In today’s evolving landscape of love and intimacy, relationships are taking on new shapes, challenging conventional ideas of exclusivity and long-term commitment. Open relationships, once considered fringe, are slowly making their way into mainstream discussions, igniting debates about whether they represent a new norm or a lingering taboo.

What Are Open Relationships?

The term “open relationship” typically refers to a romantic arrangement in which individuals are free to engage in emotional or sexual connections with multiple people, all with the mutual consent and understanding of everyone involved.

The core distinction between open relationships and infidelity lies in the element of honesty. Unlike secret affairs that involve deception, open relationships are built on transparent communication and trust. Each partner knows and agrees to the boundaries of the relationship.

This non-traditional approach to love comes in various forms. Some individuals have a primary partner—whether a spouse or long-term lover—but engage in occasional sexual encounters outside the relationship. Others maintain more than one long-term, committed relationship simultaneously, while still others form group marriages where several adults live together and share both emotional and sexual bonds.

In essence, the key principle of an open relationship is the acknowledgement that one partner cannot always fulfill all emotional, sexual, or companionship needs.

Why Do Some People Choose Open Relationships?

There’s no singular answer to why people seek out non-monogamy, just as there’s no definitive reason why someone may identify as gay, straight, or bisexual. For many, the appeal of monogamy lies in its promise of security, stability, and a deeper emotional connection with one partner.

A monogamous relationship can offer protection from sexually transmitted infections and the simplicity of focusing on one person. Many people also find the exclusive nature of such relationships easier to manage within their busy lives.

However, not everyone feels satisfied with monogamy. Some people discover, after trying to live monogamously, that this model does not meet their emotional or physical needs. The idea that one person can provide all the love, companionship, and sexual fulfilment for an entire lifetime seems unrealistic for some. These individuals might turn to “serial monogamy,” moving from one relationship to another, often ending each due to a lack of compatibility.

For these people, open relationships offer a potential solution to common relationship pitfalls. Instead of ending a relationship because of a lack in one area, they choose to supplement their connection with additional relationships. This approach allows them to avoid the disillusionment often experienced in traditional monogamy, where expectations of lifelong satisfaction from a single partner can lead to disappointment and dissatisfaction.

The Appeal: More or Different?

At the heart of open relationships, people generally seek either “More” or “Different.”

More: Some individuals are satisfied with their primary relationship but want a little extra—more romance, more time, or more sexual experiences. They are content with their partner but desire an additional element that might be missing, whether it’s more attention, physical intimacy, or even new adventures.

Different: Others seek a type of connection that their current partner cannot offer. This could be something as simple as differing sexual preferences or interests—one partner might not enjoy camping while the other loves it. The desire for “Different” might also stem from a longing for a new kind of romantic or sexual connection, whether that’s with someone of a different gender, someone with shared interests, or simply for the novelty that variety brings.

These dynamics allow individuals to continue valuing their primary relationship while fulfilling needs elsewhere, maintaining both stability and excitement in their romantic lives.

Swinging and Open Marriages

One of the more commonly recognized forms of open relationships is swinging. Typically practiced by heterosexual couples, swinging involves engaging in sexual encounters with other couples or individuals, often in a party or social setting.

For some, this means only having sex with others in the presence of their spouse, while others allow for casual sexual relationships outside of their primary partnership without emotional attachment. Swinging often operates on the understanding that while sex outside the marriage is permitted, emotional involvement is not.

This clear distinction between physical and emotional fidelity can offer couples the freedom to explore sexually without jeopardizing their primary bond. Still, the idea of separating love and sex remains controversial for many.

Is Society Ready to Accept Open Relationships?

While open relationships are gaining visibility, especially with more people discussing their experiences on social media, they still face significant stigma. Many people continue to view lifelong monogamy as the ideal relationship model, often equating multiple partners with a lack of commitment or moral failure. Religious and cultural norms, particularly in Western societies, tend to uphold monogamy as the highest form of romantic connection.

That said, as conversations about sexual orientation, gender identity, and relationship structures become more open and diverse, non-traditional arrangements like open relationships are becoming less taboo. Younger generations, in particular, are more open to questioning established norms around love, marriage, and sex, leading to a growing acceptance of alternative relationship styles.

However, societal shifts in this area remain gradual. Open relationships challenge deep-seated ideas about ownership, jealousy, and the sanctity of marriage, and while they may be gaining ground, they are far from universally accepted.

Open relationships are neither fully embraced nor entirely taboo; they exist in a complex space where personal choice, cultural values, and shifting social norms intersect. For some, they offer a liberating alternative to the constraints of monogamy. For others, they are an unsettling departure from the intimacy and security that comes with exclusivity.

As more people explore what love, sex, and companionship mean in the modern world, the question of whether open relationships will become a new norm remains open—much like the relationships themselves.

The term “Yahoo,” once associated with a popular email service (Yahoo Mail), has now become synonymous with internet fraud and cybercrime in Nigeria. It refers to a range of online scams predominantly perpetrated by young Nigerian men, often targeting unsuspecting individuals and businesses, particularly in Western countries.

In neighbouring Ghana, these fraudsters are known as “Sakawa boys,” a term derived from the Hausa language. The origins of “Yahoo” fraud trace back to the early 2000s, though they are seen as descendants of the infamous “419 scammers,” who initially used letters and then email scams to promise financial rewards in exchange for advance fees. The number “419” itself is derived from a section of the Nigerian Criminal Code that pertains to fraud.

However, the criminal activities of Yahoo Boys have now expanded beyond simple internet scams. The intersection of cybercrime, ritual killings, and deep-seated cultural beliefs has created a dangerous phenomenon in Nigeria, one that has had tragic consequences for its victims and a profound impact on Nigerian society.

The Appeal of Yahoo Boys

The allure of becoming a “Yahoo Boy” lies in the prospect of acquiring quick and substantial wealth. In a country plagued by high unemployment, economic instability, and limited job opportunities, many young Nigerians view internet fraud as a way out of poverty.

For some, the internet offers the chance to connect with potential victims across the globe, increasing their chances of success. This path, though illegal and immoral, often appears easier than the daily struggle for survival in a harsh economic climate.

Yet, the consequences of this criminal lifestyle are far-reaching, extending beyond financial gain. The rising culture of materialism, combined with societal pressures to achieve wealth, has led some Yahoo Boys to resort to extreme measures, including ritual killings, to enhance their fortunes.

Ritual Murders: A Dark Side of Yahoo Fraud

In Nigerian society, certain traditional beliefs hold that rituals involving human sacrifice can bring wealth, power, or success. This belief, combined with the desperation of young men seeking to enrich themselves, has contributed to a horrifying increase in ritual killings. Victims, often young women or children, are seen as possessing qualities that can be “harvested” for ritualistic purposes.

One such tragic case was that of Jennifer Anthony, a university student who was reportedly murdered by her “Yahoo Boy” boyfriend. Her gruesome death, which involved the removal of her eyes and other body parts, pointed to a ritual killing motivated by the desire for wealth.

Jennifer’s death is just one in a long line of similar incidents where individuals—often women—are targeted for ritual purposes, with promises of material gain driving these heinous acts.

Similarly, the murder of Damilola Olowoyo, a 17-year-old undergraduate at the Federal University, Lokoja, shocked the nation. Her alleged killer, Jeremiah Awe, reportedly lured her into a bush, drugged her, and killed her for ritual purposes.

In a particularly disturbing twist, Jeremiah then contacted her parents, demanding a ransom under the pretence that she had been kidnapped, using the money for his ritualistic pursuits. This case underscores how modern technology, such as social media platforms like TikTok, has made it easier for criminals to connect with and exploit individuals.

High-Profile Cases of Ritual Killings

Ritual killings, often associated with the Yahoo Boys phenomenon, have taken a distressing turn, with an alarming rise in such cases in recent years. Some prominent examples include:

• Mojisola Awesu, a 21-year-old graduate of the Kwara State College of Health Technology, who was lured to a hotel under the guise of attending a party and murdered by four men. Her death, for a meager sum of N15,000, was another chilling reminder of the lengths to which some criminals will go for ritual purposes.
• In Ibadan, Oyo State, a middle-aged man, Alfa Ahmed, brutally murdered his visually impaired grandfather and ill uncle in a ritual killing intended to bring him wealth.
• Ridwan, a 20-year-old man from Ogun State, made headlines in 2023 for killing his own father as part of a ritual designed to bring financial success.

These cases, among many others, paint a disturbing picture of a society grappling with a dangerous mix of modern technology and ancient, superstitious beliefs.

Gender Imbalance and Vulnerable Victims

A particularly troubling aspect of this trend is the overwhelming number of female victims in ritual killings. Women and girls are often targeted, with civil society groups and local media reporting an increasing threat to their safety.

Statistics from the West African Network for Peace Building reveal that between January 2021 and January 2022, Nigeria recorded 185 ritual-related deaths. Of these, 43 were women and 30 were children, highlighting the disproportionate vulnerability of women to these crimes.

The Societal Impact of Yahoo Boys and Ritual Killings

The activities of Yahoo Boys, especially when intertwined with ritual killings, have had a profound impact on Nigerian society. These crimes erode trust, undermine the rule of law, and perpetuate a culture of violence and impunity. Victims and their families are left traumatised, while the broader society grapples with the moral decay that has allowed such crimes to flourish.

At the heart of this crisis lies a breakdown in traditional values. The desire for quick wealth has replaced principles of hard work and integrity, and the moral fabric of Nigerian society appears to be unravelling. The rise of ritual killings, fueled by the activities of Yahoo Boys, represents not just a criminal issue but a deep-seated societal problem that demands urgent attention.

The Need for Immediate Action

Addressing the rise of Yahoo Boys and ritual killings requires a multifaceted approach. First, law enforcement must be strengthened, and the legal system needs to ensure that perpetrators of these crimes are swiftly brought to justice. Additionally, community education and awareness campaigns should aim to dispel the myths surrounding ritual sacrifices and address the root causes of desperation that drive young men into criminal activity.

Efforts must also be made to create economic opportunities for Nigeria’s youth, reducing the allure of quick and illegal gains. Programmes focusing on skill development, entrepreneurship, and education can provide alternative pathways for young people, steering them away from lives of crime and violence.

Finally, there must be a renewed commitment to strengthening traditional values of integrity, hard work, and respect for human life. Only through concerted effort and societal change can Nigeria hope to reverse the dangerous trend of ritual killings and Yahoo fraud that threatens to destabilise the country.

A Nigerian lady, Ololade Ayelabola has set her target on creating a new Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest distance walked on a catwalk by a model.

On September 1983, GWR delivered a certificate to Ireland for the longest distance walked on a catwalk by a model.

Four decades after, a young Nigerian, Ayelabola says she is determined to bring that GWR certificate home to the giant of Africa with the attempt happening live in Lagos State.

“My name is Ololade Ayelabola. I am a beauty queen who was rejected in two national fashion shows because 5 ft 10 isn’t tall enough,” she introduced herself in a post she shared on her official X account on Thursday night.

“A model whose hard work and talent didn’t count because ‘she didn’t meet industry standards’, however, I am setting out to change the narrative.

“Using the painful setbacks as stepping stones and drawing inspiration from Kafayat ‘Kaffy’ Shafau’s amazing dance record with GWR, I am attempting to break a 41-year-old Guinness World Record.

“To smash the current 114.4 km record, I have been catwalking alongside other models starting from October 1st, 2024. Though audacious, this attempt is to challenge the rigid modelling standards in the African modelling scene.

“By using the theme “Inclusivity and Diversity” for my record attempt, I hope to send a powerful message: African runways should embrace diverse body representations because beauty comes in different looks, shapes and sizes.

“For 96 hours non-stop, I and other models will exhibit the works of fashion designers while showcasing their creative, innovative, and unique ideas.”

Ayelabola said besides being a GWR attempt, the event will also be the perfect way to celebrate Nigeria’s 64th independence by broadcasting the nation’s rich culture and history through fashion.

She said she would love to thank everyone supporting her journey while she appreciates all their efforts so far even as she solicits for the continued support of the public.

“Let us change a narrative, let us set a GWR and bring this home,” the young lady concluded in her post.

More than 100 alleged victims are to sue rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs and others for rape, sexual assault and sexual exploitation, a US lawyer announced Tuesday.

“This is an important matter that we intend to aggressively pursue,” Texas-based Tony Buzbee said. “We will leave no stone unturned to find all potentially liable parties, to include any individual or entity who participated in or benefitted from this egregious behavior.”

The legal action is the latest against Combs, who was indicted last month on three criminal counts that allege he sexually abused women and coerced them into drug-fueled sex parties using threats and violence.

Allegations have been building against Combs since last year, when singer Cassie, whose real name is Casandra Ventura, alleged Combs subjected her to more than a decade of coercion by physical force and drugs as well as a 2018 rape.

A spate of similarly lurid lawsuits since describe Combs as a violent man who used his celebrity to prey on women.

Combs has pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges. He has been jailed awaiting trial.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCF) has confirmed that popular crossdresser Bobrisky, whose real name is Idris Okuneye, has undergone breast augmentation surgery and possesses female breast tissue.

Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), In-Charge of Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kiri-Kiri, Lagos State, Michael Benson, stated this at the House of Representatives hearing on the alleged bribery scandal involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Correctional Service.

He was explaining why Bobrisky was not locked up in the general cell with other inmates.

He said though Bobrisky was registered as a male, he (Bobrisky) was not placed in the general cell due to his unique physical characteristics and safety.

“Though male, he has some female features he has breasts and this is the original medical examination done by the facility’s medical doctor. The admission board had to enter a meeting to discuss on the best practices and we arrived at the decision to put him in protective custody and he spent the 10 days in our P ward room 2 of the facility.

“During admission, there is what we call classification of inmates. In his case, it was peculiar and we had to take peculiar steps,” he stated.

The lawmakers had extended an invitation to the chairman of the commission Ola Olukoyode, cross-dresser Idris Okuneye (aka Bobrisky) and a social media influencer, Martins Otse, known as Very Dark Man over
the bribery scandal involving officers of EFCC and Correctional Service.

In the letter dated September 27, 2024, the committee asked the EFCC Chairman and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service to appear on Monday the 30th, with all officers involved in the allegation.

The allegation of bribery against the anti-graft agency and the Nigeria Correctional Service followed a trending social media voice conversation involving one Idris Okuneye, a crossdresser sentenced earlier this year to six months in prison for abuse of the naira.

Bobrisky was initially arraigned on six charges bordering on naira abuse and money laundering to the tune of N127,780,877.98.

The trending voice conversation suggested that Idris, popularly known as Bobrisky, paid N15 million to EFCC to drop charges of money laundering initially made against him and that he spent time in a VIP facility instead of prison.

Otse also alleged that Bobrisky, who — after pleading guilty — was sentenced to six months imprisonment in April for abusing and defacing the naira did not serve his time at the Nigerian Correctional Service.

The scandal also involved Femi Falana and his son, singer Falz.

According to the leaked audio, Bobrisky further stated that Femi Falana negotiated a settlement of N10 million to settle the case.

Reacting to the controversial claims
, Falz denied the allegation, noting that Bobrisky only contacted him to seek financial assistance of N3 million to pay some officials for him to stay in the VIP section of the Correctional Centre.

Falz and his father, through Falana and Falana’s Chambers, issued VeryDarkMan a 24-hour ultimatum to retract his comments.

Responding to the ultimatum in a video on social media, VeryDarkMan explained that he never defamed the duo, noting that he only reacted to the leaked audio he shared on his platform.

Following the revelations, EFCC Chairman and Minister of Interior Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo ordered an investigation which led to the suspension of two senior officers of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS).

Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has recently made a subtle attempt to reconcile with Nigerian rapper Falz.

This comes after Falz’s legal team reached out to him last week, demanding an apology for alleged defamation. The friction between the two public figures has garnered significant media attention and discussion among their followers.

VDM, known for his controversial and outspoken online presence, appears to be taking steps to address the situation and potentially resolve the conflict with Falz.

In a recent Instagram post, VDM appealed to Falz, urging him to drop the lawsuit, reconcile, and join forces to combat the injustices within the flawed system.

He also revealed that he would never do anything to tarnish the reputation of Femi Falana, Falz’s father.

He wrote, “@falzthebahdguy, if you see the nonsense going on here, you’d drop the lawsuit and focus on the bad eggs trying to ruin the country. They’re exposing themselves here. Don’t get it twisted, your father is my father in the struggle. If you were here, you’d understand. I wouldn’t defame Baba FF. Bless up, MAN TO MAN. GOD BLESS YOU.”