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Nigerian Musician Marries Three Women in One Day, Vows to Father 32 Children

Dr. Arube Otor, a prominent Nigerian-Isoko highlife musician known as Isoko Fela, married three wives in a grand ceremony on Sunday, January 19, 2025, in Uzere, Delta State, Nigeria, bringing his total number of wives to four. The 53-year-old musician also declared his ambition to father 32 children before his death. 

Otor, who already has nine children, hosted the event at the Anglican Church Field London Base in Uzere, Isoko South Local Government Area, South West, Nigeria. He said his decision to marry three wives simultaneously was to save costs and streamline the celebration. 

“I want to have 32 children, and until I achieve that, I won’t leave this earth,” Otor said. 

Otor, who was raised in a polygamous family, credited his upbringing for his comfort with managing multiple marriages. 

“Polygamy was never a problem in our home. We bonded well and still maintain a healthy relationship,” he said. 

According to Otor, the reception served as a formal acknowledgment of his new marriages since he had already paid the bride prices and lived with the women. The event featured performances by the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria and elaborate refreshments for guests. 

Otor plans to marry two more wives in the future and emphasized the importance of maintaining harmony within his household. 

“If there’s a dispute, I mediate in the presence of the others so everyone learns from the resolution,” he said. “My wives are independent; one is a hairdresser, another a caterer, and one a trader.” 

The musician attributed his vitality to a natural diet, which he believes helps him fulfill his marital duties. 

“I don’t eat rice because it weakens a man. My diet keeps me fit and ready. I visit my wives weekly, and none of them feels neglected,” Otor explained, adding that he avoids aphrodisiacs. 

Snoop Dogg and Nelly Face Backlash Over Trump Inauguration Performances

Rappers Snoop Dogg and Nelly have sparked controversy for their performances at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration events. Snoop appeared at the first-ever “Crypto Ball” on Friday night, while Nelly is slated to perform at the official Inaugural Liberty Ball on Monday. 

The Crypto Ball, hosted by incoming White House AI and “Crypto Czar” David Sacks, took place Friday at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C. Tickets ranged from $2,500 to $5,000. Snoop Dogg performed hits like “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and DJed tracks including Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” and Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds.” Notable attendees included rapper Rick Ross and UFC star Colby Covington. 

Nelly, known for his Grammy-winning hit “Hot In Herre,” will headline the Inaugural Liberty Ball on Monday. This event is one of three official celebrations organized by the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee. 

**Background on Snoop Dogg’s Evolving Stance** 

Snoop Dogg’s participation marks a dramatic shift from his earlier criticisms of Trump. In 2017, Snoop released a music video featuring a Trump-inspired clown and condemned Black artists who performed for Trump. 

However, his perspective shifted after Trump commuted the prison sentence of Death Row Records founder Michael “Harry-O” Harris. Harris, who was serving time for attempted murder and drug trafficking, received clemency on Trump’s last day in office. Snoop, along with activist Alice Johnson and producer Weldon Angelos, advocated for Harris’s release. 

In a January 2024 interview with *The Sunday Times*, Snoop acknowledged Trump’s impact: “He ain’t done nothing wrong to me. He has done only great things for me. He pardoned Michael Harris. So, I have nothing but love and respect for Donald Trump.” 

The performances have sparked backlash online. Critics on social media expressed disappointment and disbelief over the artists’ decisions. 

– “This is culturally embarrassing and disrespectful asf,” one Instagram user wrote. 

– “Nipsey and Pac would never!!!” another commented. 

– Podcast host Ryan Snead tweeted, “Yo @SnoopDogg What made you go from this to simping for a felon, business fraud, rapist, and accused pedophile?” 

– Another user on X added, “Snoop Dogg being a Trump supporter was NOT on my bingo card… What a disappointment.” 

Some Trump supporters welcomed the performances, with one user on X writing, “People are seeing the light finally.” Another said, “Welcome to the winning team, Snoop.” 

President-elect Donald Trump will be inaugurated for a second term on Monday, January 20. Additional performers include Carrie Underwood singing “America the Beautiful,” opera singer Christopher Macchio performing the national anthem, and The Village People, known for their iconic hit “Y.M.C.A.,” which has become a staple at Trump rallies. 

Full List of Israeli Hostages Released by Hamas as Ceasefire Moves Forward

Sunday marked the beginning of the hostage and prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas, as part of a ceasefire deal following 15 months of conflict. This first phase saw the release of three Israeli hostages, marking a significant step in the ongoing negotiations.

The first hostages to be freed were Romi Gonen, 24; Emily Damari, 28; and Doron Steinbrecher, 31. They were transported by van from Gaza to the Red Cross for the exchange. These three women were taken hostage on October 7, 2023, during Hamas’ attack on Israel. Gonen, who was at the Nova music festival, was shot in the hand during her abduction.

Before this release, at least 117 hostages had already been freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Israeli officials believe that around 98 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, though some of these individuals may have died or been killed during the conflict.

Three U.S. citizens-Sagui Dekel-Chen, Edan Alexander, and Keith Siegel-are also believed to be held in Gaza, along with the remains of four other U.S. hostages.

Full List of Released Hostages

Hamas provided a full list of the 33 hostages to be released in the first phase of the exchange:

Liri Albag

Itzhak Elgarat

Karina Ariev

Ohad Ben Ami

Ariel Bibas

Yarden Bibas

Kfir Bibas

Shiri Bibas

Agam Berger

Gonen Romi

Daniella Gilboa

Emily Damari

Sagui Dekel-Chen

Iair Horn

Omer Wenkert

Alexandre Sasha Troufanov

Arbel Yehoud

Ohad Yahalomi

Eliya Cohen

Or Levy

Naama Levy

Oded Lifshitz

Gadi Moshe Mozes

Avraham (Avera) Mengisto

Shlomo Mantzur

Keith Samuel Sigal

Tsachi Idan

Ofer Kalderon

Tal Shoham

Doron Steinbrecher

Omer Shem Tov

Hisham Al-Sayed

Eli Sharabi

Reactions to the Release

U.S. President Joe Biden commented on the release, noting the difficult road to the ceasefire and the role of U.S. support for Israel in pressuring Hamas. He acknowledged that diplomacy was challenging but ultimately led to the current peace efforts.

Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, shared a message of relief on social media: “Romi, Doron, and Emily are finally home with their families. We will do whatever it takes to bring all of our hostages home. Romi, Doron, and Emily, we thought of you every single day over the past 471 days. We prayed for your safety and worked tirelessly for your release.”

Trump Outlines Week 1 Priorities in NBC Chat: Deportations, TikTok, Israel-Gaza Peace Talks

President-elect Donald Trump discussed his priorities for the first week of his administration during a wide-ranging phone interview with NBC News on Saturday. In the interview, Trump highlighted plans for mass deportations, a trip to Los Angeles to assess wildfire damage, and a potential extension for TikTok’s U.S. ban. Trump also addressed key topics like his upcoming inauguration and the Middle East peace efforts.

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 06: Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump arrives to speak during an election night event at the Palm Beach Convention Center on November 06, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Americans cast their ballots today in the presidential race between Republican nominee former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, as well as multiple state elections that will determine the balance of power in Congress. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Trump confirmed plans to sign a record number of executive actions when he takes office. He also discussed his decision to move the inauguration ceremony indoors due to cold weather, marking the first time since 1985 that the event will be held indoors. Trump expressed confidence in the decision, citing safety concerns for attendees.

The president-elect shared his vision for his inauguration speech, emphasizing unity, strength, and fairness, and acknowledged the challenges of the past four years. Trump also mentioned his son, Barron, as a key figure in his online outreach efforts.

Trump reiterated that mass deportations of undocumented immigrants would be a top priority. While he did not specify cities or timelines, he indicated that the operation would begin quickly. He emphasized the importance of removing criminals from the U.S. and stated his administration would take swift action on the issue.

Trump also revealed plans to sign a significant number of executive orders, with the expectation of setting a new record. He did not confirm an exact number but indicated the total would likely surpass 100.

As the U.S. moves closer to enforcing a law banning TikTok, Trump discussed the possibility of a 90-day extension for the popular video app. He confirmed that he would likely announce his decision on the matter soon after taking office. The extension would allow more time to evaluate national security concerns related to TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance.

Trump announced plans to visit Los Angeles to address the wildfire damage, saying his administration would focus on solutions to manage water resources. He noted that his visit would occur later in the week, after taking office. While he had not yet spoken with California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Trump expressed his intent to help the state recover.

Trump also commented on a ceasefire deal in Israel and Gaza, which includes the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. He expressed cautious optimism about the deal’s success and reaffirmed U.S. support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s efforts to end the conflict. Trump emphasized the importance of respect in international relations and vowed that the U.S. would be respected once again under his leadership.

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TikTok Service Restored in U.S. Thanks to Trump’s Intervention

TikTok confirmed Sunday that it had restored service to users in the United States after President-elect Donald Trump announced he would reinstate the app’s access once he returns to power on Monday.

The announcement came after U.S. users were able to access TikTok’s website, though the mobile app appeared unavailable. TikTok stated it was “in agreement with our service providers” and was working to fully restore the app’s functionality.

“We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers,” TikTok said in a statement. “This will allow TikTok to continue providing services to over 170 million Americans and support more than 7 million small businesses across the country.”

The app had been temporarily suspended for its U.S. users on Saturday due to the implementation of a law set to take effect on Sunday, which aimed to ban the app on national security grounds. U.S. officials had expressed concerns that the app, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, could pose a risk to Americans’ data privacy.

In a statement, Trump said he would delay the enforcement of the ban and work to reach a deal to protect national security. He also indicated plans to ensure a 50% U.S. ownership stake in any joint venture involving TikTok.

Earlier, Trump had suggested that he would likely grant TikTok a 90-day reprieve from the shutdown once he takes office, a promise that was acknowledged by TikTok in a notification to users.

The shutdown of TikTok had significant implications for U.S.-China relations, the political landscape, the social media industry, and millions of U.S. users who rely on the app both culturally and economically.

Iranian Pop Singer Tataloo Sentenced to Death for Blasphemy

An Iranian court has sentenced popular musician Amir Hossein Maghsoudloo, widely known as Tataloo, to death after he was convicted of blasphemy, according to reports from local media on Sunday. 

The Etemad newspaper reported that the Supreme Court overturned a previous five-year prison sentence for offenses including blasphemy. The court accepted the prosecutor’s appeal, reopening the case and handing down the death penalty for “insulting the Prophet,” referring to Prophet Mohammed. 

While the ruling is severe, the report noted that the verdict is not yet final and can still be appealed. 

The 37-year-old singer, who gained fame for his fusion of rap, pop, and R&B, had been living in Istanbul since 2018. Turkish authorities handed him over to Iranian officials in December 2023. Since then, Tataloo has been in detention in Iran. 

ARCHIV – 04.03.2024, Iran, Teheran: Der Musiker Amir Tataloo (r) spricht mit dem Richter Iman Afschari (l) beim Prozessauftakt. (zu dpa: «Iran: Umstrittener Rapper wegen Blasphemie verurteilt») Foto: – +++ dpa-Bildfunk +++

In addition to the blasphemy charge, Tataloo was previously sentenced to 10 years for allegedly promoting “prostitution” and faced charges for disseminating “propaganda” against the Islamic Republic and publishing “obscene content.” 

Known for his heavily tattooed appearance and unconventional music, Tataloo became a polarizing figure in Iran. Despite his liberal style, he was briefly courted by conservative politicians as a means to connect with Iran’s youth. 

In 2017, he participated in a televised meeting with the ultra-conservative former Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi, who later died in a helicopter crash. 

Tataloo also stirred controversy in 2015 by releasing a song supporting Iran’s nuclear program. However, the program faced setbacks in 2018 during the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump. 

The sentence has sparked widespread attention, highlighting the ongoing tension between cultural expression and the Islamic Republic’s strict interpretation of its laws. Observers now wait to see if the verdict will be upheld or successfully challenged on appeal. 

4 Moroccan Truck Drivers Missing on Burkina Faso-Niger Border

Four Moroccan truck drivers have gone missing while traveling through the volatile border region between Burkina Faso and Niger, according to the Moroccan embassy in Burkina Faso and a Moroccan transport union. 

The drivers were part of a convoy of three trucks, one carrying a spare driver, traveling without an escort from Dori in Burkina Faso to Tera in Niger. This area is notorious for jihadist activity, posing significant risks to travelers. 

Both Burkina Faso and Niger, governed by military juntas, are grappling with Islamist militant groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. These insurgencies have destabilized the Sahel region in West Africa over the past decade. 

The Moroccan embassy in Burkina Faso confirmed that it is working closely with local authorities to locate the missing drivers. Authorities in Burkina Faso have been organizing security convoys to escort trucks through high-risk border areas in an effort to prevent militant attacks. 

However, the missing convoy departed without waiting for an escort after a week of delays, according to Echarki El Hachmi, Secretary General of Morocco’s transporters’ union. The trucks, carrying infrastructure equipment, had left Casablanca weeks ago bound for Niger. 

El Hachmi called for increased protection for transporters operating in high-risk areas, as the number of Moroccan trucks traveling through the Sahel continues to grow. 

“This is not an isolated incident. Earlier this month, a convoy of Moroccan trucks was attacked on the Malian border with Mauritania, though fortunately, there were no casualties,” El Hachmi noted. 

The disappearance highlights the dangers faced by commercial drivers operating in the Sahel, where militant threats and insufficient security measures put lives and cargo at risk. 

Heavy Snow and Arctic Blast Put 70 Million Under Winter Storm Warnings Across U.S.

A massive winter storm and an Arctic cold front are set to impact tens of millions across the United States, bringing heavy snow and dangerously low temperatures from the Northern Plains to the East Coast. 

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings affecting parts of the Mid-Atlantic through Monday morning, with forecasts predicting up to 6 inches of snow. In New England, warnings begin Sunday afternoon, with areas in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and Connecticut expected to receive as much as 10 inches of snow. 

Marc Chenard, a meteorologist with the NWS, said as many as 70 million people will be under some form of winter storm alert. Major cities including Philadelphia, New York, and Boston are forecast to see several inches of snow by Sunday evening, with higher snowfall totals likely in surrounding areas. 

“There will be hazardous road conditions from D.C. up the I-95 corridor and inland later today and tonight,” Chenard said. “By Monday morning, untreated roads could remain dangerous due to the cold.” 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams urged residents to rely on public transportation during the storm to allow crews to clear streets effectively. “Cold temperatures and high winds tomorrow could be dangerous,” Adams said Saturday. “Check on your neighbors and pets, and call 311 for heating or frozen pipe concerns.” 

In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency for all 21 counties. Northern parts of the state are expected to receive 6 to 8 inches of snow by Sunday evening. Local officials across several states are opening warming centers to provide shelter during the frigid conditions. 

Meanwhile, Buffalo, New York, is bracing for snow showers Sunday afternoon as the Buffalo Bills host the Baltimore Ravens in an NFL playoff game. Heavier lake-effect snow is expected in western New York Monday through Wednesday, with accumulations of 2 to 3 feet possible in areas like Oswego near Lake Ontario. 

The snowstorm is part of a larger Arctic blast that will bring some of the coldest temperatures in years to much of the U.S. Starting Sunday, temperatures in the Rockies and Northern Plains are expected to plummet to between -30°F (-34°C) and -55°F (-48°C), with wind chills as low as -40°F (-40°C) in parts of North Dakota and Minnesota. 

Sub-zero wind chills are forecast to stretch as far south as Oklahoma and the Tennessee Valley. In Washington, D.C., Monday’s temperatures will dip into the 20s, with wind gusts of up to 30 mph. The cold snap has also prompted President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural ceremony to be moved indoors at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. 

The extreme cold is the result of a polar vortex disruption, which has pushed frigid air from the Arctic southward. While temperatures will moderate slightly as the cold front moves east, much of the Central and Eastern U.S. will still experience highs in the teens and 20s and lows in the single digits or below zero through early next week. 

The South is also expected to experience an unusual wintry mix early this week, affecting as many as 30 million people. Starting Monday, areas from Texas to northern Florida and the Carolinas could see snow, sleet, and freezing rain. 

Heavy snow is expected south of the Interstate 20 corridor across northern Louisiana and Mississippi, while a mix of freezing rain and sleet could impact areas along Interstate 10 from Houston to Mobile, Alabama. 

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency on Saturday, urging residents to prepare for the hazardous conditions and monitor forecasts. 

Taliban Deputy Criticizes Education Bans on Afghan Women and Girls

A senior Taliban official has publicly called on the group’s leader to lift bans on education for Afghan women and girls, saying there is no justification for the restrictions. 

Sher Abbas Stanikzai, the political deputy at the Foreign Ministry, made the remarks on Saturday during a speech at a religious school ceremony in southeastern Khost province. 

“There is no reason to deny education to women and girls, just as there was no justification for it in the past and there shouldn’t be one at all,” Stanikzai said, according to a video shared on his official account on the platform X. 

Since regaining control of Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban has barred girls from attending school beyond sixth grade and has banned women from university education. Reports in September 2023 indicated that medical training for women was also halted, though authorities have not confirmed the restriction. 

In Afghanistan, where women and girls can only be treated by female medical professionals, the reported medical training ban could further strain healthcare access for women. 

“We call on the leadership again to open the doors of education,” Stanikzai said, adding that depriving women and girls of education violates Islamic principles. “This is not in Islamic law, but our personal choice or nature,” he said, describing the policy as an injustice against half the population. 

Stanikzai, who previously led the Taliban delegation in talks that facilitated the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan, has criticized the education ban in the past. However, his latest comments mark the first time he has directly appealed to Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada for a policy change. 

Analysts say this move signals growing internal dissent. Ibraheem Bahiss, a South Asia analyst with Crisis Group, noted that Stanikzai’s statement questions the legitimacy of the current policy. “This latest statement seems to go further, as he is publicly calling for a change in policy,” Bahiss said. 

FILE – A Taliban fighter stands guard as women wait to receive food rations distributed by a humanitarian aid group, in Kabul, Afghanistan, on May 23, 2023. A U.N. report says the Taliban are restricting Afghan women’s access to work, travel and healthcare if they are unmarried or don’t have a male guardian, a mahram. The Taliban have banned women from education, most jobs and public spaces like parks since seizing control of Afghanistan in 2021. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi, File)

The Taliban’s education bans have drawn widespread international condemnation and jeopardized the group’s chances of gaining formal recognition. The United Nations has stated that recognition is nearly impossible while restrictions on female education, employment, and public mobility remain in place. 

In Islamabad earlier this month, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai urged Muslim leaders to hold the Taliban accountable for denying education to women and girls. Speaking at a conference hosted by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Muslim World League, Yousafzai called for unified action against the Taliban’s policies. 

Despite the lack of formal recognition, some countries have been developing ties with the Taliban-led government. Russia has been building diplomatic relationships, and India’s recent meeting between top diplomat Vikram Mistri and Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai signaled growing cooperation. 

Biden Posthumously Pardons Black Nationalist Marcus Garvey

President Joe Biden on Sunday posthumously pardoned Marcus Garvey, a prominent Black nationalist whose work inspired civil rights leaders like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Garvey was convicted of mail fraud in the 1920s, a charge his supporters have long argued was politically motivated. 

Garvey, who promoted racial pride and unity, was deported to his native Jamaica following his conviction and died in 1940. Civil rights leaders have called his pardon a critical step toward recognizing his lasting influence on the struggle for equality. 

“The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. once said of Marcus Garvey: ‘He was the first man, on a mass scale and level, to give millions of Black people a sense of dignity and destiny,’” the White House said in a statement. 

Biden’s announcement also included pardons for Virginia House Speaker Don Scott and activists focused on immigrant rights, criminal justice reform, and gun violence prevention. The president, who leaves office Monday, has issued the most individual pardons and commutations of any U.S. president. 

On Friday, Biden commuted nearly 2,500 sentences for individuals convicted of nonviolent drug offenses. Additionally, he commuted the sentences of 37 individuals on federal death row, converting their punishments to life imprisonment as an incoming Trump administration promises to expand the use of capital punishment. 

Among the notable pardons announced Sunday: 

– Don Scott, Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, was convicted of a drug offense in 1994 and served eight years in prison. Elected to the legislature in 2019, he became the first Black speaker of the Virginia House. “I am deeply humbled to share that I have received a Presidential Pardon… for a mistake I made in 1994,” Scott said. 

– Ravi Ragbir, an immigrant rights advocate, was convicted of a nonviolent offense in 2001 and faced deportation to Trinidad and Tobago. 

– Kemba Smith Pradia, a prison reform activist convicted of a drug offense in 1994 and sentenced to 24 years in prison. Her sentence was commuted by President Bill Clinton in 2000. 

– Darryl Chambers, a Wilmington, Delaware advocate for gun violence prevention, was convicted of a drug offense and sentenced to 17 years in prison. 

Two individuals had their sentences commuted: 

– Michelle West, who served over 30 years for her role in a drug conspiracy in the early 1990s. West’s daughter, Miquelle, said, “Today, after more than 30 years hoping and advocating every day that her life sentence could somehow be reduced, the clouds have parted.” 

– Robin Peoples, sentenced to 111 years in prison for bank robbery in the late 1990s. The White House noted Peoples would face significantly lower sentences under current laws. 

Biden’s clemency actions reflect a broad use of presidential power, with an emphasis on addressing systemic inequities in the justice system. His decision to pardon Garvey and other advocates underscores his administration’s commitment to criminal justice reform as the country transitions to a new leadership.