Entertainment
Did Nkiru Sylvanus Pay Kidnappers N30m?
If feelers reaching The Tide Entertainment Reel are anything to go by, then actress Nkiru Sylvanus, who was released by her abductors last Thursday evening, paid N30 million ransom.
The police said the family paid N8m to the kidnappers.
One of President Goodluck Jonathan’s aides, Oronto Douglas, was said to have paid part of the ransom, while the Imo State Government and Nkiru’s family members also made contributions.
The unknown gunmen, who abducted Nkiru, her Personal Assistant and actor Kenneth Okoli, initially demanded N100 million ransom, but the price was slashed following a protracted negotiation with family representatives of the actress.
A source close to the family of Nkiru squealed to the press that “after some days of negotiations, the kidnappers eventually succumbed to a ransom in the region of N30 million. A lot of friends contributed to that figure.”
Efforts to reach Nkiru, who is currently a Personal Assistant to the Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, proved abortive. Her MTN mobile number was on answering machine.
Meanwhile, National President of AGN, Ibinabo Fiberesima, told Nollywood Reel that though they were happy that Nkiru, her PA and Okoli were released unhurt, it was high time the kidnappers left actors alone.
“I can have a merry Christmas now that they have been released. I’m happy. But it is high time we let the kidnappers understood that actors shouldn’t be their target. We will continue with a lot of public sensitisation in this regard,” Ibinabo stated.
A few days after Nkiru’s kidnap, members of AGN, South-East chapter, held a rally in Imo State and other neighbouring states.
The rally, coordinated by Barrister Ezenna Agu, AGN’s Vice President, South-East, was attended by eastern-based actors in the country.
During the rally, the actors peacefully marched to the Imo State Government House and other strategic places to show their grievances over the kidnap of their colleague.
The purpose of the rally, according to the actors, was to show displeasure over the abduction of Nkiru and to also let the perpetrators of this evil act know that even if they must kidnap, actors shouldn’t be their target.
Popular businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest, has said that his relationship with singer Davido is beyond money and gossip.
He stated this in a recent interview with BBC Igbo.
“Davido is my friend. He is my in-law; he married Chioma who is from Imo State where I hail from.
“So the relationship I have with Davido is beyond money and gossip,” he said.
DAILY POST reports that Chief Priest disclosed via his Instagram page that his outfit for the wedding of the singer, Davido and his wife, Chioma, in Lagos on Tuesday cost seven million Naira.
The socialite recently appreciated Davido for not “discarding” Chioma.
He stated that the DMW boss has made Imo State proud by choosing to marry from the state.
Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has lent her voice to the ongoing anti-tax hike protests in Kenya.
The Tide’s source reports that Kenyan youths are marching against tax hike in widespread demonstrations tagged ‘RejectFinanceBill2024.’
Five people were shot dead and dozens wounded after police clashed with protesters who stormed the parliament building in Nairobi on Tuesday, according to Amnesty Kenya.
Reacting via her X handle on Tuesday night, Simi declared her support for the demonstrators.
She stated that “it is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights.”
The singer wrote, “I stand with the people of Kenya. It is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights. Godspeed and Strength. [Hash tag] RejectFinanceBill2024.”
In a series of other posts, she wrote: “Wow. When you’ve had enough, the fight is almost inevitable.
“African leaders- have not you done enough?
“I can’t wait for the day Africa is not a weapon fashioned against Africans. All of this amazing Black power and human resource, but the majority are not likely to thrive unless they run.”
Famous Nigerian Afrobeat singer, Davido was spotted among other top artistes at Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour concert in Atlanta, Georgia.
Asake’s performance at his sold-out show at the 17,000-capacity State Farm Arena in Atlanta began on August 16, 2024, and is set to run for 10 days.
In a trending video on social media, Davido appeared backstage with American rapper Quavo to support Asake during the live performance.
Other musicians in attendance included Nigerian hitmaker Zlatan and American rapper Russ Millions.
The Tide’s source reports that Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour is set to cover six U.S. cities, where he will headline notable venues including Madison Square Garden in New York, the Toyota Center in Houston, and the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Asake’s tour comes just days after the release of his latest hit, ‘Lungu Boy,’ which features several superstars, including Wizkid, British rappers Central Cee and Stormzy, Travis Scott and Brazilian singer Ludmilla.
‘Lungu Boy’ set a new record for the biggest opening week on Spotify Nigeria, garnering 18.9 million streams in its opening week and breaking the previous record of 14.4 million streams held by Davido’s ‘Timeless.’