced was that the EFCC said the device cannot be exposed to the entire team. On 25th September, the Registrar was also present and clarified that the order directed that the WhatsApp messages can be examined. He said when the Apple expert demanded phone device, it was not produced.

‘The EFCC met us with categorical NO. The Registrar cannot take decision. The same thing happened on the 25th, equally wasted. There must be unfettered assess for the experts to do their job. We were blocked. The court should give directive to assess the phone and WhatsApp’, Ojo SAN submitted.

However, the prosecutor, Barrister Rotimi Oyedepo SAN submitted that the objection of the prosecution was based on the fact that the forensic expert presented by the defence team was not credible and has no fixed address.

In addition he said the forensic expert was trying to link the device to internet and that will disrupt the whole system of the device.

Justice Oshodi has adjourned till Wednesday 8 October for continuation of the trial.

ýMeaku, Fliptyce make another Grammy entry with global Afrobeat masterpiece ‘High Vibration’

ýGrammy-nominated artist Meaku and legendary Afrobeat producer Fliptyce have joined forces for ‘High Vibration’, a 12-track collaborative album that ýredefines the possibilities of global sound.

ý

ýThe album’s breakout track ‘Back To Sender’ will appear on the 2026 Grammy ballot for Best African Music performance and Best Global Music Performance, while the album itself will compete in the best Global Album category.

ý

ýBlending Afrobeat, R and B, and Meaku’s signature Hybrid Vibe genre, the project stands as both a celebration of African music and a bold step toward its future.

ý

ýThe album features an impressive roster of collaborators, including Grammy-nominated superstar Yemi Alade on ‘Gimme Some More (Club Mix),’ vocalist Amanda Holley, international rapper Mega Ran, and rising talent Naika Oko.

ý

ýThe title track, ‘High Vibration,’ is ýelevated by a saxophone performance from Baba Kuboye, nephew of Afrobeat originator Fela Kuti, grounding the record in the genre’s rich lineage.

ý

ýMeaku and Fliptyce’s bond stretches back a decade, beginning with their 2015 hit ‘Baby Oh’ featuring Ugandan superstar Eddy Kenzo. Since then, the duo have built a catalog of boundary-pushing collaborations defined by passion, cultural fusion, and undeniable energy.

ý

ýWith High Vibration, they deliver the apex of their partnership: smooth, powerful, fun, sexy, and deeply resonant. ‘It is an album born from pure love and intentionality. High Vibration is a breath of fresh air for Afrobeat music,’ says Fliptyce, adding that ‘It feels like the missing piece in the Afrobeat puzzle.’

ý

ýReleased through ML1 Records via Too Lost distribution, High Vibration has already surpassed 50,000 streams on Spotify, marking a strong global reception out of the gate.

ý

ýMeaku first earned Grammy recognition in 2020 for his vocal contributions to Rufus Du Sol’s Solace, nominated for Best Dance/Electronic Album.

His performance on the single ‘Treat You Better’ went Platinum in Australia and Gold in Canada, cementing him as a boundary-breaking

ývocalist. Beyond his Grammy nod, Meaku has collaborated with some of the biggest names in African music, including Wande Coal, Yemi Alade, Eddy Kenzo, Iyanya, Masterkraft, Niniola, Yung6ix, and more – reinforcing his reputation as a global voice.

ý

ýFliptyce on the other hand is a prolific Afrobeat producer, widely recognized for his ability to craft infectious rhythms and globally resonant soundscapes. Over the past decade, he has worked with some of Africa’s most influential artists, including Davido, Yemi Alade, Akon, P-Square, and May-D, consistently shaping the evolution of the genre. His breakout moment came in 2011 with P-Square’s ‘Chop My Money’, a track whose remix featuring Akon catapulted Afrobeat into international consciousness.

ý

ýIn August 2025, Billboard cemented his legacy by ranking ‘Chop My Money’ number 10 on their ‘Top 50 Afrobeats Songs of All Time.’ Known for blending traditional Afrobeat foundations with modern production techniques, Fliptyce has built a career as one of the genre’s most important sonic architects, bridging African culture with global pop appeal.

ý

ýWith its seamless collision of swag, culture, and sound, High Vibration is more than an album.

ý

ýMeaku and Fliptyce have created an immersive listening experience with equal parts celebration and elevation, marking a milestone moment for Afrobeat’s global rise.

ý

ý

Omawumi Reflects on Cobhams’ Role in Her Success

Nigerian singer Omawumi has shared how the support she received from music producer Cobhams Asuquo, helped her career.

While speaking with Hip TV, Omawumi revealed that meeting Cobhams changed the course of her career for the better.

‘The first time we met, he just called. I knew we met on the show, and he said, ‘Omawumi, this is Cobhams Asuquo-you know he likes to funkify his name. There is a song I want you to do. It might not come out as anything for now, but let’s just go with it,” she said.

She added that she accepted the offer and it unexpectedly opened more doors for her. Omawumi also spoke about her work relationship with Cobhams, revealing that she learns so much from him as an artist.

‘I did the song, and then the agency picked it. I became the brand ambassador for that product for two years. Cobhams taught me a lot of nuances when it comes to delivery and posture,’ she added.

Taylor Swift reacts to rumors of jealousy towards Selana Gomez

American singer Taylor Swift has reacted to reports of her being jealous of Selena Gomez’s wedding.

Although the famous singer was present at the union of Selena Gomez and producer, Benny Blanco, rumors emerged that Swift teased Selena about walking down the aisle before her.

Swift, however, addressed the rumors during her appearance on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. She stated that she made no mention of her engagement during the ceremony.

‘I did do some light teasing about the way we dressed in 2008, the year we met. It was the year of deep, deep V-neck. It was the year of colorful skinny jeans. I talked about how happy I am for her and just how beautiful it’s been to get to be a part of her life, but I did not make it about me,’ Swift explained.

Benign September inflation perks up Philippine stocks

Investors were quick to take advantage of lower priced stocks on Tuesday, with the local bourse lighting up green after the inflation rate turned out to be lower than expected.

By the closing bell, the benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) recovered by 1.39 percent or 83.51 points to end at 6,083.83.

Likewise, the broader All Shares Index added 0.8 percent or 29.27 points to close at 3,673.22.

A total of 2.37 billion shares worth P10.34 billion changed hands, stock exchange data showed.

Sept inflation lower than expected

Japhet Tantiangco, research head at Philstocks Financial Inc., said investors were mostly hunting for bargains. This was especially after the bourse nearly dipped below the 6,000 support level on Monday.

At the same time, the market priced in the ‘favorable’ September inflation print of 1.7 percent.

Although this was a six-month high, it was lower than the 2-percent median estimate of analysts.

Tantiangco, also said that this gave the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas room to possibly cut rates further.

Active stocks

International Container Terminal Services Inc. was the top-traded stock as it gained 0.89 percent to close at P512.50 each.

It was followed by Ayala Corp., up 1.42 percent to P484.40; Universal Robina Corp., up 5.23 percent to P74.50; BDO Unibank Inc., up 2.88 percent to P139.40; and SM Investments Corp., up 0.41 percent to P735 each.

Gainers outnumbered losers, 97 to 92, while 60 companies closed flat, stock exchange data also showed.

Local stocks also tracked the upbeat sentiment on Wall Street.

B.League: Dwight Ramos, Ray Parks go off in separate wins

Dwight Ramos led Levanga Hokkaido to their first win in the 2025-26 B.League season over the weekend.

Ramos exploded for 29 points as Hokkaido clipped Nagoya, 81-77, on Sunday at IG Arena.

The Gilas Pilipinas swingman also collected three rebounds, three assists and three steals as Levanga bounced back after losing their opening game.

Like Ramos, Ray Parks also had a huge offensive game for Osaka Evessa.

Parks unleashed 24 points on top of two rebounds and a steal to propel Osaka past the San-En Neophoenix, 85-69, at Ookini Arena Maishima.

Joining Ramos and Parks in the winner’s circle, Kiefer Ravena helped the Yokohama B-Corsairs edge the Ryukyu Golden Kings, 79-75, at Okinawa Suntory Arena.

Ravena finished with nine points, four rebounds, an assist and a steal in 19 minutes of action to keep Yokohama undefeated after two games.

AJ Edu, however, suffered a different fate after his Gunma Crane Thunders took a 98-71 beating at the hands of the Seahorses Mikawa, 98-71, at Kariyashi Taiikukan.

Edu finished with just 12 points and six rebounds in 27 minutes.

BIR expands digitalization drive to boost taxpayer access in Bukidnon

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has intensified its digital transformation efforts in Bukidnon, launching a province-wide information drive to modernize tax services and make compliance more accessible to taxpayers.

The campaign, spearheaded by BIR District Office No. 99, opened in Valencia City on September 2 and continued in Malaybalay on October 2.

It will move to Manolo Fortich on October 16, with a major provincial rollout at the Kaamulan Open Theater in November.

Discussions focused on the taxability of job order and contract of service workers, the use of eBIRForms, and the cleansing of open cases.

Tax clinics and open forums were also held to provide hands-on support and gather feedback from participants.

Revenue district officer Mampay Pangcoga said the initiative is part of BIR’s nationwide digitalization program, which seeks to improve efficiency, transparency, and taxpayer experience through modern, customer-centric services.

‘This initiative empowers employees, entrepreneurs, and small taxpayers to embrace digital services, making compliance less burdensome while strengthening trust in government systems,’ Pangcoga said.

David Pomeranz in awe of Filipinos’ kindness: ‘They help, help, help’

American singer-songwriter David Pomeranz has nothing but good words for Filipinos, admiring how they ‘carry with them their love for humanity all the time.’

The ‘Got to Believe in Magic’ artist spoke about this after he attended a fundraising event for Philippine Nurses Association in the United States, as per a video shared on his Facebook page on Monday, Oct. 6.

‘A couple of nights ago, I played in Maryland at a fundraiser for Philippine Nurses Association, and had a ball. But what blows my mind every time I play for Filipinos is how they walk the walk,’ he said.

‘They’re very, very-yes, many are very religious and such, but they carry their religion or the love for humanity with them all the time,’ he explained.

Pomeranz pointed out how most Filipinos would often be nurses, doctors or caregivers.

‘They help, help, help, help, help. And they’re so funny and so delightful and sweet,’ he added. ‘And if you know them, you’ll know what I mean. They’re gorgeous, gorgeous people.’

The singer also credited Filipinos for being a part of his career. ‘I love Filipinos. You’ve given me so much in my life, added so much to my life.’

Pomeranz has visited and performed in the Philippines several times before, even holding a benefit show in 2013 for the victims of the supertyphoon ‘Yolanda.’

During one of his visits, the singer said he is in love with the country and that he feels welcome and safe here.

Pomeranz is best known for his hits ‘King and Queen of Hearts,’ ‘On This Day,’ ‘Born For You,’ and ‘Until I Fall In Love Again,’ among others.

Glade Residences progress marks next chapter in Iloilo’s growing communities

SM Development Corporation (SMDC) marked a key milestone in Western Visayas with the final topping-off of its buildings at its residential community in Jaro, Glade Residences. The ceremony signals the completion of the structural phase and the start of interior and finishing works, bringing the community closer to welcoming its first homeowners.

Once complete, the four-storey mid-rise development will offer nearly 2,000 thoughtfully designed homes, complemented by a full suite of amenities that support a well balanced lifestyle. Future residents will have access to landscaped gardens and open-air spaces for relaxation, swimming pools for leisure, a covered basketball court and play areas for active living, and function rooms that serve as venues for gatherings and milestones.=

Strategically located in Jaro, Glade Residences places homeowners at the center of Iloilo’s growth. This historic district is gearing up to be the next corridor of progress for the city – and SM has long been a first mover, setting the pace for development in areas with untapped potential. The community is minutes away from schools, hospitals, transport hubs, and the upcoming SM City Jaro expansion nearby. Its direct link to the Iloilo Circumferential Road ensures seamless access to workplaces, commercial districts, heritage landmarks and leisure destinations.

The development’s design brings together comfort and convenience in a way that fits the Iloilo lifestyle. With its nature-inspired touches, generous community spaces, and proximity to daily essentials, Glade Residences offers an environment where families can grow, professionals can recharge, and neighbors can connect.

The topping-off of the buildings signals the completion of vertical works and transitions the project into its finishing stages. This phase will focus on interiors, amenity installations, and landscaping to prepare for turnover.

SMDC Glade Residences stands as a testament to how modern developments can seamlessly blend accessibility, comfort, and community in one highly sought-after address in Iloilo.

Treasury hits P35-B bond sale target amid strong demand, lower yields

The government was able to raise its target amount of long-dated local debt on Tuesday’s dual Treasury bond sale, as yields fell below benchmarks.

The Bureau of the Treasury borrowed P15 billion via reissued T-bonds, which have a remaining life of two years and six months.

Demand for the debt paper reached P34.4 billion, exceeding the original offer size by 2.3 times.

In turn, the T-bond fetched an average rate of 5.698 percent, lower than the prevailing three-year benchmark and the average rate when it was last reissued in July.

The Treasury also raised P20 billion via 10-year T-bond, which was oversubscribed by 2.2 times after demand hit P43.5 billion.

The average rate for the security stood at 6.043 percent, lower than the prevailing 10-year benchmark.