celebrity radar - gossips

President Zuma swims in more crises

Published

8 years ago

February 6, 2018

Interestingly, President Jacob Zuma is facing more trouble day by day as he along with two former French leaders, has been implicated by a former arms dealer in hush payments made pertaining to South Africa’s weapons acquisition programme.

The arms dealer also mentioned other senior South African politicians – in the alleged corrupt dealings, according to News24.

Lawyer Ajay Sooklal, a former agent for French arms conglomerate Thales and its South African subsidiaries, on Monday testified at the People’s Tribunal on Economic Crime at Constitutional Hill in Johannesburg.

Some of Sooklal’s insights into Thales’ involvement in the arms deal have surfaced before, but the former arms agent and lawyer added further explosive claims with regards to the highly contentious series of weapons contracts the South African government entered into with European arms suppliers in the 1990s.

Thales in 1997 won a R2.6bn stake in South Africa’s R60bn arms acquisition program to supply combat systems for four frigates procured by the navy.

Sooklal, who had been referred to as “Witness X” before his testimony, later decided to withdraw as a witness.

This was followed by a series of probing questions by retired constitutional court judge Zak Yacoob into Sooklal’s own involvement in Thales’ financial dealings with Zuma, his former financial advisor, Schabir Shaik, and other individuals who’d allegedly been bribed by the French arms supplier.

Before his exit from the proceedings, Sooklal, among other claims, stated the following:

* Thales committed to a R500 000 a year “payment” to then deputy president Jacob Zuma to secure the deputy president’s protection in any South African probes into Thales’ conduct in the arms deal. The alleged payments were also intended to secure Zuma’s support of the company’s future dealings with the South African government.

* Zuma did receive payments and other benefits, including air tickets and tickets to the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France, from Thales, between 2005 and 2009. Sooklal, however, did not confirm whether the R500 000 a year payment materialised.

* Shamin “Chippy” Shaik, the brother of Schabir Shaik and the former head of South Africa’s arms procurement process, received a cash payment of US$1m from Thales.

* The very top executives of Thales, which was earlier known as Thompson-CSF, and its South African subsidiaries, were all directly aware of or actively sanctioned the dubious payments made around the arms deal contract.

* Two successive French presidents directly placed pressure on former president Thabo Mbeki and later on Zuma to ensure that any South African probes into the arms deal would not focus on Thales. In 2004, former president Jacques Chirac allegedly tried to influence Mbeki and other senior government officials to help ensure that Thales wouldn’t come under the magnifying glass in arms deal investigations in South Africa. In 2008, after Zuma had become ANC president, Chirac’s successor, Nicolas Sarkozy, allegedly met with Zuma in Paris. Sarkozy allegedly asked Zuma to help make the investigations into Thint, Thales’ South African subsidiary, “disappear”, Sooklal testified.

* Zuma invited Sooklal to a meeting at the president’s official residence in Pretoria in August 2012. Zuma allegedly told Sooklal that he had just appointed the Seriti commission of inquiry into the arms deal. He then allegedly implored Sooklal to refrain from testifying about Zuma’s payments from Thales or Thint at the commission of inquiry.

celebrity radar - gossips

Confusion, Panic As Reports Of Alexx Ekubo’s Death Rock Nollywood

Published

10 hours ago

May 12, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Confusion, Panic As Reports Of Alexx Ekubo’s Death Rock Nollywood

The Nigerian entertainment industry was thrown into confusion and panic on Tuesday following viral reports alleging that popular Nollywood actor, Alexx Ekubo, had died at the age of 40.

The shocking claim, which spread rapidly across social media platforms and blogs, alleged that the actor died in Lagos after battling undisclosed health complications, sparking an outpouring of grief from stunned fans and colleagues.

As the rumours gained momentum online, several actors, movie producers and entertainment enthusiasts flooded Instagram and X with emotional reactions, describing the development as “heartbreaking,” “unbelievable” and “a dark day for Nollywood.”

Actor Godwin Nnadiekwe was among those who reacted emotionally, reportedly lamenting that the industry had lost “a rare soul” whose charisma and talent helped shape modern Nollywood.

Alexx Ekubo, widely admired for his stylish persona, romanti movie roles and strong social media influence, rose to prominence after emerging first runner-up at the 2010 Mr Nigeria competition before becoming one of Nollywood’s most sought-after actors.

The development also reignited conversations surrounding the actor’s prolonged absence from social media in recent months, which had earlier triggered concern among fans over his wellbeing.
Despite the widespread reports, confusion continued to trail the story as no official statement had been issued by the actor’s family, management or close associates confirming the alleged death as of press time.

The uncertainty surrounding the reports further fueled tension online, with many Nigerians demanding clarity while others urged the public against spreading unverified information.

celebrity radar - gossips

JOY AS SHEBABY SPARKS PREGNANCY SPECULATION YEARS AFTER MARRIAGE

Published

21 hours ago

May 12, 2026

Sahara Weekly

JOY AS SHEBABY SPARKS PREGNANCY SPECULATION YEARS AFTER MARRIAGE

Popular Nigerian actress, singer and dancer, Seyi Ariyo, popularly known as Shebaby, has stirred reactions on social media following speculations that she is expecting a child years after getting married.

The development has generated excitement among fans and colleagues, especially on Instagram where many have continued to flood her page with congratulatory messages and prayers.

While some admirers celebrated the actress and prayed that her joy would be permanent, others pointed to a viral video currently making rounds online, where several entertainers, among them Oyita, a close friend, Tawa Ajisefinni, Seyi Ẹdun, Bukky Fagbuyi, and a host of others including Olú Maintain, were seen rejoicing and congratulating her.

Although Shebaby is already a mother with a grown daughter, the latest development has continued to attract attention within the entertainment industry and among her followers.

Before now, the London-based entertainer had built a strong reputation for herself in both music and acting. She has released several songs and also worked alongside notable Fuji star Wasiu Alabi Pasuma and other respected entertainers in the industry.

In the movie sector, Shebaby is also regarded as a household name. Sources close to the actress revealed that she is currently working on a new project titled Father Forgive Me.

Fans and colleagues have continued to pray for the actress, wishing her safe delivery and more happiness in her home.

#Shebaby #SeyiAriyo #EntertainmentNews #Nollywood #Pasuma #Olumaintain #CelebrityNews

celebrity radar - gossips

Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: General Buratai Remains Loyal, Rebuffs Misinformation – Engr Hassan

Published

3 days ago

May 9, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: General Buratai Remains Loyal, Rebuffs Misinformation – Engr Hassan

Supporters of former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai, have dismissed claims circulating on social media alleging that the retired army general is working against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement issued on Friday by Engr. Hassan Mohammed, Sarkin Yakin Garkuwan Keffi, the former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin was described as a committed statesman who remains loyal to constituted authority and dedicated to Nigeria’s unity and stability.

The statement noted that Buratai, who served as Chief of Army Staff and later as ambassador, had throughout his career demonstrated discipline, professionalism and respect for constitutional authority.
According to Mohammed, the retired lieutenant general has consistently expressed support for the Tinubu administration and its Renewed Hope agenda, particularly in the areas of national security, youth empowerment and national cohesion.

He said, “Gen. Buratai remains a committed Nigerian statesman who has always placed national interest above personal politics.”
The statement further described reports linking Buratai to alleged anti-government activities as “baseless, politically motivated and aimed at creating unnecessary division.”

Mohammed urged Nigerians to disregard what he called attempts at blackmail and misinformation, insisting that Buratai’s public record and engagements reflect his continued support for the current administration.

“His actions and public record speak louder than online rumours,” the statement added.
The supporters also called on the public to remain focused on issues that promote national development and unity rather than social media speculation.