R&B singer R. Kelly, currently serving a 30-year sentence for racketeering and sex trafficking, was rushed to a North Carolina hospital after experiencing an alleged overdose at the Federal Correctional Institution in Butner.

According to court filings, Kelly was confined to solitary on June 10 and, two days later, was reportedly given an “overdose quantity” of his prescribed anxiety and sleep medications, administered by prison staff. The singer collapsed in his cell on June 13, suffering dizziness, vision loss, and unconsciousness, and was immediately taken to a hospital.

Kelly’s legal team, led by attorney Beau Brindley, claims the incident followed a “credible plot” involving prison staff who allegedly solicited Aryan Brotherhood inmate Mikeal Glenn Stine to kill Kelly in return for favors. Stine, who is reportedly gravely ill, then refused and disclosed the conspiracy. 

While hospitalised, physicians discovered dangerous blood clots in Kelly’s legs and lungs. His attorneys assert he was discharged against medical advice and forced back into solitary confinement without receiving necessary treatment 

The legal team has filed an emergency motion seeking home confinement or a temporary furlough, citing “cruel and unusual punishment.” They’ve also sought clemency from former President Trump 

The hearing is scheduled for June 20. Federal prosecutors have rejected Kelly’s claims, labeling them “fanciful,” “deeply unserious,” and dismissed the request for release, remarking that Kelly is attempting to manipulate the court 

Kelly remains incarcerated in North Carolina and is also serving another 20-year sentence related to child pornography charges

Yushau Adozuka, professionally known as Gbono, is a Nigerian Afrobeats and Afro-fusion  artist whose journey into music began in the mid-2000s. Born in Okene, Kogi State, Gbono represents a new generation of independent Nigerian artists creating global Afrobeats  sounds. From recording tracks as early as 2005/06 to learning production in 2007, Gbono built his sound slowly and intentionally drawing from a wide palette that includes Fuji, juju, rap, hip hop, and pop, with influences from highlife and gospel.  

In 2014, life got in the way. Gbono stepped back from recording and performing to focus on  other pursuits. But the music never left him. After nearly a decade away, producing quietly,  reflecting, and rebuilding, he returned in 2023 with sharpened intent and a name that now  reflecta clarity. Gbono; symbolic of grit, hunger and identity, was reborn.  

His debut project, the Maybe A Little Longer EP, arrived in the middle of chaos. Just days  into the rollout, Gbono’s official X (formerly Twitter) account was hacked, cutting off a vital  link to his audience. Shortly after, the EP was removed from the digital streaming platform  Spotify (though it remained on Apple Music, Audiomack and the likes); not once, but twice.  For any rising Afrobeats artist, that kind of disruption could have ended the campaign. For  Gbono, it became fuel for an even more strategic push.  

The title Maybe A Little Longer captures that uncertain space between doubt and  breakthrough. Instead of backing down, Gbono doubled down, re-announcing the project, rebuilding momentum from scratch, and drawing in new fans through powerful visuals,  grassroots TikTok content, and direct engagement via his website: www.iamgbono.com.  

The Maybe A Little Longer EP is a five-track journey through faith, frustration, focus, and  fire. It opens with “6,6,” a gritty, prayerful introduction. “Far & Wide” follows, reflecting  real sacrifices — including boarding night buses across Nigeria in search of opportunity. “Nigerian” takes aim at national identity and poor governance. “Mezebu” delivers a light,  catchy hook with flirtatious lyrics over a groovy mid-tempo dance beat, while “Tonight”  closes the project on a vibrant, nightlife-driven high.  

The lead single, “Mezebu by Gbono,” has steadily gained momentum on TikTok, with over  1,000 user-generated sound posts. This organic traction has helped introduce Gbono’s  music to new listeners across Nigeria and beyond.  

Stream the Maybe A Little Longer EP at www.iamgbono.com/welcome 

Nollywood actor and now lead pastor of Fountain of Life Church, Jimmy Odukoya, has spoken out passionately against the brutal killings in Benue State, describing them as a “genocide” and not mere casualties of war.

In a strongly worded statement shared via Instagram, Odukoya mourned the over 200 lives lost in the recent massacre in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area. His reaction joins the rising chorus of public figures and Nigerians demanding accountability and swift justice.

My heart bleeds over the genocide happening in Benue.The blood of the innocent killed cries loud for justice from the earth! How long will we stay silent?! When homes are tuned to crematoriums and fields become mass burial grounds!

Shaken by the mass destruction, Odukoya highlighted the sheer horror of the attack and the stories told by survivors.

Body parts and bones litter the ground and tell a harrowing story of wickedness.Evil that does not discriminate against the old man or the infant child, men, women, babies all pay this price at the ultimate cost!

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