FEATURES
Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba has asked Nigerians to contribute money for him.
The father of late singer, Mohbad has now setup a GoFundMe account for that reason.
According to reports, he is asking Nigerians to donate towards seeking justice for his late son.
Some internet users had earlier slammed him for wearing Mohbad’s clothes and not acting like a man who has just lost his son
Media
Mohbad’s father opens a GofundMe account. He said all the Nigerians who want justice for Mohbad should donate money. pic.twitter.com/95fx18nrJw
— OLAMIDE ???????? (@Olamide0fficial) April 12, 2024
We’re holding Bobrisky in male Prison facility; we’ll protect him from sexual predators - Correctional Service Assures
AFOLABI
Idris ‘Bobrisky’ Okuneye, a crossdresser who delights in adorning female outfits, will be kept in the male section of the prison facility throughout his six-month imprisonment, Peoples Gazette has reliably learnt from officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court on Friday sentenced Bobrisky to jail after he pleaded guilty to a four-count charge of naira abuse.
Bobrisky told Ms Awogboro that he was a man when asked to clarify his gender status before the court. The Gazette was told that his answer would later inform the prison officials to keep him in the facility designated for men.
“Since he admitted to being a male in court, then we have to abide by what was submitted in court,” the correctional spokesperson told our masthead on Friday.
Prison officials also said Bobrisky will be offered adequate protection from other inmates who might want to sexually violate him.
“He shouldn’t be afraid of sexual assault from other male inmates because our men can give him protection.”
Bobrisky, posting a video of him clutching what appeared to be bosoms and posing half-naked in a bathrobe, has given his five million Instagram followers the impression that he has transitioned to a female.
In one of his photos on Instagram, he wrote, “My journey transitioning into a woman has been going smooth, no health issues, everything is going smooth for me.”
Goldman Sachs has reported that the continuous rise of the Naira against the Dollar has positioned it as the top-performing currency for the month of April.
A report by Goldman Sachs economists said that with the appreciation rate of the Naira in the foreign exchange market, the currency may exchange below N1,000 per Dollar in the coming months.
The think-tank disclosed this in its latest report on Nigeria’s economic realities.
The report stated that the Naira rallied 12 per cent against the Dollar in April, adding to its 14 per cent surge in March.
In March, Goldman Sachs forecasted that the Naira would appreciate to N1,200 per Dollar in 2024. The group’s projection became a reality on Monday when the Naira exchanged at N1,230.61 at the official market and N1,200 at the parallel market.
With the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, intervening by selling FX to Bureau De Change operators at a reviewed rate of N1,101 per Dollar from N1,251, the Naira appreciated by N60, trading at 1,140 per Dollar at the Parallel Market on Friday.
In the past months, CBN has said the country has witnessed a surge in capital inflows on the backdrop of several policy interventions.
At its last Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, meeting, the CBN raised the interest rate to 24.75 per cent, helping it retrace losses caused by two devaluations since June last year.
The former Chairman of the Kaduna State chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, has slammed Norther Elders Forum.
He warned them that it is too early for the Northern Elders Forum, NEF, to threaten Nigerians with the 2027 election.
In a statement on Friday, Hayab said, “It is sad to read that some members of NEF are saying North will not vote for Tinubu in the next election in 2027.”
He added, “As a stakeholder, I find this call coming at the wrong time and lacking good reasoning. The speed at which our Naira is improving against dollars shows Tinubu is doing better than our almighty Buhari.”
He further explained that the speed at which Nigeria got the Kuriga school children from Kaduna State back is a huge progress in handling insecurity compared to how innocent parents suffered when Bethel Baptist school children and others were kidnapped.
He advised, “NEF should instead seek ways to collaborate with this government to find solutions to insecurity, hunger, improved economy and making our currency add value for the overall progress and development of the country.
“Threatening the government with no vote in 2027 shows they may not have a good heart for the progress of the country but are only interested in what they will benefit.”
Hayab challenged groups like NEF to support government to make the country great and a better place for all Nigerians.
“Let us not bring issues that have no basics at this time for the progress of our land. We need elders that will help unite the country, offer useful advice that will help the nation not coming up with provocative statements that will only provoke other regions to start making statements that will further bring division and confusion in the country,” he further advised.
Wisdom Anucha, a lecturer at Abia State University (ABSU), has exchanged vows with Novella Grace, the female student he proposed to on Valentine’s Day.
Anucha gained attention after proposing to his girlfriend, who is a student in the Optometry Department, in front of other students in class.
The proposal drew criticism over concerns about a romantic relationship between a lecturer and a student.
In response, the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the institution said Anucha’s actions did not violate any university laws or ethical principles.
In March, the couple announced their wedding date via social media, sharing a photo of themselves in custom outfits.
Anucha recently posted pictures from their wedding ceremony on Facebook, captioning it, “And it came to pass, indeed, it is not good for him to be alone”.
The lovebirds held their church wedding on April 6 at Saint Paul’s Anglican Church in Aba.
The wedding was immediately followed by a reception at Ngwa High School, Aba.
Their traditional marriage took place a week earlier.
Adanma Luke, the producer of the upcoming movie in which the late actor Junior Pope was supposed to be featured, has surrendered to the police.
Pope, the actor, died on Wednesday after he fell into the River Niger in Asaba, Delta state on his way to a movie location.
The film star was in the company of some other actors and crew members when the incident occurred.
On Friday, Tochukwu Ikenga, the Anambra police spokesperson, told TheCable Lifestyle, that Luke was not arrested but submitted herself to the law enforcement agency.
Ikenga added that the two boat drivers were also in custody amid an investigation into Pope’s death.
“She was not arrested, she came by herself, and her statement was obtained. We also have in custody the two boat drivers and interrogation is still ongoing,” he said.
“Early this morning, we have recovered the other three missing bodies. Further details shall be communicated please.”
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) earlier suspended all movies involving riverine locations, following the death of Pope.
Emeka Rollas, the president of the AGN, also warned filmmakers not to work with Luke “until further notice”.
Tochukwu Okafor, the actor fondly called TC Virus who is a survivor of the boat accident, recently opened up about how he escaped the mishap that claimed the life of Pope.
More reports have emerged conerning the boat mishap that claimed the life of a famed Nollywood star, John Paul Odonwodo, aka, Junior Pope.
One of the survivors of the tragic boat mishap, Actor T.C Okafor has recounted how he escaped death by the whiskers, saying “pouring Fanta and money into the Anam River saved his life.”
In a viral video yesterday, the actor revealed that the accident was due to the inexperience of the person steering the boat.
According to him, while they were all on board, only a few passengers wore life jackets.
During the journey, Okafor said he poured Fanta into the river and tossed naira notes and some crumbs from his snack into the river to appease the gods of the river.
He also dashed some money to children who were playing around the river before they commenced the journey.
Okafor also recalled how Jnr Pope queried his actions, and he explained to him that he was rendering obeisance to the river gods, beseeching for safe passage, hence his unconventional rituals.
He narrated: “Before I entered the boat, I did the ritual. The first thing Junior Pope asked me was, ‘What am I I doing?’ And I said I was observing the water people. I can’t pass without sharing something. I have given them Fanta, so I don’t want anything bad to happen to me. Jnr. Pope agreed.
“While we were going, the guy steering the boat was wearing an earpiece, and Junior Pope was doing a video. I saw a small canoe with fishermen in front and due to his lack of experience, the guy steering the boat drove right into the last point of the canoe and we somersaulted.”
Unfortunately, the embattled actor said the producer agreed to pay him only N100,000 to star in the movie. And while they were getting ready to embark on the journey, Jnr Pope said he was uncomfortable but couldn’t help it.
The boat, which was conveying them back to Asaba, was said to have collided with fishermen’s boat, which recorded no casualties.
Meanwhile, hundreds of Nollywood stars and sympathisers yesterday thronged the waterside of River Niger Cable Point, Asaba, Delta State in search of the bodies of the three missing people who were involved in the mishap.
AGN suspends producer of ill-fated film, Adanma Luke
Sequel to the development, the leadership of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, yesterday announced the suspension of the producer of the ill-fated film, Adanma Luke as well as banning shooting of films in riverine areas.
The film titled, “Another Side of Life” was also suspended indefinitely by the Guild’s leadership.
Junior Pope didn’t survive the accident.
The search for the three other missing persons including Abigail Fredrick (Vice Chairman of Costumer Designers Guild of Nigeria) and Akwa-Ibom State-born make-up artist, Precious Oforum (Sound engineer) and Joseph Anointing (Gaffer), continued yesterday, as their colleagues in Nollywood and sympathisers thronged the riverside in their numbers.
In a statement yesterday, the President of AGN, Emeka Rollas announced the indefinite suspension of the producer of the ill-fated movie, Adanma Luke over the death of Jnr Pope.
The AGN President also said the Guild has indefinitely suspended films involving riverine areas and boat riding.
He said movie shootings would not occur yesterday in any location nationwide to mourn the victims of the mishap.
The statement read in part: “Following the tragic incident of boat mishap that claimed the life of Mr John Paul Odonwodo, aka Junior Pope and four other crew members at the waterside of River Niger Cable point, Asaba on April 10, 2024 on a movie set titled ‘The other side of Life’ produced by Adanma Luke, the leadership of the Guild has taken the following decisions: All films that involve riverine areas and boat riding are at this moment suspended indefinitely; no shooting on all locations nationwide on Thursday, April 11, 2024.
“The film titled ‘Another Side of Life’ is suspended indefinitely; No actor is allowed to work with Adamma Luke as a producer till further notice and while we keep searching for the bodies of the remaining persons, may their souls rest in peace.”
NIWA rescues 7, recovers 2 corpses
However, the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, has given a clearer picture of the number of people, casualties and survivors in the boat mishap.
NIWA Area Manager, Mr Suleiman Nicholas, told Vanguard that contrary to the claim that the incident happened in Anam, Anambra West Local Government Area, of the state, the incident happened at the Akpaka Area, a suburb of Onitsha and Nsugbe, Anambra East Local Government Area, when the victims were coming back from Anam, where they went to shoot a movie.
Nicholas further disclosed that there were 12 people in the ill-fated boat and seven of the victims were rescued, two were recovered dead, while three are still missing, and out of the three missing, two are females, while one is male.
The NIWA Area Manager stated that his men are still at the scene of the incident in Akpaka area of Onitsha and Nsugbe, conducting rescue and recovery activities with the men of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria and Marine Police.
Further questioned on the cause of the incident, Nicholas said: “Whatever you will get now as the cause of the incident may not be accurate, we are waiting for the report from my men who are at the scene of the incident. My men are on the water now to recover the remaining three missing victims.”
Police commence investigation into boat mishap
Also yesterday, the Anambra State Police command said preliminary enquiry has given insight into the cause of the boat mishap.
The cause has, however, not been made public, but the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga said the Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye, has ordered exhaustive investigation with a view to determining criminal liability of any person, if any, in the mishap.
Ikenga, in a statement said: “On being notified of the capsize, Anambra Command Marine Police deployed for rescue operations and successfully rescued six actors and one actress from the water.
“Two others who were unconscious were also pulled out with the aid of fishermen and conveyed to the Delta State Command Marine Police Jetty where other members of the crew who travelled in the first boat were waiting.
“They were handed over to the President of the Actors Guild for conveyance to the hospital, while the rescue team went back in search of three others who are still missing as at the time of this release.”
He said although the accident happened within the jurisdiction of Anambra State Command, issues relating to release of bodies of the accident victims for a decent burial are to be handled by the Delta State Police command.
The CP commiserated with the families, friends and fans of the actors who lost their lives as a result of the boat mishap and prayed God to grant their souls a sweet repose.
[Vanguard]
Bobrisky, the social media celebrity, on Friday, confirmed her gender during her trial on charges of naira abuse in court.
The crossdresser was sentenced to six months in prison by Abimbola Awogboro, a judge of the federal high court.
Awogboro, in her verdict, also ruled that the sentence is without the option of a fine.
She ruled that the jail term commences on March 24, the day of her arrest.
The judge said the verdict would serve as a deterrent to other persons fond of abusing and mutilating the Nigerian currency.
Before the sentence, the judge asked Bobrisky about her gender, and she quickly replied that she “was a man”.
“Are you a man or a woman?” the judge asked to which Bobrisky responded, “I am a man”.
The social media celebrity was arrested on April 4 in Lagos for defacing the naira notes.
The crossdresser was arraigned on a six-count charge last Friday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
While four of the charges are related to naira abuse, the remaining two counts involve alleged money laundering.
The self-proclaimed transgender, however, pleaded guilty to the first four counts bordering on naira abuse.
The presiding judge struck out counts five and six following the request of the EFCC’s counsel.
Bobrisky has always been in the news for controversial reasons.
She has always warned the public to stop referring to her as a man. She also claimed to be Nigeria’s first transgender and once admitted to having severed her genitals.
Bobrisky had in 2020 revealed that she opted for crossdressing to make ends meet after 25 years of being a man.
In September 2021, the social media celebrity also talked about some of the perks she enjoys being a “woman”.
[TheCable]
Controversial crossdresser, Bobrisky has confirmed his gender during his trial on charges of naira abuse in court on Friday.
Recall the crossdresser was handed a six-month jail sentence by Abimbola Awogboro, a judge of the federal high court in Lagos.
Awogboro, in her verdict, also ruled that the sentence is without the option of a fine.
The judge while sentencing the convict, said the judgment will be a deterrent to others that are found to be abusing and mutilating the Naira.
Meanwhile, prior to the sentence, the judge asked Bobrisky of his sex, and he quickly replied that he is a man.
Bobrisky is famous on the internet for identifying as a transgender woman.
The socialite gained traction for his bold and flamboyant style, makeup tutorials, and controversial statements on various social issues.
Bobrisky openly embraced his identity and has been vocal about his experiences navigating gender identity in Nigeria.
Yesterday, Nigerian Army troops engaged in a cordon-and-search operation following the March 14th incident where 17 military personnel were killed at Okuama in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State. During this operation, they reportedly entered another community, Olota, and allegedly detained at least 10 individuals.
This came on a day Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SANs, and retired judges ripped apart the Board of Inquiry constituted by Defence Headquarters to investigate the March 14 killing of military personnel at Okuama in Ughelli South Local Government of Delta State, saying it had no powers to do so.
But Vanguard could not reach Prosper Evuarherhe, the President-General of Olota, but an eyewitness said the military men left with the community’s chairman, Matthew Olokpa, and over 10 others.
He said: “The over 200 soldiers entered Olota in three gunboats this morning (yesterday). They held the Chairman, Matthew Olokpa, Bigi Edjekpewhu, German Obiokute, Kenneth Okorodudu Atua, and others.”
The witness disclosed that the soldiers razed some houses in the community, 50 kilometres from Okuama, and took with them almost all the speedboats they sighted in the jetty.
“Gunshots roared in Olota today (yesterday); we ask those in authority to intervene and tell the soldiers to leave Olota in peace. They left with those apprehended, no fewer than 10 persons. They burnt Germany’s house and two others and destroyed one.
“They also left with many speed boats at the jetty belonging to residents. They beat the community chairman to a stupor before they moved him with the others, along with a 75-engine-powered boat belonging to Kenneth. This latest crisis may not be connected with Okuama.”
Recall that the army had visited the same community and others, including Arhavwarien, Orere, and Omosuomo, more than a week ago, searching for arms and ammunition snatched from the dead soldiers and fleeing suspects.
Meanwhile, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SANs, and retired judges have ripped apart the Board of Inquiry constituted by Defence Headquarters to investigate the March 14 killing of military personnel at Okuama in Ughelli South Local Government of Delta State.
They told the federal government that the correct thing to do was to institute a judicial commission of inquiry into the incident or ask Delta State government to set one up.
The military panel, headed by Air Vice-Marshal David Ajayi, started sitting, Wednesday, in Warri. However, Okuama community, whose leaders and lawyer, said the displaced residents were hiding and suffering in the forests because of the cordon-and-search operation by the Army, rebuffed the hearing.
But six representatives of Okoloba community in Bomadi Local Government Area, whose boundary dispute with Okuama triggered the tragic episode, appeared before the Ajayi-led board of inquiry on Wednesday afternoon, while officials prevented reporters from covering the proceedings.
Speaking to Vanguard, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje, SAN, and Life Bencher, former Attorney-General of Akwa Ibom State, Uwemedimo Nwoko SAN, and retired President of the Delta State Area Customary Court, Miakpor Emiaso, said the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, did not have the power to set up a public inquiry into the Okuama incident.
Olayiwola Afolabi, SAN, and Chief Magistrate E.O Eferakoro, retd., advised the federal government to order the Army to vacate Okuama.
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A new drug has been introduced by Zimbabwe that can prevent HIV for 2 months.
The revolutionary HIV drug prevents one from contracting the disease for the next two months.
The drug identified as Injectable cabotegravir (CAB_LA) which is now available for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a cutting-edge biomedical intervention which offers a convenient and potent means of preventing HIV transmission among individuals at substantial risk.
Unlike the traditional daily regimen of pills required for PrEP, this injection is administered once every two months, providing a more practical and manageable option for those seeking protection against the virus.
Speaking on the development via X, Dr Misheck Ruwende, a renowned figure in the medical community said, “Good news! Zimbabwe had its first recipient of the HIV prevention injection today. A more convenient alternative to daily pills (PrEP). The injection is administered once in two months.”
Furthermore, the injection is not yet available at public hospitals and is currently accessible through Population Solutions for Health at New Start Centres.
The debut of CAB_LA has generated a wave of excitement and curiosity among the Zimbabwean populace.
Social media platforms are buzzing with discussions and opinions, with some users humorously comparing the injection to a ‘Depo’ shot, while others seek clarity on its availability, potential side effects, and the implications for treatment guidelines.
Although the HIV prevention injection is available for free, its availability is still very limited. It is not yet clear what specific criteria are being used to select individuals who receive the injection.
Popular Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has responded fiercely to the backlash she faced following a social media post where she advised women to pray for a mother-in-law like Mohbad’s mother, amidst criticism that ensued.
The actress had taken to her social media page to commemorate the 50th birthday of Mr. Joseph Aloba’s ex-wife, extending prayers and blessings to her.
Iyabo Ojo hits back amidst backlash over prayers for Mohbad's mother
However, her statement urging women to aspire for a mother-in-law similar to Mohbad’s mother sparked controversy and drew ire from many, who found the sentiment distasteful, especially in relation to her own daughter, Priscilla.
Addressing the criticism during a live session, Iyabo Ojo vehemently defended her stance and lashed out at her critics, condemning their rudeness and lack of manners.
Mohbad’s mother.
She delved into the backstory of Mohbad’s mother’s absence, suggesting that she might have endured hardships in her marriage with Mr. Joseph Aloba, which led to her abandoning her children for a decade.
“What is your concern with my post? Are you all suffering from absent parents? Do you know what she faced in the marriage before abandoning her children for ten years? You lots are unfortunate fools. Are you crazy? All of you cursing that woman will be affected by that curse and your home generations. Most of your mothers are worthless and can’t even be showed off,” she said in part.
Renowned Nigerian businessman, Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana marked his 49th birthday in grand fashion, as he took to Instagram to share a glimpse of the celebration with his followers.
Dressed in a traditional Igbo attire complete with a red cap, the entrepreneur struck a pose exuding pride and gratitude.
In his Instagram post, Obi Cubana expressed profound appreciation for the blessings in his life, captioning the image with words of gratitude.
He wrote;
“For ALL You have done for me, i am grateful O Lord! Thankful… #drokpataozueora1 Made in Nigeria; on 12th April 1975!! #49 HBD to me.”
The post garnered an outpouring of warm wishes and congratulatory messages from his admirers and well-wishers.
Among the flood of comments, many commended Obi Cubana’s achievements and celebrated his milestone birthday.
In a heartbreaking development, One Abigail Frederick said to be the makeup artist who died with actor, Jnr Pope and other crew members as a result of a boat crash that occurred at Anam river has been laid to rest.
According to a man identified on Facebook as Moses Ekor, Abigail was buried at the riverbank as her father didn’t have money to conduct the necessary sacrifice for her body to be carried back home to Akwa Ibom State.
Expressing worry and dissatisfaction, Moses Ekor tagged the riverbank burial as shameful. He thanked a few people who donated money for the transportation of her parents from Akwa Ibom to Asaba.
He wrote:
“Abigail Fredrick
Body Will Be Buried This Night By The Side Of River Niger, The Father Is There Right Now, He Has Non Say Because The Money We Raise For His Is Too Small To Conduct The Traditional Sacrifice And Bring Back Abigail Body To Akwa Ibom jonal Sacrifice And
I’m Too Sad I Wish We Could Raised More! Burring Her At The River Bank This Night Is A Shame To Me.”
In another post, he wrote:
“Shame Abigail Frederick Has Just Been Buried At The River Bank
The Father Had No Dime, I Went Round Begging For Money This Morning For The Parent To Move To Asaba.
The Taxi they Hired To And Fro Billed N180,000.
Monies Raised:
Holly George MC Holly Gave #50,000
Hon Akata Gave N50,000
Charles Udoh N100,000
Utang Akwa Ibom N80,000
Moses Eskor N10,000
Idy James N5000
Mayfiyn Anwana N15,000
Total N310,000
Transportation Alone Cost them N200,000
The Couldn’t Afford A Sacrifice Of Over N150,000 And and Ambulance to bring back Abigail.
I am grateful to all who contributed
Abigail Has Been Buried
But It is A Shame That We Couldn’t Bring Back Her Body.”
See the post below: