Oluwasegun Adesuyi, Author at SocietyGazette.com

Popular R&B Singer, R. Kelly found guilty in sex-trafficking trial

R. Kelly was found guilty of all charges preferred against him bordering on sex trafficking and related crimes
R. Kelly was convicted by a federal jury on Monday in his sex trafficking trial, where prosecutors accused the R&B singer of exploiting his stardom over a quarter-century to lure women and underage girls into his orbit for sex.

Jurors in Brooklyn federal court deliberated for a little more than one day before voting to convict the 54-year-old Kelly on all nine counts he faced, after a 5-1/2 week trial.

Kelly had been charged with one count of racketeering and eight counts of violating the Mann Act, which prohibits transporting people across state lines for prostitution.

Prosecutors said Kelly took advantage of his fame and charisma to recruit victims, including some plucked from crowds at his concerts, with the aid of people in his entourage.

Witnesses said some victims had hoped Kelly could jumpstart their careers, only to find he demanded their strict obedience and would punish them if they failed.

Trial testimony from government witnesses portrayed, often in graphic detail, an unseemly side to Kelly’s 30-year music career, whose highlights include the 1996 Grammy-winning smash “I Believe I Can Fly.”

The singer, whose full name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, is one of the most prominent people tried on sex charges during the #MeToo movement, which amplified accusations that had dogged him since the early 2000s.

Like Kelly, many of his accusers were Black, differentiating the case from recent #MeToo convictions of comedian Bill Cosby and movie producer Harvey Weinstein. Cosby’s conviction was overturned in June.

Kelly’s alleged victims included the late singer Aaliyah, who Kelly briefly and illegally married in 1994 when she was 15. Aaliyah died in a 2001 plane crash.

Many accusations against Kelly were included in the January 2019 Lifetime documentary “Surviving R. Kelly.”

Several witnesses testified that Kelly instilled fear if his victims did not fulfill his every need, sexual and otherwise.

Jurors heard how Kelly would compel victims to follow “Rob’s rules,” including that they call him “Daddy” and get permission to eat or go to the bathroom.

One witness hoping to interview him for a radio station said he locked her up for at least two days without food or water before assaulting her.

Witnesses also said Kelly pressed accusers to write “apology letters” to potentially absolve him of wrongdoing, and concealed before intercourse that he had contracted herpes.

The racketeering charge gave prosecutors leeway to offer evidence that might otherwise be too old to prosecute.

Kelly did not testify in his defense, which lasted about two days.

His lawyers sought, including during cross-examinations of several witnesses, to portray Kelly’s accusers as former fans who felt jilted when they fell from his favor, and that their sex with Kelly was consensual.

They also tried to show how some accusers stayed with Kelly long after the alleged abuses began, and questioned why they failed to go to the police or waited years to come forward.

On top of the conviction, Kelly still faces federal charges in Chicago on child pornography and obstruction, and state charges in Illinois and Minnesota.

“Nigerians deserve Buhari” – Reno Omokri reacts to video of Pere’s fans protesting over BBNaija’s twist

Human right activist, Reno Omokri has reacted to a video of Big Brother Naija housemate, Pere fans protesting over the game twist announced on Sunday night.

Earlier today, fans of the ex-military officer, who was fake evicted last night and currently battling with his colleague, Angel for the last spot in the finale, staged a protest over the development calling it unfair.

Reacting to a video from the protest ground which surfaced online, Reno Omokri berated the protesters. According to him, there are more pressing issue that needs the voice of the people rather than a reality show.

“These Nigerians are not protesting because the Naira is now worth less than the Zimbabwean dollar, or because insecurity has made life in Nigeria a living hell, or because of Buhari’s refusal to name Boko Haram’s sponsors, or because VAT is collected by the Federal Government from states that generate income and given to states that mostly just consume. They are protesting because they claim Big Brother cheated Pere.

Now, you see why Nigeria is the way she is? Ask Nigerians to come out to protest for their rights and few will come out, if any. Ask them to come out for a Wizkid concert, and people who can’t feed will miraculously acquire money and sell out the concert. Imagine this going on on a Monday, when they should be productive at work or their businesses. We love to give our energies to the trivial, not the vital. Nigerians, perhaps we do deserve Buhari!” He wrote.<.blockquote>

VIDEO: Again! French President Macron Assaulted In Public As Man Throws Egg At Him

Emmanuel Macron, the French President, on a visit to an international food trade fair was hit on the shoulder with an egg thrown at him by a man.

In the video that has gone viral, Macron was seen walking through the crowd when an egg bounced off him without breaking.

This is coming barely four months after the president was slapped.

Two bodyguards can be seen immediately getting closer to the president.

The video also shows a man being taken away from the scene by other bodyguards.

Reporters heard Macron saying “If he has something to tell me, then he can come.”

No details have been released by authorities on the man’s identity or possible motivation.

Recall, a bystander identified as Damien Tarel slapped French President, Emmanuel Macron across the face during a trip to southeast France on the second stop of a nationwide tour.

Watch Video Below:

Source: Naija News

Taliban ban barbers from shaving, trimming beards in Afghanistan

The Taliban have banned hairdressers in Afghanistan’s Helmand province from shaving or trimming beards, saying it breaches their interpretation of Islamic law.

Anyone violating the rule will be punished, Taliban religious police say.

Some barbers in the capital Kabul have said they also received similar orders.

The instructions suggest a return to the strict rulings of the group’s past tenure in power, despite promises of a milder form of government.

Since taking power last month, the Taliban have carried out harsh punishments on opponents. On Saturday, the group’s fighters shot dead four alleged kidnappers and their bodies were hung in the streets of the western city of Herat.

In a notice posted on salons in southern Helmand province, Taliban officers warned that hairdressers must follow Sharia law for haircuts and beards.

“No one has a right to complain,” the notice, which was seen by the BBC, read.

“The fighters keep coming and ordering us to stop trimming beards,” one barber in Kabul said. “One of them told me they can send undercover inspectors to catch us.”

Another hairdresser, who runs one of the city’s biggest salons, said he received a call from someone claiming to be a government official. They instructed him to “stop following American styles” and not to shave or trim anyone’s beard.

During the Taliban’s first stint in power from 1996 to 2001, the hardline Islamists banned flamboyant hairstyles and insisted that men grow beards.

But since then, clean-shaven looks have become popular and many Afghan men have gone to salons for fashionable cuts.

Many Afghan barbers say their business has dried up

But the barbers, who have not been named to protect their safety, say the new rules are making it hard for them to make a living.

“For many years my salon was somewhere for young people to shave as their wish and look trendy,” one told the BBC. “There is no point continuing this business.”

“Fashion salons and barbers are becoming forbidden businesses,” another said. “This was my job for 15 years and I don’t think I can continue.”

Another barber in Herat said that although he had not received an official order, he had stopped offering beard trims.

“Customers don’t shave their beards [because] they don’t want to be targeted by the Taliban fighters in the streets. They want to blend in and look like them.”

Despite slashing his prices for a cut, his business has dried up. “Nobody cares about their style or hair fashion,” he said.

Southern Kaduna Boils Again As Gunmen Invade Community, Kills 30, Many injured

At least 30 persons have been killed and many houses razed in Madamai and Abun villages in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

According to the former Coordinator, Kaura Youth Coalition, Comrade Derek Christopher, the attackers invaded the communities around 5pm and started shooting sporadically.

He said, “Some of them were taken to the hospital for treatment.”

Attempts to reach the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Muhammed Jalige, for comment was to no avail, as his number was not reachable at the time of filing this report.

Source: Dailytrust

Pere’s Fans Storm BBNaija’s Head Quarters, Stage Protest Against Alleged Injustice

Fans of Big Brother season six, housemate, Pere have staged a protest at the Ilupeju head office of the organizers in Lagos.
The fans are complaining about the alleged injustice meted out on their favorite housemate following Biggie’s twist.

Naija News understands that housemates, Pere and Angel were asked to play a game that would be used in determining who wins and gains access to the finals of the show after they were both evicted from the house.

However, stats show that Pere’s votes enormously topped Angel’s votes, prompting viewers to questions the integrity and credibility as the twist by Biggie seemed unfair.

Pere’s management earlier today pleaded with his fans to exercise patience and let the twists play out. But it seeming as the pleas fall on deaf ears as fans troop out in numbers to voice their displeasures at the reality show’s headquarters.

Read the press release by Pere’s management earlier today.

“Big Brother has a tradition of fair conduct spanning its history. As a platform that has helped so many people over the years, their integrity is indispensable, and the credibility of their process has barely ever been in question.

“This is why they’ve led by example over the years which in turn makes the show the biggest platform in Africa.

“The events of yesterday created so much uproar among our fans, neutrals, and even our competitors. The ripple effect of this event has thrown our voting team off-balance in terms of preparedness for the final week of voting.

“Even though we feel unfairly at a disadvantage, we still believe it’s a twist and a game that would play out eventually make our votes count. We must trust the Process and integrity of the Platform.

“The platform wouldn’t allow the efforts of millions of people that went all out to vote to go in vain. One of our major voting team coordinators had a life-threatening accident last week while trying to solicit and coordinate our votes, not to talk of different incidents involving our team members in different states putting them in harm’s way while voting tirelessly.

“They invested resources, time, sweat, and sleepless nights just to get Pere into the final week.

“It’s being rumored that some of our supporters are planning on taking certain actions to express their anger and frustration.

“We appreciate every one of you, for your unwavering solidarity, but we implore everyone to stay calm and exercise patience.

“Let’s allow the twist to play out and eventually take Pere to the finals. Make no mistakes, OUR VOTES WILL COUNT. Thanks for your support.“

Source: Naija News

Arrested Kaduna Kidnap Kingpin Discloses Identities Of Gang Members, Gives Breakdown Of Ransom Collected

Goma Samaila, leader of a kidnap gang in Ragachucku axis of Kaduna State, has disclosed the identities of his gang members.

The 47-year-old suspect, who has reportedly been into crime for many years, spoke about some of his operations and amounts received as ransom.

In a viral video, Samaila was seen pleading for mercy while being grilled by one of the security operatives who arrested him.

“I am pleading for mercy and forgiveness; I will never commit such offence again,” he said.

On some of the operations he was involved in, he said, “The first person we kidnapped is Abdul; they paid a ransom of N200,000; on Alhaji Umaru, we collected N500,000, Another person is Alhaji Birau; they paid the total sum of N3 million and the other person is Alhaji Ibrahim who paid N700,000.”

Samaila also disclosed the identities of some of the gang members.

“In Ragachucku axis, there are Yusuf, Sale, Gomi, Nasiru, Tukur, Banki, Magaji.

“Then in Kirama axis, there are Musa, Kadi, Oria, Ibrahim, Bala, Rebo, Gaia, Malan, Osama, Babangida, Abubakar and Sule. I can’t remember the name
of the other one who left us to join Babangida, Suleiman and Sule.”

El-Rufai condoles Ecwa Church as gunmen kill one, injure others During Church Service

Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai has condoled the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) as gunmen on Sunday morning attacked worshippers during the church service, killing one and leaving others injured.

The incident occurred at the ECWA Church, Gabaciwa in Kachia local government area.

Confirming the incident, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said El-Rufai condemned the attack in the strongest term, describing it as a divisive intent of the criminals leveraging religious sensitivity.

According to him: “Security agencies reported to the Government that the attack occurred at ECWA Church, Gabaciwa in Kachia local government. According to the report, a life was lost and some worshippers were seriously injured, who have been rushed to a medical facility.

“The security agencies are obtaining further details, on which the government will update the public in due course.

“The Governor, who expressed sadness over the incident, described it as an evil act targeting innocent citizens exercising their constitutional and universal rights to religious freedom.

“The Governor added that the attack on the worshippers was a divisive intent of the criminals leveraging religious sensitivity.

“The Governor condoled the ECWA Church and the family of the deceased in particular, and prayed for the repose of the soul of the worshipper.

“The Governor who is awaiting further reports on the incident has directed the Kaduna State State Emergency Management Agency to assess the area and provide succor to the victims receiving medical attention.

“Similarly, the Governor has condoled the family of one Nasiru Abdullahi of Gobirawan Kamacha in Bina general area of Igabi local government who was killed by armed bandits. The Governor also prayed for the repose of his soul.

“As of the time of this update, government is awaiting other situation reports from security agencies.”

Source: The Nation

Ganduje’s Son Flees To Egypt With His Family After Dragging Mother To EFCC Over Fraud

Abdulazeez Ganduje, the first son of Kano Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, is said to have fled to Egypt with his family after his mother was accused of corruption by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to people acquainted with the case, the young man had taken his mother, Hafsat Ganduje, to the EFCC, indicating a pattern of corruptly exploiting family influence for personal gain.

Governor Ganduje has yet to make a statement on the matter.

According to a daily Nigerian newspaper, the governor’s son fled the country soon after filing the petition to avoid his parents’ “wrath.”

A source was quoted as saying, “Abdulazeez left Nigeria for Egypt with his family immediately after filing the petition. He told us he would remain there until the father leaves office. He has avoided his parents and gone underground since the beginning of the crisis.”

His mother had shunned an invitation extended to her by the anti-graft agency, to report for questioning, over a bribery and land fraud case reported by her son.

Ganduje, the governor, had previously been involved in a corruption-related scandal.

He has struggled to untangle himself from the public perception that he is a corrupt public servant since 2018 when Daily Nigerian published a series of videos that showed the governor collecting money from a government contractor.

Abdulazeez reported to the anti-graft agency that he was approached by a property developer to help facilitate the acquisition of some plots of land in Kano with some hundreds of thousands of US dollars and at least N35 million as “facilitation commission.”

It was further learnt that Abdulazeez said he paid the sum in dollars to his mother, Ganduje.

“But three months later, (the property developer) discovered that the plots of land he wanted and had paid the first family for had been allocated to other buyers and he then requested to be refunded,” a source was quoted as saying.

Asked to comment on the matter, a spokesperson for Kano State Government, Mohammed Garba, said, “I am not aware” and, so, he could not comment.

EFCC’s spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, did not comment on the matter when contacted.

Arsenal Defeats Tottenham 3-1 To Complete A Miserable September For It’s London Rival

Arsenal tore Tottenham apart with three goals in the opening 34 minutes in a 3-1 victory on Sunday that extended its early-season recovery and completed a miserable September for its north London rival in the Premier League.

The goals from Emile Smith Rowe, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bukayo Saka completed a third successive league win for Arsenal which lost its opening three games.

In a reversal of fortunes, Tottenham has now lost three in a row in the league after opening with a trio of successes.

The opener came in the 12th minute after Martin Odegaard spread the ball wide to Saka, whose low cross reached the unmarked Smith Rowe to sweep into the net.

Arsenal pounced on the counterattack in the 27th with Smith Rowe squaring for Aubameyang to add the second goal.

Things would get even better for the Gunners as Saka got on the scoresheet.

Thomas Partey stole the ball off Harry Kane and Arsenal again broke behind the Spurs defense with three passes. Smith Rowe found Saka, who ran into the box and was challenged well by a backtracking Kane, only for the loose ball to roll back into the path of his England teammate. Saka then finished low past goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

Tottenham gave itself a chance to make an unexpected comeback as Son Heung-min turned in a cross from Sergio Reguilon in the 79th. But there would be no recovery for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.