*YOUNG SCULPTOR PRESENTS “SCULPTED FIST” TO CEO OF AFRIQ GROUP OF COMPANIES, JESAM MICHAEL*

In a remarkable gesture of admiration and respect, Mr. Egele Anwan Enang, a talented young sculptor and graduate of the prestigious University of Uyo, made a special presentation to the CEO of Afriq Group of Companies, Chief Jesam Michael. The presentation occurred during a meeting between the CEO and his age grade, who had gathered to celebrate the successful traditional marriage and bride price payment of Chief Jesam Michael’s younger brother.

Mr. Enang, an artist known for his work in fine and industrial arts, gifted a sculpted fist symbolizing leadership and authority to the CEO. During the presentation, Mr. Enang expressed his admiration for Chief Michael’s accomplishments and his respect for Yakurr culture.

“When you were coronated as ‘Chief’ (Obol Opa Oke Yanen I of Yakurr), I wasn’t able to attend, but I saw the news online through a friend. I was inspired by your photos, particularly one where you held a bundle of broomsticks, a symbol of royalty, leadership, and authority in our culture. I decided to sculpt something unique, a fist holding the mantle, as a way to welcome you and honor your leadership,” Mr. Enang explained during the presentation.

Chief Jesam Michael, visibly touched by the gesture, responded with enthusiasm. “I am very happy and this is wonderful. I admire people who are creative and smart. Creativity is something I value greatly, and I have always believed in supporting young talents, whether they have formal education or not, because I am a product of creativity myself.”

The meeting, which was originally a gathering to celebrate a family event, took on an additional layer of meaning as the artistic tribute from Mr. Enang highlighted the significance of culture, leadership, and creativity within the Yakurr community.

Chief Jesam Michael, widely known for his contributions to business and community development, expressed his continued commitment to supporting young creative minds like Mr. Enang, further solidifying his reputation as a champion of innovation and leadership in both business and cultural spheres.

How Bobrisky spent jail term in Kirikiri special cell

More details emerged on Friday on what transpired during the six-month jail term of popular cross dresser, Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky.

Investigations by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the controversial social media influencer after being sentenced for spraying the naira, was taken to the Ikoyi Custodial Centre on April 12, 2024.

Sources confided in our correspondents that the convict, who had prison number S682/2024, was taken to the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, as his presence began to attract attention and generate publicity.

A highly credible source said, “He was first moved to the Ikoyi prison where he spent a few days before the controller, Ben-Rabbi Freedman, moved him to the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri.”

Another top source confirmed Bobrisky’s movement from the Ikoyi facility to the Medium Security Custodial Centre, adding that he spent some days there before he was again moved to the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri.

The source explained that he was visited by some relatives in the prison, adding that there was a record of all his activities.

“Many people visited him in the place, including three family members. Those people followed due process and that was why they were able to see and visit him. I also saw him in the prison. He looked gentle and sober,” the source added.

The special ‘cell’

Saturday PUNCH gathered that there was usually provision for some inmates considered to be “Very Important Persons” who might be at risk if allowed to mingle with other inmates.

“The place is like a back cell or a single cell originally reserved for well-behaved inmates. This is in accordance with prison rules. They are put there to compensate for their good behaviour.

“However, when warders bring in certain people, they are taken there. They live whichever way they want. Some of the inmates furnish the place to their taste,” the source stated.

Asked the cost of using the room, the source noted that such was usually determined by the officer in charge of the centre.

“They collect huge sums of money from them, depending on the kind of inmates they have. When you saw the fight between operatives of the DSS and prison service for (Godwin) Emefiele on the court premises, what did you think was the reason? It’s because of the benefits that come with having such a person in custody,” the source added.

The source noted that Bobrisky might have been put in the “special cell” during his time in the Kirikiri prison.

Another source, who confirmed the existence of such an arrangement, said negotiations usually start from the court between inmates and prison officials.

The source said the correctional service knew what it wanted to do, hence Bobrisky was allegedly shielded from inmates when he was admitted.

He said, “Inmates who saw him at the medium prison before he was moved to maximum prison were not many. It was all planned.”

But the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Abubakar Umar, denied the report that there was preferential treatment for VIP convicts.

“We are not aware of such. They are alien to us. However, that information will be investigated. All inmates are given the same treatment. We don’t have any preferential treatment for anybody,” he insisted.

Efforts to get Bobrisky’s reactions proved abortive, as he did not respond to calls to his telephone line and messages sent to his official Facebook handle and WhatsApp on Friday night.

Controversial cross-dresser

Bobrisky has been in the eye of the storm since Wednesday, April 3, 2024, when operatives of the Lagos command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arrested and detained him over allegations of mutilating naira notes worth N490,000 and money laundering.

The arrest followed a viral video that showed him spraying naira notes at the premiere of the movie Ajakaju at Film One Circle Mall, Lekki, Lagos, on March 24, 2024.

He was subsequently arraigned at the Federal High Court in Lagos on six counts. The first four counts involved the abuse of the Nigerian currency, while the last two were on money laundering.

However, before the charges were read, the EFCC prosecutor, Mr Sulaiman Sulaiman, requested the court to strike out counts five and six.

“We have an agreement with the defendant to withdraw counts five and six. Therefore, we humbly urge the court to strike them out, leaving counts one to four,” he said.

The court then dismissed the two counts, and scheduled April 9, 2024, for judgement.

Bobrisky pleaded guilty to the remaining charges, and on Friday, April 12, 2024, Justice Abimbola Awogboro sentenced him to six months in prison without the option of a fine for abusing the naira.

While many Nigerians expected Bobrisky’s appearance to change following his time in prison, the controversial social media personality hosted a celebratory party just hours after his release on Monday, August 5, 2024.

Appearing more radiant than before, Bobrisky, in a viral video, boasted, “I came back from jail with a nice body,” prompting doubts about whether he truly served his sentence at a custodial centre or not.

The cross-dresser landed in fresh trouble on Tuesday when a social media activist, Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, called him out over an unpaid debt.

In a trending video, VDM said a creditor approached him, pleading for help in recovering N4m that Bobrisky borrowed.

The creditor reportedly sent Bobrisky the sum when the latter was desperate to raise money for a private apartment in prison. He, however, allegedly refused to repay the loan after his release.

VDM subsequently played an audio clip in which the ex-convict purportedly admitted to paying unnamed EFCC operatives N15m for dropping the money laundering charges against him.

*Veteran Fuji Icon, Aare Sir Shina Akanni Declares Readiness To Lead The Fuji World

Veteran Fuji icon, Aare Sir Shina Akanni, has boldly declared that he is ready to take his rightful place as the leader of the Fuji music scene. In a recent statement, the celebrated Fuji maestro expressed his determination to reign supreme, urging other Fuji musicians to give him the necessary space as he ascends to the throne of the genre.

Sir Shina Akanni, who was crowned the “Aare of all Fuji” by the legendary Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, the founding father of Fuji music, is no stranger to the spotlight. His title of *Aare*, which signifies his leadership and excellence in the Fuji genre, was bestowed upon him as a symbol of his influence, mastery, and the trust Barrister placed in him to uphold the legacy of Fuji music. This endorsement from Barrister has placed Akanni in a unique position within the Fuji world, making him a figure of authority and respect among his peers and fans.

In his recent proclamation, Sir Shina Akanni made it clear that the Fuji music scene is entering a new era, one that will be defined by his leadership. With a touch of wit, he remarked that it’s time for other Fuji artists to give him “space,” hinting both at his readiness to dominate and the pun that reflects his humor.

Akanni’s journey in Fuji music has been one of consistency and excellence. For decades, he has been a torchbearer for the genre, blending traditional Fuji rhythms with modern flair, thereby attracting a wide audience that spans generations. His dynamic performances, powerful vocals, and innovative compositions have cemented his place as one of Fuji’s leading lights.

As the Fuji world evolves, the Aare has promised to steer the genre into greater heights. He emphasized the need for collaboration and unity among Fuji musicians but also reminded them of the legacy he carries, being the anointed leader by the very pioneer of the genre. “It is my time to rule the Fuji world,” Akanni confidently declared, leaving no doubt about his intentions to lead with authority, creativity, and passion.

Fuji fans and musicians alike are eager to see what the future holds under the leadership of Aare Sir Shina Akanni. As he takes the helm, it’s clear that the Fuji genre is in for an exciting new chapter—one where tradition meets innovation, and where the Aare of Fuji reigns supreme.

For Akanni, this isn’t just about ruling; it’s about honoring the legacy of his mentor, Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, and ensuring that Fuji music continues to thrive, inspire, and captivate audiences both in Nigeria and across the globe.

As the Fuji world watches in anticipation, one thing is certain: Aare Sir Shina Akanni is ready to lead, and his time is now.