The year 2024 has been marked by a series of high-profile celebrity scandals and controversies that have captivated the attention of fans and media outlets alike. From legal battles to public feuds, these controversies have dominated headlines and impacted the entertainment industry.
As the year rounds up, TheCable Lifestyle highlights the most controversial Nigerian celebrities who made headlines for various reasons.
- Bobrisky
Bobrisky, the self-acclaimed crossdresser, has been synonymous with controversy. In 2024, she sparked outrage on social media after being named the ‘Best Dressed Female’ at Eniola Ajao’s film premiere. The decision drew criticism from social media users and celebrities, who questioned the organisers’ criteria for the award.
The controversies deepened in April when Bobrisky was sentenced to six months in prison for abusing the naira. After she was released, activist VeryDarkMan shared a purported audio conversation wherein she claimed she paid some EFCC officials N15 million to drop money laundering charges against her. She also alleged that her “godfather”, alongside Haliru Nababa, controller-general of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), ensured she served the six-month sentence in a private apartment and not in prison.
Bobrisky denied the recording’s authenticity and threatened legal action against VeryDarkMan. The house of representatives joint committee on financial crimes and reformatory institutions resolved to probe the bribery allegation. It also invited VeryDarkMan, Bobrisky, Ola Olukoyode, EFCC chairman; and Nababa to appear before the committee.
The social media celebrity, who failed to appear before the committee, was arrested on October 21 at the Seme border for allegedly attempting to flee the country. On November 1, the crossdresser was re-arrested by EFCC officials while attempting to leave Nigeria. A video shared on Instagram showed airport officials dragging her off the plane.
Amid her legal troubles, Bobrisky filed lawsuits against the EFCC and the national assembly, seeking ₦1.2 billion in damages for alleged “psychotic trauma” and purported violations of her right to a fair hearing. However, both suits were dismissed.
- Portable
The singer has a penchant for controversy, earning him a spot on this list for the third consecutive year. In September, Portable sparked outrage on social media after a video surfaced of him slapping a man he claimed was preaching too close to his bar. The incident drew widespread criticism, with many calling him out for assault.
However, Portable apologised for the incident while explaining that he wouldn’t have slapped the preacher if he knew he was a “true man of God”.
The singer recently engaged in a heated war of words with his former lover Damilola Adeyemi. Damilola was the former wife of Lamidi Adeyele, the late Alaafin of Oyo.
- Wizkid
Wizkid stirred controversy in 2024 with a series of provocative statements. In May, the singer ignited a chorus of condemnation when he referred to Don Jazzy, the Mavin Records boss, as an “influencer”. He also taunted Davido with a video of him on his knees, pleading and crying.
Furthermore, the ‘Made in Lagos’ hitmaker took shots at Davido’s family, including his uncle Ademola Adeleke, who serves as the governor of Osun state.
- Davido
Aside from his feud with Wizkid, Davido found himself at the center of controversy when he began granting interviews addressing Nigeria’s economic situation.
The ‘Assurance’ hitmaker had advised black Americans against relocating to Nigeria. He cited bad leadership, a high exchange rate, and skyrocketing oil prices.
His comments sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some praising his boldness while others criticised him. Despite the backlash, Davido maintained his stance while describing himself as a “real ambassador” of the country.
- VeryDarkMan
VeryDarkMan, the activist, remained at the center of several high-profile controversies throughout the year. In January, actress Tonto Dikeh secured the arrest of VDM over alleged cyberbullying and cyberstalking.
In March, the activist was arrested again. His legal representative revealed he was detained based on a petition filed by the actresses Tonto Dikeh and Iyabo Ojo, and singer Samklef.
On May 22, VDM was arraigned at the federal high court in Abuja on five counts bordering on cyberstalking. One of the charges was filed by the Nigerian police, and another charge was because the activist allegedly said Ojo was having an indecent sexual relationship with Priscilla, her daughter.
In June, the activist called out Jeremiah Fufeyin, the founder of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry in Warri, Delta state, over his “miracle soap”.
VeryDarkMan argued that it was “wrong” for Fufeyin to sell his “God-given divine power” to Nigerians. He was sued for N1 billion over the allegation. However, the cleric later withdrew the suit.
The activist also accused Esinjemiyotan Atsepoyi, the wife of comedian Mr Jollof, of infidelity.
He alleged that Mr Jollof’s wife, through promiscuity, helped him secure his position as the SSA on new media to Sheriff Oborevwori, governor of Delta.
The comedian’s wife denied the allegations. She also demanded an immediate retraction and public apology.
He also got embroiled in another controversy involving rapper Falz and his father Femi Falana, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
In September, the activist shared a purported audio conversation of Bobrisky alleging Falana and Falz contacted her while she was serving a six-month sentence for naira abuse.
In the recording, Bobrisky claimed the Falana family “tried to get me a presidential pardon in exchange for N10 million”. However, the crossdresser denied the allegations.
The Falana family also demanded a retraction and apology, threatening legal action.
The activist, however, refused to apologise, arguing that he exposed corruption and did not defame anyone, prompting Falana to proceed with the legal action.
VeryDarkMan, in response, filed two separate motions with the court, requesting an extension of time to secure permission to appeal the ruling.
The defamation suit against him was adjourned till January 23, 2025.
The Nigeria Police Force also arraigned the activist for impersonation after he wore what appeared to be the law enforcement agency’s uniform.
- Speed Darlington
Darlington’s controversies in 2024 have been marked by his arrests since October. He was arrested in Abuja and later re-arrested in Owerri, Imo state while performing at a show.
Deji Adeyanju, the human rights lawyer, had alleged that Burna Boy, the Afrofusion star, was responsible for the rapper’s re-arrest.
Darlington had taunted Burna Boy over his affiliation with the embattled US rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ who is facing multiple charges for sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
He asked Burna Boy to explain how he won the Grammy award for his album ‘Twice As Tall’ — a project executive produced by Diddy. He claimed there was a sexual relationship between the duo.
His legal representatives have been calling out the police over his continued detention and for allegedly denying the rapper access to bail.
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