Ocean News

Embattled American R&B star, Robert Sylvester, popularly known as R. Kelly has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for racketeering and other crimes. The 55-year-old who has been in police detention since his arrest in 2019, was sentenced by a federal judge on Wednesday, June 29, in Brooklyn, New York.  Judge Ann Donnelly sentenced Mr. Kelly to 30 years imprisonment and an additional five years of supervised release and a $100,000 fine — during a hearing where seven of his victims spoke about suffering under his control. He was found guilty in September of racketeering and sex trafficking charges stemming from a decades-long practice of recruiting and grooming girls and young women for illegal sex. Donnelly condemned Kelly for the "serial rape and sexual ab#se" he perpetrated on his victims. “These crimes were calculated and carefully planned and regularly executed for almost 25 years. You taught them that love is enslavement and violence These victims were disposable to

The Nigerian senate will be sending a delegation of lawmakers to the United Kingdom to see former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice, who are facing an organ harvesting charges in the European country.  Speaking after a closed door meeting which lasted for one hour on Wednesday June 29, Senate President Ahmad Lawan said the delegation which comprised of members of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, will leave for London on Friday July 1.  The team will be meeting with the British High Commission in Nigeria to get more details on the case. It was also disclosed that the delegates were briefed about Ekweremadu’s travail during the closed session and also apprised of the role the Nigerian High Commissioner to United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafadeen Ishola, has been playing to ensure that Ekweremadu gets all needed assistance. The High Commission has also reportedly engaged lawyers to defend the Ekweremadus over the charges against them. Lawan also said the

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that fresh registration in the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) has hit 10,487,972 as at 7 a.m. on Monday, June 27. The was disclosed in the commission's CVR weekly update, released in Abuja on Monday June 27.  According to the document, the number of completed registration stood at 8,631,696 (online – 3,250,449 and physical – 5,381,247). There are 4,292,690 males, 4,339,006 females, 67,171 PWDs and 6,081,456  youths. The gender category showed that 6,081,456 youths registered, while 67,171 were Persons with Disabilities, PWDs. The update also revealed that INEC had received a total of 23,560,043 applications including those applying for voter transfer, requests for replacement of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and update of voter information records. The breakdown also indicated that 12,317,963 male Nigerians have applied, while 11,242, 080 female applicants have also registered. 187,904 applica

Popular Nollywood actress, Chacha Eke Faani has ended her nine-year-old marriage with her husband Austin Faani, making it second in two years. The manner she composed her message, it looks like she may have been going through hell in her marriage.  She captioned the heading of her message as “Leave now alive or leave as a corpse.” Chacha said many had died pretending all was well while wishing, hoping and praying for a better tomorrow. “I sincerely and publicly apologize for living a lie these past years. True to random speculations, there has been trouble in my “perceived paradise”. “For the 2nd time in 2 years, I am here again on social media boldly declaring that I am done with my marriage. My long overdue/relentless stance on this is of course no news to Austin Faani, the doctors and my parents,” she sated. Chacha added that “If push comes to shove & suddenly I am incommunicado; my lawyers, the welfare department and the Nigerian police force have my testimonials in recorded vi

In an interview with Punch, the octogenarian said during the agitator's travails in the West African country, Buratai had through his influence as the envoy sneaked a paper to Igboho in prison promising him billions of naira if only he would renounce his agitations for the Yoruba nation. Yoruba historian and arrowhead of the struggle for the independence of the Oodua nation, Banji Akintoye has accused former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai (retd.) of trying to cajole agitator, Sunday Adeyemo (Igboho) to withdraw from the agitations. He, however, said Igboho refused to sign the paper which was later taken away by Buratai. When asked about the status of the court case against Igboho, in the Benin Republic, Akintoye said the young man has been completely released. He said, “He has been released completely. He has won the hearts of the people here for his strength of character. They brought money to this young man; how many of our young men will do that? “Former Chief of Army

Despite summiting a name already, APC Presidential flagbearer in the 2023 general election, Bola Tinubu, has declared that he is still in search of a running mate. Tinubu said this while speaking at a book launch to celebrate the 60th birthday party of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, that held on Sunday, June 26. Showering encomiums on Gbajabiamila, Tinubu said; “As a Minority Leader, he consulted wide and he’s always there to see the thinking of opposition that we must bring a revolution to the House to be able to beat the PDP. And then, he will brainstorm for any length of time about political strategy. When he was challenged for the position of the speaker, I think after our merger he worked with me tirelessly. Femi is a workaholic. The problem of failure stared him at the face. He lost the election to become the Speaker. I was close to tears. Stamping my foot to the ground I said ‘we will win again. Femi keep up. Pick yourself up.’ I am very proud of

It is true that humans wants are insatiable. The means to satisfy them is limited due to paucity of fund and lean resources. This is natural and the reality of economics of life and wants.  In Enugu North Senatorial zone (Nsukka ) narcissists have grown in leaps and bounds since their brother, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi became  Governor of Enugu State in 20I5 amidst daunting challenges occasioned by the sudden crash in the price of crude oil that drastically affected government's revenue and economy.  Their sense of entitlements and expectations, without considering the availability of funds and consequences of their actions is shocking and baffling. That is why they are not appreciative or enthusiastic of Governor Ugwuanyi's giant strides in Enugu state, especially in  Enugu North Senatorial zone, where his footprints are visible and daring.  They are among the professionals, academics and illiterates. They are few in number and known. They have no political base or value.

The Federal Government has disbursed the entire $322.5 million Abacha loot of 2017 to 1.9 million poor and vulnerable Nigerians. Before making the disbursement, the money accrued an interest of $11 million where it was deposited. Mr. David Ugolor, Executive Director of ANEEJ, an independent monitor providing independent report on the use of the funds, made this disclosure in Abuja yesterday. Mr. Ugolor told reporters that “the Abacha loot is exhausted. An interest of $11 million was accrued in the money where it was saved and it was disbursed to around 1.9 million poor Nigerians”. He added that “no politically motivated data was used in selecting the beneficiaries; the National Social Register was used to determine those who will benefit and the register is updated regularly to remove those who have d#ed”. According to the ANEEJ Executive Director, “the Abacha loot that was recovered have been exhausted, we have a responsibility to inform Nigerians and then to make sure to tell them wh

The New Nigeria People's Party NNPP has denied rumors that its presidential flagbearer, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has agreed to be the running mate for the Labor party's presidential candidate, Peter Obi. Recall that Kwankwaso recently granted an interview with BBC Hausa where he confirmed the party is in talks with the Labor party for them to form a merger for the 2023 presidential election. The debate of who will be the presidential and vice-presidential candidate if both parties merge has been on the lips of many Nigerians. Earlier today, the rumor mill was agog with claims that Kwankwaso has agreed to be Obi's running mate. The party has now come out to debunk the claim.  Tweets from the party below:

A reality series 'Prim and Proper' spotlighting on the reality of living in the United States will premiere on July 1, 2022. Created, Produced and Directed by Oluyinka Davids, the Reality Series has two main characters: Yemi Balz and Nkem Mbamalu.  Yemi is the extroverted Prim and Proper chic, has a good grasp of the Nigerian culture, English speaking, yet very fluent in Yoruba and Pidgin slangs, works with the United States Army, but has dreams to become a TV show host.  Nkem is the introverted Prim and Proper and best friend to Yemi. She's an IT professional, extremely supportive of Yemi's dreams and aspirations in life, kind hearted, considerate to a fault such that she is being taken advantage of for wanting to help others too much.  Yemi of course is the voice of reason/Shine ya eye.  Segun Ajayi is Yemi’s friend and Edo Charles is Nkem’s friend.

Tobi Adegboyega, the founder of the UK-based church, SPAC Nation, has said that the church will be challenging the decision of a UK court to shut them down over alleged misappropriation of funds. In a video on his Instagram page on Sunday, Adegboyega said, "It is impossible to be perfect in account filing for God's sake. We will challenge decision but the church of God cannot be stopped. The church is a people.  "We have given all the documents that are necessary. We have operated by the highest standards of transparency for the past 17 years and you cannot do extremely and perfectly right, especially when the system doesn't want you." The UK Government on Friday announced the shut down of SPAC Nation after failing to properly account for more than £1.87 million of outgoings and operating with a lack of transparency.

Popular Ghanaian writer and publisher, Waterz Yidana has urged the Nigerian government and authorities to ensure that Grammy award-winner singer, Burna Boy, face the wrath of the law following his public misconduct. Oceannews reported that two policemen who serve as escorts to the music star, alledgedly shot at two persons following the scuffle that trailed Burna Boy’s chat with a married woman at the club after he was challenged by the huband. According to Waterz, This is opportunity for Nigeria to rewrite the narrative of lawlessness. It is an opportunity to make the statement that if the likes of R. Kelly and Bill Cosby can be put before the American law, then Burnaboy should as well dance to the tune of Nigerian law. Yidana's post read: Is he now a thug, a ruffian, an outlaw, an oppressor and a bad influence instead of the musician that he is? At his age, however old he is, but I’m certain he’s a mature man, you’d expect some sense of maturity and self respect, especially in hi

The pupils and teachers in Community Primary School, Onugba Nike in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State have cried out over the bad condition of the school as snakes constantly threaten their studies. According to observation, the school which has two blocks of six classrooms has only three functional classrooms with over 250 pupils. The rest of the three classrooms are totally dilapidated. It can be best described as a death trap. During a visit to the school also saw that one section of a school classroom had big cracks on the walls; the ceilings had collapsed while the floors had also cracked. One of the teachers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told SaharaReporters, that apart from the fact that the school did have enough classrooms for study and other social amenities, like toilets and water; snake constantly threatened both teachers and pupils because of the poor environment. The teacher said: “The problems we are having in this school are very many but the most

A Group of Sociopolitically conscious Enugu youths of like minds, numbering about fifteen and under the auspices of  In the beginning assembly recently embarked on a solidarity march.  The  Assembly underscored  Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi's unique leadership style which was demonstrated in the just concluded primaries that ensured the glorious emergence of Barr. Peter Mbah as the Enugu State PDP Governorship Flag Bearer. They have for seven years His Excellency, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi's   sterling abilities to manage human, financial and natural resources and for maintaining peace and security in the face of growing insecurity. They equally applauded him for the immense and significant place he has given to youths in his administration. They thanked God for the gift of Peter Mbah, a man of capacity, intergrity, and foresight, a man  of immense managerial acumen, and a seasoned technocrat, who unquestionably is an astute and highly experienced public administrator. They are optimistic he w

A couple were subjected to hara§§ment from a Federal Road Safety Corps Marshall on Sunday in Ilorin, Kwara State. According to the victims, “This happened around Airport area, Ilorin. We were on our way with to drop the kids at school when this officer told us to park. We did and he searched our car documents and there were no issues. My husband explained to him that he was in a hurry to drop the kids and return to the hospital as he was a medical doctor and had patients to attend to. The officer replied saying, ‘and so what?’. Before we knew what was happening, this man was trying to find a fault during his search and as we were about to move, this man opened the door from the passenger’s side and tried to seize the car keys. Passers-by who witnessed everything joined us to berate the officer. This man a§saulted me and my hand got strained. We had to rush to the police station where we individually wrote our statements. Please, we’re calling on the relevant authorities to nip this con

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has congratulated Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory at the All Progressives Congress presidential primary. He also called for unity among APC members, saying Tinubu’s sterling contributions to democracy stood him out. His statement read: I congratulate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory at our party primaries and his emergence as the Presidential Candidate and Flagbearer of our great party, the APC for the forthcoming 2023 Presidential Elections. I also congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari and all leaders of the APC for a successful Special Convention and Presidential Primary. For many decades, our Flagbearer has shown passion, patriotism, courage and determination in the cause of nation-building. His sterling contributions to our democracy and its progress stand him out. His wealth of experience will certainly be critical in our party’s continued efforts to attain a more secure and prosperous Nigeria. To all members of our great party

Governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have recommended Bola Tinubu, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, ex-Transportation Minister, Rotimi Ameachi, Governors Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) and Dave Umahi (Ebonyi) as possible consensus candidates. Plateau State Governor and Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Simon Lalong disclosed this on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, saying the APC is looking at the possibility of a consensus candidate. “From our own recommendations, as of this morning, we recommended five people. In alphabetical order, we said Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, John Kayode Fayemi, David Umahi and Professor Yemi Osinbajo. Those are the ones we made recommendations and we said we should put them forward,” he stated. “Consensus is possible. Right from yesterday up till today, we have been doing consultations like Mr President said, ‘I give you the opportunity, work on it.’ “The governors and the National Working Committee

A Germany Based Nigerian Singer, Orbitz Voice has revealed the inspiration behind his hit song, "Iro Nla". The Ondo State born entertainer while addressing a cross section of journalists, also share his journey into the competitive Nigeria music scene. Born to a civil servants parent, Mr & Mrs Adefulure, real names Adeyemi Adeniyi Adefulure while giving details of his parental and educational background said music is way beyond making money, it is the process by which the wrongs in the society can be addressed and turn right. Hear him, "First of all, let me start by saying, my stage name is Orbitz Voice, I'm a Nigerian, I've been living in Germany for, let's say two decades now, that's close to 20 years. I'm a musician , I'm a writer; I'm a poet, I am just a Pan-Africanist. And I have the love of Africa in my heart. I hold a degree for Banking and Finance, from University of Ado Ekiti, now Ekiti State University. I have a new song titled &

 The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, closed its case against a former governor of Plateau State, Jonah David Jang and a former cashier in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (OSSG), Yusuf Pam before Justice C. L. Dabup of Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos. The case was closed after the Commission presented fourteen witnesses and tendered several exhibits. Jang and Pam are facing trial for alleged criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of Plateau State funds to the tune of N6.3 billion. At the last sitting,  the EFCC had presented its fourteenth witness (PW14), a Chief Superintendent of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offence Commission (ICPC),   Taiwo Oloronyomi, who testified against the defendants. But while tendering the statement in evidence, the second defendant’s  counsel, S. Olawale, raised objection, arguing that the statement of his client to the ICPC was not voluntary as he was subjecte