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GTB officer, Master Card official, seven others to testify against Naira Marley

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is set to present nine witnesses in its case against musician Azeez Fashola, aka Naira Marley, 

According to court documents obtained by our correspondent, the witnesses would give evidence of their investigation, tender exhibits and reveal their findings to the court.

Three of the witnesses were said to have taken the defendant’s and witnesses’ statements.

The remaining are representatives of Mastercard, Visa Inc and Guaranty Trust Bank, who are expected to tender relevant card and account details of the defendant to the court.

The artiste was arrested on May 10 at 9 Gbangbala Street, Ikate, Lekki, Lagos, together with Omomniyi Temidayo (aka Zlatan Ibile) and three others for alleged advance fee fraud.

After his arrest, the anti-graft agency filed 11 charges against Naira Marley bordering on alleged cybercrime and identity theft.

The alleged crimes were in contravention of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act and the Cyber Crimes Act, which the artiste risks seven years in jail if found guilty.

Section 33 (2) of the Act, which Naira Marley was accused of contravening reads, “Any person who uses: a counterfeit access device; an unauthorised access device; an access device issued to another person; resulting in a loss or gain commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not more than seven years or a fine of not more than N5,000,000.00 and forfeiture of the advantage or value derived from his act.”

The charges with suit number FHC/L/178C/19 were filed before a Lagos State High Court.

Ten days after his arrest, Naira Marley was arraigned before Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Justice Oweibo ordered that the artiste be remanded in custody until May 30 to take the bail application filed by the defendant’s counsel, Mrs Taiwo Oreagba.

He was subsequently granted bail to the tune of N2m.

According to court documents, the EFCC has listed nine witnesses to testify against the artiste at his trial.

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Actress Iyabo Ojo Makes Case for Single Mothers

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Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo, has spoken on the changing perception of single motherhood, saying many men now want serious relationships with single mothers rather than treating them as side partners.

According to the actress, being a single mother is no longer seen as a stigma, as many women in that category and their children are doing well in different areas of life.

She noted that unlike in the past, some men now actively seek relationships with single mothers because of their maturity and life experience.

She added that many of these men make their intentions clear, insisting on marriage.

Iyabo Ojo encouraged women not to feel discouraged after a failed relationship, saying another partner would be willing to accept and love them.

Declaring herself the “President General of the Single Mothers Association,” the actress urged single mothers to embrace confidence, resilience, and self-worth, and not to feel ashamed of their status.

“Gone are the days that being a single mother was a stigma. Single mothers’ children are doing great things in life. Men are chasing single mothers. They are even begging us that they don’t want us to be a side chick. They want us to marry them because we have experience. If a man leaves you, another man will accept you. I am The President General of the Single Mothers Association,” she said.

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Tribute to Jimmy Cliff: Last Lion of Reggae Crossed the Rivers

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By Prince Adeyemi Shonibare

The wind blows soft across the hills of Jamaica, and the world feels it — a tremor of sorrow, a sigh of history, as Jimmy Cliff, the last Lion of the Reggae Mountains, crossed the great river at eighty-one.
He was the troubadour who sang survival into existence. The freedom-fighter who turned melody into movement. The dreamer who taught the world that:
“You can get it if you really want, but you must try, try and try.”
And try he did — from Somerton to Kingston, from Kingston to the world.

THE JOURNEY — FROM SOMERTON TO THE SUMMIT

Born James Chambers, a young boy humming tunes to the morning breeze, Jimmy Cliff stepped into Kingston with nothing but ambition and spirit. He recorded “Hurricane Hattie” at sixteen, and the island took notice.
He rose like sunrise — slow, steady, unstoppable. Reggae, ska, rocksteady — he touched them all, carving a golden road across Jamaica’s musical skyline.

Then came the explosion that stamped his immortality.

“THE HARDER THEY COME” — A REVOLUTION ON SCREEN

With the 1972 classic The Harder They Come, Jimmy Cliff did more than act; he preached struggle and hope for the entire world.
His voice cried out: “The harder they come, the harder they fall.” Oppressed people everywhere heard their story.
In “Many Rivers to Cross,” he poured a lifetime of pain, faith, and yearning:
“Many rivers to cross, but I can’t seem to find my way over.”
Yet he always crossed — and showed humanity how.

THE MAN WHO SANG FOR HUMANITY

Jimmy Cliff lived with the soul of a pilgrim, a man who believed that peace could ride on melody. He travelled far, performed wide, raised children with pride, held philosophies that blended faith and freedom.

He sang of unity in “Wonderful World, Beautiful People,” reminding humanity:
“There is a place where love is flowing freely.”
His life proved that music could make nations kinder and people braver.

AWARDS, HONOURS, AND ETERNAL RESPECT

Jimmy Cliff earned the world’s applause:

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Grammy Awards

Jamaica’s Order of Merit

Worldwide tours and universal reverence
A catalogue woven into the soundtrack of global culture
But his deepest legacy lies in the millions who found hope in his voice, who stood tall because he sang:
“I can see clearly now, the rain is gone.”

THE LAST LION OF THE REGGAE GENERATION

With Marley gone, with Toots, Peter, Bunny, and Gregory gone, Jimmy Cliff stood as the final elder — the last lion roaring from reggae’s original pride.
He carried the flame when others dimmed. He carried the memory. He carried the movement. He carried the message.
And now he has crossed the last river — the one his own lyrics foresaw.

TRIBUTES FOR A TITAN

“Jimmy Cliff was a bridge between struggle and joy — a global treasure.” — Jamaican Prime Minister
“He sang the world into courage.” — Global Entertainment Guild
“Reggae has lost its last first-born. The music will never forget.” — International Music Legends Alliance

Though gone in body, the stage curtain remains open for the last lion who crossed all the many rivers after finally finding his way.

Jimmy Cliff is gone. But Jimmy Cliff can never die.His voice lives in street corners where youth gather, in radios crackling across African markets, in festivals, in freedom rallies, in every soul that ever felt hope rise from a song.

His own words now carry him across eternity:
“There’s a river that must be crossed, and I must cross it.”

He has crossed. The Lion rests. But his roar echoes forever.

One love. One legend. One Jimmy Cliff.

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Globacom-Sponsored African Voices Changemakers Features BBN Host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu

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Nigerian media personality and Big Brother Naija host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, is the guest on CNN International’s acclaimed magazine show, African Voices, this week. The 30-minute show, sponsored by telecommunications leader, Globacom, gives viewers an in-depth look at Ebuka’s journey and impact.

Born on July 14, 1982, Ebuka first entered the spotlight as a contestant on the inaugural edition of Big Brother Naija in 2006. Since then, he has become the show’s longest-serving host, captivating audiences with his charisma and style.

A Law graduate of the University of Abuja, Ebuka also holds a Master’s degree in Law from the Washington College of Law at American University, Washington, where he specialized in Intellectual Property. Beyond reality TV, he has anchored notable programs including Rubbin’ Minds on Channels Television and the Glo Show.

The episode highlights Ebuka’s impressive fashion collaborations with designer Mai Atafo, the cultural stories behind his signature style, and his passionate advocacy for young boys across Nigeria.

The show which runs on Saturday on DSTV Channel 401 at 8:30 a.m. and 12.00 noon is  repeated on Sunday at 4.30 a.m. and 7 p.m. The repeats continue on Monday at 4 on the morning belt and at 6.45 p.m. the same day and at 6.45 p.m. on Tuesday. The edition will be repeated next weekend at the same time slots.

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