This week on social media was a roller coaster for African (especially Nigerian) women on social media. The ride began on Monday with the news of the arrest of 70 women in Abuja by officers the Nigerian Police Force.
The women were arrested on Saturday night in the Nigerian capital city and accused of prostitution.
"Dozens of women – and a two-month-old baby – were arrested and accused of prostitution. Witnesses say some were raped using discarded water sachets as condoms." #AbujaPoliceRaidonWomen https://t.co/C39X2jc9G8
— Eromo Egbejule (@EromoEgbejule) April 30, 2019
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This is just insane. So women are not free to go and hangout in Abuja anymore without being termed or forced to admit they are prostitutes. Nigeria is gradually returning to the stone age pic.twitter.com/sk3MusnEma
— Sherishery (@Mz_sherifa) May 2, 2019
Reactions
How did the law enforcement officers and policemen that arrested 130 females in a couple of Abuja clubs know that they were all “Prostitutes” ?
Do Prostitutes have ID cards or logos?
Just thinking out loud
— Enekem💎💎 (@TheEnekemGreg) April 30, 2019
70 women were arrested by the police in Abuja, Nigeria for "clubbing" and being "prostitutes".
Yet there is hardly any outrage as compared to when men are the victims of police brutality.
It seems that only male lives are worth counting. #SayHerNameNigeria— As Equals Africa | #SayHerNameNigeria (@AsEqualsAfrica) April 29, 2019
The police force that ought to go after criminals kidnapping commuters on Abuja-Kaduna expressway are more interested in arresting women at Night clubs, call them prostitutes & send them to their fraudulent sham of a mobile court which can fetch them 3-5k per head as bail. Shame
— Kindly Follow Back (@Naijadailyfeedx) May 2, 2019
Other reactions
Being an Abuja boy who use to go out a lot while growing up in Abuja, I have on a few occasions seen policemen chasing prostitutes about & trying to get them into their vans. 2 main things:
1. They exploit them (rake all the money they've made)
2. They sleep with them for free.— Dr. Dípò Awójídé (@OgbeniDipo) April 30, 2019
Imagine, yet that fool @YomiShogunle is having a hard on about arresting women in Abuja claiming they are prostitutes. Meanwhile real criminals are allowed to rob, kidnap and kill people on Abuja-Kaduna expressway at will. Shame on you yomi olofo, shame on the Nigerian police https://t.co/hRwqJhNMQP
— Kindly Follow Back (@Naijadailyfeedx) April 30, 2019
Can we stop trying to prove that these women that were arrested are not prostitutes? It’s making it sound like it’s actually okay for prostitutes to be treated unfairly. #AbujaPoliceRaidonWomen
— Aegis (@IsyNene) April 30, 2019
Actual rumour in Abuja has it that the Minister of FCT fell out with a prostitute, and that led to the police clampdown on sex workers in Abuja
Isn't your country a super story?
— The Son of Man (@olufemisp) May 1, 2019
Updates!
How Abuja policemen raped, assaulted us, by convicted prostitutes https://t.co/WRynrmsEP6
— The Nation Nigeria (@TheNationNews) May 2, 2019
Victim one "on the 26th of April, Friday night. I was in a club in Gwarimpa. All of a sudden we saw a crowd, hitting women, etc. They bundled us out of the club and forced into a van. We asked and they said they were from Task Force."#AbujaPoliceRaidOnWomen
— HiveMediaNG (@HiveMediaNG) May 2, 2019
Read the full thread here.
#SayHerNameNigeria
#SayHerNameNigeria because all women matter, not just the ones you deem virtuous!
— Ada Ngozika 🍃 (@_mnbgi_) April 30, 2019
This was not arrest, it was kidnap. Arrest has lawful grounds, this does not. The money/rape is a ransom. This is crime. #SayHerNameNigeria https://t.co/SML57KE2no
— Ada Ngozika 🍃 (@_mnbgi_) April 30, 2019
Rape is bad.
It gets worse when those who should protect and defend get in on the act.
Women are human beings too, not things to be used.
We all need to speak up and reject this madness #SayHerNameNigeria— Dayo Oluyede (@DayoOluyede) April 30, 2019
Most of the women arrested in Abuja night clubs on Saturday and accused of prostitution, they pleaded guilty to the charge on Monday, and paid the N3,000 fine.
For the real prostitutes among them, it's the best thing to do, but for the innocent ones, their lives are ruined. pic.twitter.com/umyMN4lcve
— Nejeeb Bello Oyarese (@NejeebBello) April 30, 2019
The only thing this country is good for is hiding behind hypocritical religion. How can you even sit there and try to justify as useless as the police is raping? #SayHerNameNigeria
— La La 🦋 (@LayoLaks) April 30, 2019
Here’s what Yomi Shogunle, Assistant Commissioner of Police had to say
Those making noise on the clampdown on prostitutes in #Abuja;
•Prostitution is a crime under the law
•P is a sin under the 2 main religions of FCT residents
•Medicine says P is spreading HIV & STD
•P is lifeline of violent criminals
•P don’t pay tax
•🇳🇬 culture frowns at P.— Abayomi Shogunle (@YomiShogunle) April 30, 2019
Reactions;
Is there a way citizens can protest for the removal of a public official? Yomi Shogunle has to go.
— Mocha👸🏾 (@raychellered) April 30, 2019
When you read @YomiShogunle's tweets, you'll get a much better understanding of the character and thought process of the low ranking police officers. What's more shocking is Yomi is seen as the seemingly "refined" police officer. So imagine what the rest really are like.
— Usman Shamaki (@aushamaki) April 30, 2019
One day Yomi Shogunle will retire, he will be powerless. The thing is his children will be adults then, and the Nigeria he has created will attempt to swallow them.
— Retired Jaguda (@manmustwack) April 30, 2019
Inspector General of @PoliceNG : Remove DCP Yomi Shogunle as ‘Head’ or ‘Member’ of Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit. – Sign the Petition! https://t.co/UJSlIltglA via @Change
— SEGA L’éveilleur®🚨 (@segalink) May 1, 2019
Read more reactions here.
From Mavin to UMG
In other less depressing news, Nigerian superstar and Mavin First Lady Tiwa Savage is leaving her record label of 7 years for an international deal with the Universal Music Group.
The American music corporation announced Tiwa’s new record deal through its official Twitter handle.
We are thrilled to welcome @TiwaSavage, one of Africa’s biggest stars, to the Universal Music Group family.
↳ https://t.co/TYZOWfkGi4 pic.twitter.com/tI4SfWPjsA— Universal Music Group (@UMG) May 2, 2019
Don Jazzy penned down an emotional tribute to Tiwa on Instagram, read it here. Find screenshots of the post below.
Promise me that our relationship will never change… I only want to make you proud of me. – Tiwa Savage replies to Don Jazzy farewell letter to her, thanking her for 7 years under his Mavin records, as the artiste leaves the label after inking a deal with universal music group pic.twitter.com/griyq2cphC
— Viral Trendz (@TheViralTrendz) May 2, 2019
Reactions
Tiwa Savage was getting the most hate earlier this year, She was quiet about it knowing something Bigger was coming, From Mavin Records to Universal Studios. A Queen 👏🏽🔥🔥 #TiwaSavage #mavinrecords #Mavin #Donjazzy pic.twitter.com/KMs08QNm2D
— Marv! (@TungstenMarvie) May 2, 2019
Tiwa! Savage moves. When others were busy focusing on your current level wondering why they aren’t competition, you are there closing in on your next level!
— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) May 2, 2019
I'm so happy for Tiwa Savage❤🤗👑👑 Big ups queen @TiwaSavage pic.twitter.com/fN01Ctwl7X
— aA. (@tyxngszn) May 2, 2019
Happy for Tiwa Savage. Impressed with Don Jazzy👍🏽. When you leave your company or group exit professionally. Not like a born thief, burning bridges.
— Dr. Dípò Awójídé (@OgbeniDipo) May 2, 2019
Looks like not everyone is excited about the deal
Yemi Alade Featured Rick Ross,Yu ppu dint Give a Fuck.. She didn't even Trend… Now Tiwa Savage is Trending cus she Signed one Slave trade Contract… #Hypocrisy
— Heniorlaaaa (@Heniorlarrrr) May 2, 2019
Other reactions
Pliz pliz pliz, if you people want to start your yeye like for yen yen yen Rt for pangolo,let it be known Tiwa Savage is officially international now and should be put together with internationals ONLY eg; Rihanna, Beyoncé and so on, not Shaworode people(Simi in exception😍) pic.twitter.com/lqF6NNmX64
— Tygressss (@fabdjWhybee) May 2, 2019
Someone said Tiwa Savage is officially bigger than the Kenya music industry.
— Dr. Phoenix® (@ImeAkan3) May 2, 2019
Who's the most internationally recognised female musician in Nigeria?
RT for Tiwa Savage.
Like for Yemi Alade. pic.twitter.com/0AbIIZm5JR— Edwin ℳasobeji (@madeinmwanza) May 2, 2019
As expected, memes
Headline:
Tiwa Savage signs new deal with Universal Music GroupVictoria kimani: pic.twitter.com/o37VZzdDzC
— INYAMAH🇳🇬🦍🦍 (@seektheinyamah) May 2, 2019
Victoria kimani when she hears about Tiwa Savage new global deal pic.twitter.com/3di09R93ea
— WINNAR😁 (@winner_olabiyi) May 2, 2019
Victoria kimani reaction when She finds out tiwa savage is now a global artist pic.twitter.com/Jbg2VCf3IB
— Tosho MJ ⋆ (@richtosho) May 2, 2019
Victoria Kimani when she sees Tiwa Savage Global deal with UMG
She will be shocked
She will then cry
She will also cover her face
And then she will know Tiwa's shoe is too big for her pic.twitter.com/fYMukdx4ai— Remi Wakaholic May 7 (@aderemimoses) May 2, 2019
Discuss!
In the past 1 year the following artists have left their record labels (publicly):
Tiwa Savage
Tekno
Ycee
Simi
Reekado BanksNo one is renewing their deal. Many are moving on to either their personal imprints or signing to international majors. Discuss.
— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) May 2, 2019
Read more reactions here.
Tonto Dike has more news about her ex-husband
In an interview released earlier in the week, Nollywood actress released new details about her ex-husband Churchill Olakunle. This is the latest in the controversial actress’ revelations about her experience being married to him. Watch the video below.
– " My Ex husband, Churchill, is also an internet fraudster " – Tonto Dikeh – @TONTOLET
– source : Lailaijeomapic.twitter.com/F95eh915je
— SubDeliveryZone (@SubDeliveryZone) May 1, 2019
There’s more;
Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh shares her story about domestic abuse and the relationship with her ex husband, Churchill.
— Olorisupergal (@OloriSupergal) May 1, 2019
“I met him at the night club, Escape club, we dated for 7 months before we got married” – Tonto Dike recalls her horrible experience with Churchillhttps://t.co/XxeuexbW3i
— Plus TV Africa (@PlusTVAfrica) May 1, 2019
Tonto Dikeh demolishes her ex-husband Olakunle Churchil, says he can't last in bed more than 40 seconds. pic.twitter.com/7g1AbwGUzt
— Talk Parlour (@TalkParlour) May 1, 2019
Another word synonymous to Bitterness is Tonto Dike. pic.twitter.com/7MW1CkcIao
— Timeless ⚠️ (@oluwatimylehin) May 1, 2019
Reactions
Churchill sure has erected a fully detached 4-bedroom duplex inside Tonto Dike's mind and is living there pretty.
Cos I don't know how every quarter, for years now, Tonto has something to say about her ex-husband, husband that she used her two eyes and legs to marry by herself.
— Ikenna Ronald Nzimora (@ronaldnzimora) May 1, 2019
Lord protect me from women like Tonto Dike
— Akinbosola (@MrAkinbosola) May 1, 2019
Tonto Dike is rapidly becoming a nuisance.
— Girl like Parrish (@ParrishEbere) May 1, 2019
Can someone tell Toto Dike to shut the hell up and move on? Can't she respect her son? Both Churchill and Tonto are destroying that boys life. Sooner or later that boy will be online and will read all the stuffs they're putting out there. That alone will destroy him.
— Lawrence Ibe (@askforlaw) May 1, 2019
Drag him sis!
Tonto Dike and Lillian Esoro. Two queens handling scums in their different ways. No one size fits all
— Chun Li (@Le_arma) May 1, 2019
When Churchill was spewing his trash, did you people convulse? Did you remember “but your son”, did you ask him why he was bitter.
Tonto Dike is now here with receipts and suddenly, it's taboo to expose their dirty linen. Slander him, Tonto. Do it. Do it for the culture!
— Jon Snow Must Die (@Kayode_ani) May 1, 2019
I hope Tonto Dikeh never goes away. She should publicly shame him.
When he was giving his interviews you were all hopping to conclusions, but now homegirl is here with evidence and receipts and it’s “remember your son”.
The ex didn’t need to remember their son?
— Arya Stan Account (@OdunEweniyi) May 1, 2019
Tonto Dikeh is doing the Lord's work. I didn't see this level outrage when the man went on the offensive. And I choose to not entertain it now that she's gone nuclear.
In fact, I stan!
— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) May 1, 2019
Other reactions
Tonto dike is an example of “nobody listens to black women”
She’s telling her story and people are willing to believe she is mad,on drugs,bitter and not for once considering that this lady is actually telling the truth.
— The Templar Renaissance man (@LOSGIDDY) May 1, 2019
Tonto Dike just told the world her ex husband was a "40 seconds man"….that's an average of 30 thrusts if he knows what he is doing in them 40secs. I think that's fair enough. Don't @ me cos I might be ready to argue. 🙄🤣
— Ferdinand. (@Poltergeyst_) May 1, 2019
It is difficult for people to open up in Nigeria.
I mean, Tonto Dike is opening up on her failed marriage, but Nigerians would rather drag and eat her raw on social media.
Nigerians always attack the victim.What do I know 😏🚶🚶
— Anambra 1st son💭 (@UchePOkoye) May 1, 2019
I’m just going to leave this video of Tonto Dikeh gushing about Oladunni Churchill here. 😆😭😂 pic.twitter.com/7nbc3G17MA
— Arya Stark (@sploofeek) May 1, 2019
Memes
20 years later, Tonto Dike’s son in a heated argument with classmate.
TD Son: hold on, give me a minute please
Classmate: take it, that’s all it took your father to produce you. pic.twitter.com/kVTXf6vaZb
— Gabriel Oriyomi (@GabrielSolanke) May 2, 2019
On one hand there's Tonto Dike, on the other hand is Francis Odega and then there's Regina Daniels too. Nollywood is beginning to look like Hollywood with all the extra off screen drama. pic.twitter.com/uZHNZQ8wjD
— LDH📌 (@Zur0nye) May 1, 2019
When You mention "Churchill" near Tonto Dike.😏 pic.twitter.com/MRo9CgQ8Sw
— ProfBadmouth (@badmauth) April 30, 2019
The same Tonto Dikeh that was gushing on Hushpuppi, wishing him a happy birthday is the one dragging her ex-husband for being a yahoo boy. pic.twitter.com/2SqXRniDPg
— O.L.U.W.A.D.A.R.E (Dare Lee) 🇳🇬 (@dre_12345) May 1, 2019
Read more reactions here.
Caster Semenya’s ruling
Last year, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) issued new rules that would require female runners with naturally high testosterone levels to race against men unless they take medication that would the reduce the production of the hormone.
South African runner and Olympic medallist Caster Semenya falls under this category, and so appealed the new regulations.
On Wednesday, the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled against her. For more context, read the stories below.
Instead of correcting deeply ingrained myths about testosterone and performance, sports authorities are putting @caster800m’s rights at risk https://t.co/5lbWgOi8IV
— Nicholas Dawes (@NicDawes) May 3, 2019
“Most of all, we could talk about what it means to be a woman. And what it means to insist someone is not a woman. And why Michael Phelps was treated like a marvel, and Caster Semenya (@caster800m) is treated like a mutant.” —@MonicaHesse https://t.co/KKbsCmchRr
— Brooke Baldwin (@BrookeBCNN) May 3, 2019
“Certain bodies are never allowed to be female”: what Caster Semenya’s story says about gender and race in sports https://t.co/GTBiFpF8ts
— Vox (@voxdotcom) May 3, 2019
Phenomenal article https://t.co/Mj9aqpOQlo
— Dean Van Nguyen (@deanvannguyen) May 3, 2019
Reactions
If the Olympics is boycotting Caster Semenya’s womanhood, I think we boycott the Olympics. I know this is IAAF’s doing, but the Olympics can help shift the conversation by shifting their relationship to IAAF.
— Curious Chanda Prescod-Weinstein 🙅🏽♀️ 🇧🇧🌈 (@IBJIYONGI) May 3, 2019
The words that spring to mind when I think of #CasterSemenya – female, strong, female, athletic, fighter, female, brave, female, unfairly treated, icon, role model.. female!! https://t.co/w44QJNkuHD
— Mel 'MJ' Jones (@meljones_33) May 3, 2019
So here you have a natural born female with a chromosome abnormality. They want to perceive her as a male but they can't and they're pissed about it so they'll use any means necessary to downgrade her. This world I tell ya……… She'll rise above it all #CasterSemenya pic.twitter.com/WbIpyJewsj
— Loirin Lancaster (@loirinlancaster) May 3, 2019
Been saying it #CasterSemenya pic.twitter.com/Vuny571tj2
— B Camminga (@Obsqueer) May 3, 2019
The fact that Male athletes with biological advantages are seen as the greatest athletes, but a female athlete with a biological advantage is being told to take medication to stop it. Medication that will affect her performance is absolutely disgusting #CasterSemenya
— Teagan Christopher Bowring (@TheOriginalMBK) May 2, 2019
good morning, the dominant culture loathes black women, lesbians, and masculine women, and Caster Semenya is being singled out for being all of those things and for being excellent and it's evil
— K.D. Joyce (@MtrKDJoyce) May 2, 2019
Other reactions
black women’s bodies are regularly ground zero for barbarity masquerading as science for the benefit of white women.
caster semenya is at risk of osteoporosis and infertility so that paula radcliffe and sharron davies can maintain their status quohttps://t.co/WQ10kchJfy
— GIFLord DanielléDASH (@DanielleDASH) May 3, 2019
"I just want to run naturally,the way I was born. It is not fair that I am told I must change. It is not fair that people question who I am. I am MOKGADI CASTER SEMENYA. I am a woman and I am fast." Caster Semenya#HandsoffCaster #EndVAW pic.twitter.com/oiSLxOi83k
— FARUG (@Far_Uganda) May 3, 2019
I don’t know who did this, but it’s genius. Enough said. #CasterSemenya pic.twitter.com/vQtt3D7L7d
— Sisonke Msimang (@Sisonkemsimang) May 2, 2019
We are fully behind you
We love #CasterSemenya pic.twitter.com/rjZ8InZe5F— Nkuli Selwane ⚘😘 (@LibertyNkuli) May 2, 2019
Read more reactions here.
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