Entertainment

Lagos: Mohbad’s Father Appeals DPP’s Legal Stance

Published

6 months ago

July 9, 2025

446 Views

Mr Joseph Aloba, father of the late singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, aka Mohbad, has filed a notice of appeal against the Lagos High Court ruling which upheld the legal advice that cleared music executive, Azeez Fashola, aka Naira Marley, and show promoter, Balogun Eletu, popularly known as Sam Larry, of any wrongdoing in his son’s controversial death.

The appeal, filed at the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, seeks to overturn the July 2, 2025, decision delivered by Justice D.T. Olatokun.

Through his legal team led by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Wahab Shittu, and Don Akaegbu, Aloba is challenging the Director of Public Prosecutions’ legal advice, which he argued was used to absolve key suspects in the late singer’s death.

In the appeal document on Tuesday, Aloba contended that the trial court erred by holding that the Attorney-General’s prosecutorial powers under Section 211(1) of the 1999 Constitution are absolute and not subject to judicial review.

He argued that such powers must be exercised in line with public interest, justice, and due process, and not used to shield any individual from prosecution.

Citing the Supreme Court case of Elias v. Arkas (2018) 10 NWLR (Pt 1626) Pg 37, the appellant contended that “such power was not beyond judicial scrutiny, especially when it appears contrary to the public interest, interest of justice, or amounts to abuse of legal process.”

He however urged the court “to allow the appeal and set aside the lower court’s ruling and issue an order of certiorari to quash the legal advice issued by the DPP with Reference No. LJP/HOM/2023/170 concerning Mohbad’s death.”

The Attorney-General of Lagos State, Lawal Pedro SAN, and the Director of Public Prosecutions were listed as respondents in the case.In an ex parte motion earlier filed before the Lagos High Court, Aloba argued that the coroner’s inquest, initiated on September 29, 2023, had not concluded its probe into Mohbad’s demise before the DPP’s actions were taken.

He further disclosed that key individuals who had been summoned by the Coroner’s Court and mentioned during the inquest were released prematurely and had yet to appear to clarify their roles in the case.

He added that the police and DPP allegedly acted without notifying the coroner, thereby obstructing the inquest’s statutory duties.

Entertainment

Grammys to honour Fela with special merit award

The Recording Academy described Fela as the “architect of Afrobeat,” noting that the late musician is among ten people to be honoured with the special award.

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2025

OCHEFA

53 Views

Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti will be honoured with a special merit award at the 2026 Grammy Awards.

The organisers of the prestigious award, Recording Academy, announced this via a post on Instagram on Friday, December 19, 2025.

The Recording Academy described Fela as the “architect of Afrobeat,” noting that the late musician is among ten people to be honoured with the special award.

The academy said the Afrobeat legend will be honoured with a Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award on January 31, 2026.

Entertainment

Gbenga Bada Urges NIJ Students: Embrace Passion, Professionalism in Entertainment Reporting

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2025

Charles Flames

70 Views

Seasoned Nigerian entertainment journalist Gbenga Bada has called on students of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) to approach entertainment reporting with unwavering passion and strict adherence to professional standards.

Speaking at a recent engagement with students at the prestigious journalism institution in Ogba, Lagos, Bada, who serves as Assistant Entertainment Editor at *The Nation* newspaper, emphasized that the dynamic field of entertainment journalism demands more than mere reporting—it requires genuine enthusiasm and ethical rigor to stand out in an increasingly competitive media landscape.

“Entertainment reporting is not just about chasing headlines or celebrity gossip,” Bada reportedly told the aspiring journalists. “It thrives on passion for the arts, culture, and stories that shape our society, combined with the professionalism that ensures accuracy, fairness, and credibility.

“Bada, known for his in-depth coverage of Nigeria’s vibrant entertainment industry—including music, film, and celebrity features—drew from his extensive experience to inspire the students.

He highlighted the importance of building strong ethical foundations amid the rise of digital media and social platforms, where misinformation can spread rapidly.

The session, part of NIJ’s ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between academia and industry practice, resonated with attendees, who praised Bada’s practical insights into navigating the challenges and opportunities in entertainment journalism.

As Nigeria’s creative sector continues to grow globally, voices like Bada’s underscore the need for a new generation of reporters equipped not only with skills but with the drive to elevate the profession.

Entertainment

Ronaldo featuring in Hollywood’s Fast & Furious film

This move marks Ronaldo’s most significant step into the film industry, aligning with his recent ambition beyond the pitch.

Published

5 days ago

December 18, 2025

OCHEFA

82 Views

Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo is officially entering the Hollywood industry, joining the star-studded cast of the upcoming ‘Fast & Furious’ finale.

The announcement was made via Instagram by the franchise’s star and producer, Vin Diesel, who stated that a role was written specifically for the Portuguese legend.

Vin Diesel posted a picture of himself with Ronaldo and revealed that the football star will be a part of the next Fast & Furious film.

On the post, Vin Diesel wrote, “Everyone asked, would he be in the Fast mythology… I gotta tell you, he is a real one. We wrote a role for him.”

Soon after, co-star Tyrese Gibson joined Vin Diesel in announcing the plans to work with Ronaldo in the movie.

Gibson posted an AI-generated picture of himself with the Fast & Furious cast, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, on Instagram.

Gibson wrote, “Welcome to the Family! Cristiano Ronaldo. The Global Dance Just Went Into New Heights.”

This move marks Ronaldo’s most significant step into the film industry, aligning with his recent ambition beyond the pitch.

In April 2025, he announced the launch of his own film studio, UR•MARV, in partnership with acclaimed director Matthew Vaughn (Kingsman). The studio has already financed several action films.