Trending Now: Content Creator 'Odogwu of Asaba' Arrested Over Alleged Rape + More

[00:00:00]Thank you for staying with us here on the trending now segment on the TVC breakfast show. I like to say that TVC has a finger on the pulse and our eyes on the streets. And here on the trending now segment, we like to bring you some of the trending stories that are shaping the world that you and I live in. Our first story is a very sad one, but it's gaining a lot of traction online. A young woman left home believing that she was traveling to build a career. Days later, her family would be mourning her death. Well, the Delta State Police Command have now arrested a popular Asaba based content creator, popularly known as Odogu of Asaba over the alleged rape of a 20-year-old Favo Agro, who later died while receiving treatment in hospital. Now, according to the police, Favor traveled from Mugeli to Asaba after Abuna allegedly promised to mentor her in content creation. He said that he would help her grow on social media and he would even provide her financial support. Investigators now say that instead of the opportunity that she expected, she was allegedly taken to a hotel where she was raped and physically assaulted. This was her crying out just days before her death.

[00:01:15]>> This should be the last video of the whole world.

[00:01:20]By the time you will be seeing this video, I'm already dead because of my do anything sex because he's a popular person and he not want to try do rubbish because people might drag him over my mouth and then he pressed my back when he dead like It was easy.

[00:01:54]>> That young woman you just watched is now dead. Police say that she returned home visibly shaken after an encounter with Odoga Saba. She recited the incident to her parents and then she recorded that heartbreaking video describing her ordeal. Uh unfortunately she later allegedly ingested a poisonous substance and she was then rushed to hospital where she died despite efforts to save her. Now following a petition to the Delta State Police Command, detectives arrested Odoku Asaba who is now in custody and assisting with the investigation. And we are seeing that Asaba has admitted to these crimes. Have a look of this is a very terrible mistake.

[00:02:41]>> Every you know these are these are sister now.

[00:02:51]Authorities say that no aspect of this case will be overlooked as they are working to establish exactly what happened. Let's have a look at social media. May May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace. A Duke says this is heartbreaking. How do you do this to another human being?

[00:03:11]A treasure says this is too sad and very upsetting. Thankfully, he has been arrested, and I hope he faces the full wrath of the law, forcefully taking a young girl's virtue when there are so many other ladies who wouldn't mind to be at your beck and call. You're a monster.

[00:03:29]Angry rabbit says, "Oh, I wish they got this girl help on time."

[00:03:34]And finally, Adachedu says, "I don't understand. Kneeling down and begging is supposed to make everything okay.

[00:03:41]What is worrisome is is that this is a trend. We have seen young women, you know, in the pursuit of better lives, unemployment opportunities go into very precarious situations. They end up dead, severely injured, severely traumatized, sexually assaulted and abused. In this case, this young girl's life has been cut short too soon. Mr. Sh, I don't think an innocent man kneels down to beg. You know, he seems as though he's been indicted in some way, and authorities are now working to figure out exactly what happened. This man knew exactly what he did. He coerced her with the illusion of power. I will help you.

[00:04:12]I will help your life. I'll help you do this and do that. And this young impressionable woman believed him. And today she's no more.

[00:04:19]>> Well, from all available information, it seemed the woman was um the young woman was exploited one way or the other. And and then if we are to believe the accounts and her own accounts, uh she was raped and violated and she became depressed. she could not overcome it and she decided to take her own life. So you can begin to see the effect of rape. You know, for anybody to violate a woman in that way, for me it's totally unforgivable.

[00:04:52]There's no reason to rape a woman. I know that the Odogu of Asaba who is not the real Odogu that we knew, the nearest Odogu was Sonogu is dead now. A very great man. So this man Ubuna needs to be investigated properly and if found culpable in events leading to her death then she should he should be prosecuted.

[00:05:16]It is very sad you know a young lady being cut off in her prime you know she's looking forward to becoming someone you know great in her life and then next thing is so you an elderly person invited her over because you had the mind to do something bad and then you took her to a hotel you raped her to the extent that she got so depressed four times even if it is half a time that you you you did it you know um destroying her virtue you you're such a monster and I believe that he should be pro processed through the criminal justice system and uh if found wanting he has to you know rot in jail. We may not say that he should also be killed in the process. I mean he should also be sentenced to death in the process because it was not that he was the one that poisoned the lady but life imprisonment I believe is what the judge might definitely you know meet out to him. And this is also a piece of advice to you know ladies whether you're young whether you are old even if you are 40 50 do not meet men or any man no matter what no matter how much they pride themselves or you think they're popular or anything you should meet them in public places and not alone you should go with at least a male um you know um companion or a male company have someone who would protect you in their adventure. this person is going to, you know, harm you one way or the other. And if this person is paying for your lodging, make sure you're not lodging alone. Make sure you have your friend with you. I know that we've also read stories, we've reacted to stories of, you know, younger ladies. Both of them went to meet a man, you know, in his house. He he ended up, you know, overpowering them, tying them, and then raping them multiple times. And this same odogu just as this other man came online you know boasting saying that men whenever they pay I mean ladies who do not want to give back to men in kind for you know spending on them and all of that uh they should you know he was boasting about it they thought probably he would do it without anyone you know justice you know catching up with him.

[00:07:17]So thank God he's been arrested. He has to be he has to be he has to be punished you know decisively and then the world will see that yes justice has been meed out to him.

[00:07:27]>> And you know what permit me to wax a bit lyrical here Tim but to my younger women who are watching you know hone your skills be patient this I want to make it now and I want a million followers and I I want to blow. Calm down. That is how you get yourself into unfortunate situations like this. Your time will come. Thank you for your input team.

[00:07:44]>> Moving on. Another heartbreaking video shared online is now drawing attention to the plight of young Nigerian women who claim that they were trafficked to Mali. Now, in this viral video, one of these women recounts how she and others were allegedly led out of Nigeria with promises of a better life only to end up, you guessed it, in prostitution. As this young woman speaks, she shows what she describes as their living conditions, alleging that many of the women have been abandoned without support. The woman also claims that some victims have developed mental health challenges due to their experiences and she's now appealing uh to the Nigerian government and relevant authorities to help rescue them. Well, this emotional account has gone viral and it's triggered reactions online. Many Nigerians are now calling for an urgent investigation and renewed efforts to tackle human trafficking. Have a look at this emotional plea.

[00:08:43]Maybe small condom in Mali. This is the place that our Nigerian patron, our Nigerian boys, Nigeria women receive us and bring us to this place. This is where we used to sleep in Mali. Look at what we we we cross our border right away from Nigeria to come and do. Look at the place here. They are crossing our ladies, our women to to come and do this our shower work. I make so much million like this balance. I don't balance like 2.5 million now. She don't have way to go back. She's pregnant now. Now she's looking stranded now. She's mad now.

[00:09:14]She's not with her right senses, you see. And she she's pregnant.

[00:09:19]>> Well, that video you just watched has, of course, reignited conversations about the dangers of human trafficking, and it's now opening up a conversation online about how vulnerable young people are uh to the promises of jobs or better opportunities abroad. Be cautious. Let's have a look at what you thought about this heartbreaking story on social media. EK Best says, "Why do Nigerians just automatically believe inherent African countries are better than Nigeria? God really has to save us."

[00:09:47]Amen.

[00:09:49]Latifily Made says, "You people saw what happened to girls that were brought from Libya the other time, and yet you still embark on the same route, so whatever you get is your personal problem. I think the federal government should not offer them any assistance."

[00:10:04]Gee Will says, "This one isn't Nigerian government's fault. How can someone tell you they are taking you to another country to give you a job you have no skills for and you still believe them?

[00:10:14]You should already know there's a high chance it will end up being prostitution.

[00:10:20]And finally, Gws also adds, "Greed for money makes some women leave the comfort of their homes to travel to strange lands. When things don't go as planned, they start crying that they were trafficked."

[00:10:32]Now, Tim, I I know I'm not the only one drawing correlations between the the story we just had before this and now.

[00:10:38]It seems that not just young people, but in these cases, young women are vulnerable to the promise of a better life, to the promise of greener pastures, to the promise of maybe one day providing for their families or having, you know, a decent life and making something of themselves. And so, countries, you know, in this case, like Mali or these people offer them this these alleged solutions. In some cases, men like we saw in the last story that offer them the promise. Mr. Shom, it seems that this is a is a cultural and social problem affecting young women right now. We know that there are many causes that this that that can push for this. But I think it starts in the psyche of the women. It starts with their thought process about the world around them and how they think success can be achieved.

[00:11:20]>> Yeah. I think it's about this um lust for ger pastor. You know, people are not satisfied in their own environment. You can imagine why would anybody wants to go to Libya where there's a a raging insurgency you know you are going to a war zone why would anybody wants to go to Mali we know the problem in Mali today and there's no way you can explain that the living standard in Mali is better than that of Nigeria either the GDP or in any circumstance opportunities are bound in Nigeria more than in Mali or many of these countries people are trooping to other the guys that they want to get away from Nigeria you know in search of greater pastor is quite unfortunate but I would not agree with um that commentator who wrote that the Nigerian government should not do anything to assist um these victims.

[00:12:09]They are still Nigerians. They are victims of organized crime. You know human trafficking is organized crime.

[00:12:16]The Nigerian government still has a duty you know through our diplomatic missions abroad to see how we can help either to make their life better or bring them back home. Ibrahim, perfectly before you come in, I just want to give some context. In some places, um, sex work, prostitution, if you will, is legal.

[00:12:33]It's a viable means of income. I'm not going to talk about whether I agree whether it should be or not. But in some places, people actually prostitute to make money. It is legal. There are confinements and arrangements within the law that make it so it can be safe for the people in engaging in this. So that's why I agree with Mr. Shomi on the part that the government should provide assistance. They are actually victims.

[00:12:53]>> Yeah. talking about countries that actually, you know, recognize prostitution as, you know, business. You know, in fact, giving them a euphemistic name as sex workers. It's completely bad. And that's that's the that's the thing. There's no other way to it whether you make money with it or not.

[00:13:06]It's there's no dignifying thing in there. But that's not the crux of the conversation. The the the matter is, you know, I will blame people who are armchair analysts who call on radio stations, televisions to contribute to say there is nothing good coming out of Nigeria. this country is a zoo country, this country is bad, you can never make it in this country. Whereas we are seeing so many people coming from their own countries down to Nigeria, from the US, China, Ghana, um Turkey, mention all of these countries, Lebanon, they're coming to Nigeria and they're making it really big. And Nigerians who understand that there is a population, there is there is a solution to provide whatever means whether it is food selling or anything. It is not everything is not about white color job and then they making a hell lot of money right so why do we have to leave this country to uh other parts you know of the continent or maybe outside of Nigeria yes you can go if you're sure that yes you're getting a job coming out but when you do don't have when you don't have information certainly you might be trafficked at the end of the day and then you end up because these people you are meeting in another country even in the UK US they don't care about you they don't even like you so why are you not staying in Nigeria if it's not working in Lagos, go to Cano. If it's not working in Cano, go to Plateau. If it's not working in Plateau, go to AU state. You will find your means. At least they will know that you are a Nigerian.

[00:14:29]>> Absolutely. Thank you so much for a very spirited input, team. Uh, moving on. In our next story, it's from online activism to a place in Euroba traditional history. A social media commentator Martins Vincent Oay, popularly known as a very dark man, has now added a new title to his name. The olu of Iwand Oba Abdul Rashida Dewali has conferred on the activist the traditional title of atay. I know Ibrahim will correct that pronunciation of Euroba land during a ceremony at the royal palace in IO orun state as part of the honor. The monarch dressed very dark man as you can see there in traditional Euroba attire. They're giving him the traditional fela which it looks a bit small for his head and they've described as a peaceful kingdom that welcomes people from all walks of life. Uh he also said anyone who chooses to make a war home would be treated like one of his own children. This recognition is coming just months after very dark man stepped away from social media saying he wanted to give Nigerians, celebrities and fellow activists the space to hold government accountable without claims that his online presence was dominating the conversation. Barry Darkman is known for his outspoken commentary and his governance thought processes on corruption and social justice and he's become one of Nigeria's most influential digital voices. Like him or not, congratulations. Very dark man. Let's have a look at social media.

[00:15:56]A very dark truth says, "You can just tell the king loves him and he's probably a clean man. Now only clean-hearted people, they like VDM."

[00:16:04]Okay.

[00:16:06]A blessed being says, "Of what benefit does it provide and also what is his impact in that town? Misplaced priorities." Shaking my head now. Tim, I've been opportuned to have one or two conversations with very dark man. And I don't know him as very dark man. I actually know him as Martins. Why I like this story is because he he he he's not tribalistic despite his views that can be sometimes inflammatory. He he believes that we should all be one Nigeria and to see him you know in Ocean State receiving this type of title I know that he's very passionate about people from all tribes and walks of life. So I think this is nicely confirmed and plus it's a trending story. Well, if you look at it, the um of um that town the um has a right to confer traditional titles on who he deems fit. Uh but generally there, you know, there are certain uh considerations in Euroba land when you confer uh traditional titles.

[00:17:00]You look at the contribution of that person to that community. You think about um his contribution even to the country um generally in terms of development um and how that person would in any way you know help your own community in terms of um development also both um economic and social development. So I don't know whether these factors have been taken into consideration by the KBSC. He has a right to do what he has done. I would consider but the fact of the matter is um Bartin's aka very dark man also needs to now know that being a chief from EW now he has to behave you know more responsibly you know in a way that um he needs to cail you know some of his excesses and then try and uh behave like an elder. um he's a young man who is now being given a traditional title is expected to behave more responsibly like an elder. Yeah, I believe um Olu of the war had actually you know he deems it fit to say that yes let me um honor him with this you know um title atay means the repairer of the world or the repairer of life right so he has seen that he is advocating the cause of humanity beyond Nigeria or anything but I believe Nigeria anyway but then when he says it goes beyond the warland so I will only say congratulations to very dark man whatever you're doing make sure it's in the cause of the Nigerian nation and the people, but do not in any way be partisan in what you do. Well done.

[00:18:37]>> Absolutely. Martins, if you're watching, with great power comes great responsibility. Heavy is the head indeed. Uh, moving on, a Nigerian Tik Tok creator who recently gained attention for speaking Chinese is now at the center of an online debate over her language proficiency. And now this laughable controversy began after language enthusiasts and professional translators questioned the authenticity of the Chinese spoken in her viral videos. Some translators now claimed that they could not identify the exact variety of Chinese that she speaks. They argue that it doesn't correspond to any widely recognized Chinese languages or dialects. Have a look at this.

[00:19:24]one who um I Thank you for hearing my voice in this.

[00:19:56]>> Oh, now this debate intensified after a Mandarin language instructor who is an NICL a Mandarin coach shared a video analyzing that young woman's pronunciation. And he said that she struggled with basic Mandarin words and their tone. Now, this Tik Tok creator who reportedly offers paid Chinese language classes on Tik Tok has continued to attract mixed reactions.

[00:20:20]Some users are defending her effort, but other people are are calling for greater transparency about language proficiency and and I think that's a very fair Let's keep our comments very short.

[00:20:29]Essentially, Mr. Show me, that young girl, according to this expert Chinese um um language instructor is speaking complete gibberish. She had me completely fooled. Well, look, whether it's gibberish or not, me, I admire that because I can't even do what she has done to even attempt to speak Mandarin, you know, the way she has done. I think it's um commendable. They might not, you know, a Chinese expert might not necessarily agree with her. I think I will encourage her to go and learn Chinese. I I think I'll just tell her which means which means thank you in in Chinese. But then um maybe because the Chinese language, you know, China is over 4,000 years old. It's possible that she's speaking the ancestral language.

[00:21:11]So they should probably trace it back, you know, to exactly where she's. I would not totally rule it out because Oh, come on. She's sounding so she very well.

[00:21:18]>> Yeah. Young lady, you clearly have a tongue and a passion for it. Redeem yourself. Go and learn.