DIPLOMATIC SPAT AVERTED - Nigeria’s US$15m Returned, Says South Africa

Lulu Louis Mnguni, the South African ambassador to Nigeria

Lulu Louis Mnguni, the South African ambassador to Nigeria, confirmed to the press on Friday that Nigeria has received the US$15m seized by South African authorities in connection with two arms deals.

Abductors Free Ex-NBA President, Okey Wali

Former Nigerian Bar Association president Wali freed by his abductors on Thursday, October 23, 2014

Okey Wali, immediate past president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), who was abducted by unknown gunmen on October 11, has been freed.

12 National & International Highlights To Know For Friday, October 24, 2014

GRAPHITTI NEWS collates 12 national and international highlights of late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about Friday:

The first case of Ebola in Mali was confirmed tonight, making it the sixth West African country to be touched by the worst outbreak on record of the deadly disease. Above, a photo of a health worker checking the temperature of a child entering Mali from Guinea at the border in Kouremale.

1. GIRL, 2, IS FIRST CONFIRMED EBOLA CASE IN MALI

The first case of Ebola in Mali was confirmed tonight, making it the sixth West African country to be touched by the worst outbreak on record of the deadly disease.

Vegetarians Have Fewer & Less Healthy Sperm Than Meat-Eaters – Study

But is he damaging his chances of fathering a child? (Reuters / Jason Lee)

Vegetarian men may be harming their chances of conceiving children, a multi-year US study has revealed.

DR Congo Doctor Denis Mukwege Wins Sakharov Prize

Denis Mukwege have been helping thousands of victims of sexual violence in the DR Congo

A doctor from the Democratic Republic of Congo has won Europe's top human rights prize for helping thousands of gang rape victims in the country.

Nigeria ‘Keen’ On 2015 AFCON Hosting

The vice president of the Nigeria Football Federation, Seyi Akinwunmi, has said the country could host the Africa Cup of Nations if asked by the Confederation of African Football, according to media reports.

Lagos State Govt Donates N50million To First Consultant Hospital

According to media reports monitored by GRAPPHITTI NEWS, the Lagos State Government has announced a cash donation to the First Consultants Medical Centre.

ANALYSIS OF SENTENCING - Oscar Pistorius Sentenced To 5 Years In Prison For Killing Reeva Steenkamp

Reuters

South African Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius has been sentenced to five years in prison for the negligent killing of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's Day 2013.

A JOKE TOO FAR – IOC Wants Answers In Williams Row

Shamil Tarpischev will be asked to explain his derogatory comments about the Williams sisters by the International Olympic Committee

The International Olympic Committee is to seek an explanation from Russian member Shamil Tarpischev for his derogatory comments about Serena and Venus Williams.

2015 AFCON – South Africa Rejects Hosting Africa Nations Cup

Madiba will always be there for the Bafana Bafanas! Picture taken at the Orange AFCON 2013 opening match, South Africa Vs Cape Verde at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg on January 19, 2013. The Match ended in a 0-0 draw. - Copyright : Orange, picture by Christian Liewig

South Africa is not ready to host the Africa Cup of Nations in January if Morocco withdraws because of the Ebola epidemic, Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula said Monday.

EPL – Scoreline For Matches Played Saturday, 18 & Sunday, 19, October 2014

Source: BBC Sport

Japan Minister Resigns Over Misusing Govt Funds On Make-Up

Yuko Obuchi (Reuters / Yuya Shino)

Japan’s economy minister has resigned after she was accused of misusing political funds, lavishly doled out on cosmetics, accessories and theater trips which she gave to her supporters.

Nigeria Puts Pressure On Ghana To Probe Oil Theft; U.S. Dumps Nigeria’s Crude

Nigeria is demanding a probe into the activities of a company, which it believes is involved in laundering stolen crude to Europe.

Spanish Nurse Cleared Of Ebola After Her Immune System Beat Deadly Virus

Teresa Romero Ramos has been cleared of Ebola (Picture: EPA)

A Spanish nurse who became infected with Ebola was last night cleared of all traces of the virus.

EBOLA OUTBREAK - WHO Declares Nigeria Ebola-Free; US CDC Call It "Remarkable Achievement"

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has formally declared Nigeria free of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) brought into the country on July 20 by Liberian-American Patrick Sawyer.