Mosun Filani, the Nigerian actress, has disclosed that she took a break from her acting career to prioritize raising her children, underscoring the swiftness of time.

She said that business was never a priority for her.

After many years off-screen, the movie star recently announced her return to the industry. 

In an interview with Oyinmomo TV, Mosun explained that she prioritized her children’s upbringing over her career.

She noted that once a child gains admission to the university, they are no longer under their parent’s care.

Mosun added that she wanted to ensure she raised her kids well, especially considering the influence of social media.

She wrote: “Business was not my priority. I decided to take that break. I took a long break for the kids to grow up. For how long do they stay with us? When a child is in University, he or she is no longer under the parents’ care, take it or leave it.

So, how many years do you have to spend with your children? To train them?

“Some people are even alleging that they are the ones releasing their s3x tapes, just to have followers. Let there be a scandalous post about anyone and see the massive growth that will happen to his/her Instagram page. That aspect bothers me a lot.”

Federal High Court in Abuja has remanded social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as Verydarkman in police custody.

Trial Justice Mobolaji Olajuwo issued the remand order after the defendant pleaded not guilty to a five-count cybercrime charge the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, preferred against him.

For instance, police, in one of the counts in the charge, alleged that the defendant posted videos on his Instagram handles ‘verydarkblackman’, containing information that was “grossly offensive, pornographic or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character.”

It told the court that the defendant alleged that one Iyabo Ojo was having indecent sexual relationship with her daughter, even though he knew that the information in the video he posted on Instagram was false.

Police further alleged that the defendant, in another video he shared on social media, falsely published that an actress, Tonto Dike, was accused of criminal conversion of the proceeds of crowd funding for #JusticeforMohbadMovement, and equally alleged that she was the person behind a controversial gossip blog, Gistlover.

It maintained that the defendant made the publication “for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience, danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred, ill will or needless anxiety to the person of the said King Tonto Dike.”

More so, the prosecution alleged that the defendant, in another video he posted on social media, falsely alleged that top police officers and Senators were having sexual relationship with a now convicted male cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.

Police told the court that the defendant added that Bobrisky was pimping young boys for Senators and Senior Police Officers to sleep with, which statement he “made for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience, danger, insult, injury.”

The defendant was said to had by his actions, committed the offence of Cyberstalking, contrary to and punishable under section 24 (1)(b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) ACT, 2015.

Meanwhile, following the defendant’s plea of innocence to the charge, his lawyer, Mr. Deji Adeyanju, urged the court to release him on bail, pending the determination of the case against him. 

Adeyanju noted that the charge contained bailable offences, stressing that the defendant ought to enjoy his right of presumption of innocence as guaranteed under by the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

However, police said it would need time to respond to the defendant’s bail application.

Even though the prosecution counsel applied for the defendant to be remanded in prison custody pending the determination of his bail request, trial Justice Olajuwon ordered that he should remain in police custody.

The court subsequently adjourned the matter till next week Wednesday, May 29.

It will be recalled that Verydarkman was in March, arrested and detained by the police over the same allegations.

Verydarkman was later released on administrative bail after various human right activists mounted pressure on the police.

Margaret Oyibo Atayi, a Nigerian woman, has reportedly committed suicide in Nasarawa State.

The woman killed herself over her failed marriage.

The mother of two from Ugbokolo Local Government Area of Benue State was found dead three days after she was declared missing by her family members.

She was last seen around City College Of Education, Abacha road, Mararaba, Nasarawa State at about 3am on Friday, May 17, 2024.

Since then, all efforts to locate her whereabouts proved abortive until her sister, Ochanya Chelle, confirmed that she was found dead on Monday, May 20.

According to her father, Mr. Patrick Atayi, she committed suicide after falling into depression due to her marital crisis.

“Margaret was a mother of two children. She has been in depression for some time now due to mistreatment by her husband," he explained.

“She went out on that fateful Friday morning by 3am without the knowledge of anybody. Her body was discovered in the late hours of Monday, and every available evidence confirmed that she committed suicide.”

A close source who confirmed the incident to Idoma Voice Newspaper said; “This is very unfortunate. In an effort to search for her, I reached out to her father and discovered that she was a mother of two children and that she went into depression for some time, which led to her going out that Friday night at 3 am without anyone’s knowledge, resulting in this unfortunate incident.

"Please, no one should die in silence, no matter the situation you find yourself in. Please speak out; you could be helped and overcome it. Nothing is worth taking your life for or dying for. Above all, embrace God and enjoy the peace of God."

The Trade Union Congress, TUC, said the proposed N54, 000 by the Federal Government falls short of what Nigeria should be paying.

The President of TUC, Festus Osifo stated this in an interview with Arise Television.

People Talk: On sale of new Naira notes at Nigerian parties0:00 / 0:00
Recall that the Federal Government had previously proposed the sum of N48,000 for minimum wage.

This was rejected by the trade union because it was “ridiculous,” leading to a meeting on Tuesday for a new proposal where the sum of N54,000 was suggested.

Speaking on the development, Osifo said the Tuesday meeting was held with the expectation that the proposal will be “something reasonable.”

He said the N615,000 was a negotiation strategy by the union, saying that “you don’t go into negotiation with your barest minimum, after looking at all factors then you add markup to it so you have room for adjustment. The N615,000 submitted was a strategy.”

Osifo highlighted the remarkable difference between the minimum wage of 18,000 naira in 2011, and the suggested 54,000 naira in 2024, using the value of dollar and consumer purchasing power.

He said, “2011 when N18,000 was passed as the minimum wage, what was the value of USD? In 2011, N18,000 using an exchange rate of about 140-145 will give you about $125, which when converted today will get you close to N200,000.

“What that means is what N18,000 could buy in 2011 you will need almost N200,000 to buy it today.”

Osifo said one of the reasons the meeting held today made no progress and was rescheduled, was due to the absence of the 6 state governors, and lack of mandate by 2 who were represented.

“We asked them if they had any mandate and they said no, so we adjourned the meeting to 4pm on Wednesday,” he said.

He urged the governors to be present for the meeting on Wednesday and recognise that they “are not here to play and the Nigerians workers are waiting for the outcome of this conversation.”

Osifo said regardless of the presence of the governors at the meeting tomorrow, “as long as the federal government is seated we are going to move forward but not with the N54,000 they have presented to us.”

An Ikeja Special Offences Court on Wednesday reserved judgment until Sept. 10 in the case of an American, Marco Antonio-Ramirez, charged with $1.2 million fraud.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Justice Mojisola Dada will also, on Sept. 10, deliver judgment in another charge bordering on $368,698 fraud against the same Antonio-Ramirez.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Antonio-Ramirez on an amended 16-count charge bordering on $1.2 million fraud.

People Talk: On sale of new Naira notes at Nigerian parties0:00 / 1:00
EFCC, in one of the counts, alleged that the defendant dishonourably converted to his personal use, an aggregate sum of $545,000 belonging to one Mr Godson Echegile.

The anti-graft agency also alleged that the defendant, between July 12, 2012, and Nov. 7, 2012, in Lagos, dishonourably converted to his personal use, an aggregate sum of $314,800 belonging to one Alhaji Abubakar Umar.

The commission also submitted that the defendant, between Feb. 19, 2013, and April 18, 2013, in Lagos, dishonourably converted to his personal use, an aggregate sum of $230,000, also property of Umar.

In the separate charge, EFCC alleged that the defendant obtained $368,698 fraudulently.

The defendant is charged on nine counts in the amended separate charge.

In one of the counts, EFCC stated that the defendant, with intent to defraud, obtained $250,000 from one Mr Gabriel Edeoghon under false representation that the sum was his investment in his company.

EFCC also allegsd that the defendant, with intent to defraud, obtained $50,281 from one Mr Oludare Talabi under the false representation that the sum was to procure U.S. L1 Visa, a representation he knew to be untrue.

Antonio-Ramirez, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges, on arraignment.

Akpabio is Publisher, Adaramodu Editor- in - Chief as 10th Senate launches magazine
The trial suffered several adjournments occasioned by absence of defence counsel, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN).

However, adoption of final written addresses by counsel to both parties has taken place.

Following the adoption, the judge adjourned the two cases until Sept. 10 for judgment.

A university in the United Kingdom, Teesside University, has sent some Nigerian students packing following their inability to pay tuition fees, as a result of forex shortages.

The university has ordered the affected students to discontinue their studies and leave the UK.

The students were blocked from their studies and reported to the Home Office after the value of Nigeria’s naira plummeted, wiping out their savings.

According to report monitored on the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, some of the students said they felt suicidal as they accused the university of taking a “heartless” approach to those who fell into arrears as a result.

A university spokesman said failure to pay was a breach of visa sponsorship requirements, and that it had “no choice” but to alert the Home Office. The Home Office said visa sponsorship decisions rested with the institution.

Nigeria is currently experiencing serious economic crisis, which is having a significant impact on Nigerian students at some UK universities.

Average inflation is almost 34%, and the situation deteriorated due to some policies introduced by the government. 

Before beginning their studies at Teesside, affected students were told they had to show proof of having enough funds to pay tuition fees and living expenses.

However, those funds were significantly depleted because of the crisis in their home country.

A group of students, some of whom shared their names with the BBC, began pressing the university for support after several people who defaulted on payments were frozen out of university accounts and involuntarily withdrawn from their courses.

Some were reportedly also contacted by debt collection agencies contracted by the university.

Adenike Ibrahim was close to handing in her dissertation at the end of two years of study when she missed one payment and was then kicked off her course and reported to the Home Office.

She subsequently paid the outstanding fees but said she had not been re-enrolled and was told she must leave the country, along with her young son.

“I did default [on payments], but I’d already paid 90% of my tuition fees and I went to all of my classes,” she said.

“I called them and asked to reach an agreement, but they do not care what happens to their students.”

She said the experience was “horrendous” and she did not know what was happening with her qualification.

“It has been heartbreaking for my son especially, he has been in so much distress since I told him,” Ms Ibrahim added.

No right of appeal

The Home Office told students, including Ms Ibrahim, that their permission to enter the UK had been cancelled because they stopped studying at the university.

The letters, seen by the BBC, offer a date by which the student must leave the country and say they do not have a “right of appeal or administrative review against the decision”.

Since receiving his letter, one master’s degree student – who did not want to be named – said he had seriously considered suicide and was not eating or drinking.

The university said it had made “every effort” to support affected students, who had now been offered individual meetings with specialist staff and bespoke payment plans where requested.

Esther Obigwe said she repeatedly tried to speak to the university about her financial struggles but received no response, until she too was blocked from her studies and received notice to leave the country.

“I attended all of my classes and seminars, I’m a hell of an active student,” she said.

“It is disheartening, I am now on antidepressants and being here alone, I have nobody to talk to.

“For over two months, I’ve barely eaten or slept, and I don’t understand why this is being meted at us, we didn’t do anything wrong.”

She added that most of the students had “spent a lot of money to be here”.

Jude Salubi, who was studying to be a social worker, was midway through a placement when he was told his access to the university was suspended and he would have to leave the country.

Prior to that, he travelled from Teesside to Liverpool each weekend to work 18 hours to pay off the outstanding fees.

“As of now I have paid £14,000 and have a balance of £14,000,” he said.

“I am willing to come to an agreement as to how I will make this payment, but I need guarantees that I will be re enrolled into school and my visa restored.”

A university spokesman said: “Teesside University is proud to be a global institution with a diverse student population but is also very aware of its obligations regarding visa issuance and compliance.

“These strict external regulations ensure that the university fully supports a robust immigration system and is outside of the university’s control.”

The spokesman added it was “aware of the challenging financial situation faced by some students” and had “actively offered bespoke payment plans where requested”. 

“This option has been taken up by many of our international students; however, some students have still defaulted on these revised payment plans,” he said.

The Home Office said a decision to offer or withdraw visa sponsorship rested with the sponsoring institution.

A spokesman said wherever a visa was shortened or cancelled, individuals should “take steps to regularise their stay or make arrangements to leave the UK”.

THE President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio is the Publisher of the 98- page 10th Senate Magazine that has been launched to bridge the gap between it and the citizenry. 

The Chairman Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs and the Editor-in-Chief of the Magazine, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, APC, Ekiti South made the public presentation of the magazine titled “10th Senate Magazine” during plenary.

Adaramodu said, “We gather here to witness a groundbreaking moment in the history of Nigeria, a moment that marks the birth of a new era of communication between the Senate and the citizenry. 

“For the first time in the annals of our great nation, the Senate has bestowed upon us the 10th Senate Magazine.

“It is a platform that will bridge the gap between the Senate and the people it serves. This visionary initiative of the leadership of the 10th Senate is deliberately intended to foster transparency, understanding and engagement, as we strive to build a stronger and more inclusive democracy.”

The Senate Spokesperson who noted that the Senate stood as the upper chamber of the National Assembly, representing the interests of the diverse Nigerian populace, said, “It is here, in the hallowed halls of legislation, that the voices of the people find resonance and their concerns are addressed through thoughtful deliberations and legislation.”

Adaramodu who explained that the magazine, the senate’s beacon of progress, was an embodiment of the senate’s commitment to open dialogue and effective communication with Nigerian people within and outside, said, “within its pages, you will find a tapestry of stories, insights, and ideas that reflect the rich chronicle of our nation.

“It will serve as a platform for the senate to share its legislative achievements, initiatives and aspirations, while also providing a voice to the diverse voices of our citizenry.

“As we embark on this journey together, let us embrace the power of knowledge and dialogue. Let us seize this opportunity to strengthen the bond between the senate and the people, as we work hand in hand towards a brighter future for our beloved nation. 

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the President of the Senate who himself is the Publisher, distinguished senators and the editorial team who have contributed to the birth of the 10th Senate Magazine.

“Your dedication and commitment have brought us to this momentous occasion, and we stand united in our pursuit of a more informed and engaged society.

“Together, let us build bridges, foster understanding and create a legacy of progress that will resonate for generations to come.”

If one has the power to challenge fate, many people would have asked why they are treated very unfairly. But Henry Miller would say: Destiny is what you are supposed to do in life. Fate is what kicks you in the ass to make you do it. So we can’t challenge fate.

Mrs. Nkechi Clement Ugo, a native of Oshigbe Community in Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, would have been one of those to challenge fate if the opportunity had provided that. Fate has indeed kicked her in the ass with the precarious situation she finds herself in. 

A blind widow with six children, who lost her husband some years ago, struggling to take care of her five bind children, has been very difficult, especially with the present economic situation of the country. 

At the Ebonyi Remand Home located at Mile 50 in Abakaliki, where she and her blind children are currently taking refuge, Nkechi said out of her six children, five are blind like her.

The eldest of her children is 13 while the youngest is 5 years old. She explained that her first child is in the School for the Blind at Opefia in Ezzi Local Government Area of the state. 

According to Mrs. Ugo, her ordeal started at a tender age when she woke up one morning to discover that she could not see any longer and all efforts made by her father to enable her regain her sight proved abortive.

“My world came to an end when l lost both parents to the cold hands of death”, she lamented.

However, according to her,  succour came her way when a man approached her for marriage despite her condition. But as if she was created for ill luck, her  life was further stretched when she lost her husband years ago leaving her and her blind children in a world full of loneliness, suffering, and an uncertain future.

She said that life has been unbearable as her condition makes it difficult for her to engage in any meaningful activity to earn a living. “As you can see, l am blind and all my children except one, are blind. My first blind  daughter is currently in the School for the Blind at Opefia through the help of good-spirited individuals. The only one who is free from blindness cannot go to school regularly because she is our eyes and legs as of now, so anytime she is not around, we would be crippled until she comes back”, she narrated. 

Mrs.  Ugo lamented her inability to train her children in school and recalled how she had the ambition of raising world-class men and women who would contribute to the development of the larger society and wished she could have her children regain their sights.

  Mrs. Nwifuru to the rescue   

But all hopes seem not lost  for the family as the wife of the Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudlin Nwifuru has located her and commenced the construction of an ultra-modern bungalow for the blind woman and her children as well as donation of food items, clothing, and cash gifts to cushion the effect of the present economic hardship on the blind woman and her children. 

Mrs. Nwifuru got information on the pathetic circumstances of the blind family during her tour of the 13 Local Government Areas of the state for the inauguration of her pet project, “Better Health For Rural Women, Children, And Internally Displaced Foundation”, BERWO.

Touched by the plight of the family, the Governor’s wife who couldn’t hold back tears after seeing and hearing from the blind woman, pledged to take care of the family. She promised that a greater part of her life would be committed to humanitarian services, adding that her foundation would always be at the forefront of the activities geared towards the well-being of the downtrodden in society. 

She disclosed that her foundation has enrolled over 4,750 pregnant women across the state into the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Scheme aimed at ensuring safe delivery and adequate health care for the women among other projects. 

Responding, Mrs. Ugo thanked the governor’s wife and also appealed to other good-spirited individuals who could come to her aid to further assist her blind children go to school and have quality education like their peers and earn a living without having to depend on people through street begging. “I can’t question God for what He has made me and these children be; we are His creatures and we are grateful to Him”, she said.

…Ministers to present performance reports

…Akume, Bagudu, Idris defend administration’s policies

In what appears as an afterthought, President Bola Tinubu has cancelled an elaborate celebration outlined to user in his first year in office and opted for a low-keyed outing, instead.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, announced the development at a media briefing attended by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris and the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmud.

Notwithstanding the hardship in the country, Akume boasted that the administration of Tinubu has remained calm and unwavering in rendering quality service to Nigerians through exemplary leadership.

The top politician said, “Let me begin by admitting that the first year in Office of Mr. President has been a testament of sorts and goes to show the unwavering commitment and resilience of this Administration towards serving the Nigerian people with diligence, integrity and dedication. Despite the daunting challenges from all angles, President Tinubu has maintained his calm and demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities, thereby guiding our nation with vision and foresight.

“From the outset, President Tinubu’s Administration set forth an ambitious agenda focused on economic revitalization, social inclusion, and infrastructural development. Government has implemented significant economic reforms aimed at stabilizing our economy and fostering sustainable growth. Key among these is the introduction of policies that have attracted foreign investments, reduced inflation, and boosted job creation across various sectors.

“Mr. President’s commitment to enhancing our nation’s infrastructure is also evident in the completion and ongoing execution of numerous projects, notable among which are the extensive road networks, improved rail systems, and the modernization of our ports, which are vital for boosting trade and connectivity.

“In the same vein, recognizing the importance of human capital development, the present Administration has made substantial investments in healthcare and education. The launch of new healthcare facilities and the upgrade of existing ones, along with reforms in our educational system, underscores Government’s dedication to the well­being and future of our citizens.

“More importantly, ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians remains a top priority of Government. It has therefore strengthened our security apparatus, enhanced intelligence gathering, and fostered greater collaboration among security agencies to address the multifaceted challenges of security across the country.

“This Administration has also rolled out several social intervention programs aimed at alleviating poverty and empowering the vulnerable segments of our society. These initiatives have provided financial assistance, skill acquisition opportunities, and improved access to essential services.

“I make bold to say that, Nigeria, under its present stewardship, have witnessed significant policy strides in various sectors including but not limited to: The Presidential accent to the 2023 Electricity Bill, a move that dismantled monopolistic control over electricity generation, transmission and distribution at the national level and granted authority to State Governments, Corporations and individuals to generate, distribute and transmit electricity, thus decentralizing the power sector;

accent to the passage into law of the Nigeria Data Protection Bill 2023 that established a legal framework for safeguarding personal information and promoting data protection practices in Nigeria; and

the challenging but very necessary removal of fuel subsidy, a longstanding policy notorious for fostering corruption, inefficiency and imposing significant fiscal strain on the government annually, and primarily benefiting the affluent and smugglers, rather than effectively aiding the general populace.

“It is apt to say, that under President Tinubu’s stewardship within his first year in office, we have witnessed significant strides in various sectors of our economy. Through prudent fiscal policies and strategic investments, the Nigerian economy has shown resilience and potential for growth. The administration’s focus on infrastructure development, job creation and economic diversification has laid the foundation for sustainable progress and prosperity for all Nigerians.

“Furthermore, government’s commitment to good governance and the rule of law has strengthened our democratic institutions and enhanced transparency and accountability in governance. His unwavering resolve to combat corruption and promote ethical leadership has earned the admiration and support of the Nigerian people.

Akume however called on all Nigerians to join hands with the administration to build a stronger and more prosperous nation as the country moves into the second year of the administration.

Answering a reporter’s question, the Budget and Economic Planning Minister, Atiku Bagudu, defended the various harsh economic and financial policies so far applied by the government, arguing that they were necessary to elicit direct foreign investments and propel growth.

The minister argued that if those measures has been taken long ago, Nigerian would have been better off economically and financially and praised Tinubu for taking firm decisions to move the country forward.