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.”
Eloswag, a former contestant on Big Brother Naija Season 7, has broken his silence following the release of his private video online.
The reality star reportedly uploaded a clip featuring himself and an unidentified woman on his Snapchat account at approximately 3 a.m. on Sunday.
Though Eloswag swiftly deleted the video, it had already caught the attention of the internet.
The explicit content quickly gained traction after being reposted by the controversial gossip blog, Gistlover, sparking widespread conversations across social media platforms.
In response to the incident, Eloswag took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his frustration and consider possible legal action.
In a now-deleted post, he wrote, “I mistakenly posted a video on my Snapchat by 3am and deleted it immediately, guess who has the video? GISTLOVER? How? Please, can I sue? Because it doesn’t make sense.”
READ MORE: N1.3trn Fraud: EFCC Arrests Ex-Delta Gov, Ifeanyi Okowa
The reality star’s reaction highlights the challenges celebrities face when intimate content finds its way online.
While some supporters have shown empathy, others have engaged in heated debates about the responsibility of public figures in handling their digital content.
Eloswag’s predicament places him alongside other Nigerian celebrities who have dealt with similar scandals, such as Moyo Lawal, Tiwa Savage, Oxlade, and James Brown, whose private videos have previously surfaced online.
Legal experts have weighed in on Eloswag’s potential case, noting that while pursuing legal action against individuals or platforms that share such content can be complex, it is not impossible.
The development has reignited discussions on digital privacy and the ethical responsibilities of content-sharing platforms.
As Eloswag’s fans and critics await further updates, the incident underscores the precarious nature of online privacy and the far-reaching consequences of a single momentary lapse.
Nigeria’s Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina has claimed the No. 2 spot on the Miss Universe Pre-Arrival Hot Picks, solidifying her position as a top contender in the upcoming November 16, 2024, pageant.
As excitement builds for Miss Universe 2024, Adetshina’s ranking has sparked national pride and optimism in Nigeria, with many hopeful she could secure the title.
READ ALSO: Court Orders Arrest Of Dana Air CEO In N1.3bn Fraud Case
Adetshina arrived in Mexico last month to prepare for the competition and has since captured widespread attention.
However, her path to Miss Universe has been marked by challenges.
Initially competing as Miss Taraba in Miss Universe Nigeria, she withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant following online backlash regarding her nationality and accusations of fraud by the South African Home Office.
This setback, however, did not deter her ambitions.
Her current standing as a top pick underscores her growing international recognition and support, positioning her as a formidable contender ahead of the competition.
Many have taken to social media to voice their support, with some declaring her Nigeria’s best chance yet to secure the Miss Universe crown.
Nigerians have been ranked among the top social media users globally, with 2024 data positioning the country fifth in the world for average daily time spent online.
According to figures from Cable.co.uk and We Are Social, shared by World of Statistics on X, Nigerians spend an average of 3 hours and 23 minutes per day on social media.
Leading the global list is Kenya, where users spend the most time on social media at 3 hours and 43 minutes daily. South Africa follows closely with 3 hours and 37 minutes, Brazil with 3 hours and 34 minutes, and the Philippines at 3 hours and 33 minutes.
READ MORE: Prayers Won’t Build Roads, Fund Children’s Education – Jesse Jagz To Nigerians
With an average of 3 hours and 23 minutes, Nigeria ranks just behind these top four countries in social media engagement.
Other nations with notable social media usage include Colombia at 3 hours and 22 minutes, Chile and Indonesia both at 3 hours and 11 minutes. Completing the top ten are Saudi Arabia and Argentina, with daily averages of 3 hours and 10 minutes and 3 hours and 8 minutes, respectively.
By comparison, some countries report lower social media usage. Ghana averages 2 hours and 43 minutes, Egypt 2 hours and 41 minutes, and Thailand 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Among European countries, social media engagement is generally lower, with Portugal averaging 2 hours and 23 minutes, Romania 2 hours and 20 minutes, and Italy 2 hours and 17 minutes, highlighting significant regional variations in social media usage.
Full list:
Kenya – 03:43
South Africa – 03:37
Brazil – 03:34
Philippines – 03:33
Nigeria – 03:23
Colombia – 03:22
Chile – 03:11
Indonesia – 03:11
Saudi Arabia – 03:10
Argentina – 03:08
Mexico – 03:04
Malaysia – 02:48
Ghana – 02:43
Egypt – 02:41
Thailand – 02:30
Bulgaria – 02:26
Vietnam – 02:23
Portugal – 02:23
Romania – 02:20
Italy – 02:17
JUST IN: Justice Adeyeye, Ekiti State’s CJ Passes On
BREAKING: Court Drops Charges Against 76 #EndBadGovernance Protesters
BBNaija’s Eloswag Responds To Leaked Sextape
Fuel Pricing: PETROAN Accuses Dangote Refinery Of Monopoly
N1.3trn Fraud: EFCC Arrests Ex-Delta Gov, Ifeanyi Okowa
Hardship: Let Us Intensify Prayers For Our Leaders – Sultan Of Sokoto Tells Nigerians
OSSG Raises Alarm Over Murder Plot By APC Chieftain
NCC, SMEDAN, NAICOM, SEC, Others Set for SUPERNEWS SMEs Conf June 13
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
