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Bank Robber Turned Politician Named As Sports Minister

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Bank Robber Turned Politician Named As Sports Minister

 

Bank Robber Turned Politician Named As Sports Minister

 

 

A former gangster and bank robber who turned into a nightclub owner and opposition politician, Gayton McKenzie has now risen to become South Africa’s minister of sports, arts and culture.

 

President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Mr McKenzie – the leader of the Patriotic Alliance party (PA) – to the portfolio in the multi-party government that he announced on Sunday after his African National Congress (ANC) lost its parliamentary majority in the 29 May election.

A prolific tweeter, the 50-year-old relished his appointment, posting a photo of himself putting on football boots and, with a touch of humour, typed: “Thank you for all the well wishing messages, I will reply shortly I’m just busy getting ready, I have work to do”.

At his swearing in ceremony three days later, Mr McKenzie had his audience, including Mr Ramaphosa, laughing when, in response to the chief justice asking him to be seated, he quipped: “The last time a judge asked me to sit, he made me sit for 10 years.”

Watch here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9NoopkUTW8?si=O2Mx9HMYHuN2bFgO

For Mr McKenzie’s admirers, his appointment is the latest sign of how he overcame adversity to achieve success. He robbed his first bank before he turned 16, then became, as he put in an interview with a local radio station, a fully fledged gangster, spent seven years in prison, and vowed to change after his early release.

“I might have had 12 rand ($0.65; £0.50) in my pocket but I had billion rand in my mind. And that is what people do not understand – they concentrate on what they lack instead of how to get what they lack,” he said in a 2013 interview with public broadcaster SABC.

He became a highly paid motivational speaker, got books about his life published, including A Hustler’s Bible, and ventured into various businesses – from mining in Zimbabwe to nightclubs in South Africa – with Kenny Kunene, his soulmate from prison.

These days, he is better known as a politician, having launched the PA in 2013, with Mr Kunene as his deputy.

More than a decade later, the party gained 2% of the national vote and fared better in elections for the provincial government in the Western Cape, getting 8%.

Political analyst Kagiso Pooe told the BBC that Mr McKenzie had a “bravado” style, which appeals to his constituency.

“People want to believe and see someone that comes from their type of background and isn’t shy to say: ‘This is who I am.’ You see it with people like President Zuma, President Trump and other such personalities,” he said.

ANTI-IMMIGRATION

Mr McKenzie’s campaign against undocumented migrants was a vote-winner for him, the analyst added.

“Unfortunately, mainstream politicians and parties have shied away from this and he tackles it directly.”

Critics denounced his campaign as xenophobic. He waged it under the slogan “Abahambe”, which he has translated from the Zulu as “Let them go” – and, in a publicity stunt, he visited the border with Zimbabwe to chase away people trying to enter South Africa.

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Ogun State Police Issue Warrant for Portable Over Violent Assault Allegations

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Ogun State Police Issue Warrant for Portable Over Violent Assault Allegations

Ogun State Police Declare Controversial Singer Portable Wanted for Leading Violent Assault on Government Officials

The Ogun State Police Command has declared Habeeb Olalomi, popularly known as Portable, wanted for allegedly leading a violent attack on government officials in the Ota area of the state.

In a statement issued Monday, the command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, confirmed that Portable, accompanied by nine armed thugs, launched the attack during an enforcement exercise conducted by the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development on February 5, 2025.

The three officials – TPL Onabanjo Abidemi, TPL Raymond Lateef, and TPL Ridwan Oyero Akinlesi – were conducting lawful enforcement duties at Odogwu Bar, a property associated with Portable, in Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu Ota.

Upon arrival, the officials met Portable’s father and requested to see the property’s approved building plan. While waiting for further information, Portable reportedly stormed the premises wielding firearms and dangerous weapons. The officials were violently assaulted but managed to flee and later reported the incident to the Ota Area Command.

Police Launch Manhunt as Portable Evades Arrest

Odutola revealed that the case was immediately referred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further action. While nine of Portable’s accomplices were arrested, the singer fled the scene and has since gone into hiding.

Despite multiple formal invitations to appear at the Ogun State Police Command Headquarters in Abeokuta, Portable reportedly ignored all attempts to contact him.

“Following his repeated evasion, the Ogun State Police Command has obtained a valid court order declaring him wanted,” the police spokesperson confirmed.

Authorities are now urging the public to come forward with any information that may lead to Portable’s arrest. “Anyone found aiding or harbouring the suspect will face legal consequences,” the police warned, encouraging citizens to report tips through official communication channels or their nearest police station.

Court Proceedings Against Portable’s Accomplices

The development comes two weeks after nine of Portable’s associates were arraigned before the Magistrate Court in Isabo, Abeokuta. The accused – Nurudeen Warris (21), Adetola Alashe (25), Samuel Adeleke (28), Oluwaseun Ayenuwa (19), Oluwapelumi Adeosun (20), Gospel Kanu (20), Precious Ohiegebo (19), Ifeoluwa Babatunde (27), and Fatimo Muhammed (26) – were charged with multiple criminal offences, including felony, assault, unlawful restriction, possession of dangerous weapons, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

According to police prosecutor Sunday Ekong, the accused, alongside Portable, allegedly assaulted and obstructed the officials during their enforcement duties. Ekong stated that the group was armed with dangerous weapons and caused a public disturbance.

The offences were said to have violated Sections 516, 356(3), 80, 249(d), and 320 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.

Bail Granted Amid Tight Conditions

Presiding Magistrate O.M. Somefun granted each defendant bail set at N5 million, with sureties of the same sum. The magistrate specified that the sureties must be licensed bondsmen registered with the Ogun State Government.

The case has been adjourned until March 17, 2025, for hearing.

The Ogun State Police Command has vowed to apprehend Portable and ensure justice is served. Citizens remain on high alert as tensions surrounding the incident continue to escalate.

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DAVIDO SLAMS OSUN POLICE COMMISSIONER AMID RISING POLITICAL TENSIONS

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DAVIDO SLAMS OSUN POLICE COMMISSIONER AMID RISING POLITICAL TENSIONS

Nigerian music superstar Davido has launched a scathing attack on Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Umar Abba, accusing him of acting on directives allegedly aimed at inciting chaos in Osun State. This public outburst follows Governor Ademola Adeleke’s accusations against former Governor and current Minister Gboyega Oyetola for allegedly plotting to reinstate sacked local council chairmen in a bid to destabilize the state.

DAVIDO SLAMS OSUN POLICE COMMISSIONER AMID RISING POLITICAL TENSIONS

DAVIDO’S OUTBURST ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Taking to Instagram, Davido did not mince words. He shared a photo of Commissioner Abba and demanded that the police official respect the rule of law. In a fiery post, the artist wrote:

“Mr commissioner respect the rule of law!!! You are not madder or crazier than us!! Make we all kuru mad!! MEN MOUNT WALAI TO KRF!!! I will post u every day everywhere Mr man!!! Try me fucker.”

The post has since gone viral, sparking widespread reactions from fans and political observers.

GOVERNOR ADELEKE’S WARNING

Governor Ademola Adeleke, Davido’s uncle, had earlier accused Minister Oyetola of orchestrating plans to destabilize the state. Speaking at a press briefing, Adeleke claimed that Oyetola’s camp was working behind the scenes to reinstate local government chairmen sacked by the new administration.

“We will not tolerate any attempts to disrupt the peace in Osun. The people have chosen a new leadership, and we expect all parties to respect that choice,” the governor stated.

POLITICAL CLIMATE TURNS VOLATILE

Osun State has seen heightened political tensions since Governor Adeleke took office. The decision to remove the local council chairmen was one of Adeleke’s first moves, prompting fierce backlash from the opposition. Reports of clandestine meetings and alleged plots have further escalated concerns about potential unrest in the state.

Davido’s latest comments add a celebrity dimension to an already volatile political environment, with many calling on both state and federal authorities to intervene before the situation spirals out of control.

PUBLIC REACTIONS AND CALLS FOR CALM

Davido’s post has ignited a social media storm, with mixed reactions from the public. While some fans applauded his courage and called for accountability, others criticized the language used, urging the artist to promote peace rather than escalate tensions.

Osun State residents and political observers have expressed concerns about the rising rhetoric. Civic groups have called for dialogue and peaceful resolution, emphasizing the importance of rule of law and respect for democratic processes.

POLICE RESPONSE PENDING

As of the time of this report, Commissioner Mohammed Umar Abba has yet to issue an official statement in response to Davido’s allegations and public outburst. The Osun State Police Command has, however, previously maintained its neutrality in the ongoing political disputes.

A CALL FOR NATIONAL ATTENTION

With a celebrity of Davido’s stature now involved, the situation in Osun State is attracting national attention. Analysts warn that continued provocations and inflammatory statements could lead to further unrest.

As tensions rise, all eyes are on both the federal government and Osun State leadership to take decisive steps to restore calm and uphold democratic principles.

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Activist Dele Farotimi Still Faces Four Lawsuits Despite Afe Babalola’s Case Withdrawal

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Activist Dele Farotimi Still Faces Four Lawsuits Despite Afe Babalola’s Case Withdrawal

Activist Dele Farotimi Still Faces Four Lawsuits Despite Afe Babalola’s Case Withdrawal

Activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, revealed on Sunday that he still faces four separate lawsuits filed by members of the Aare Afe Babalola law office, despite the withdrawal of criminal charges against him.

Farotimi made the disclosure during the Toyin Falola Interviews, themed “Politics, Law, and Society.” His revelation followed the announcement on January 27 by Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, that cases against Farotimi would be withdrawn after the intervention of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other traditional rulers.

Activist Dele Farotimi Still Faces Four Lawsuits Despite Afe Babalola’s Case Withdrawal

The suits stem from a defamation claim over Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, which led to his arrest and trial for alleged criminal defamation and cyber-bullying in Ekiti State courts. While the criminal charges were withdrawn after Babalola’s petition was rescinded, Farotimi revealed ongoing civil cases in multiple states.

“My inability to speak to certain aspects of this issue is borne out of the fact that, despite the discontinuation of the criminal proceeding, I still have four suits that I am aware of, in four different states, filed by members of the same law office,” Farotimi explained.

He emphasized that his book is a well-researched critique of systemic corruption in Nigeria’s judiciary. “I did not sit down in a beer parlour or gossip,” he stated. “I wrote a book. Let us deal with veracity. Anybody can go and read it, then challenge me with the lie that I have told.”

Farotimi dismissed suggestions that the lawsuits are personal attacks. “This is not a trial of Dele Farotimi. It is a trial of the legal system that we have built as a collective,” he asserted.

He further clarified that his book was written to highlight institutional failings rather than to tarnish individuals’ reputations, particularly that of Chief Afe Babalola. “Chief Afe Babalola is more than old enough to be my father. I did not set out to destroy the man. I was writing about the institution of the judiciary,” Farotimi said.

Farotimi criticized those who dismissed his book without reading it, calling such actions “intellectually lazy.” He also stressed the importance of Nigerians engaging with difficult truths if the country is to see meaningful reform. “We have built a system that rewards deception and punishes truth. I am being sued not because I have lied, but because I have dared to speak the truth.”

With the lawsuits ongoing, Farotimi’s battle for free speech and judicial reform continues.

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