Apple said on Tuesday it will appeal a US ban on its latest smartwatch models after the Biden administration opted to not veto a ruling on patent infringements.
The ban on Apple’s latest smartwatch models came into effect Tuesday, with the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 no longer available in stores or online.
The ban is the latest legal tussle involving big tech companies over valuable patents that has also seen Google battle in court against Sonos in a fight over speaker tech.
The United States International Trade Commission decided in October to ban the Apple Watch models over a patented technology for detecting blood-oxygen levels.
The order stemmed from a complaint to the commission in mid-2021 by medical device maker Masimo Corp, which accused Apple of infringing on “light-based oximetry functionality.”
“After careful consultations, Ambassador (Katherine) Tai decided not to reverse the… determination and the ITC’s decision became final on December 26, 2023,” the office of the US Trade Representative said in a statement on Tuesday.
Though US President Joe Biden’s office has authority to reverse import bans, such actions are only taken rarely.
In a statement, Masimo said the confirmed ban “is a win for the integrity of the US patent system, and ultimately American consumers who will benefit from an ecosystem that rewards true innovation.”
Apple contends that the ITC finding was in error and should be reversed, filing an appeal in a US federal court.
But the company pulled the products from the online Apple Store on December 21, with retail locations ceasing sales December 24 — just ahead of the holiday.
Apple manufactures the vast majority of its products overseas, predominantly in China, giving the International Trade Commission jurisdiction over the matter.
Masimo contends it invented the technology — and that Apple poached its employees to win access to the knowledge.
Strongly disagree
Apple has been steadily ramping up fitness and health features with each generation of its Apple Watch, which dominates the smartwatch category.
In September, Apple released the Apple Watch Series 9, touting increased performance along with features such as the ability to access and log health data.
“We strongly disagree with the USITC decision and resulting exclusion order, and are taking all measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the US as soon as possible,” Apple said in a statement Tuesday.
At the time of the original decision, Apple said Masimo had “wrongly attempted to use the ITC to keep a potentially lifesaving product from millions of US consumers while making way for their own watch that copies Apple.”
In May, a trial of Masimo’s allegations ended in a mistrial after jurors failed to reach a unanimous verdict.
Apple has argued that Masimo is using litigation to make way for its own Apple Watch-inspired products.
In November, Masimo was cleared by US regulators to use its own wrist-worn product for prescription and over-the-counter use.
Late last year, Apple filed two patent infringement lawsuits accusing Masimo of copying Apple Watch technology.
AFP
A former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na” Abba, is reportedly dead.
Naija News learnt that Ghali, the 7th speaker of the House of Representatives, died in the early hours of Wednesday in Abuja.
A family source who spoke with DAILY NIGERIAN said the former lawmaker died in an Abuja hospital following a brief illness.
Ghali Na’abba obtained a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1979.
The former lawmaker completed a postgraduate programme on Leadership and Good Governance at the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University in the United States in 2004.
During his tenure as Speaker of the House, Ghali led several international bodies on parliament in the wake of the millennium.
He joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 1998 during its formative period.
He emerged as the party’s candidate in the April 1999 National Assembly election in Kano Municipal Federal Constituency of Kano state and won the election to represent the Federal constituency in the House of Representatives.
A report by De.FI, the security firm that runs the REKT database, has revealed that hackers stole approximately $2 billion in cryptocurrencies through multiple cyberattacks and thefts in 2023.
According to De.FI, the 2023 data is a testament to vulnerabilities and efforts being made to address them.
The report listed top crypto heists recorded this year including the hack against Euler Finance, in which hackers stole almost $200 million; as well as major hacks against Multichain ($126 million), BonqDAO ($120 million), Poloniex ($114 million), and Atomic Wallet ($100 million), among hundreds of others.
According to the report: “This amount, though dispersed across various incidents, underscores the persistent vulnerabilities and challenges within the DeFi ecosystem.
“2023 stood as a testament to both the ongoing vulnerabilities and the strides made in addressing them, even as interest in the space was relatively muted by the ongoing bear market in the first half of the year.”
The top 10 hacks had netted criminals almost 70% of all stolen funds this year, TRM found.
Attacks against the decentralised lending app Euler Finance, Multichain bridge connecting different blockchains, and Poloniex crypto exchange netted $100 million each.
Mallam Dauda Egwa, a former Accountant-General of Nasarawa State, is dead.
A family member, Usman Ibrahim, confirmed that Egwa passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, December 26, at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) after a prolonged illness.
Mallam Dauda Egwa served as the Accountant-General of Nasarawa State during the administration of the late Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma.
Following Islamic traditions, Mallam Dauda Egwa has already been laid to rest in Lafia, the state capital.
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has urged Nigeria to prioritise abstinence, faithfulness and consistent condom use to prevent the spread of HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections(STIs) during the festive season.
The Director General of NACA, Dr. Gambo Aliyu said engaging in unsafe and unhealthy sexual practices can drastically increase the risk of HIV transmission and other STIs.
“The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, and as we come together with loved ones, it is paramount that we prioritise our health and well-being,” said Dr. Aliyu whose advice came on the heels of the festive season.
The agency’s Head, Public Relations and Protocol, Toyin Aderibigbe, said in a statement that, ”As we celebrate this festive season, let us make responsible choices in our intimate lives. By adopting and advocating for responsible sexual practices, we can collectively contribute to a healthier and happier community.”
Dr Aliyu added “Abstinence, maintaining faithfulness to your partner, and consistently using condoms are among the most effective measures to prevent the transmission of these infections.”
He stated that NACA remains committed to raising awareness and promoting preventive actions that would protect public health.
Chief Austin Umahi, the younger brother to former Governor Dave Umahi, has indicated interest to contest for Ebonyi South Senatorial seat bye-election scheduled for February 2024.
The seat became vacant after the former governor vacated the seat to take up an appointment as the Minister of Works.
Austin announced his ambition at a news briefing on Monday in Abakaliki, adding that he remained a top contender for the position.
He said that he was eminently qualified for the position.
“True democratic process is the only way to ensure the emergence of an acceptable senator for the district.
“I will give the people best representation, having gained experiences from both the business and political sectors,” he said.
Austin, who was the Director-General of APC Gubernatorial Campaign in the 2023 General Elections, said that the prevailing political arrangements and structures devoid of sentiments, favoured his bid.
“I am a pencil in the hands of God and he is not done with me.
“We are in a democratic dispensation and I want all my supporters to pray for the success of both the primary and re-run elections.
“I am from Ohaozara Local Government Area and that is where APC Ebonyi zoning committee zoned the senatorial seat,” he said.
He further said that the zoning of the position had not changed to the best of his knowledge.
“I am not contesting for personal gains but for the people as it is the time to make a positive mark.
“I intend to change the narrative and the district should be given an opportunity to elect a representative in a transparent manner.
“Whoever emerges democratically should represent the people as other aspirants should present themselves for the people to choose from,” he said.
Nigerian man arrested in India for duping woman of N18m by promising her a work visa to Canada
AdminA Nigerian national has been arrested in India for swindling Rs 17 lakhs from a woman by promising her a work visa to Canada.
The arrested man identified as Moses, is a DJ residing in Bengaluru since 2014.
A team led by Wayanad Cyber Police Station Inspector Shaju Joseph nabbed the accused from Bengaluru on Christmas Eve.
According to officials, Moses used the personal details provided by the woman on a private website to commit the fraud.
Last October, the woman provided her personal information while searching for a medical coding job.
After collecting her personal details from a website, the accused dropped emails and tried to contact the victim through WhatsApp by posing as a visa agent.
He earned her trust after he showed proof of her details on an immigration site and the flight ticket he booked for her to Canada.
Based on his assurances, she transferred Rs 17 lakhs to his account.
But as Moses kept asking for more money, the girl grew suspicious and filed a complaint at the Wayanad Cyber Police Station.
The police have retrieved Rs 6 lakh from the accused so far. They located Moses using his device's IP address and tracing his online purchases.
The DJ artist is known to have engaged in several online frauds over the years.
Moses conducted only a single DJ event in an entire month. He dedicated the rest of his time to his fraudulent activities.
Officials have seized several devices in his possession.
The highly anticipated boxing clash between Portable and Charles Okocha. The bout, extensively promoted in the preceding weeks, unfolded on December 26.
In a riveting contest, Portable emerged victorious in the fourth round, demonstrating his prowess with a strategic flurry of punches. Several of these strikes proved decisive, culminating in a notable knockout. Remarkably, Charles Okocha displayed resilience by regaining his footing after absorbing the forceful blows, showcasing tenacity in the face of adversity.
Ultimately, Portable's skill and determination prevailed as the referee announced the final result, declaring Portable the triumphant boxer. With the resounding victory, Portable clinched the coveted belt, solidifying his position as the deserving champion in this hard-fought and compelling encounter.
Media
Guess who won the fight? Portable vs Charles Okocha. ???????? pic.twitter.com/Fwer4YwsJu
— Dami’ Adenuga (@DAMIADENUGA) December 27, 2023
A suspected kidnapper and child trafficker, Tayo Adeleke, has been apprehended by the police for his alleged involvement in a notorious child trafficking ring.
Adeleke and his accomplices were caught red-handed attempting to abduct children from a local Baptist church at Omu Pempe community in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State on Tuesday, Dec. 26.
Adeleke confessed to the Ogun State Police Command how he and other members of his gang had been kidnapping children to sell in neighbouring Benin Republic.
It was gathered that the suspects had stormed the Baptist church in Omu Pempe around 2a.m. today, Dec. 26, with a motorcycle.
Their mission was to steal children from the church and sell them in the Republic of Benin.
However, an operative of the So-Safe Corps got a distress call, which she shared with the Divisional Police Officer in the area.
“When the three men were challenged about their mission in the village, they could not give any cogent explanation as they attempted to flee,” a source said.
During the rigorous interrogation, Adeleke confessed that their plan was to kidnap children and offload them in the Republic of Benin.
The Ogun State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Abiodun Alamutu, is leveraging the obtained information to hunt down the remaining members of this illicit syndicate.
Omolola Odutola, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police, highlighted an alarming trend. He said that while the police have fortified the highways, kidnappers have shifted their focus to remote communities.
Odutola said: "Going into communities to kidnap is the new trend now. We have taken over the highways in Ogun. You will see policemen on the road now. But the kidnappers have gotten into the inner villages to start disturbing them. We will get them, we are going back to the drawing board. Criminals have no place in this state.
"So, we are calling on our traditional rulers and our community leaders in the State to establish like an internal security to barricade the entry and exit points to their communities; and give security agents the necessary information to aid the security of lives and property. Villagers can easily identify strangers in their communities, so they should help the police. Thank God this was a foiled one.
"The Ogun State Command under the Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Alamutu, will not relent until criminals are flushed out of Ogun, wherever they are."
Veteran Nigerian comedian Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, popularly known as Alibaba, has shared his insight into the viral discourse about what a woman must ‘bring to the table’ in a relationship.
The topic grew more prominent after former BigBrother Naija housemate, said she brings nothing to romantic relationships except her body.
During a podcast session with socialite, Yhemolee, Tolanibaj revealed that all she brings to the table in any relationship is her “sweet and succulent pu***y”.
While sharing his opinion on the same issue on The Honest Bunch Podcast, co-hosted by actor Chinedu Ani Emmanuel, aka Nedu, Alibaba stated that a woman does not have to bring monetary value to the table.
The ‘King of Comedy’ stated that she can offer intangible value such as advise, understanding among others.
He said,”I have a friend who mentioned that he asked a lady one time and they’ve been dating and he said, you know, I’ve looked at this relationship really and I want to know what you’re bringing and the lady was like, why would you ask me what you’re bringing?
“He said some people will bring understanding to the table and that’s all that matters. Some people will bring encouragement to the table.”
While sharing a story to compliment his opinion, he said, ‘There’s one time they they came to arrest one guy.
“What did the woman bring to the table? Networking, she called one person, called another person and said don’t worry… like 30 minutes later the vehicle that took him brought him back to the house”.
More...
A fire has razed down the house of the late chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Akwa Ibom State, Obong Udo Ekpenyong, in Ukanafun Local Government Area of the state.
The inferno which occurred on Christmas Eve also claimed the widow of the late PDP chairman, Mrs Elizabeth Udo Ekpenyong and her sister, Ms Ofonime Frank.
This is according to a statement issued to newsmen by the Secretary, Transition Committee of the local government, Udeme Idiong, on Tuesday.
Though the statement did not state the cause of the inferno, it added that the Transition Committee chairman of the council,
Godwin Ekpe (JP), had declared seven days mourning for all indigenes of the local government.
It also stated that the council chairman had sought the approval of the state government to withdraw all Ukanafun contingent in the ongoing Christmas Carol activity scheduled to hold on December 28, 2023
The statement added, “Sequel to the tragic fire incident that occurred at the residence of our late state party chairman, Obong Udo Ekpenyong, on December 24, 2023 which claimed the lives of his wife, Mrs Elizabeth Udo Ekpenyong and her sister, Ms Ofonime Frank, the Chairman, Transition Committee, Ukanafun Local Government Area, Elder Godwin Ekpe JP, has declared a seven-day mourning period for all indigenes of Ukanafun Local Government from Tuesday, December 26, 2023 to Monday, January 1, 2024.
“He has also in collaboration with the stakeholders of the local government and approval of the state government approved a withdrawal of Ukanafun’s contingent and performance in the ongoing Christmas Unplugged activities earlier scheduled to hold on December 28, 2023.
“While sympathising with the family of the deceased, we pray for the repose of the departed souls.”
Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, has urged Nigerians to renew their commitment towards self-examination and repentance, for God to do great things for the nation.
To President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he enjoined him to base his Renewed Hope Agenda on a solid foundation of faith and hope for the restoration of glory for our country.
The fiery cleric in his Christmas message titled, “Time to Reclaim Nigeria’s Greatness” also admonished that, Nigeria’s problems will not be resolved by palliatives as, the problems are deep and structural.
According to him, happiness and joy mean different things while, happiness is spontaneous, fleeting, momentary, ephemeral, short-lived and passing, often marked by open gesticulation, joy on the other hand is very deep, reflective, solemn, awe-inspiring, sacrificial, meditative and often impossible to put into words.
Bishop Kukah further remarked that, “now, you have what you prayed for, what you dreamt of, what you longed for. For the better part of over twenty years, you have plotted to be our President. For years, you campaigned for a new Nigeria through restructuring or overhauling the defective machinery of the Nigerian state.
“For years, you fought the military and other forms of dictatorships. For years, you sought to create an egalitarian society. For years, you sought a just society. For years you have built networks with individuals, Now is harvesting time. You are on the driving seat now. Under your watch, Nigeria must turn the corner.
“Under your watch, we must end the ugly instrumentalization of religious, ethnic or regional identities. You have had enough time to think of the answers to many questions that are crying for answers.
“We have seen the first faltering steps of policy decisions which have elicited a mixture of controversy, anxiety and praise. This is to be expected. You have promised us a Renewed Hope Agenda, but know that hope has worn thin in our dear nation. Nigerians have almost lost hope in the fact that a government can really and truly care for them.
“We also, have seen some renewed hope in your effort to run an inclusive government. We want an end to partisanship. The problems of Nigeria are deep seated and they are based on a culture of corruption that has become the foundation stone of governance. This evil structure has to be dismantled.
“Mr President the killings of Nigerians by whatever name must end and end now. These senseless killings, abductions, extortions and kidnappings have to end and the sacredness and sanctity of human life restored.
“Blasphemy laws have no place in a democracy. We are not in a theocracy. Those who take life by whatever means must be fished out and punished. A culture of compensation to victims must be institutionalized and states must take full responsibility while criminals or those who hide them are fished out. We cannot go on this way.
“You must rid the public service of criminals who have turned the opportunity to serve into an ignoble enterprise. This surgery must happen if you are to succeed in any of your dreams of delivering much needed services to our people,” Bishop Kukah stated.
[Leadership]
Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar Faroq, has revealed that she has contacted her legal team to explore possible options to seek redress over allegations of 37 billion naira money laundering levelled against her.
Naija News recalls that the anti-graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) had earlier accused the Faroq-led ministry of laundering the total sum of N37,170,855,753.44.
According to Punch Newspaper, the money was transferred from the Federal Government’s coffers and sent to 38 different bank accounts domiciled in five legacy commercial banks belonging to or connected with a contractor, James Okwete.
Following receipt of the funds, Okwete allegedly transferred N6,746,034,000.00 to Bureau De Change Operators, withdrew N540,000,000.00 in cash, purchased luxury cars with N288,348,600.00, and bought luxury houses in Abuja and Enugu State with N2,195,115,000.00.
Fifty-three companies were allegedly traced to Okwete, who was also said to have used 47 of the companies to lift Federal Government contracts amounting to N27,423,824,339.86. He is also linked with 143 bank accounts in 12 commercial banks in which 134 accounts are corporate accounts linked to different companies.
However, the minister in a statement released on her official X account, denied the allegations levelled against her, saying that Okwete, the person that was claimed to have overseen the laundering process, was unknown to her.
The statement released by Faroq read, “There have been a number of reports linking me to a purported investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into the activities of one James Okwete, someone completely unknown to me. James Okwete neither worked for, nor represented me in any way whatsoever. The linkages and associations to my person are spurious. While I resist the urge to engage in any media trial whatsoever, I have however contacted my Legal Team to explore possible options to seek redress on the malicious attack on my person.
“I remain proud to have served my country as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with every sense of responsibility and would defend my actions, stewardship and programmes during my tenure whenever I am called upon to do so.”
[NaijaNews]
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu has stated that the Federal government’s humanitarian assistance initiatives like the Farmer Money, Trader Money, and Conditional Cash Transfer have benefitted up to 3.5 million Nigerians.
She stated this during the commencement of payment of N20,000 to vulnerable groups in Cross River state as part of measures to reduce poverty.
- She stated, “The Federal Government has many initiatives such as the Farmer Money, Trader Money, Conditional Cash Transfer in which 3.5 million Nigerians have benefitted across board.
- “We also have the End Hunger Programme that will be launched in January, and the Skill Acquisition Programme, among others; all I ask for at the state level is for the state to key fully to the centre.”
She called on the support of subnational governments to ensure these programs are successful across board.
Also speaking during the event was the Governor of Cross River state Bassey Otu who noted that the state government is looking into sectors like agriculture, security and tourism to create jobs and reduce unemployment.
Otu praised the initiative, stating that it would contribute to reducing poverty among vulnerable populations.
However, he emphasized the necessity for the president to garner collective support to achieve the goal of lifting 50 million Nigerians out of poverty by 2030.
He further conveyed his administration’s willingness to endorse and collaborate with the initiative, as well as engage in partnership with other Federal Government programs aimed at poverty reduction. Highlighting the timely nature of the initiative, particularly during the Christmas season, Otu acknowledged that some individuals had already begun receiving payment alerts.
- He said, “With the way the government speaks to the economics of the nation, it means the nation’s future is secured.”
- “For Cross River, we are looking into all key sectors from agriculture, security and tourism. In no distant time, the state will be the toast of all the other states in the nation,”
More Insights
The Minister’s claim that around 3.5 million Nigerians have benefitted from the FG’s humanitarian assistance initiatives contradicts a recent report from the World Bank which stated that less than 1% of the poor and vulnerable households have benefitted from the Federal government’s cash transfer program.
The assertions sync with another report from the Bretton Woods institution which stated that 99.9% of the target poor households for the FG’s cash transfer do not have a National Identification Number (NIN).
There have been reports that the review of the National Social Register might exclude people without the NIN and Bank Verification Number (BVN).
Backstory
In October, the federal government officially launched the conditional cash transfer program which aims to give 15 million Nigerian households N25,000 for three months.
Also, the federal government has announced plans to provide N50,000 as non-interest loans to 1.5 million market women under the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Program. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs dubbed the initiative Iyaloya Funds.
[Nairametrics]