The media office of Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi state, has described claims that the American International School Abuja (AISA) intends to refund $760,000 of school fees paid in advance as a “mischievous narrative”.

On April 26, documents in which AISA asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to provide “authentic banking details” for the refund of fees paid for the children of Bello, made the rounds online.

In a letter addressed to the Lagos zonal commander of the EFCC, the school said the sum of $845,852 has been paid in tuition “since the 7th of September 2021 to date”.

AISA said the sum to be refunded is $760,910, because it had deducted educational services already rendered.

On April 23, Ola Olukoyede, the EFCC chair, had said Bello paid $720,000 in advance as fees for five of his children from the coffers of the Kogi state government.

However, in a statement signed by Ohiare Michael, the ex-governor’s media office said “Yahaya Bello’s children have attended the American International School, Abuja, since before he became Governor, and he has paid their fees as due without fail”.

The statement added that Bello did not use Kogi state funds to pay the fees.

“He did not pay USD720,000 or USD840,000 as alleged. The payment commenced in 2021, not when he was leaving office,” the statement reads.

“He did not use Kogi State Government funds to pay the fees.

“The EFCC’s attempt to recover funds from the school was unsuccessful, and the court mandated the school to continue providing services.

“The documents published online are public documents filed in court and show that Yahaya Bello has nothing to hide.

“The payment is the subject of an ongoing court case, and we await the EFCC’s proof in court.”

Michael added that Bello will not be intimidated by blackmail.

“We will not engage in prejudicial statements while the matter is sub judice,” the statement reads.

“We thank Nigerians who recognize the EFCC’s desperation as personal vendetta.

“We implore others not to be misled by mischievous narratives but to follow the case until justice is served.

“Yahaya Bello will not be intimidated by blackmail and will continue to follow due process.”

On April 17, EFCC operatives laid siege to Bello’s residence in Abuja in an attempt to arrest him over an alleged N80.2 billion fraud.

While the operatives were at the house, Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi, arrived at the property and reportedly whisked Bello away.

The EFCC has since declared Bello wanted, with the NIS placing the ex-governor on a watchlist.

Nigerian music sensation David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has reiterated that his flourishing career in the music industry is not a product of his father’s wealth.

In an interview on the American podcast ‘Business Untitled,’ Davido debunked the notion that his success can be attributed solely to his family’s affluent background.

Addressing misconceptions surrounding his rise to stardom, Davido emphasized that while his father’s financial status might have initially posed challenges, it did not pave his path to success.

He highlighted the presence of individuals from wealthier backgrounds who attempted to carve their niche in the entertainment industry but failed to attain comparable levels of accomplishment.

The self-proclaimed “Omo Baba Olowo” shared that his early days in the music industry were marked by skepticism due to his family’s wealth.

However, he expressed gratitude for being acknowledged and accepted primarily on the basis of his talent and skillset.

“There are many billionaires in Nigeria, even richer than my father… And there are people [billionaire’s children] who have tried to do what I have tried to do: music, entertainment, business. But mine has been successful because of my values,” Davido said.

Reflecting on his journey, Davido credited his acceptance in the industry to his inherent talent and dedication to his craft.

He emphasized that his musical prowess and commitment to delivering quality content played pivotal roles in garnering widespread recognition and acclaim.

“The biggest challenge I had when I started music was that my father is wealthy. But I got accepted for one reason and that reason is that I am good, talented. I don’t think I would have ever been accepted if I wasn’t good at what I do,” he added.

The widow of veteran actor Mufutau Sanni Abdulahi, known as Ajigijaga, shared her heartbreaking experience with his husband’s family in an interview with Biola Bayo on the show, “Talk To B”.

She recounted being expelled from her matrimonial home on the day of her husband’s burial.

She further revealed how her husband shaped her choices, made her abandon her musical career, and withdraw from the Celestial church.

According to her, she was driven from her marital home because her in-laws couldn’t provide for her and her children.

She questioned the practice that denied a widow her rights when her father-in-law is alive.

Struggling to make ends meet, she revealed she resorted to street hawking to provide for her children, a hustle her late husband wouldn’t have allowed her to do.

In her words:

“I stopped medication because of my husband, is it someone that hasn’t eaten that would be doing hair? I stopped my musical career because of my husband. I was the one who converted my parents to Celestial church, but I dropped that religion because of my husband, Ajigijaga.

Those people who were hailing my husband are ready to use me and my children as slaves now.

The day he died, his family pursued me away from our house, saying they couldn’t take care of me and the kids. I didn’t take a dime from the house even clothes, it was just me and my kids.

Where in Yoruba land do you hear a woman who is legally married performing her widow’s nite at her parents’ home when her husband’s father is still alive. Sometimes I think about what to do

Now that he is dead, I am now a hawker, this was something he never allowed me to do when he was alive. I have to hawk so I can feed my children.

No one wanted to help me because they didn’t want people to misunderstand them and claim they were sleeping with her.

I am doing everything to make my children, parents, and everyone around me happy but where is my happiness”.

Watch the video below:

He told us to bring his son’s head, heart, fingers and legs to him – accomplice
Lagos police burst den of ritual killers, arrest 10 suspects

The police in Lagos, recently, recorded a breakthrough by arresting 10 members of suspected criminals who specialize in exhuming body parts from cemeteries and killing human beings for rituals.

Among the arrested suspects was an 85-year-old traditional ruler in Benin Republic, Yusuf Lawal Muse, the son of a pastor said to be the kingpin, Ademola Akinlosota, 33, an Ifa priest, Sunday Badonu, aka Osekure, 25, his father, Vijamiya Badonu, an idol priest and Osetura’s father, Dada Trival, 33, Bale of Akalekumo in Badagry, Hunsu Segun,35, Balogun in Ogboni fraternity, Badagry, Amodu Wahab, aka Alhaji Bororo, 58, specialists in collecting human parts both fresh and dry, Kamolu Aderibigbe, 44, a trade-medical doctor in Ijedfodo and Muyibat Adesina, 49, the herbalist who uses human parts to prepare concoctions for people.

Crime Guard learned that the traditional ruler, Yusuf Lawal Muse is from Diasou in Benin Republic and is married to six women with 21 children. He reportedly relocated to Ibatefin-Ikpoka in Ogun state and later to Adodo in a same Ogun state where he lived with his wives and children until his arrest.

He told our reporter that he relocated to Ogun state after losing about 14 children in his domain and later married a new wife who gave birth to the son he wanted to kill and use his body parts.

His confession

The octogenarian told reporters that after getting married to their new wife, he wanted to have fun only to discover that she was already pregnant. According to him, I had no other alternative than to accept the child after birth and I named him Musa. While growing up, he became a torn in my flesh.

“He was into a lot of criminal activities, very stubborn, stealing, and even threatening to kill me. The whole thing came to a climax after he learnt that I wrote a will and excluded him. He then openly resorted to threatening to take my life. That was why I engaged people to kill him first and send his head, heart, fingers and hands to me for herbal purposes.

“Unfortunately, after I contracted the people, they met with an Idol Priest whom I had planned to do business with in the past who, not only discouraged the people I hired but also leaked the plan to my son’s mother. On hearing this, his mother fled to another town with him and we were still discussing the issue when the police arrested me.”

Regrets

Looking remorseful, the octogenarian told Crime Guard,” I regret what I planned to do to my son. I have now realized that he is my son and he will bear children tomorrow in my name. My greatest worry now is that my people in Benin Republic have heard this ugly story. I am afraid they may dethrone me. I just don’t know what next to do than to appeal to God to forgive me.”

However, while the traditional ruler was confessing to the team of policemen from Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Special Squad Team 3, led by DSP Toyin Omosebi, it was learned that the leader of the ritualist’s gang, Ademola Akinlosotu, 33, son of a Pastor, opened up stating that he was the person contracted by the traditional ruler to kill his son. He reportedly also stated that before then, they were taking dismembered body parts, both dry and fresh, to the traditional ruler after killing their victims.

He confessed that so far, they killed two victims since November, last year and taken the body parts to both the traditional ruler and other buyers who have all been arrested.
How it all started

According to him, I started by supplying dry corpses exhumed from cemeteries but my clients later coerced me to be supplying fresh body parts. That was how I graduated from supplying dried body parts from burial grounds to supplying newly murdered fresh body parts of newly murdered to my clients. My clients said dried human parts were no longer in vogue. “My first victim was a desperate job seeker whom I met at Okeho in Ogun state at a drinking joint where he normally relaxed with some bottles of drinks every evening. It was the boy who approached me saying he needed a job in Lagos. I then called my client, Alhaji Amodu Wahab and told him that I had seen somebody to kill. I took the unsuspecting boy from Okeho to Alhaji’s office where the boy was accessed and confirmed good for ritual.

How victims were killed

“While I was on my way, I called an Ifa Priest named Sunday Padonu popularly known as Osetura and informed him of the whole arrangements but on their way, Osetura wasn’t picking up his calls anymore. I had to call Baale to inform him but he called Balogun and briefed him that Osetura was not picking up his calls. Balogun then assures that he has a slaughtering ground where the boy can be killed. We took the boy to Ado Odo, slaughtered him dismembered his body and then took the body parts to Alhaji.”

He also told police investigators that he was introduced to Osetura, one of the arrested suspects, by Baale and they started chatting online. “Osetura asked me how I used to exhume bodies and I narrated the process to him. We know the hours when security men at the cemeteries stay out and after targeting them, we strike by exhuming the bodies quickly and disappearing from the scene. So, after this, Osekura assured me that he had a space in his house at Igbo-Ora, Ogun state where he could kill and dismember dead human bodies. He usually carried out divination after we had gotten a victim to know whether the ritual would work or not. Once he confirmed that our victim was okay, we would kill the person and cut his body which would be distributed and sold to clients.

Drama at the Slaughterhouse

“We nearly missed killing our second victim. When he was shot, the bullet missed and caught him in the hand. He did not suspect me when I led him to the enclave. As he was bleeding and crying out, we purposely allowed him to bleed to death after stamping on his stomach and body.

“We took the body which was still shaking from that spot to where he was being cut into pieces. I sat on the guy’s stomach while Osekura brought a knife to cut his head. Others held the victim’s legs and as Osekura was trying to strangulate him, his fingers mistakenly entered our victim’s mouth and got stuck. He had to quickly use a knife to slit his throat and that was how he was able to remove his fingers.

“I must say that I have not made enough money from this evil deed. I am from a scattered home because my father and mother separated a long time ago and I have not seen my father for a long time. I dropped out of school at the primary level because I could not cope. I ended up being a bricklayer until I started exhuming bodies from cemeteries. Now that I am in the police net, I regret all I have done. I leave my fate in the hands of God with a firm promise to change my ways if given another chance.”:

By - ABDULRAHMAN ZAKARIYAU 

From the build-up to the aftermath of the 2023 election, the primary opposition political entity, the People’s Democratic Party, has been mired in internal turmoil marked by leadership disputes, suspensions, and legal battles. Tranquility reigned within the PDP until the 17 presidential hopefuls of 2023 started voicing their intentions and pursuing their agendas, sparking internal discord within the primary opposition party.

Matters intensified when the former governor of Rivers State and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was defeated by the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar in the party’s presidential primary in 2022.

The situation in the party took a fresh dimension when Atiku announced former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, as his running mate for the recent presidential election, going against the recommendation of ex-governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, and other influential figures who favoured Wike as the PDP’s vice presidential candidate.

As a result, the party splintered into two factions; the Wike G5 group and Atiku’s group, each pursuing its objectives. The G5 faction insisted on the resignation of the currently suspended PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, as a condition for supporting Atiku in the 2023 presidential election.

However, Atiku’s faction rejected this demand and instead reluctantly accepted the resignation of the Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Walid Jibrin. Wike’s faction also opposed this decision and conducted several press conferences, divulging information that further tarnished the already tarnished reputation of both the party and the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate.

 While other political parties were gearing up for the elections, the conflict between Wike and Atiku dominated discussions within the PDP. This resulted in conflicting strategies during the election, ultimately leading to its (PDP) defeat against President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress. Efforts to unite both factions ahead of the presidential election hit a roadblock, as the Atiku and Wike camps refused appeals from party leaders and members to mend their differences.

After the election, tensions between the Atiku and Wike factions escalated, leading to the suspension of some members and legal action taken against the party by others. The crisis peaked when Ayu was ordered by Justice W. I. Kpochi of the Benue State High Court to cease acting as the party’s chairman.

In the interim, the National Working Committee, by the court ruling and the party’s 2017 constitution as amended, appointed Ambassador Umar Damagum, the Deputy National Chairman (North), as the acting national chairman of the party. Damagum, who sought to maintain neutrality, also faced significant challenges in stabilising the PDP. The conflict between the Wike and Atiku factions has deeply impacted all facets of the party, including the NWC, PDP Governors’ Forum, National Executive Council, BoT, and others.

These obstacles, among others, have impeded the PDP’s capacity to present a cohesive stance on national issues. Additionally, the recent 98th NEC meeting was fraught with tension as the Atiku and Wike factions vied for dominance, failing to address key issues crucial for the party’s future direction.

Regarding these national issues, numerous state party chapters are also grappling with crises. In Kaduna State, disagreements involve former Vice President Namadi Sambo, ex-governor, Ahmed Makarfi, and the 2023 governorship candidate, Isah Ashiru. Similarly, internal conflicts plague Kano and Yobe state chapters of the party.

In the North-Central, the PDP chapter in Niger State is striving to reclaim its influence. Internal discord in Plateau State nearly resulted in the party losing its governorship position in court. Prolonged internal disputes have left the PDP seemingly inactive in Kogi and Kwara states.

The North-East region faces its challenges, with chapters in Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, and Gombe encountering obstacles. Members and stakeholders from these states impede the party’s progress due to their vested interests.

In the South-West, Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo and Ademola Adeleke of Osun have succeeded in stabilising the party in their respective states. However, Ekiti, Ondo, Lagos, and Ogun states are experiencing significant crises.

In the South-East, aside from the recent disagreement over the position of PDP National Secretary, which sparked a conflict among party leaders, chapters in the five states of the zone are embroiled in internal strife and numerous legal battles. On Tuesday, former Imo State governor, Emeka Ihedioha, and 11 others resigned from the party.

Explaining why he dumped the PDP after 26 years of membership, he said, “Regrettably, in recent times, the party has taken a path that is at variance with my personal beliefs. Despite my attempts to offer counsel, the party is, sadly, no longer able to carry out internal reforms, enforce its own rules, or offer credible opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

“It is in the light of the foregoing, that I am compelled to offer my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party effective immediately. While the decision was difficult to take, I, however, believe that it is the right one,” he added.

Due to the prolonged internal crisis, the PDP is gradually losing ground in the South-East to former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi’s Labour Party.

The PDP chapters in the South-South have recently faced negative publicity. The crisis between Wike and Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, has destabilised the PDP, along with the defection of 27 state House of Assembly members from the PDP to the APC. Many party leaders are also defecting from the PDP to the APC and other parties. In Cross River and Edo states, the PDP is mired in internal conflicts.

Amidst all these challenges, the PDP continues to grapple with numerous legal battles with no end in sight. The Legal Adviser of the PDP, Kamaldeen Ajibade, stated that the party was currently facing multiple court cases.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, in a telephone interview with Saturday PUNCH, urged party members to exhaust the party’s internal conflict resolution mechanisms before resorting to court.

The SAN, who does not want his name mentioned because of the sensitive nature of the issues affecting the PDP, stated, “It is part of our constitution; it has always been part of the founding principles of the party that internal mechanism should be explored before going to court. Taking the party to court without exploring the internal conflict resolution mechanism is an offence.

“We have a record of cases in court. We have cases that are on internal issues aside from election and pre-election matters in all courts; Federal High Court to Supreme Court.”

Damagum, discussing his leadership approach recently, clarified that the party prioritised reconciliation and attracting more individuals into the party over penalising anyone for alleged anti-party activities, which, in his view, could harm the party.

He said, “They are always telling you these people are not doing the right thing. But when you are in a position of leadership, you are bound by a set of rules, and these rules, even though they are itching you, you don’t apply them; not because of anything, but so that you don’t destroy the house.”

The acting PDP national chairman added, “I am very proud to say that this party was started by me as a driver. Today, I am the acting national chairman by the grace of God. I have never calculated that I will be given this title. I believe in this party; I believe that this party is the best in this country.

Damagum, who admitted that many members were involved in anti-party activities at different levels, said, “If I say we should start suspension, I will end up suspending many people because they were involved in anti-party activities. So, please bear with us. We intend to keep this party together and to manage it. This is my mandate.

“When a substantive chairman comes, he can decide to suspend or dismiss anybody. But myself as somebody who loves this party, somebody who started this party, I think we need even those from the other side to come back and join.”

As Damagum leads the NWC of the PDP, the delay in making crucial decisions to address internal crises is a cause for concern. Political analysts worry that the party may lose members to the APC and the LP, and potentially diminish its influence in future Nigerian elections. 

‘Crisis may consume PDP’

Political analyst, Jide Ojo, and former national chairman of the National Democratic Party, Chudi Chukwuani, cautioned that the internal crisis currently plaguing the PDP might engulf the party if genuine efforts were not made to reconcile all aggrieved members.

In an interview with our correspondent, Ojo said, “The internal crisis may consume the PDP if not urgently addressed. In politics, the only permanent thing is interest. Part of the crisis is because there’s no peaceful transition from one NWC to another; you have people who were either removed or resigned.

“The PDP is still the main opposition party considering the number of states under its control, 13 out of 36. APC has 20; then you have the New Nigeria People’s Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, and LP having one under their control. So, in terms of structure and size, you will give it to the PDP as being the main opposition party, but the PDP is plagued with internal crisis.”

Ojo wondered why the party won’t be in crisis, saying, “It has been over one year since Ayu was removed. They still have an acting chairman. So, the NWC has not been able to perform at an optimal level. The internal crisis is affecting the growth of the PDP. So, there is an urgent need for the party to reconcile. The general election has been over since February, March 2023. Why couldn’t the PDP have a convention and appoint or elect a substantive chairman? There is an urgent need for the Damagum-led NWC to be active and be seen working towards genuine reconciliation. The NWC also needs to liaise with the 13 PDP governors to see how they can move the party forward.

“The PDP can choose to be different by the way they go about their task or responsibility. In their respective states under their control, at the leadership level in Abuja; how united are they? For them to be able to engage constructively with the ruling party, there are many distractions. The party needs to do things professionally so that when they organise party primaries, they are without rancour and contention. Due process is followed. When they go on campaigns they are united. Where there is a crisis, they reconcile because there is no political party without internal wrongdoings. So, having a leadership crisis is not unique to any party. Almost all the parties are involved. But how the party will emerge from that crisis and how it will manage it is very key.”

In an interview with our correspondent, Chukwuani told Saturday PUNCH that being plagued with a crisis would not make the PDP credible, adding that nobody would want to invest in the PDP because of the crisis. The political analyst urged the PDP to get the party leadership right for Nigerians to enable them to perform effectively as an opposition party.

He stated, “Yes, of course, when a party is in crisis, that party normally does not succeed. The party that succeeds is the party that can manage its affairs, avoid crises, and be united before elections. You need that unity to get the best of your political class along with you for elective offices and to come along with you and invest in you. Nobody will invest in a crisis-driven political party; that would amount to a waste of your time, energy, or money.

“So when a party is in crisis, it doesn’t augur well at all. And nobody will take the PDP seriously; the party cannot mount an effective opposition. The PDP can best be described as an empty shell divided into pieces. To reposition itself, the PDP has to put in place intact leadership; a party without a leader is no party. So, the leadership has to be put in place as quickly as possible. The leadership has to work together and be united. When they have that united leadership, then the PDP can build up all the other structures of the party.”

Reconciliation ongoing – Scribe

Reacting, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, who confirmed that the party was grappling with an internal crisis, revealed that reconciliation efforts were ongoing. Ologunagba explained, “Human organisation is not in a straitjacket. Some dynamics happen. As a party, we believe that even if we have issues before the election, we must continue to accommodate each other.”

He continued, “There are issues, but reconciliation is ongoing. As I always say, there are issues even in a family setting. There are issues in the PDP, but reconciliation in a human organisation like our party is constant because every step cannot meet the taste of everyone at the same time. So, reconciliation is ongoing.

“On a final note, I want to remind you that this party relies on its constitution, and we will obey it to the letter. I can tell you that this party is focused. We will lead the charge to sustain this democracy to ensure that we have a true federal system where fairness and equity, human resources, and management of the affairs of the nation exist; that is our vision. People come to parties and go. The PDP will remain strong and united to rescue and rebuild Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, one of the most notable outcomes from the 98th NEC gathering, which holds potential advantages for the PDP, is the establishment of committees focused on reconciliation, disciplinary actions, and constitutional amendments.

At the meeting, the NEC designated former Senate President, Abubakar Saraki, as the head of the Reconciliation Committee, former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udoh Emmanuel, as the chair of the Disciplinary Committee, and the PDP Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, as the leader of the Constitution Amendment Committee.

Political pundits commended the NEC for these appointments, emphasising that while reconciliation and disciplining of errant leaders were crucial for promoting party supremacy, amending the party’s constitution could prevent the recurrence of many crises plaguing the party.

As a result, political observers hold the view that individuals appointed to these committees by the party, along with the approach they take in carrying out their duties, will dictate whether the party achieves the peace it desires or continues to struggle with crises that could lead to its downfall or extinction.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended 34 individuals suspected of engaging in foreign exchange fraud through illicit dollar transactions in Abuja. The arrests, part of a broader crackdown on currency mutilation and economic dollarisation, were carried out in a coordinated sting operation in the Wuse Zone 4 area of the Federal Capital Territory on Friday, April 26, 2024.

According to a statement released on the commission’s website, these arrests were informed by credible intelligence that pinpointed the suspects’ illegal activities. The EFCC’s Taskforce on Currency Mutilation, Dollarisation of the Economy, and Forex Malpractice spearheaded the operation, reflecting the agency’s heightened focus on stabilizing and regulating the forex market amid escalating concerns over economic volatility.

The suspects, identified as individuals involved in significant currency speculation activities, include Usman Mohammed, Abdullahi Nasir, and 32 others. Their operations have been linked to fluctuating foreign exchange rates that have adversely impacted the Nigerian economy. The EFCC disclosed that the individuals were caught in the act of selling U.S. dollars illegally, a practice that has been a contributing factor to the naira’s depreciation.

The EFCC statement noted that “their arrest came on the heels of the EFCC’s consistent efforts to sanitize and stabilize the foreign exchange market.” It emphasizes the agency’s ongoing commitment to curtail financial malpractices that undermine the country’s economic integrity. The suspects are expected to be arraigned in court soon, following the conclusion of investigations.

This operation marks a significant step in the Nigerian government’s fight against economic crimes, particularly at a time when the nation grapples with challenges in the financial sector. The EFCC’s proactive measures aim to reassure the public and investors about the seriousness with which it is addressing irregularities and enforcing regulations within the financial marketplace.

The family of late Nollywood actor, John Paul Odonwondo, popularly known as Junior Pope, has released his burial arrangement.

Recall that Junior Pope, alongside four other Nollywood crew members, lost his life in a boat mishap.

Junior Pope’s family, in the burial arrangement, disclosed that the deceased will be buried on 17 May 2024.

See the flyer below:

Junior Pope’s Mother Believes He Was Killed - AGN president

Speaking during a recent interview, the AGN president spoke about Junior Pope’s Cameroonian mother, who believes her son was killed.

Rollas noted that this resulted from rumours peddled on special media.

He said, “I was with his mother yesterday, and all the rumors online are making her feel that her son was killed. I had to let her know that I was also supposed to be in the boat.”

According to Emeka Rollas, CPR was conducted on Junior Pope immediately he was brought out of the water after being under for more than four hours.

“Anybody that said they didn’t perform CPR on Jnr Pope is a liar. He was brought out dead after spending over 4 hours under the water,” he added.

Former Big Brother Titans Housemate, Yvonne Godwin, has said she would rather stay with a wealthy cheating partner than be in a relationship with a faithful broke man.

Naija News reports that the reality TV star made this known during an interview on the Big Friday Show With Tach on Cool FM, Lagos.

According to Yvonne, cheating is not a deal-breaker for her so long as there is mutual respect.

She said, “I prefer dating a rich man that cheats on me to a faithful broke man.

“Men are the same. You see that money? You can never take money out of relationship. I’m not saying it’s okay to cheat. Please, don’t cheat on me.

“You know the worst thing? When a broke man now cheats on you it’s like double suffering. So, I would rather stick to a rich guy that would apologise and keep it moving. But when the disrespect gets too much because I hates disrespect, especially when it’s on a public platform. I’m very big on respect. So if you disrespect me, I’m going to walk away.”

BBNaija Ifuennada Opens Up About Relationship Breakup Over Premarital S*x
Meanwhile, Ex-Big Brother Naija housemate, Iheme Faith Uloma, popularly known as Ifuennada, shared that her refusal to engage in premarital sex led to the end of a relationship.

Naija News reports that the reality star boldly expressed her stance against premarital sex in a video posted on her Instagram page.

She captioned the video, “I’ll always say no to premarital s*x even if it breaks my heart. God over man.”

Ifuennada shared that her partner humiliated and disrespected her due to her stance against premarital sex, as she revealed in another post.

Despite the pain, the reality TV star reiterated that she focuses on pleasing God rather than pursuing earthly relationships, putting her trust in His divine plans.

A migrant mother-of-two who felt isolated in her new Australian home drove to a remote area and set herself and her two daughters on fire, after telling her husband she was taking the girls to McDonald's. 

James Swan Palakamannil has given the Coroners Court of Victoria a harrowing account of what his life has been like since his wife Jasmine Thomas and daughters Carolyn and Evlyn died in a Melbourne car fire two years ago. 

“To see the coffin go down with all of your favourite people in it changes your life,” he told the court on Tuesday, April 23, The Age reported.  

"I will never be the same again. Never get to touch, feel or see them again. They will remain pictures on a screen.  

“On March 24 (2022), the sky became three stars richer.” 

Mr Palakamannil remembers how three-year-old Carolyn would drag a chair to reach the front door handle and open it as he arrived home from work every day. She would always be wearing her favourite colour, pink.  

Her older sister, six-year-old Evlyn, “was the boss of the house”.  

“She wore the pants,” Mr Palakamannil told the court. 

Their mother Jasmine Thomas suffered from postnatal depression and then became paranoid during the Covid pandemic.  

On the night of March 24, 2022, Mr Palakamannil had returned to their Lyndhurst home in Melbourne's south-east to find their daughters playing on a mobile phone and his wife laying in bed. A short time later, Ms Thomas told him she was taking the girls to McDonald's.  

However, CCTV footage showed the mother first went to a service station in nearby suburb Cranbourne West where she bought and filled a jerry can. Ms Thomas then drove herself and her daughters to a McDonald's car park where they sat until about 7.30pm.  

Less than 10 minutes later, she drove to a secluded spot on the Western Port Highway, covered her car in fuel and set it alight with herself and two daughters inside.  

Emergency services rushed to the scene after a passer-by reported the fire, which was brought under control in 15 minutes. Ms Thomas, Evlyn and Carolyn all died in the horrific blaze. 

“Suddenly, there is no one waiting for me at the door,” Mr Palakamannil told the court through tears. 

“[I'm now] living in an empty and silent house.” Mr Palakamannil and Ms Thomas had married in India in 2012 after meeting on an arranged marriage website.  

The couple, who were both born in Kuwait, moved to Australia and were granted permanent residency in 2015. Mr Palakamannil recalled how the Gulf War inspired him to teach Evlyn to be a good person.  

“I watched her take her first steps, say her first words. I'd give her pep talks before bedtime … about famine and the war and how kids go hungry, about global warming and climate change to put a desire in her heart to … be a force for change,” he said.  

Ms Thomas worked in Melbourne hospitals as a nurse but unexpectedly resigned from Mulgrave Private Hospital in 2021.  

However, she stayed as a casual employee at Dandenong Hospital. During this time she told her family she was having marriage problems. 

Coroner John Cain noted Ms Thomas had contacted a number of professional services, including police, and experienced postnatal depression. He found those services had no opportunity to prevent her murder-suicide.  

“Despite child protection and Victoria Police holding concerns about her mental health, as she was not assessed as acutely unwell and did not wish to engage in services, she did not receive any formal assistance or diagnosis,” Cain said. 

Instead, the court heard how Ms Thomas was socially isolated with her problems often disregarded by her extended family.  

“My late wife, Jasmine, tried her best. I wish she had … sought help. She struggled to connect and engage with people and make friends. When she couldn't any more … in the process she took out my most prized possessions,” Mr Palakamannil said.

A federal appellate court has upheld the conviction of disgraced and imprisoned RnB star, R. Kelly, in Chicago.  

The "Ignition" singer was sentenced to 20 years in prison in his child porn case in Chicago, and the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals just affirmed that sentence after he tried to upturn it, citing the statute of limitations had passed as his defence. 

The court stated that Kelly's 30-year sentence in his New York case was the "elephant in the room" and the Chicago case sentence was set with that in mind. 

According to the court, the sentence also makes sense in light of the "horrible, horrific" nature of the crimes Kelly was convicted in 2021.

In his New York appeal, Kelly argued the highly influential "Surviving R. Kelly" Lifetime docuseries influenced the trial before it even got off the ground and he was unfairly painted to be guilty. 

But with this ruling out of Chicago federal court, the future may not be too promising for his chances in New York, but the courts will have the final say.