Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Lawyers File Appeal, Challenge Conviction and 50-Month Sentence

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team has filed an appeal against his conviction and 50-month prison sentence on two prostitution-related charges, arguing the trial court acted unfairly and relied on conduct for which he was acquitted. Combs was found not guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. The appeal claims the judge overstepped the jury’s verdict, misapplied the law, and wrongly interpreted consensual sexual encounters as criminal. The defense also argues that the encounters were protected by the First Amendment.

#SeanDiddyCombs #Appeal #ProstitutionCharges #USLegalNews #FirstAmendment #NYCTrial #SexTrafficking #Racketeering #InternationalNews

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Lawyers File Appeal, Challenge Conviction and 50-Month Sentence

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team has filed an appeal against his conviction and 50-month prison sentence on two prostitution-related charges, arguing the trial court acted unfairly and relied on conduct for which he was acquitted. Combs was found not guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. The appeal claims the judge overstepped the jury’s verdict, misapplied the law, and wrongly interpreted consensual sexual encounters as criminal. The defense also argues that the encounters were protected by the First Amendment.

#SeanDiddyCombs #Appeal #ProstitutionCharges #USLegalNews #FirstAmendment #NYCTrial #SexTrafficking #Racketeering #InternationalNews

Corruption Fueling Nigeria’s Security Crisis, CISLAC/TI Warn on UN Anti-Corruption Day

CISLAC and Transparency International-Nigeria warn that corruption is the driving force behind Nigeria’s deepening insecurity, accusing political leaders, security chiefs, and military elites of profiting from opaque defence spending and fraudulent security contracts. The groups cite diversion of funds, recruitment racketeering, illegal arms deals, extortion, and poor welfare for frontline personnel as key factors undermining the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and organised crime. They call for urgent reforms, full transparency in defence procurement, strict sanctions for corrupt officers, and independent oversight to stop what they describe as an entrenched “insecurity economy.”

Wike Loses Influence With Tinubu as Rivers Assembly Plans Defection to APC

Nyesom Wike is reportedly losing political influence with President Bola Tinubu despite efforts to prove loyalty, including orchestrating a vote of confidence from the Rivers State House of Assembly. As pressure mounts from international and religious leaders, Wike is said to be pushing lawmakers to defect to the APC. Meanwhile, Governor Siminalayi Fubara gains stronger support following the lifting of the state of emergency, leaving Wike increasingly isolated. The former governor also faces multiple controversies involving alleged corruption, land racketeering, abuse of office, and a deepening rift with Tinubu over INEC leadership appointments.

Diddy reportedly attacked in prison after inmate held a knife to his throat.

One of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ close friends has spoken out about a frightening incident inside MDC Brooklyn, where the music mogul is currently serving time.

According to Charlucci Finney, Diddy woke up one night to find a knife pressed against his throat — a moment that could easily have ended in tragedy. Finney told Daily Mail that he isn’t sure whether guards intervened or if Diddy managed to fend off the attacker himself, but confirmed it was a very close call.

Sources familiar with the situation also verified the account to TMZ, describing it as a targeted intimidation attempt against Diddy. Finney said he believes the motive was to scare him, adding that prison is especially dangerous for inmates with sex-related convictions.

During Diddy’s sentencing, his lawyer Brian Steel mentioned the same incident, stating that a guard stopped the inmate before any serious harm was done.

Diddy is currently serving a 50-month federal prison sentence after being convicted on two counts of violating the Mann Act, which involves the transportation of individuals across state lines for unlawful purposes. He was, however, acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges.

Meanwhile, reports claim that former U.S. President Donald Trump is considering pardoning Diddy — though the White House Communications Office has denied those claims, TMZ insists their sources stand by the story.

Prison consultant Sam Mangel, who spoke on TMZ Live, said Diddy’s next prison is expected to be less violent than MDC Brooklyn. Still, he warned that incidents like this show why the rapper must remain alert.

For now, Diddy’s safety remains a concern among his inner circle, with Finney describing the experience as “terrifying” and a stark reminder of how quickly things can turn inside prison walls.

Sean “Diddy” Combs Sentenced to 50 Months in prison, Files Appeal Immediately.

Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to four years (50 months) in federal prison after being convicted on two counts of transporting women for prostitution under the Mann Act. With 12 months already served, he will get credit toward his term, and his lawyers say he will appeal.

Prosecutors pushed for over 11 years, with Christy Slavik arguing Combs “has not admitted his guilt” or “accepted responsibility,” calling his conduct “flatly inconsistent with reality” and labeling his Miami booking “the height of hubris.”

His defense pleaded for leniency. Nicole Westmoreland called him an “inspiration” who taught inmates business skills, insisting “Mr. Combs can reach so many more on the outside.” All six of his children testified, with son Christian saying, “He’s my hero … he’s still my superhero,” and daughter Chance adding tearfully, “We need our father. We cannot watch our baby sister grow up fatherless.”

Lawyer Brian Steel blamed Combs’ past violence on “untreated trauma” and a “ferocious drug addiction,” saying he had been high “every single day” from 2000 until 2024. He described harsh jail conditions, including a shank attack Combs narrowly survived.

On the eve of sentencing, Combs apologized in a letter for “the hurt and pain that I have caused others” and vowed “to never commit a crime again,” saying prison had “humbled and broken” him.

Star witness Cassie Ventura also wrote the judge, admitting she still suffers nightmares. Her lawyer hailed her “exemplary courage,” saying she “left an indelible mark on the fight for justice.”

Though acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have meant life, Combs will still serve years behind bars.

EXCLUSIVE: Nigerian Embassy In Qatar Accused Of Victimising Passport Applicant Who Exposed Racketeering

The Nigerian Embassy in Qatar has allegedly refused to renew the passport of a Nigerian applicant after he exposed a passport racketeering scheme involving embassy officials.

Despite paying ₦315,000 (750 Qatari Riyals) for renewal, his name was reportedly removed from the list of over 500 passports issued between August 1–6, 2025. Sources told SaharaReporters the action was deliberate punishment for his role in exposing the scam.

A July investigation revealed that Nigerians in Qatar were stranded for months after the embassy collected huge sums for renewals but failed to deliver. Officials allegedly traced the applicant through his payment receipt in the report.

The move has left him stranded with an expired passport, affecting his job prospects, banking access, and ability to travel.

When contacted, the Nigeria Immigration Service said it does not speak for the embassy.

#Nigeria #Qatar #Passport #Corruption

FG Orders Fresh Civil Service Verification Over Job Racketeering Scandal — Fake Letters to Be Flushed Out

President Bola Tinubu’s administration has launched a new verification exercise targeting thousands of civil servants recruited between 2013 and 2020, amid allegations of job racketeering and the sale of employment slots.

In a circular dated August 4, 2025, Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) Permanent Secretary, Ndiomu Ebiogeh Philip, said the exercise is aimed at officers who skipped the 2021 verification. Anyone absent this time will be deemed to hold a fake appointment letter and removed from service, with no further extensions granted.

The move follows a petition by Martins Oghenerhoro Richard Atijegbe, a Ministry of Works staff, who alleged that senior officials sold federal jobs for up to ₦2.5 million, issuing fake letters and quickly placing unqualified recruits on the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). Martins, who claims he is now facing retaliation for exposing the scandal, accused the ministry of fraud and cover-ups. The ministry, however, has dismissed the allegations as “fictitious.”

Affected officers must check published lists online or on notice boards, and present original and photocopies of documents including appointment and promotion letters, gazette confirmations, and July 2025 IPPIS payslips. The exercise will run August 18–28, 2025, covering ministries like Agriculture, Defence, Education, Justice, Works, and others.

#FGVerification #CivilServiceScandal #NigeriaGovt #JobRacketeering #TinubuAdministration #AntiCorruption

BREAKING: Tinubu Govt Orders Fresh Verification Of Civil Servants Hired Between 2013 And 2020 Amid Job-For-Sale, Racketeering Scandal Sahara Reporters

Diddy Enters Therapy for Drug Use, Domestic Violence Ahead of Sentencing

Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has entered therapy for substance abuse and domestic violence as he awaits sentencing following multiple federal investigations.

According to TMZ, Combs checked into a private facility in Arizona, where he is receiving treatment as part of the Dr. Harry K. Wexler drug abuse program. Sources say the move is voluntary and aimed at personal accountability rather than image repair.

“It’s not about salvaging a brand,” a source told Rolling Stone. “He’s trying to confront issues he’s suppressed for years.”

Earlier this month, a jury found Combs guilty on two of five federal charges:

Not guilty of racketeering conspiracy

Not guilty of sex trafficking related to Cassie Ventura

Guilty of transporting Ventura for prostitution

Not guilty of sex trafficking related to a woman identified as "Jane"

Guilty of transporting "Jane" for prostitution

Each conviction carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Combs is expected to remain in therapy through the summer, with sentencing set for October 3.

Diddy Found Guilty of Pr+stit¥tion-Related Charge, Cleared of S+x Tr+fficking.

Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been found guilty of transportation for pr+stit¥tion by a New York jury but cleared of more serious charges including s+x tr+fficking and racketeering conspiracy.

The 55-year-old hip-hop star faced allegations from three women — including his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura — of ab¥se, coercion, k+dnapping, bl+ckmail, and arson. Jurors convicted him only on the charge of transporting individuals across state lines for pr+stit¥tion, which could carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

He was cleared of charges that carried a potential life sentence. Combs was accused of flying Cassie and another woman, known as “Jane”, around the U.S. and the Caribbean, while paying male escorts to perform s+x acts during alleged “freak off” nights involving dr+gs and ab¥se.

Though jurors were shown private video footage and testimony from escorts, hotel staff, and police, they ultimately concluded that while Combs was guilty of enabling pr+stit¥tion, the evidence fell short of s+x tr+fficking.

The courtroom erupted in mixed emotion following the verdict.

Diddy’s family cheered the not guilty decisions on the most serious charges, while he responded with a prayer gesture and hugged his lawyer. Cassie’s lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, praised her courage: “Cassie has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and the f+ght for justice.”

Cassie, who testified just weeks before giving birth, was commended for her strength during the seven-week trial. Combs’ legal team admitted he had a temper, used dr¥gs, and led a promiscuous lifestyle, but insisted all activities were consensual. The case stemmed from a 2023 lawsuit filed by Cassie, settled within 24 hours for $20 million.

Months later, disturbing hotel footage emerged showing Combs a§§aulting her in 2016. He publicly apologized, calling his actions “disg§¥sting.” Once one of hip-hop’s biggest names, Diddy now awaits sentencing and still faces multiple civil lawsuits stemming from similar allegations.

Kanye West Shows Up To Support Combs At Sex Trafficking Trial.
US rapper Kanye West showed up at a Manhattan federal courthouse Friday to support music mogul Sean Combs, who is on trial for alleged sex trafficking and racketeering.

West, who has legally changed his name to Ye, never entered the courtroom; he briefly watched the proceedings in an adjacent room on closed-circuit video with one of Combs’s sons and then left.

When asked by broadcaster ABC whether he was there to support Combs, the 48-year-old West nodded and replied: “Yes.”

His brief appearance came one day after a former girlfriend of Combs wrapped up her testimony.

Nigeria Arrests Soldiers, Police Over Arms Sales to Insurgents in Major Crackdown


According to Reuters, the Nigerian military has arrested more than two dozen personnel—including 18 soldiers, 15 policemen, and 8 civilians—for allegedly selling weapons from military stockpiles to armed groups, including Islamist insurgents such as Boko Haram and ISWAP.

Captain Reuben Kovangiya, spokesperson for the military's anti-insurgency operation, confirmed the arrests were part of a broader counter-arms and ammunition racketeering crackdown, targeting illegal activities within all operational theaters. "If any personnel engage in any act that is inimical to the system, they are arrested and tried," he stated.

The development comes at a time when Nigeria—Africa’s most populous nation and top energy producer—is grappling with a worsening security crisis. Insurgent groups continue to carry out deadly raids in the northeast, with some attacks resulting in the seizure of weapons from military bases.

The arrests signal a bold, if troubling, revelation about the internal breaches weakening Nigeria's security architecture—and the government’s renewed determination to restore accountability within its forces.


#NigeriaSecurity #MilitaryCrackdown #ArmsTrafficking