Entertainment
Those linking Tonto Dikeh to my house demolition are liars –Ex-lover Kpokpogri
Joseph Egbri, aka Kpokpogri a politician and former lover of actress, Tonto Dikeh, discusses the issues surrounding the recent demolition of his house in Abuja.
How did you feel watching a house you had laboured to build being demolished?
I cannot kill myself. I have my kids to live for. There are also many youths who depend on me to survive. I believe there are some people behind what happened and God is going to expose them all. They will suffer 10 times what I did on that day, because that thing (demolition) is not ordinary.
The Federal Housing Authority and Federal Capital Territory Administration claimed to have given you several notices before the building was eventually demolished. Is that true?
They are liars from the pit of hell. They had the audacity to come into somebody’s property, without prior notice, and demolished it because they are in power. Very soon, they will leave power, and the same treatment they meted out to other would be accorded them.
You claimed that the building was demolished because you refused to sell it to a powerful individual. Can you tell us more about that and the identity of the individual in question?
No, I will not reveal their identity because it is going to spoil my case. However, I have some recordings to that effect. It was after I built the house that the place became habitable, and activities began to pick up in the area. I daresay it was that building that attracted development in that area. The place was practically a bush for many years. Even the original allottee got that allocation in 2015. If they knew there was to be a road there, why did they not revoke it (the allocation). When I was building (my house), the FHA usually came to supervise the building from the beginning to the end. Even when I was putting up a fence, they came.
But now, they just came from nowhere with a vicious excuse which I consider to be an afterthought that a road is supposed to pass through my house. There are empty lands there (in the area) that people have not built, why doesn’t the road go through those on occupied lands. (Am I being treated this way) because I am not a northerner? This same thing has been done to many of our southern and eastern brothers. There is a man who built a very massive estate of over 100 units here in Abuja. But, because he is from Anambra State, when the man was building, nobody went there to put up any notice (for him to stop work). But, as soon as he finished building, they went to mark the place for demolition. What kind of oppression is that? Something needs to be done about that.
Can you take us through the process of paying for the land and documentation up until the point where the house was eventually completed?
It was a lawyer in the FHA, one Mr Uche, that sold the property to me. Being a civil servant, he should have known that a road would pass through the property he was selling, so why did he involve himself in that kind of transaction. After buying the two plots, I took my building design to them. When they saw the design, they condemned it. They said they were the ones that would draw the design for me, that they could not allow me to go ahead with it. I said if that was the case, so be it. They then did the design, signed it, brought it back to me, and gave me a copy after I had paid for my building development. I paid all the fees I was required to pay to the government, including the building approval. If the building approval was not properly paid, they would not have allowed me to start any work on the property.
I am sure something like this would not have happened to a northerner in a place like Asaba or Warri (Delta State). Even the minister that ordered the demolition of the house does not have the fear of God. Does he have that kind of house? Even when his personal assistant, Sani Daura, came to my house, the first thing he said was, “Oga, this your house is beautiful. Even my boss does not have this kind of house”.
Some people are of the opinion that your ex-lover, Tonto Dikeh, was somehow involved in the whole saga. What’s your reaction to that?
Those are lies. Tonto has nothing to do with it. She knows nothing about what happened there.
Some people have said the demolition is a case of karma. What’s your response to that?
What is karma? The demolition is a blessing in disguise; I don’t believe in karma. Do I sound like somebody that karma affected? Despite how powerful King Saul was in the Bible, he was unable to match David. No matter how they gather, the Bible says if the gathering is not of God, they will scatter. I don’t care what she is saying. I don’t even want to say anything about that girl. I don’t want to be involved in anything concerning her.
(The demolition was instigated by) a group of people that came together for that purpose. What they did does not even reflect the interest of the Federal Government. I will unravel them (as time goes on).
The FCDA claimed that the demolished building was obstructing a road alignment which was designed to serve as an important bypass to the Abuja-Keffi axis. Were you aware of this?
Those are lies. Go and check the Abuja masterplan, if there is any road like that passing through that place. Go and check the FHA master plan. I went to the FHA three times and they asked me to go, that my house would not be affected.
It was also stated that your building was unapproved?
Those are also lies. For the sake of argument, let’s assume that a road was even coming, they don’t have the right to enter my property without reaching out to me as the owner, because it was a government agency that allocated the place to me. I should have been informed if they wanted to revoke the land. They ought to take me somewhere else and compensate me before they can demolish my property to make room for the said road.
What sort of relief or compensation do you want from the government?
I won’t say anything about that. I have my plans.
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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