The Week In Review

For many Nigerians, this week has perhaps been the most dramatic and controversial week of 2019 yet. Nigerians had a lot to talk about ranging from talks about rape, sexual molestation, violence against women and children and more.

The monster called rape
For everywhere you turned in the media space this week, there was one rape allegation story or the other to greet you. Prominent among them was Busola Dakolo, the wife of Nigerian singer, Timi Dakolo’s allegation against the global senior pastor of Common Wealth of Zion (COZA), Biodun Fatoyinbo. According to her allegation, the cleric raped her as a teenager and this sparked mixed reactions with calls for Fatoyinbo to step down as a pastor and be prosecuted.

He has since taken a leave of absence from the pulpit but maintained his innocence. Dakolo’s accusation has also encouraged celebrities like TY Bello, Chika Unigwe, Adesua Etomi, Do2dtun to come forward with their own stories of rape and sexual molestation.

Senator Elisha Abbo

A man of the people?
Senator Elisha Abbo representing Adamawa North found his name on everyone’s lips for the wrong reasons when a video of him hitting a woman surfaced online. The assault sparked a wave of indignation among politicians, celebrities, human rights activists and advocate group who called for his arrest and also disciplinary action from the senate.
Although confirming he is the man in the video, Abbo insisted he was also assaulted and promised that his team will release an official statement. The Inspector-General of Police has since ordered an investigation into the case.

Justice for Khloe
Nigerian actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo fondly called RMD has taken to social media to pen an open letter to the Commissioner of Police of the FCT, CP Bala Ciroma.

In his letter, the screen star is asking for justice for the rape of a four-year-old girl identified as Khloe who was allegedly raped by Mr Idris Ebiloma. According to RMD, ensuring that justice is served will help Khloe grow up with a belief in the justice system of Nigeria and convince everyone that the police is indeed the friend of the people.
RMD’s letter comes on the heels of actress, Tonto Dikeh taking to social media asking Nigerians to protest and seek justice for the minor at Apo court on Friday, July 5.

Say No to violence
Nigerian songbird, Simi, who has been very critical and vocal about certain social issues in times past in an Instagram post has condemned any act of violence against women and children whom she says are the most vulnerable people in society.
In her post, the star attempts to create awareness about the abuse women suffer and how they are silenced by family, the church and the government. She also encouraged people not to silence those protesting and fighting for the equal rights of women but rather join the struggle to ensure that every woman and child is protected.

While acknowledging that men also suffer abuse, she states that women and children are more susceptible to abuse and as such should be protected.

The ‘attack’ continues
Some few months ago, the media was in a frenzy with the news that Hollywood actor, Jussie Smollett was attacked in a homophobic and racist attack.

However, an investigation by the Chicago police revealed that he allegedly connived with two Nigerian brothers, Abel and Caleb Osundairo to orchestrate the ‘attack’.

In a new development, Smollett’s camp is very upset over what they believe are untrue stories about what actually went down in January when Smollett claimed he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack.
His team believes media has mischaracterised Smollett and it gave reasons why it believes the attack was real.