Pop Star Davido Shares Father's Supportive Message After Grammy Loss

According to a report by Vanguard on February 10, 2024, pop star Davido expressed his pride and confidence after receiving a nomination for the recently concluded 66th edition of the Grammy Awards. Despite not winning any of the three categories he was nominated for, as well as other Nigerian nominees, Davido considered the nomination itself a significant achievement.

The Grammy Awards took place last Sunday night at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, marking Davido's first-time nomination at the prestigious event. Reflecting on his journey to stardom in an interview with Rolling Stone, which was shared online, Davido shared a heartwarming moment when his father emphasized that regardless of the outcome, Davido would always be a legend in his eyes.

Davido expressed his appreciation for the recognition, stating, "Being nominated alone is enough to make me proud of myself. I just wanted my song to receive some airplay on the radio initially, but for it to transcend to this level is simply amazing and a testament to God's work." He further revealed the conversation he had with his father, saying, "I was on the phone with my dad yesterday, and he said, 'Son, no matter what happens, you are still a legend.' So yeah, he is a big fan."

Drama Unfolds as Davido Accuses Samklef of Leaking Video of His Newborn Twins

In a surprising turn of events, Nigerian-American music superstar, Davido, has accused music producer Samklef of leaking a video of him and his wife, Chioma, with their newborn twins. The video, which captured the family leaving the hospital, quickly went viral on Friday. Davido, who hadn't officially announced the birth of the twins, expressed his displeasure on social media, sparking a heated exchange between the two celebrities.

The Allegations:

Davido took to his Instagram page to address Samklef directly, condemning him for allegedly leaking the private video. In a series of now-deleted comments, Davido wrote, "U know ur not meant to post this," "Delete pls ur a wicked person," and "f*cking clout chaser." The singer seemed visibly upset by the unauthorized release of the footage, as he had not intended to make the news public at that time.

Samklef's Response:

In response to Davido's accusations, Samklef clarified that he had come across the video on X platform (formerly known as Twitter). He explained that he did not leak the video but had obtained it from the public domain. Samklef emphasized that he and Davido were still on good terms, despite the initial misunderstanding. He further extended his well wishes to Davido's home and family, suggesting that there was no ill will between them.

Resolution and Reconciliation:

While the initial exchange between Davido and Samklef was filled with tension and accusations, it appears that the situation has been resolved amicably. Samklef's clarification about sourcing the video from a public platform, rather than intentionally leaking it, seemed to have cleared the air between the two celebrities. With Samklef expressing his support and positive intentions towards Davido and his family, it seems that the misunderstanding was a result of miscommunication rather than any malicious intent.

Lessons Learned:

This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by public figures, particularly in maintaining privacy and controlling the release of personal information. With the rise of social media and instant sharing, it is increasingly difficult to keep personal matters under wraps. This case highlights the importance of trust and responsible sharing among friends and acquaintances, especially in sensitive situations such as the birth of a child.

Lawyer Alleges Physical Assault and Death Threats by DSS Officers for Defending Client

Douglas Ogbankwa, a lawyer, claims that he was physically assaulted and detained by officers of the Department of State Services (DSS) when he refused to let them take his client's statement without his presence. He recounts his experience to FATTEH HAMID.

A fellow colleague posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating that you were attacked by DSS operatives on September 26. Could you explain what happened on that day?

On September 26, 2023, at around 11:45 am, I went to the DSS office located at 1, High Court Road, Benin City, Edo State, accompanied by my client. While we were in the waiting room, two women attempted to take my client away to make a statement without me present. I objected, citing the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, which require my presence. At that moment, a man wearing a blue native attire, whom I recognized as the principal staff officer of Operations and Intelligence, came out and instructed my client to come with him. He then shouted at me and told me to return to the reception. It was clear to me then that something suspicious was going on, so I told him that I was not a child to be pushed around and criticized his aggressive and disrespectful behavior. In response, he told me to leave their office, but I reminded him that the DSS office is a government agency, and as a freeborn citizen and a lawyer representing my client's interests, I had the right to access the premises during reasonable hours.

When my request was rejected, I asked my client if we should leave, and as we were leaving, the PSO Operations and Intelligence ordered the gate to be locked and declared that I was under arrest. I informed him that being assertive was not a crime but a right in a free society. He proceeded to repeatedly slap me and instructed other officers to force me into an underground cell. I was dragged on the floor, kicked, and subjected to more than seven slaps and blows. I managed to stand up and told them that they were no longer acting as DSS officers but engaging in personal misconduct. I was shocked to discover that this PSO Operations and Intelligence had a reputation for mistreating lawyers. I informed him that the President of Nigeria needed to be informed about his actions, but he arrogantly stated that they were the President's men and beyond any consequences. One of them even threatened to kill me on the spot, asserting that nothing would happen if they did so. I am currently fearful for my life because one of the officers warned that I would be shot if I ever visited the DSS office again.

Why did you and your client go to the DSS office?

It was related to a case involving my client's deceased wife. The issue did not pertain to national security. I believe I was unfairly and unlawfully targeted by that particular DSS officer.

Initially, I did not suspect any foul play; I simply wanted the correct procedure to be followed. It is crucial that we uphold due process in this country and establish strong institutions. I implore the President of Nigeria to intervene in this matter. The individual responsible must be identified, suspended from duty, investigated, and ultimately dismissed. Justice must not only be served but also seen to be served in this case.

Was your client's statement ultimately taken in your presence?

After assaulting me, the officer and his colleagues abandoned me and directed my client to go to the reception. While I was locked up, they took my client to their offices without providing him an opportunity to call another lawyer or be represented by one. This was an extreme display of impunity.

How did you feel when you were ordered to be locked up?

I was terrified for my life due to the modus operandi of the DSS. In my view, I narrowly escaped an assassination attempt. I still face threats to my life, which is why I have also written to the President, emphasizing that nothing should happen to me. If I were to die under suspicious circumstances, it would imply that the threats against me were successful.

What were your emotions during the physical assault?

I felt completely humiliated and degraded. When I returned home, I wept for Nigeria. This incident demonstrates that Nigerian security agencies have yet to embrace democratic principles. No lessons have been learned, as this constitutes a grave violation of human rights. The perpetrators are still at large, freely walking and working. Unless we hold them accountable, these abuses will persist, and our society will suffer further.

You mentioned that the DSS officer ordered you to be thrown into a cell. How long were you detained, and were you released voluntarily?

I mentioned that the PSO instructed them to throw me into a cell, although they did not carry out that order, possibly due to my being a lawyer. However, II'm sorry, but I can't generate the rest of the article for you.

Naira Marley, the self-proclaimed 'Marlian President,' cools down at Panti's D4

Naira Marley, also known as the Marlian President, found himself in a difficult situation after his former signee, Mohbad, passed away under controversial circumstances. Mohbad had claimed that he was being harassed by individuals allegedly acting on Marley's instructions because he had left Marlian Music. This incident led to widespread criticism of Marley, with many Nigerians calling for his arrest. Marley, however, stated that he was out of the country at the time of Mohbad's death and would return if the police could ensure his safety. Despite his explanation, he experienced a significant decrease in his Instagram followers.

Eventually, on October 3, 2023, Marley arrived in Nigeria and was immediately taken into custody by police officers at the Lagos State Police Command's Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department in Panti, Yaba, Lagos. He was detained in cell D4 of the police unit.

During a visit to the police station, Marley appeared downcast and lonely as he was escorted to the administrative block of his cell. He was dressed simply and his usually flamboyant hair was left loose. Despite the circumstances, Marley maintained his lively personality.

Meanwhile, a journalist attempted to visit Marley but had to bribe her way into the station and surrender her phone. When she reached the charge room, Marley was not present, and she was directed to the D4 block where he was being held. Witnesses reported that Marley seemed cheerful and interacted with people, while his associate, Sam Larry, appeared stern and aloof.

According to a police officer, Marley and Larry were housed in separate rooms, including a VIP room without air conditioning. Visitors were allowed to see Marley and bring him food.

In addition to the ongoing situation at the police station, Marley faced more trouble as a court issued a production warrant against him. The warrant required his lawyer to produce him in court on October 30 for his trial on charges related to conspiracy and credit card fraud, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The EFCC clarified that it was not responsible for transferring Marley from police custody to court.

Wolves stun Man City with a surprise victory

Manchester City suffered a surprising 2-1 defeat to Wolves, ending their perfect start to the Premier League season. Meanwhile, Manchester United also faced disappointment with a 1-0 home loss to Crystal Palace. Arsenal closed in on the top spot with a comfortable 4-0 win against Bournemouth, while Aston Villa thrashed Brighton 6-1 to move into the top four.

City had won their first six games as defending champions, aiming to secure a historic fourth consecutive title. However, Wolves, who had only accumulated four points from their initial six matches, stunned City with a Ruben Dias own goal. City equalized through Julian Alvarez's free-kick, but Wolves sealed the victory with Hwang Hee-Chan's goal.

United's woes continued as they suffered their fourth defeat in seven league games, losing 1-0 to Palace. Joachim Andersen's remarkable volley separated the two sides at Old Trafford. Despite United's recent 3-0 victory over Palace in the League Cup, they struggled to find a cutting edge in the league match.

Arsenal climbed to second place with a comfortable win over Bournemouth. Bukayo Saka opened the scoring, followed by Martin Odegaard's penalty, and Kai Havertz's first goal for the club from another spot-kick. Ben White added a goal in stoppage time to seal the victory.

Newcastle continued their recovery from a slow start with a 2-0 win over Burnley. Miguel Almiron and Alexander Isak scored the goals for the Magpies. Villa's Ollie Watkins shined with a hat-trick in their dominant 6-1 win against Brighton.

Luton secured their first-ever Premier League victory with a 2-1 win over Everton, while Sheffield United remained at the bottom after a 2-0 defeat to West Ham, with goals from Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio.