'Don't Mock Us', Catholic Bishops Condemn Trump’s AI image As Pope

The New York State Catholic Conference, which advocates for laws and policies promoting social justice and respect for life, has denounced President Donald Trump for posting AI-generated images of himself as the Pope. 

In a statement on X, they expressed disapproval, saying, 'There's nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President.'

“We just buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St Peter. Do not mock us.”

The AI generated picture of Trump sparked a mix of laughter, disbelief, and debate on Saturday after it was shared on his Truth Social platform.

The digitally altered image, later reposted by the White House’s official X account, showed Trump in full papal regalia flowing white robes, a golden crucifix, and a mitre with one finger raised skywards.

The post comes just days after Trump jokingly told reporters, “I’d like to be pope, that would be my number one choice,” when asked who he backed as the next head of the Catholic Church.

His comment came shortly before the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21.

While Trump didn’t endorse any contender, he alluded to “a very good” cardinal in New York, widely believed to be Archbishop Timothy Dolan, a staunch theological conservative with a clear stance against abortion.

Trump also attended Pope Francis’ funeral last week, marking his first international appearance since returning to office.

Court Sentences Lagos BRT Driver To Death By Hanging For Killing Bamise

The Lagos state high court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square has sentenced Andrew Nice Ominikoron, a driver of Lagos bus rapid transit (BRT), to death by hanging for killing Bamise Ayanwola, a 22-year-old fashion designer.

Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Sherifat Sonaike held that the prosecution successfully proved its case, relying on the doctrine of “last seen” and the victim’s dying declaration to establish Ominikoron’s guilt.

THE CASE

Ominikoron was arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit felony, rape, murder, and sexual assault.

Bamise was last seen on February 26, 2022, after boarding a BRT bus driven by Ominikoron at the Ajah axis of Lagos.

Her disappearance sparked public outrage and a widespread search.

Nine days later, her lifeless body was found on Carter Bridge in Lagos Island.

THE JUDGMENT

In her ruling, Sonaike held that Ominikoron was guilty of multiple offences, with sentences ranging from three years to death by hanging.

On the charge of conspiracy to commit felony with rape and murder, the judge discharged and acquitted the Lagos BRT driver, noting that the prosecution failed to prove he acted in concert with others.

However, on count five, involving the sexual assault of Victoria Anoike, Sonaike found Ominikoron guilty and sentenced him to three years imprisonment.

On count one, the rape of Ojiezelu Maryjane inside a BRT bus, the judge said the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Though direct evidence of penetration was not established, the court held that supporting materials, including torn clothing and a bank transfer of N3,000 for painkillers from the defendant to the survivor, have credence to the case. He was, therefore, sentenced to life imprisonment.

On count three, the alleged rape of late Bamise, the judge found that the prosecution failed to prove the offence of rape.

However, Ominikoron was convicted of a lesser charge of attempted rape and sentenced to 14 years in prison.

Regarding count four, which bordered on the murder of Bamise, the court held that although no witness directly saw Ominikoron commit the act, circumstantial evidence and the victim’s dying declaration pointed clearly to his guilt.

The judge ruled that the declaration of the deceased contained in a WhatsApp voice note sent to her friend depicted Bamise’s “perceived danger of approaching death due to the erratic behaviour of the defendant”.

The court also relied on the doctrine of “last seen”, as Ominikoron was the last person known to have been with the deceased in the bus.

Sonaike said the driver’s failure to provide a satisfactory explanation of the events that led to Bamise’s death further implicated him.

Credit: The Cable

Don Jazzy Surprises Twitter User with N6 Million After Casual Tweet

In yet another act of generosity, popular music producer and Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy, has gifted a Twitter user, Popoola Ajoke Abidemi, a total of six million naira following a lighthearted interaction on the platform.

The heartwarming exchange began when a Twitter user, Mr Whyte, posted: “Tag one celebrity to send you 1 million, you fit dey lucky.”

 Seizing the opportunity, @PopoolaJoke4 replied to the tweet by tagging Don Jazzy and expressing her admiration, writing, “Make I tag @DONJAZZY I dey always dream about him. Happy new month sir.”

To the surprise of many, Don Jazzy responded shortly afterward with the now viral phrase, “Akant namba,” requesting her account number. Moments later, a transfer of one million naira was made to her GTBank account with the payment reference: “FROM AJEREH, MICHAEL COLLINS TO ADEYEMI AJOKE ABIDEMI.”

An emotional Ajoke took to Twitter to share her joy and appreciation: “Jesu… this is huge. Thank you so much for your incredible generosity @DONJAZZY. Receiving 1 million naira is beyond anything I expected… God bless you abundantly sir.”

The story took an even more astonishing turn when Don Jazzy followed up with an additional five million naira, bringing the total to six million naira. In his tweet, he wrote:

“Amen ooo. That your Akant balance is not healthy. I don add another 5 million. More blessings ma.”

Ajoke later shared a screenshot of her updated bank balance ₦6,000,067.20 accompanied by a heartfelt message of gratitude and prayers for Don Jazzy and others who celebrated her.

The gesture has since gone viral, earning Don Jazzy widespread praise for his spontaneous act of kindness and once again proving that social media can be a place of unexpected blessings.