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Gnewzy Reveals $200,000 Ransom Paid for His Release After Abduction

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Nigerian Afro-pop singer Emuemu Oghala Goodnews, widely known as Gnewzy, has disclosed the amount paid for his release following his kidnapping.

Gnewzy was abducted in April 2024 along Eklat Road in Ughelli, Delta State. His manager and brother, Obas9ice, narrowly escaped the abduction.

The kidnappers initially contacted Dilly Umenyiora, the CEO of Gnewzy’s record label, demanding a ransom of $200,000. Gnewzy was eventually freed on May 3.

In a recent interview with HipTV, Gnewzy shared details of his ordeal, revealing that the full ransom amount of $200,000 was paid for his release.

He recounted the events leading up to his abduction, explaining that he had been in Delta State for a radio tour and had decided to host a small listening party in Ughelli, his hometown, to wrap up the event.

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After the party, while heading back to their apartment, Gnewzy and his brother stopped to pick up someone who ultimately decided not to join them.

As they were making a U-turn on their way home, they were suddenly confronted by men dressed in police uniforms who forced them out of their vehicle.

The attackers, who identified themselves as police officers, threatened to shoot Gnewzy’s brother if he did not flee into the nearby bushes. The assailants then covered Gnewzy’s face and transported him to a different location.

Despite the traumatic experience, Gnewzy reported that he was not physically harmed; the abductors provided him with food and instructed him to cooperate, warning him of severe consequences if he attempted to resist or escape.

Gnewzy’s revelation sheds light on the alarming trend of criminals impersonating law enforcement to carry out abductions and other crimes.

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IK Ogbonna Slams CAN Over Fake Miracles

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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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Spotify Celebrates Wizkid’s “Ojuelegba” 10th Anniversary with 55M Streams

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Spotify has marked the 10th anniversary of Wizkid’s hit single “Ojuelegba,” recognizing its significant impact on the global music scene.

In a statement by Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, it was highlighted that the song has garnered over 55 million streams since its debut in 2014.

“Ojuelegba” played a pivotal role in shaping the rise of Afrobeats, propelling the genre onto the world stage and capturing the attention of millions of fans across different continents.

Okumu noted that the track’s influence extends far beyond its Nigerian roots, resonating with listeners in the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, and Nigeria, which make up the top five countries streaming the song.

As one of Wizkid’s most defining works, “Ojuelegba” solidified his place as a leading figure in African music.

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It not only became a cultural anthem but also contributed to the growing global recognition of Afrobeats.

Okumu emphasized that the song continues to be celebrated, even a decade later, as one of the most iconic tracks in the genre’s history.

This milestone reinforces the power of African music and its ability to influence global trends.

The anniversary of “Ojuelegba” serves as a reminder of the immense talent within the African music scene and the continued global expansion of Afrobeats.

As the genre keeps evolving, Wizkid’s legacy remains firmly entrenched, with “Ojuelegba” standing as a timeless testament to his artistry and the global reach of African sounds.

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Seun Kuti Slams Tinubu’s Fuel Subsidy Removal, Calls It a “Wicked Decision”

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Afrobeat musician Seun Anikulapo-Kuti has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove the fuel subsidy, labelling it as a “wicked” move that neglects the welfare of Nigerians.

While the President claimed that the subsidy removal was a “tough” but necessary choice for the good of the country, Kuti expressed his disagreement, stating that it was far from being a difficult decision and was instead detrimental to the people.

During a heated Instagram Live session, Kuti condemned the government’s decision to purchase a $150 million jet for the President while critical sectors like education remain underfunded.

He argued that the funds used to acquire the jet could have been better spent on building and sustaining schools, which would have a lasting impact on future generations.

He pointed out that the $150 million could finance the construction and operation of 10 well-equipped primary schools for at least 20 years, ensuring the education of multiple generations of children.

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Kuti emphasized that such spending priorities reflect a lack of consideration for the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.

He questioned the process behind the jet purchase, asking, “Who donated the $150 million jet for Tinubu?

Who was consulted before making such an acquisition?” He further stressed that the President’s actions regarding the fuel subsidy and economic decisions, such as floating the naira, only compound the challenges faced by citizens.

Kuti’s remarks challenge the narrative that the President’s decisions are being made in the interest of the people.

He argued that there is nothing “tough” about the removal of the subsidy and other financial policies, calling them harmful to the nation’s wellbeing.

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