₦airaland Forum

Renowned preacher, Pastor David Ibiyeomie of Salvation Ministries, has issued a strong caution to his congregation—never accept money from senior pastors if they want to experience true financial prosperity. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

Speaking in a recent sermon, Ibiyeomie stressed that receiving money from senior men of God is unscriptural and can actually hinder one’s blessings. Instead, he advised that sowing into the lives of spiritual leaders attracts divine favor and unlocks greater prosperity.

His words:
“May I tell you one raw truth? It may be hard, but never collect money from a senior man of God. You are reducing your blessing.”

The pastor went on to share his personal experience, revealing that despite facing challenges, he has never asked his spiritual father, Bishop David Oyedepo, for financial help.

“I’ll be the last person to collect a dime from Oyedepo, not because challenges haven’t come, but that’s not how it works.”

He concluded with a powerful message:
“There are senior men above me, and I sow into their lives. But I will never go and say, ‘Pastor Femi, can you help me?’ It’s not scriptural. Don’t collect money from a senior man; you are reducing your prosperity. Sow into them to draw virtue for the next level.”

What are your thoughts on this? Share your opinions below!

Renowned comedian AY Makun has clapped back at online critics slamming 2Face for announcing his divorce from Annie Idibia. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

Following 2Face’s shocking revelation about his marital split, social media has been buzzing with heated debates. However, AY has come forward to defend his colleague, urging people to redirect their focus.

Rather than tearing down individuals experiencing personal struggles, the comedian questioned why society isn’t addressing the deeper issues affecting marriages today.

He emphasized that no one enters marriage intending to fail and expressed disappointment over the way “online in-laws” and sensationalist blogs are exploiting the situation for engagement.

AY further condemned the toxic culture of cyberbullying, warning that relentless criticism and online harassment could push individuals to the brink of suicide.

In his words:
“Instead of casting blame in broken marriages that you know nothing about, why not focus on the reasons why the institution itself is under attack? No one goes in with a plan to fail. It’s troubling to see online in-laws and blogs revel in sensationalism, often at the expense of those hurting. Real lives are involved—let’s choose empathy over drama and content. Some of you will never rest until you lead a fellow human to suicide.”

What are your thoughts? Is social media too quick to judge celebrity relationships? Share your opinions below!

Nigerian Man Extradited to the U.S. After Being Indicted for Sextortion Scheme that Caused Death of S.C. Teen

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Hassanbunhussein Abolore Lawal (luh-wall), 24, of Osun State, Nigeria, has been extradited to the United States from Nigeria to face prosecution in a partially unsealed indictment for the sextortion of a South Carolina minor, which led to the victim’s death.

This investigation was launched after Gavin Guffey, a 17-year-old from Rock Hill, died by suicide in July 2022 after being victimized by Lawal’s scheme. Lawal allegedly posed as a young woman on social media and coerced the teen into sending compromising photos. He then extorted and sent harassing messages to the teen threatening to leak the photos and ruin his reputation unless the teen sent him money. Lawal later did the same to members of his family.

The five-count federal indictment charges Lawal with child exploitation resulting in death, the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material, coercion and enticement of a minor, cyberstalking resulting in death, interstate threats with intent to extort, and aiding/abetting. In addition to victimizing the teen in every count, the indictment alleges Lawal targeted the minor victim’s family in the stalking and extortion charges.

Lawal faces up to life in prison, and mandatory minimum prison sentences on multiple counts. The child exploitation resulting in death count carries a mandatory 30-year sentence. He also faces mandatory restitution, where the court may order Lawal to pay for losses incurred by the family as a result of his scheme.

The indictment was returned by a federal Grand Jury in South Carolina in October 2023. On Jan. 24, following extradition proceedings in Nigeria, agents with the FBI Columbia Field Office took custody of Lawal in Lagos, Nigeria and executed the removal with assistance from Nigerian law enforcement.

“We will not allow predators who target our children to hide behind a keyboard or across the ocean. Today we honor Gavin’s life and continue our fight against sextortion by holding this defendant accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. “This investigation and extradition are the result of tremendous law enforcement coordination both in the United State and Nigeria. We’re grateful to the many agencies who helped make this day possible.”

“This indictment represents the culmination of countless hours of dedicated work done by our investigators both here and abroad,” said Steve Jensen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “The defendant’s alleged actions are reprehensible resulting in the tragic loss of a young man’s life. We remain steadfast in our commitment to holding criminals accountable, especially those who target our children and endanger their lives, no matter where they are.”

U.S. Attorney Boroughs and SAC Jensen thanked the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs (OIA), and U.S State Department for their help in facilitating the arrest and extradition of Lawal.

Nigerian law enforcement provided critical assistance in the identification, investigation, arrest, and extradition of Lawal. U.S. Attorney Boroughs and SAC Jensen extend their appreciation and thanks to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigerian Attorney General’s Office – Ministry of Justice, and all other involved Nigerian authorities for their important partnership in this case.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor's offices, the Internet Crimes Against Children task force (ICAC), federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. The partners in Project Safe Childhood work to educate local communities about the dangers of online child exploitation, and to teach children how to protect themselves. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit the following website: www.projectsafechildhood.gov. Individuals with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement officials.

If someone you know is being victimized by sextortion, please report to local law enforcement and to the FBI. Learn more about sextortion and find resources for parents, caregivers, and teachers.

The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the FBI's Violent Crimes Against Children Section and International Operations Division, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and the York County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliott B. Daniels, Lothrop Morris, and Michael Shedd are prosecuting the case.

All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Bandits Demand N540 Million Ransom for Kidnapped Victims in Katsina Hospital Attack

A shocking attack took place on Tuesday, January 21, at a General Hospital in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, where bandits abducted several victims and left others injured. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

Among the injured was Dr. Murtala Sale Dandashire, who sustained a gunshot wound during the attack. In addition to him, Yusuf Muhammad Mairuwa, the Assistant Director of Nursing Services, is one of the victims abducted by the assailants.

The bandits have set a ransom of N270 million for Mairuwa’s release and another N270 million for other hospital staff members and individuals from a nearby fertilizer factory, who were also taken. The total ransom demand has now reached a staggering N540 million.

Governor’s Response: Prioritizing Safety
In response to the horrific attack, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State vowed to restructure the state’s security measures to ensure that healthcare workers can continue their critical duties without fear.

A statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, emphasized:

“We are restrategising our security approach to ensure that our medical professionals can perform their vital duties without fear. The safety of our healthcare workers and residents remains our paramount concern.”

This tragedy underscores the growing concerns over security in various regions, and the importance of strengthening protection for vulnerable sectors, especially healthcare workers. Let’s hope for the safe return of all those kidnapped and a swift resolution to this crisis.

Afrobeats superstar Davido has responded to accusations from his colleague Spyro, who alleged that Ubi Franklin scammed him by using Davido’s name to get him to perform at a show. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

According to Spyro, Ubi had convinced him to take the gig by saying it was Davido’s invitation, only for Spyro to find out after the performance that Davido was never involved in the booking. The drama has since captured the attention of fans and sparked widespread discussion.

Afrobeats superstar Davido has issued an apology following a heated exchange between his colleague Spyro and music executive Ubi Franklin.

Spyro accused Ubi of scamming him by using Davido’s name to get him to perform at a show, only to find out afterward that the singer had no knowledge of the event. Spyro shared his shock, revealing that after performing, Ubi admitted that Davido wasn’t involved and had been used as a cover for the booking.

In response, Ubi Franklin fired back, claiming he withheld Spyro’s payment because the singer owed him money for facilitating a car deal. According to Ubi, Spyro still owes him ₦2 million and had not paid the 10% commission on the car purchase.

Amid the back-and-forth drama, Davido offered a simple apology for his name being dragged into the mess, leaving fans with plenty to talk about.

Nigeria’s political landscape has been shaped by numerous figures whose actions have sparked significant debate and controversy. Below is a comprehensive overview of some of the most contentious politicians in Nigeria’s history, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

1. General Sani Abacha (1943–1998)

Sani Abacha, Nigeria’s military head of state from 1993 to 1998, is infamous for his authoritarian rule marked by human rights abuses, political repression, and large-scale corruption. Under his regime, numerous political opponents were imprisoned or executed, and freedom of expression was severely curtailed. Abacha’s government was implicated in the embezzlement of billions of dollars, much of which was stashed in foreign accounts.

2. General Ibrahim Babangida (born 1941)

Serving as Nigeria’s military ruler from 1985 to 1993, Ibrahim Babangida’s tenure was marked by economic mismanagement, political instability, and allegations of corruption. He annulled the 1993 presidential elections, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history, leading to widespread unrest and setting the stage for Abacha’s subsequent dictatorship.

3. Diezani Alison-Madueke (born 1960)

As Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources from 2010 to 5, Diezani Alison-Madueke was at the center of numerous corruption scandals involving the misappropriation of vast sums of public funds. In 2023, the United States agreed to return $52.88 million in assets linked to her, highlighting the international dimension of her alleged corrupt activities.

4. James Ibori (born 1958)

James Ibori, the former governor of Nigeria’s oil-rich Delta State from 1999 to 2007, was convicted in the United Kingdom for laundering an estimated $250 million. His case exemplifies the deep-rooted corruption among Nigeria’s political elite and the challenges in holding them accountable within the country’s judicial system.

5. General Yakubu Gowon (born 1934)

Yakubu Gowon led Nigeria from 1966 to 1975, a period that encompassed the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970). While his leadership during the war preserved Nigeria’s unity, his regime faced criticism for human rights abuses and the mismanagement of oil revenues during the post-war economic boom.

6. General Olusegun Obasanjo (born 1937)

Olusegun Obasanjo served as Nigeria’s military head of state from 1976 to 1979 and later as a civilian president from 1999 to 2007. His civilian administration, while credited with some economic reforms, was also marred by allegations of corruption, political patronage, and attempts to manipulate the constitution to extend his tenure.

7. General Muhammadu Buhari (born 1942)

Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s military ruler from 1983 to 1985 and later elected president in 2015, has been a polarizing figure. His military regime was known for its draconian decrees, human rights violations, and suppression of dissent. His civilian presidency faced criticism over issues of insecurity, economic downturns, and allegations of nepotism.

8. General Murtala Mohammed (1938–1976)

Murtala Mohammed’s brief tenure as Nigeria’s head of state from 1975 until his assassination in 1976 was marked by abrupt and sometimes harsh policies. While he is credited with initiating reforms to tackle corruption and bureaucratic inefficiency, his methods were often seen as autocratic and led to significant political upheaval.

9. Nnamdi Azikiwe (1904–1996)

Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first president (1963–1966), played a pivotal role in the country’s independence movement. However, his tenure was marked by political instability, ethnic tensions, and allegations of electoral malpractices, which contributed to the eventual military coup that ended the First Republic.

10. Bola Ahmed Tinubu (born 1952)

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s president since May 2023, has been a significant figure in the country’s political scene. His tenure has been marked by several controversies:

Educational Background: Allegations surfaced regarding the authenticity of Tinubu’s academic credentials. However, investigations, including those by the BBC, found no evidence to support claims of certificate forgery.
Economic Policies: Tinubu’s administration implemented significant economic reforms, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the liberalization of the naira’s exchange rate. While aimed at stabilizing the economy, these measures led to a sharp increase in living costs, triggering public protests. Reports indicated that these demonstrations were met with severe repression, resulting in numerous arrests and casualties.
Human Rights Concerns: Amnesty International criticized Tinubu’s government for failing to uphold human rights during his initial months in office, highlighting issues like the detention of protesters, including minors. In response to public outcry, Tinubu ordered the release of 29 children who had been facing the death penalty for participating in protests against the rising cost of living.

These individuals, through their actions and policies, have left indelible marks on Nigeria’s political landscape, often with complex legacies that continue to influence the nation’s development and governance.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has denied any involvement in the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa, the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

Obasa was removed from his position on Monday, January 13, 2025, following accusations of misconduct, abuse of office, corruption, and financial mismanagement. 32 members of the Assembly voted in favor of his impeachment. In response, Governor Sanwo-Olu, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, made it clear that the impeachment was entirely the Assembly’s decision and that the state government had no role in the process. “This is a legislative matter, and the Assembly handled it as they saw fit. The governor has no involvement,” Akosile said in an interview.

He also stressed the importance of the separation of powers, which ensures that the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary operate independently.

Obasa, who had been Speaker since 2015, was removed after facing several allegations, including corruption and financial mismanagement, which reportedly caused tension with other lawmakers.

After Obasa’s removal, Mojisola Meranda, the former Deputy Speaker, was elected as the new Speaker, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the history of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

While Sanwo-Olu has not directly commented on Obasa’s time in office, sources say the governor is looking forward to working more closely with the new leadership in the Assembly.

“A pregnant woman in Kubwa poured petrol on a lady she suspected was her husband’s side chick, who had visited them on Christmas Day. The victim was rushed to the hospital but unfortunately passed away from her injuries.

“The crime is murder, and the perpetrator will likely spend the rest of her life in prison. The day you take another human life is the day your own life effectively ends.”

Media personality and entrepreneur, Toke Makinwa, has addressed the common societal misconception that single people are lonely and unhappy. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

The former OAP, whose recent Thanksgiving party was mistakenly assumed to be an engagement celebration with a friend, took to the social media platform X to share her thoughts on singlehood. Makinwa expressed that life exists outside of romantic relationships and argued that the belief that being single equates to loneliness is misleading.

“It’s surprising how some people believe every single person is lonely. You’d be shocked by how content and happy many single people are. Don’t get me wrong, being in a relationship is great, but if you don’t find your own purpose, you can be with someone and still feel lonely.”

Makinwa stressed the importance of personal fulfillment over societal pressure to be in a relationship. She encouraged a shift in mindset as we approach the new year:

“Let’s leave the misconception that single people are miserable, lonely, or sad behind in 2024. Many people are in bad situations and secretly wish they were alone, so let people be.”

Lagos, the vibrant heart of Nigeria, is famous for its rich and diverse food culture. While these meals tantalize the taste buds, some come with potential health risks if consumed recklessly. Here’s a look at 10 popular foods Lagosians enjoy that could be harmful if precautions aren’t taken. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

1. Suya (Grilled Meat)

This spicy street delicacy is irresistible, but its preparation over open flames can produce harmful compounds like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Additionally, improperly cooked meat may harbor bacteria. Moderation and choosing reputable vendors can reduce risks.

2. Puff-Puff
This deep-fried snack is a staple at Lagos parties, but excessive consumption contributes to high cholesterol and weight gain. The frequent reuse of frying oil by vendors can also produce harmful trans fats.

3. Sharwama

While delicious and convenient, shawarma often contains high-calorie sauces, overly processed meats, and vegetables stored under questionable conditions. These factors may lead to food poisoning or excessive calorie intake.

4. Akara (Bean Cake)
Another fried favorite, Akara, can be unhealthy when consumed in large amounts due to the excessive oil it absorbs. The risk increases if the frying oil is reused multiple times, creating harmful compounds

5. Isi Ewu/Nkwobi (Goat Head/Cow Foot)
This spicy delicacy is loaded with high-fat content, particularly saturated fats, which can increase cholesterol levels. The rich sauces often paired with alcohol make it even worse for heart health when consumed excessively.

6. Amala with Ewedu and Gbegiri

A Lagosian staple, Amala is typically accompanied by generous servings of soup and meat. While nutritious in moderation, large portions combined with fatty meats can lead to obesity and high cholesterol.

7. Fried Rice and Jollof Rice
No Lagos party is complete without these iconic dishes, but the excessive use of oil, seasonings, and additives like MSG can be unhealthy, especially for those with high blood pressure or kidney concerns.

8. Boli (Roasted Plantain)
While healthy on its own, Boli is often served with groundnut or palm oil sauces, adding unnecessary calories. Vendors’ hygiene practices can also raise concerns about contamination.

9. Asun (Spicy Goat Meat)
This smoky, peppery treat is high in saturated fat and often heavily salted. Its intense spice levels can also irritate the stomach lining, leading to acid reflux for some people.

10. Street Fruit Salads
These mixed fruit bowls are refreshing but can be dangerous if hygiene practices are lax. Fruits washed with unclean water or exposed to flies can harbor harmful bacteria, leading to foodborne illnesses.


Final Thoughts
While these foods are staples of Lagosian cuisine, their potential health risks stem from poor preparation practices, excessive consumption, or low-quality ingredients. To enjoy these meals safely:

Choose reputable vendors.
Eat in moderation.
Opt for homemade versions.
Lagos offers an exciting culinary adventure, but a little caution goes a long way in keeping you safe and healthy!

Award-winning Afrobeat star Ayodeji Balogun, better known as Wizkid, has caused a stir on social media with a series of tweets aimed at his rivals. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

In a now-deleted post on X (formerly Twitter), the singer said, “Otw in Lagos. I pray I run into my opps!” The tweet was removed after about an hour. This comes after several cryptic messages from Wizkid directed at his critics. Recently, he declared that 2024 would mark the “downfall of his opponents” and promised to surpass his critics with unmatched success.

The comments have sparked debates online, with fans and others speculating about who he might be referring to. While some applaud his confidence, others are urging him to focus on his music and promote peace in the industry.
Other deleted tweets from Wizkid