Entertainment
Naira Marley’s cybercrime trial stalled
The criminal trial of Nigerian singer Azeez Fashola (a.k.a Naira Marley) could not proceed on Thursday before a Federal High Court in Lagos.
The trial was stalled because parties in the suit are still awaiting approval of a fiat by the chief judge of the Federal High Court.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Fashola for alleged cybercrime.
The anti-graft agency preferred the charges on May 14, 2019.
Fashola, who sang the popular song – “Am I a Yahoo Boy” – was arraigned on May 20, 2019, before Justice Nicholas Oweibo and he pleaded not guilty.
Oweibo granted him bail for two million naira with two sureties in like sum.
Witnesses were still being led in evidence by EFCC when Oweibo was transferred out of the Lagos division of the court.
The case was, therefore, transferred to Justice Isaac Dipeolu.
On March 6, when the case was first mentioned before Dipeolu, both defence and prosecution counsel confirmed to the judge that there was a pending fiat awaiting a response from the chief judge.
The judge consequently adjourned the case until Thursday (May 30) for the report.
On Thursday, journalists learnt that the fiat had yet to be approved.
There is no slated date yet for the continuation of the trial.
According to the EFCC, the defendant committed the offences on different dates between Nov. 26, 2018, and Dec.11, 2018, as well as on May 10, 2019.
The commission alleged that Fashola and his accomplices conspired to use different Access Bank automated teller machine cards to defraud their victims.
It alleged that the defendant used a bank credit card issued to another person, in a bid to obtain fraudulent financial gains.
The EFCC also said that the defendant possessed counterfeit credit cards belonging to different people, with intent to defraud, which, it said, amounted to theft.
The alleged offences contravene Sections 1 23 (1) (b), 27 (1) and 33(9) of the Cyber Crime (Prohibition) Prevention Act, 2015.
Entertainment
Jackson 5 legend, Tito Jackson, dies at 70
Tito Jackson, an original member of the iconic Jackson 5 and brother of the late Michael Jackson, has died at 70.
Known for his timeless hits like ABC and I Want You Back, Tito’s death was confirmed by his sons in a heartfelt Instagram post on Monday.
An official cause of death is yet to be revealed.
The Jackson family mourns the loss of another music legend.
Tito performed in the iconic ensemble with brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael, who died in 2009.
Steve Manning, a long-time Jackson family friend and former Jackson family manager, told Entertainment Tonight that Jackson died on Monday.
The news was confirmed in an Instagram post by his three sons, Taj, Taryll and TJ Jackson, who were themselves an R’n’B/pop trio, 3T, in the 1990s.
“We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken,” they wrote. “Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being.”
They continued, “He will be missed tremendously. It will forever be ‘Tito Time” for us.
“Please remember to do what our father always preached and that is ‘Love One Another’. We love you Pops.”
The Jackson 5’s hits included ABC, The Love You Save and I Want You Back.
Entertainment
Court bars event in memory of Mohbad
A High Court in Ogun State has imposed an interim injunction prohibiting a planned event in memory of the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad.
The legal team of the deceased family disclosed this in a statement signed by its representative, Monisola Odumosu, and exclusively obtained by PUNCH Metro, on Sunday.
Odumosu noted that the court’s decision, handed down by Justice O. Osunfisan, on Thursday, was in response to a motion filed by the late Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba, represented by Emmanuel Oroko.
According to the statement, the injunction specifically targeted plans to host the ‘Sing for Mohbad and Win’ event, scheduled for September 12-14, 2024 in the state or any other location.
“In the motion with suit number HCT/871/2024 Justice Osunfisan ordered as follows ‘ An order of interim injunction is hereby granted restraining the respondent whether by himself servants, agents,assigns or otherwise however called from holding any event titled ‘Sing for Mohbad and Win’ organised by the respondent which is set to be held on September 12, 13, and 14, 2024, at the Aqua Lounge or any other place pending the determination of the originating motion for interlocutory injunction dated and filed on September 6, 2024. The order of interim injunction hereby granted today, the 12 day of September 2024, is to last for seven days following the provision of the Rules of Court,” the statement read in part.
The Aloba family, who initiated the legal action, had previously appealed to the public to respect their moment of grief and refrain from commercialising the occasion by exploiting the goodwill of their late son.
Odumosu however stated that the matter was set to return to court on October 7, 2024, for the hearing of the originating motion for interlocutory injunction.
Entertainment
Mercy Johnson under fire for campaigning for APC’s Okpebholo
Mercy Johnson-Okojie, the Nollywood actress, has been criticised on social media for campaigning for Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate in the upcoming Edo election.
A now-viral video shows Mercy soliciting votes for Okpebholo at a rally. She also assured the crowd that the APC gubernatorial candidate will “bring positive changes” to the state.
“Are you not tired? No light, water, healthcare, security and good roads. If you will vote for senator Monday, raise your hand,” she said.
“…So when you get to that field early in the morning, vote for Monday, vote for APC, vote for the broom.”
Mercy Johnson rallying support for the APC, urging the crowd in Ward 6, Irruekpen, Esan West LGA, to vote for the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo. pic.twitter.com/7ZY7RKXJZ9
— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) September 13, 2024
The video has triggered backlash on social media with critics slamming the actress for supporting the ruling party despite widespread economic hardship.
“Mercy Johnson is just a cheap opportunistic agbero with zero class and zero morality in my opinion. Imagine supporting blabbing Tinubu and now also supporting Illiterate Monday Okpebholo of all people. Talent is really not enough,” an X user wrote.
Mercy Johnson is just a cheap opportunistic agbero with zero class and zero morality in my opinion.
— Amber Ose Ibeh™ (@masurge7) September 13, 2024
Imagine supporting blabbing Tinubu and now also supporting Illiterate Monday Okpebholo of all people.
Talent is really not enough.
Mercy Johnson no try, how can she be campaigning for APC, it's her right una go talk, right to make foolish and greedy decision…
— Bush Doctor 🌿 (@f0944366) September 13, 2024
Mercy Johnson that was counting a crate of eggs lamenting,
— BENNY FEBIAN IYKE (ABIA STATE FIRST SON ✍️) (@IkechiBene65006) September 13, 2024
How costly it had become under the same Administration of APC that she played Women's wing for and supported.
She out there in Edo State supporting a ma that has refused to appear on TV to discuss what he has for Edos.
Mercy Johnson dull sha…
— EPIPHANY THE FIRST ✝️ (@Kittyprincezam2) September 13, 2024
Talent is not enough tbh, how can any reasonable person stand in for Apc And for Monday to be governor of Edo state, an illiterate.
Mercy Johnson no learn from Toyin Abraham abi.
— GBEMISOLA CFC💙 (@QUEENOFDBLUES1) September 13, 2024
Later when den ask her for Senator Monday Okpebholo promises, she go begin shout dem dey bull¥ me upandan SM, dey make crying videos, dey threaten people with police.
Make nobody cry and gaslight anybody for here later sha. https://t.co/7EsTJ4DSmX
That video by Mercy Johnson will make you understand that, politicians no really send us.
— Just Eniola 💜 (@JustEniola01) September 13, 2024
As long as they and their family are not experiencing any form of hàrdship, they will keep pushing the agenda that they are the best candidate we can ever have.
Shey b na two cups of rice… pic.twitter.com/QZOkXzE4Nj
If you all like follow mercy Johnson campaign oo. You all should know that she has cashed out. She only working for the money. Don't be foolish to follow her. If Nigeria spoil e no affect her oo. pic.twitter.com/e45sYlyUJ6
— Linzkits…(inspired world domain) (@Linzkits_FC) September 13, 2024
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