IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

Ghana’s EOCO, in collaboration with the FBI and US Justice Department, has seized a 2019 Lamborghini Urus from dancehall star Shatta Wale.

The luxury vehicle, tied to proceeds from US convict Nana Kwabena Amuah’s \$4.7m financial crimes, was found at the artist’s Trassaco Valley residence.

Shatta Wale voluntarily surrendered the car after pleading for a discreet operation. He and a former National Signal Bureau official are now under investigation.

US authorities seek to repatriate the vehicle as part of Amuah’s restitution. 

By Onyinyechi Nwankwo, a Journalist with

Nigeria Newspoint Newspaper. 

To an extraordinary individual, a pillar of strength, a man with great wisdom and integrity, shining example of public service and my amiable Boss, Adm (Hon) Willie T. C Okolieogwo, Special Adviser to Imo State Governor, His Excellency Dist. Sen. Hope Uzodimma CON, on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, I, Onyinyechi Nwankwo, gleefully wish you a splendorous Happy Birthday.

Sir, I join your family, colleagues, countless friends, and the esteemed citizens of Imo State in celebrating this your special birthday.

The serendipity of your birthday this year, coinciding precisely with the day of your birth, a Tuesday, which is inextricably linked to you name Hon. Willie "Tuesday" C. Okolieogwo, is very remarkable and a testimony to the divine orchestration of your life. 

My assiduous Boss, indeed your exhibition of intelligence, tireless dedication and exemplary leadership as former Sole Administrator of Oru West LGA and Imo State ALGON boss and currently SA, garnished with your humane, caring nature, have earned you immense admiration.

I wish you a joyous celebration, filled with much love, and cherished moments with loved ones. 

May this new year of life bring you boundless success, vitality, and fulfillment.

Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr has won the 2025 BET Award for Best International Act, beating Tyla, Rema, and Black Sherif. The ceremony, held at Los Angeles' Peacock Theater, was hosted by comedian Kevin Hart.

This marks Ayra Starr’s first BET win after multiple past nominations. Kendrick Lamar was the night’s biggest winner, taking home four awards including Album of the Year. 

Veteran highlife musician and Igbo oral tradition custodian, Mike Ejeagha, has died at the age of 95 after battling prostate cancer for 16 years.

He passed away at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 6, at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu, according to his eldest son, Emma Ejeagha.

Ejeagha, renowned for his storytelling style and use of Igbo proverbs in music, gained national fame in the 1970s and enjoyed a career spanning over six decades. His 2024 remix of the classic hit "Gwogwogwo” by comedian Brian Potter reignited interest in his music among younger audiences.

Born on April 4, 1930, Ejeagha became a cultural icon in southeastern Nigeria and a pioneer of morally infused highlife music. He was also a guest presenter on NTA’s Akuko N’Egwu, a cultural program that showcased his unique storytelling sound.

He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced soon. 

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons said it is considering ‘further actions’ following a summons letter sent to Nigerian entertainer, Darlington Okoye, known as Speed Darlington, to appear at its headquarters in Abuja on Friday for questioning.

Darlington set social media ablaze on Tuesday after claiming he had once slept with a 15-year-old virgin. Head of the Cybercrime Response Team, Ngamaraju Mangzha, in a letter to the entertainer on Wednesday, requested that the singer appear at NAPTIP’s Wuse Zone 5 office at 9:00 am on Friday.

However, the agency said it will take ‘further actions’ if the entertainer fails to appear for the investigation. “Mr. Darlington Okoye (AKA Speed Darlington) is urged to respond to the official invitation issued on May 28, 2025, regarding a viral video and others in which he admitted to sexually abusing a minor. 

Failure to respond may lead to further action,” NAPTIP wrote in a post on X on Thursday after sharing a copy of the summons letter. 

Actress-turned-politician Funke Akindele has announced plans to re-enter politics, declaring she will contest again despite her 2023 loss as PDP deputy governorship candidate in Lagos.

Speaking on the WithChude podcast, she said her political experience inspired her to stay committed to public service. 

Celebrity barman Cubana Chief Priest has publicly backed fellow socialite Emeka Okonkwo, popularly known as E-Money, following his arrest by the EFCC for allegedly abusing the Naira and spraying U.S. dollars at a public event.

E-Money was arrested Monday night at his Lagos residence for violating the Foreign Exchange Act. Reacting on Instagram, Cubana Chief Priest praised E-Money’s recent contributions to the South-East and claimed the arrest was an attempt to suppress his growing influence.

He encouraged E-Money to stay strong, saying, “This will only make you stronger—just like our Rolls Royce.” 

.... Flown to Abuja 

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested a popular Lagos socialite, Emeka Okonkwo Daniel (a.k.a. E-Money), for allegedly abusing the Naira note.

Our correspondent gathered that he was arrested on Monday night at his residence in the Omole area of Lagos.

Sources within the commission on Tuesday said E-Money was arrested for allegedly spraying United States dollars, an act said to be in violation of the Foreign Exchange Act.

One of the sources said, “On Monday night, we arrested E-Money for Naira abuse and defacing foreign currencies. Specifically, he was alleged to have sprayed U.S. dollars, which is against the Foreign Exchange Act.C0:12 / 1:0

“He was arrested at his Omole, Lagos residence. Preliminary investigations are ongoing, and he will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.”

Another source who confirmed his arrest to our correspondent stated that E-Money is currently being flown to Abuja for questioning.

The source, who is not authorised to speak to the press, said, “Yes, he has been arrested and is being flown to Abuja as I speak, to face investigators on the issue.”

Annie Macaulay, estranged wife of Nigerian music legend Innocent "2Baba" Idibia, publicly confirmed their divorce on Sunday night at the 17th Headies Awards.

While presenting the Best Afrobeat Singer of the Year award alongside Farooq Oreagba, Annie introduced herself, correcting a slip: “Annie Idi... Oh sorry, Annie Macaulay. Hey, single ladies!” — a move that drew cheers from the audience.

The actress had earlier hinted at the separation in March by reverting to her maiden name, Annie Uwana Macaulay, on Instagram, dropping the "Idibia" surname.

Annie and 2Baba, who share two children, officially ended their marriage in January 2025 after 2Baba publicly announced their split.

Shortly after, 2Baba proposed to Edo lawmaker Natasha Osawaru and has since introduced her to his family in Benue State, fuelling wedding speculation. 

Rapper Odumodublvck caused a stir at the 17th Headies Awards on Sunday at the Eko Convention Centre, Lagos, after refusing to leave the stage following his Next Rated award win.

Storming the stage with his mother and over 10 supporters, Odumodublvck’s microphone was cut off mid-speech as organisers tried to manage time. However, he resisted leaving, prompting the organisers to restore his microphone to allow him finish.

In his speech, he reflected on overcoming industry barriers, crediting his success to "my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ."

Odumodublvck beat Shallipopi, Qing Madi, Ayo Maff, and Nasboi to clinch the coveted Next Rated award, which comes with a car prize. The award was presented by Afrobeats star Davido.

Last year, Odumodublvck won Rookie of the Year at the 16th Headies in Atlanta, earning a house prize in Lagos. 

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has appointed music star Innocent “2Baba” Idibia as Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach.  

The appointment was announced in a video where Governor Alia praised 2Baba’s influence and support, stating, “You have the capacity to do more and help us chart a way forward.” 

Peter Okoye of P-Square on Monday testified against his elder brother and former manager, Jude Okoye, in an ongoing trial over alleged money laundering involving N1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Jude and his company, Northside Music Ltd, before Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Lagos on a seven-count charge.

The charges stem from a petition filed by Peter, who told the court that Jude was the sole signatory to group accounts and mismanaged funds, including halting financing of Peter’s Ikoyi home project.

Peter also alleged that Jude created a similar company and withheld financial records and backend royalties after the group’s reunion in 2021.

Jude pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial continues. 

At least 98 people were killed and over 150 injured after the roof of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed during a live performance by merengue legend Rubby Perez early Tuesday.

Perez and former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel were among the victims. Over 370 rescue workers continue search efforts, though chances of finding more survivors are slim.

President Luis Abinader declared three days of national mourning and confirmed the death of Monte Cristi governor, Nelsy Cruz.

Witnesses reported a blackout before the collapse. The club, operating for over 50 years, is cooperating with investigations. Authorities have appealed for blood donations to support the injured.

A giant African pouched rat named Ronin has broken the world record for landmine detection, uncovering 109 landmines and 15 unexploded ordnances in Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province, according to Belgian charity APOPO.

Since his deployment in August 2021, the five-year-old rodent has become APOPO’s most successful Mine Detection Rat (MDR), surpassing the previous record set by Magawa, who detected 71 landmines during his service.

Ronin’s remarkable achievement has earned him a Guinness World Records title, underscoring the critical role of trained rats—nicknamed “HeroRats”—in humanitarian demining efforts.

Cambodia remains one of the world’s most heavily mined countries, with decades of conflict leaving behind dangerous explosives. The country had targeted becoming mine-free by 2025 but recently extended the deadline due to funding constraints and newly discovered minefields. 

Former senator Shehu Sani (Kaduna Central) has turned down an invitation to serve as a judge for the Miss World Nigeria Beauty Pageant, scheduled for April 4 at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.

Event organizer and former senator Ben Murray-Bruce announced Sani’s appointment on social media, congratulating him and urging him to attend in his finest attire.

However, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Sani politely declined, citing personal reasons.

“My wives will not be happy if I serve as a judge. I have not been able to determine the most beautiful among them, let alone among people I don’t know,” he wrote.

He also noted his lack of experience in beauty pageants and expressed a preference to spend the Sallah period with family and friends.

Sani apologized for any inconvenience his decision may have caused Bruce and the event organizers, thanking them for the honor and wishing them success.

Luxury detective page, T20Luxury, has accused actress Mercy Aigbe of showcasing a counterfeit handbag.

Sharing her photo on Instagram, the page claimed her Louis Vuitton Capucines bag was fake and also questioned the authenticity of her eyewear.

T20Luxury advised Aigbe to be more cautious when selecting stylists and personal shoppers, emphasizing the harm counterfeit goods cause to creativity.

This comes shortly after the page similarly called out comedian AY Makun for allegedly flaunting a fake Hermès bag. 

The 15th edition of the Young Achievers Nigeria Awards (YANA), Nigeria’s most prestigious youth-focused event, is set to take place on April 20 at Ibis Ikeja Hotel, Lagos. The annual event celebrates outstanding young Nigerians who have broken barriers and excelled in their respective fields through hard work and dedication.  

This year’s keynote speaker is Ambassador Seyi Tinubu, with other distinguished guest speakers including:  

- Dr. Ayo Aderinwale – Chairman, Just Rite Retail Stores  

- Dr. Jide Adediran (Jandor) – Former Lagos PDP Governorship Candidate  

- Fiona Ahimie Ahmed – MD/CEO, FBNQuest Securities  

- Dr. Alex Nwuba – Aviation Expert & Investor  

- Chief Niyi Babade – International Media Mogul & Entrepreneur  

In a statement released by Adeduntan Ibrahim Yinka, Publisher and Convener of the awards, he emphasized that despite Nigeria’s leadership and economic challenges, several young Nigerians have continued to make significant contributions on the global stage. According to him, this year’s honorees embody qualities such as honesty, competence, progress, intelligence, and inspiration.  

Some of the outstanding individuals to be recognized include:  

- Olanike Nafisat Balogun – First female pilot in the Nigerian Customs Service  

- Flight Lieutenant Kafayat Sanni – First female fighter pilot in the Nigerian Air Force  

- Mariam Oludamilola – Best graduate, Faculty of Dental Sciences, College of Medicine, UNILAG  

- Abubakar Ai-Ihsan Muhammad – Best graduating student, Ahmadu Bello University (CGPA 4.95)  

- Taiwo Shittu – Nigeria’s youngest automotive MD  

- Kola Oladejo – Young entrepreneur with a Midas touch  

- Ayo Alabi – First-class graduate excelling as a young manager in the private sector  

- Aisha Mohammed – Youth development coach & enlightenment manager at EFCC  

The Young Achievers Nigeria Awards (YANA) remains a platform for celebrating today’s trailblazers and tomorrow’s industry leaders. 

Veteran singer Konga has accused Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy of using his lines and rhythm in his songs without credit.

In a video shared on his TikTok page, Konga claimed that Burna Boy name-dropped him in Sungba Remix and incorporated elements of his style in the song Update.

As compensation, Konga is demanding a feature from Burna Boy and Tiwa Savage on the remix of his track Kabakaba.

“It’s clear you like my vibe and have been using elements of my flow, which I appreciate,” Konga stated. “But in return, I want you and Tiwa Savage on Kabakaba Remix. I call you out in peace.” 

Nigerian rapper and activist Falz has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of its governor.

On Tuesday, Tinubu announced the emergency measure, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected state lawmakers for six months, citing political unrest. Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) was appointed as the state's administrator.

Reacting on Twitter, Falz argued that the Nigerian Constitution does not empower the president to suspend an elected governor.

“There is ABSOLUTELY NO LAW that allows a president to SUSPEND a governor. A Governor is elected into office and may only be removed by impeachment,” he wrote.

He further questioned whether the situation in Rivers justified such extreme action, asking, “Is Rivers State at war? Is there an actual breakdown of public order? Is there a threat to the existence of the Federation?”