Author: The Nation

  • Bill Cosby’s new accuser files lawsuit

    Bill Cosby’s new accuser files lawsuit

    A new accuser, Morganne Picard, has filed a lawsuit against renowned American comedian and actor, Bill Cosby alleging he drugged and assaulted her in the late eighties.

    The Adult Survivors Act, which gives victims a year to file a lawsuit against suspected abusers and the organisations that shielded them, was used by her to file the paperwork, which is accessible via The Daily Beast.

    According to the plaintiff, Morganne Picard, Cosby extended an invitation to The Cosby Show in 1987 and offered to assist advance her singing career.

    She said Cosby would pressurise her to consume drinks he provided her between that initial meeting until 1990, which would leave her feeling “extremely intoxicated.”

    Read Also: Bill Cosby maintains innocence after court clears him of sexual assault charges

    In the lawsuit, it was claimed that she once passed out and was raped.

    “Ms. Picard drank a beverage provided to her by Cosby at his home, and awoke to find herself in a hotel room, naked, with soreness in her vagina,” the suit claims.

    She suspected, “Cosby undressed and raped her, without her consent and when she did not have the capacity to consent,” according to the suit.

    “It is disappointing to see that these alleged distractors are able to monetize false allegations against Mr. Cosby,” Andrew Wyatt, a rep for Cosby was quoted as saying.

    “Even more disturbing, the Merson Law Firm (New York City) decided to incite this lynching of this American Citizen. I am reminded of a photo a man hanging from a tree burning, as the plantation owner hosted a barbecue and party for the slaves as this Black Man was being roasted alive, without the sheer facts of any evidence, proof, truth or facts.

    “The Merson Law Firm along with these alleged distractors are fueling false narratives for the potential of media fame and greed,” he continued. “Mr. Cosby continues to invoke his Constitutional Rights by saying, ‘Not Guilty’ and vehemently denying all of these alleged allegations waged against him.”

    Along with NBCUniversal and the TV production business, the Carsey-Werner business, the lawsuit also names Kaufman Astoria Studios and Astoria Studios LP II as defendants.

    Picard is suing Cosby specifically for violence, assault, and intentional infliction of mental distress while the defendants for negligence and negligent hiring.

    Over the years, numerous women have accused Cosby of drugging and raping them; in 2014, many of them came forward publicly with their allegations for the first time.

    In a 2015 New York magazine piece, over thirty women’s stories were gathered.

    Read Also: Bill Cosby lectures fellow inmates on parenting, drug Use

    A court sentenced him to 10 years in jail and a fine in 2018 after a jury found him guilty of three counts of aggravated sexual assault against complainant Andrea Constand.

    However, due to a flawed trial and an earlier plea bargain with the prosecutor, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court reversed his conviction.

    Following that, a jury found Cosby guilty for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl in the 1970s and paid the plaintiff $500,000 in damages.

    Cosby was accused of sexual assault by five additional women in December last year. And ten other women also filed lawsuits against him in June.

  • Achudume canvasses nation-building as Mbang is laid to rest

    Achudume canvasses nation-building as Mbang is laid to rest

    For Nigeria to attain the dream of its founding fathers, those in positions of authority must re-dedicate themselves to nation-building and shun all forms of corrupt practices.

    The Senior Pastor of the Victory Life Bible Church, Apostle Lawrence Achudume made this known in his homily entitled ‘Rebel In Cassock’ at a programme tagged ‘Night Of Praise’ in honour of the late Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Sunday Mbang CON, at the Shelter Afrique Estate, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, on Monday.

    According to him, the late Prelate was very passionate about seeing his country develop, noting that he used his radical approach to Christianity to drive home the need for the liberation of the citizens from hardship.

    ‘Mbang used his radical approach to Christianity to advocate for freedom from the oppressed and social development for the citizens’.

    Apostle Achudume who observed that Nigeria hasn’t changed posited that the country needs more of the likes of Mbang to champion the causes of the masses.

    The VLBC Senior Pastor while going down memory lane said that the radical nature of  Dr. Mbang actually attracted him to the late Prelate in the 80s, while he served as the President of the Christian Union and NFES.

    He added that they both became very close as they maintained a father-son relationship, recalling how he would always tap from Dr. Mbang’s wealth of experience and wisdom each time he visited him from Abeokuta.

    Apostle Achudume described late Dr. Mbang as a rebel in the cassock who was very contented, humble and lived a very simple life right till he breathed his last.

    ‘Mbang was a rebel in the cassock and didn’t seek for fame or wealth but for freedom and liberation of humanity’, adding that his strong desire was to see a one Nigeria.

    Read Also: First Lady tasks youths on nation-building

    Apostle Achudume noted that the late Dr. Mbang was a dogged fighter who had confronted leaders like General Ibrahim Babangida, late General Sanni Abacha and ensured that General Abdulsalami Abubakar conducted elections to usher in democratic government within a year.

    He Added that his blunt stance on national issues, and forthrightness brought him into contact with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, as they both became very Good friends.

    Apostle Achudume while appreciating the children of the deceased eminent cleric led by Sir Ini Mbang, for organising a series of programmes in honour of their father, urged them to continue to uphold his sterling legacies.

    Dignitaries present at the event include the Deputy Governor of Akwa-Ibom State, Senator. Dr. Akon Eyakenyi, Archbishop Idem Okon, Archbishop Sunday Uko, His Eminence Udo Ekpeyong,Bishop Arabia Umanah, Bishop Imoh Otong, among others.

  • France end Morocco dream to cruise into quarters

    France end Morocco dream to cruise into quarters

    Eugenie Le Sommer scored twice as France cruised into the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals, thrashing Morocco to end the African side’s dream run.

    Goals from Kadidiatou Diani, Kenza Dali and Le Sommer put France 3-0 ahead at half-time in Adelaide, with Le Sommer adding her second after 70 minutes.

    France will now face Australia in the last eight in Brisbane on Saturday.

    Read Also: France, Italy, Germany evacuate citizens from Niger

    Morocco had been hoping to become the first African side to win a knockout match at the Women’s World Cup.

  • Why I titled my new release ‘Shakara’ — Mr Daffangy

    Why I titled my new release ‘Shakara’ — Mr Daffangy

    A multi-talented musician Mr Edafe Erhirhovwefe, popularly known as Mr Daffangy or Mr Dee, said his upcoming album “Shakara,” is a banger he is throwing into the music world.

    Mr Dee, who is a creative director, cinematographer, songwriter, promoter and entrepreneur in the media and entertainment industry, is also the CEO/Founder of Daffangy Entertainment and Rotirite Production House, dual successful companies operating in South Africa and Nigeria.

    He said he is releasing his new single titled “Shakara” to bring a revolution that will turn around the country’s music industry for good while inspiring music lovers to develop their creative abilities.

    Over the years, Mr Daffangy who has managed to infuse new innovative concepts and strategic skills in the digital marketing industry to create a new age empire in music and video production said his key operational focus is now on audio-visual

    Still, he is leveraging production, publishing, music promotion, digital marketing, event planning and artist management to expand his scope of influence beyond entertainment ventures. 

    Another attribute about Mr Dee is how he is able to uplift people, allowing them to reach their full potential.

     Mr Dee said he runs a full production crew that caters to the demand for high-quality production, services and social influence. 

    Likewise, he said he uses the skills, knowledge and experience he had gathered over the years to run his organization with which he had managed to create distinguished entertainment movements.

    The multi-talented musician said Daffangy Entertainment was incorporated in Nigeria in January 2012, after which it was later registered and established in South Africa.

    Read Also: Shakarau returns to APC

    As a business entity, Mr Daffangy said his entertainment company has produced, directed and promoted several audio and visual productions including managing iconic artists from different countries in Africa.

    Besides, as he also engages in community service duties, Mr Dee said most recently, he formed a partnership with Aviwe BDS College and hosted learners for an internship, where they received valuable work experience, industry knowledge, mentorship and insists.

    His commitment to also serving the people through community development work, Mr Dee said made his branches of work operate successfully both in South Africa and Nigeria.

  • Eniola Badmus shares video of Olakunle Churchill, wife amid marriage crash rumour

    Eniola Badmus shares video of Olakunle Churchill, wife amid marriage crash rumour

    Actress Eniola Badmus has shared a video of Tonto Dikeh’s ex-hubby Olakunle Churchill and wife Rosy Meurer together to debunk speculation of marital crash.

    Recently, a controversial blogger alleged Churchill and Meurer’s union had collapsed

    The blogger alleged the marriage hit the rocks owing unconfirmed infidelity and domestic violence by the husband.

    But Badmus, in a bit to refute the blogger’s claim, shared a video via her Snapchat handle which captured Churchill and Meurer together with the location, time and dating on it.

    Read Also: Eniola Badmus alleges death threats, begs fans for rescue

    The atmosphere exuded tranquility as the mother of one is seen seated on the sofa while tending to their child’s hair in the living room with her hubby standing close to her addressing their aide behind her.

    The movie star triggered reactions with her post as many knocked, tagging her ‘Minister of information’ and accusing her of always ‘poke nosing’ in other people’s affairs.

    edidiong_mi said: “Why isn’t Rosymeurer the one debunking why Eniola, she is too forward Abeg…”

    queen_kidsthrift wrote: “who makes hair at 1:09 am. That’s midnight oooo Dey play. You go explain tire.”

    ogonna_1 stated: “Na why David no dey follow am again her busy body too much.”

    Read Also: I was body shamed, insulted for my political choice – Eniola Badmus

    nimyevans asked: “Why eniola like to shook herself into people life?

    lilmyssy said: “Minister of information

    ugobeautydickson wrote: “Making hair by what time of the day? Una go explain tire.”

    testimoni_official stated: “When they start debunking and putting up video, check well.”

    official_sisi__ said: “She’s everywhere.”

  • Three safe ways to enjoy pregnancy-free s3x life

    Three safe ways to enjoy pregnancy-free s3x life

    Taking in is a blessing but circumstances may warrant the avoidance of pregnancy. This may be due to economic hardship or health complications.

    Here are three ways to enjoy a safe s3x life without pregnancy:

    (1) The rhythm method

    This method is for a female partner. It requires that you keep tab on your menstrual cycle to know your fertile days and infertile days to plan your s3x life.

    Menstrual history begins on the first day of menstruation in one month to the first day of menstruation in the following month. Consistently keep count of the number of days in each cycle. These numbers may not be consistent. So take note of the length: longest cycle and the shortest cycle.

    Read Also: Davido’s alleged French side chick shares pregnancy update

    To get the first fertile day, subtract 18 days from the total number of days in your shortest cycle. Whatever you have left will be the first day of your fertile day. Say the shortest length of your cycle is 28 days; subtract 18 days and 10 days is left. Start counting 10 days from the first day of your menstruation to day 10. On that day 10, marks the first day of your fertile days.

    To track your last fertile day, subtract 11 from the total number of days in your longest cycle. What is left marks the end of your fertile days. Say the longest length of your cycle is 31 days; subtract 11 days and 20 days is left. Start counting 20 days from the first day of your menstruation to day 20. On that day, marks the last day of your fertile days. Use your menstrual history to plan your sex life.

    (2)Pull-out method

    This method focuses on a male partner. Such partner avoids  ejaculation during love making.

    (3) Correct use of protection

    Besides other contraceptives,  such as pills, that may cause cancer in the long run, condom is 95% safe. It is available for both male and female partner

    The above do not definitely rule out the possibility of getting pregnant. You can consult your doctor for more advise. Meanwhile, ensure you are with a respectful and trustworthy partner within the ambience and security of marriage. 

    Read Also: Startled Beauty Tukura reacts to pregnancy photos

  • Foundation plans against human trafficking, sexual violence

    Foundation plans against human trafficking, sexual violence

    A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Mariam Ashley Yusuf (MAY) foundation, has unveiled a one-year action plan for its operations to tackle human trafficking, sexual violence. 

    A statement by its founder, Mariam Ashley Yusuf lamented the escalating cases of human trafficking across the borders. 

    The foundation classified the plan to include short, medium and long-term which it believes will upscale the campaign against forced labour and sexual exploitations. 

    It said: “Today, we find the social media rife with the “Japa Syndrome” which these nefarious individuals are using to their advantage. 

    “Cases abound of young Nigerian girls being taken to places such as Libya, Lebanon, Oman, Kuwait, Romania, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, etc with promises of well-paying jobs as maids and nannies. 

    “Well over 90% of these “jobs” are female escort services and these unsuspecting ladies fall victim.   

    “We also intend to launch our hotlines so as to be reachable by Nigerians both locally and internationally and social media handles to monitor the cyber-space and blow the whistle for the law enforcement agencies to swing into action where required”.

    Highlighting its long-term plan, the foundation said it would build on short and medium term goals, by actively focusing on law enforcement agencies with tips to assist in the arrest of human traffickers. 

    It also seeks to establish a rehabilitation center for victims of human trafficking, especially those who were forced into female and male escort services both in Nigeria and the Diaspora.

    Furthermore, the foundation will consider launching a radio and TV sitcoms in pidgin English, Hausa Igbo and Yoruba languages for increased enlightenment, information dissemination and awareness. 

    It said: “MAY Foundation is poised to embarking on this next phase of our campaign with renewed vigour and zest as we are well aware that with every passing day more unsuspecting young Nigerians are falling victim to this plague. 

    Read Also: Firm partners Nigerian Conservation Foundation, plants 3,000 trees

    “Thus we are appealing and imploring all well-meaning Nigerians and the Government at all tiers to beam a strong light on the issue of human trafficking and sexual violence as it directly affects Nigeria’s youth, who’re the future of our dear nation”, it added. 

    The foundation also expressed profound gratitude to NAPTIP for its relentless support in getting rid of human trafficking, forced labour and sexual exploitation in the country. 

    “Our founder, Mariam Ashley Yusuf is grateful to actively participate in activities marking the 20th anniversary of agency recently, including road walk in Abuja against human trafficking.

    “Such partnership we believe are needed to sanitize our society and make it more liveable now and for generations to come”.

  • Imo students launch crowd funding project for people with disability

    Imo students launch crowd funding project for people with disability

    A group of Junior Secondary School Students from Marist Bicentenary College, Ngor Okpala, Imo State has launched a project — The Community Finance Project — aimed at helping people with disabilities through crowdfunding. 

    The students, known as the SIEFED Tech Team — Students Involved in Funding and Enabling Economic Development — created the platform with the aim of tackling the obstacles to financial stability faced by people with disabilities. 

    According to the students, one of the many objectives of the project is to help people with disabilities to start or grow a micro-enterprise so that they can become self-reliant and cater for their basic needs. 

    A statement by the team said: “The project will also minimize discrimination against people with disabilities in Nigeria and the world at large and promote equality of all persons. 

    Read Also: Native doctor allegedly kills, buries servant in Imo community

    “The team of students is committed to ensuring better economic and employment opportunities for millions of people with disabilities and reducing the poverty rate which is very high in Nigeria.”

    In June, the students participated in a national competition organised by SAGE Nigeria in Abuja with their project, and they won the “community service award” presented by the CEO of SAGE Nigeria, Agwu Amogu. 

    SAGE — Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship — is an international program initiated at the California State University Chico USA in 2002. 

  • Pablo Spragga releases “Black Gambino” EP

    Pablo Spragga releases “Black Gambino” EP

    Singer Pablo Spragga aka Teddy C. Nebolisa, has released his latest EP “Black Gambino”, which dropped on August 4, 2023. 

    The EP is an expression of Pablo’s personal experiences growing up in Port Harcourt as well as the civil unrest and corruption he faced growing up. 

    Pablo’s music can be categorised under the World Music genre-a fusion of several music genres like Afro-pop, Reggie-Grimm, Reggae, Dancehall and Drill with a unique dose of pathwa. His ability to fuse these genres to his sound gives a great level of originality and diversity.

    The EP is a fusion of Afro, Drill, Grime and Dancehall, featuring six tracks that showcased Pablo’s unique style and lyrical prowess.

    “Black Gambino” opens with “Journey,” a song that sets the tone for the EP with its haunting melody and introspective lyrics.

     “One Life” is a standout track that speaks to the importance of living life to the fullest, as we only have one life to live. 

    “Chuck Noris” and “Juice” are high-energy tracks that showcases Pablo’s ability to blend genres seamlessly, while “Specimen” is a more introspective track that delves into the struggles Pablo faced growing up in Port Harcourt.

     “Anti Social” closes out the EP with a hard-hitting beat and Pablo’s signature flow, offering a glimpse into his lifestyle and mind-set.

    Read Also: Soyinka, Angelou, Pablo Neruda my literary influences, says poet Abby Kesington

    Pablo’s music is a reflection of his experiences and his desire to use his platform to raise awareness 

    of the issues facing his community. 

    “Black Gambino” now available for 

    streaming and download on all major music platforms is a powerful statement from an artist who is not afraid to speak his truth and stand up for what he believes in.

    Pablo Spragga is proudly sponsored by Cord Stop Music, a dynamic and forward-thinking Lagos-based record label founded by the visionary and tech-minded entrepreneur, Nduwuba Izuchukwu Charles.

  • Native doctor allegedly kills, buries servant in Imo community

    Native doctor allegedly kills, buries servant in Imo community

    A native doctor Nze Law from Amandugba community in Isu Local Government Area of Imo State has reportedly killed his servant for eating a piece of meat belonging to him.

    It was gathered the incident occurred on Sunday at Amankwo village, Alaenyi Ogwa in Mbaitoli LGA.

    The native doctor was said to have joined hands with other servants to beat the deceased to death before he buried the yet-to-be identified deceased in a nearby bush without the knowledge of his (the deceased’s family).

    The development sparked protest in the area as youths from the Amandugba village trooped out en masse to the home of the native doctor for a revenge mission, but the he fled before the angry youths could get to his home.

    It was further gathered as the youths made to destroy Nze Law’s exotic mansion, operatives of the Police Command were invited to control the situation.

    A village source said: “The deceased youth was subjected to a general beating by the native doctor and his domestic servants because he ate a piece of roasted meat without the consent of his principal.

    “As a result, they beat him up until he gave up the ghost and was buried in a nearby bush without even contacting his family.

    Read Also: I followed gunmen to save many lives – Anambra native doctor

    “So, when the information got to his people in Amandugba, a neighbouring community to Ogwa, the youth of the community felt bad, mobilised themselves and stormed the home of the native doctor at Amankwo to avenge the death of one of them.

    “But luckily for Nze Law, he had already got the information of the plan to invade his house and fled before their arrival.

    “So, by the time the youths had arrived Nze Law’s house, some policemen also showed up and stopped them from carrying out their aim.”

    Imo Police Command spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, is yet to make an official statement on the development.