The Nation Newspaper

Author: Yewande Fasan

  • Paul Adefarasin to clarify viral video on alleged firearm controversy

    Paul Adefarasin to clarify viral video on alleged firearm controversy

    Pastor Paul Adefarasin of House on the Rock has addressed concerns about a viral video showing him allegedly brandishing a firearm.

    He clarified that the object wasn’t a firearm and that he didn’t point it at anyone.

    Adefarasin in an Instagram post, promised to discuss the matter further during his 9:00 am service today,  while also thanking his congregation for their patience and understanding.

    Read Also: Nigerian’s unity under threat, Catholic Bishop warns

    He wrote: “Dear Family, Trusting that this meets you well, winning and on top of the tests of life.

    You might be aware of a video which has been circulating on social media showing me in what some have misunderstood as brandishing a firearm. 

    “I want to assure you of this that, that was certainly not a firearm, and at no point did I point such at anyone. We understand the concern that this accusation may have caused, and we will speak briefly to this mischief during the 9:00 am service tomorrow. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

    Yours truly. Paul Adefarasin”.

  • Charles Okocha grateful after friend survives collapsed ceiling POP

    Charles Okocha grateful after friend survives collapsed ceiling POP

    Actor Charles Okocha has called for prayers after his close friend, Rico popularly known as “Billionaire Gateman”, got trapped under a fallen. POP.

    Rico’s POP ceiling suddenly collapsed, trapping him underneath.

    Read Also: Nigerian’s unity under threat, Catholic Bishop warns

    Fortunately, he survived and was seen rushed to the hospital.

    Charles Okocha took to Instagram to express gratitude to God for his friend’s safety, saying, “Prayers up for my boy Rico #billionaire_gateman_ POP just fell on him. To God be the glory”.

  • Brain Jotter pays tribute to ‘Gwo Gwo Gwo ngwo’ singer Ejeagha

    Brain Jotter pays tribute to ‘Gwo Gwo Gwo ngwo’ singer Ejeagha

    Skit maker Brain Jotter has paid tribute to legendary musician Mike “Gentleman” Ejeagha, who passed away after battling prostate cancer.

    Brain Jotter shared a heartfelt video and message on Instagram, honoring Ejeagha‘s enduring legacy and hit song “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo,” which gained renewed popularity through a dance challenge.

    The skit maker visited the musician with N2 million cash gift after the challenge dance garnered over 29.1 million views and 30,000 comments on Instagram, and over 19.6 million views on TikTok.

    Read Also: Adeboye shares testimonies, urges continued prayers for Nigeria

    Captioning the post, Brain Jotter said: “39years ago, he made magic (Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo song). 39years later, we danced to it again. Now, he rests, but his melody lives forever. Rest in peace, legend”.

  • I won’t tolerate disrespect toward my artists – Tems’, Omah Lay’s manager warns

    I won’t tolerate disrespect toward my artists – Tems’, Omah Lay’s manager warns

    Muyiwa Awoniyi, manager of Nigerian music stars Tems, Omah Lay (Stanley), and Lekan, has issued a strong warning to critics, stating that he will not tolerate any form of disrespect towards his artists.

    In a post shared on X, Awoniyi said while he is unbothered by personal insults, any attack directed at Tems, Omah Lay, or Lekan will not be taken lightly.

    “Said it before and I’ll say it again. Insulting me? I’m fine with it. But if you insult Temi, Stanley or Lekan? We will have a problem. ‘Till next time, bye for now,” he wrote.

    Read Also: Tems slams critics over body physique 

    His statement follows Tems’ recent backlash against critics who have repeatedly made inappropriate comments about her physique, especially her buttocks.

  • Why I deleted my husband’s pictures on Instagram – Queen Atang

    Why I deleted my husband’s pictures on Instagram – Queen Atang

    Reality star Queen Mercy Atang has clarified why she unfollowed her husband, David Oyekanmi, on Instagram and deleted their wedding photos.

    In a video, Queen said the decision was made to keep her marriage private and off social media due to the numerous messages her husband receives from other women on his Instagram account.

    She stated, “I was just trying to take my relationship off social media. Because my husband’s account is out there, a lot of girls feel the need to slide in his DM to say positive and negative things.”

    Read Also: Tinubu welcomes Moody’s upgrade of Nigeria’s foreign-currency rating to B3

    She said the move was inspired by celebrities who keep their spouses’ personal details private.

    Although her actions sparked speculation about marital issues, she eventually restored the wedding photos and reinstated her husband’s name in her Instagram bio.

    The couple tied the knot in March 2024, and the photo deletion occurred in October 2024, fueling rumors of a marital rift.

  • Queen Atang decries alleged ‘unfair’ treatment of content creators on Instagram 

    Queen Atang decries alleged ‘unfair’ treatment of content creators on Instagram 

    Reality TV star Queen Mercy Atang has criticised Instagram for what she described as the platform’s unfair treatment of content creators.

    She said her outburst followed a troll’s negative comment on a video she posted of herself twerking. 

    According to her, she visited the troll’s page and was shocked by the apparent hypocrisy.

    Expressing her frustration, she said it was unjust that trolls can post hurtful remarks without consequence, while creators risk being banned simply for defending themselves.

    She also alleged double standards on the platform, pointing out that people are quick to judge others despite engaging in even worse behaviour themselves.

    Read Also: Akiolu urges Nigerians to be patient with Tinubu, receives Super Eagles star Lookman

    She wrote: “Dear IG @instagram. It honestly feels unfair that trolls can freely come to someone’s page and drop negativity, but if we respond, we risk being banned.

    “A lady had something to say about me twerking, so I checked out her page, and let’s say… the irony was loud.

    “The way some of you judge others yet do worse yourselves is truly wild.

    “I wish I could respond properly, young lady, but my account is currently shadowbanned, and I’ve already been warned by IG. So no, I won’t reply directly.

    “But here’s what I will say: go take care of yourself.”

  • Speed Darlington on probe over alleged defilement of 15-year-old

    Speed Darlington on probe over alleged defilement of 15-year-old

    Controversial singer Speed Darlington is under investigation by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) following a viral Instagram Live video where he allegedly admitted to defiling a 15-year-old girl at a hotel a decade ago.

    In the video, he described, in Igbo, a s3xual encounter that left the bed sheets bloody, requiring him to pay hotel staff N2,000 to replace them.

    He said: “Before they could come change the sheets for me, I had to give N2,000. Because the thing is somehow, to tell an adult to come and clean blood that I brought out of the body of a 15-year-old girl. I can never work for anybody, lai lai. I only work for myself.”

    The DSVA labelled the video “deeply disturbing” and, while noting its jurisdiction is limited to Lagos State, escalated the matter to NAPTIP due to the unspecified location of the incident.

    The Lagos State Government emphasised its zero-tolerance policy on s3xual and gender-based violence, urging the public to provide information via DSVA’s toll-free line (08000-333-333) or NAPTIP’s contact (info@naptip.gov.ng or 07030000203).

    The statement reads: “The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency is aware of the disturbing video currently circulating online, in which a popular entertainer allegedly admits to engaging in unlawful sexual activity with a minor.

    Read Also: Nigerians, others to be affected as US suspends student visa interviews

    “While the individual in question did not specify the location of the incident during the Instagram Live session, we must clarify that the DSVA’s jurisdiction is limited to Lagos State.

    “In view of the above, and in line with our commitment to justice, we have escalated the situation to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons.

    “The Lagos State Government reaffirms our zero-tolerance stance against all forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and will continue to advocate for accountability and the protection of every Nigerian child.

    “If you have any information that may assist with ongoing investigations, kindly reach out to us via our toll-free line 08000-333-333 or send a direct message on any of our official social media platforms.

    “You may also contact NAPTIP directly via email: info@naptip.gov.ng or phone: 07030000203.

    “Lastly, we appreciate the vigilance of citizens who brought this to our attention and urge the public to continue reporting such cases through the appropriate legal channels.”

  • 2025 AMAs: Tyla beats Wizkid, Tems, Asake to win Afrobeats Artist award

    2025 AMAs: Tyla beats Wizkid, Tems, Asake to win Afrobeats Artist award

    South African singer Tyla has won the ‘Favourite Afrobeats Artist’ award at the 2025 American Music Awards, beating out notable Nigerian artists Wizkid, Rema, Tems, and Asake.

    Billie Eilish dominated the night, winning all seven categories she was nominated for, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for “Hit Me Hard and Soft,” and Song of the Year for “Birds of a Feather.”

    Other notable winners included Beyoncé, who took home awards for Favourite Female Country Artist and Favourite Country Album for “Cowboy Carter,” and Post Malone, who won Favourite Male Country Artist.

    Read Also: Tems, Tyla are my girls, says Ayra Starr

    The ceremony, held at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, celebrated the diversity of music, with winners from various genres.

    In contrast, Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande didn’t win any awards, losing all their nominations.

  • Actress Jumoke George’s daughter recounts ordeal in Mali

    Actress Jumoke George’s daughter recounts ordeal in Mali

    Adeola, the daughter of veteran actress Jumoke George, has opened up about her traumatic experience in Mali during an emotional interview with actress Biola Bayo.

    She revealed she was trafficked and sold to a woman intending to exploit her for prostitution.

    Adeola said she endured immense suffering, believing she would die in Mali and even instructing others not to announce her death.

    Despite her efforts, she couldn’t earn enough to secure freedom or return to Nigeria.

    She admitted to contacting people in Nigeria but avoided calling her mother or children out of shame.

    Deeply moved by her mother’s tearful video, Adeola apologised to Nigerian mothers, insisting she is not a bad child and pleading for forgiveness.

    She expressed gratitude for her mother’s support and vowed to protect her, having learned painful lessons in Mali, where she lost hope of survival.

    She said: “When I saw the video of my mum crying I felt so sad. I watched the video and couldn’t sleep, people kept calling me. I wouldn’t lie to you, it’s really painful. Nothing should happen to Amoke, I will follow her sister Bola. She doesn’t play with me or allow anything to happen to me. Me too; I can’t let anything happen to her.

    “When I got to Mali, I got to know I would be working for a Madam; I looked around. The woman said she bought me  and I will be paying her N1.5 million. She said she paid the person that brought me N250,000. I was told I would be doing prostitution.

    Read Also: Actress Jumoke George reunites with missing daughter after four years in Mali

    “I was thinking that if I worked and had little money for transport, I wouldn’t go home empty-handed. Let me not deceive you; no matter how hard I worked, I couldn’t gather the money.

    “I was suffering in Mali but I kept enduring. I told the lady that we lived together and that if I die, she shouldn’t post it. The people were wicked to me, I once drank hypo in their presence.”

    “I was always calling people in Nigeria, but I didn’t call my mother and children. Mali isn’t better than Nigeria. Let me not lie; I learnt a lot of lessons in Mali. I have lost all hope and thought I would die in Mali.

    “All the mothers in Nigeria don’t be agree with me, I am not a bad child. Please forgive me. Have made up my mind that Mali is my end”.

  • Olamide named among Billboard’s 2025 global power players

    Olamide named among Billboard’s 2025 global power players

    Popular rapper and YBNL Nation boss Olamide has been honoured as one of Billboard’s Global Power Players for 2025, recognising his leadership in elevating the label behind superstars Asake and Fireboy DML.

    In 2024, Asake’s Lungu Boy became Nigeria’s biggest album, certified by TurnTable Charts, while Fireboy’s Adedamola earned critical acclaim.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s celebrities who have joined US military

    Olamide emphasised YBNL’s global expansion through strategic collaborations, bridging Afrobeats with other genres.

    Key milestones include Asake’s sold-out O2 Arena concert in London, making him the third Nigerian artist to achieve this feat multiple times, and his track MMS earning a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 67th Grammy Awards.

    “YBNL Nation has made significant strides in expanding our global footprint and solidifying our presence in key international markets. Collaborations with international artists and producers have helped bridge the gap between Afrobeats and other genres. further establishing our label as a key player in the global music scene”, Olamide said partly.