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