Nigerian singer, Joseph Akinfenwa Donus, popularly known as Joeboy, has said he is open to marrying his current girlfriend.

He described his current relationship as “pure intense helpless love”.

Speaking in the latest episode of Madame Joyce’s ‘Cocktails & Takeaways’ podcast, Joeboy said he believes in love and marriage.

He said, “My current relationship is like pure, intense helpless love.

“I believe in love and marriage to an extent [laughs].

“The person I am with now, I can be with her for life. If I don’t see myself being with somebody for life, I’m not going to be in a committed relationship. I would rather let’s just be seeing ourselves but no commJoeboy disclosed in an interview last year that he spent roughly N50 million on his current girlfriend within two years.

He said he was not sure about the figure, adding that it could be far more than that.

He also said he prefers to keep the identity of his girlfriend hidden to protect his private life from social media scrutiny.

Big Brother Naija reality star Mercy Eke, aka Lambo, has been hospitalised.

The ‘Pepper Dem’ Season winner shared a photo of herself on a hospital bed barely 24 hours after she was seen partying on a yacht, with a caption reminding fans of the ephemeral nature of life.

She, however, did not disclose how she ended up being hospitalised.

Mercy Eke wrote via her Instagram story: “Don’t waste your time in anger, regrets, and worries; life is too short to be unhappy. Who would have thought that I would end up in a hospital barely 24 hours after I was seen outside?

“I’m just having different thoughts of what could have been the worst case. God, I thank you for your loving kindness. Life is so f*cked. Good health is underrated.”

The Anambra State Police Command says the remains of Nollywood star, John Paul Odonwodo, popularly called Junior Pope, were not among those buried by the bank of the Anam River.

The Command’s spokesman, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, made the clarification on Sunday, stating that only three of the deceased families agreed that the victims be buried by the riverside.

He noted that after the burial of the three, one of the families came back to exhume the remains of their daughter for a befitting burial in her country home.

Ikenga added that the corpse of Junior Pope was deposited at a morgue.

“The Command, on an inquiry about the unconfirmed information that the recovered bodies including Junior Pope were buried by the Riverside where the boat accident happened, discovered that three of the deceased families accepted the victims should be buried beside the river.

“But later, the family of one of the victims decided to exhume the body to be given a proper burial in her state while the other two were still buried there.

“Also, Junior Pope and one other are still in the morgue and await the deceased families’ funeral arrangements,” he said.

The PPRO further stated that the Command is still investigating the unfortunate incident.

He said, “The producer of the movie and the two boat drivers’ statements have been obtained, and other necessary actions/moves already emplaced by the operatives as directed by the Commissioner of Police to determine the criminal liability of any person, if any, in the mishap.”

Nigerian singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has said aside from Chris Brown, he won’t “disturb” himself for any other American collaboration.

He said he is expecting a collaboration with Rihanna after she declared his song ‘Unavailable’ her favourite song.

Davido featured in a recent podcast interview with Sway’s Universe.

“Aside Chris Brown, I’m not going to disturb myself for any other American collaboration. Rihanna said ‘Unavailable’ is her best song, so I’m waiting to work with her,” he said.

He also claimed that his song with Chris Brown, ‘Blow My Mind’ is the best Afrobeats and American artists’ collaboration after Drake and Wizkid’s ‘One Dance.’

“Blow My Mind’ with Chris Brown was the first US x Afrobeats collaboration to go crazy aside ‘One Dance’,” Davido said.

Adanma Luke, the producer of the movie Junior Pope was shooting before he drowned has claimed that the later actor was given a life jacket but rejected it.

Luke has been under heavy fire following the death of actor Junior Pope and three others after their boat capsized on the Anam River in Anambra State while returning from the location of her movie, ‘The Other Side Of Life.’

Breaking her silence since the incident, Luke Adanma claimed that Junior Pope was provided with a life jacket but rejected it because it was dirty.

Speaking in a video message shared via her Instagram account, she said: “My director was on life jacket, Emeka the DOP was also on life jacket. There was still one life jacket available, I don’t know who took it.

“My producer manager said they saw life jackets hanging and they took them. He said he even asked the late Friday to take one to Junior Pope but Junior Pope said it was dirty so he didn’t take it.

“Those with life jackets survived the boat mishap. And they also told me that when they were in the water trying to survive, Junior Pope was also there asking, ‘Is everybody okay? Hope everybody is fine?’ They said they even threw a gallon to him to use and hold himself which he was holding but all of a sudden they didn’t see him again.

“It was when they came out that they noticed that he was no longer there. They said divers came and reduced some of them while other divers were still there trying to rescue others.

“I said what could have caused this accident? They said they don’t know but TC was standing on the speed boat rigging bell.”

The Anambra State Police Command said it has recovered the three remaining bodies of the victims of a boat accident that occurred on Wednesday along the coastline of the River Niger.

This was as the command urged all water commuters to be safety conscious and avoid behaviour that may jeopardise their safety and that of others while on transit on water.

This was disclosed in a press statement by the state police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Friday.

On April 10th, a popular Nollywood actor, Junior Pope and four others were confirmed dead in the boat tragedy.

The boat, one of two that conveyed a movie crew to a film location in Anambra West Local Government Area of the state, was returning to its takeoff point in Asaba, Delta State when the unfortunate accident occurred.

This prompted the Actors Guild of Nigeria to bar its actors from all film productions involving riverine areas and boat rides.

Ikenga said the Marine Police of the Anambra State Command recovered the bodies of the three remaining victims of the unfortunate boat accident late on Thursday.

He said, “The two of the bodies were recovered on Thursday, April 11, 2024, while the last was washed in by the tide this morning.

“All the bodies have been deposited in the hospital mortuary in Asaba while the President of the Guild of Actors and Actresses has been notified of the recovery.

“The CP promised an expedited investigation into the sad accident that claimed the lives of five actors. He also commended the Command’s Marine Unit and its Commander for dedication to duty.”

A rights activist lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has faulted the six-month sentence handed down to Okuneye Idris Olarewaju, popularly known as Bobrisky, over Naira mutilation.

Adeyanju urged security agencies to adopt a community service approach for victimless crimes like currency mutilation in the country.

On Friday, Justice Abimbola Awogboro handed down a six-month sentence without the option of a fine to Bobrisky.

The controversial celebrity has been in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, since his arrest last week.He will now serve the jail term in the Ikoyi Prison, Lagos.

The statement by Adeyanju reads: “We note with concern the six months sentence handed down to Mr Okuneye Idris Olarewaju (AKA Bobrisky), without an option of fine, for Naira mutilation offence, as reported by various national news platforms.

“While we do not condone any attempt to break down the law or actual violation of the law, we are, however, constrained to state on record that at a time when private individuals, non-governmental organisations, states and federal governments are taking steps to decongest our prisons, Mr. Olarewaju, a first-time offender, has been sentenced to six months imprisonment, notwithstanding his allocutus and promise to use his platform to sensitise the public against Naira mutilation.

“In handing down sentences, we urge our courts to be mindful of the cultural undertone surrounding offences. The act of spraying Naira or (otherwise called Naira mutilation), though an offence criminalised by law, is one that has been part of our cultural practice from time immemorial.

The relevant agencies, therefore, have a duty to carry out large-scale sensitization on the issue, before seeking to prosecute offenders.

“We also note that even at the said event where Mr. Olarenwaju was alleged to have mutilated the Naira, there were several other persons engaging in the same act. The question is, why single out Mr. Olarenwaju? In prosecuting offences like this, security agencies must be careful not to give the impression that the Defendant is being targeted for alleged offences other than those stated on the face of the charge.

“In conclusion, we urge our security agencies to adopt a community service approach for victimless crimes like Naira Mutilation, while we reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law and the protection of human rights at all times.”

A Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, says controversial cross-dresser and social media celebrity, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, will have a difficult experience in prison.

According to Effiong, Bobrisky is not a freedom fighter and does not seem like someone who could stay in a restricted environment under harsh and excruciating conditions.

Effiong’s opinion came after a Court in Lagos sentenced Bobrisky to six months imprisonment for abusing the Nigerian currency, Naira.

Justice Abimbola Awogboro handed down the six-month sentence without the option of a fine.

Recall that the controversial celebrity has been in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, since his arrest last week.

However, following his sentencing by the court, the human rights lawyer fears that Bobrisky will be confronted by a culture shock when he enters Ikoyi Prison.

In a post on his X handle, Effiong suggested that he would begin to adjust to his new world after a few days.

He said: “Bobrisky will have a difficult experience in the Custodial Centre (prison) because he is not a freedom fighter and does not seem to me like someone that can stay in a restricted environment under harsh and excruciating conditions.

“The main key to surviving imprisonment is mental strength and courage.The prison wall only breaks those who are not driven by strong convictions.

“For a freedom fighter, it is a training ground. No true activist goes to prison and comes out weaker. They always come out stronger and bolder. History shows this clearly. Any activist who is broken by imprisonment is a pretender.

If you are all about the ‘soft life’, and you are the fragile type and incapable of enduring physical discomfiture, you should avoid imprisonment.

Some of us came out stronger after our imprisonment because we have always been mentally prepared for it and due to our strong ideological disposition.

“Bobrisky will be confronted by a culture shock when he enters Ikoyi Prison and realizes that it is a different world from what he knows.

“After a few days, he will begin to adjust to his new world.”

Controversial social media personality and cross-dresser, Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, admitted to being a man before he was sentenced to prison.

Bobrisky was sentenced to six months imprisonment without an option of fine for abusing the Nigerian currency, the Naira.

Before the sentence was pronounced, the Judge asked Bobrisky about his sex, “I am a man,” he quickly replied.

He was then remanded to serve his jail term at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, with the judge ruling that the sentence would commence from March 24, 2024, the day of his arrest.

Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos, who handed down the sentence, stated that it was necessary to deter others from similar acts of abuse and mutilation of the Naira.

Recall that Bobrisky was convicted on April 5 after pleading guilty to a four-count charge of naira abuse brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The counts included incidents where Bobrisky was accused of tampering with N400,000 at Imax Circle Mall in Jakande, Lekki; N50,000 at Aja Junction in Ikorodu; N20,000 at White Steve Event Hall in Ikeja; and another N20,000 at an event hall in Oniru, Victoria Island, all between 2022 and 2023.

TC, one of the survivors of the boat mishap that killed Nollywood actor, Pope Obumneme Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope, has recounted his last minutes before the incident.

TC disclosed that lack of experience on the part of the person sailing the boat led to the accident.

Four actors, including Junior Pope, died when their boat capsized on the Anam River in Anambra State while returning from a movie location.

The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, confirmed Junior Pope’s death on Thursday and stated that three other corpses are yet to be found.

However, speaking during an Instagram Live session, TC said: “Before I entered the boat, the first thing Junior Pope asked me was ‘What I’m I doing?’ And I said I was observing the water people. I can’t pass without sharing something. I have given them Fanta, so I don’t want anything bad to happen to me. Junior Pope agreed.

“While we were going, the boat guy was wearing an earpiece, and Junior Pope was doing a video, I saw a small canoe with fishermen in front and due to his lack of experience, he drove right into the last point of the canoe and we somersaulted.”

Popular rapper, Oladipupo Oladimeji, aka Oladips, has expressed disappointment over the disbelief of his “death and resurrection.”

Oladips’ management announced that the rapper died on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

It was later discovered that Oladips was still alive, promoting rumours that he “faked” his death.

However, in a recent interview with Hip TV, the rapper insisted that he died and resurrected.

He stated that despite his efforts to explain his death and resurrection, many still perceived it as a prank.

Oladips said, “I came back to life to see all the chaos and disbelief. But what can I do? What has happened has happened.

“How many people can I sit with and explain to? Because, obviously, a lot of people still think my death is a prank.

“Every time I tried to explain that it was a near-death experience and not a prank, people always show disbelief. But those who are close to me know that I died and resurrected.”

Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele has debunked allegations that late actress Jumoke Aderounmu reached out to her during her battle with sickness that eventually killed her, but she ignored her messages.

Aderounmu passed away on Saturday at the age of 40 after battling an undisclosed ailment.

Akindele, who worked with Aderounmu on her TV serial, ‘Jenifa’s Diary,’ had taken to her Instagram page to mourn her.

However, a brother of the deceased shared a post on his Instagram account, stating how someone who ignored his late sister during her predicament was now mourning her on social media.

Many, who suspected he was referring to Akindele, thronged to the actress’ page to lambast her.

Reacting to the backlash in an Instagram live session, Akindele explained that she was depressed and dealing with her own “trying moments too” when Aderounmu was sick.

She said, “Some people are telling me to keep quiet since I’ve reached out to the deceased’s brother and explained. But I think I deserve… Somebody commented on my page that I may bury my children. I think that is serious. Why? What have I done wrong?

“The late Jumoke Aderounmu, I met her years ago. She was an actress, so I gave her some roles. She featured in Jenifa’s Diary and Industreet. And that was it. She acted her role, got paid and left.

“Recently, my attention was brought to a post by Jumoke’s brother. He was so upset that nobody checked on Jumoke. I said I know he is grieving. I know it’s not easy to lose someone. I’ve lost my mum. Nobody knows what I went through. I was depressed after losing my mum.

“So, I reached out to Jumoke’s brother. I said, ‘I’m so sorry. I feel your pain. Nobody told me that your sister was sick. I don’t turn deaf ears to people that are in need that are next to me. They wrote that I don’t help, I do help but I don’t make noise about helping. I believe giving should be done privately.’

“I don’t beef any filmmaker, I do my things, I face where I’m going. The records I’ve been able to break are by the grace of God. Do not forget I’ve got my trying moments too.

“My mum passed away during COVID-19, I was backlashed politically, and I lost my marriage. Somebody is now saying that I will lose my children. I think that is too much.”

Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar has been slammed with a N10 million fine for publishing libellous statements about the Senior Pastor and General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, Apostle Johnson Suleman.

A Federal Capital Territory High Court on Monday ordered the Deadly Plot actress to pay the amount to the cleric as damages.

According to a certified true copy of the judgement, Apostle Suleman accused the actress of publishing derogatory comments against him on her Instagram page, which were in turn published by several blogs and newspapers.

In his judgement, Justice Enobie Obanor noted that Abubakar was allowed to defend herself in the matter but failed to do so.

The judgement partly reads: “The statements published by the defendant against the claimant on her Instagram handle, @halimabubakar, falsely and maliciously written and published to the general public, are defamatory of the person of the claimant.

“The sum of N10,000,000 only to the claimant as aggravated and exemplary damages for libel contained in the publication of the defendant against the claimant on her Instagram handle, @Halimabubakar and caused to be published in several blogs.”

The court also barred Abubakar from any further publication on Apostle Suleman.

Nollywood actress, Adejumoke Oreoluwa Aderounmu, popularly known for her feature as ‘Esther’ in the hit TV series Jenifa’s Diary, is dead.

The 40-year-old actress died in the early hours of Saturday.

According to the reports which surfaced on social media over the weekend, the news of Aderounmu’s death was shared by a family member.

The cause of her death was yet to be made public as of the time of filing this report.

However, according to information available on social media, a funeral service has since been held for Aderounmu Adejumoke at Owu Baptist Church, Totoro area of Abeokuta in Ogun State.

Controversial singer, Ọlawale Ọlọfọrọ, popularly known as Brymo, has vowed never to sign with the record labels of any of his colleagues, Wizkid, Davido or Burna Boy.

Despite Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy being regarded as the biggest names in Afrobeats, Brymo said he would rather “go to hell” than sign with any of their labels.

The ‘Ara’ crooner featured as a guest in the latest episode of the Bae U Barbie show, ‘Curiosity Made Me Ask.’

“I am the finest vocalist on the continent. I am better than anybody on the continent. I am a better songwriter, I’m the best,” he said.

“I would rather go to hell than sign to Wizkid, Davido or Burna Boy.”

Nollywood actor Nwaogu Udochukwu Victor, popularly known as Nkubi, and his wife, Vivian, have welcomed their first child together.

The comic star announced the good news via his Instagram page on Saturday.

He shared a video showing his wife’s baby bump on display, with him planting a kiss on her belly.

He, however, did not disclose the gender of his child.

Fans and colleagues thronged to the comment section to congratulate the couple.

Nkubi and Vivian tied the nuptial knot in 2021.

MultiChoice Nigeria has announced the dates for the ninth season of popular music talent show – Nigerian Idol.

The brand has also unveiled a new panel of judges, made up of three popular singers— 9ice, Omawumi, and Ric Hassani.

According to a statement sent to Saturday Beats, Omawumi is expected to bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the judging panel.

The ‘Bottom Belle’ singer was a guest judge on the seventh season of the show, and she noted that she aimed to leverage her journey to inspire contestants, guiding them as they embark on their own paths to success.

Ric Hassani, whose smooth voice and heartfelt lyrics have garnered him widespread acclaim will share his invaluable insights and experiences with contestants, empowering them to embrace their individualities and pursue their dreams fearlessly.

‘Gongo Aso’ singer, 9ice, renowned for adept storytelling in his songs will also bring a wealth of knowledge and perspective to the table, offering contestants a glimpse into the intricacies of the music industry.

Sharing her thoughts on the forthcoming season, MultiChoice’s Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa, Busola Tejumola, said, “Nigerian Idol has continuously set the standard for music talent shows in Africa, and Season Nine promises to be no exception.

With the new judges on board, viewers can expect unparalleled talent, excitement, and entertainment. We are proud to showcase the immense musical prowess that Nigeria has to offer and look forward to another unforgettable season.”

The show, which has the theme— Let Your Dreams Take Flight, will be premiered on April 21, 2024.

The controversial cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has arrived at the Federal High Court in Lagos for his arraignment on money laundering and naira abuse allegation.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had on Thursday filed six counts bordering on money laundering and abuse of the naira against Bobrisky.

Bobrisky is scheduled to take his plea before the vacation judge, Justice Abimbola Awogboro.

The crossdresser, who had been in the EFCC detention since Wednesday night, failed to meet the administrative bail offered to him on Thursday.