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Nigerian Court Sentences Pastor to Life Imprisonment for Raping Minor in Church

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A High Court in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Southwest of Nigeria has handed down a life sentence to Pastor Enoch, the cleric of a church in Omuo Ekiti, Ekiti East Local Government Area of Ekiti State, for raping a minor who was the daughter of one of his church members.

According to the prosecution, the young girl, who frequently visited the pastor’s residence to assist his wife with household chores and help their young children with school assignments, was raped by the cleric during one of her visits to the mission house.

The Ekiti State Director of Public Prosecutions, Julius Ajibade, stated that the pastor sedated the minor with a bottle of Fanta during her visit. The girl fell asleep after consuming the drink and woke up to find herself bleeding profusely from her private parts.

Pastor Enoch was arrested and charged with the offense of rape, which is contrary to Section 2 of the Gender-Based Violence (Prohibition) Law, 2019. The prosecution called four witnesses and presented two exhibits to prove their case, while the defendant, represented by his counsel, Adeyinka Opaleke, gave evidence in his defense and called one additional witness.

In his judgment, Justice Olusegun Ogunyemi concluded that the prosecution had proven the offense of rape against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt. Consequently, the judge convicted Pastor Enoch and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

The case highlights the pervasive issue of sexual abuse and exploitation of minors, particularly within religious institutions. The verdict sends a strong message that such heinous crimes will not be tolerated and that perpetrators, regardless of their position or influence, will face severe consequences for their actions.

The sentencing of Pastor Enoch to life imprisonment serves as a step towards justice for the young victim and her family, as well as a deterrent to others who may consider exploiting their positions of trust and authority to harm vulnerable individuals.

As society continues to grapple with the scourge of gender-based violence and child sexual abuse, it is crucial that cases like this are pursued with diligence and that survivors are provided with the necessary support and resources to heal and seek justice.

US Military Responds to Houthi Missile Strikes, Destroys Patrol Boats and Drones in Red Sea

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The U.S. military announced on Thursday that it had destroyed two Houthi patrol boats, one uncrewed surface vessel, and one drone over the Red Sea in response to Houthi missile strikes that set a Palau-flagged cargo ship ablaze and severely injured one crew member in the Gulf of Aden.

According to U.S. Central Command, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, who control most areas of Yemen, launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen into the Red Sea. The missiles did not cause any damage or injuries.

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Laboon (DDG 58).

However, in a separate incident, missiles fired by the Houthis struck the Verbena, a Palau-flagged cargo ship, in the Gulf of Aden on Thursday. The attack sparked a fire on the vessel and severely injured one crew member. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported that three missiles struck the Verbena.

As the crew fought the fire, a U.S. Navy aircraft from the Philippine Sea warship medically evacuated the injured mariner to a nearby partner force ship for medical attention. The Verbena, loaded with wood construction material and bound for Italy, still maintains power and steering capabilities, according to security and military sources.

The Houthi missile strikes are part of a campaign launched by the Iran-allied group in solidarity with the Palestinians in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The Houthis have stated that their operations will continue until hostilities in Gaza end and the siege on the Palestinian people is lifted.

In addition to the Verbena, the Houthis claimed responsibility for an attack on the Greek-owned cargo ship Tutor near Yemen’s Red Sea port of Hodeidah on Wednesday, leaving the vessel taking on water and in need of rescue. The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs condemned the assault on the Tutor, which had a Filipino crew on board.

The Houthi campaign in the Red Sea region has disrupted global shipping, causing delays and increased costs throughout supply chains. The militants have sunk one ship, seized another vessel, and killed three seafarers in separate attacks.

Joshua Hutchinson, managing director of intelligence and risk for British maritime security firm Ambrey, noted that while several near misses have been reported, the data suggests that the Houthis are becoming more successful with direct hits on ships.

The ongoing conflict in Yemen and the Houthi attacks on international shipping have raised concerns about the safety and security of maritime trade in the region, prompting the U.S. military’s response to the latest missile strikes.

Credit: Reuters

France & PSG Soccer Star, Ousmane Dembélé Calls on Citizens to Vote in Elections Coinciding with Euro 2024

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In a rare intersection of soccer and politics, French winger Ousmane Dembélé has urged his fellow citizens to participate in the national elections unexpectedly called by President Emmanuel Macron, even as the country’s national team competes in the Euro 2024 tournament.

Speaking from the team’s training camp, the Paris Saint-Germain star expressed concern over the low voter turnout predicted by TV news broadcasts. “I think the alarm bell has been sounded,” Dembélé said. “I think we need to mobilize ourselves to vote, all together.”

French winger Ousmane Dembélé.

President Macron surprised the nation on Sunday evening by calling for national assembly elections in response to a surge in support for far-right opponents in the recent European parliamentary elections. The two rounds of French elections are scheduled for June 30 and July 7, which could potentially coincide with France’s matches in the round of 16 and quarterfinals of the Euro 2024 tournament, where they are widely expected to perform well.

The French national team has long been celebrated as a model of diversity and unity, particularly following their Euro 2000 title win and their first World Cup victory in 1998. The mix of “Black, Blanc, Beur” (Black, white, and Arab) players in the team has been seen as a reflection of the French tricolor flag and the country’s multicultural identity.

French winger Ousmane Dembélé, French President Macron.

To ensure that players and officials can exercise their right to vote while in Germany for the tournament, Dembélé revealed that the French soccer federation is setting up a system for proxy voting.

France, drawn in Group D, will begin their Euro 2024 campaign against Austria on Monday, with matches against the Netherlands and Poland to follow.

French winger Ousmane Dembélé.

As the country grapples with a politically charged atmosphere, Dembélé’s call for citizens to engage in the democratic process serves as a reminder of the power and influence that prominent athletes can wield beyond the confines of the soccer pitch. His message underscores the importance of participation and unity, values that have long been associated with the French national team.

While the focus for Dembélé and his teammates will undoubtedly be on their performance in the highly anticipated tournament, the elections back home are sure to be on the minds of many French citizens, both on and off the field.

Credit: AP

Camille Winbush Claps Back at Critics, Reveals ‘Bernie Mac Show’ Residuals Dried Up, Leading to OnlyFans Decision

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Camille Winbush, best known for her role as Bernie Mac’s daughter in the hit sitcom ‘The Bernie Mac Show,’ has come a long way since her days as a child star. Now an adult, Winbush has taken to OnlyFans, a decision that has drawn both criticism and curiosity from fans and the public alike.

In a recent interview with Comedy Hype, Winbush addressed the trolls head-on, admitting that their assumptions about her financial situation were not entirely off-base. “When people say, ‘Oh, those Bernie Mac checks must have dried up,’ I’m like, ‘From a job 20 years ago when I was a 12-year-old? Yeah.’ Like, duh,” she stated.

While Winbush still receives residuals from her time on the show, she explained that they are not substantial enough to make a living. This realization led her to start an OnlyFans page in 2021. “If I can find a way to make enough to buy a home from the comfort and safety of my own living room, why wouldn’t I do that?” she questioned.

Camille Winbush, Bernie Mac, and the rest of the crew in 2006.

The former child star expressed frustration with people judging her career moves, especially when they lack understanding of the acting industry. This is not the first time Winbush has had to defend her choices; just last year, she passionately defended herself and her ‘Mac Show’ costar Dee Dee Davis, who also has an OnlyFans account.

Camille Winbush.

In an X (formerly Twitter) post, Winbush put things into perspective, stating that if the worst thing strangers can say about her is that she took some sexy pictures and made a couple of million dollars in less than two years, then she’s doing just fine in today’s society.

Camille Winbush muddy up for money.

Winbush’s message is clear: she’s not losing sleep over her OnlyFans gig, and neither should anyone else. The actress has made a conscious decision to take control of her career and financial future, even if it means venturing into unconventional territory.

Camille Winbush.

As the entertainment industry continues to evolve and traditional revenue streams for actors become less reliable, it’s not surprising to see more performers turning to platforms like OnlyFans to supplement their income. Winbush’s openness about her decision serves as a reminder that the path to success in Hollywood is not always straightforward, and that actors must be adaptable and willing to explore new opportunities to sustain their careers.

Camille Winbush goes WILD!

While some may continue to criticize Winbush’s choice to join OnlyFans, her unapologetic stance and determination to forge her own path are admirable. As she navigates this new chapter in her life, Winbush remains focused on her goals and refuses to let the opinions of others define her or her career.

Credit: TMZ

Bodycam Footage Reveals 14ft Alligator with 41-Year-Old Mother’s Body Inside After Fatal Canal Attack

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In a shocking and tragic incident, bodycam footage from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission revealed the gruesome aftermath of a deadly alligator attack that claimed the life of 41-year-old Sabrina Peckham. The footage shows a bloated 14ft alligator with Peckham’s body visibly inside its stomach after it was shot and killed by authorities.

Peckham, who was homeless had been staying at an encampment near the canal in Clearwater, Florida, where the alligator was located. The attack occurred in September of last year when a passerby spotted the reptile with what appeared to be a body in its mouth, raising the alarm.

Sabrina Peckham’s daughter.

The newly released bodycam footage captures the moment the alligator was gunned down, with a voice shouting, “Watch them, watch them,” before a trigger is pulled, followed by a bang and a splash. Emergency responders and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission then worked to pull the alligator from the water, taping its mouth shut and using ropes and chains to remove it from the canal.

To retrieve Peckham’s remains, officers had to slash open the side of the alligator’s belly. The animal was described as having been “humanely killed” following the horrific attack.

41-year-old Sabrina Peckham died in the belly of the alligator.

Peckham’s daughter, Breauana Dorris, took to Facebook to deny rumors that her mother had been taunting the alligator. She explained that her mother was likely walking to or from her campsite near the creek in the dark when the alligator attacked from the water. “We expected to have many many more years with her. Unfortunately, God has called her home sooner than our hearts were ready,” Dorris wrote.

Records show that Peckham had a history of trespassing and run-ins with the police, including an arrest just two months before she died for trespassing on a county wetland half a mile from the site of the attack. Despite her past, Dorris emphasized that “no matter how you put it, no one deserves to die like this.”

The deadly reptile is believed to have come from a nearby alligator-infested lake known as Ridgecrest Park. The tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by wildlife, particularly for vulnerable populations living near their habitats.

As the community mourns the loss of Sabrina Peckham, her daughter’s heartfelt message resonates: “I love you more than I ever expressed, I miss you more than you’ll ever know and I pray that you are looking down over me and your grandchildren. Please protect us. I’m so sorry this happened to you.”

Credit: Dailymail.com

AI Candidate “AI Steve” Runs for UK Parliament, Claims AI Can Humanize Politics and Reinvent Democracy

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In an unprecedented move, an artificial intelligence candidate named “AI Steve” is on the ballot for the United Kingdom’s general election next month. Represented by Sussex businessman Steve Endacott, AI Steve will appear alongside non-AI candidates vying to represent constituents in the Brighton Pavilion area of Brighton and Hove, a city on England’s southern coast.

Endacott, the chairman of Neural Voice, a company that creates personalized voice assistants for businesses in the form of AI avatars, believes that AI can be used to create a politician who is always available to interact with constituents and consider their views. “AI Steve is the AI co-pilot,” Endacott explained. “I’m the real politician going into Parliament, but I’m controlled by my co-pilot.”

AI Steve sets to context in UK election.

Constituents can ask AI Steve questions or share their opinions on Endacott’s policies through its website, where a large language model will provide answers in voice and text based on a database of information about his party’s policies. If AI Steve lacks a policy on a particular issue, it will conduct internet research before engaging the voter and encouraging them to suggest a policy.

Endacott is also seeking thousands of “validators,” primarily Brighton locals with long daily commutes, whom he believes represent the common man. These validators will score Endacott’s policies weekly on a scale of 1 to 10, and if a policy receives more than 50% approval, it becomes the official party policy. Endacott pledges to base his decisions on his voters’ preferences, staying connected to them electronically on a weekly basis.

Voters can chat with AI Steve.

In 2022, Endacott ran unsuccessfully in a local election under the Conservative Party, receiving less than 500 votes. The unusual nature of his current candidacy has already stirred conversation on X (formerly Twitter), with news of AI Steve’s launch prompting around 1,000 calls to the AI proxy in a single night. The top issues raised by voters so far include concerns about the safety of Palestinians, trash bins, bicycle lanes, immigration, and abortion.

Endacott, who describes himself as a “centralist” most closely aligned with the Green Party, claims his primary motivation is to push the government to enact changes to cut carbon emissions. He rejects the notion that AI is replacing human politicians, insisting that the aim is to bring “more humans” into politics.

“It’s not AI taking over the world. It’s AI being used as a technical way of connecting to our constituents and reinventing democracy by saying, ‘You don’t just vote for somebody every four years; you control the vote on an ongoing basis,'” Endacott stated, acknowledging the radical nature of his approach in both the UK and the United States.

While the concept of an AI politician may seem unconventional or even unsettling to some, Endacott emphasizes that his platform is “not a joke.” He believes that AI can humanize politics by enabling representatives to respond to thousands of potential constituents daily, without the need for traditional door-to-door campaigning.

If elected, AI Steve would be the first AI legislator to hold public office, marking a significant milestone in the intersection of technology and politics.

Credit: NBC

Senate Investigation Reveals Billionaire Harlan Crow Provided Justice Clarence Thomas with Additional Undisclosed Private Jet Trips

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An investigation conducted by Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats has uncovered that billionaire political donor Harlan Crow provided Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas with at least three previously undisclosed private jet trips in recent years. The flights, which were detailed by Crow’s lawyer in response to inquiries from the committee, transported the justice to destinations including the region near Glacier National Park in Montana and Thomas’ hometown in Georgia.

Harlan Crow provided Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas favors.

The committee’s investigation was launched in response to ProPublica’s reporting last year, which revealed numerous undisclosed gifts Crow had provided to Thomas, such as private school tuition for a relative and an annual luxury vacation spanning more than two decades. Although Democrats on the committee authorized a subpoena for information from Crow last November, it was not issued, and the new information was obtained through negotiations between the Senate and Crow’s attorneys.

The Justices of the U.S Supreme Court.

Senator Dick Durbin, D-Ill., the panel’s chair, stated that a report detailing the full findings of the committee Democrats’ investigation would be released later in the summer. Durbin emphasized that the newly discovered gifts make it “crystal clear that the highest court needs an enforceable code of conduct.”

Crow’s office released a statement indicating that he had provided the senators with information covering the past seven years and that the committee had agreed to end its probe concerning Crow. The statement also noted that despite Crow’s concerns about the legality and necessity of the inquiry, he engaged in good faith with the committee.

Justice Clarence Thomas.

The newly revealed flights further highlight Thomas’ frequent use of Crow’s jet for personal travel, allowing the justice to fly in the same manner as the ultrawealthy. Crow owns a high-end Bombardier Global 5000, a jet that can cost over $10,000 per flight hour to charter.

The details released by the Senate do not specify the purpose of the trips, only listing flight dates and locations. These include a May 2017 trip from St. Louis to Kalispell, Montana, and a return flight from Montana to Dallas two days later, coinciding with Thomas’ scheduled speech to a local bar association in St. Louis. Other trips include a same-day round trip from the East Coast to San Jose, California, on June 29, 2021, and a round-trip flight from Washington, D.C., to Savannah, Georgia, on March 23, 2019.

Billionaire Harlan Crow.

ProPublica could not immediately find evidence of Thomas making public appearances in Montana, Georgia, or California on the dates in question.

The relationship between Crow and Thomas began in 1996 when Crow offered to fly the justice to Dallas for a speech, and they hit it off while in the air. Since then, Crow has flown Thomas to destinations around the world.

As the Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats’ investigation continues, the public awaits the release of the full report, which is expected to provide further insight into the extent of the ethical lapses by Supreme Court justices and the need for an enforceable code of conduct.

Credit: Propublica

Tesla Shareholders Approve Restoration of Elon Musk’s $44.9 Billion Pay Package

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In a significant development, Tesla shareholders voted on Thursday to restore CEO Elon Musk’s record-breaking $44.9 billion pay package, which had been thrown out by a Delaware judge earlier this year. The vote took place during the company’s annual meeting in Austin, Texas, although the exact vote totals were not immediately disclosed.

Despite the favorable shareholder vote, Musk is unlikely to receive the all-stock compensation anytime soon. The package is expected to remain tied up in the Delaware Chancery Court for several months as Tesla appeals the court’s initial rejection.

In January, the Delaware Chancery Court ruled that Musk essentially controlled the Tesla board when it approved the package in 2018 and that the board failed to fully inform shareholders who approved the package the same year. The court’s decision called into question the validity of the compensation plan, which is believed to be one of the largest in corporate history.

Following the court’s ruling, Tesla announced its intention to appeal the decision. However, in a strategic move, the company also asked shareholders to reapprove the package at Thursday’s annual meeting, seeking to bolster its position in the ongoing legal battle.

The approval of Musk’s pay package by Tesla shareholders comes amidst the company’s continued success and growth in the electric vehicle market. Under Musk’s leadership, Tesla has become a dominant force in the industry, with its stock price soaring and its market capitalization reaching unprecedented levels.

However, critics have questioned the size and structure of Musk’s compensation plan, arguing that it is excessive and not properly aligned with the company’s performance. The Delaware Chancery Court’s initial rejection of the package lent credence to these concerns, prompting Tesla to seek shareholder reapproval.

As the legal battle over Musk’s pay package continues, the outcome of Tesla’s appeal in the Delaware Chancery Court will be closely watched by investors, corporate governance experts, and the wider business community. The case has the potential to set important precedents regarding executive compensation and the role of shareholders in approving such packages.

For now, Tesla and Musk will have to wait for the court’s decision on the appeal, even as the company moves forward with its ambitious plans for growth and expansion in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market.

Credit: AP

Drake Thinks the World is Ending Soon as He Buys $200K Armored Super Truck? (PHOTOS)

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Hip-hop superstar Drake is set to make a bold statement while cruising around his new Texas neighborhood, as he recently dropped a whopping $200,000 on a custom-built, apocalypse-ready super truck from Apocalypse Manufacturing.

According to the company responsible for creating this monster of a vehicle, Drake’s new ride is state-of-the-art and built to withstand the toughest conditions. The truck boasts a Hemi Hellcat V8 6.2L engine with 870 horsepower upgrades, full-time four-wheel drive, and armored and riveted doors, ensuring the OVO captain is prepared for anything.

Drake took delivery of the suped-up truck this week and wasted no time showing it off on his recently-purchased $15 million ranch in Fayette County, Texas. He posted several pictures featuring the truck’s impressive Siberian Tiger interior, proving that style and functionality can go hand-in-hand.

Apocalypse Manufacturing assures that the Texas terrain won’t be an issue for Drake’s commutes, as the truck comes equipped with five off-road drive modes: Sport, Drag Race, Baja, Rock, and Mud. The vehicle also features steel bumpers with LED lights on the front and back, power steps on the sides, and a high-performance cooling system designed for desert climates.

Perhaps the most impressive feature of Drake’s new toy is its ability to ramp-launch 10 feet off the ground, a feat that Apocalypse Manufacturing claims to have tested 50 times to ensure its reliability.

The midnight black bruiser is just as impressive on the inside, with a 12″ infotainment screen and a 20″ Radiance lightbar on the windshield guardian, guaranteeing that Drake will shine whenever he pulls up.

The change of scenery could be a welcome change of pace for the rapper, whose Toronto property has been targeted amid various rap beefs. However, Drake hasn’t been hiding in his hometown, as he recently spectated his son Adonis’ soccer game, appearing unbothered by the recent drama.

With his new armored super truck, Drake will be rolling around his Texas ranch in style and safety. Just watch out for those wide turns, y’all!

Credit: TMZ

U.S. Deploys Attack Submarine to Guantanamo Bay as Russian Flotilla Conducts Military Exercises in Caribbean

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In a rare move, the U.S. military announced on Thursday that the USS Helena, a Los Angeles-class nuclear submarine, is making a routine port visit to the naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The visit coincides with the arrival of a Russian nuclear submarine and several frigates to the port of Havana for an official port call on Wednesday.

According to a statement from U.S. Southern Command, the USS Helena’s visit was “previously planned” and is part of its transit through the command’s geographic area of responsibility. However, the timing of the visit has drawn attention due to the Russian fleet’s presence in the Caribbean, which sailed close to the Florida coast before arriving in Havana.

U.S Attack Sub arrives Cuba to show presence.

The Russian flotilla is expected to make stops in Venezuela and conduct military exercises in the Caribbean. Both the U.S. and Canada monitored the fleet’s journey to Cuba, deploying several ships and a reconnaissance plane to track their movements, as reported by CNN.

National security adviser Jake Sullivan addressed the situation, stating that while the visit is “something we watch closely, carefully,” similar port calls have occurred in the past. He also noted that there was no indication of arms transfers between Cuba and Russia during this visit.

Despite Sullivan’s comments, the Russian deployment has prompted outcries from Republicans, who argue that the Kremlin’s move demonstrates the Biden administration’s weak foreign policy. Russian leader Vladimir Putin has previously vowed to use “asymmetrical tactics against the West” in response to Washington and other allies’ decision to allow Ukraine to use Western-made munitions against targets in Russian territory.

USS Helena, a Los Angeles-class nuclear submarine arrives Cuba.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) criticized the administration on Fox News, stating, “when you have a president who is weak, every bad guy on the globe is on the march and that is why we’re seeing, for example, Russian ships off Cuba with hypersonic weapons testing missiles just 90 miles off the coast of Florida.”

The deployment of the USS Helena to Guantanamo Bay amid the Russian military exercises in the Caribbean highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Russia, as well as the potential for increased military posturing in the region. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the Biden administration will navigate the complex geopolitical landscape and address concerns raised by Republicans regarding the perceived strength of U.S. foreign policy.

Credit: Politico

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