Entertainment
Nollywood Actor, Lawori Accuses NURTW Chieftain Of Violent Attack
The Nigeria Police Force has announced plans to launch an investigation into allegations leveled by Nollywood actor Lawori against Ganiyu Oyedepo, popularly known as Koko Zaria, a prominent figure in the National Union of Road Transport Workers.
Lawori alleges that he sustained a head injury during an assault at the 2024 Idimu Day event held on June 25, 2024.
In a video shared on social media by user Oyindamola, tweeting as #dammiedammie35, the actor displayed a stitched wound on his head while appealing for justice said he was one of the Masters of Ceremony at an event.
Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi confirmed the police’s response to the incident on Monday.
While performing his duties, Lawori stated that an unidentified man approached him on stage and informed him that the NURTW chief had requested his presence, to which he complied.
He narrated, “As I went to meet Koko Zaria to greet him, he asked if I didn’t see them here. Then I apologised and said I would do the needful when I returned to the stage.
“I then heard somebody ask if I was Lawori, thinking that he (the person) didn’t know me and was meeting me for the first time. It was later confirmed to him that I’m Lawori. While I was talking with Koko Zaria and I turned, the man took a bottle of Martell (in front of Koko Zaria and his guys) and broke it on my head.”
The actor further recounted that he was covered in blood and lost consciousness during the attack.
He mentioned that his memory of the incident only resumed at the hospital, where he underwent stitching for his head wound, causing him considerable pain.
“Please, Nigerians, help me. It was Koko Zaria who sent someone to summon me,” he asserted, expressing bewilderment over the motive behind the assault. “Save me from Koko Zaria. I don’t understand what I’ve done to him,” he pleaded.
Responding to the accusation on his Instagram page on Monday, NURTW chief Ganiyu Oyedepo, known as #kokozaria_americaboy, categorically denied the allegation.
“Lawori has never wronged me. We have a very close relationship. I watched a video where he claimed I instructed the attack on him. What reason would I have for such an act?” he questioned.
Oyedepo continued, “Lawori, I have no ill will towards you, but I challenge you to swear by everything dear to you, including your ambitions, that I ordered such an attack.”
The NURTW boss clarified that during the event, which drew a large crowd, he invited the actor to greet him and apologized for missing an earlier engagement the actor had invited him to.
Oyedepo recalled that upon Lawori’s return to the stage, a scuffle broke out involving two individuals as Lawori halted the music they were enjoying.
He emphasized that he did not attend the event with his associates, stating, “As you were leaving the stage, I observed people hitting bottles on your head. I immediately took you to the hospital where you received treatment.
“I stayed with you, covered your medical expenses, and even gave you a significant amount of money. All of this took place on Tuesday.”
He mentioned leaving the hospital with Lawori around 1 a.m. and said that he was the one who informed the actor’s wife about the incident.
Oyedepo also mentioned that Lawori called him on the phone on Wednesday to pray for him and to express gratitude.
“I am aware of everything that’s going on. I know who sent you. I leave you to God,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), responding to the video on X.com on Monday, stated, “This matter will be thoroughly investigated, and justice will prevail. Numerous concerned individuals have contacted me regarding this case. @BenHundeyin, @FCID_ANNEX, @LagosPoliceNG, @PoliceNG.”
Controversial Nigerian singer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington or Akpi, has been released from Kuje Prison following a court directive.
Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju disclosed this development on Tuesday, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “Speed Darlington is out of Kuje Prison.”
The singer’s release came after an Abuja court granted him bail. This decision followed intense public pressure on the Nigeria Police Force, which led to his arraignment.
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Prior to his release, Speed Darlington had petitioned Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Intelligence Bureau, DIG Dasuki Galadanchi, over his prolonged detention. He called on the DIG to comply with a court order directing his release or formal arraignment.
Justice M.S. Liman had earlier issued an order on December 23, 2024, mandating the police to charge the singer within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.
Speed Darlington’s arrest stemmed from allegations he made against Grammy Award-winning singer Burna Boy. The singer accused Burna Boy of being involved in an immoral relationship with embattled U.S. rapper and music executive Sean Combs, also known as P. Diddy.
The situation has sparked widespread discussions, with many Nigerians expressing relief at Speed Darlington’s freedom while others continue to debate the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
Veteran Nollywood actor, Dele Odule, has opened up about the most heartbreaking moment of his life, revealing it was when he lost his first child.
The 63-year-old Yoruba movie icon shared the emotional experience during an interview with his colleague, Kunle Afod, recounting how the loss deeply affected him, especially given the challenges surrounding the child’s birth.
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Odule described the tragic news as “very hard” to bear, adding that he has since come to accept it as the will of God. Despite the acceptance, the actor expressed his fervent hope never to endure such a devastating tragedy again.
He said, “The saddest moment of my life was when I was called that my first child died. It was very hard on me. It was hard because of the situation faced during the child’s birth, but no one can question God’s authority. It was so bad that I don’t pray for it anymore.”
Known for his roles in classic Yoruba films, Odule continues to share both his professional and personal experiences, endearing himself to fans and colleagues alike.
In early January 2025, Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy fulfilled a promise by gifting $30,000 to Bethel Okechukwu, a phone repairer from Alaba Market who had claimed to be related to socialite Cubana Chief Priest.
This act of generosity occurred amid an ongoing feud between Burna Boy and the Cubana Chief Priest.
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Following the donation, Cubana Chief Priest clarified that Bethel Okechukwu is not his brother, stating, “I have only one biological big brother & two kid sisters. They ain’t doing so bad.” He emphasized that he is not obligated to support his siblings financially and urged the public to verify such claims.
As of now, there are no credible reports indicating that Burna Boy instructed Bethel Okechukwu to take any specific actions towards Cubana Chief Priest after receiving the $30,000. The narrative appears to be centered around Burna Boy’s charitable gesture and Cubana Chief Priest’s subsequent clarification regarding his familial relationships.
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