Entertainment / Movies / News

Starz debuts trailer for 50 Cent’s produced ‘Black Mafia Family’

Starz has debuted the official trailer for ‘Black Mafia Family’ ahead of its confirmed September 26, 2021 premiere. The anticipated 50 Cent executive produced show is set to follow the rise of Detroit’s Flenory brothers as they launch a cocaine empire known as the Black Mafia Family in the late 1980s.

The series will star Demetrius Flenory Jr. , Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Lala Anthony, Charles Flenory, Ajiona Alexus, Steve and Wood Harris, Russell Hornsby. While Snoop will play a shady neighborhood minister, Eminem will reportedly play White Boy Rick.

Detroit’s Flenory brothers came into limelight after they broke into the music scenes as a bid to create a legal business as a front to launder money. Their story soon became one of glitz and glamour.

50 Cent shared months ago that the series will explore the origin of the brothers, growing up in Southwest side of Detroit. The series will also explore their rise to fame, fortune and eventual estrangement.

Watch the trailer:

 

…
Uncategorized

Anita Okoye asks court to dissolve marriage with singer Paul Okoye

Anita Okoye, the wife of Nigerian singer, Paul Okoye of the defunct music group, Psquare has filed for divorce.

In a court document exclusively obtained by Pulse, Anita has requested the dissolution of their marriage.

She also advised her now estranged husband in the legal document to challenge the petition he feels disgruntled.

Anita first sparked divorce rumours in April when it was reported that she relocated with their three children to the United States of America.

In 2019, she was accused by a popular aphrodisiac vendor of buying items to keep her marriage together. The vendor later took down the story from Instagram. Anita and Paul who were university sweethearts got married in 2014 in a very flamboyant wedding ceremony held in Port Harcourt. They welcomed their first son, Andre, the previous year. In 2017, they welcomed a set of twins, Nadia and Nathan.

…
Crime / News

Why we arrested ex-Abia Governor, son — EFCC

A former Governor of Abia State, Senator Theodore Orji, was on Thursday arrested by operatives of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The Spokesperson of EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday.

Uwujaren said the former governor, who had been on the commission’s watch list, was intercepted at the Nnamdi International Airport, Abuja on Thursday.

He said Orji was later taken to the commission’s headquarters for continuation of his interrogation. He said: “He is being quizzed alongside his son, Chinedu, the current Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, who turned himself in this afternoon upon learning of the arrest of his father.

“Orji and his sons, Chinedu and Ogbonna, are under investigation by EFCC for offences bordering on misappropriation of public funds and money laundering.

“The ex-governor is alleged to have collected N500 million monthly as security vote for eight years, as governor of Abia State between 2007 and 2015.

“Other issues relate to the alleged mismanagement of N2 billion ecological fund and conversion of Sure-P funds.”…

Crime / News

PSC sets up panel to study report on DCP Abba Kyari

The Police Service Commission has set up a panel to study the documents available to it on the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari.

The Head of Press and Public Relations of the PSC, Ikechukwu Ani, said this in a statement on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that Kyari, the Head of the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team, was on July 31 suspended by the PSC following a recommendation by the IGP, Usman Baba.

The recommendation followed a bribery allegation brought against him by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI had alleged that the suspended DCP was paid a bribe by a serial internet fraudster, Ramon Abbas, aka Hushpuppi, to arrest one of his friends in a $1.1 million deal.

Ani said the PSC panel would examine the facts of the allegations as contained in the FBI indictment as well as the extant rules to keep abreast with the matter, pending the submission of the Police Investigative Panel report.

The panel, headed by Tijani Mohammed, the Director of Discipline in the commission, would gather and document relevant information on Kyari in view of it being a disciplinary matter, Ani said.

He added that the idea was to analyse the information gathered and make appropriate recommendation/s to the commission.

The PSC spokesman said the report of the panel would assist the commission take an informed decision after the submission of the Police Investigative Panel report.

He said the panel had already been inaugurated by the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Commission, Alhaji Abubakar Ismaila.…

Athletics / Sports

Nigeria grabs first gold medal at World U20 Championship, sets new record

• Godson Brume, Praise Ofoku in 100m final
Team Nigeria became the center of attraction at the Kasarani Stadium, venue of the ongoing World U20 Championship in Nairobi yesterday, as the country’s 4x400m mixed relay team grabbed the first gold medal at the event. They also set Championship record twice.

After Nnamani Johnson, Opeyemi Oke, Ajayi Bamidele and Imaobong Nse Uko dazzled the spectators with a new record of 3:21.66 on their way to the final, the athletes increased their pace in the final race to shock the entire crowd with their spectacular display of talent, which earned Team Nigeria, the gold medal with another Championship record of 3; 19.70. The first time in a long while, Nigeria’s flag was held by the athletes running round the entire stadium with cheers from the spectators.

In the women’s 100m semifinal event, Praise Ofoku gave the spectators a tip of what to expect in today’s final as she powered past all contestants to anchor at a time of 11.57 seconds. She came from behind to win the ticket to the final.

Nigeria’s hope of having two women runners in today’s 100m final was aborted when God bless Tima ran a slow race of 11.61 second to finish in the 8th position.

Tima had earlier in the day run 11.59sec to raise the hope of Nigerians.

One of Nigeria’s best male junior sprinters, Godson Brume lived up to the expectations of the people yesterday, as he raced to the men’s 100m final in 10.24 seconds.

Brume, who is the younger brother of Tokyo Olympics medalist Ese Brume, had run 10.35 second earlier in the day to win the heat.

Team Nigeria now has two contestants in today’s 100m event, one each in male and female categories.

Speaking with The Guardian yesterday, President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Tonobok Okowa was full of praises for the athletes and their coaches. He stated that the gold medal was a good beginning for the current AFN board.

Also, former AFN President Solomon Ogba commended the …

Entertainment / Foreign / News

Scarlett Johansson and hubby welcome baby boy

Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson has welcomed a baby boy with her hubby Colin Jost.

PageSix revealed that the couple recently welcomed their first child together.

The couple are yet to announce the arrival of their baby.

Johansson’s husband, Jost had earlier confirmed that they are expecting a baby together.

Jost revealed that they were expecting a baby while performing at a stand-up gig at the Ridgefield Playhouse in Connecticut over the weekend.

“We’re having a baby, it’s exciting,” he said.

The news about the movie star’s pregnancy first broke in July.

The new arrival will be Johansson’s second child.

She previously welcomed daughter Rose, now 6, with ex-husband Romain Dauriac.

Johansson and the “Saturday Night Live” star, quietly tied the knot in October 2020 after three years of dating.

This will be Jost’s first child.

…
BBNaija / Entertainment / News

BBNaija 2021: Maria complains to Biggie about Angel’s seductive powers

Wednesday’s diary sessions saw the housemates express their feelings to Big Brother without any form of inhibition.

From the Pere versus Whitemoney clash to the shocking exit of co-housemate Kayvee, the housemates sessions were intense and chatty. During Maria’s session, the new HOH surprisingly spoke to Big Brother about the brewing triangle among Angel, Jackie B and new housemate, Michael.

Confiding in Biggie, Maria revealed she felt uncomfortable with Angel wielding her seductive ‘powers’ over the men in the house and in recent times, Michael.

“There is just this character thing about her [Angel]. Of course, you do know that Michael and Jackie B were like an item…Like she marked him from the moment he entered the house and now, Angel has used her powers to kinda like…,” Maria shared.

The HOH also revealed Jackie B had confided in her about how she felt about Angel making moves at Michael.

Watch the video:

It also appears that Jackie B and Michael have been keeping some distance since their last conversation on Saturday. Recall the pair kept viewers glued to their screens after the party when Jackie B confronted Michael about letting Angel give him a head massage which she found disrespectful.

Angel, on the other hand, has made multiple moves in the house. Asides Sammie, newly evicted housemate, Niyi recently revealed he issued her a stern warning about evading his bathroom privacy.

…
BBNaija / Entertainment / Health / News

BBNaija 2021: KayVee breaks silence after withdrawal from reality TV show

Former housemate of Big Brother Naija season 6, Ololade Gbolahan popularly known as Kayvee has broken his silence after his abrupt withdrawal from the show.

The photographer turned reality TV star took to his Instagram page on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, where he released a press statement.

He thanked everyone who has shown support towards him since his withdrawal over mental health issues.

He, however, revealed that he is in a medical facility where he is working through the debilitating anxiety.

“Since my withdrawal from the house, I have reconnected with my family, and I am currently in a medical facility working through the debilitating anxiety I felt. I covet your love and prayers,” part of his statement read.

Kayvee withdrew from the reality TV show voluntarily following his struggle with mental health issues.

…
Entertainment / Health / News

‘It’s still so hard to accept that I’ll be living without you’ – Sound Sultan’s widow writes

Farida Fasasi has penned a tribute to her late husband and music star, Sound Sultan 40 days after his demise.

The mother of three took to her Instagram page on Thursday, August 19, 2021, where she penned an emotional note to the late singer.

“40 days since you left and it’s still so hard to accept that I’ll be living without you… more like I’m just existing without you. Today, I choose to surrender to the will of Almighty Allah. I take solace in the fact that you are not suffering or in any pain,” she wrote.

“You fought the good fight. You lived an exemplary life. You will forever be my Hero… my MVP. I love you forever Olanrewaju Abdulganiyu Fasasi. #SSNN 🤍 Dear friends, join us today as we gather to pray for my beloved. #40DayFidauPrayer.”

The singer passed away on Sunday, July 11, at the age of 44, after battling throat cancer.

…
Crime / Health / News

NAFDAC destroys over N2b worth of unwholesome products in South-West

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed unwholesome products worth over two billion, four hundred and eighty-two million,  six hundred thousand, two hundred and ninety naira only (N2,482,600,290.00) in the South-West.

Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General, NAFDAC, made the disclosure on Wednesday at the South-West Zonal Destruction of Expired Counterfeit, Substandard and Falsified Medical Devices and other Unwholesome Regulated Products.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Adeyeye was represented by Kingsley Ejiofor, Director , Investigations and Enforcement, NAFDAC,  at the event which took place at  Oke-Diya Dumpsite, Sagamu, Ogun.

She said: “The products being destroyed during this exercise are made up of Substandard and Falsified Medical Products, Unwholesome Processed Food Products, Unsafe Cosmetics, Counterfeits and other expired NAFDAC regulated products.

The NAFDAC D-G appealed to community leaders, faith based organizations, health practitioners and the media to continue to educate members of the public  to desist from patronizing quacks and hawkers of medicines and unwholesome foods.

She also appealed to members of the public to release valuable information that will help in getting information to fight against “these merchants of death whose only desire is to make out of the misery of the people”.

“This is wicked and must be stopped,” she said.…

Crime / Military / News

Africa needs more than US military aid to defeat terror, by Muhammadu Buhari

Though some believe the war on terror winds down with the US departure from Afghanistan, the threat it was supposed to address burns fiercely on my continent. Africa is the new frontline of global militancy. Yet few expect the outlay expended here to be as great as in Afghanistan. The fight against terrorism begun under the George W Bush administration was never truly global.

Despite rising attacks across Africa in the past decade, international assistance has not followed in step. Mozambique is merely the latest African state in danger from terrorism. The Sahel remains vulnerable to Boko Haram, 20 years after its formation, and other radical groups. Somalia is in its second decade fighting the equally extreme al-Shabaab. Many African nations are submerged under the weight of insurgency.

As Africans, we face our day of reckoning just as some sense the west is losing its will for the fight. It is true that some of our western allies are bruised by their Middle Eastern and Afghan experiences. Others face domestic pressures after the pandemic. Africa was not then, and even less now, their priority. But the threat cannot be ignored. Covid-19 has been like oxygen for terrorism, allowing it to gain in strength while the world was preoccupied. Sooner or later, the reverberations will be felt beyond Africa. If extremist groups are able to hold territory, it can inspire disillusioned people living in the west to commit heinous acts of terror in their own countries. The self-proclaimed caliphate of Daesh in Iraq and Syria fulfilled that propaganda function, boosting transcontinental recruitment.

We must not complacently assume that military means alone can defeat the terrorists. If Afghanistan has taught us a lesson, it is that although sheer force can blunt terror, its removal can cause the threat to return.

The US and its western allies cannot be expected to underpin the security of others everywhere and indefinitely. Africa has enough soldiers of our own. However, more can be done to help with technical assistance, advanced weaponry, intelligence and ordinance. The US …

BBNaija / Entertainment / News

BBNaija 2021: Maria raises alarm over missing condoms in the house

Maria has raised an alarm over the reduction of condoms in the house.

The former air hostess made her revelation known while speaking to Liquorose, Emmanuel and Nini in the Blue room.

She sensed that a number of the housemates were already having sex in the house.

“Condoms have reduced in this house. We have just 18 left out of 34. I feel like some people have been making love,” she said.

Nini supported Maria’s claims saying she knows who may have used some of them.

The housemates also debated about those who they suspected. Some said it could be Saskay and others mentioned JayPaul.

…
Entertainment / News

Timini Egbuson breaks silence over allegations levelled against him by ex-girlfriend

\Nollywood actor Timini Egbuson has broken his silence over the allegations levelled against him by his ex-girlfriend, Lydia Balogun.

Balogun had called him out on social media where she described him as a pervert and predator.

The movie star took to his Twitter page on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, where he reacted to Lydia’s allegations.

“Lydia and I dated two years ago. We were both consenting adults at the time and our families knew and approved of each other. Our relationship did not work out because of circumstances we were both at fault for,” he wrote.

“Our relationship was a valuable one and mistakes were made on both ends. Nevertheless, I learnt from it and have moved on. I honestly would love to put that chapter of my life behind me and I wish her well.”

Timini’s post came hours after Lydia had called him out on Twitter. Lydia had described the movie star as a lover of naive teenage girls.

It would be recalled that Egbuson and Balogun made the headlines in 2020 after he was caught up in a cheating scandal.

…
Entertainment / Foreign / Law / News

R. Kelly is on trial in Brooklyn

R. Kelly, the R&B singer who has long faced allegations of sexual abuse, will appear in a Brooklyn courthouse Wednesday for the second week of a high-profile federal sex trafficking trial.

The singer’s alleged pattern of abuse drew intense public scrutiny with the rise of the #MeToo movement, leading to the #MuteRKelly social media campaign, boycotts of his hit records, protests across the country and, perhaps most notably, “Surviving R. Kelly,” a Lifetime documentary series featuring testimony from several accusers.

R. Kelly, 54, whose real name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, denies any wrongdoing. He is best known for tracks such as “I Believe I Can Fly” and “Bump N’ Grind.”

The trial’s opening statements are set to begin Wednesday. Here’s a look at what’s at stake.

The charges

R. Kelly was charged in July 2019 with racketeering based on sexual exploitation of children, kidnapping, forced labor and Mann Act violations — charges involving the coercion and transportation of women and girls in interstate commerce to engage in illegal sexual activity, according to a Department of Justice news release.

The singer, his entourage and his employees — managers, bodyguards, drivers, personal assistants, runners for Kelly — allegedly recruited women and girls to engage in illegal sexual activity with him and arranged for victims to travel to concerts and other events across the U.S., according to court documents.

“For two decades the enterprise at the direction of R. Kelly preyed upon young women and teenagers whose dreams of meeting a superstar soon turned into a nightmare of rape, child pornography and forced labor,” Angel M. Melendez, special agent in charge from Homeland Security Investigations, said when the charges were announced.

Federal prosecutors allege that Kelly forced his victims to follow various “rules.” They were not allowed to leave their room without his permission (including to go to the bathroom or eat), and they were required to call him “Daddy,” according to court documents.

The charges involve six women and girls.

The trial in Brooklyn is the second time R. Kelly has been …

Crime / News / Security

Lalong on Plateau killings: We’ll arrest those who rush to bail suspects

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has warned against any rush to bail suspects of the August 14 killings along Rukuba Road in Jos and other attacks in the state

The governor spoke on Tuesday at an emergency peace and security stakeholders meeting held in Jos.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the meeting focused on the August 14 incident and other attacks in Bassa, Jos South, Barkin ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas.

Lalong said: “The rush to bail suspects of unrest when arrested for investigation frustrates efforts to find lasting solution to insecurity in Plateau.

“Henceforth, people rushing to bail suspects will also be arrested.

“If you find them, please arrest them.

“If people rush to bail them, arrest them.”

Lalong said that such action would deter people fond of bailing suspects of unrest, alleging that such gestures implied that most of them were either sponsors or accomplices to such crimes.

He said the meeting with critical stakeholders, comprising former governors, political leaders, elders and traditional and community leaders, was to seek their views on measures to end the cycle of violence in Plateau State.

Lalong held that the insecurity, particularly in some local governments, required concerted efforts toward lasting peace.

“We cannot afford to fail the upcoming generation by refusing to do the needful,” he declared.

He decried the misuse of the social media by people out to worsen an already bad situation through the massive spread of fake and unsubstantiated videos and messages.

He said: “Such fake messages only ignite further attacks.

“I have directed the security agencies to go after such persons and ensure they face the law for incitement and hate speech.”

Lalong also urged religious leaders and other stakeholders holders not to incite their followers with their sermons or comments on insecurity, noting that they (clerics) were also guided by the constitution.

“In future, defaulters will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law,” he said.

Lalong banned any form of protest in the state, explaining that Plateau …

Uncategorized

Umahi performs ground breaking ceremony for N2.6b twin bridges

Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State on Tuesday performed the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of N2.6 billion twin flyover bridges at the Hausa Quarters’ Junction on the Afikpo-Abakaliki Expressway.

Umahi said the bridges, which would take nine months to complete, would be named after Bishop Michael Okoro.

Okoro is the retiring Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese.

According to Umahi, the essence is to immortalize him in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the development of the state. The governor described the bishop as “a symbol of love, peace, unity and what Christianity should be”.

He expressed gladness that the cleric had given birth to his likes.

He said: “My lord, I have never seen anybody complaining against you secretly or openly.

“It is a major feat to attain and so we want to thank you for the service you have given to our state.

“A lot of people have consulted you over a lot of issues and you have quietly resolved them through Fr. Abraham Nwali, the Special Adviser on Religious Matters.

“We are thankful to you.

“We will name two flyovers after you: this one here and the one we are going to build around the timber shed.

“There is a spot taking lives there.

“We need to save lives and we are going to do it.

“Don’t ask how the money will come.

“It will come the moment it bears Bishop Nnachi Okoro.”

Umahi said the bridges became necessary to help decongest the traffic around the area and put an end to incessant road crashes and loss of lives at the spot.

He said each bridge would cover 500 meters and would cost N1.2 billion and N1.4.billion respectively.

He said: “I have always maintained that the cost of building projects in Nigeria is the highest all over the world.

“And for a country that behaves like that, it is difficult to develop, in terms of infrastructure.

“We have to look inwards at the cost of our projects.

“Flyover is all about cement, chippings, sand and labor.…

Crime / Law / News

Abba Kyari’s probe: Police speak on reported submission of report

The Nigeria Police Force has said the probe into the alleged indictment of Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari by the Federal Investigation Bureau of the United States of America, being conducted by the NPF Special Investigation Panel, is still ongoing.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Commissioner of Police Frank Mba, spoke on the development in a statement.

Mba, in the statement on Tuesday, enjoined Nigerians to note that the panel has not submitted its report to the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, as being wrongly reported in some news outlet and online platforms.

He added: “The Force hereby reassures the public that the outcome of investigations by the probe panel would be communicated accordingly upon conclusion of the investigations.”…

Crime / Foreign / News

Taliban faction leaders meet former Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Kabul

After their sweeping victory in Afghanistan, Taliban now plan to form a government in the country. They vowed that they would respect the rights of women within the framework of Islamic law. One of the group officials also said the leaders of Afghanistan’s Taliban will show themselves to the world and will not stay in the “shadow of secrecy”. Meanwhile, the White House acknowledged that the Taliban had amassed a significant amount of US military equipment after seizing control of Afghanistan following two decades of war with American forces. Since the Taliban’s lightning seizure of Kabul, horrific visuals have emerged from the Afghan capital showing thousands of desperate Afghans rushing to the Kabul airport. While the French government evacuated several dozen people from Kabul in a military plane overnight, a US official said its military evacuated more than 3,200 people from Afghanistan so far, including 1,100 on Tuesday alone. Follow LIVE updates on Afghanistan and the Taliban resurgence here.
…
Football / Sports

Harry Kane trains with team-mates for first time this season after exiting isolation

Harry Kane had not trained with his Tottenham team-mates until Tuesday morning; striker was forced to isolate after returning from holiday and trained individually on Monday; 28-year-old missed Spurs’ 1-0 win against Manchester City – who are interested in signing him – on Sunday.

Kane had been staying at Spurs’ training ground hotel, The Lodge, after coming back to the UK from his holiday in the Bahamas, via Florida. The England captain was required to isolate upon his return, meaning he was unable to join his Spurs team-mates as they prepared to face Manchester City in their Premier League opener on Sunday.…

Entertainment / Music / News

Here are the top 10 Nigerian songs of the week: Kizz Daniel’s ‘Lie’ Debuts at No. 1

Kizz Daniel”s “Lie” debuts atop the TurnTable Top 50 to become the artiste’s first No. 1 entry on the chart.

Plus Fireboy DML’s “Peru” rises for a second straight week on the Top 50, this time to No. 6.

Additionally, Naira Marley becomes the first artiste to have their first 3 entries as lead artiste reach the top ten of the chart as “Drug Test” makes a splash at No. 10.

The Top 50 blends all-genre freemium streaming (Top Streaming Chart), radio airplay (Top Airplay Chart) and TV airplay (TV Top Songs Chart) in Nigeria. All charts will be dated and updated on Mondays, this week’s chart will be revealed on Monday, August 16, 2021.

“Lie” debuts with 55.8 million in radio audience airplay impressions and 2.24 million equivalent streams to start at No. 1 on both the radio and streaming charts respectively. “Lie” joins an exclusive list of songs to debut atop streaming and radio chart in its first week of availability – “FEM” and “Kilometre.”

It is the artiste’s first song to reach No. 1 on the Top 50 after four previous entries reached various regions of the chart (all outside the top 10).

Additionally, “Lie” records one of the biggest weeks in chart history;

Biggest weeks by a song in TurnTable Top 50 history

  1. “Understand” – Omah Lay on the chart dated July 20, 2021
  2. “Rock,” – Olamide on the chart dated June 28, 2021
  3. “Feeling” – Ladipoe & Buju on the chart dated June 14, 2021
  4. “Lie” – Kizz Daniel on the chart dated August 16, 2021
  5. “Rock” – Olamide on the chart dated June 14, 2021
  6. “Godly” – Omah Lay on the chart dated January 11, 2021
  7. “Understand” – Omah Lay on the chart dated August 16, 2021
  8. “Godly” – Omah Lay on the chart dated December 28, 2020
  9. “Godly” – Omah Lay on the chart dated January 4, 2021
  10. “Godly” – Omah Lay on the chart dated January 18, 2021

Omah Lay’s “Understand” drops to No. 2 after topping the chart for three non-consecutive

…