Author: Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Zukerberg’s Threads rival Twitter with over 10m users in first hours

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

More than 10 million people have signed up for Threads, Meta’s rival to Twitter, within the first few hours of its launch, the company’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg said on Thursday. The app went live on Apple and Android app stores in 100 countries at 2300 GMT on Wednesday and will run with no ads for now, but its release in Europe has been delayed over data privacy concerns. Threads is the biggest challenger yet to Elon Musk-owned Twitter, which has seen a series of potential competitors emerge but not yet…

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Boxing: Wilder assures of December date with Joshua

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

American heavyweight boxer and former WBC champion, Deontay Wilder has provided an update regarding the highly anticipated Saudi clash with Anthony Joshua slated for December 2023. Boxing fans have been sceptical about any rumoured big fight involving heavyweights recently, given the lack of high-profile match ups in the division so far this year. Talks are also ongoing for Wilder to take an interim fight against Andy Ruiz, though these appear to have reached a stalemate. ‘The Bronze Bomber’ assured 78SportsTV that the blockbuster bout with Joshua in the Middle East…

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DSS alleges plans to disrupt inauguration, warn trouble makers

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

The Department of State Services has disclosed that some elements are planning to disrupt the handover ceremonies in some parts of the country. According to the service, these elements plan to undermine the efforts of the security agencies as well as cause panic among the citizens. In a statement released on Thursday by the spokesperson for the service, Peter Afunanya, the DSS urged citizens to adhere to the laid down protocols for the events across the country. The statement partly read, “It would be recalled that the Secretary to the…

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Full list: See who got what at AMVCA

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

The 9th edition of the African Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) was held today, Saturday, May 20, 2023. The prestigious event, at the Eko Hotel, celebrated talents in the film world across Africa. Veteran actress Patience Ozokwor took home the Industry Merit Award for her admirable service to the industry. Jade Osiberu’s Brotherhood and Kunle Afolayan’s Anikulapo grabbed multiple awards in different categories. Below is the list of winners: Best Actor in a Comedy – (Movie/TV Series) Samuel Perry (Broda Shaggi) – Best Actress in a Comedy – (Movie/TV Series)…

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Why I wont pray for Murphy Afolabi -Islamic cleric

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

An Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yelma’e, has said Islam forbids him from praying for the departed soul of popular actor, Murphy Afolabi, because he mostly used his roles in movies to promote actions that are against the Islamic religion. The cleric, in a video clip posted on YouTube and reposted by @mufasatundeednut on Instagram on Thursday, said he would never pray for Afolabi because he usually acted as herbalist, among other roles forbidden in Islam. Noting that there was a need for religious teachers and students to start reflecting on the…

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Tobi Amusan bags Master’s Degree in US varsity

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Tobi Amusan, sensational World record holder, Tobi Amusan (OON), has added another feather to her well decorated cap, after bagging a Master’s of Arts in Leadership Studies and Sports Management at the University of Texas El Paso. The current Commonwealth and African champion in the 100m hurdles, as well as the meet record holder in three competitions, also graduated from the same University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. The Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) named Amusan Africa’s Best Female Athlete for the Year in December…

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4th in a row: Another Nollywood actor dies

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Nollywood actor Chikezie Uwazie has reportedly died after undergoing a brain surgery in the United States. The sad news of his death was announced by colleague, Obey Etok, via her Instagram page on Sunday. She wrote, “I can’t imagine I’m posting this. Chikezie Uwazie goneeeee!!!. After a 2nd brain surgery. Gini na emezi. I’m so shocked to get this news this evening. Just got this from our IMSU alumni platform. “I thought you told me you were going to the States for greener pastures. You promised to come back some…

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IGP orders arrest, prosecution of Ṣeun Kuti

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Alhaji Usman Baba, the Inspector-General of Police, has ordered the arrest of Afrobeat musician and son of late music legend, Seun Kuti, over an alleged assault of a police officer in Lagos. The IG has equally ordered a speedy and full investigation into the remote and immediate cause(s) of the alleged assault and prosecution of the suspect accordingly. This was as the musician alleged attempted murder of himself and his family by the police officer in question, in a social media post obtained by our correspondent on Saturday night. Speaking…

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Actor, Saint Obi is dead

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Nollywood actor, Obinna Nwafor, otherwise known in the movie industry as Saint Obi, has passed away. This newspaper gathered that the ailing actor died about a week ago but the family chose not to announce his death for reasons yet to be ascertained. The actor is said to have battled an undisclosed ailment for sometime and was reported to have relocated to Jos, the Plateau State capital for further treatment of the ailment that had kept him in and out of the hospital for over two years.

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Confusion as Britain records Baby with DNA from three persons

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

A baby has been born having three people’s deoxyribonucleic acid for the first time in Britain. Most of the child’s DNA came from their two parents but about 0.1 per cent was from a third person, another woman. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority said “less than five” babies have been born in the United Kingdom this way, but no further details have been released to protect their identity. The scientific technique is designed to prevent children from being born with devastating mitochondrial diseases. These are long-term, genetic and often…

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Why I was deported from Dubai -Bobrisky narrates ordeal with Immigration

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Controversial crossdresser, Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, popularly known as Bobrisky, has disclosed that he was deported from the United Arab Emirates because he looked different from the photo on his passport. Bobrisky disclosed that on arriving at the airport in Dubai, he was sent back to Nigeria because of the country’s Islamic laws which prohibit cross-dressing. He said he has been to Dubai several times but was deported that fateful day because it was on a jumʿah day. The cross-dresser was featured on the recent episode of the TokeMoments audiovisual podcast…

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CAN calls out Peak Milk, threatens boycott over offensive Easter advert

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, Nigeria’s topmost dairy company and makers of Peak Milk has incurred the wrath of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over an offensive Easter advert that has sparked outrage among Christians in the country. In the controversial advert, the company used the crucifixion of Jesus Christ as a metaphor to promote their product on Good Friday, a move that CAN describe as “totally unacceptable” to the Christian population. The General Secretary of CAN, Barrister Joseph Daramola, warned the company to retract the advert, tender an apology…

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Lampard returns to Chelsea as interim manager

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Frank Lampard made a surprise return to Chelsea as caretaker manager until the end of the season on Thursday, just over two years after he was sacked by the Premier League club. Lampard, Chelsea’s record goalscorer, previously managed the Blues from July 2019 until January 2021, when he was replaced by Thomas Tuchel. The 44-year-old’s unexpected move back to Stamford Bridge came after Tuchel’s successor Graham Potter was dismissed on Sunday with the club in the bottom half of the Premier League. “We are delighted to welcome Frank back to…

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Portable arraigned for assault, granted bail

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Singer Habeeb Okikiola popularly known as Portable has been granted bail by a High Court in Ifo, Ogun State. Portable landed in police custody on Friday, March 31, 2023, after his engagement with police officers at his bar, during which one of them was allegedly injured. The singer was subsequently arraigned in court on Monday. The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, had said the controversial singer would face more than six charges in court. The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has stated that the controversial singer, Portable, will…

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FIFA Women’s World Cup: HotSports awaits Trophy Tour to unveil big plan for Super Falcons

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Renowned sports marketing company, HotSports says it is at an advanced stage of baking an elaborate plan for a huge boost from Corporate Nigeria for the Senior Women National Team, Super Falcons’ campaign at the 9th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand this summer. “I am happy at the conversation we have had with the NFF President, which centred on doing something special for the Super Falcons around the FIFA Women’s World Cup,” HotSports President/CEO, Mr. Taye Ige said after a meeting with the President of…

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‘We are done with each other: Basketmouth announces break-up with wife

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Bright Okpocha, the veteran Comedian, popularly known as Basketmouth, on Thursday, announced a breakup with his wife, Elsie Okpocha. The PUNCH had earlier reported that Basketmouth celebrated Elsie’s 44th birthday anniversary around September but failed to celebrate their annual wedding anniversary which usually comes up in November. Taking to his verified social media to announce their divorce, Basketmouth wrote, “As much as it pains me to bring my personal life to the public space, this is an unavoidable situation. “After much deliberations, my wife and I have made the difficult…

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Messi crowns glorious career with World Cup as Argentina beat France

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Thirty-six years after Argentina’s ‘god,’ Diego Amando Maradona, led his country to win their second FIFA World Cup title, his heir, Lionel Messi, yesterday at the Lusail Stadium, Qatar, entered the global football immortality list when he motivated another group of players from the South American country to another Copa du Mundo glory. But success came in the worst possible manner for a team that had waited for so long for football’s holy grail. The Argentines raced into a first half 2-0 lead and controlled the final so well, that…

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Social media can run you mad, psychiatrist warns

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

A psychiatrist and first female president of the association of psychiatrists in Ogun State, Dr. Mrs Taiwo Adamson, has raised the alarm over the effects of social media on the mental health of youths. The psychiatry expert warned that social media could kill and affect human mental health. The former president of association of psychiatrists in the state said this while speaking at the second edition of a debate competition named after her, tagged, ‘Dr. Adamson Secondary School Annual Debate Competition’. According to her, social media had made countless people…

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LASAA launches 2023 mobile advert stickers for branded vehicles

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA), the agency saddled with the mandate to regulate advertisement displays in Lagos State, has announced the release of its 2023 mobile advert stickers for branded vehicles in the state. Managing Director of LASAA, Prince Adedamola Docemo, in a statement in Ikeja yesterday, stated that the new and improved mobile advert e-sticker will be in force effective from the 1st of January 2023, a development that will render the 2022 sticker invalid. He reiterated that, just like last year, the agency has fully deviated…

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Sterling refreshes romance with the Arts at Ake Festival

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Sterling Bank Plc, Nigeria’s leading financial institution, has said it is committed to supporting the annual Ake Books and Arts Festival because it sees Nigeria as part of a larger world and believes that Nigeria’s ultimate competitiveness lies in its energy.   Executive Director at Sterling, Yemi Odubiyi, who disclosed this over the weekend in a goodwill message at the opening of the 10th edition of the Ake Books and Arts Festival said Nigeria can become a leader in the world and its creative people as part of its competitiveness.…

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Why I kicked Kanye West out of Twitter -Elon Musk

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Elon Musk on Friday kicked Kanye West off Twitter “for incitement to violence” after the rapper posted a picture that appeared to show a swastika interlaced with a Star of David. The post came hours after an interview with conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, in which West sparked outrage by declaring his “love” of Nazis and admiration for Adolf Hitler. West had also shared a picture of a shirtless Musk getting sprayed with water, tweeting, “Let’s always remember this as my final tweet.” In response, Musk said, “Just clarifying that his…

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Zenith Bank brings Christmas to life, lights up Ajose Adeogun

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

It was a great spectacle to behold as the Christmas and Yuletide season came to life at the 2022 Zenith Bank Christmas Light-Up Ceremony, which was held at the Ajose Adeogun Street Roundabout, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Saturday, November 19, 2022. The official lighting ceremony, which was performed by the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, supported by Executive Management, was witnessed by many of the bank’s staff and customers, with others joining virtually. With the theme “Let There Be Light”, this year marks the 16th…

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61st FirstBank Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship tees off

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

In furtherance of its commitment to the development of sports in Nigeria, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has announced that the 61st edition of the FirstBank sponsored Lagos Amateur Golf Championship has been scheduled to tee-off at the golf section of Ikoyi Club 1938 on Friday 18th, to Sunday 20th of November 2022. To be played over 54-holes (3-days), the FirstBank Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship is a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) listed competition that attracts the best golfers from the amateur scene, not only in Nigeria but across…

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Twin Brothers bag first class in law from University Of Ibadan

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

The Sanuade twin brothers, Taiwo and Kehinde, have graduated with first class degrees in Law from the University Of Ibadan. Taiwo shared photos from their convocation while expressing gratitude with honour to Jesus Christ for imparting, equipping. He wrote: “Happy Convocation to us: SANUADE, Taiwo David (LL.B) (UI) (First Class Honours). SANUADE, Kehinde Daniel (LL.B) (UI) (First Class Honours). “Thank you Jesus. The honour of this is for Jesus who has graciously given us wisdom and the necessary resources to pull this through

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Man U retaliate, tear Ronaldo’s poster from Old Trafford

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Manchester United have started taking action against Cristiano Ronaldo over his explosive interview with Piers Morgan, in which he blasted several aspects of the club. According to Express Sport, workers have been spotted tearing a large poster featuring Ronaldo from the side of Old Trafford, stirring transfer speculation further. The 37-year-old has made an aggressive play to leave United by joining ‘Piers Morgan Uncensored’ to unleash his pent-up fury on the club. He claimed the Glazer family ‘didn’t care’ about sporting success, admitted he ‘didn’t respect’ manager Erik ten Hag…

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Adefarasin officiates as Ex-US President, Donald Trump’s daughter marries Naija boy, Michael

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Tiffany Trump, the daughter of former United States President, Donald Trump, married her lover, a Nigerian-bred Michael Boulos, on Saturday. Senior pastor of House on the Rock Church, Paul Adefarasin and his wife Pastor Ifeanyi Adefarasin, attended the wedding ceremony. Boulos is the son of Lebanese business tycoon Massad Boulos. Boulos was brought up in Lagos, Nigeria as well. Earlier on Friday, Pastor Adefarasin had blessed the couple at a pre-wedding event organised by Tiffany and Boulos. Taking to his verified Instagram page on Saturday, he said, “Yesterday (Friday), I…

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Kizz Daniel, only African artiste to perform at Qatar 2022 World Cup

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Kizz Daniel, Buga hitmaker and popular Nigerian singer has been confirmed as one of the headlines performing artists at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The World Cup organizers, FIFA, made the confirmation on Friday as they listed the five official performing artists for the event. In FIFA’s list of headliners for the FIFA Fan Festival during the World Cup, Kizz Daniel is the only African artist performing alongside five international award-winning singers. For the lineup, American DJ and Music Producer, Diplo, will perform on November 22 while Kizz Daniel’s…

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OOU stop students from attending classes for wearing sandals

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

The management of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ijebu Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, on Monday, barred hundreds of students from attending classes for putting on pam sandals. Our correspondent gathered that the students were stopped at the school’s Permanent Site gate in Ago-Iwoye, and told to return home to wear shoes. Narrating his ordeal, a student, who simply identified as Durotimi said he missed classes because he wasn’t allowed on the school campus for wearing pam sandals. He said, “It is disheartening. When we got to the school gate this morning, we discovered…

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Finally, Instagram pulls down Hushpuppi’s account

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Instagram has deactivated the verified account of the suspected internet fraudster, Abbas Ramoni, popularly known as Hushpuppi who is currently been tried in the United States for fraud-related activities. The PUNCH had reported that Hushpuppi was arrested in Dubai by a joint team of Dubai Police and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation in June 2020 for alleged fraud on different victims, including American citizens. Hushpuppi was then extradited and charged with multiple counts of hacking, impersonation, scamming banking fraud, and identity theft. Meanwhile, the suspected internet fraudster’s account…

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Elon Musk seals Twitter deal, sacks CEO, others

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Elon Musk took control of Twitter and fired its top executives late Thursday in a deal that puts one of the leading platforms for global discourse in the hands of the world’s richest man. Following the takeover, Musk tweeted that “the bird is freed,” referencing the company’s iconic avian logo. He wasted no time sacking chief executive Parag Agrawal, as well as the company’s chief financial officer and its head of safety, the Washington Post and CNBC reported citing unnamed sources. Agrawal previously went to court to hold the Tesla…

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I have Nigerian blood -Meghan Markle

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has opened up on her genetic heritage, revealing that she is 43% Nigerian. Markle made this known in the latest episode of her podcast, Archetypes, where she expressed her desire to learn more about her roots, Mirrors reported on Tuesday. In the episode, Markle discussed with American actress Issa Rae, Nigerian-American writer Ziwe Fumudoh, and professor Emily Bernards. The Duchess of Sussex then stated that she took a genealogy test which revealed that she is 43% Nigerian. She said, “I just had my genealogy…

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World’s dirtiest man, Amou Haji dies at 94

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

An Iranian man, Amou Haji, nicknamed the “dirtiest man in the world” for not taking a shower for decades has died at the age of 94, state media reported on Tuesday. Haji, who did not wash for more than half a century and was single, died on Sunday in the village of Dejgah in the southern province of Fars, IRNA news agency reported. Haji had avoided showering over fears of “getting sick”, the agency quoted a local official as saying. But “for the first time a few months ago, villagers…

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Ooni goes for wife number 7 today

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, is set to marry his sixth wife, Temitope Adesegun, on Monday, October 24, 2022. The announcement was made by the Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, in a Facebook post on Sunday. The monarch had on Thursday, October 20, 2022 married his fifth wife and founder of African Fashion Week, Ronke Ademiluyi who is the great-granddaughter of the 48th Ooni of Ife, Ajagun Ademiluyi. According to the Olafare, the Ooni’s sixth wife-to-be, Adesegun, is a princess who hails from Ijebu land. In the Facebook post,…

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Unhappy Ronaldo out of Chelsea clash

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Manchester United has been plunged into fresh doubt after he was dropped from the squad for Saturday’s clash with Chelsea following his tantrum against Tottenham. Ronaldo stormed down the Old Trafford tunnel with several minutes remaining in United’s 2-0 win over Tottenham on Wednesday. The 37-year-old star reportedly told United manager Erik ten Hag that he did not want to come on as a late substitute. Ten Hag said after the Tottenham match that he would “deal with” the issue on Thursday and Ronaldo was seen…

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U-17 Female World Cup: Excitement as Nigeria beat USA for semis

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team the Flamingos beat the USA in a nervy penalty shootout to reach the semi-finals of the U-17 Women’s World Cup for the first time in India. The young Nigerian girls triumphed on 4-3 penalties after the full-time ended 1-1. The Flamingos had consistently failed to get past the last eight of the competition since it was first hosted in 2008, but with the hard-fought win, Bankole Olowookere’s side broke the jinx to reach the final four of the cadet tournament. Flamingos scored first in the…

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‘Why my daughter is in Anikulapo’ -Kunle Afolayan

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Actor and movie producer, Kunle Afolayan, has explained why he cast his daughter, Eyiyemi Afolayan, for the role of Princess Omowunmi in his recent release, Anikulapo. Afolayan, who posted a short video clip of his daughter and himself on his Instagram handle on Wednesday, said the role required somebody beautiful and his daughter is definitely beautiful. He added that the youngster is also a good singer as well as a natural at acting. Eyiyemi is Afolayan’s first child and she made her debut appearance as an actor on the set…

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Real Madrid’s Benzema wins Ballon d’Or as other world class stars shine

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema has won the 2022 Player of the Year Ballon d’Or award in Paris on Monday night. This would be the forward’s first Ballon d’Or of his career. The 34-year-old had never finished inside the top three in previous years, but he finished today ahead of Kevin De Bruyne, Sadio Mane and Robert Lewandoski. The award was presented by former Real Madrid’s coach Zinedine Zidane at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France. The striker begins to offer words of thanks and cites Zizou and Ronaldo as…

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Rico Swavey: Lagos to probe nurses for filming last moments

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

A 30-second video clip showing the final moments of a former reality TV star, Patrick Fakoya, aka Rico Swavey, at a hospital in Lagos State, has attracted condemnation from members of the public. In the clip recorded by one of the nurses attending to Rico Swavey, the deceased was placed on oxygen as he was unconscious on a chair. It was observed that the nurses were attempting to carry him on a bed when the nurse brought out a phone and started recording him. Another nurse was heard cautioning her…

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