Hundreds of Nigerians gathered in Lagos on Thursday, demanding a thorough investigation into the untimely death of Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as MohBad, an upcoming singer and rapper who had made waves in the country’s Afrobeats scene. The 27-year-old artist, known for hits like “Feel Good,” passed away unexpectedly last Tuesday, leaving the cause of his death shrouded in speculation.

The news of MohBad’s demise has sparked outrage and grief across Nigeria, with social media platforms flooded with expressions of indignation. Many have raised concerns about the alleged harassment faced by the artist from influential figures within the music industry.

“I’m mentally drained. I feel so sad that someone could be bullied to this extent, leading to the loss of their life,” expressed Mama J., a fashion designer, reflecting the sentiments of many Nigerians seeking justice for MohBad.

In response to public outcry, the national police in Lagos State, the economic and cultural hub of Nigeria, announced on Monday that a dedicated team would be formed to conduct a “fair and transparent investigation” into the circumstances surrounding MohBad’s death.

The tragic incident has drawn attention to the issue of untimely deaths in the music industry and the need for accountability. Artists and creatives have come forward to express their concerns and call for collective action.

“Nobody deserves to die at 27 now, nobody deserves to die an untimely death, nobody deserves to die without knowing what killed them, nobody deserves to die that way. It’s wrong, and it’s something that everybody should be concerned about,” stated Eltee Skahillz, an Afrobeat star, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

MohBad’s career took off in 2019 when he signed with the prominent record label led by renowned rapper Naira Marley, one of Nigeria’s leading performers. However, the two artists went their separate ways in 2022 following disagreements.

In the aftermath of MohBad’s tragic passing, fans and supporters online have accused the rapper’s former team of having a connection to his death. An online petition demanding justice has garnered over 250,000 signatures, reflecting the widespread outcry and demand for a thorough investigation.

As Nigerians unite to seek answers and justice for MohBad, the music industry faces a moment of reckoning, highlighting the importance of ensuring the well-being and safety of artists. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched, as it holds the potential to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the young artist’s untimely demise and provide closure for his grieving fans and loved ones.

Ivory Coast, the world’s leading cocoa producer, is facing challenges in implementing a sustainability drive necessary for its cocoa beans to meet new European Union (EU) standards, according to sources with knowledge of the process. The EU regulations, set to take effect around the end of 2024, aim to curb the import of commodities associated with deforestation, requiring companies to prove that their goods were not grown on deforested land after 2020.

As Ivory Coast accounts for approximately 70% of its annual cocoa bean exports to the EU, the successful adoption of sustainability measures is crucial for the country’s continued access to the EU cocoa market. In response, Ivory Coast launched a national sustainable cocoa strategy (SNCD) in March to align its cocoa production with EU requirements. However, concerns have arisen about the pace of progress since then.

EU officials have expressed apprehensions about Ivory Coast’s sustainability efforts, citing uncertainties in the traceability and certification system, as well as doubts about the effectiveness of government policies related to forest protection and combating child labor. Failure to meet the EU’s sustainability deadline could result in Ivory Coast being classified in a risk category, subjecting cocoa operators and traders to additional checks and potential bottlenecks.

In response to these concerns, Ivory Coast’s cocoa regulator, the Cocoa Coffee Council (CCC), has stated that the country remains on track to meet the requirements. CCC director Yves Brahima Kone affirmed that Ivory Coast’s sustainability, traceability, and certification system are nearing completion and are expected to be fully implemented by 2024.

One key element of Ivory Coast’s sustainability plans is the introduction of an electronic card system to track cocoa beans from plantations to export ports, confirming their origin and assisting farmers in receiving the state-guaranteed price. However, approximately half of the 1 million cards still need to be distributed to farmers, and the CCC must also implement the certification system to document the precise origin of each cocoa batch, as mandated by the EU.

The Ivorian government estimates that the implementation of these sustainability measures will cost around 421 billion CFA francs (approximately $692 million) and has sought funding from donors, the cocoa industry, and chocolate companies to cover part of this expense. An official from the agriculture ministry acknowledged that limited financial resources have hindered the implementation process.

The outcome of Ivory Coast’s efforts to meet EU sustainability standards will have significant implications for the country’s cocoa industry and its access to the EU market, which remains a vital destination for its cocoa exports.

 

Source: Reuters

Former Borussia Dortmund striker, Anthony Modeste, has made a surprising move to Egyptian and African champions Al-Ahly, just one year after his signing with the German club. Modeste was initially brought to Dortmund with high expectations, seen as a potential replacement for the prolific Erling Haaland.

The French forward’s journey to Dortmund began when he was signed to fill in for Sebastien Haller, who had been diagnosed with a malignant testicular tumour. Haller’s arrival at Dortmund was itself a replacement for Erling Haaland, who had moved on to become a goal-scoring sensation at Manchester City.

However, Modeste’s time with Borussia Dortmund did not live up to expectations. In the 2022-2023 Bundesliga season, the 35-year-old striker managed to score only two goals in 19 appearances. One of those goals came in a dramatic last-minute equaliser that secured a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich in October.

Al-Ahly, the reigning champions of Egypt and Africa, have now signed Anthony Modeste to a one-year contract, with the possibility of an extension “according to the terms that were agreed,” as stated by the club on its official website.

Modeste could make his debut for Al-Ahly as early as next Friday when the team faces Algerian side USM Alger in the African Super Cup, which will be held in Saudi Arabia. Following that, the Egyptian League is set to kick off just three days later.

This unexpected move has created significant intrigue in the footballing world, with fans and pundits eager to see how Modeste’s talents will contribute to Al-Ahly’s continued success and whether his time with the Egyptian champions will be more fruitful than his brief stint in Germany.

 

Source: Reuters

AL ABRAQ, Libya (September 12, 2023) – Medical aid supplies have arrived at Al Abraq airport in Libya to assist with the aftermath of severe flooding that has ravaged the eastern city of Derna. Dams burst during a powerful storm, causing extensive damage and loss of life in the region.

The medical aid, which includes essential supplies and equipment, was dispatched by the municipalities of Tripoli and Misrata, in addition to contributions from local businessmen. This collaborative effort aims to provide much-needed relief to the affected areas and support the communities grappling with the devastating consequences of the flooding.

According to the Red Cross, an estimated 10,000 people are feared to be missing in various parts of Libya due to the widespread floods. The situation is particularly dire in the city of Derna, where approximately a quarter of the city has been submerged. Tragically, at least 1,000 bodies have already been recovered in Derna alone, and authorities anticipate that the final death toll could be even higher.

Storm Daniel, which struck the region, compounded the challenges faced by Libya, a nation already grappling with over a decade of conflict and instability. The storm intensified existing vulnerabilities, leading to catastrophic flooding in multiple areas across the country.

The humanitarian response to this crisis is vital in providing immediate assistance to those affected by the floods and addressing the urgent medical needs of the population. As aid continues to arrive at Al Abraq airport and other affected regions, efforts are underway to support and rebuild communities impacted by this devastating natural disaster.

The people of Libya, along with international organizations and partners, are working tirelessly to provide relief and support to those affected by the floods. The road to recovery will be long and challenging, but with concerted efforts, hope remains for the affected communities to rebuild their lives and regain a sense of normalcy.

Source: Reuters

The African Union (AU) is gearing up to establish a new African credit rating agency in 2024, aimed at addressing concerns that ratings assigned to African countries are often perceived as unfair. The agency will be headquartered in Africa and will provide its own evaluations of the lending risks associated with African nations, offering additional context for investors considering the purchase of African bonds or private lending to these countries. Misheck Mutize, the lead expert for country support on rating agencies within the African Union, revealed that there is already significant interest from the private sector to support the agency’s implementation.

Critics within the AU, as well as leaders of member nations, including Ghana, Senegal, and Zambia, argue that the “big three” global ratings agencies—Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P Global Ratings—do not consistently and fairly assess the risk of lending to African nations. They also claim that these agencies are quicker to downgrade African countries during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, the AU aims to create a credit rating agency that will offer a fresh perspective.

The AU’s goal with this new agency is not to replace the major global agencies but to increase the diversity of opinions available to investors. They believe that the big three often follow the assessments of smaller ratings agencies, which may have a better understanding of domestic dynamics. The plan for this new agency received endorsement from AU finance ministers over the summer and is being spearheaded by the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), a branch of the AU focused on improving governance across the continent. The AU’s executive council is expected to formally adopt the resolution in February.

The agency will be self-funded and overseen by the AU, with significant private sector involvement. A pitch book is currently being developed to attract potential investors and collaborators, although specific private sector and multilateral organizations that will run the agency have not yet been announced. Investors have expressed interest in the initiative, as it promises to provide them with valuable information for decision-making.

While Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P Global Ratings have not immediately responded to these developments, they have consistently maintained that their ratings follow the same criteria consistently across regions and do not exhibit bias. Ravi Bhatia, S&P’s lead analyst for sovereign ratings, recently stated that the agency applies its criteria consistently across all regions.

 

Source: Reuters

In a bid to combat maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea, a Royal Navy warship, HMS Trent, has made its second visit to Nigeria in three years. The vessel arrived in Lagos on Sunday, and its crew is set to meet with Nigerian Navy authorities.

HMS Trent’s first visit to Lagos in 2021 marked the ship’s first port of call in the Gulf of Guinea. This return visit reaffirms the United Kingdom’s commitment to maritime security cooperation with West African nations to counter piracy, armed robbery, and other maritime crimes.

Commander Tim Langford, the commanding officer of HMS Trent, expressed his team’s readiness to work closely with the Nigerian Navy to identify potential solutions for safeguarding the Gulf of Guinea and the wider region. The focus will be on counter-piracy, counter-terrorism, and addressing illegal activities at sea.

Counter-piracy remains a major concern, and Commander Langford stressed the importance of international collaboration to combat this issue effectively. He emphasised the friendly nature of the exercise and the historical ties between the Royal Navy and the Nigerian Navy.

HMS Trent is equipped with surveillance drones to enhance its operational capabilities, allowing officers on board to identify potential threats from a distance.

Mr. Jonny Baxter, the British Deputy High Commissioner, acknowledged the support of the Nigerian Navy during the visit. He highlighted the tangible evidence of the UK’s relationship with countries like Nigeria and the importance of working together to address maritime security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea.

Maritime security is a significant concern, and the stability and prosperity of Nigeria, as a populous and economically vital country, are essential for the region’s overall stability. The visit of HMS Trent underscores the UK’s commitment to promoting security and cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea.

HMS Trent’s mission involves enhancing stability in the Gulf of Guinea through training, working alongside African allies, and representing the UK and Royal Navy. The warship has integrated a boarding team from 42 Commando and collaborated with the 700X Naval Air Squadron to learn about drone technology deployment.

As maritime security threats persist in the region, cooperation between nations is crucial in addressing these challenges effectively. HMS Trent’s visit reaffirms the commitment of the UK and its partners to securing the vital maritime routes of the Gulf of Guinea.

An appeals court in Nigeria has dismissed two of the three petitions challenging the legitimacy of President Bola Tinubu’s victory in the February election. The remaining petition is still under deliberation, causing tension in Africa’s most populous country.

Three opposition parties had contested the election results, alleging illegal announcements and arguing that Tinubu was not qualified to run for president due to his alleged Guinean citizenship and purported lack of academic credentials. The opposition had hinted at potential protests if the court ruled in favour of Tinubu.

In Abuja’s Court of Appeal, a five-member justice panel ruled that Peter Obi, the third-place finisher, and his Labour Party could not prove their claims of irregularities in the election results or that Tinubu had been indicted on drug charges in the United States, which would disqualify him from the presidency.

The court also rejected a petition by the Allied Peoples Movement, which sought to nullify Tinubu’s victory based on the alleged improper nomination of his running mate, Vice President Kashim Shettima.

President Tinubu, who is attending the G20 summit in India, has denied all the allegations against him.

Security was heightened in Abuja, with support groups demonstrating near the court premises to express their solidarity with their political parties and to urge the judiciary to make a just decision.

The tribunal has the authority to uphold Tinubu’s election win, declare another candidate the winner, annul the vote, or call for a new election. Any decision made can be appealed at Nigeria’s Supreme Court within 60 days.

If the last petition is upheld and the presidential election is annulled, it would be unprecedented in Nigeria’s history. Presidential elections have been contested in court since the country’s return to democracy in 1999, but none have been overturned.

Nigeria’s police issued a statement warning citizens to be cautious in their actions and statements, emphasizing that security forces would not tolerate activities that could incite violence or lead to anarchy.

Tinubu won the election with less than 50% of the vote, marking another first in Nigeria’s history. Opposition candidates argue that delays in announcing election results may have provided opportunities for ballot tampering.

Critics have also accused the president of introducing economic reforms that have exacerbated the plight of millions of poor and hungry Nigerians during his first 100 days in office.

In response, Nigeria Labor Congress workers staged a two-day “warning strike” to protest rising living costs due to the removal of gas subsidies. They threatened to “shut down” Africa’s largest economy if their demands for improved welfare were not met.

The Nigerian government has urged citizens to be patient with President Tinubu, stating that the current inconveniences are necessary to save the country from crisis.

A church in Uganda, Phaneroo Ministries, has achieved a remarkable feat by setting a new Guinness World Record for the longest applause.

In celebration of the church’s ninth anniversary, members of Phaneroo Ministries in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, gathered for a special event known as “Clap For Jesus.” During this extraordinary event, the congregation embarked on a continuous clapping session that lasted for an astounding 3 hours and 16 minutes, all while maintaining an average sound level of 88.5 dB. To qualify for the Guinness World Record, they had to sustain a sound level above 80 dB throughout the entire duration.

A total of 926 participants came together to create this thunderous applause. Guinness World Records issued a statement confirming that they successfully met the required sound level criteria.

Grace Lubega, the leader of the church, explained that the purpose of “Clap For Jesus” was to unite people in a spirit of thanksgiving and celebration. The event was conducted with great enthusiasm, with stewards ensuring that participants continued clapping without any breaks.

This extraordinary achievement was not only witnessed by those present in the hall but also livestreamed to a wider audience. Observers from Uganda’s standards agency and the national basketball governing body closely monitored the event to verify its authenticity.

In accomplishing this remarkable feat, the Ugandan church surpassed the previous record of two hours and five minutes, held by Clark Stevens and The Festival of Awesomeness in the United Kingdom in 2019.

Phaneroo Ministries church’s achievement of setting a new Guinness World Record for the longest applause is a testament to their unity, celebration, and unwavering faith.

Sierra Leone’s capital Freetown has been hit by power cuts after Turkey’s Karpowership switched off the electricity supply due to an unpaid debt of around $40 million, the energy minister said on Friday.

Minister Kanja Sesay told Reuters that the outstanding amount “was accrued over time because the government subsidises more than half the cost the ship charges per kilowatt hour”.

He said the government had to spend more on the subsidy because it charges consumers in the weak local Leone currency, one of worst performing against the dollar in which it pays the power provider.

A government commission has been set up to review consumer electricity tariffs which could double.

Karpowership, one of the world’s largest operators of floating power plants and part of the Karadeniz Energy Group, signed deals in 2018 and 2020 to provide electricity to Sierra Leone’s state power utility.

The company has made similar deals with several Africa countries that are struggling with electricity supply.

Karpowership could not be reached for comment.

The company says on its website that it had deployed around 65 megawatt power generation capacity to Sierra Leone since 2020 and has been supplying 80% of its total electricity needs.

Sesay said the switch-off by Karpowership had reduced electricity supply to the capital by 13%. Electricity is now being rationed in the capital with homes and business going without electricity for hours daily.

Karpower is one of three sources of electricity to the city – the other two includes the country’s hydro dam, and power from the from an interconnection with Ivory Coast which also supplies Guinea and Liberia.

Sesay said Karpower supply is mostly needed during the dry season when water levels at its dam are low. Dependence on the firm is reduced during the rainy season. The country is currently at the peak of its May to November rainy season.

Rwandan authorities have arrested a suspected serial killer following a gruesome discovery of over 10 corpses buried in a pit within his Kigali residence. The 34-year-old suspect allegedly targeted his victims, both men and women, whom he met in bars and then lured to his rented accommodation on the outskirts of the Rwandan capital.

According to Thierry Murangira, the spokesman for the Rwandan Bureau of Investigation (RIB), the suspect’s modus operandi involved enticing victims, particularly prostitutes, to his residence, where he would rob them of their phones and personal belongings. Subsequently, he would strangle his victims and bury their remains in a pit dug within his kitchen.

While local media sources reported finding more than 10 bodies, an anonymous RIB source revealed that 14 victims have been counted thus far. However, the exact number of victims will be determined through forensic investigations, as confirmed by the RIB spokesman.

Notably, the suspect had been previously arrested in July on charges of rape and robbery but was released on bail due to a lack of evidence. The ongoing investigation eventually led to a search of his home, resulting in the grim discovery of the buried bodies in the kitchen pit.

The suspect has reportedly confessed to learning his methods by studying videos about notorious serial killers. In some cases, he allegedly dissolved his victims in acid. He also meticulously selected victims who were less likely to have close family or friends to inquire about their disappearances.

The apprehension of the suspected serial killer serves as a significant development in the ongoing investigation, shedding light on the heinous crimes committed and providing closure to the victims’ families.