Entertainment
Burna Boy’s police escort shoots two at Cubana Lagos club
The Lagos State Police Commissioner’s Special Squad has detained five policemen attached to singer Damini Ogulu aka Burna Boy for attempted murder after they shot two fun seekers, Irebami Lawrence and another identified simply as Tolu, at Club Cubana in Lagos on Wednesday.
The development comes just a few years after the Lagos State police command declared Burna Boy wanted for allegedly sending armed thugs to assault and rob fellow musician, Abiye Jumbo, aka Mr. 2Kay.
According to a preliminary police report by the Bar Beach Police Division in Lagos State, trouble started around 4am on June 8, 2022 when the musician and five police escorts visited Club Cubana in Victoria Island.
About four policemen waited outside while one of the policemen identified as Inspector Ibrahim, who was in mufti, accompanied the Grammy- winning artiste into the club.
According to multiple witness statements, the singer was in the VIP section with three women when he spotted another woman.
He was reported to have told Ibrahim to invite the woman to come join him.
However, the lady’s husband was said to have lambasted Burna Boy, insisting that it was disrespectful for any man to make advances at his wife.
After some minutes, Burna Boy was reported to have made fresh advances towards the woman.
This infuriated her husband further and his friends who had gathered at the club and the matter soon degenerated.
“As things were getting heated, Ibrahim brought out his service pistol and shot multiple times while Burna Boy was laughing,” said a senior policeman.
In the process, 27 year-old Lawrence was shot in the thigh while his friend, Tolu, was hit in the head by a bullet.
This caused commotion in the club.
Some people brought out their phones to record what was happening but the policemen began snatching and smashing phones.
“They eventually made their way out of the club and also shot into the air in order to escape. While all this happened, the Cubana management did nothing about it. In the first place, they ought not to have allowed anyone to bring in a gun into the club,” said a senior policeman.
It was learnt that Burna Boy and his crew drove off to one of his properties in the Elegushi end of the Lekk-Epe Expressway and later Lekki Phase 1.
“Aware of what he had done, Burna Boy took the next flight out without even informing his policemen. He only called them on video later to inform them that he had travelled to Spain. All his police escorts have been arrested and are currently at the command headquarters,” said a top source at the office of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police.
Sources close to the victims said the police were already making attempts to protect Burna Boy because of his status while the victims were treating their wounds at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.
“They want to focus all attention on the policemen and absolve Burna Boy of blame. It is obvious that the police will not do anything about the matter just like in the case of Mr 2Kay,” said a friend of the victims.
In a chat a brother to the victim, who identified himself only as Jide, said his brother had undergone a surgery to remove the bullet from his thigh on Friday.
Jide further stated Irebami, who is based in the United States, had only arrived in Nigeria a week ago for a wedding when the unfortunate incident happened.
He also berated the management of Club Cubana for not doing enough to forestall the situation, adding that the club management had not even reached out to the family since the incident occurred.
Jide added, “My brother and his friends came in from the US for a wedding when this thing happened. The annoying part was that Burna Boy was even laughing when this shooting was taking place. He approved of what they did.
“One of the bullets grazed my brother’s friend in the head while my brother was shot in the thigh. He underwent a surgery on Friday.
“The Cubana people are even denying that anything happened. They have not even reached out to us. It was only the morning of the shooting that a manager at the club, White Lion, interacted with us.”
Attempts to get a response from Burna Boy’s manager, Mrs. Bose Ogulu, who is also his mother, proved abortive as she neither responded to calls nor a text message on Saturday.
Similarly, Chioma Nwachukwu, a media consultant for Cubana, did not respond to calls on Saturday.
But the Spokesman for the Lagos State Police command, Benjamin Hundeyin, said the focus of the investigation were the policemen.
Hundeyin also claimed that the police had not received any complaint from any victim.
He said, “It was the policemen attached to him that shot and it is an internal disciplinary matter. They will explain why they had to shoot into the air and the outcome of their explanation during the investigation will determine what steps to take next.
“So, it is an internal thing with the police officers that were with him. Except you have news that Burna Boy was the one shooting; then we will have to investigate how he got the gun and all that. But what we have for now is that the policemen were the ones that shot.
“We are treating the policemen internally for disciplinary matters. We didn’t get a report of somebody being hit by a bullet. If somebody was hit by a bullet, anybody treating the person is supposed to have reported but we didn’t get any report of such. The investigation is ongoing.”
In 2017, the Lagos State police command declared Burna Boy wanted for allegedly sending thugs to attack and rob fellow artiste, Mr 2kay, in his room at the Eko Hotel and Suites on Victoria Island after performing in the 2face’s ‘Buckwyld N Breathless’ concert held in the hotel.
They were reported to have beaten him up and dispossessed him of a wristwatch, gold jewellery, phones, among other valuables estimated at millions of naira, at gunpoint.
The matter was later settled amicably between Burna Boy and Mr 2Kay and the Ye crooner escaped criminal prosecution.
PUNCH
Nigerian dancer and entertainer Iweh Odinaka, popularly known as Poco Lee, has been granted bail in the United Kingdom ahead of his scheduled appearance at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
According to court information, Odinaka was granted bail on September 11, with a plea and trial preparation hearing scheduled for September 15.
“The Defendant has been granted bail on the 11th September 2026,” the court stated, adding that “There is a plea and trial preparation hearing on the 15th September 2026.”
The bail decision clarifies the entertainer’s current custody status following earlier reports about his release.
However, the granting of bail does not mean the criminal proceedings have been discontinued or that the allegations against him have been resolved.
The Crown Prosecution Service had previously confirmed that the case remained active and that Odinaka was due to appear before Snaresbrook Crown Court.
Odinaka is facing five sexual offence charges, including attempted rape, two counts of rape and two counts of assault by penetration.
He has denied the allegations and maintained his innocence. The charges remain before the court and have not been determined.
In a video shared on Instagram by social commentator Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, Poco Lee said he remained confident because he knew he had not committed the alleged offences.
He said: “If I were inside there and I did what I was accused of, I would have felt I was paying for my sins, but since I knew I didn’t do what I was accused of, my mind is pure.”
The case followed Poco Lee’s visit to the UK for the Davido and Friends concert at the Crystal Palace Bowl in London on August 14, 2026.
Poco Lee has not been convicted of any offence. His next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has revealed a long-standing relationship between his family and Nigerian billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote.
Speaking in a recent interview, Davido said Dangote personally drove his mother home from the hospital after she gave birth to him.
“Aliko Dangote drove my mom home from the hospital when she gave birth to me.”
Davido explained that Dangote has maintained a close relationship with his family for decades, particularly with his father, businessman Adedeji Adeleke.
According to the singer, Dangote has also offered him financial advice since he was a child, repeatedly encouraging him to save and manage his money wisely.
“Anytime I see him, he still tells me, ‘David, save your money.’ He’s been saying that since I was a baby.”
The singer said the billionaire’s advice has remained valuable throughout his career in the entertainment industry.
Davido also spoke about his perception of wealthy people, saying billionaires are ordinary people despite the enormous wealth they possess and that their private lifestyles are often different from how the public imagines them.
He described his relationship with Dangote as one that dates back to his childhood and continues to this day.
AGULU CHIMEZIE Releases New Single Titled “NNE AGULU BIA”
Artist: Agulu Chimezie
Real Name: Chimezie Ibezim
Song Title: Nne Agulu Bia
Producer: Mr Wanga
Location: Nigeria
Native: Agulu, Anambra State, Nigeria
Nigerian recording artist Agulu Chimezie, born Chimezie Ibezim, has released his latest song titled “Nne Agulu Bia.” The new release adds to the growing catalogue of the talented artist, who has previously released several songs and continues to make his voice heard through music.
Nne Agulu Bia is a song that proudly reflects the artist’s connection to Agulu in Anambra State, celebrating his roots, identity, culture and the spirit of his people.
The song which storyline reflects to how our Ancestor traveled from Agulu to foreign land and later came back home peacefully
The song was produced by talented music producer Mr Wanga, bringing together a distinctive sound and musical production that complements Agulu Chimezie’s artistic style.
With several songs already to his name, Agulu Chimezie is steadily building his presence in the Nigerian music scene, using his music to connect with listeners both at home and beyond.
“Nne Agulu Bia” is now available on various digital music platforms, giving fans and music lovers the opportunity to stream and enjoy the latest release.
About Agulu Chimezie
Agulu Chimezie, whose real name is Chimezie Ibezim, is a Nigerian artist and a native of Agulu, Anambra State. Through his music, he continues to showcase his creativity while representing his roots and contributing to the growth of Nigerian music.
Listen, Stream & Support
Music lovers are encouraged to search for Agulu Chimezie – “Nne Agulu Bia” on major digital music platforms, stream the song, share it with friends and family, and support the artist by following his musical journey.
Agulu Chimezie — “Nne Agulu Bia”
Produced by Mr Wanga
Out Now on Digital Platforms.
DOWNLOAD AND ENJOY BELOW 👇
By Our Reporter
For Ugo Oswald, music is much more than entertainment. It is a responsibility—a vehicle through which artists can educate, influence, preserve culture and communicate important truths to society.
The multidisciplinary artist, author and songwriter believes music should carry messages that are meaningful, age-appropriate and rooted in the customs and values of the people.
“I believe that music is more than a sound. It’s a responsibility to the audience to influence, teach and share through age-appropriate storytelling, in the customs of our people,” Oswald said.
According to him, an artist has a solemn responsibility to confront society with the truth, mobilise communities towards communal living and promote values that strengthen society.
For Oswald, the genre is secondary to the message.
“We can rock it, ragga it, blues it, hardcore it, or simply oja it, to get the story across,” he said.
His approach to songwriting is also informed by his belief that music can communicate on several levels. He describes music as a “solid code” in which lyrics can contain deeper meanings beyond their immediate interpretation.
“I believe that music is a solid code, on two levels, or three levels, making lyrics deeper than what they seem to say,” he explained.
From Behind the Scenes to Songwriting
Although Oswald has only recently begun putting his own lyrics together in earnest, his relationship with music and the creative industry goes back many years.
A native of Ohaozara in Ebonyi State, he was involved in the music and entertainment scene during his university years, working largely behind the scenes.
He recalls being around the industry during the era of artistes such as McLoph, Ill Bliss, Obiwon and BigLo.
His experience also brought him into contact with some of the leading voices of the Nigerian music industry. While serving as a programme officer at the newly established NTA Asaba, Oswald granted Flavour, popularly known as Ijele, his first television interview.
Those experiences, he says, helped shape his understanding of music not merely as performance, but as a powerful medium for communication and social influence.
Today, Oswald sees himself primarily as a songwriter and music production operative rather than simply as an artiste.
His creative interest is centred on developing songs and productions capable of carrying substantial messages while remaining accessible to different generations.
Music With a Social Message
Oswald’s second album, Who Love Nigeria, reflects this philosophy.
The project explores family, history, anthropology, politics and African consciousness through a blend of conscious root rock reggae, dancehall, Afro-pop soul remix and alternative rock.
Rather than restricting himself to one musical style, he experiments with different genres in an effort to create what he describes as new paradigms for communicating deep messages about society.
Issues including conservation, governance and everyday living feature prominently in his creative worldview.
For Oswald, the power of an artist comes with an obligation to use that influence responsibly.
He is particularly passionate about positive and clean lyrics that can be enjoyed by families and audiences of different ages.
His philosophy challenges the notion that commercially successful music must necessarily sacrifice substance for entertainment. Instead, he believes music can be entertaining while simultaneously educating, preserving cultural identity and encouraging responsible citizenship.
A Multidisciplinary Creative
Beyond music, Oswald is a trained artist, brand and innovation expert, growth and marketing professional and author.
His multidisciplinary background informs his approach to creativity, allowing him to view music not only as an artistic expression but also as a tool for communication, branding, cultural preservation and social engagement.
He describes himself as a father, husband and “coffee-guzzling citizen”—a description that reflects the blend of creativity, family and everyday life that runs through his work.
As he develops his songwriting and production career, Oswald’s central message remains clear: music should do more than make people listen.
It should make them think, learn, remember, question and, where possible, act.
For an artist from Ohaozara in Ebonyi State who has spent years working around the music and media industry before stepping further into songwriting, the journey appears to be less about becoming another performer and more about finding new ways to use sound, words and culture to tell stories that matter.
Country music legend and Hollywood star, Dolly Parton, has died at the age of 80, her family has announced.
Parton’s nephew, Brian Seaver, announced her death on Tuesday in a video shared on her social media account, describing the moment as one of “absolute pride and great sadness”. The family did not immediately disclose the cause of death.
The Tennessee-born singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist enjoyed a career spanning more than six decades and became one of the most recognisable figures in American popular culture.
Known as the “Queen of Country”, Parton sold more than 100 million records worldwide and earned numerous honours, including multiple Grammy Awards. Her enduring hits included “Jolene”, “I Will Always Love You”, “9 to 5” and “Coat of Many Colors”.
Her death came after a period of health challenges. In May, Parton announced the cancellation of a Las Vegas performance, revealing that she had been undergoing treatment for kidney stones and was also dealing with problems affecting her immune and digestive systems.
Just days before her death, Parton had indicated that she was still determined to work despite acknowledging that she had slowed down following the death of her husband, Carl Dean, in March 2025.
“Even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’!” she said, insisting that she still had many things she wanted to accomplish.
Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, the fourth of 12 children in a poor family. She grew up in the Appalachian region, where her mother’s love for traditional music helped nurture her passion for singing and songwriting.
See also Breaking: Trump Is America’s next President
She began performing as a child and moved to Nashville shortly after graduating from high school in 1964. Her songwriting talent soon earned her recognition, before she established herself as a major recording artiste.
Parton’s breakthrough included “Jolene”, which became one of her signature songs. Her composition “I Will Always Love You” later became a global hit for Whitney Houston after the singer recorded it for the 1992 film The Bodyguard.
Beyond music, Parton built a successful acting career, starring in films including 9 to 5, Steel Magnolias and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. She also became a prominent businesswoman through Dollywood, the theme park she established in Tennessee in 1986.
Her influence extended well beyond entertainment. Parton founded the Dollywood Foundation and its Imagination Library initiative, which provides free books to children, making childhood literacy one of the major causes associated with her name.
She also donated $1 million to coronavirus research at Vanderbilt University in 2020, funding that contributed to research that later helped in the development of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine.
Parton’s personal life also attracted public interest. She married Carl Dean in 1966, and the couple remained together for nearly six decades until his death in 2025. They had no children.
Despite her global fame, Parton remained closely connected to her Tennessee roots and used her success to support communities, education, healthcare and other charitable causes.
Her death brings to an end the life of an entertainer whose influence crossed generations, musical genres and national boundaries, leaving behind a vast catalogue of songs and a philanthropic legacy that extended far beyond country music.
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