Grammy-winning rapper Durk Devontay Banks, known as Lil Durk, has been acquitted of all charges in a federal murder-for-hire case stemming from a 2022 shooting in Los Angeles. The incident resulted in the death of the cousin of rival rapper Quando Rondo.

A Los Angeles jury deliberated for three days before finding the rapper not guilty on all five federal felony counts. Lil Durk had been accused of orchestrating a revenge plot against Tyquian Bowman (Quando Rondo) following the 2020 killing of Banks’ friend, Dayvon “King Von” Bennett. Prosecutors alleged Banks planned, ordered, and financed the operation, which ultimately led to the death of Bowman’s cousin, 24-year-old Saviay’a Robinson, during an ambush on August 19, 2022.

The defense maintained Lil Durk’s innocence, arguing that his former personal assistant, Kavon Grant, was responsible for the alleged scheme. Banks was arrested in 2024 and pleaded not guilty to charges including conspiracy, stalking with a dangerous weapon, stalking resulting in death, and two murder-for-hire-related counts. His co-defendants, Deandre Dontrell Wilson and David Brian Lindsey, were convicted of stalking and conspiracy to commit stalking but acquitted of other charges.

Following the verdict, supporters celebrated outside the Los Angeles courthouse. Defense lawyer Drew Findling stated that Banks was “thankful” for the acquittal.

Despite this acquittal, the 33-year-old rapper, who has achieved significant commercial success with seven top-five albums since 2019 and collaborations with artists like Drake and J. Cole, remains in custody. He faces a separate federal trial next month on racketeering, murder, and firearms charges, which could result in a life sentence if he is convicted.

In a recent revelation that has stirred national discourse, Archbishop Chivir Chianson, Secretary General of the Charismatic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), declared a divine prophecy regarding the 2027 general elections. According to Archbishop Chianson, God has revealed that President Bola Tinubu will secure victory in the upcoming polls.

During an interview on Arise Television, Archbishop Chianson expounded on the role of bishops as both priests and prophets, drawing parallels to biblical instances where divine intervention guided the selection of leaders. He asserted that the CBCN’s pronouncement concerning President Tinubu’s re-election is a direct prophetic message.

Archbishop Chianson further emphasized that the Charismatic Bishops are not concerned with the organizational challenges faced by opposition political parties. He confidently stated that the prophecy would be validated in 2027, predicting not only a victory for President Tinubu but also an improved performance during his next term.

While affirming their commitment to speaking truth to power, Archbishop Chianson clarified that their approach to engaging with the President and the nation is guided by biblical principles, maintaining a respectful demeanor rather than an adversarial one. This pronouncement underscores the significant influence of religious leaders in Nigeria’s political landscape and opens avenues for further contemplation on the intersection of faith and governance.

The ongoing xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa have ignited a fervent plea for decisive action from the Nigerian community residing there. Akaninyene Willie, President of the Akwa Ibom Indigenes Forum in South Africa, has articulated a demand for increased diplomatic pressure on South Africa, including substantial reparations for lives lost and businesses destroyed.

Willie’s call comes in response to the Nigerian Federal Government’s decision to ban official travel to South Africa, a measure he deems insufficient. He emphasizes the historical contributions of Nigeria to South Africa’s liberation, now met with violence and animosity. The demand for one billion rand in reparations for each Nigerian life lost and business destroyed underscores the severity of the situation and the perceived failure of South African authorities to adequately address the violence. The possibility of approaching the International Criminal Court (ICC) has also been raised, highlighting a growing frustration with the perceived inaction of the African Union.

Legal practitioner Osai Ahiakwo supports the call for reparations, agreeing that the travel restriction, while a justifiable diplomatic signal of displeasure, does not offer immediate protection or justice for those affected. Ahiakwo advocates for using the travel restriction as leverage to demand concrete actions from South Africa, including thorough investigations, prosecution of perpetrators, and robust protection for Nigerians.

The urgent plea from Nigerians in South Africa for stronger measures against xenophobia underscores the critical need for accountability, protection, and justice for victims of these abhorrent attacks.