Abramovich threatened with legal action over Chelsea sale funds

The UK government is threatening former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich with legal action over the frozen £2.5 billion ($3.4 billion) generated from the sale of the club, which has been earmarked to help Ukraine’s war victims.

Finance minister Rachel Reeves and foreign minister David Lammy said late Monday they were “frustrated” by the failure to reach agreement with Abramovich over where the funds of the May 2022 sale go.

The UK government wants the funds to be directed towards humanitarian purposes in Ukraine, but the oligarch insists they be used for all victims of the conflict, including in Russia.

A consortium led by US businessman Todd Boehly bought the Premier League giants after Abramovich was sanctioned following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, and the frozen funds are being held in a UK bank account.

They still legally belong to Abramovic and cannot be moved without a licence from the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation.

“The government is determined to see the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club reach humanitarian causes in Ukraine,” said the two ministers.

“We are deeply frustrated that it has not been possible to reach an agreement on this with Mr Abramovich so far.

“While the door for negotiations will remain open, we are fully prepared to pursue this through the courts if required, to ensure people suffering in Ukraine can benefit from these proceeds as soon as possible,” they added.

The 58-year-old Russian billionaire bought the club in 2003 and had an estimated fortune of $14.5 billion in 2021.

Chelsea enjoyed their most successful ever period under Abramovich, winning two Champions Leagues, five Premier Leagues, five FA Cups, two Europa Leagues and a Club World Cup.

African Union Condemns Trump Administration’s Travel Ban

The African Union has sharply criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration over its decision to bar citizens from twelve countries—including several African nations—from entering the United States.

In an official statement, the continental body acknowledged Washington’s authority to safeguard its citizens but questioned the rationale behind the move, urging a more balanced and evidence-based approach.

The AU emphasized it “acknowledges the sovereign right of all nations to protect their borders and ensure the security of their citizens” but insisted that such decisions “should be exercised in a manner that is balanced, evidence-based, and reflective of the long-standing partnership between the United States and Africa.”

Representing the interests of 55 African nations, the African Union expressed concern that the travel restrictions could undermine years of diplomatic progress and collaboration between the continent and the U.S.

“The Commission remains concerned about the potential negative impact of such measures on people-to-people ties, educational exchange, commercial engagement, and the broader diplomatic relations that have been carefully nurtured over decades,” the statement said.

The affected countries are Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia and Sudan.

Other affected countries include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Haiti, Iran, and Yemen.

Underscoring the importance of continued collaboration, the AU reiterated that “Africa and the United States share mutual interests in promoting peace, prosperity, and global cooperation,” the commission stated.

In its concluding remarks, the Commission urged Washington to adopt a more inclusive and consultative process moving forward. “The African Union Commission respectfully calls upon the U.S. Administration to consider adopting a more consultative approach and to engage in constructive dialogue with the countries concerned.”

Mokwa Flooding Death Toll Rises to 200, Over 500 Still Missing

The death toll from the devastating flooding in Mokwa, a local government area in Niger State, has reportedly climbed to at least 200, according to the latest figures.

The BBC reports that more than 500 people remain missing, with fears growing that the chances of finding additional survivors are dwindling. Rescue efforts have significantly slowed, as authorities express concern that those still unaccounted for may not have survived.

Victims of the Mokwa flood disaster claimed the catastrophic event—now responsible for at least 200 deaths and the displacement of thousands—was not caused by rainfall but by a suspected release of water from the Kainji Dam.

Residents had noted that the flood in Mokwa, the headquarters of Mokwa Local Government Area, said the flood, which struck in the early hours of May 29, 2025, occurred without any significant rainfall the night before. This has led many to suspect the flooding was not natural.

Several locals also noted that, in the days leading up to the incident, parts of New Bussa town in Borgu LGA experienced minor flooding. Some farmers in Mokwa reported observing rising water levels on their farmlands but did not anticipate the scale of the disaster that would follow.

One of the victims, AbdulGafar, who lost all his possessions in the flood, insisted the water’s arrival was sudden and unnatural.

“I believe the flood was not due to rainfall. If it were, it would have come during the night with heavy downpour. This is terrible—something we never imagined could happen in our lifetime.”

He added that although the community had experienced serious erosion in the past, nothing had prepared them for this level of destruction.

“We’ve never had it this bad. Yes, we’ve dealt with erosion—serious erosion—but this is the worst disaster we’ve ever faced. I can say categorically that this wasn’t from rain. The volume and force of water suggest it might be linked to the Kainji Dam.”

Another victim, Salihu Suleiman, who also lost his home and livelihood, supported this claim, stating that there had been no significant rainfall before the flood.

“This flood is not from rainwater. There was no heavy downpour before the incident. Around 6 a.m., my wife and I had just finished praying the Subh prayer and gone back to bed when my mother came knocking frantically, shouting that water was coming. I called my wife, and we ran. We couldn’t take anything—not even my phone. I escaped with just my singlet and boxers.”