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NDLEA arrests bureau de change operator, others for Embezzling N32 million

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Six members of a suspected money laundering syndicate that specializes in swallowing dollars were today arrested at the Excel Oriental Hotel, along Airport Road in Lagos by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for allegedly swallowing US$156,000 (about N32 million) meant for export to Brazil.

In a statement released today, NDLEA said illicit exportation of currency by ingestion is a new trend in by-passing anti-money laundering operatives.

The anti-narcotic agency in its statement identified those arrested as Kingsley Nwokenta, a bureau de change operator also known as Buchito; Augustine Onwuasoanya, 54, and Christian Okoli, 35, both based in Brazil; Uzoma Ezenwa, 33, a hotel manager; Ikenna Ezenwa; and Emmanuel Nwokenta.

Investigations by NDLEA showed that Kingsley Nwokenta the owner of Amazon Bureau de Change, is the brain behind the syndicate.

 “He allegedly supplied US$120,000 to be swallowed and illicitly exported to Brazil. Onwuasoanya Augustine swallowed 74 wraps of dollars amounting to US$111,000. Christian Okoli who resides in Brazil had US$45,000 which he wanted to swallow.”

The statement by the anti-narcotic agency says one of the suspects arrested, Emmanuel Nwokenta, the manager of the bureau de change, played a “supportive role” in the alleged act while Ikenna Ezenwa, 28, was hired to wrap the money.

“He is believed to have acquired his skill from illicit drug wrapping. Ezenwa Uzoma, the hotel manager who has a strong link with members of the syndicate, wilfully obstructed the officers from discharging their duty. The agency will continue to rely on manpower training and intelligence-led drug control strategies to outwit criminal syndicates. We shall take reasonable measures to dislodge drug cartels and eradicate narcotics from our society. Any bureau de change operator that violates the law shall be punished accordingly.”the statement said

All the arrested members of the syndicate will be handed over to EFCC soon for further investigation.

Celebrities

Plantashun Boiz attempted reunions failed because I wasn’t invited, says Blackface

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Blackface, the Nigerian dancehall singer, says Plantashun Boiz, a defunct music group, multiple attempts to reunite failed because he was not included.

Formed in 2000 with 2Baba and Faze, Plantashun Boiz disbanded in 2004 but briefly reunited in 2007 for an album.

In a recent episode of the ‘Curiosity Made Me Ask’ podcast, the host asked Blackface if there was any chance that the group might come back together.

The singer disclosed that his colleagues had attempted to reunite without him but were unsuccessful.

“Without me, they have tried and they have failed. Many times. You saw them in all those shows that they were going,” he said.

“They tried but they failed. But what I must say is I’m the plantation. So let it be known. Forget the fake memo that they spread before.”

In September, Blackface called for the reunion of the defunct music group.

He urged fans to join the mission, emphasising that “unity is strength, not division”.

“My people oya make una talk put mouth for this matter! We are on a mission for world peace and it’s not a small-time thing,” he said in pidgin English.

Since 2015, Blackface constantly tackled 2Baba for recording 2004 hit ‘African Queen’ which he claimed he wrote.

In 2017, he argued that 2Baba “sabotaged” his career in the music industry.

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Despite feud, Peter Okoye celebrates Paul on 43rd birthday

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Peter ‘Mr P’ Okoye, the Nigerian singer, has celebrated Paul ‘Rudeboy’ Okoye, his twin brother, on their 43rd birthday amid their ongoing feud.

The twin brothers have been in the public eyes since their second fallout in August.

They had their first rift in 2017 which led to the dissolution of Psquare, their music brand. Though they reunited in November 2021, their reconciliation was short-lived.

Paul recently revealed another fallout, accusing Peter of orchestrating his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Peter, however, denied the allegations and accused Jude Okoye, their older brother, of diverting millions of dollars from their joint account into a secret company.

Responding to the accusations, Jude said he had done everything possible, even “sacrificing himself,” to mend the rift between his brothers.

In an Instagram post on Monday, Peter shared several photos showcasing their growth over the years.

He also celebrated their birthday while wishing himself as well as his twin brother more wins.

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Tiwa Savage calls out Wizkid fan for bullying

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Wizkid’s group of fans collectively known as “Wizkid FC” are popular for their vehement support for Wizkid and their antagonism toward those considered his rivals.

Tiwa Savage is the latest artist to call out Wizkid FC for harassment after some members of the fanbase mocked her for releasing a song on the same day as Wizkid.

On November 15, 2024, Ruger released his new song ‘Toma Toma’ featuring Tiwa Savage which she shared on her Instagram page with the caption “Told yall this one is special. The @rugerofficial called and I answered”.

In response, a Wizkid fan said “Dey play, nothing special pass Wizzy hits”.

The reply rubbed off wrongly on Tiwa Savage who said “Because I am promoting music? WTF…y’all are not fans anymore ooo you guys are actual bullies”.

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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