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.

Pretoria, South Africa – In a strongly worded statement, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has issued a grave warning to the South African government regarding the escalating violence against Nigerian citizens within its borders. The Commissioner emphasized that Nigeria’s patience is “wearing thin” in the face of persistent xenophobic attacks.

This warning follows the recent tragic deaths of two Nigerian citizens in Johannesburg. Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle was brutally murdered in his Kensington home on September 4th, reportedly after receiving prior threats. The following day, James Uchechukwu Nwankwo was killed during an incident involving officers of the South African Police Service.

High Commissioner Fani-Kayode expressed deep shock and mortification at these killings, particularly highlighting the pre-meditated nature of Bishop Fakunle’s murder. The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa has revealed that the cleric was shot multiple times after intruders gained access to his residence.

The Nigerian government’s firm stance underscores the growing concern over the safety and well-being of its citizens residing in South Africa. This diplomatic intervention signals a critical juncture in the relations between the two nations, urging immediate action to address and curb the ongoing xenophobic violence.

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.