Teni Apata has defended her prostration before Ibrahim Egungbohun, the businessman fondly called IBD Dende.
On Friday, the songstress took to X to share a video of herself boarding the same aircraft with IBD Dende.
Upon seeing IBD Dende, Teni prostrated before the socialite to show respect.
She then raised her hands while praising the businessman.
The socialite, however, attempted to prevent Temi from prostrating as he rose to hug the visibly elated singer instead.
The video triggered a wave of backlash on X where several users berated Teni and expressed their disappointment in her.
The journalist Fisayo Soyombo had, in February 2024, put out an undercover report highlighting the negative consequences of cross-border smuggling in Nigeria.
The report accused the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) of betraying patrol teams and aiding smugglers.
The story further alleged IBD Dende to be one of Nigeria’s “biggest smugglers” whose trade “has been helped by his proximity to power”.
Following Teni’s prostration before IBD, many Nigerians revisited the allegations and accused Teni of “legitimising” the socialite.
Reacting to the criticism in a post via X on Saturday, Teni recounted how IBD Dende showed her kindness before stardom.
The singer clarified that she is unaware of the businessman’s alleged involvement in criminal activities.
“I met IBD in 2014 and he was so good to me even before I blew up,” Teni wrote.
“So when I see him, it is always love. I honestly had no knowledge of any criminal activities associated with him.
“I do not support criminals. So let the law take its course.”
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