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Shakira settles Spain tax fraud suit with $8 million fine

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Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, an international pop star professionally known as Shakira, has reached a deal with Spanish authorities in her tax fraud case.

The deal was announced hours before the singer’s trial for tax evasion was meant to commence on Monday.

In the suit, it was alleged that Shakira owed over 14.5 million euros ($15.7 million) on income earned between 2012 and 2014. While she listed the Bahamas as her primary residence during this period, prosecutors claimed she had spent the majority of her time in Spain.

The singer might have been sentenced to more than eight years in prison and fines totalling €24.5 million if she had been found guilty in the trial.

With the deal, Shakira is now required to pay a €7.3 million ($8 million) fine with a suspended three-year sentence.

Shakira has constantly defended her innocence ever since the lawsuit became public. In July 2022, prosecutors offered a deal that the “Hips Don’t Lie” singer rejected after she insisted on proving her innocence in the trial.

However, the singer said in a statement to Variety magazine on Monday that while she was confident of victory in the case, she decided to settle in the best interest of her children.

Her statement read in part. “Throughout my career, I have always strived to do what’s right and set a positive example for others. That often means taking the extra step in business and personal financial decisions to procure the absolute best counsel, including seeking the advice of the world’s preeminent tax authorities such as PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, who advised me from the start, and subsequently Ernst & Young Global Limited.

“Unfortunately, and despite these efforts, tax authorities in Spain pursued a case against me as they have against many professional athletes and other high-profile individuals, draining those people’s energy, time, and tranquillity for years at a time.”

“While I was determined to defend my innocence in a trial that my lawyers were confident would have ruled in my favour, I have decided to finally resolve this matter with the best interest of my kids at heart who do not want to see their mom sacrifice her well-being in this fight.”

Shakira also said she needed to move past “the stress and emotional toll of the last several years” to focus on her kids and career.

Shakira went through a messy breakup with her long-time partner, Gerard Piqué in June 2022. Their split eventually led her to move from Spain to Miami in April 2023 with her two sons, Milan and Sasha.

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Actor Amaechi Mounagor is suffering from kidney disease, diabetes and stroke, says Cousin

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Tony Muonagor, cousin to Nollywood actor, Amaechi Mounagor, says the actor is currently suffering from kidney disease, diabetes, and stroke during his three-week hospital admission.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, Tony stated that the actor has managed the condition for years, with his family shouldering the cost. He added that the actor suffered from a stroke recently, which has made his case more serious.

He said, “This picture was taken two weeks ago when I visited my cousin Amaechi Monagor (Aguiyi) at the Nnewi Teaching Hospital. I initially had wanted to quietly assist as much as I could but later decided to make this post to clarify some things so that my friends, fans, and Amaechi’s fans, and indeed the online community can be better informed.

“Amaechi is currently down with kidney disease, diabetes, and stroke. He had been managing his diabetes over the years and living his life. He is presently undergoing weekly dialysis and other treatments at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi.

“His family had been shouldering the costs for years, until the recent stroke made his case more serious and indeed more expensive to battle alone, hence the publicity. Within the limits of my capabilities, I have done and am still doing my best to assist as much as I can, even reaching out to well-meaning individuals who are donating to this cause.

“Contrary to most online publications, Amaechi is my first cousin. His father and my father are of the same father. We have had a wonderful relationship as members of the same industry, and I am proud of him as a ‘brother.’ Amaechi is so loved worldwide, and his fans, friends, and ndi Obosi have been wonderful so far. Many groups have been donating money for his hospital bills.

“As of today, there’s some improvement. His blood sugar is under control, but he is still on admission, weekly dialysis, physiotherapy, and other treatments. His full treatments and recovery require sustained funding or donations.”

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Ladies floods Isreal DMW’s DM asking for marriage proposals after divorce

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Isreal ‘DMW’, the logistics manager to Davido, has claimed he has been receiving marriage proposals from women after his split from Sheila David.

On Saturday, Isreal announced the end of his one-year marriage to Sheila.

The logistic manager said Sheila “deceived me into thinking I could have peace with her”.

Isreal alleged that Sheila wanted “to set standards for me,” believing she had achieved status as a prominent figure on Instagram.

Isreal also accused Sheila and her family of extorting him.

Sheila, however, fired back at Isreal. She accused him of “physical and emotional abuse” while they were together.

She also asked the public to hold her estranged husband should any harm befall her or any of her family members.

Shortly after Sheila’s post, Isreal shared screenshots of what appeared to be messages from women who took to his Instagram DMs to beg to be his wife.

In the screenshots, one of the ladies, simply identified as Joy, said she would like to be his “friend” because she understands what Isreal is “going through this period”.

“I honestly think what you need now is a mature lady that understands life and your personality,” the lady said.

“I live in Delta state, I would really appreciate if you get back to me. You will definitely not regret it as you will find a true friend in me”.

Another lady, whose identity is unknown, told the logistics manager that “not all girls are bad”.

Isreal, however, responded by saying: “I no do church again oh”.

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The ELITES Magazine Special DIGITAL/ PRINT Edition Is Out!!!

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To read these juicy story, click on the PDF links below👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇 👇👇
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gmQK-XqHAIrDHyDASe0_nYhVieK0XCKC/view?usp=sharing

This 200-page edition is packaged to celebrate Prophetess Funmilola Lucas, and her husband, Bishop Obafemi Lucas.

The two renowned clerics pastor the Gospel of Fire Ministries, a fast-growing ministry, based in Canada.

Together, they have demonstrated the zeal and determination to serve God whole-heartedly. This has endeared them to Christian faithful who believe they are model Christian couples and spiritual leaders.

Obafemi and Funmi Lucas are not one to make noise about their ministry but their works speak for them as they have touched so many lives that they are now two of the most sought-after ministers of the gospel in the world.

It is certainly a must-read, especially also as it touches on ministries, marriage and many other sundry issues.

To read these juicy stories, click on the PDF links below👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇 👇👇
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gmQK-XqHAIrDHyDASe0_nYhVieK0XCKC/view?usp=sharing

Happy reading!

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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