Yul Edochie Blasts Arise TV Anchor Rufai Oseni in Viral Video

Nollywood actor and filmmaker Yul Edochie has sparked widespread reactions online after criticising Arise TV anchor Rufai Oseni in a viral video circulating across Nigeria’s social media space.

In the video, the actor accused Rufai Oseni of being disrespectful to guests during television interviews, questioning the broadcaster’s credibility to challenge public officials and other guests on national issues.

Edochie argued that journalists have a responsibility to ensure guests are treated with respect during interviews, claiming that the Arise TV presenter’s confrontational approach often makes guests uncomfortable.

“How can you invite somebody and make the guest uncomfortable?” Edochie asked in the video. He further described Oseni as “very disrespectful,” adding that such behaviour does not align with the ethics expected in professional journalism.

The criticism appears to be linked to long-standing public discussions about Rufai Oseni’s assertive interview style on Arise Television, where he is widely known for asking tough and direct questions to politicians and public figures during live broadcasts. While many viewers praise the journalist for holding leaders accountable, critics have argued that his approach can sometimes appear confrontational or overly aggressive during interviews.

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During the viral video message, Yul Edochie also referenced a past incident involving the Arise TV anchor and Lagos traffic authorities. According to the actor, Oseni was previously caught driving on a restricted Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane in Lagos, where he allegedly argued with traffic officials before later apologising after a video of the incident surfaced online.

Public records show that the broadcaster was fined by a Lagos court in 2022 for driving on a BRT lane, after which he issued a public apology over the violation. Edochie cited the incident while questioning Oseni’s moral authority to criticise political leaders and public officials on national television.

In the same video, the Nollywood actor also urged Nigerians to respect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and allow his administration time to address the country’s challenges. Edochie, who has previously expressed support for the president, argued that critics should give the government enough time to implement its policies and reforms.

The video has generated mixed reactions on social media, with Nigerians divided over the actor’s comments. While some users supported Yul Edochie’s criticism of Rufai Oseni, others defended the journalist, arguing that tough questioning is essential for democratic accountability and responsible journalism.

As of the time of this report, Rufai Oseni has not publicly responded to the actor’s remarks. The controversy highlights the increasing clashes between media scrutiny, celebrity influence, and political discourse in Nigeria, where public figures frequently engage in heated debates across television and digital platforms.

Yul Edochie Blasts Arise TV Anchor Rufai Oseni in Viral Video

Why Prosecuting Simi Over Paedophilia Allegations Is Difficult – Lagos DSVA

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has explained why prosecuting singer-songwriter and actress Simisola Kosoko (Simi) over recent paedophilia allegations would be legally difficult, citing the absence of a survivor or formal complainant.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Thursday, the Executive Secretary of the agency, Lola Vivour-Adeniyi, said prosecution in cases of alleged sexual abuse cannot proceed effectively without a victim willing to make an official report.

According to her, criminal prosecution requires a survivor who can provide testimony or a complainant whose report can be investigated and documented in line with due process.

“The truth is that it will be very difficult to prosecute without a survivor being present,” Vivour-Adeniyi said during the programme.

The controversy erupted after old posts from Simi’s X (formerly Twitter) account resurfaced online, with some social media users alleging that the posts, made over a decade ago, suggested inappropriate references to toddlers at her mother’s daycare centre. The development triggered accusations of paedophilia against the singer and widespread public debate.

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Simi, who is 37, came under renewed scrutiny shortly after she publicly expressed concern about rising cases of sexual assault in Nigeria, following TikToker Mirabel’s now-discredited rape allegation. After Mirabel admitted that her claim was false, online users revisited Simi’s historical posts from around 2012, reigniting criticism.

The resurfaced posts allegedly referenced a young child expressing affection toward her, with wording that many users described as inappropriate. The singer later clarified that the posts were made when she was 23 years old, while she was assisting at her mother’s daycare, and insisted that they were poorly worded jokes, not reflections of abusive behaviour.

Despite her explanation, public pressure mounted, with calls for authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly. In response, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) stated via its official Instagram page that it is committed to investigating all credible reports related to child abuse or exploitation.

NAPTIP urged anyone with verifiable information, evidence, direct knowledge, or personal experience connected to the allegations to come forward, stressing that investigations must be evidence-driven.

Adding further context, Vivour-Adeniyi said that allegations involving potential child abuse should never be ignored, even when they originate from social media. She called on the Ogun State Government to initiate a preliminary investigation, given that the daycare referenced was reportedly located in the state.

She explained that once allegations surface, relevant authorities have a duty to assess, document, and verify the claims before determining whether legal thresholds for prosecution have been met.

“As for the Simi case, we cannot pretend that we have not seen these reports. We have a duty to at least begin a preliminary investigation,” she said.

However, Vivour-Adeniyi reiterated that the lack of direct testimony, formal complaints, or identifiable survivors significantly limits how far legal action can go. She stressed that criminal cases must be built on admissible evidence, not public outrage or online interpretation.

She encouraged anyone who may have experienced or witnessed sexual abuse, assault, exploitation, or misconduct to formally report to the appropriate authorities, noting that reporting is essential for proper documentation and lawful investigation.

According to her, once a formal statement is obtained, agencies would be better positioned to determine the next course of action, whether criminal, civil, or administrative.

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency emphasized that while no allegation involving children should be trivialized, investigations must still follow due process, fairness, and the rule of law, to protect both potential victims and the integrity of the justice system.

Why Prosecuting Simi Over Paedophilia Allegations Is Difficult – Lagos DSVA

Nollywood Actor Okemesi Confirmed Dead After Brief Illness

The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of Nollywood actor Okemesi, whose real name is Bamidele Oluwatope Saint. The comic star reportedly passed away on Tuesday after suffering complications during a recent hospital admission.

According to close associates, the actor slipped into a coma following medical treatment and was later pronounced dead. The heartbreaking announcement was made by fellow actor and colleague Jeff Owolewa, popularly known as Tony Montana, who shared the news in an emotional video message.

Reports indicate that the Nollywood star had been battling health challenges prior to his hospitalization. Sources within the entertainment community revealed that complications from medication contributed to his deteriorating condition. Jeff Owolewa disclosed that doctors confirmed Okemesi’s death at about 11:50 a.m., bringing an end to days of uncertainty surrounding his health.

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News of the Okemesi death has sparked widespread reactions across social media, with fans and colleagues expressing shock and sadness. Many described him as a talented comic actor whose unique delivery and humorous roles earned him a loyal following. The late actor was particularly known for his vibrant screen presence and contributions to indigenous Yoruba-language productions, where he carved a niche for himself as a comic personality.

Before his passing, Okemesi had reportedly appealed for financial assistance to manage ongoing medical challenges. His death has once again raised conversations about healthcare support and welfare structures for actors within the Nigerian film industry. As tributes continue to pour in, family members and colleagues are expected to announce funeral arrangements in the coming days.

The Nollywood actor’s death marks another significant loss for Nigeria’s entertainment sector, leaving fans remembering his legacy of laughter, resilience, and dedication to his craft.

Nollywood Actor Okemesi Confirmed Dead After Brief Illness