Many Nigerians groaned as April began, protesting the federal government’s 240% increase in energy tariff costs and a lack of power availability.
The month also saw many deaths in the Nollywood industry, as well as Philip Shaibu’s impeachment. Gospel singers Nathaniel Bassey, Mercy Chinwo, and her husband, Blessing Uzochikwa, also went after social media users who “defamed” them over their child’s paternity.
In this post, we have highlighted the top news stories from this month.
- Mercy Chinwo’s Child: The Paternity Saga
A Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja summoned five social media users for alleged “criminal defamation” of gospel artist Mercy Chinwo and her husband, Blessed Uzochikwa.
The summons followed a direct criminal complaint filed by Uzochikwa, who claimed that the defendants made defamatory remarks implying that Nigerian gospel musician Nathaniel Bassey, not Uzochikwa, is the father of Mercy Chinwo’s child.
- Junior Pope died.
Nollywood actor John Paul Odowondo, also known as Junior Pope, was killed in a boat accident, along with four other Nollywood crew members.
The sad catastrophe happened while they were commuting by boat for Adanma Luke’s upcoming film, ‘The Other Side of Life’.
Nathaniel Bassey also filed a complaint with Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, requesting that those responsible for the false claims be investigated and prosecuted.
- Comedian AY’s marriage collapsed.
Nigerian comedian and filmmaker Ayo Makun, also known as AY, stated that his marriage to Mabel Makun has ended after 15 years.
Prior to the announcement, there were rumors that the movie actor and his wife had split up over alleged infidelity.
In a message posted on his Instagram page, AY revealed that his marriage had ended, but he would not entertain the public with personal family affairs.
The comedian confessed that he has found himself doing things he is not proud of, and he is saddened to see his marriage deteriorate.
- Mercy Chinwo’s Child: The Paternity Saga
A Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja summoned five social media users for alleged “criminal defamation” of gospel artist Mercy Chinwo and her husband, Blessed Uzochikwa.
The summons followed a direct criminal complaint filed by Uzochikwa, who claimed that the defendants made defamatory remarks implying that Nigerian gospel musician Nathaniel Bassey, not Uzochikwa, is the father of Mercy Chinwo’s child.
Nathaniel Bassey also filed a complaint with Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, requesting that those responsible for the false claims be investigated and prosecuted.
- Bobrisky Sentenced for Naira Abuse
Idri Okunneye, also known as Bobrisky, a Nigerian crossdresser, was detained by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives in Lagos State on charges of money laundering and Naira misuse.
On April 12, Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos sentenced Bobrisky to six months in jail without the option of a fine after he was found guilty of Naira mutilation.
- Yahaya Bello Wanted
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission invaded former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s Abuja apartment. The EFCC’s activities were the consequence of an ongoing court struggle between Bello and the commission, which included an updated allegation alleging N84 billion in money laundering.
The EFCC accused Bello of money laundering, breach of trust, and theft of funds; Bello is still at large.
