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David Kenner, an 82-year-old former attorney for Fugees rapper Pras Michel, was sentenced to one year of unsupervised probation and fined for contempt of court.

The sentencing came after Kenner admitted to violating a court order by sharing protected discovery material with reporters in the lead-up to Michel’s 2023 trial. Kenner reached a plea deal with prosecutors, avoiding jail time but agreeing to a one-year probationary period and a fine.

During a virtual hearing on Friday, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta initially expressed reservations about the deal, emphasizing the importance of sending the right signal to lawyers bound by protective orders. However, after negotiations, Mehta accepted the agreement with the provision that he retained the authority to impose a maximum fine of $5,000. Mehta remarked that the fine, while symbolic, holds significance.

Kenner’s attorney, Barrett Boss, did not contest the $5,000 fine but highlighted that Kenner had personally spent $1.4 million on expenses related to Michel’s defense. Kenner, appearing virtually from his California office, characterized the conviction as a “low point” in his 56-year career, expressing remorse and accepting responsibility for his “reckless” conduct.

Michel had severed ties with Kenner following his April 2023 conviction on 10 felony counts related to his association with a Malaysian billionaire accused of embezzling billions from the country’s sovereign wealth fund, 1MDB. Michel faced charges such as acting as an unregistered foreign agent of China, conspiring to make illegal campaign contributions, and witness intimidation. The judge in Michel’s case is currently reviewing a motion for a new trial, alleging that Kenner mishandled the defense, including the use of AI to generate the closing argument.

Kenner’s sentence follows a series of articles by Bloomberg, published almost 11 months ago, revealing grand jury materials and nonpublic information protected by a court order. Kenner had shared this information with reporters investigating Michel’s case. Despite having the reporters sign a protective order, they later disregarded it, prompting Kenner’s acknowledgment of recklessness in not terminating their access after they indicated non-compliance with the order’s terms.

A tragic incident struck in Ejigbo, Osun state when a United States Professor and politician, Richard Adeoriokin, was accidentally shot dead by a local security guard while bidding him farewell after an event.
The incident occurred around 8:30 pm on Saturday along Inisha Road of Ejigbo, following the conclusion of a public function attended by Professor Adeoriokin, his political associates, and the son of Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oyeyode Oyesosin. 

After the meeting at the king’s residence, the son ordered the security guard to fire gunshots into the air to bid farewell to his friends. 
Unfortunately, one of the bullets struck the Professor, resulting in his death, and the enraged mob subsequently killed the security guard. 

Afeez Lawal, the personal assistant to Professor Richard who was present at the scene, recounted that his boss, a lecturer at Prairie View A&M University in Houston, Texas, and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had attended a ceremony where Governor Ademola Adeleke was conferred with a chieftaincy title before the tragic incident occurred.

He said: “We headed to Ejigbo for the 50th coronation anniversary of the Ogiyan of Ejigbo. Immediately, after the event, we were almost set to go back to Osogbo, the king’s son, Oyeyode Oyesosin said we should go to his house along Inisha road for a brief meeting, so those that followed him home Ayodele Asalu, Timothy and Prof Richard. 

“When the king’s son wanted to bid his guests farewell, he ordered the local security to fire guns to the air, as a gesture but unfortunately, one of the security’s guns was facing down, instead of firing to the sky, he fired the bullet downward, the bullet hit Professor on his leg, he fell, before we could rush him to the hospital he had lost a lot of blood. He gave up the ghost at the Baptist hospital in Ejigbo.”
The aide confirmed that the remains of the Professor had been deposited in Osun State University Teaching Hospital Morgue. 

Meanwhile, Governor Ademola Adeleke ordered through investigation over the killing of Adeoriokin and one other as he condoled with the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Omowonuola Oyeyosin. 
He directed law enforcement agencies to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the incident and ensure that the law takes its cause.

He further called for pre-emptive action by the security agencies to prevent any possible counter-attacks or eruption of violence in the ancient town following the sad incident. 
Adeleke Urged families of the deceased not to take laws into their own hands.

He said: “What happened at Ejigbo is really sad. I extend my condolences to the families of the deceased. I have directed an immediate investigation into the killings of Dr Richard Adeoriokin and the subsequent killing of his killer. I have also instructed the State Police Command to issue guidelines on the usage of local guns. Such regulations will enhance the safety and protection of the citizens, especially at public functions.”

Subsequently, the All Progressives Congress (APC) through its state Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal condoled with Ejigbo over the killing of one of its prominent indigenes, describing the death as tragic and wicked and tasked the Police Authority to investigate the matter.

The provision of employment backed by the creation of decent jobs for all and investing in young people to boost economic growth and investment is core to the actualisation of every country’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Therefore, the creation of decent jobs is an essential mandate of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the world body has continuously made tremendous contributions towards ensuring the implementation of the highest forms of labour standards and practices across the globe.

However, these efforts have been often hamstrung by the unstable economic conditions of some member states that jeopardise the creation of decent jobs in the private sector on one hand, and inadequate investment opportunities that could allow the country’s private sector to boost development and create a competitive environment, which creates jobs and trade integration.

The Sierra Leonean First Lady, Dr Fatima Maada Bio, while delivering the keynote address at the opening of an Agricultural Exhibition staged to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and other businesses from another project, urged the European Union (EU) to create a healthy and competitive space that would enable Sierra Leonean products to thrive on European markets. She, also, commended the EU and ILO for such encouraging initiatives, stressing that it is part of the President’s agenda in making agriculture the mainstay of the economy and gateway for creativity and employment in the country. Important dignitaries from the public sector and chiefs of industry were present at the exhibition. The International Labour Organization defines decent jobs as: “Productive work for women and men in the condition of freedom, equity, security, and human dignity.” The Opportunity Salone programme, with support from the European Union in Sierra Leone, is helping to provide the much-needed human capital boost centred on sustainable development. It is working in collaboration with SMEs and SME contractors to provide a series of training on Start and Improve Your Business (SYIB), Get-Ahead Training, and My Coop, with financial support to acquire various types of machinery to help upscale production processes to meet market demands in the districts of BO, Kenema, Bombali, and Port Loko through the Opportunity Salone programme.

The Project’s Employment-intensive investment programme (EIIP), links infrastructural development with the creation of employment and working with young SME contractors in providing training and contracting these businesses to carry out routine maintenance of feeder roads in the agricultural communities to access markets, link communities and connecting people in the project’s operational districts.

In 2023, these SME contractors maintained 33 kilometres of feeder roads in all four districts with support from the Opportunity Salone programme. In 2024, the project would maintain a total of 102.32 kilometres of feeder roads.

In December 2023, the project organized its maiden edition of the knowledge-sharing events, which brought together key actors involved in the implementation of the Opportunity Salone project. The event was utilised as a platform for them to express their challenges and successes achieved over the year by SMEs, SME contractors, partners, donors, and the beneficiaries themselves.

The Convener, Mr Manoto Tonderai, CTA and team – under the dynamic leadership of Dr Vanessa Phala, Director of the ILO Office for Sierra Leone, Liberia, Nigeria and Ghana – was able to bring in one room, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr Mrs Fatima Maada Bio; the EU Ambassador, Manuel Muller; Global Coordinator, Value-chain and Entrepreneurship, ILO, Merten Sievers; UN Women Head of Office, Madam Setcheme Mongbo and Sierra Leone’s Minister of Labour, Mr Mohamed Swarray, to the lunch of the knowledge-sharing event.

The three-day event climaxed with an appreciation evening to thank supportive partners, performing SME businesses, business trainers and stakeholders of the project in order to motivate partners to continue to invest, support and encourage SME businesses for the right reasons, and for contributing to the livelihoods of Sierra Leonean youths, women and persons living with disabilities (PLWDs).

Business owners equally expressed their satisfaction with the opportunity to gather in one room to discuss and put ideas together, noting that it made them feel like co-owners of the Opportunity Salone programme. They promised to ensure their continued support towards the project. One of the beneficiaries, Sidkie Bangura, captured their achievements from a personal testimony.

His words: “The EU and ILO Opportunity Salone programme has been a blessing to my business and community; with support given to my business, I have been able to provide solar lights for my community; with proceeds gained from the business, I have grown from producing hygienic palm oil to processing the nut oil into cooking oil, which also can be used for cosmetic production.”

A 61-year-old retired airline pilot was sentenced Friday to over eight years in prison for allegedly planning to join the Ukrainian army, a Russian court said.

Igor Pokusin, born in the Ukrainian city of Odesa, poured paint on a pro-army banner in March 2022 and wrote the words “Glory to Ukraine” on the wall of a local museum in the Siberian town where he lives.

After serving a six-month suspended sentence for those crimes, he was charged with “treason” based on wiretapped calls with relatives in Ukraine, rights groups said.

Prosecutors alleged that Pokusin, who according to local media suffers from multiple health problems, planned to travel to Ukraine to “fight against the Russian army”.

“Pokusin was unable to follow through with his actions,” the top court in Russia’s Siberian Khakassia region said, sentencing him to eight years and one month in prison for “state treason”.

Pokusin acknowledged his opposition to the conflict, the Perviy Otdel rights group said, but denied that he planned to “fight on anyone’s side”.

Moscow made criticism of its army illegal shortly after launching its Ukraine offensive in February 2022, and thousands of the conflict’s opponents have been censored, jailed or exiled.

Pokusin’s sentencing came a day after a human rights activist was sentenced to three years in prison for allegedly “discrediting” Moscow’s army in a social media comment.

Femi Otedola, the Nigerian billionaire and business mogul, declared that history had been made after his visit to the Dangote Refinery. This comes following reports on January 12, 2023, that the refinery initiated the production of diesel and aviation fuel.

The Dangote Refinery boasts a 650,000 barrel-per-day oil processing capacity and was officially inaugurated by former President Muhammadu Buhari. The commencement of operations followed the receipt of six shipments of one million barrels of crude cargo.

In a post on his X page, Otedola extended congratulations to Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of Dangote Group, for the successful establishment of the refinery. He expressed admiration for the Dangote Oil Refinery, referring to it as the “8th wonder of the world” that had just started production.

Otedola commended Dangote for this significant achievement, highlighting the refinery’s Guinness Book of Records recognition as the world’s largest single-train petroleum refinery. He concluded by acknowledging the historic nature of the accomplishment.

The leader of a starvation cult in Kenya has been formally charged with terrorism in connection to the deaths of over 400 of his followers, as announced by a Kenyan court on Thursday.

Self-proclaimed pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, along with 94 other individuals, entered a plea of “not guilty” to charges of radicalization. Additionally, Mackenzie faced charges of “organized criminal activity,” as outlined in documents from the Mombasa court.

Mackenzie is accused of inciting his followers to starve to death with the belief of meeting Jesus, a shocking case that gained international attention. His arrest in April followed the discovery of bodies in the Shakahola forest near the Indian Ocean, where autopsies revealed that a majority of the 429 victims had succumbed to hunger. Disturbingly, some victims, including children, showed signs of having been strangled, beaten, or suffocated.

The pre-trial detention of Mackenzie, a former taxi driver, was repeatedly extended as the prosecution continued its investigation. However, a court issued a warning last week, indicating that Mackenzie would be released unless formal charges were filed within 14 days.

The gruesome incident, known as the “Shakahola Forest Massacre,” prompted the government to emphasize the necessity of enhanced oversight over fringe denominations.

In an early morning encounter near Durban, South African police engaged in a shootout, resulting in the death of six suspects. The police operation targeted a gang linked to a series of house robberies and murders that had recently occurred.

The escalating crime rates in South Africa have raised concerns, with the country recording three murders per hour in the first three months of 2023. The South African Police Service (SAPS) stated that the operation was based on intelligence regarding the suspects involved in house robberies, murders, business robberies, and carjackings.

Upon reaching a residence in Inanda, a crime-prone township northwest of Durban, the police encountered a fierce exchange of gunfire. Three suspects, including a woman and two men, were apprehended. Police Minister Bheki Cele, who visited the scene, reported the discovery of valuable items such as expensive alcohol and technology in the house.

The intense shootout lasted approximately 25 minutes, with Minister Cele expressing gratitude that the police survived the encounter. Authorities recovered two rifles, a shotgun, and a vehicle stolen in December from the premises.

This incident follows a similar event in September, where police thwarted a cash-in-transit heist in the country’s northeast, resulting in the death of eighteen individuals.

An unexplained explosion rocked Ibadan city, the capital of Oyo State, causing panic and shattering numerous buildings on Tuesday evening. The intense vibration from the explosion was felt in various parts of the city, including Oke Itunu, Bodija, Omi Adio, Apete, University College Hospital (UCH), Mokola, and Idi Isin.

The incident, which occurred around 7:25 pm in the Bodija area, significantly impacted many structures. Notably, the UCH School of Nursing experienced damage with shattered hostel windows due to shockwaves from the explosion. While reports suggest casualties, the exact number remains uncertain as of the time of this report.

The cause of the explosion is believed to be a gas-related incident. In response to the situation, the Oyo government has urged residents to remain calm, assuring that Governor [Governor’s Name] has deployed security personnel, including paramilitary officers and firefighters, to manage the aftermath of the explosion.

A statement from the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, emphasized that the government is taking necessary measures to control and mitigate the impact of this unfortunate event.

Nigerian human rights activist, Adetoun Onajobi, recently disclosed on the WithChude podcast that when she first met her husband, he had 87 girlfriends. During the podcast, Adetoun shared that some of these women went to great lengths to disrupt her marriage, including one who she described as a “pure mermaid” who frequently appeared to her husband.

In order to address her husband’s promiscuous behavior and salvage their marriage, Adetoun explained that she had to engage in both physical and spiritual battles. Despite the challenges, she expressed her belief in her husband’s ability to change and emphasized that she took a step-by-step approach to overcoming these issues.

Adetoun recounted instances where other women sought revenge, claiming to be pregnant by her husband or stating that they had been in a long-term relationship with him. Despite these obstacles, she believed that she was on a specific mission in her husband’s life and acknowledged the struggles he faced.

The revelations came during a candid conversation on the podcast, shedding light on the complexities and challenges Adetoun faced in her relationship.

Diego Maradona’s son, Diego Armando Maradona Junior, has asserted that his father was not a victim of natural causes but was intentionally killed. Armando claims to know the responsible party and expressed his determination to seek justice for his father’s demise.

In a widely circulated video, Armando conveyed to Mediaset, an Italian mass media company, “There is an ongoing investigation. We, his children, have strong confidence in Argentine justice. I firmly believe that his passing should not have concluded this way.”

He went on to say, “They took my father’s life. While I have my suspicions about who is responsible, I cannot disclose it. They abandoned him when intervention could have made a difference. I’ve made a commitment: I will relentlessly pursue justice until my last day.”

Diego Maradona passed away in November 2020 due to heart failure and pulmonary edema. At the time, he was recovering from brain surgery at his residence in Buenos Aires. Presently, medical professionals involved in Maradona’s treatment are facing a homicide trial in an Argentine court.