The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal on Friday fined Multichoice Nigeria, the owners of DSTV and GoTv services, the sum of N150 million for disobeying its orders, which restrained the pay-TV company from increasing its monthly subscription pending the determination of the suit brought before it.

The tribunal also ordered the pay-TV company to provide its Nigerian customers with a one-month free subscription to its DStv and GOtv packages.

Recall that the tribunal had previously ordered Multichoice not to increase its subscription fees without proper notice, following a lawsuit filed by an Abuja-based lawyer, Festus Onifade, who said the 8-day notice given for the price increase was inadequate.

Onifade then proceeded to file contempt charges against Multichoice after it disobeyed court orders and proceeded with its price hike as announced via email to its customers.

The contempt charges which were filed on May 7 were instituted against the Manager of the Abuja branch of Multi-Choice Nigeria Ltd, Mr Mohammed Sani.

The contempt was hinged on the company’s disobedience to the court order and Onifade, sought an order of the tribunal, directing MultiChoice to pay the sum of N1 billion “or any amount the tribunal deemed fit appropriate in this circumstance for the company’s deliberate actions in disobeying, contravening, and failing to comply with the interim order” granted on April 29.

In a Notice of Consequence of Disobedience to Order of Court, Form 48, marked: CCPT/OP/02/2024 dated and filed on May 7, the notice, warned Sani against disregarding the tribunal order.

“Take notice that unless you obey the under-listed order of the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal, Abuja, given on the 29th day of April 2024, thus: “An order restraining the 1st defendant/respondent either by itself, agents, representatives, officers or privies, howsoever described from carrying out the impending increase in tariffs and cost of its products and services intended to take effect from 1st May 2024, until the hearing and determination of the motion on notice already filed before this tribunal”.

Multichoice, on its part, argued that previous rulings had settled price regulation issues.

Onifade insisted the length of notice was inadequate and more pressing than the price hike itself, prompting the tribunal to affirm its jurisdiction and ruling against Multichoice.

The court fixed July 3 for a hearing of the substantive suit of the plaintiff.

A World War Two US Navy veteran travelling to France for an event marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings has died, a veteran organisation has confirmed.
Robert “Al” Persichitti from Rochester, New York, was airlifted to a hospital in Germany on 30 May after suffering a medical emergency aboard a ship heading to Europe.

He died the following day, aged 102.

Remembered as a “great, humble man,” Mr Persichitti was involved in the allied operation in Japan.

Honor Flight – a veteran organisation Mr Persichitti belonged to – confirmed his death on social media and said he had “served his country bravely without hesitation”.

The non-profit helps transport former US servicemen to the memorials of the respective wars they fought in.

The 102-year-old was selected to attend the event in Normandy by the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, which paid for and organised the trip, a local affiliate of CBS News, the BBC’s US partner, reported.

“I’m really excited to be going”, he told broadcaster WROC-TV a day before he set off.

His cardiologist had encouraged him to travel, he added.
Al DeCarlo, who served alongside Mr Persichitti in Japan, was also on the trip. He told local media in Rochester that his friend did not die alone.

“The doctor was with him… he was at peace and he was comfortable,” he said, according to ABC news agency affiliate, WHAM-TV.

“She put his favourite singer, Frank Sinatra, on her phone and he peacefully left us.”

The pair served in Iwo Jiwa together, a Japanese island the US captured from the country’s imperial army in 1945.

Mr Persichitti’s friend of 46 years, Pastor William Leone, told WHAM-TV “he had a real zest for living” and would visit children in local schools to talk to about his experiences.

The veteran was also a former teacher. In April, students at a local school helped organise a birthday celebration in his honour.

In 2020, he was named an honouree of New York State Senate’s Veteran Hall of Fame by the then Senator Rich Funke.
His local chapter of Honor Flight in Rochester said they will miss him.

Popular content creator and actor Adebowale Adedayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, has urged the President Bola Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress, APC, to rise up to its responsibilities.

The thespian stated that if APC knew what Nigerians deserved back then, they should have no problem understanding what the people want now that they are in power.

He added that Nigerians are suffering and the government needs to rise to its responsibilities.

On his X handle, Mr Macaroni wrote: “No Political party enjoyed opposition like APC! They cursed at Jonathan and his family everyday. Nobody protest reach them.

“If APC knew what the people deserved back then, they should have no problem understanding what the people want and deserve now!

“The people are suffering!

The Government should wake up!”

Nigerian Singer, Oludipe Oluwasanmi David, popularly known as Spyro, believes he and Big Brother Naija reality star Nengi rocking similar outfits on the same day might be more than a mere coincidence.

The ‘Who’s Your Guy’ hitmaker is now seeking spiritual assistance to decipher if Nengi is his soulmate.

He added that he would “obey” if it was established that she was indeed his soulmate.

Sharing a combined picture of him and Nengi donning similar outfits on Sunday via his Instagram page, Spyro wrote, “Of all days Nengi chose to wear black, hold a white cup, carry a black bag and snap on a brown flooring with a flower tree at the background Same day I happened to be doing the same things.

“Holy Spirit help me here, is this a sign? Speak to me Lord, I will obey.”

Taking to the comment section, Nengi wrote, “The Lord works in mysterious ways, what a coincidence!”

Spyro recently revealed that Nengi is the only female celebrity that he would never allow himself to be left in a room with.

He disclosed that he has been resisting the urge to approach her.

Veteran Nigerian producer and music executive, Don Jazzy has postulated X users sacrificed their mental health by joining the platform.

According to him, mental health is the currency for subscribing to X (formerly Twitter) in 2024.

On his X handle Saturday, Jazzy wrote: “Your mental health is the currency you use to subscribe to Twitter in 2024.”

Taking to the comment section, a fan told Don Jazzy that his social media engagement has dropped drastically since he limited his X usage.

The fan wrote, “Your engagement level come drop sha as you leave us japa finally to insta.”

Don Jazzy replied, “Make e drop. Una wahala too much for here.”

Nigerian Afrobeats singer, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, aka Wizkid, has announced that his sixth studio album would be dedicated to his late mum, Jane Morayo Balogun.

The ‘Ojuelegba’ hitmaker made the announcement in a video message shared via his social media on Saturday.

He also disclosed that the album titled ‘Morayo’ in honour of his mum would be released “very soon.”

Wizkid said, “My album ‘Morayo’, dedicated to my mum, the love of my life, drops very soon. Don’t dull. Don’t sleep.”

Wizkid’s mother, Jane Dolapo Balogun, died on August 18, 2023, in London.

The singer said the pain of losing his mum ‘hurts deeply’.

He said, “The pain is profound.”

American singer and actress, Selena Gomez has revealed that she has plans of adopting children if she is still single at 35.

The 31-year-old said she conceived the plan after staying single for five years before entering a relationship with producer and songwriter, Benny Blanco, last year.

In a recent interview with Time Magazine, the former Disney star talked about how she struggled with loneliness initially and what helped her feel better about not being in a relationship.

“I was alone for five years, and I got really used to it,” she said.

“A lot of people are afraid of being alone and I probably tortured myself in my head for like two years being alone, and then I kind of accepted it. Then I came up with my plan, which was I was going to adopt at 35 if I had not met anyone.”

The singer said her current relationship with Blanco happened when she least expected it.

She confirmed she was dating Benny Blanco in December 2023.

Gomez dated The Weeknd, for a brief 10 months back in 2017, and before that, she was embroiled in a years-long, on-and-off relationship with Justin Bieber.

Billionaire songstress, Rihanna believes Nigerian singer, Ayra Starr has what it takes to dominate both the male and the female sides of the music industry.

According to Rihanna, Ayra’s deep voice appeals to both boys and girls.

The Barbadian superstar stated that she has no doubt that Ayra Starr would dominate the global music scene with her unique voice.

Ayra Starr disclosed her chat with Rihanna when they met at the Authentic Woman event in the UK in a recent interview with Billboard.

The ‘Rush’ crooner said: ” We [Rihanna and I] got to hang out after the event. Just spending time with my idol, the person that inspired me to do all of this, was the most amazing thing. She gave me so many pointers and advice.

“I love my voice, but I know I have a very deep voice like, ‘Is that a man?! Is that a boy?!’ Rihanna was like, ‘You have the type of voice that can take over the males and take over the girls. You are here to take over both sides of the industry.’

And I was like, ‘You think so?’ She’s like, ‘Yes! Yes!’ I was like, ‘Thank you so much!’ She was like, ‘That’s your superpower.’ I was like, ‘I never thought of it like that. Thank you.’ She just put everything into perspective for me.’

Nigerian singer, Kizz Daniel has dedicated his latest song ‘Double’ to his wife, MJay Anidugbe.

The brand new single arrives with a music video starring his wife.

The couple serenade fans with their onscreen chemistry as they offer them a glimpse into their beautiful bond.

The music video, set to premiere on the same day as the audio release, features intimate and joyful moments between Kizz Daniel and his wife, offering fans a glimpse into their beautiful bond.

In a statement, Kizz Daniel said the song is a celebration of love, partnership, and the double joy that comes from sharing life’s journey with someone special

“I wanted to create a song that not only celebrates my love for my wife but also speaks to the beauty of partnership and family,” he said.

“Having her grace the screen with me makes this project even more special to me. I hope that ‘Double’ resonates with everyone who listens and reminds them of the importance of love and togetherness.”

Kizz Daniel is one of the leading figures at the forefront of representing afrobeats on the world stage.

Popular singer Teniola Apata, simply known as Teni, has reacted to the change of Nigeria’s national anthem.

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday signed the National Anthem Bill 2024 into law to reinstate the old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”

Reacting, Teni said she would miss the replaced National Anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots.”

She noted that she made so many childhood memories with the former anthem.

On her X handle, Teni wrote: “Arise o compatriots, I’ll miss you, thank you for so many childhood memories. till
we meet again, love SM.”

‘Arise, O compatriots’ was adopted as Nigeria’s National Anthem in 1978.

The lyrics were composed by John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B. A. Ogunnaike, Sota Omoigui and P. O. Aderibigbe.

The anthem was performed by the Nigeria Police Band under the directorship of B. E. Odiasse.

By the implication of the National Anthem Bill 2024 which was recently signed into law by President Tinubu, ‘Arise, O compatriots’ has now officially been replaced by the old anthem, ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’ as Nigeria’s National Anthem.

Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold has stated that his colleague, Timi Dakolo’s song, ‘Great Nation’ would have made a better national anthem than the old anthem which the country returned to.

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday signed the National Anthem Bill 2024 into law to reinstate the old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”

Reacting, Adekunle Gold wondered why those in authority did not consider Timi Dakolo’s ‘Great Nation’ as the country’s new anthem.

On his X handle, he wrote: “No one thought Timi Dakolo’s Great Nation makes a better anthem?”

His post sparked mind reactions.

@jachukwu wrote, “If they were truly looking for an anthem that will steer up patriotism and love for the country it would have been that song.”

@CarmillaXander said, “Absolutely yes, that song could make the least patriotic Nigerian stand up and go ‘sasageyo’.”

@Tyekooon opined, “The lyrics are too deep for an unserious country, hence.”

@xybox wrote, “It would make a beautiful anthem.

“When these old meddling politicians have left this world, I hope the future legislators will denounce this colonial special number of theirs and adopt ‘Great Nation’.”

@BFMPLUS said, “Yes but it still carries the disputable and derogatory word: Tribe!!
We should stop describing ourselves as tribal people.

“No whiteman ever allows himself to be called tribe.”

Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw has frowned at the decision of the current administration to reinstate the old national anthem.

She particularly faulted the timing of the change, querying how the return to the old anthem was going to tackle the hardship in the country.

The movie star lamented that the country is facing “excoriating hardship and lack of good governance on every level.”

On her X handle, she sarcastically wrote: “In the midst of excoriating hardship & lack of good governance on every level but not to worry, going back to a colonial anthem will be a soothing balm and inject patriotism back into our veins, a much needed drug.”

In another post, Henshaw wrote, “The labour of our heroes past… o ti lo [is gone].”

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday signed the National Anthem Bill 2024 into law to reinstate the old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”

American actor Johnny Wactor has been shot dead in Los Angeles by a thief who was trying to steal a part from his car.

The 37-year-old suffered fatal injuries after interrupting three men who were attempting to remove the catalytic converter from his parked vehicle.

Wactor – who previously featured in the US soap opera General Hospital – was pronounced dead early on Saturday.

His agent David Shaul told Variety he was an “outstanding human being”.

He continued: “He would literally give you the shirt off his back.
“After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever.”

Wactor’s mother Scarlett told NBC4 her son was returning to his car after work and discovered a man tampering with it.

Believing it was being towed and not suspecting danger, he approached the man to ask what was happening, then was immediately shot, she said.

She told the outlet the suspect fled with two other men, and described her son’s killing as “senseless”.

Catalytic converters are valuable targets for thieves as they contain precious metals which can be sold.

The incident happened at the corner of West Pico Boulevard and South Hope Street in downtown LA. No arrests have been made.

A tribute shared by producers at General Hospital said South Carolina-born Wactor was “truly one of a kind and a pleasure to work with each and every day”.
As well as a two-year stint on the show, Wactor also starred in the 2013 NBC series Siberia and featured in two episodes of HBO’s Westworld.

Grammy-winning Nigerian singer, Temilade Openiyi, has revealed that she is an expert when it comes to choosing a partner.

She explained that what she looks out for in a potential partner is humour, intelligence and height.

The Oscar-nominated diva disclosed this on the ‘Chicken Shop Date’ with Amelia.

“I have never had a bad date. I think I’m very good at picking men. Just make them your b*tch,” she said.

On her ideal man, she said, “Just intelligence, funny. I feel like funny people are intelligent. As far as you are intelligent, tall… I don’t really care about height but..”

Amelia inferred, “Okay, it sounds you do.”

Tems added, “My love language is physical touch. I don’t know if my love language is act of service because I’m always the one doing the servicing.”

Popular singer and half of P-Square, Paul Okoye, aka Rudeboy, has reportedly tied the knot with his girlfriend, Ifeoma Ivy.

According to reports, the couple recently held their traditional wedding in Abia State.

Pictures from the private wedding emerged online on Friday, showing the couple in traditional marriage attires and kneeling before their parents.

This is coming amid rumours that Ifeoma is pregnant with the singer’s child.

Rudeboy recently hinted at remarrying while scolding fans for wishing his divorce from his ex-wife to be toxic.

He went on to unveil hashtag options for himself and his partner, Ifeoma.

Rudeboy, 41, unveiled Ifeoma, then 22, as his new girlfriend in December 2022, one year after his divorce from his ex-wife, Anita Okoye.

Controversial social media activist, VeryDarkMan has said that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the last election, Peter Obi has a very slim chance of clinching the presidential seat in 2027.

He also stated that the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, Atiku Abubakar and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, respectively, would also not “smell” the presidential seat.

According to him, the opposition supporters are underestimating the incumbent President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The self-styled activist stated this while reacting to reports that Obi’s recent visit to Atiku could be connected to a merger of the opposition parties.

VeryDarkMan maintained that even with a merger, it would be difficult for the opposition to unseat the incumbent president in 2027.

He said, “I’m sick of seeing the news of Peter Obi and Atiku planning a merger ahead of 2027 in bid to take over the presidency.

“But the truth is, Peter Obi, Atiku or Kwankwaso cannot smell the presidential seat in 2027.

“The problem with the opposition is that they underestimate the incumbent president, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“With time, you will realise that Tinubu is actually the greatest politician of all time. I hate to say it but it’s fact.

“The man is smart, intelligent and desperate. He knows how to get what he wants. Don’t joke with him. He will remain in office till 2032.

“The opposition should give up on the merger plans. Peter Obi 2027 is not possible.”

Grammy-winning singer, Damini Ogulu, aka Burna Boy, has ventured into the movie industry.

The ‘African Giant’ crooner is set to make his debut as an executive producer in Black Mic Mac’s upcoming movie ‘3 Cold Dishes.’

Burna Boy would executively produce the movie through Spaceship Films, a company he co-founded alongside Bose Ogulu, his mother.

The movie will be co-produced by Black Mic Mac, Ifind, Alma Prods, Asurf Films, and Martian Network.

Directed by Asurf Oluseyi and written by Tomi Adesina, ‘3 Cold Dishes’ is a story set across Nigeria, the Republic of Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire.

“This film is a testament to the strength and resilience of its characters, and it took us blood and sweat to get it to this stage,” the director, Asurf Oluseyi stated in an interview with Variety.

The film boasts of star-studded casts such as Osas Ighodaro, Femi Jacobs, Wale Ojo, Ruby Akubueze, Brutus Richards as well as some Ivorian and Senegalese actors.

Nollywood star Angela Okorie has lambasted her colleague, Zubby Michael, for publicising his donation to the family of their late colleague, Junior Pope.

A video capturing the moment Michael made a donation to Junior Pope’s widow, Jennifer Awele, and their children, has gone viral on social media.

Reacting, Okorie berated Michael for making the donation “on camera.”

She noted that the burial of a young person is not the right place to flaunt cash.

On her Instagram story, she wrote: “Zubby na young person die, that showcase of money wasn’t necessary. But as a local boy that you are, you don’t have sense. You don’t know where to do show and where to behave well.

“Abi you get money pass all the dignitaries wey come there? Mugu.”

Junior Pope died on April 10, 2024, alongside three others after their boat capsized on the Anam River in Anambra State while returning from a film location.

He was laid to rest at his hometown, Ukehe in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State, last Friday.

Joseph Aloba, father of late singer, Illerioluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad, has again accused his daughter-in-law, Wunmi, of paternity fraud.

In a fresh audio interview making the rounds on social media, Mr Aloba insisted that his grandson, Liam, is not his late son’s child.

According to him, Liam has “bow legs” and his family doesn’t have “bow legs.”

He said he believed that Wunmi’s concubine killed Mohbad and urged her to take her son to the rightful father.

He said, “All the names Mohbad mentioned in the petition he wrote, were involved in his death. I still insist that his wife’s concubine killed him. This is why DNA is a must.

“Wunmi said my son deflowered her so why is she running away from DNA? Liam has bow legs. We don’t have bow legs in the Aloba family. She should take the boy to his father. It is so sad that these wicked people k!Iled my son in his prime. Nigerians should please support me as I fight for justice for my son.”