Cubana’s trial, Mayorkun-Skiibii defamation saga… top stories of last week

Last week was eventful in showbiz. TheCable Lifestyle looks at top entertainment stories that got people talking in the past seven days.

CUBANA CHIEF PRIEST PRAISES EFCC AFTER ‘NAIRA ABUSE’ TRIAL

Last week, Cubana Chief Priest, the nightlife promoter, was charged to court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a three-count charge bordering on alleged naira abuse.

He was arraigned on Wednesday before Kehinde Ogundare, the judge at the federal high court, Lagos.

The social media celebrity pleaded not guilty to the count charges and was granted bail in the sum of N10 million with two responsible sureties in like sum.

The court fixed May 2 for the next sitting.

Shortly after his release, Cubana advised people not to “run” when invited by the EFCC.

BRYMO TACKLES 2BABA, BURNA BOY, DAVIDO

Last Friday, Brymo, the Nigerian singer, claimed that 2Baba, Burna Boy, and Davido are “coming after” him.

Brymo alleged that his colleagues are “getting too close” to him.

The singer, however, did not clarify what “coming after” or “getting too close” implies.

In the outburst, the singer warned the trio to “stay away” from him without stating any clear context.

Brymo made some unprintable statements. One was about Burna Boy’s fertility choices while the other was about Davido and child mortality.

ADANMA LUKE SUSPENDED OVER JUNIOR POPE’S DEATH

The Association of Movie Producers (AMP) suspended Adanma Luke, the producer of the upcoming movie in which the late actor Junior Pope was supposed to feature.

Pope died on April 10 after he fell into the River Niger in Asaba, Delta state on his way to a movie location.

The film star was in the company of other crew members when the incident occurred.

Blessing Ebigieson, AMP national president, also revealed that a committee had been set up to investigate the circumstances that led to the death of Pope and the other victims.

The statement said Luke had been advised to “suspend all work pending the submission of the investigations report and the final decision is taken”.

AMP also sympathised with the families of those who lost their lives as a result of the boat mishap.

ZACK ORJI’S HEALTH STATUS

The ace actor shared an update on his health after undergoing two successful brain surgeries.

The 64-year-old Gabon-born film star slumped on December 29 and was admitted to the intensive care unit of the national hospital in Abuja.

In January, Hannatu Musawa, the culture minister, revealed the actor underwent brain surgery.

Orji also underwent another successful brain surgery and required further evaluation abroad.

Shortly after his second surgery, rumours circulated on social media that the actor had passed away.

Last week, Orji addressed the death rumours, saying he received calls from several concerned colleagues and friends who wanted to confirm if it was true.

He slammed the people who spread the “fake stories” while describing the rumours as a “lie from the pit of hell”.

Orji also said he feels okay and has regained his memory.

KHAID HOSPITALISED OVER ‘INTERNAL BLEEDING’

Sulaimon Shekoni, the fast-rising Nigerian singer better known as Khaid, was last week hospitalised.

In viral footage, the 19-year-old singer was seen on the hospital bed groaning in pain.

There are reports that Khaid suffered internal bleeding.

Sydney Talker, the owner of Neville Records, the music label where Khaid is signed, took to X to call for prayers for the fast-rising singer.

Pray for Khaid. He needs your prayers rn🙏🏾

— SYDNEY WILLS (@sydney_talker) April 19, 2024

MAYORKUN AND SKIIBII TAKE ACTION AGAINST ACCUSER

Last week, Skiibii and Mayorkun took action against TikToker Nickie Dabarbie who accused them of being ritualists.

Earlier on Friday, Nickie, born Precious Kingsley, claimed she had “escaped from being used for rituals” by Skiibii.

The internet personality claimed that Skiibii “forced” her to take “alcohol before trying to kill me”.

The social media influencer also alleged that “Mayorkun and some other Nigerian artistes are all ritualists”.

Reacting to the allegations, Skiibii said he had reported the matter to the police for a thorough investigation.

Mayorkun, on the other hand, demanded N1 billion in damages from Dabarbie for alleged defamation.