American actor, Jussie Smollett’s conviction for fabricating a racist and homophobic hate crime in Chicago in 2019 was overturned Thursday on due process grounds.

The Illinois Supreme Court ruled that Smollett, 42, should not have been charged again by prosecutors after a prior agreement saw over a dozen original charges dismissed.

It is the latest twist in Smollett’s legal saga, which began with his initial claim in January 2019 that he had been attacked on a Chicago street.

The gay African-American actor, then a cast member of the hit TV series “Empire,” said two masked men assaulted him late at night, shouting slurs and placing a noose around his neck.

Smollett staged the attack after receiving a legitimate piece of hate mail which he felt was not taken seriously by his employers, prosecutors said.

But those charges were suddenly dropped in March 2019, under an arrangement in which Smollett forfeited his $10,000 bond and agreed to do community service.

The dismissal was met with anger by some city officials, including then-mayor Rahm Emanuel, who argued $10,000 was only a fraction of the actual investigation costs.

A special prosecutor eventually took over the case and several charges were reinstated.

Smollett, who has always maintained his innocence, was found guilty in December 2021.

Though he was sentenced to 150 days in prison with 30 months on probation, he was released pending the outcome of his appeal.

He was also ordered to repay $120,106 to the Chicago Police to cover their investigation costs.

The case had initially sent shock waves through a deeply divided country still plagued by racial and sexual discrimination, and the actor had immediately received support from celebrities in political and cultural circles.

The Illinois Supreme Court ruling said that bringing the charges a second time after “the defendant has performed his part of the bargain” represented “a due process violation.”

“We therefore reverse (the) defendant’s conviction,” the ruling said.

Falz, the Nigerian rapper, has expressed admiration for ladies who wear miniskirts.

The ‘Soft Work’ hitmaker shared his thoughts on fashion, relationships, and personal growth during an interview on the ‘Cocktail and Takeaways’ podcast.

Falz revealed that when it comes to women’s fashion, he likes women on short dresses and miniskirts, particularly tennis skirts.

The 34-year-old rapper said he admires the outfits because they showcase the “sexiness in a woman”.

“I have a thing for short dresses and skirts. They really bring out the sexiness in a woman. I like miniskirts so much,” he said.

“The plaited tennis short skirts, that is my weakness. If a woman wears that skirt it is over for me. I love it.”

Falz also disclosed that his priorities have shifted when it comes to relationships.

He said he no longer focuses solely on physical attributes but instead values a partner’s demeanor and intellectual depth.

“My type of girl is not in the looks, it in the aura. I used to be that guy that cares about looks, the big breast and butt,” he added.

“I feel like the older I become the more I realise there are lot of that so it has to be beyond the looks.

“What is it about you intellectually, what conversation like with you. So it is more than just look for me, it is the undeniable aura.”

Jude Nnam, the Nigerian music composer and gospel singer, has regained freedom after nearly one week in captivity.

Last Friday, Nnam, better known as Ancestor, was abducted while traveling for a church event in Umunnachi, Anambra.

But in a social media post on Wednesday, the singer’s family announced his release.

“The victory sound is here. Our dear ‘Ancestor’ Dr. (sir) Jude Nnam is back to continue the work of the Lord!” the post reads.

The circumstances surrounding his release remain unclear, as his family did not comment on whether a ransom was paid or if security operatives played a role in securing his freedom.

Before his freedom, Nnam’s family pleaded with his fans for continued support and prayers for a positive outcome.

“Dear Friends of Dr. Jude Nnam. We want to appreciate you all for your prayers and concern for him,” they said.

“By the Grace of God we all shall rejoice when he eventually comes out. Do continue in your prayers and support. God bless you.”

Nnam is a prolific music composer, keyboardist, and choral conductor. He started his career in his local church in Enugu and has become one of Nigeria’s most well-known Catholic composers.

With thousands of compositions in multiple languages, including English, Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, Bini, Efik, and Swahili, Nnam’s contributions to Nigerian music are immense.

Currently, Nnam serves as the national music director for the National Catholic Liturgical Music Council in Nigeria.