Category: Entertainment

Lampard returns to Chelsea as interim manager

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Frank Lampard made a surprise return to Chelsea as caretaker manager until the end of the season on Thursday, just over two years after he was sacked by the Premier League club. Lampard, Chelsea’s record goalscorer, previously managed the Blues from July 2019 until January 2021, when he was replaced by Thomas Tuchel. The 44-year-old’s unexpected move back to Stamford Bridge came after Tuchel’s successor Graham Potter was dismissed on Sunday with the club in the bottom half of the Premier League. “We are delighted to welcome Frank back to…

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NPAN launches Media Complaints Commission

Jide Ige

In the bid to strengthen public confidence in the media as a credible barometer of public opinion, the Nigerian media will today unveil the nine-member board of the National Media Complaints Commission otherwise known as the National Ombudsman. A statement by the President, Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, Kabiru Yusuf, described the development as a major step by the industry to strengthen public confidence in the media through prompt resolution of issues bordering on ethical breaches in media content. Members of the commission who are drawn from the media, the…

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Portable arraigned for assault, granted bail

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Singer Habeeb Okikiola popularly known as Portable has been granted bail by a High Court in Ifo, Ogun State. Portable landed in police custody on Friday, March 31, 2023, after his engagement with police officers at his bar, during which one of them was allegedly injured. The singer was subsequently arraigned in court on Monday. The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, had said the controversial singer would face more than six charges in court. The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has stated that the controversial singer, Portable, will…

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‘Chioma and I are married’ -Davido

Jide Ige

Superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has confirmed his marriage to his partner, Chioma Rowland. He disclosed this in an interview he had with a skit maker, Kiekie, on Thursday. The singer, who took a break from social media following the death of his son, Ifeanyi, discussed his marriage to Chioma, his musical long break, and his new project, ‘Timeless’. He said, “I have had a lot to think about, time to rest, reflect on a lot of family time. Time to make music again. “Before I went on…

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Despite difficult times, FirstBank exited families with unique “DecemberIssaAVibe” experiences

Jide Ige

It was glitz and glamour as the premier and leading financial institution in the country, FirstBank thrilled their customer to a memorable “DecemberIssaVybe” at the just concluded Vibe on the Beach, featuring sensational music act, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun widely known as Big Wiz. The timing of the concert was right, having had Asake and Kiss Daniel’s concert precede that of the grammy award winning music sensation. DecemberIssaVybe is not just about music but fun, fun and fun in its entirety, from stage plays to art and culture… the list comprised…

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‘We are done with each other: Basketmouth announces break-up with wife

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Bright Okpocha, the veteran Comedian, popularly known as Basketmouth, on Thursday, announced a breakup with his wife, Elsie Okpocha. The PUNCH had earlier reported that Basketmouth celebrated Elsie’s 44th birthday anniversary around September but failed to celebrate their annual wedding anniversary which usually comes up in November. Taking to his verified social media to announce their divorce, Basketmouth wrote, “As much as it pains me to bring my personal life to the public space, this is an unavoidable situation. “After much deliberations, my wife and I have made the difficult…

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FIRSTBANK DECEMBERISSAVYBE: If your December is not vybing, you aren’t in December -By Bolaji Isreal

Jide Ige

In Nigeria, the first day of December ushers in the advent of the festive season which runs through the month progressively till early January when businesses and official duties resume fully again. December, in the world’s most populous black nation, is characterised, with fascinating scenery, by shops, streets, offices and homes getting decorated with twinkling lights and dazzling ornaments. The month also welcomes religious festivities of Christmas, the biggest celebration for christians globally which takes place just a week before the New Year rolls in amidst celebration unmatched by any…

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Why ICPC almost declare Dbanj wanted

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Dbanj popular afro pop singer is in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission after the singer has proven evasive after several attempts to get him to honour the agency’s invitations have failed in the past. National Infinity’s checks revealed that Oladapo Oyebanji popularly known as D’banj, was taken into custody over an allegation of money diversion of millions of N-Power funds in collaboration with some government officials. Sources within the anti-graft agency confirmed that D’banj was arrested and detained on the day he turned…

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Why I kicked Kanye West out of Twitter -Elon Musk

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Elon Musk on Friday kicked Kanye West off Twitter “for incitement to violence” after the rapper posted a picture that appeared to show a swastika interlaced with a Star of David. The post came hours after an interview with conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, in which West sparked outrage by declaring his “love” of Nazis and admiration for Adolf Hitler. West had also shared a picture of a shirtless Musk getting sprayed with water, tweeting, “Let’s always remember this as my final tweet.” In response, Musk said, “Just clarifying that his…

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Man U retaliate, tear Ronaldo’s poster from Old Trafford

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Manchester United have started taking action against Cristiano Ronaldo over his explosive interview with Piers Morgan, in which he blasted several aspects of the club. According to Express Sport, workers have been spotted tearing a large poster featuring Ronaldo from the side of Old Trafford, stirring transfer speculation further. The 37-year-old has made an aggressive play to leave United by joining ‘Piers Morgan Uncensored’ to unleash his pent-up fury on the club. He claimed the Glazer family ‘didn’t care’ about sporting success, admitted he ‘didn’t respect’ manager Erik ten Hag…

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Adefarasin officiates as Ex-US President, Donald Trump’s daughter marries Naija boy, Michael

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Tiffany Trump, the daughter of former United States President, Donald Trump, married her lover, a Nigerian-bred Michael Boulos, on Saturday. Senior pastor of House on the Rock Church, Paul Adefarasin and his wife Pastor Ifeanyi Adefarasin, attended the wedding ceremony. Boulos is the son of Lebanese business tycoon Massad Boulos. Boulos was brought up in Lagos, Nigeria as well. Earlier on Friday, Pastor Adefarasin had blessed the couple at a pre-wedding event organised by Tiffany and Boulos. Taking to his verified Instagram page on Saturday, he said, “Yesterday (Friday), I…

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Kizz Daniel, only African artiste to perform at Qatar 2022 World Cup

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Kizz Daniel, Buga hitmaker and popular Nigerian singer has been confirmed as one of the headlines performing artists at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The World Cup organizers, FIFA, made the confirmation on Friday as they listed the five official performing artists for the event. In FIFA’s list of headliners for the FIFA Fan Festival during the World Cup, Kizz Daniel is the only African artist performing alongside five international award-winning singers. For the lineup, American DJ and Music Producer, Diplo, will perform on November 22 while Kizz Daniel’s…

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Finally, Instagram pulls down Hushpuppi’s account

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Instagram has deactivated the verified account of the suspected internet fraudster, Abbas Ramoni, popularly known as Hushpuppi who is currently been tried in the United States for fraud-related activities. The PUNCH had reported that Hushpuppi was arrested in Dubai by a joint team of Dubai Police and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation in June 2020 for alleged fraud on different victims, including American citizens. Hushpuppi was then extradited and charged with multiple counts of hacking, impersonation, scamming banking fraud, and identity theft. Meanwhile, the suspected internet fraudster’s account…

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Elon Musk seals Twitter deal, sacks CEO, others

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Elon Musk took control of Twitter and fired its top executives late Thursday in a deal that puts one of the leading platforms for global discourse in the hands of the world’s richest man. Following the takeover, Musk tweeted that “the bird is freed,” referencing the company’s iconic avian logo. He wasted no time sacking chief executive Parag Agrawal, as well as the company’s chief financial officer and its head of safety, the Washington Post and CNBC reported citing unnamed sources. Agrawal previously went to court to hold the Tesla…

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‘Why my daughter is in Anikulapo’ -Kunle Afolayan

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Actor and movie producer, Kunle Afolayan, has explained why he cast his daughter, Eyiyemi Afolayan, for the role of Princess Omowunmi in his recent release, Anikulapo. Afolayan, who posted a short video clip of his daughter and himself on his Instagram handle on Wednesday, said the role required somebody beautiful and his daughter is definitely beautiful. He added that the youngster is also a good singer as well as a natural at acting. Eyiyemi is Afolayan’s first child and she made her debut appearance as an actor on the set…

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Real Madrid’s Benzema wins Ballon d’Or as other world class stars shine

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema has won the 2022 Player of the Year Ballon d’Or award in Paris on Monday night. This would be the forward’s first Ballon d’Or of his career. The 34-year-old had never finished inside the top three in previous years, but he finished today ahead of Kevin De Bruyne, Sadio Mane and Robert Lewandoski. The award was presented by former Real Madrid’s coach Zinedine Zidane at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France. The striker begins to offer words of thanks and cites Zizou and Ronaldo as…

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Rico Swavey: Lagos to probe nurses for filming last moments

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

A 30-second video clip showing the final moments of a former reality TV star, Patrick Fakoya, aka Rico Swavey, at a hospital in Lagos State, has attracted condemnation from members of the public. In the clip recorded by one of the nurses attending to Rico Swavey, the deceased was placed on oxygen as he was unconscious on a chair. It was observed that the nurses were attempting to carry him on a bed when the nurse brought out a phone and started recording him. Another nurse was heard cautioning her…

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Toyin Abraham’s ex, Seun Egbegbe jailed Seven years, released

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Popular Nollywood filmmaker and producer, Olajide Kareem, alias Seun Egbegbe, has been convicted for fraud by a Federal High Court in Lagos, after spending six years and eight months in prison custody. Egbegbe was remanded on February 10, 2017, after allegedly obtaining money by false pretence from no fewer than 40 Bureaux De Change operators in different parts of Lagos for over a period of two years between 2015 and 2017. He was accused of swindling the BDC operators by claiming that he had naira to change into foreign currencies.…

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Harrysong accuses Soberekon of alleged assassination attempt

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Singer Harrison Okiri, popularly known as Harrysong, has accused music executive, Soso Soberekon, of hiring assassins against him. Okiri made this allegation during an interview on the Frankly Speaking podcast partly hosted by comedian, Nedu. In the episode, the Reggae Blues crooner lamented the issue of fake friendships in the Nigerian entertainment scene. According to him, most people seen as his friends are “real enemies” looking for his downfall. “90% of all the friendships are fake. There are people I’ve been working with for years. If you call their names…

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Asa asks Joeboy to pay N300m for copy right infringement

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Singer, Bukola Elemide, also known as Asa, has issued a copyright infringement notice to her colleague, Joseph Akinfenwa, aka Joeboy, over his recently-released song, “Contour”. The notice, which was shared by Joeboy on his Instagram story on Monday, revealed that Asa demanded the sum of N300 million and gave a 24-hour ultimatum for the song to be removed from all digital streaming platforms. The singer, through her management, also asked for a 60 per cent publishing split on the song, and a written apology, as seen in the notice. The…

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ARCON sues Facebook, Instagram over unapproved adverts, demands N30bn

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria says it has lodged a suit against Meta Platforms Incorporated (owners of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp platforms) and its agent AT3 Resources Limited at the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division. According to a statement on Tuesday by the apex regulatory body for Nigeria’s advertising ecosystem, ARCON is seeking a declaration among others that the continued publication and exposure of various advertisements directed at the Nigerian market through Facebook and Instagram platforms by Meta Platforms Incorporated without ensuring the same is vetted and approved before…

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Olojo Festival: Ooni goes into spiritual seclusion, prays for Nigeria

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, on Sunday, began seven-day seclusion that would climax with the celebration of the annual Olojo cultural festival. A statement by the monarch’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, said an end to the lingering strike of the Academic Staff Union of Universities would be a major part of the prayer requests of the royal father during the seclusion. While in seclusion, Olafare also said Oba Ogunwusi would also pray for a peaceful 2023 general elections, noting that the monarch has also called on ASUU and the…

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Full Group List: Lewandowski, Haaland take on former Clubs in UEFA Champions League group stage

Jide Ige

Bayern Munich were placed in the same section as Robert Lewandowski’s Barcelona in Thursday’s draw for the UEFA Champions League group stage in Istanbul, while Erling Haaland will face his former club as Manchester City were paired with Borussia Dortmund. Bayern and Barcelona will also come up against Inter Milan in Group C, which is completed by the Czech champions Viktoria Plzen. Bayern beat Barcelona 8-2 in a one-off quarter-final in Lisbon in 2020, while the Catalans also lost 3-0 twice to the Germans last season as they were eliminated…

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Portia Emilia, Lagos based social media influencer in alleged fraud scam

Jide Ige

Portia Emilia, a Lagos-based social media influencer has been remanded in prison by the Lagos Special Offences Court, Ikeja, over an alleged fraud of N110m. Emilia was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission alongside her company, Savanah Crest Investment Limited. The defendants, who were arraigned before Justice Abike Fadipe, are facing six counts bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretences and stealing. The EFCC alleged that the offences were committed in 2018 in Lagos. The commission said the defendants conspired among themselves and stole the sum of N50m.…

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Debtor Stations: NBC extends revocation enforcement

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

The Nigeria Broadcasting Commission has extended its enforcement of the revocation order on debtor broadcast stations to Wednesday. NBC had on Friday stated that licenses of the debtor stations had been revoked and they had within 24 hours to shut down operations but that has now been extended. But in a fresh press statement issued on Saturday, NBC noted that the stations have till Wednesdays to pay their debts or risk being closed down. The statement, signed by the Director General of NBC, Balarabe Ilelah, was titled ‘NBC Extends Enforcement Of Revocation…

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Why NBC shut AIT, Silverbird, 50 Radio and TV stations

Jide Ige

Gloom descended on the Nigerian media as the National Broadcasting Commission, on Friday, directed 52 broadcast outfits, including the African Independent Television, Silverbird Television and the broadcasting corporations run by various state governments to shut down their operations. NBC said the directive became imperative following debts incurred by the broadcasting organisations amounting to at least N2.6bn. The Director-General of the NBC, Balarabe Ilelah, disclosed this to journalists at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja. He said all the television and radio stations affected must halt operations in the next 24 hours.…

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BBNaija S7 holds first eviction as Christy O, Cyph go home

Jide Ige

The Big Brother Naija season 7 held its first live eviction show on Sunday evening and two housemates were disqualified. Christy O and Cyph from the Level 2 house became the first evictees for the season. Before the show, Big Brother had earlier disqualified ex-Miss Nigeria, Beauty Tukura, after she received double strikes for breaking the house rules. At the beginning of the eviction live show, two new housemates, Rachel and Chizzy, were introduced to the show. While Chizzy joined the Level 2 House, Rachel made her way to the Level 1…

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Juju musician Wale Thompson tackles UBA over copyright infringement

Jide Ige

JuJu music crooner, Witty Wale Thompson of Lalale Friday fame is set to begin a legal battle with Africa’s global bank, United Bank for Africa over an alleged infringement on his copyright. In a letter by the musician’s lawyer signed by Justin Ige, written to the CEO of the bank, it was alleged that the bank deliberately used his hit song LALALE FRIDAY on the verified social media handle of the bank to promote a #throwback Friday in 2017 without his consent. According to the legal counsel, the act violates…

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EFCC declares Ismaila Mustapha, Mompha, wanted.

Jide Ige

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared Instagram celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha, known as Mompha, wanted. On June 30, 2022, Mompha’s absence had stalled his alleged N6 billion money laundering trial before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Ikeja Special Offences Court. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission charged Mustapha and his company, Ismalob Global Investment Ltd with eight counts bordering on money laundering, conspiracy to launder money obtained through unlawful activities, and laundering of money obtained through unlawful activities. Other charges include retention of proceeds of criminal conduct, use of property…

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NBC slams N5m fine on Trust TV over banditry documentary

Jide Ige

Nigeria’s broadcast industry regulator, the National Broadcasting Commission has imposed a fine of N5 million on Trust Television Network (Trust TV) over the broadcast of the documentary titled “Nigeria’s Banditry: The Inside Story”, which was aired by the station on the 5th of March, 2022. The Trust TV management, in a statement on Wednesday, noted that the fine was communicated to the media firm in a letter signed by the NBC Director General, Balarabe Shehu Illela. Illela had said the fine was imposed on Trust TV because its broadcast of…

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Juju music icon, Ebenezer Obey launches NGO against drug addiction and alcoholism, as son dies

Jide Ige

Ebenezer Obey, veteran singer and juju music icon reportedly lost one of his sons, Olayinka Olalekan Obey-Fabiyi. It was gathered that 48-year-old Olayinka died on Friday, 29th of July and was interred on Saturday. The family, however, was silent about the cause of his death. Meanwhile, the respected juju musician said that despite the efforts he made to help his late son, Olayinka, to ‘fight his weaknesses’, he did not succeed. In a statement made available to newsmen, the iconic musician also noted that he was starting a new ministry…

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WAFCON: Super Falcon camp erupt in protest

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

All is not well at the camp of  Nigeria’s female national team as the players protested against the Nigerian Football Federation over accumulated bonuses and allowances In protest, the Super Falcons reportedly shunned training Wednesday night ahead of the third-place match in the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Complete Sports reports that their action was in protest over unpaid bonuses and allowances. The players had reportedly met with officials of the Nigeria Football Federation over the issue Wednesday morning.

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Heritage Bank partners Xplo-Sound, adopt Ynspyre to propel growth in entertainment industry

Jide Ige

Heritage Bank has disclosed plans to further adopt Ynspyre, a digital product to help cater and deepen support for professionals and amateurs for the creative and entertainment industry’s growth. The bank stated that in a bid to further expand its reach by connecting with more groups that align with its digital banking product vision, it has partnered Xplo-Sound owned by Laolu Gbenjo, a multi-talented recording live performing artist. This was revealed by Titilayomi Babaoye, Group Head, Inclusive Banking, Heritage Bank during Gbenjo’s Concert for Life gratitude celebration. She explained that…

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1m Boys: IGP orders investigation into Portable’s claim

Jide Ige

Usman Baba Alkali, the Inspector-General of Police, has ordered an investigation into the comments by controversial artist, Habeeb Okikiola also known as Portable that he founded a cult group. Portable had in a viral video boasted to have formed ‘One Million Boys’ cult group. The group had caused unrest in many parts of Lagos and Ogun states. The sponsors and faces behind the formation of the cult group had been unknown. But in the eight seconds video online, Portable claimed he founded the group. The controversial singer said, “Listen to…

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Nollywood in shock as 2 top actresses die within 24hrs

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Nollywood actresses, Ada Ameh and Sola Onayiga, popularly known as Ireti in the now-rested TV series, Fuji House of Commotion are dead. Ameh died in Warri, Delta State around 11 pm on Sunday, 17 July 2022 while Onayiga’s reportedly died Monday morning in Lagos after a protracted illness. Ameh was reportedly visiting the family of a top oil businessman when she suddenly collapsed. According to a report by The Nation, the popular actress who lost her 30-year-old daughter, Aladi Godgift in October 2020, died in Warri, Delta State around 11 pm on…

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R. Kelly jailed 30yrs for sexual abuse

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Embattled R&B singer, R. Kelly, was sentenced to 30 years in prison Wednesday for recruiting and trapping teenagers and women for sex. Judge Ann Donnelly handed down the term in the Brooklyn federal court nearly a year after the 55-year-old Kelly was convicted by a New York jury. “The verdict is in: R. Kelly has been sentenced to 30 years,” the US attorney’s office for the Eastern District of New York said in a tweet. The prosecutors had urged the court to put the “I Believe I Can Fly” artist…

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Why Funke Akindele sent me packing from home -ex-hubby, JJC Skilz

Jide Ige

Funke Akindele’s husband, Abdulrasheed Bello popularly known as JJC Skillz has announced his separation from the star actress. JJC announced via his official Instagram handle on Thursday morning stating that his marriage with Akindele has had issues for the last two years. He stated that he had to move out of their home three months ago after Akindekle insisted he did and had not been able to have a sit down with her since the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards on May 14. He wrote, “Dear Friends and family, I…

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Journalist, Jackson Ude threatens to release video proof of Pere’s alleged love affair with Gov. Yahaya Bello’s wife

Jide Ige

Jackson Ude, a journalist and publisher of an online newspaper, has threatened to release video proof of an alleged love affair between Pere Egbi, ex-BBNaija housemate, and wife of Yahaya Bello, Kogi State governor, Rashidat. Mr. Ude had a few days ago, alleged in a Twitter post, that Pere and Mrs. Bello are lovers. In a now-deleted tweet, Ude said that the gist making rounds is that Rashida had gifted Egbi N5 million naira when they first met. He wrote “Why is #BBNaija Pere Egbi all over the place with…

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