Entertainment
Husband in tears, begged as lawyer who chased side chick dies in hospital
Barrister Sonnie Bassey was said to have come from Akwa Ibom State while his wife was from Imo State. There have been different versions of the incident and the identity of the person in the centre of the saga who tipped off the deceased wife prompting her to go after her husband.
According to a family source who begged for anonymity, the late wife had been suspecting the husband for a long time but didn’t know who the girlfriend really was. He noted that the relationship between the husband and the girlfriend had been going on for a long time.
A close friend of the husband who did not want his name in print said, “Sonnie and I attended St Patrick’s College. He grew up here in Calabar. He was a car dealer before he became a lawyer. We play chess together. He lived at Barracks Road, near Bogobiri before moving to his present home.
It was learmt that the said girlfriend, who hails from Yakur Local Government Area of the state, who is a single mother was not just a girlfriend but also a brilliant lawyer who had been assisting the husband to write his legal briefs and that they had been dating for a long time.
Last Sunday, the husband was said to have travelled out of town but when he came back he decided to see his girlfriend first before going home and that was when a third party saw them together at the Spar Supermarket and called the wife to tip her off.
About a kilometre away from point of taking off, at the New Secretariat, the husband on top speed veered off the highway and headed towards Atekong Drive and the wife in an effort to follow the husband on the same route lost control and rammed into one of the ornamental trees by the roadside completely wrecking the car and sustaining mortal wounds in the process.
From his rear mirror, the husband saw what happened, stopped the car asked his girlfriend to alight from the car and went back to attempt to rescue his wife.
A family source at the hospital said before the wife gave up the ghost, Mr Sonnie was remorseful and with tears in his eyes, he knelt beside his dying wife begging the lifeless body for forgiveness and urging her to come back to life and take care of their three children.
According to the source, “it was at the hospital that the man wailed seriously begging the wife to forgive him, while professing all his love for her, asking her to wake up. The woman who made the call to the deceased wife that her husband was with his girlfriend was actually at the hospital when she was pronounced dead. But the family members didn’t realise this at the time until they checked the deceased’s phone and discovered that the woman who had been with them all along in the hospital was the one communicating with the deceased.
“All that said, I can tell you that the husband loved the wife and never joked with his family, he is very passionate about them, and did everything that a father and husband should do. The stories and so many versions you have been reading are mostly false. Just a few days ago he was said to be in a coma, some said that he was dead, but all were pure falsehood.
“It is natural for someone in his shoes to feel sober, withdrawn from people when bereaved but I can also tell you that he might be feeling all that, but he is definitely not in any dangerous situation at the moment.
“The single mum who was his ‘side chick’, and has now deactivated her social media accounts was not the cause of the accident and the death of the victim, the lady who tipped off the deceased is the real killer. As a matter of fact, she was also at the hospital when the victim was pronounced dead. When I realized that she was the one who was responsible for sending the victim to her early death, I felt like beating her, but it was late by that time we realized it.
“The husband might be in a sober mood but there is no serious health issue arising from the incident that I’m aware of. He is a great father, husband and hardworking man, but was just a victim of circumstance,” the source said.
Another friend of the family who also pleaded anonymity said that what happened was just unfortunate because the husband was a gentleman to the core.
“He was indeed hospitalised but we hope he gets better soon, he battled with stroke some time ago, he is just recovering and coupled with what happened again, he is only human, they should stop peddling death rumour and remember his kids in the mix.
“The children are currently being taken care of by a family friend, all we are doing is praying for him to be strong, the deed has already been done, and people should allow the family to mourn in peace. This kind of thing that happened to him could have happened to anybody.
“There are cases of divorce that he even refunded money to female clients while preaching peace because he doesn’t believe in separation or divorce, he is just a gentleman people should consider his children and stop judging him”, the source stated.
A friend of late Clara, Mrs Ann noted that the man should be held responsible for the death of his wife because of his action. “The man refused to take his children back to school that day on the pretext that he was travelling out of town for business but the trip was to keep a date with a ‘side chick’. Which woman would hear that and not be infuriated?”
The family of the deceased could not be located but the home of the couple was under lock and key when we visited.
Vanguard
The news of his passing was announced on Tuesday by a fellow actor, Tony Akposheri, in an Instagram post.
Akposheri expressed shock and sadness over the death of the actor, recalling their recent interactions.
He revealed that they had recently spent time together during the New Year, sharing memories and discussing future plans.
“Today, my heart is heavy. Davis Ofor, fondly known as Clarus from New Masquerade, is gone.
“We crossed into the New Year together, laughing, talking, sharing memories, and speaking hopefully about the days ahead,” he wrote.
“We spoke about life, about plans, about how far we had come. None of us knew that time was already counting differently for you.”
Describing the late actor as more than just a screen personality, Akposheri paid tribute to his character and impact.
“It is hard to believe that the voice I heard not long ago is now a memory. Hard to accept that someone so full of life can suddenly become a story we tell.”
He added, “Rest well, my friend. You came, you gave joy, you made your mark, and you will never be forgotten.”
Clarus gained prominence for his role in New Masquerade, one of Nigeria’s most popular television comedy shows, where his character became a household name.
Details surrounding the cause of his death were not immediately available.
Ofor rose to prominence for his role as Clarus in New Masquerade, a widely acclaimed Nigerian television comedy that aired on the Nigerian Television Authority and became a household favourite in the 1980s.
His portrayal of the comic character earned him national recognition and endeared him to audiences across the country, making Clarus one of the most memorable figures in Nigerian television history.
According to the unaudited financial statements of Nigerian Breweries Plc, International Breweries Plc, and Champion Breweries Plc for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the companies collectively recorded strong top-line performance driven largely by beer sales.
Nigerian Breweries Plc, the largest brewer in the country, recorded net revenue of N1.05tn for the period, up from N710.87bn in the corresponding period of 2024. Cost of sales stood at N631.23bn, resulting in a gross profit of N415.15bn.
After accounting for selling and distribution expenses of N193.85bn, administrative expenses of N59.58bn, finance costs of N39.15bn, and other charges, the company posted a profit after tax of N85.51bn, compared with a loss of N149.50bn in 2024. Basic earnings per share rose to 275 kobo from a loss of 1,455 kobo in the previous year.
In March, Nigerian Breweries Plc announced a return to profitability in the first quarter of 2025, reporting a 186 per cent increase in net profit compared to the same period in 2024. The unaudited financial results released on the Nigerian Exchange Limited showed that revenue for the period ended March 31, 2025, rose to N383.6bn, representing a 68.9 per cent increase from N227.1bn recorded in the first quarter of 2024.
International Breweries Plc, which operates in Nigeria and other West African markets, generated revenue of N472.57bn for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, up from N343.45bn in the same period of 2024.
The company reported a profit after tax of N57.83bn, reversing a loss of N112.81bn in 2024. Cost of sales increased to N311.64bn from N248.58bn, while administrative, marketing, and distribution expenses rose to N92.09bn from N72.68bn.
International Breweries Plc posted a profit of N11.9bn for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, marking a turnaround from a loss of N47.3bn in the same period last year. The company’s unaudited financial statements showed revenue increased to N167.4bn in Q2 2025 from N120bn in Q2 2024, while gross profit rose to N61.9bn from N33.8bn.
Overall, the combined revenue of the three companies amounted to N1.54tn, with Nigerian Breweries Plc accounting for the bulk of sales.
Analysts say the figures highlight the resilience of Nigeria’s beer market, which continues to benefit from strong brand loyalty and distribution networks despite rising production costs and broader macroeconomic pressures.
Commenting on consumer behaviour, the Head of Financial Institutions Ratings at Agusto & Co., Ayokunle Olubunmi, said the market is experiencing a gradual shift in spending patterns, with some consumers reducing beer consumption, a trend influencing how breweries adjust their strategies.
“Following AB InBev’s acquisition of International Breweries, the company invested in new breweries and production facilities to expand capacity. This indicates that firms are prioritising scaling operations and improving efficiency to meet rising demand and strengthen their market position,” Olubunmi said.
On the broader economic impact, the Chief Executive Officer of Economic Associates, Ayo Teriba, cautioned that strong sales figures do not necessarily translate into greater economic contribution.
“The point is that bigger isn’t necessarily better. Sales may be boosted by size, but if that size reflects purchases from other companies rather than actual value added, the contribution to the economy is limited. What really matters is net output, what value the company is actually creating. GDP, after all, is the sum of value created, not just total sales figures,” Teriba said.
Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has been remanded in custody following his arraignment on Monday over multiple criminal charges.
The singer was arraigned on a nine-count charge bordering on assault, theft, causing bodily harm, and resisting arrest.
Confirming the development, Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the charges stemmed from a complaint filed by Portable’s estranged partner, Ashabi Simple.
The arraignment followed a viral video on Sunday showing the singer in police custody.
According to the prosecution, Portable allegedly assaulted Ashabi Simple, several police officers, and other individuals at his bar located in Iyana Ilogbo on New Year’s Day.
Other alleged victims listed in the charge include Ileyemi Damilola, Akinyanju Oluwabusayomi, Olowu Olumide, Demilade Ogunniyi, and Ebuka Odah.
Portable is also accused of stealing a Mercedes-Benz E300 valued at N12 million, belonging to Ileyemi Damilola and reportedly purchased from Wally Dex Auto.
It was gathered that two siblings of Ashabi Simple testified as witnesses in court, although Ashabi herself was absent during the proceedings.
The police further alleged that Portable obstructed and assaulted a female police inspector, Ogungbe Olayemi, while she was carrying out her official duties.
The presiding judge denied the singer bail, citing the absence of the allegedly assaulted police officer in court. The judge ruled that the officer must be present before bail could be considered.
Portable was consequently remanded in custody, with the bail hearing adjourned to January 19, 2026.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
The Anambra state government has announced 13 Days of Mass Return of it’s kit and kin ahead of this year’s Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The Mass Return which heralds the liberation of the eight local government areas that had in the past been under the grip of gunmen until the inception of Governor Charles Soludo administration would also witness the home coming of her son and popular highlife musician Mr Chinedu Okoli aka Flavor Nabalia
The over one week celebration would commence from December 18th to January 4th 2026 would also present masquerade and cultural festivities as well as old school and Gen Z musical performances tagged OnwaDezemba .
The State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor who disclosed this while briefing Journalists in Awka on Tuesday, said the celebration is part of lineup of events for the highly anticipated Ọnwa Dezemba, a Christmas extravaganza aimed at making December 2025 memorable for people of the state.
Mefor, said the initiative forms part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s efforts to ensure residents actively participate in the festive season while celebrating Anambra’s rich cultural heritage and entertainment offerings.
Mefor said the programme, scheduled to run from December 18, 2025, to January 4, 2026, will feature music, comedy, sports and cultural performances across different parts of the state.
He noted that the events aimed at making December 2025 unforgettable in the minds of Ndi Anambra.”
He also announced that the state government has put in place adequate security to make the event a peaceful, free and fair event.
Below is the full list of events;
December 18: #onwadezemba City Block (Gen Z-focused music and entertainment) — 6pm, Awka City Stadium (by Solution Fun City)
December 20: #onwadezemba Christmas Carol/Cankata — 4pm, Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka
December 25: #onwadezemba Children’s Christmas Festival — 2pm, Solution Fun City
December 27: #onwadezemba Ịgba Mmanwụ Festival — 2pm, Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka
December 28: #onwadezemba Ịgba Mmanwụ Festival — 2pm, Township Stadium, Ekwulobia.
• #onwadezemba Novelty Match — 2pm, Awka Township Stadium
• #onwadezemba Ịgba Mmanwụ Festival — 2pm, Ezechima Primary School, Onitsha
December 30: #onwadezemba Flavour Home Coming (concert by Flavour n’Abanịa) — 5pm, Solution Fun City Awka.
January 3:
• #onwadezemba Walk for Life — 7am, Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka
• #onwadezemba LOL (Laugh Out Loud) Anambra (comedy show) — 5pm, Solution Fun City
January 4: #onwadezemba All-White Old School Night — 6pm, Solution Fun City
“One of the legacy projects of the Soludo’s administration, was commissioned by President Bola Tinubu during a one-day official visit to the state on May 8, 2025.
“The opening ceremony will featured performances by top Nigerian artistes, including Chinedu Okoli, popularly known as Flavour, who is expected to entertained a large audience of dignitaries and residents of Anambra State.
Nigerian Tribune gathered that Flavour was born on November 23, 1983, in Enugu State, Though born and raised in Enugu, his family hails from Umunze in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State. Growing up in a musically inclined household, Flavour was exposed to various styles of music from an early age. However, it was his involvement in the local church that truly ignited his passion.
The Assembly said she was invited to defend herself over allegations of misconduct leveled against her.
Speaking during plenary, the Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, said Irobosa must explain why her conduct had dragged the name of the Assembly “in the mud.”
He said, “Hon. Natasha Irobosa has been summoned to appear before the Ethics and Privilege Committee of the Assembly due to her recent conduct which has been trending online.
“This conduct drags the name of the House into the mud, and it is the responsibility of members of the Assembly to conduct themselves well.
“This House has cerebral minds and educated people who have been dragged in the mud for too long by our colleague, Hon. Natasha. She has been trending on social media and television for the wrong reason.
“The House has members who know what they are doing, and the attitude of our member has brought this House to disrepute, and we will not tolerate it.”
The Speaker added that the committee would submit its findings to the House within two weeks.
Meanwhile, fans of 2Baba have expressed deep concern over the singer’s marriage following a series of disturbing videos circulating online.
One of the videos on Tuesday captured a heated exchange between the artiste and Natasha during an Instagram Live session on Monday.
The live session, hosted by media personality, Daddy Freeze, featured members of 2Baba’s former management team discussing stalled international projects when the singer suddenly joined the broadcast.
Moments into his appearance, he was heard confronting Natasha, asking, “What is your problem?”
The situation quickly escalated, with Natasha appearing to attempt to seize the phone as both raised their voices before the session abruptly ended.
The incident came shortly after another viral clip showed the singer being handcuffed and escorted away by police officers in the United Kingdom. The footage, shared by blogger Tosin Silverdam, captured officers speaking with 2Baba outside a retail store before leading him away.
The viral clips have triggered widespread anxiety among fans and industry watchers, many of whom fear the singer may be experiencing a deepening personal and marital crisis.
“You go out there to make your money; even if it’s 100,000 people listening, the money is enough to sustain you,” his former manager, Kaka Igbokwe, said.
He added that the team’s long-term plan was to elevate 2Baba to the level of globally respected African music icons.
“When I started working with 2Baba, my aim was for him to be larger. You can’t compare yourself to Burna Boy, but you can achieve what Angélique Kidjo has done. You can still do arenas,” he said.
Amid the unfolding drama, popular content creator Nasboi penned an emotional note expressing sadness over the singer’s current situation.
He said the recent clips were damaging to the calm, humble image 2Baba had maintained for decades.
“I’ve looked up to you since I was 16. I loved every bit of your music, your personality, and the humility you carried yourself with. In fact, you were one of the people who taught me what it means to be humble. You have had your criticism in the past, but your character and humility still stood tall,” he wrote.
Nasboi added that the version of events being shared online was unfamiliar to “those of us who truly love and respect you,” urging the veteran artiste to take control of the situation.
In a separate live session with Daddy Freeze, a female fan tearfully called on Nigerian men to intervene in 2Baba’s marriage.
“All Nigerian men should please come out and help him out of this,” she said.
“It’s so disheartening seeing my Idol like this,” another fan, August Chris, wrote on X.
On his part, @Abraham_Gidi posted, “Honestly, this is a fact. I still find it hard to believe. I love and respect him from childhood, and it has stayed like that forever. Legend forever.”
Another X user, @ariyiB, said in a video posted on Tuesday, “2Baba should have stayed on his own since he left Annie. He already has enough kids. I am not happy with what I am seeing about him on social media.”
The relationship between 2Baba and Natasha became public shortly after the singer announced the end of his 12-year marriage to Annie Macaulay in January. He later unveiled Natasha as his fiancée and proposed to her publicly on the eve of Valentine’s Day, February 14.
The couple went on to hold a private traditional wedding ceremony in July in Abuja.
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