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.
The long-awaited trial in the murder case of legendary rapper Tupac Shakur has reached a major development, with Duane “Keffe D” Davis sentenced to 40 years to life in prison on October 13, 2026.
Davis was convicted of first-degree murder in August 2026 for his role in orchestrating the 1996 killing. Tupac was shot in a drive-by attack in Las Vegas on September 7, 1996, and died six days later.
During the sentencing, the judge addressed Davis, rejecting his claims that he had changed his life and moved on from his past. “Mr. Davis, for three years, I’ve heard you say some variation of the same thing to law enforcement, [in interviews], in your book, and it’s something like, ‘Yeah, I was involved in this, but I’m different. I’ve moved on. I got out of Compton. I’m a grandfather now.’ I’m here to tell you that’s not how this works,” the judge said.
She continued “You don’t get to take a man from his family. You don’t get to take his very life, his whole future from him, and just walk away from it. Especially when that man is Tupac Shakur.
“The world never forgot about him and his death, and neither did Las Vegas. It took us 30 years, but at this time, you are going to face justice for what you did on Sept. 7, 1996.”
Nollywood actor Timini Egbuson has reflected on how his perception of YouTube movies has changed over the years. The actor recalled that there was a time when he looked down on movies released on YouTube.
However, he now appreciates the opportunities they have provided for his career and joked that he might have struggled financially if he had continued to dismiss them.
Sharing his thoughts in a post on X, Egbuson wrote “Can’t believe I was looking down on YouTube movies at some point. Hunger go don kpai me by now.”
Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo has advised young people who are still living with their parents not to rush into moving out because of peer pressure.
The singer encouraged young people to focus on their personal circumstances rather than compare their lives with those of others. He noted that there is no need to leave their parents’ homes simply because they want to feel independent.
Sharing his advice, Dakolo said “No hurry, leave your papa house because of peer pressure. Forget all that, ‘I don’t have my freedom here.’”
Judge Tells Duane Davis He Must Face Justice for Tupac’s Murder
Timini Egbuson Reflects on Embracing YouTube Movies in Nollywood
