How Death Threats During #EndSARS Made Me Rethink Activism – Omotola - Newstrends
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How Death Threats During #EndSARS Made Me Rethink Activism – Omotola

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Veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde
Veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde

How Death Threats During #EndSARS Made Me Rethink Activism – Omotola

Veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has disclosed that her children received death threats during the 2020 #EndSARS protests, prompting her to rethink how she engages in activism and public advocacy. The revelation highlights the personal risks faced by public figures and their families when participating in social movements.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Rubbin’ Minds, the 48-year-old actress described the period as the most intense and threatening chapter of her life. “I am used to death threats; I have received them many times,” she said. “But I have never seen anything like what happened during #EndSARS. It was intense. My kids started getting death threats. That was when it became weird.”

Omotola said she had been actively involved in the decentralized nationwide movement, which demanded an end to police brutality and the abuses of the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). Her activism included street protests, international advocacy, and media engagement, and she spoke with global outlets like CNN while liaising with international NGOs and embassies.

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However, as threats against her family escalated — including reports of people showing up at her home and workplace — Omotola said she had to shift away from street-level activism to strategic advocacy to protect her children. “When people started coming physically to my home and place of work to look for me, I knew I had to worry about other people and not just myself,” she said.

Omotola emphasized that, while she was willing to risk her own safety, she could not expose her children to danger. “I can’t control where they go, I can’t protect them as much, and I don’t want my children to become victims of choices that I have made,” she added.

The #EndSARS movement, which erupted in October 2020, saw millions of Nigerians protest against police brutality, extrajudicial killings, harassment, and extortion by SARS operatives. The protests gained global attention after alleged shootings at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, a defining and controversial moment in Nigeria’s social activism history.

Despite the Federal Government’s decision to disband SARS and initiate reforms, many protester demands — including justice for victims, accountability for abuses, and comprehensive police reforms — remain unresolved years later. Human rights groups like Amnesty International have reported that some protesters continue to face detention or legal challenges, highlighting ongoing struggles in the fight against police brutality.

Omotola’s candid reflection underscores the lasting impact of #EndSARS on activists and illustrates how personal safety concerns can shape public advocacy strategies, even for high-profile figures. Her experience also reinforces the continued relevance of the movement in discussions about democracy, accountability, and civic activism in Nigeria.

How Death Threats During #EndSARS Made Me Rethink Activism – Omotola

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Afrobeats Drama: Burna Boy–DJ Tunez Clash Fuels Wizkid Face-Off Speculation

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Burna Boy and DJ Tunez and Wizkid

Afrobeats Drama: Burna Boy–DJ Tunez Clash Fuels Wizkid Face-Off Speculation

The fallout from the nightclub altercation involving Burna Boy and DJ Tunez has deepened, fueling widespread speculation about a possible rift with Wizkid and reigniting conversations around rivalry at the top of Afrobeats.

What initially appeared to be a disagreement over music selection at a Lagos nightlife venue has now escalated into a major talking point across the Nigerian entertainment industry. The controversy is closely tied to DJ Tunez’s longstanding professional relationship with Wizkid, adding a layer of complexity to the unfolding drama.

According to multiple accounts, the incident began when Wizkid’s songs were repeatedly played during the event—reportedly against the wishes of Burna Boy and his entourage. Eyewitness reports suggest tensions quickly rose, leading to a heated exchange that eventually turned physical, drawing attention from other guests and security personnel.

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While DJ Tunez claimed he was attacked during the altercation, Burna Boy has strongly denied the allegation, insisting the encounter was strictly a one-on-one confrontation. The situation took another turn when Burna Boy shared a video of himself dancing to the same Wizkid track linked to the dispute—an action many fans interpreted as a subtle but provocative response.

Further fueling the narrative, Burna Boy reportedly made remarks perceived as a challenge to Wizkid, intensifying online reactions and fan debates. However, Wizkid has remained publicly silent, a move that industry watchers say could either calm tensions or build anticipation for a potential response.

The controversy has also drawn institutional attention, with the Nigerian DJ Association announcing a temporary ban on Burna Boy’s music pending an investigation. The decision has sparked mixed reactions, highlighting divisions within the industry over how the situation should be handled.

At a broader level, the incident has revived long-standing discussions about Afrobeats rivalry, industry alliances, and brand dominance, particularly between Burna Boy and Wizkid—two global stars whose careers have been marked by both mutual respect and subtle competition.

For now, there is no confirmed face-off between Burna Boy and Wizkid, but the growing tension underscores the fragile dynamics within Nigeria’s music scene. Observers say the coming days will be critical in determining whether the situation de-escalates or evolves into a more pronounced rivalry.

Afrobeats Drama: Burna Boy–DJ Tunez Clash Fuels Wizkid Face-Off Speculation

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EFCC, Police Investigate Blessing CEO Over Alleged ₦300m Cancer Scam

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Nigerian social media influencer Blessing CEO
Nigerian social media influencer Blessing CEO

EFCC, Police Investigate Blessing CEO Over Alleged ₦300m Cancer Scam

Social media personality Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, is facing a deepening legal crisis as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Nigeria Police Force intensify investigations into allegations of cancer fraud, forgery, and financial misconduct.

The probe follows multiple petitions accusing the influencer of allegedly falsifying a cancer diagnosis and using a doctored medical report to solicit public donations, sparking outrage across Nigeria’s social media space.

The Delta State Police Command confirmed receipt of a petition and said it is awaiting statements from complainants before proceeding with a full investigation. Police spokesperson Edefa Bright stated that due process would be followed in determining the next line of action.

Similarly, the EFCC, through its spokesperson Dele Oyewale, disclosed that the anti-graft agency has begun reviewing allegations of financial fraud and cybercrime offences, noting that its findings will guide further steps.

The controversy began after Blessing CEO publicly claimed she was battling stage four cancer, drawing sympathy and financial support from followers. However, inconsistencies in her story triggered widespread skepticism and backlash, prompting scrutiny of the medical documents she shared online.

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The Nigerian Medical Association in Delta State later disowned the histology report linked to her, revealing that the document actually belonged to Deborah Mbara, a verified cancer survivor. According to the association, the report was issued in May 2025 by a diagnostic centre in Asaba following a confirmatory breast cancer test.

Mbara subsequently accused the influencer of altering her medical report and using it to raise funds from unsuspecting members of the public. She explained that she had shared the document with Blessing CEO in good faith after the influencer requested it for comparison.

In a twist, Blessing CEO later retracted her earlier claim of having stage four cancer during an interview with Egungun of Lagos. She admitted receiving about ₦13 million in donations but maintained that she did not owe anyone an apology, a stance that has further fueled public outrage.

However, legal counsel to the complainant, Sunny Anyanwu, alleged that the influencer may have generated over ₦300 million from the alleged scheme. He claimed that funds were routed through multiple bank accounts, including one allegedly created specifically for the fundraising exercise.

In a formal petition to the EFCC, the lawyer argued that the alleged actions violate provisions of the Cybercrime Act, 2015, and other applicable laws, demanding that the influencer be investigated and compelled to refund all monies collected.

Legal experts have also weighed in, with Senior Advocate of Nigeria Monday Ubani describing the alleged conduct as obtaining money under false pretence, a criminal offence under Nigerian law. He called for prosecution if investigations confirm the allegations.

The Delta State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association, led by Israel Adaigho, has expressed readiness to testify if required, emphasising the need to protect the integrity of medical professionals.

Similarly, consultant pathologist A. O. Odigwe, who reportedly issued the original report, said further action would depend on the outcome of ongoing investigations.

The Nigerian Cancer Society has also condemned the alleged false claims, warning that such actions undermine genuine cancer advocacy and erode public trust in health-related fundraising.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to get a fresh response from Blessing CEO were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to her remained unanswered.

The case has ignited nationwide debate around online fundraising scams, influencer accountability, and misuse of sensitive medical information, with growing calls for stricter regulations in Nigeria’s digital space.

EFCC, Police Investigate Blessing CEO Over Alleged ₦300m Cancer Scam

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Hip-Hop Pioneer Afrika Bambaataa Dies at 68 After Battle With Cancer

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Hip-Hop Pioneer Afrika Bambaataa
Hip-Hop Pioneer Afrika Bambaataa

Hip-Hop Pioneer Afrika Bambaataa Dies at 68 After Battle With Cancer

The global hip-hop community has been thrown into mourning following the death of legendary DJ and cultural pioneer Afrika Bambaataa, who has died at the age of 68.

His death was confirmed by the Hip Hop Alliance, which described him as a foundational figure who helped shape hip-hop into a global cultural movement rooted in peace, unity, love, and fun.

According to multiple reports, including entertainment outlet TMZ, Bambaataa died on Thursday in Pennsylvania from complications linked to cancer.

Born Lance Taylor in the Bronx, New York, Bambaataa rose from the post-industrial streets of the Bronx during the 1970s, a period widely regarded as the birthplace of hip-hop culture. His early exposure to the Black liberation movement heavily influenced his artistic and political worldview.

In 1973, he co-founded the Universal Zulu Nation, an international collective dedicated to promoting hip-hop as a tool for peaceful expression, youth empowerment, and cultural identity. The movement played a major role in shaping the global spread of hip-hop culture across music, dance, and street art.

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Before his musical breakthrough, Bambaataa was once affiliated with the Black Spades gang, but later redirected his influence toward community organisation and cultural activism, helping steer young people away from violence.

His 1982 single “Planet Rock” became a defining moment in hip-hop history, blending electronic sounds with rap and helping pioneer what would later influence genres such as electro, techno, and modern dance music.

The Hip Hop Alliance praised his impact, with executive director Reverend Dr Kurtis Blow Walker describing him as central to transforming the Bronx into “the birthplace of a culture that now reaches every corner of the world.”

Throughout the 1980s and beyond, Bambaataa collaborated with influential figures including James Brown and John Lydon. He also contributed to socially conscious projects such as the anti-apartheid anthem “Sun City” in 1985.

However, his legacy was later complicated by serious allegations of sexual abuse dating back decades. He denied the accusations, describing them as an attempt to damage his reputation. In 2016, he stepped down as leader of the Universal Zulu Nation amid the controversy.

In 2025, reports indicated he lost a civil case involving allegations of child sexual abuse and trafficking after failing to appear in court, according to legal filings reported by international media outlets.

The Hip Hop Alliance acknowledged that while his contributions to music and culture remain historically significant, his legacy has been the subject of ongoing debate within the global hip-hop community.

Despite the controversies surrounding his later years, Afrika Bambaataa remains widely recognised as one of the founding architects of hip-hop culture, whose influence helped shape the genre into a worldwide phenomenon.

Hip-Hop Pioneer Afrika Bambaataa Dies at 68 After Battle With Cancer

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