Entertainment
Flavour Impersonator Sentenced to Two Years for Defrauding U.S. Woman of $53,000
A Federal High Court in Lagos has recently handed down a two-year prison sentence to Courage Ipaka for assuming the identity of prominent Nigerian musician Flavour and defrauding a US-based individual, Yvette M. Thompson, of a significant sum totalling $53,000.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) spearheaded the investigation, which identified Ipaka’s use of Flavour’s persona to entice the victim into a purported music event organization in the United States, with payments facilitated through Bitcoin transactions.
An investigation ensued after a petition on lodged by Eyitayo Tolulope Abiodun on behalf of Thompson and other concerned parties.
The EFCC, under the guidance of lead investigator Azibagiri Dan Ekpar, contacted the actual Flavour during the inquiry, affirming his non-involvement in the illicit operation.
This pursuit led to the location of Ipaka in Benin City.
Ipaka admitted to the offence during interrogation, conceding that he misrepresented himself as the artist to perpetrate the fraud.
Notably, the misappropriated funds, channelled through Bitcoin, were eventually converted into Naira and deposited into his Access Bank account, with a total of N7.9 million in traced transactions.
Adhering to the proceedings, it was disclosed that a portion of the embezzled funds had been recuperated through manager’s checks from Zenith and Access Bank.
Presiding over the case, Judge Dehinde Dipeolu sentenced Ipaka to a two-year prison term while offering an alternative fine of N2 million. Furthermore, the court-mandated the restitution of the N7.9 million to Thompson.
This ruling underscores the continuous endeavours of Nigerian authorities to combat the surge of cyber fraud and fraudulent impersonation.
Entertainment
Pheelz: “Music is Divine, Not a Get-Rich-Quick Scheme”
Nigerian artist and producer Philip Kayode, popularly known as Pheelz, has expressed his belief that music should not be viewed as a get-rich-quick scheme, a perception held by some people.
He emphasized that music holds a deeper, more spiritual significance beyond financial gain.
According to Pheelz, music is a divine force that brings healing and serves as a connection to higher powers.
He further explained this idea on his X (formerly Twitter) account, where he shared his thoughts on the essence of music.
In his words, “Music is not a grind. It is not a hustle or a shortcut to wealth. Music is life, it is feeling, healing, and ultimately, music is God.”
In a separate post, Pheelz also shared his view on the music industry, distinguishing the art of music and the business side of it.
He suggested that while music itself is divine, the music business is humanity’s way of trying to commercialize something that stems from a higher power.
He described the music business as “man’s attempt to commodify God’s energy” while maintaining that the essence of music itself remains sacred.
This perspective is noteworthy in the context of Afrobeats, where many up-and-coming and established artists have often cited poverty and financial struggles as key motivations for their careers.
Pheelz’s message seems to offer a different approach, urging both artists and listeners to recognize music as a spiritual journey rather than just a means to financial success.
Entertainment
CKay: “Once Mocked, Now Influencing Afrobeats Trends”
Singer CKay recently took a jab at some of his peers in the Afrobeats scene, claiming they once mocked him for his unique sound but are now emulating his style.
The artist behind the viral hit “Love Nwantiti” asserted that he has been a pioneer of many trends that current Afrobeats artists are now capitalizing on.
Reflecting on his journey, CKay recalled how he was ridiculed when he began promoting Afrobeats on TikTok.
At the time, his innovative approach was met with scepticism, but now many of those who laughed at him have adopted similar strategies, albeit under different names.
On his X (formerly Twitter) account, CKay wrote, “History can’t be rewritten just because some people got paid to rewrite it… I’ll always be here to remind you.”
He confidently declared, “CKay is the first. I pioneered many vibes Afrobeats artists thrive off today… if you know, you know.
You all laughed when I introduced emo-afrobeat and spent hours on TikTok, but now many are doing the same thing, calling it ridiculous names and making money. You’re welcome, though.”
CKay’s remarks highlight the challenges of innovation in the music industry, where originality can often be met with resistance before it gains acceptance.
His experience serves as a reminder that staying true to one’s artistic vision can eventually lead to broader recognition and influence.
Entertainment
IK Ogbonna Slams CAN Over Fake Miracles
Nollywood actor IK Ogbonna has criticized the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over reports of “fake miracles” in some churches.
In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Ogbonna condemned the misuse of God’s name for deceitful purposes, calling it a betrayal of the gospel. He urged Christians to be wary of social media trends that undermine their faith and called on the federal government and CAN to regulate and hold those responsible accountable.
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