Entertainment
Mohbad : We invited Sam Larry – FCID
Mohbad : We invited Sam Larry – FCID
The Lagos Annex, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) of the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 2, Alagbon, has revealed that it invited music promoter, Samson Balogun, aka Sam Larry and others, following the receipt of the June 27 petition by the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba aka Mohbad, over alleged assault, amongst others.
The federal police department further noted that a lawyer to Sam Larry and the other suspects also wrote a counter-petition against Mohbad, alleging defamation of character, after the singer failed to show up to defend his case.
In an interview with Punch on Thursday night, the spokesperson for the Lagos Annex of the FCID, Oluniyi Ogundeyi, further revealed that the late singer, Mohbad failed to show up at the police station to adopt and defend his petition, and also provide proof of the allegations, to assist the police in prosecuting the suspects, if necessary.
This followed the emergence of a document, wherein the late singer reported a case of alleged threat to life, malicious damage, assault, and oppression, among others, against a music promoter, Samson Balogun, aka Sam Larry and others, in a petition to the FCID Annex, Alagbon, Lagos State.
In the June 27, 2023 petition, Mohbad alleged that Sam Larry and 15 others all armed, stormed the venue of a video shoot where the deceased and another artiste, Omoniyi Temidayo aka Zlatan Ibile, were working; and threatened to wreak havoc.
He added that they eventually destroyed equipment worth over N5 million at the scene, and assaulted him (Mohbad) before he narrowly escaped after sustaining injuries.
The petition read, “I of the above name and address, a law-abiding citizen and a Musician bring to your notice the assault and threat to my life by the above-mentioned persons.
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“On 25th June, 2023, while having a video shoot with another artiste by name Zlatan (Ibile, the above-mentioned persons numbering about fifteen led by Sam Larry Elegushi invaded the premises with dangerous arms such as guns, cutlasses etc where I was shooting video and scattered the whole process of the shooting, damaged the equipment I was using for the shooting valued about Five Million Naira and started threatening my life which in the process they became violent and assaulted me which I sustained injuries but narrowly escaped.
“Attached to this petition is the said pictures. Total amount I paid for the shooting they have destroyed is Eight Million Naira (N8,000,000) which is non-refundable.
“However, during the assault, they were boasting that they work for Oba Elegushi and that they have been asked to deal with me for reasons best known to them which to date they are still threatening to kill me if seen. Sir, I call on your good office to save my life from the above mentioned persons and bring them to book.
“Sir, I call on your good office to save my life from the above mentioned persons and bring them to book,” the petition partly read. Thank you for your timely intervention.”
When contacted on Thursday night over the recent development, the Police Public Relations Officer, FCID Annex, Lagos, Oluniyi Ogundeyi revealed that the police could not act on the petition due to Mohbad’s refusal to come up and adopt, defend, and also provide evidence to support the allegations made by him.
Ogundeyi said, “We received the petition, and followed up on the information provided in the petition, and the suspects were invited. But Mohbad refused to show up to defend his petition and also provide evidence to assist the police in carrying out a proper investigation and forward the matter to the legal department for prosecution, if necessary.
“It is true that Mohbad reported the case on June 27, 2023. The IPO confirmed this to me today (Thursday), and showed me the case file. The IPO revealed that Sam Larry and other suspects mentioned in the petition were invited for questioning and they honoured the invite and also gave their statements. But the deceased refused to show up to adopt and defend his petition, and a lawyer to Sam Larry and the other suspects filed a counter-petition accusing Mohbad of defaming them.
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“The police even reached out to Mohbad on several occasions, but he never showed up, and there was nothing the police could do if a petitioner refused to defend their petition and provide evidence to help the police in investigating the matter and forward the case file to the legal department of the suspect’s are found culpable.”
Earlier, the Force PRO, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in an official statement entitled, ‘Mohbad’s Death: We Will Carry Out Diligent Investigation – FPRO,’ noted that the police was committed to a comprehensive investigation into the matter, adding that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police has been tasked to unravel the circumstances surrounding his death.
Adejobi said, “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, and fans of the late Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, known as Mohbad, who recently passed away. We understand the concerns regarding his untimely demise.
“The Nigeria Police Force is committed to a comprehensive investigation into this matter, as the Lagos State Commissioner of Police has been tasked to unravel the circumstances surrounding his death. Rest assured, updates will be provided as investigations unfold.
“We encourage family members or close associates with valuable information to approach the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to assist in this process. In the meantime, we kindly request that individuals refrain from making statements or engaging in activities that could jeopardize the ongoing investigation. Your trust and support are deeply valued.”
Recall the socialite Sam Larry has come under fire on social media after a video where he and some others were allegedly seen harassing late singer, Mohbad surfaced on social media.
Mohbad died on Tuesday at the age of 27. Mohbad’s management also released an official statement confirming his passing away.
”It is with great sadness that we confirm the passing of Promise Oladimeji Aloba PK/A Mohbad (Imole) today, the 12th of September, 2023.
“Mohbad was light until the very end, and as we mourn the loss of the brightness he carried, the family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time. Imole is finally at Peace,” the short statement posted on both his Instagram and X handles read.
(PUNCH)
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Entertainment
Phyna, Nkechi Blessing Take Social Media Feud To Boxing Ring In Lagos
Phyna, Nkechi Blessing Take Social Media Feud To Boxing Ring In Lagos
Reality TV star Phyna and Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday are set to face each other in a celebrity boxing match in Lagos after a recent public disagreement between the two entertainers.
The bout, billed as “Phyna vs Nkechi,” is scheduled for October 1, 2026, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, as part of the Chaos in the Ring series organised by Balmoral Group Promotions.
The organisers announced the celebrity contest on September 18, releasing promotional material featuring both entertainers in boxing gear and presenting the encounter as a move from their online exchanges to the boxing ring.
The proposed Phyna-Nkechi Blessing boxing match is expected to be one of the celebrity attractions on the October 1 card, which will also feature other entertainment personalities and professional boxing contests.
Phyna, whose real name is Josephina Otabor, and Nkechi Blessing have been involved in a recent social media exchange that generated reactions among their followers.
The disagreement reportedly followed comments by Nkechi Blessing about Phyna’s frequent involvement in online disputes.
Phyna subsequently responded by questioning the actress’s decision to publicly address her and referenced an earlier interaction between them involving a movie project.
The exchange continued online before the organisers announced the boxing encounter.
Following the announcement, both entertainers indicated that they were prepared for the contest.
Nkechi Blessing shared the promotional material on her social media platform and issued a message ahead of the bout, while Phyna also reacted to the announcement and signalled her readiness to participate.
It remains unclear whether the earlier disagreement will have any relevance to the formal competition itself, as the event organisers have not indicated that the celebrity contest will involve anything beyond the rules governing the scheduled boxing exhibition.
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Details including the exact number of rounds, weight categories, protective equipment and other specific rules for the celebrity bout had not been fully disclosed in the latest reports.
The Chaos in the Ring event will feature a combination of celebrity and professional boxing.
Another celebrity contest on the programme is expected to feature content creator Carter Efe against social media personality Speed Darlington.
The professional headline bout is scheduled to feature Nigerian cruiserweight Godday “Zodsolo” Appah against Ghanaian-born British boxer Seth “Freezy Macbones” Gyimah.
Other professional bouts announced for the programme include Eworitse Ezra Arenyeka versus Lekan Muibi, Basit “Joker Boy” Adebayo versus Fatiu Ijomoni, and Yusuf Adeniji versus David Tagoe.
The event is expected to be broadcast on DAZN and SuperSport, extending the reach of the programme beyond the venue in Lagos.
The Chaos in the Ring series has previously featured Nigerian entertainers in boxing contests, including Portable, Charles Okocha, Carter Efe and Speed Darlington.
The celebrity bouts have attracted considerable attention because they combine entertainment personalities, social media rivalries and organised boxing events.
The upcoming encounter between Phyna and Nkechi Blessing follows that format, with the organisers using the public interest generated by their recent online exchange as part of the promotion for the October 1 event.
For the two entertainers, however, the contest will require preparation beyond their social media exchanges as they get set to appear in a regulated boxing environment.
The organisers are expected to provide further information on the bout format, tickets and other event arrangements ahead of the programme.
The Phyna vs Nkechi Blessing boxing match is therefore set to become one of the major celebrity attractions at the October 1 Chaos in the Ring event in Lagos.
Phyna, Nkechi Blessing Take Social Media Feud To Boxing Ring In Lagos
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Entertainment
“She Wanted to Stay Single”: Rema Opens Up About Rejection That Inspired Hit Song ‘Oh No’
“She Wanted to Stay Single”: Rema Opens Up About Rejection That Inspired Hit Song ‘Oh No’
During a live stream with online creator Okiki, the 26-year-old Afrobeat star reflects on personal vulnerability and early stardom.
Nigerian music star Divine Ikubor, globally recognized as Rema, shared a candid look into his romantic life on Friday night, revealing that unreciprocated feelings directly inspired his hit track ‘Oh No.’
Speaking during an interactive live stream with content creator Okiki, the 26-year-old chart-topper recounted how an attempt to start an exclusive, serious relationship ended in sudden rejection when the woman declined to settle down.
According to Rema, the lady openly informed him that she preferred to enjoy single life and explore her personal autonomy rather than commit to a monogamous partnership. Consequently, the musician poured his emotional disappointment directly into the creative process, turning the painful heartbreak into the melodic foundation for ‘Oh No.’
Rather than masking the setback, he explained that sharing raw personal experiences allows him to connect genuinely with fans who navigate similar romantic dilemmas.
Furthermore, the Afrobeats phenomenon reflected on the broader emotional impact of global success, explaining that achieving runaway fame at age 17 forced his personal life to move at a breakneck speed.
To regain his footing, Rema noted that he is currently taking time out to step back, re-evaluate his priorities, and focus on grounded self-reflection. Ultimately, his candid remarks offer a rare, vulnerable perspective on the relatable personal trials that exist behind international superstar status.
“She Wanted to Stay Single”: Rema Opens Up About Rejection That Inspired Hit Song ‘Oh No’
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Entertainment
Adunni Ade Reveals Christian Fans Unfollowed Her After Publicly Identifying as Muslim
Adunni Ade Reveals Christian Fans Unfollowed Her After Publicly Identifying as Muslim
Nollywood actress Adunni Ade has opened up about the reaction she received after publicly identifying as a Muslim, revealing that some of her Christian fans unfollowed her because of her religious identity.
The actress said she initially found it difficult to openly discuss her faith because of what she described as the pressures associated with being a public figure in the Nollywood industry.
According to Ade, publicly identifying as a Muslim within the Nigerian film industry can be difficult, and she described the situation as “almost forbidden” based on her personal experience.
She explained that she eventually became tired of keeping her religious identity private and decided to be open about her faith.
Ade said the decision came with consequences, including losing some followers and receiving messages from people who questioned her choice.
“Some people unfollowed me. I got DMs from people trying to cast out spirits. Some people prayed for me,” she said while discussing her experience.
However, the actress added that she also received considerable support from Muslims, many of whom welcomed her more warmly after she publicly acknowledged her faith.
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Ade stressed that her decision to practise Islam should not be interpreted as an attack on Christianity or Christians.
She said she had experienced both Christian and Muslim religious environments and was not suggesting that Christianity was a bad religion. Rather, she explained that Islam was the faith that worked for her personally.
The actress’ comments have renewed attention on her long-standing and publicly discussed religious journey, which has included experiences with both Christianity and Islam.
Ade had previously spoken about her faith in 2020, explaining that she was born and raised Muslim but grew up in a family where different religious traditions were represented.
She said her father allowed his children to choose their preferred religion, while members of her extended family included both Christians and Muslims.
The actress also disclosed that she attended different Christian churches, including Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Christ Living Apostolic Ministry (CLAM) and Christ Apostolic Church (CAC).
Ade said she later returned to Islam on December 31, 2016, after reflecting on her religious identity and concerns about how people might react to her decision.
She said at the time that returning to Islam made her feel happier and more fulfilled.
Her religious identity also came under renewed public discussion in 2026 after she was seen attending an event at a Celestial Church of Christ in Lagos.
Following questions from social media users about whether she had returned to Christianity, Ade clarified that she remained a practising Muslim.
She explained that her presence at the church-related event was connected to her professional relationship with the celebrant and was not evidence of a change in her religion.
Ade’s latest comments therefore provide further context to a faith journey she has discussed publicly over several years.
While describing her experience as difficult at times, she maintained that her decision to openly identify as a Muslim was ultimately a personal one.
Her statement that being openly Muslim in Nollywood is “almost forbidden” reflects her personal experience and perception; it should not be taken as evidence of a formal industry-wide rule restricting actors from publicly identifying with a particular religion.
The actress’ disclosure has also highlighted the wider challenges public figures can face when personal beliefs become subjects of public discussion, particularly in an industry where celebrities often maintain diverse fan bases with different religious and cultural backgrounds.
Adunni Ade Reveals Christian Fans Unfollowed Her After Publicly Identifying as Muslim
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