The Brazil vs Argentina match at Maracaná stadium was marred by fan violence, controversy, and racism. The incident sparked a wave of memes on social media, but it also highlighted the darker side of football. Brazilian forward Rodrygo denounced the racist abuse he received on social media following the match. In a message posted on Thursday, Rodrygo, who is Black, expressed his frustration at the insults and absurdity he has faced. He emphasized that racists will resort to criminal behavior if individuals do not conform to their expectations. Rodrygo attracted attention during the match due to a confrontation with Argentina players Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul amidst fights between fans, police, and security guards in the stands. Argentina won the match 1-0. The incident has prompted the Brazilian Football Association to defend their security measures and request a full investigation into the events. FIFA is expected to make a decision regarding the outcome of the match soon.
In other news, Brazilian judges ruled on Wednesday to uphold former AC Milan and Brazil striker Robinho's rape conviction, adding that he must serve his nine-year prison sentence in Brazil. A Milan court in 2017 found Robinho and five other Brazilians guilty of gang-raping a woman in 2013 after plying her with alcohol in a discotheque. The conviction was confirmed by an appeals court in 2020 and validated by Italy's Supreme Court in 2022. Robinho, whose full name is Robson de Souza, lives in Brazil and has always denied the charges. Brazil does not usually extradite its citizens, so Italy requested last year that Robinho should serve his prison sentence in his home country.
In Lagos, Nigeria, controversial crossdresser Bobrisky has filed a notice of appeal challenging the six-month maximum sentence given to him by a Federal High Court. Bobrisky was charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on four counts of naira abuse and pleaded guilty. The judge sentenced him to six months imprisonment without an option of a fine, stating that the judgment should serve as a deterrent to others. Bobrisky's counsel is asking the Court of Appeal to set aside the maximum sentence and replace it with an option of a N50,000 fine on each count. The counsel argues that the trial court failed to exercise its discretion judiciously and judicially in sentencing Bobrisky, and that the sentence imposed was punitive and contrary to the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) [7f1e56a4].
In a related case in Lagos State, Nigeria, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has been granted bail by Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court. Cubana Chief Priest is facing charges related to alleged tampering and misuse of the naira. He pleaded not guilty to the charges, which involve accusations of violating the Act of 2007 by mishandling and spraying the naira during a social gathering at Eko Hotel on February 13, 2024. The court granted him bail with a sum of N10 million and required two sureties of similar amount. The sureties must be able to meet the bail sum. Cubana Chief Priest is a popular socialite and nightlife entrepreneur in Nigeria [a554c8d9].
Popular Nigerian comedian and activist, Mr. Macaroni, has criticized the use of police for illegal detention and urged people to seek justice in court instead. He emphasized the danger of using the police for illegal detention and warned about the consequences of supporting such misuse of power. His comments come after reports that actress Toyin Abraham used the police to arrest a man and his mother for allegedly defaming her on social media. Mr. Macaroni's post receives numerous reactions from his fans and fellow social media users [e3808969].