Sunday, 5 May 2024
Abducted Singer: Why We Suspected Police’s Attempt To Divert $200,000 Ransom – Record Label Boss Explains
The CEO of Eric Many Records, Dilly Umenyiora, has explained what transpired between him and the Delta State Police Command regarding the kidnap of fast-rising singer, Gwenzy.
Naija News reported that Gnewzy, signed to Eric Many Records, was abducted on his way back from a show in the early hours of Monday, April 29, 2024.
The CEO of Eric Many Records, Dilly Umenyiora, has explained what transpired between him and the Delta State Police Command regarding the kidnap of fast-rising singer, Gwenzy.
Naija News reported that Gnewzy, signed to Eric Many Records, was abducted on his way back from a show in the early hours of Monday, April 29, 2024.
Umenyiora, in a statement on Saturday, disclosed that a ransom was paid for the artiste’s release after spending six days in the den of kidnappers.
While commending the police’s efforts in securing Gnewzy’s release, Umenyoira acknowledged some irregularities in the handling of the situation.
He added that despite the payment of the ransom, the police response and support were minimal, leaving much to be desired in terms of efficiency and effectiveness.
In an exclusive interview with makeitupnews, Umenyiora narrated the discrepancies in communication with the police and kidnappers.
According to the record label boss, he suspected the police were probably attempting to divert the ransom after a joint mail with that of the kidnappers was sent to him demanding his phone number.
He said, “I don’t want it to look like I am castigating the police. The police told me to forward the email demanding the $200,000, and they gave me an email address, which I did. They also told me to keep engaging the kidnappers with emails and try to negotiate with them. So, in the email I sent to the kidnapper, I tried to negotiate $50,000, but they didn’t agree.
“Then I sent another email to the kidnapper, pleading with them to collect $80,000 and release my artiste. But they replied to me, asking for my phone number, so I observed the response was from a joint email. That is the email the police earlier sent to me to forward my engagement with the kidnappers. I observed that the email asking for my number was different from the one demanding ransom, and I told them my observation, and the kidnappers didn’t respond again.
“So it looked like it was the police that were trying to intercept the money because the kidnapper’s response was coming from the email the police sent to me. The police would have easily asked for my number at the station, but they didn’t, so sending my number may be an
attempt to start acting like the kidnappers. After Thursday’s discussion with the kidnapper from a totally different email, and they explained everything to me, that was when I decided to pay the ransom and not involve the police again. Nobody knew what was going on.”
Asked about possible ways to avoid similar occurrences in the future, Dilly said, “I will always ensure that my artiste goes out with at least two mobile police. Gwenzy even told me I should get police for him, but I objected, asking him if he was Davido. And the issue of kidnapping never crossed my mind. So I have to be very careful, henceforth.”
Singer Gnewzy Regains Freedom As Record Label Slams Heavy Accusation On Police (Video)
Nigerian artist signed to Eric Many Records, Gnewzy has regained his freedom from the captivity of kidnappers.
In a statement on Saturday, the CEO of Eric Many Records, Dilly Umenyiora, said Gnewzy was released after six days in the den of kidnappers.
Nigerian artist signed to Eric Many Records, Gnewzy has regained his freedom from the captivity of kidnappers.
In a statement on Saturday, the CEO of Eric Many Records, Dilly Umenyiora, said Gnewzy was released after six days in the den of kidnappers.
Umenyiora said a ransom was paid for the artiste’s release, adding that Eric Many Records paid part of the ransom because the safety and security of his artists and personnel remain a top priority.
While commending the police’s efforts in securing Gnewzy’s release, Umenyoira acknowledged some irregularities in the handling of the situation.
He added that despite the payment of the ransom, the police response and support were minimal, leaving much to be desired in terms of efficiency and effectiveness.
He wrote: “We would like to provide further details regarding the recent kidnapping incident involving our artist Gnewzy who has now been released after 6 harrowing days in the den of kidnappers.
“During negotiations for Gnewzy’s release, part of the ransom was paid by Eric Many Records, which is owned by Dilly Umenyiora.
“While we are grateful for the efforts of the police in securing Gnewzy’s release, we must acknowledge that there were some irregularities in the handling of the situation. Despite the payment of the ransom, the police response and support were minimal, leaving much to be desired in terms of efficiency and effectiveness.
“Eric Many Records would like to express our gratitude to the officers who diligently played their part. However, we believe that more could have been done to expedite the process and ensure the safety of Gnewzy, who is now receiving medical care and recuperating from his ordeal.
“We are committed to working with the relevant authorities to address these issues and improve the response to such incidents in the future. The safety and security of our artists and personnel remain our top priority, and we will continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard their well-being.
“We appreciate the continued support and concern from the public, and we assure you that we will keep you updated on any further developments.”
See the video below.
Why I Prostrated To Greet IBD Dende – Teni Explains
Nigerian singer Teniola Apata, popularly known as Teni, has responded to public outrage following a video she shared on social media in which she was seen prostrating to greet a controversial businessman and socialite. Ibrahim Egungbohun Dende, popularly known as IBD Dende, on a plane.
Naija News recalls that the incident, which was captured in a video posted on her X handle on Friday, drew significant backlash due to ongoing smuggling allegations against Dende.
Nigerian singer Teniola Apata, popularly known as Teni, has responded to public outrage following a video she shared on social media in which she was seen prostrating to greet a controversial businessman and socialite. Ibrahim Egungbohun Dende, popularly known as IBD Dende, on a plane.
makeitupnew recalls that the incident, which was captured in a video posted on her X handle on Friday, drew significant backlash due to ongoing smuggling allegations against Dende.
Addressing the controversy in an Instagram post on Saturday, Teni explained her actions, stating her respect for Dende stems from his past kindness towards her, long before she gained fame in the music industry.
According to her, their encounter on the plane was a gesture of goodwill rooted in their first meeting back in 2014.
“I met IBD in 2014 and he was so good to me, even before I blew up. So whenever I see him, it’s always love,” she wrote.
She further clarified her stance regarding the allegations against Dende, emphasizing her lack of awareness about any criminal activities linked to him and her general disapproval of criminal behaviour.
“I honestly had no knowledge of any criminal activities associated with him. I do not support criminals, so let the law take its course,” the ‘Askamaya’ singer added.
The singer’s statement comes as part of her effort to distance herself from the controversies surrounding Dende, urging that due legal processes should address any accusations against him.
Nigeria News Former Minister Of Education, Kenneth Gbagi Is Dead
A former Minister of Education and the 2023 governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Delta State, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, is dead.
Naija News learned that the industrialist died on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the age of 62 after a brief illness. The Delta politician was said to have died at a Lagos State hospital.
A former Minister of Education and the 2023 governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Delta State, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, is dead.
Naija News learned that the industrialist died on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the age of 62 after a brief illness. The Delta politician was said to have died at a Lagos State hospital.
In a statement signed by his eldest son, Chief Emuoboh Gbagi, the family asked Nigerians to spare their thoughts and prayers for them during this challenging time of loss.
The statement read, “It is with profound sadness but gratitude to God that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, husband, and brother.
“Olorogun Kenneth Omemavwa Gbagi, former Minister of Education, departed this life on the 4th of May 2024 at the age of 62.
“We take comfort in the fond memories of his life, his achievements, and the impact he made on the lives of countless individuals and communities.
“We kindly request your thoughts and prayers for our family during this challenging time of loss.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Profile Of Gbagi
Born in Sapele, Delta State, in a Catholic hospital by the Cemetery at Ogodo Road on September 22, 1961, Gbagi attended Bishop Johnson Memory Primary School, Sapele. At 14, he left for Kosofe Secondary School, Mile 12 in Lagos.
After his secondary education, Gbagi worked with a Foreign Service before travelling abroad to further his education. While in Hong Kong, he shot a movie titled The Birth of Hong Kong in 1993.
This gave him some money to pay his tuition fee at Sans Thomas University in the Philippines, where he read political science. He left Sans Thomas University and graduated as a criminologist from the Philippine College of Criminology.
Gbagi returned to Nigeria for his National Youth Service (NYSC) and served at the Police College in Ikeja, where he taught criminology.
He later went back to School and made distinction at the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos. He was the youngest lawyer ever to head the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria.
His investments in Nigeria include GKO Group of Companies, Geekos Investments, Woodridge Hotels Group, and Robinson Shopping Plaza in Warri.
Lagos Govt Gives Illegal Occupants Of Abandoned Ikoyi Towers 48-Hour Eviction Notice
The Lagos State Government has issued a 48-hour eviction notice to illegal occupants of the Ikoyi Towers in the Lagos Island area of the state.
The state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this known during an inspection of the estate on Saturday.
The Lagos State Government has issued a 48-hour eviction notice to illegal occupants of the Ikoyi Towers in the Lagos Island area of the state.
The state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this known during an inspection of the estate on Saturday.
In a post via his official X handle, Wahab stated that hundreds of undocumented residents were seen on the premises, which lacked sanitary provisions.
The Commissioner added that they pose security and environmental threats to the state, hence the eviction notice.
Wahab, therefore, stated that the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources has given the illegal occupants a 48-hour vacation notice to leave the area.
He wrote, “Abandoned Ikoyi Towers which we observed were housing illegal occupants posing a security threat to the environment and a nuisance to the state.
“An undocumented number of persons running into hundreds were seen on the premises with no sanitary provisions and whose daily activities could not be ascertained.
“They have been given a 48-hour vacation notice to leave the area.”
Wahab further stated that the team also conducted an inspection to assess the enforcement of Osborne under the bridge after the illegal structures harbouring several people were removed.
See the video below.
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