The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Court remands Ejigbadero over land grabbing, perjury allegations

    Court remands Ejigbadero over land grabbing, perjury allegations

    A Chief Magistrate Court in Yaba, Lagos State has ordered the remand of Abiodun Ishola Ejigbadero over alleged land grabbing, fraud and theft.

    Ejigbadero was arraigned yesterday over allegations of terrorising land owners in Alimosho Area.

    The accused is facing a five-count charge of conspiracy to murder, unlawful possession of firearms in suit number A/52/2023, and will be remanded in prison pending the Attorney-General’s legal advice.

    The charge reads: “That you, Abiodun Ishola Ejigbadero (M) and others still at large sometimes on or before 13th day of January 2022 at Akowonjo road, Alimosho Lagos, in the Lagos State Magisterial District, did conspire among yourselves to commit felony with assault ocassioning harm and thereby committed an offence punishable under 411 of the criminal law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015

    The Second charge reads: “That you Abiodun Ishola Ejigbadero, (M), and others at large on the above mentioned date, time and place assault one Olugbenga Bakare (M) with first blows which caused him bodily harm and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 174 of the Criminal code laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015

    The third charge reads: “That you, Abiodun Ishola Ejigbadero (m) and others still at large on the same day, time and place in the aforesaid Magisterial district with intent to defraud, did knowingly made false statement on oath in suit No ID/9661LMW/202 wherein you misrepresent yourself as Prince Ishola Akapo and thereby committed an offense punishable under section 86 of the criminal code laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.

    The fourth charge reads: “That you, Abiodun Ishola  Ejigbadero others still at large on the same day, time and place in the aforementioned Magistrate District, with intent to defraud, did knowingly made a false document to wit: forged land documents dated 18th December, 1974 with intent that it may in anyway be used or acted upon as genuine whether in Nigeria or elsewhere to the prejudice of Olubunmi/Olubimi family and others and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 365 (1) of the criminal code laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.

    The fifth charge reads: “That you, Abiodun Ishola Ejigbadero and others still at large on the same day, time and place aforementioned Magistrate District, did fraudulently presented yourself to the office of the Local Government Chieftaincy Affair, Alimosho LGA as a member of Olubunmi Chieftaincy family with intent that you will be crowned Baale of Alimosho Town and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 380 (1) of the criminal law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.

    The Prosecutor, MS A.O Olatunbosun ESQ, in her ruling, denied the bail application by the accused counsel and ordered that the accused be remanded in prison, pending the Attorney-General’s legal advice.

    The lawyer to the suspect, Samson Ajala, pleaded with the court not to grant the remand application, rather the court should consider the age of his client and admit him to bail in the most liberal term

    The Magistrate while adjourning the matter till July 24, 2023, for mention, ordered that the suspect be remanded in prison custody

    He adjourned further hearing to July 24, 2023.

  • Six internet fraud suspects, two others die in auto crashes

    Six internet fraud suspects, two others die in auto crashes

    A celebration over a newly-bought Lexus GX 460 turned sour on Friday night as six occupants of the vehicle, suspected to be internet fraudsters, died after ramming into a stationary truck.

    The incident occurred around 8pm, Friday, along the Agbarho-Ughelli section of the East-West Road near Ekiugbo Junction in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State.

    It was learnt that the car was damaged beyond repairs.

    The victims were allegedly under the influence of illicit substances and were said to be celebrating one of their friends, who just bought an exotic car shortly after recording a breakthrough in the Yahoo business.

    An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “The accident took place near Ekiugbo Junction at about 8pm on Friday. One of them bought a 2021 Lexus GX 460.

    “The Lexus arrived Ughelli around 5pm while the accident happened around 8pm. They were returning from a joint where they had gone to celebrate the arrival of the vehicle. The new vehicle rammed into a pay-loader truck along the expressway. The six of them died on the spot.”

    This incident occurred barely a week after a similar accident claimed the lives of two youths near a popular hotel in Ughelli. Delta Police spokesman, DSP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident.

    Similarly, accidents killed two persons and injured three others in Kwara and Anambra states.

    In the Kwara crash, one Mohammed, 37, the driver of a Toyota bus, was said to have burnt beyong recognition, while his passengers- Usman, Baktachi and Fati- sustained varying injuries.

    The accident, it was gathered, occurred around 10:30pm on Tuesday, at Wariko along Ladiagi Road, Edu local government area of the state.

    Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Kwara State, Fredrick Ogidan, attributed the cause of the lone accident to excessive speed and reckless driving.

    Ogidan said that policemen had transferred the injured victims to the Lafiagi General Hospital for treatment.

    In Anambra, a passenger on a motorcycle was crushed to death by a truck at Awkuzu junction, along Awka-Onitsha Expressway, yesterday.

    The incident which occurred around 10:20am, when the motorcycle attempted an overtaking but the luggage on it hit the truck. This made the passenger to fall off the motorcycle and was crushed by the articulated vehicle.

    Confirming the incident, FRSC Sector Commander in the state, Adeoye Irelewuyi, blamed it on projected Load Violation.

    He said: “An Unidentified driver of a commercial How truck truck with body code number: 371 belonging to BAU Cement and a driver of a Santa/KC motorcycle identified as Nnamdi Dieli was involved in a fatal road traffic crash at Awkuzu junction by Onitsha-Awka Expressway at about 10:20hrs.

    “Four male adults were involved in the crash, one male adult was killed, one male adult was injured while two male adults were rescued unhurt.”

  • Wasiu Eshilokun Sanni gets traditional title

    Wasiu Eshilokun Sanni gets traditional title

    Two-term Chairman of Lagos Island, Three-term Member of Lagos House of Assembly representing Lagos Island Constituency 1 and now Senator-elect Lagos central senatorial district; Rt. Hon Wasiu Eshilokun Sanni is favoured by his creator most especially for his astronomic rise in politics and corporate governance. The highly cerebral Lagos Island-born lawmaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly is currently in an elated mood as his victory at the just concluded National Assembly election has further cemented his place as a top political gladiator also a pivotal member of the 10th senate.

     For his immense contribution to the vast development of his consistency as chairman and a lawmaker, the Oba of Lagos Oba Rilwan Osuolale Akiolu has put all logistics in place to bestow on him and his wife Alhaja Bilikis Olamide a traditional title as the ‘Okanlomo and Yeye Okanlomo of Lagos’ a title that places him as one of a kind breed for his contribution to the development of Lagos island in all sphere.

    According to sources, the installation ceremony will hold at the Oba’s Palace in Iga-Idunganran, Isale-Eko tomorrow Saturday the 20th of May 2023. After which guests will be entertained at an undisclosed location in Victoria Island in Lagos. We also gathered that those who matter most in the political landscape in Lagos and Nigeria will be present to celebrate the newest chief and senator-elect who is a member of the 10th senate stability group.

  • EeZee Conceptz releases Esther Oji’s Aka Ngozi visuals

    EeZee Conceptz releases Esther Oji’s Aka Ngozi visuals

    EeZee Conceptz Global has officially released the visuals for the soul-lifting sound, ‘Aka Ngozi’ by Minister Esther Oji.

     The music video for the gospel single celebrates the grace and mercies of God.

    The thrilling music video, which is a sonorous blend of dance and instrumental display, also featured a comic cameo by popular Ghanaian comedian, actor, and TV presenter, Akwasi Boadi, a.k.a Akrobeto.

    According to the anointed singer, the ‘Aka Ngozi’ music video was spiced with a unique production approach adopted by her record label EeZee Conceptz Global. “It’s definitely something unexpected. Crafted with excellence and spirituality. Not the regular approach but exceptionally away from the usual. Trust me it’s beautiful and most of all it would bless you,” she said.

    Minister Esther Oji, who recently joined the big EeZee Conceptz Global family, said the experience has been that of growth and expansion, which will propel her to achieve more goals in the gospel music space. She said: “I’ve been with EeZee Conceptz Global for almost 10 months now. The journey so far has been a great experience and a growth and expansion phase. It’s a whole new phase for me. It’s like I’m on a football field and there’s no stopping, I have to keep moving, and score as many goals for the Kingdom.”

  • Rising star Leeobi debuts self titled EP

    Rising star Leeobi debuts self titled EP

    Promising Afrobeats artist, Obieze Obinna aka Leeobi has released his debut EP entitled Leeobi EP.

    The project consists of five enthralling tracks including ‘Tonight’, Melody, ‘Monalisa’ featuring Kaptain, Body, and ‘Myself’. The body of work is mixed and mastered by the renowned producer, STG.

    Speaking on the concept of the EP, Leeobi said it’s to showcase his extraordinary talent and creativity as he set out to make a significant impact on the music industry. “With my distinct soundscapes and captivating lyrics, the EP takes listeners on a captivating musical journey,” he said.

    Leeobi 

    Continuing, Leeobi said, “I believe music should be adventurous and unrestricted by a specific genre. So, the unique blend of genres on the EP, including Afrobeat, Pop, and elements of R&B, is to create an enchanting and immersive sonic experience that resonates deeply with audiences.”

    Leeobi said he draws inspiration from different artistes, including the Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Adele, Runtown, Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy and others.

  • 2023 AMVCA weekend kicks off with cultural day

    2023 AMVCA weekend kicks off with cultural day

    The three-day lineup of events for the ninth edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) kicked off on Thursday, May 18 with the Opening Night and Cultural Day event.

    The Opening Night formally kicked off the series of activities preceding the Award Night on Saturday, May 20.

    Dr. Busola Tejumola, Executive Head, Content and West Africa Channels at MultiChoice Nigeria, stated that this year’s edition of the AMVCAs is focused on raising the bar when it comes to recognizing and rewarding talents in the various aspects of the African film and television industry.

    She said, “Last year, we had an eight-day lineup of activities leading to the Award Night. This year will be no different. We have decided to sustain the momentum by bringing back all the activities. The only difference is that they will all take place within three days.”

    The three-day extravaganza began on May 18 with the ‘Opening Night and Cultural Day’ event – a celebration of African culture and diversity, followed by the ‘Runway Show and Nominee Gala’ scheduled for today, Friday May 19, a nod to the key role fashion, style and design play in the film and television industry and a means to give young designers a boost in their careers.

    In this year’s runway competition, the winners stand the chance to walk away with cash prizes and opportunity to work with the brand team of Pepsi, one of the brands they are set to create innovative designs for on the runway. The celebration will climax with the award night on Saturday, May 20.

  • OAPs also deserve celebrity status, says Kween Melissa

    OAPs also deserve celebrity status, says Kween Melissa

    Award-winning radio presenter Melissa Nnamdi aka Kween Melissa has said that On Air Personalities (OAPs) deserve celebrity status.

     The beautiful presenter and event host made this assertion known in a recent chat with The Nation while giving her two cents on how OAPs are recognised in Nigeria stating that they deserve more.

     She said, “If there is anything I would say it would be on air personalities actually deserve more and way better than what we get here in Nigeria especially.

    OAP personalities in other countries as you know have celebrity status but here we are being overlooked and not recognized for the work that we do, I do hope things get better over time as things evolve.”

      Melissa also spoke on the growth of Afrobeats dominance worldwide expressing excitement to be part of the movement.

     “I feel blessed and excited to be a Nigerian right now, seeing the level at which Afrobeats has climbed over the years gives me joy and makes me proud to be part of the music industry at a very crucial time. Afrobeats is dominating the world right now and I am so here for it seeing our young artists perform on stages we never thought were possible and breaking records, it’s amazing” said Melissa.

     Melissa, who is the founder of the ‘Face of Petite’ beauty pageant, also revealed plans to resume the fourth edition of her pageant in October after taking a long break since the COVID-19 outbreak.

  • Seaman’s Schnapps inspires journey of blessings with new campaign

    Seaman’s Schnapps inspires journey of blessings with new campaign

    Seaman’s Schnapps has unveiled a new campaign ‘Unlock your blessings’ to highlight the universal desire for blessings and the positive and progressive change they bring, regardless of faith, belief, gender, race or creed.

    The insight behind the campaign stems from the understanding that blessings, whether big or small, are sought after by everyone for their ability to enhance hope and bring about spiritual uplifting.

    Through the ‘Unlock your blessings’ campaign, the drink brand aims to cultivate a sense of gratitude among people of all ages and demographics, sensitizing them to the blessings that surround them.

    The campaign encourages individuals to find their path towards being blessed by recognizing and celebrating the small wins and day-to-day joys that make life remarkable.

    Disclosing all these during a chat, Marketing and Communications Manager of Grand Oak, Debo Adebowale said. “This campaign aligns perfectly with our mission to provide spiritual upliftment and serves as an enabler of blessings in the lives of our consumers that by fostering a positive mindset and acknowledging the small wins in everyday life, we aim to inspire gratitude, hope, and a greater sense of well-being among our audience. The campaign also beautifully captures the essence of gratitude and hope, reminding us all to appreciate the blessings, big and small, that surround us. By encouraging a positive mindset and celebrating everyday joys, Seaman’s Schnapps is empowering individuals to unlock the path towards greater blessings and fulfillment.”

    Seaman’s Schnapps, known for its celebratory, cultural, and trans-generational

    brand, has firmly established itself as the market leader and a significant player in the Nigerian Spirit Market.

  • Osinbajo highlights opportunities in Nigeria’s animation industry

    Osinbajo highlights opportunities in Nigeria’s animation industry

    Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has reiterated the potential opportunities in the creative sector with a special focus on the animation industry. Osinbajo, who was a special guest at the exclusive screening of animated musical, ‘Gammy and the Living Things,’ highlighted that the animation industry has a huge potential for exportable content, leading to job creation for thousands of young Nigerians.

     Osinbajo praised the team at Utricle Studios and Uphorik Sounds for their outstanding work in producing a top-notch movie of this caliber with a team of creatives based in Nigeria.   He described ‘Gammy and the Living Things’ as a revolutionary debut film that highlights Africa’s immense talent, innovation, creativity, and resourcefulness.

     The animated film is poised to become a streaming sensation and aims to reshape the global perception of African animation.  The film premiere was held at the film house cinemas at Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

     ‘Gammy and the Living Things’ aims to change the narrative of African animation with the characters voiced by Jude “MI” Abaga, Joke Silva, Bimbo Akintola, Segun Arinze, Pete Edochie, John Dumelo (Ghana), Ruby Gyang, Bovi, late Sadiq Daba, and Avril (Kenya) amongst others.

     Gammy and the Living Things is a family-friendly animation musical that showcases the potential of Africa. The movie combines Nigerian storytelling, music, and art with a Pan-African cast and a global perspective. It features a 13-track album with a hybrid of song remakes by popular Nigerian music superstars from the 80s and 90s, as well as unforgettable original tracks.

  • Sean Tizzle: I didn’t plan to take a break from music

    Sean Tizzle: I didn’t plan to take a break from music

    After years of hiatus, Afropop artiste, Morihanfen Oluwaseun aka Sean Tizzle has returned with a new single entitled, Albarakah.

     Speaking of his hiatus, the ‘Sho Lee’ singer said it was not intentional.

     “Man proposes God disposes,” Sean Tizzle said.

     “It was never my plan to take a break, it was never intentional not to be at the top with my peers by now. I see comments that could break me but I ignore, I take the encouraging comments and run away with it. When life knocks you down, I promise all…”

     The 33-year-old vocalist revealed that his forthcoming album will further answer questions about his whereabouts.

    “My new single #Albarakah off my forthcoming album is more than music, it’s about my Life, the comments and the blessings.

    “May 19th, I hope and pray “Where is Sean TizzleE” will end for good! Big shoutout to ONERPM, my team, my day ones and new Fanmily!.”

    Sean Tizzle, who rose to stardom in 2013, was formally signed to the late Sound Sultan’s Naija Ninjas. He later set up an independent record label, Tizzle Nation. He has featured A-list artistes including Davido, Wyclef Jean, Tiwa Savage, 9ice, Kcee and others.

    Meanwhile fans have been calling for Sean Tizzle’s return after his submission on social media.

    Reacting to Tizzle’s statement some fans in separate tweets encouraged him to return to his former producer D’Tune while citing Iyanya and Ubi Franklin as examples.

    Sean Tizzle released a new single entitled ‘Albarakah’ today, Friday May 19.