Diddy Acquitted of Sex Trafficking and Racketeering But Will Remain in Jail Pending Sentencing

By Kamal Yalwa–New York, USA In a dramatic courtroom moment on Wednesday, music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges by a New York jury, bringing an emotional close to a high-profile federal trial that has gripped the entertainment world for months. The verdict, delivered shortly after 10:00am local time, saw 12 jurors clear Combs of the most serious charges, concluding that he did not operate a criminal enterprise or engage in sex trafficking involving former girlfriends and associates. However, the jury found him guilty of the lesser charge of transporting individuals for prostitution, leaving Combs partially convicted and still facing prison time. Dressed in an off-white sweater and trousers, Combs reacted with overwhelming emotion as the verdicts were read. Upon hearing the first “not guilty” for racketeering, he bowed his head in silence. When the jury acquitted him of sex trafficking, he held his head in his hands, visibly overcome. Once the verdict was finalized, Combs made a prayer gesture toward the jury and his family — including his twin daughters, sons, and 85-year-old mother — and appeared to mouth the words: “I’m coming home.” His legal team, led by attorneys Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, swiftly urged the court to release Combs on the basis of the acquittal on the most severe charges. Agnifilo noted that Combs’ plane was chartered and currently in Maui, suggesting he had no intention of fleeing. “Mr. Combs has been given his life back by this jury,” Agnifilo said. “He will not run afoul of anything this court imposes on him.” Despite their efforts, Judge Arun Subramanian denied Combs bail during a subsequent hearing that same afternoon, ruling that the hip-hop entrepreneur would remain in federal custody until his sentencing later this year. Outside the courthouse in Manhattan, supporters chanted “Free Diddy!” as news of the partial acquittal spread. Inside, celebrations erupted among Combs’ legal team and family, with hugs and tears marking a moment of relief — if not full vindication. The split verdict highlights the challenges of prosecuting cases involving celebrity, coercion, and long-term abuse, particularly in the aftermath of the #MeToo era. While Combs was cleared of organizing sex-trafficking operations, the conviction for prostitution transport still carries a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years per count. Diddy will remain in custody at a Brooklyn federal facility until sentencing, expected later in 2025. Ask ChatGPT

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Diddy Verdict Sparks Debate Over Domestic Abuse Power and the Limits of Justice

New York — The split verdict in the federal trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has reignited conversations about domestic abuse, power dynamics, and the evolving legacy of the #MeToo movement. After more than seven weeks of testimony, a federal jury found Combs guilty of transporting individuals for prostitution, but not guilty of sex trafficking or racketeering, despite graphic evidence of abuse and claims that he used wealth and coercion to control former partners. The trial featured harrowing testimony from Casandra “Cassie” Ventura Fine and another woman known only as “Jane”, both of whom described years of alleged abuse and manipulation under Combs. Prosecutors argued that Combs’s actions constituted a “criminal enterprise” driven by money, fear, and violence. A 2016 surveillance video showing Combs assaulting Ventura in a hotel hallway was a key piece of evidence. Ventura testified that she felt “trapped” and described repeated physical violence, including a 2009 incident where Combs allegedly stomped on her face. Yet, the jury declined to convict on the more serious charges of sex trafficking, sparking criticism from advocates who say the verdict reflects a deep misunderstanding of coercion in intimate partner abuse. “Today is a good day for perpetrators,” said Dr. Emma Katz, an expert on domestic violence. “The jury seems to have decided that someone can be physically assaulted and controlled by their partner, yet not be coerced.” Legal analysts suggested prosecutors may have fumbled key aspects of the sex trafficking case. Defense attorneys, while conceding Combs’s abusive behavior, argued that there was no proof of coercion in the alleged sexual acts. They pointed to affectionate messages from Ventura as evidence of consent — messages experts say are common in abusive relationships due to fear, manipulation, or survival strategies. “Domestic violence is not sex trafficking,” Combs’s attorney Teny Geragos said during trial — a line that appears to have resonated with the jury. The outcome, some say, reveals the limits of public and legal understanding of abuse, especially when it happens within romantic relationships. “There’s still stigma and disbelief when victims stay with their abusers,” said Katz. “It’s not that simple. Victims fear for their lives, their children, or simply have nowhere to go.” Critics also pointed to the broader implications for the #MeToo movement, which began as a push to hold powerful figures accountable for sexual violence and abuse. While some advocacy groups praised the guilty verdict on transportation charges, others said the result highlights systemic failures. “This is a stain on the criminal justice system,” said Arisha Hatch of the gender justice group UltraViolet. “It shows we still don’t fully believe victims — especially when the accused holds immense wealth and influence.” Still, Ventura’s legal team welcomed the partial conviction, saying it ensured Combs was “finally held responsible for two federal crimes,” each carrying a maximum of 10 years in prison. Advocacy groups including Lift Our Voices and the National Women’s Law Center praised Ventura and Jane’s courage in testifying, saying their actions strengthened the movement for justice, even as challenges remain. “The verdict may be split, but their bravery is whole,” said Fatima Goss Graves, president of the NWLC. “No jury can take that away.

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2Face Idibia Apologises to Wife and Fans for Saying Men Aren’t Built for One Woman

Nigerian music icon 2Face Idibia has publicly apologised to his wife, Natasha, their children, and fans for his controversial comment claiming that men are not biologically built to be with only one woman sexually. Speaking on a podcast, 2Face had said, “A man can love one woman to death, but it’s impossible for a man to be sexually with one woman only.” The comment sparked widespread backlash online, with many accusing him of justifying infidelity. In a follow-up, the singer retracted the statement, admitting it was “unlegendary” and inappropriate, and expressed sincere regret to those hurt by his words.

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Veteran Rapper Eedris Abdulkareem Has Dropped Another Banger Called Ojoro INEC

Veteran Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem has once again stirred the socio-political landscape with his latest single, “Ojoro INEC,” released on May 29, 2025. The song critiques the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its perceived partiality and inefficiency, suggesting that the electoral body operates under the influence of the current administration rather than maintaining its independence. In “Ojoro INEC,” Abdulkareem continues his tradition of using music as a platform for political commentary. The track follows his earlier 2025 release, “Tell Your Papa,” which addressed Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, urging him to convey the populace’s hardships to his father. This song was subsequently banned by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for being “inappropriate and offensive,” a move that sparked debates on freedom of expression and censorship in Nigeria. Abdulkareem’s history of politically charged music dates back to his 2004 hit “Jaga Jaga,” which criticized corruption and poor governance in Nigeria. Despite facing bans and governmental pushback, he has remained steadfast in his commitment to highlighting societal issues through his art. The release of “Ojoro INEC” adds to Abdulkareem’s repertoire of protest songs, reinforcing his role as a vocal critic of governmental policies and actions. As Nigeria continues to grapple with political and economic challenges, his music serves as a reflection of public sentiment and a call for accountability

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Drama in Court! Peter Okoye Accused of Lying to EFCC, Falsifying Testimony in N1.3bn Fraud Trial Against Brother Jude Okoye

The high-profile legal battle between Nigerian music star Peter Okoye of P-Square and his elder brother, Jude Okoye, took a sensational twist on Friday as Peter was accused of misleading the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with false statements in the ongoing N1.3 billion fraud trial. In a heated session at the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, presided over by Justice Rahman Oshodi, the defence counsel, Clement Onwuenwunor, SAN, shredded Peter’s testimony, exposing what he called “lies, inconsistencies, and deliberate fabrications” aimed at tarnishing Jude’s reputation and misleading the anti-graft agency. Peter had previously testified before the EFCC, claiming that Jude and their former company, Northside Music Limited, defrauded him of $767,544.15. He painted himself as a victim, alleging he had no access to company finances and wasn’t a beneficiary of deals under Jude’s management. But Onwuenwunor, during a fiery cross-examination, brought receipts—literally. He revealed Peter’s claim of being a graduate of the University of Abuja was false. Peter admitted under pressure that he had only attended the university but dropped out—contradicting his sworn EFCC statement. The defence also shocked the courtroom by presenting bank mandates showing Peter and his twin brother Paul were signatories to Northside Entertainment accounts, directly refuting Peter’s claims that Jude alone had control over the finances. Bank statements further showed that Peter had made multiple withdrawals, in both naira and dollars, from the company’s account. As if that wasn’t enough, Onwuenwunor tackled Peter over his royalty claims from Mad Solutions, the company managing P-Square’s music catalogue. Peter had testified he only received $25,000 and $20,000, but the defence showed bank records revealing much lower amounts—$4,330.47 and $5,837.35—and proved that Peter was fully aware of the contract terms, having signed alongside Jude and Paul. “This is not forgetfulness—this is an orchestrated attempt to mislead investigators and this honourable court,” Onwuenwunor declared. Justice Oshodi, after admitting several bank documents and EFCC statements into evidence, warned the defence to share all documents with the prosecution to avoid delays. He adjourned the trial to October 10 and 17, 2025. This case, which has captivated the Nigerian entertainment industry, continues to unfold, exposing not just legal battles but deep family fractures and explosive secrets in the P-Square empire. 👉 Read Full Story Here: Peter Okoye Accused of Lying in N1.3bn Fraud Case Against Brother Jude

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Lagos Shuts Down Cubana Chief Priest’s DONALD Restaurant Over Environmental Violations

The Lagos State Government has sealed DONALD Restaurant, owned by popular nightlife promoter Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, over gross environmental violations. The enforcement action followed the arrest of two staff members who were caught illegally dumping refuse by the roadside in Lekki Phase 1. The Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Muyiwa Gbadegesin, revealed the development via his official X account. He explained that the Lekki Estate Residents Association (LERA) alerted authorities in the early hours of Saturday, May 18, 2025, about the unlawful dumping of waste along Durosimi-Etti Street. A white Ford van with Abuja number plates, GWA 136E, was identified at the scene, and subsequent investigations linked the vehicle to DONALD Restaurant, located on Road 14 within the estate. The suspects were apprehended by LERA’s Chief Security Officer and reportedly attempted to bribe the security team with ₦100,000—a gesture that was rejected. LAWMA’s Monitoring and Compliance Team later sealed the restaurant premises for violating the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017. The suspects were also taken into custody and will face prosecution. Gbadegesin emphasized that LAWMA is committed to upholding environmental standards across Lagos. “A clean and livable city is everyone’s responsibility,” he stated, urging residents and business owners to adopt proper waste disposal practices.

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Chris Brown to Appear in UK Court Over London Nightclub Assault Charge

American R&B star Chris Brown is set to appear before a UK court on Friday following his arrest in connection with an alleged 2023 nightclub assault in London. The 36-year-old singer was detained by authorities in Manchester in the early hours of Thursday and remains in police custody, according to a statement from the Metropolitan Police. Brown has been charged with grievous bodily harm with intent over an incident that reportedly took place at Tape nightclub in London’s exclusive Mayfair district on February 19, 2023. UK media, including The Sun, report that the singer allegedly attacked music producer Abe Diaw with a bottle. He is scheduled to appear at a Manchester court at 10:00 am local time on Friday. The arrest comes just weeks ahead of Brown’s scheduled world tour, which includes multiple UK dates in June and July. He was reportedly detained at The Lowry Hotel, a luxury establishment in Manchester, after flying into the country by private jet. Brown’s legal troubles have long followed his career, most notably his 2009 felony conviction for assaulting then-girlfriend Rihanna. Since then, he has faced a series of allegations involving domestic violence, assault, and sexual misconduct, though not all have led to formal charges. Despite these controversies, the two-time Grammy winner has remained a prominent figure in the global music scene.

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Stanley Ontop Accuses Mercy Chinwo of Orchestrating VeryDarkMan’s Arrest

Popular Nigerian film producer Stanley Ajemba, widely known as Stanley Ontop, has alleged that gospel singer Mercy Chinwo was behind the recent arrest of controversial social media figure VeryDarkMan (VDM)—not GTBank, as widely speculated. In a Sunday Instagram post, Stanley Ontop dismissed the initial narrative that VDM’s arrest was orchestrated by GTBank after a dispute at one of its branches. Instead, he pointed fingers at Chinwo, accusing her and religious institutions of weaponizing law enforcement agencies to silence critics. “GTBank had no hand in VDM’s arrest on their premises. The real person behind it is Mercy Chinwo,” Ajemba wrote.“Religious institutions have become like government bodies, leveraging the police, EFCC, and military to intimidate people. Mercy Chinwo is the issue here, not GTBank.” VDM was reportedly arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday, May 2, following his visit to a GTBank branch alongside his mother to report unauthorized deductions from her account. The DAILY POST confirmed that EFCC officials took him into custody at the bank. The situation has sparked widespread speculation and debate online, with critics calling out what they perceive as the increasing use of legal institutions to clamp down on dissent. As of the time of filing this report, Mercy Chinwo has not responded publicly to the allegations. The EFCC and GTBank have also not issued any official statements regarding their roles in the matter.

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