Basketmouth Takes 'Moral Of The Story' Stand-up Comedy To Los Angeles

    Comedian and actor Bright Okpocha, aka Basketmouth, has thrilled audiences in Los Angeles with his stand-up comedy special, ‘Moral of the Story.’

The show, at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center, formed part of his 2026 North America tour.

Speaking during the event, Basketmouth expressed surprise at the impressive turnout as the Los Angeles venue was a last-minute addition to the tour schedule.

“Los Angeles was added to the tour at the last minute; it wasn’t in our initial plan. I’m really impressed with this large turnout tonight,” he said.

He commended the host, Seyi Brown, for assembling a capable team of organisers on short notice, as he credited their efforts for the event’s success.

The evening also featured performances from emerging artistes, including Oludesh, Josh Breeze and Seyi Brown, before Basketmouth took to the stage for a lively set that kept the audience entertained for more than 45 minutes.

  

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POETRY: Bills Like Hills By Godson Osarenren

Bills Like Hills

 

This survival mood has grown teeth,

That survival itself is hunted,

A sacred prey dragged through alleys of want.

Who will save survival?

 

Our dreams winged like dawn,

Packed, stiff and swollen,

Like dead donkeys by the roadside,

Flies humming lullabies over forgotten purpose,

Because survival is King.

 

We rise not only to live,

But to outrun hunger.

To wrestle bills that breed in the dark,

Multiplying like shadows that refuse light.

 

A system, feral and famished,

Has had its way with us,

Left us bruised, breathless,

Gang-banged into obedience,

Until rest became a rumour

And sweetness, a language we no longer speak.

 

Who has time to be honey,

When survival tastes of rust?

From silver spoons to mud-stained hands of exhaustion,

We have learned to sip life from cracked vessels.

 

Survival marries survival,

"Confusion break e yoke, ye-kpa"

No joy, just a ceremony of endurance,

Where hope wears gloves,

Punching till something happens.

 

And so the cycle spins,

A wheel greased with sweat and years,

Thirty-five harvests of labour

With barns still echoing empty.

 

Tell me!

What name do we give a life,

That labours like a god with nothing to show,

But prayers of hope for tomorrow...

That stubborn lungs that breathes survival.

 

Copyright: Godson Osarenren

Godson Osarenren is the founder and convener of Naija Poetry Fest Community

  

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Lagos 2027: Jandor Withdraws From Governorship Race, Endorses Obafemi Hamzat

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Azeez Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has announced his withdrawal from the 2027 Lagos State gubernatorial race.

Jandor made the announcement on Thursday, a few days after procuring the APC Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the 2027 Lagos State gubernatorial election.

In a statement, Jandor revealed that he took the step out of conviction, consultation, and a genuine desire to contribute to the progress of the state, prioritising collective interest above personal ambition.

He also stated that his decision followed the endorsement of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadiri Hamzat, by President Bola Tinubu and APC leaders in Lagos.

According to Jandor, the decision is not borne out of weakness or a lack of capacity, but out of strength, discipline, and a deep respect for party cohesion and unity.

“Let me be unequivocal: I remain a loyal and committed member of the APC. I also reaffirm my unalloyed loyalty and respect for the President and national leader of our party, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. His leadership remains central to the stability and progress of our party and the nation at large.

“In line with this, I hereby fully align myself with the position and direction of Mr. President regarding the Lagos State gubernatorial process. Party supremacy and strategic alignment are critical to sustaining the gains we have collectively built over the years,” he said.

Jandor extended gratitude to the Lagos4Lagos Movement, which he said has never been about one individual but about a cause, equity, inclusion, and a better Lagos for all.

“That cause remains alive, and it must now find expression in our collective support for the party’s chosen direction.

“I urge all our supporters, leaders, and stakeholders to remain calm, focused, and committed. This is a moment to consolidate, not to divide; to build, not to fracture,” Jandor said.

  

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Carter Bridge To Be Demolished And Reconstructed With N548 Billion - FG

The Federal Government has approved the complete demolition and reconstruction of the Carter Bridge in Lagos at a cost of N548.98 billion.

The approval came after independent investigations confirmed that the iconic structure’s underwater piles and pile caps had deteriorated beyond repair.

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, announced the approval after Thursday’s Federal Executive Council meeting.

Umahi said the decision followed investigations conducted at multiple points in 2013, 2019 and again under the current administration through Julius Berger, all of which concluded that the bridge could not be saved.

“We convocated a stakeholders’ engagement, and all the technical experts all over the country, and even internationally, all agreed that we could not redeem Carter Bridge, and it has to be completely demolished and rebuilt,” Umahi said.

He explained that the underwater piles and pile caps had deteriorated at what he described as a “geometrical progression,” leaving demolition and full reconstruction as the only viable option.

The contract was won by CCCC after a competitive bidding process that included Julius Berger, CCECC, CBC, and China Harbour High Tech.

Umahi said the new bridge would be longer than the original, with the total length extended from 1.525 kilometres to 1.93 kilometres following the addition of a flyover ramp designed to eliminate the bottleneck that has long plagued traffic flow in the area.

“We’ve gone through rigorous procurement and design. The initial total length of that bridge was 1.525 kilometres, with three lanes, dualised. We have now increased the project to 1.93 kilometres because we increased a flyover ramp, so that the bottleneck that is usually there will no longer exist. The total contract sum approved is N548.98bn,” he said.

The new bridge will also feature a navigational waterway of 105 metres by two, according to the minister.

The FEC also separately approved N24.89 billion for underwater elements of the Third Mainland Bridge, to be handled by Julius Berger, among projects being readied for commissioning ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office on May 29.

The Carter Bridge is one of Lagos’s oldest and most historically significant bridges, serving as a critical link between Lagos Island and the mainland.

Named after Gilbert Carter, a former British governor of Lagos Colony, the bridge has been a vital artery for traffic across Lagos Lagoon for decades.

The bridge has been the subject of recurring concerns about its structural integrity, with authorities periodically restricting heavy vehicle access and carrying out patch repairs over the years.

Its deterioration has been widely attributed to age, heavy traffic load and the corrosive effects of its saltwater environment on its foundational infrastructure.

  

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Woman Remanded For Attacking Her 15-Year Old Daughter With Knife In Ipaja

    The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has confirmed the arrest and arraignment of a woman accused of assaulting her 15-year-old daughter in the Ipaja area of the state.

Public outrage trailed a viral video showing a woman allegedly assaulting her 15-year-old daughter at 32 Tashoro Street, near Ipaja.

The disturbing footage, which surfaced in the early hours of Wednesday, showed the woman straddling the teenager while holding a knife above her after reportedly beating her near the entrance of a residential compound.

Giving an update on the incident in a statement shared on X on Thursday, the LSDVA disclosed that the incident came to light following a viral video.

According to the agency, the report prompted an immediate response in line with the state’s protection protocol.

It noted that the victim was subsequently rescued by the Child Protection Unit of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development and placed in a shelter where she is receiving care and other support services.

It added that the suspect was apprehended by operatives of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps and taken to the Ipaja Police Station.

 “The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency was alerted to a distressing viral video depicting the alleged assault of a 15-year-old girl by her biological mother in the Ipaja area of Lagos State on Wednesday, 29th April 2026. The Agency immediately activated the State’s response protocol upon receipt of the report.

 “The survivor was swiftly rescued by the Child Protection Unit of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development and has been placed in a shelter, where she is currently receiving appropriate care and support services.”

 LSDVA noted that the case was later transferred to the Family Support Unit of the Ipaja Division of the Lagos State Police Command for further investigation, after which the matter was charged to Court 23 of the Samuel Ilori Magistrate Court in Ogba on Thursday.

It noted that the defendant was remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The agency commended residents who reported the incident, describing their actions as crucial to ensuring the safety of the victim and the progress of the case.

“Following diligent investigation, the case was charged to court on Thursday, 30th April 2026, and heard at Court 23, Samuel Ilori Magistrate Court, Ogba, Lagos, even as the defendant has been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the outcome of the Director of Public Prosecutions’ advice.

“We commend the swift collaboration of concerned Lagosians and mandated reporters in ensuring the safety of the survivor and the progression of the case through due legal process.”

The agency reiterated the Lagos State Government’s zero-tolerance stance on all forms of child abuse.

It also assured the public of its commitment to protecting victims and ensuring that offenders are prosecuted in accordance with the law.

 The statement concluded by urging residents to report cases of domestic and sexual violence through designated helplines and official communication channels.

  

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Sisii Alagbo Apologizes After Leaked Sex Video

        Eniola Fagbemi, popularly known as Sisi Alagbo, has publicly apologised after a private video involving her surfaced online, sparking widespread reactions on social media.

The popular herbal vendor addressed the situation in a Facebook post on Wednesday, admitting fault and expressing regret over the incident.

“I own my mistakes, and I apologise with all sincerity for the video circulating online,” she wrote. “I am deeply sorry to everyone who felt disappointed in me.”

Beyond the apology, Sisi Alagbo revealed that the backlash from the incident has taken a serious emotional toll on her, affecting her daily life and well-being.

“I am already passing through a lot. I can’t eat or sleep for days. Even sleeping medicines aren’t working for me any longer,” she said.

Appealing to the public for understanding, she added, “Please forgive me. I don’t want to injure myself. I only have a little strength left.”

She further explained that social media remains her primary source of livelihood, urging followers not to judge her too harshly as she navigates the fallout.

“Please, let’s move past this because this media platform is where I get the little support I need to feed myself. Please do not condemn or castigate me,” she added.

Sisi Alagbo, who has built a large following online, is known for promoting herbal remedies related to fertility, infections and general wellness.

  

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Why Kissing On Screen Is Weird And Uncomfortable - Nollywood Actor, Saga Adeoluwa

Actor Saga Adeoluwa has expressed his dislike for kissing scenes in movies, stating that he would avoid them if he had the choice.

In an episode of the Nolly Icons podcast, the reality star-turned-actor revealed that contrary to public perception, most actors do not enjoy onscreen kisses and only engage in them for proper script interpretation.

Adeoluwa disclosed that he has never had a pleasant onscreen kiss experience despite featuring in several romantic films.

He described the act as weird and uncomfortable, particularly due to the exchange of saliva.

He noted that actors are often misunderstood, as many people assume they derive pleasure from such scenes.

According to him, kissing in movies is simply part of storytelling and not something performers enjoy.

He admitted to once kissing four different actresses in a single day on set.

Adeoluwa further stated that actors who perform kissing scenes deserve commendation rather than judgment.

“It is not easy to kiss another actor. It is weird. I have not really had any good onscreen kiss. It is weird having people invade your mouth with saliva.

“It is not something we enjoy. People think we enjoy it, but we don’t. We are just doing it for the story most times. If I had my way, I won’t kiss anyone in a film… There was a day I kissed four different girls on set. I don’t blame anybody for judging us but they should applaud us instead,” he said.

  

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Nigerians React To Viral Video Showing A Bus Driver In Police Uniform Threatening To Kill Passengers At Eko Bridge

A viral video showing a man dressed in police attire driving a commercial bus in Lagos State while allegedly threatening to kill passengers and dump their bodies in a river has sparked outrage among Nigerians on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter).

It was gathered that the incident occurred near Eko Bridge.

The disturbing video captured the driver, wearing a police T-shirt and cap, exchanging words with passengers, who were also heard cursing and insulting him.

One passenger said, ‘You said you wanted to kill. You see what the Nigerian Police do. You are arguing with a full bus. You want to throw us into the water.”

Some of the passengers threatened to record him and post the video online, while the man responded, “See my face.”

According to an account of the incident posted by X user Oyindamola, the driver became visibly aggressive when passengers questioned the sudden stop of the bus.

“We were dropped in the middle of the road because the driver wanted to buy fuel, without any proper explanation or concern for our safety. When people understandably began to question what was going on, instead of calming the situation, he became aggressive and started issuing threats, saying he would kill us and dump our bodies into the water near Eko Bridge,” the post read.

Reacting on Tuesday, the NPF New Media Officer, CSP Aliyu Giwa, confirmed that the force is reviewing the footage.

Giwa noted that while the man was wearing items labelled “NPF/Police,” he was not in a standard police uniform. He added that the individual’s status as a serving police officer is yet to be verified.

“Our attention has been drawn to a video circulating online concerning the alleged actions of an individual in Lagos.

“Initial observations show the individual is not in a standard police uniform but is wearing items labelled ‘NPF/Police.’ His status as a serving officer remains unconfirmed.

“Such behaviour is unprofessional, and any conduct that threatens or intimidates citizens is unacceptable.

“We encourage anyone with credible information to assist in identifying the individual by contacting the nearest police station or using official Nigeria Police Force channels.

“The matter is under review, and appropriate action will be taken based on the facts,” he said.

Meanwhile, following the viral video, Nigerians across social media platforms have demanded the driver’s arrest while criticising what they described as police high-handedness.

An X user, @Luckylef_, wrote, “This is wrong in all ramifications. Even if you have a car or bus and you decide to use it for a personal or side hustle, you should be in full mufti and not in any branded uniform or cap of the Nigerian police.”

Another user, @BADMANGADAn6, wrote: “The day the Nigeria Police Force decides to start dealing with its men who misuse power on innocent civilians is the day this nonsense will stop. Prosecute your men and let them know where their power stops—not on innocent civilians but on actual criminals.”

“Let’s see if something will actually be done concerning this one. This is not the first time officers have harassed and put the lives of citizens in danger. You’d say something will be done, and in the end, nothing is done,” @Mhidesticks added on X.

On Facebook, Ayoade Aderinkola wrote: “The Nigeria Police should respect themselves and their profession. They behave as if they are above the law. They lack discipline and are only smart at collecting bribes.”

“There are many like that who drive commercial buses in Lagos, whether off duty or after their daily service. Some even use bikes to convey people to make money,” another Facebook user, Abiola Akintola, also wrote.

  

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Popular Lagos Socialite Jailed 15 Years For Drug Trafficking

A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted and sentenced Lagos socialite, Mrs Funmilola Ogbuaya, popularly known in social circles as “Ariket,” to 15 years’ imprisonment for conspiracy, aiding, and abetting the trafficking of cocaine.

The conviction comes nine years after her co-conspirator, Odeyemi Omolara, also known as Ariyo Olabisi, was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment for her role in the same drug trafficking operation.

Justice Deinde Dipeolu, who delivered the judgment on Wednesday, held that the prosecution had successfully established its case against Ogbuaya beyond reasonable doubt.

After reviewing the arguments of both parties, the judge found her guilty of conspiracy, aiding, and abetting the attempted illegal export of 1.595 kilograms of cocaine to Saudi Arabia.

“The prosecution has proved all the essential ingredients of the offences charged against the convict,” Justice Dipeolu held.

He subsequently sentenced Ogbuaya to 15 years’ imprisonment but ordered that the term should run concurrently with the earlier 25-year sentence already imposed in connection with the matter.

The court further ruled that the jail term would take effect from May 19, 2017.

The case dates back to 2017, when Ogbuaya and Omolara were first arraigned before Justice Hadizat Rabiu-Shagari, now a Justice of the Court of Appeal, on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful possession of cocaine, aiding and abetting, and attempted export of the prohibited drug.

While Omolara faced charges of conspiracy, unlawful possession, and attempted exportation of cocaine, Ogbuaya was specifically charged with conspiracy, aiding and abetting, and procuring Omolara to traffic the narcotic substance.

Both convicts initially pleaded not guilty and were granted bail on varying terms.

However, midway into the trial, Omolara informed the court of her decision to change her plea.

Following a re-reading of the charge, she pleaded guilty to attempting to illegally export the narcotic drug to Saudi Arabia

Justice Rabiu-Shagari subsequently sentenced her to 25 years’ imprisonment.

Omolara had challenged the conviction at the Court of Appeal, but her appeal was dismissed on February 26, 2021.

A three-member appellate panel, led by Justice Ebiowei Tobi, affirmed the lower court’s decision and held that the appeal lacked merit.

The prosecution, led by NDLEA counsel Abu Ibrahim, thereafter proceeded with Ogbuaya’s trial, calling nine witnesses and tendering several documentary exhibits, including the seized cocaine, all of which were admitted in evidence.

At the close of the prosecution’s case, Ogbuaya opted to file a no-case submission instead of opening her defence.

Arguing for the no-case submission on February 26, 2025, her counsel urged the court to discharge her on the grounds that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case.

But in a ruling delivered on April 24, 2025, Justice Dipeolu dismissed the application.

“From the evidence adduced by prosecution witnesses one to nine, a prima facie case has been established against the defendant. There is a need for the defendant to open her defence against the charges against her,” the judge ruled.

Following the dismissal, Ogbuaya opened her defence, after which both parties filed and adopted their final written addresses.

The matter was then adjourned to April 28, 2026, for judgment.

Delivering the final verdict, Justice Dipeolu upheld the prosecution’s submissions and pronounced the socialite guilty as charged, but she was not sentenced until Wednesday.

The charges against Ogbuaya and her co-convict stated that they conspired on February 23, 2017, to export 1.595 kilograms of cocaine, contrary to Section 14(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act.

  

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POETRY: Can They Detain The Poem? By Dumbiri Frank Eboh

Can They Detain The Poem?

(To Dagga Tolar)

 

If they detain the poet

Can they detain the poem

If they now bundle your flesh

In their bundle of lies

And throw your body behind bars

Can they detain the poem

Can they?

 

Then would words burst

Into splinters of fury

Alphabets angrily sizzling out

Through grating bars

To reassemble outside

Into more terrifying  words

Then would woe betide the jailer!

 

Dagga them! Dagga them!

With tongue of Cosmos own sword

Dagga them! Dagga them!

With words that wound the Spirit

Dagga them! Dagga them!

With blade that cuts the psyche.

 

If they detain the poet

Can they detain the poem

This poem is your Spirit

Forever roaming unquenchable

Long after mortar flesh is gone

And dust returns to dust

This poem is eternity!

 

So if they now bundle your flesh

In their bundle of lies

And throw your body behind bars

Can they detain the poem

Can they?

 

Dagga Tolar – Lagos based poet and former chairman, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Lagos state chapter, who was detained in 2010 for organizing a protest against police extra Judicial killings in Ajegunle, a popular suburb of Lagos, Nigeria. The poem was written when he was still in detention. 

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