Burna Boy To Cover Funerals For Victims Of Stockton Birthday Party Shooting

Nigerian music star Burna Boy has pledged to cover the funeral expenses for the four victims killed in a tragic shooting at a children’s birthday party in Stockton, California. The “Last Last” singer told TMZ on Tuesday, December 2, that supporting the families is “the very least he can do, considering the lifetime of pain the parents face ahead.” He first learned about the tragedy during The Breakfast Club’s Front Page News segment and later contacted Wack 100, who connected him with Stockton’s vice mayor, Jason Lee. At a prayer vigil for the victims, Lee delivered a passionate message to the alleged gunman: “It’s never been gangster to kill kids. Never. You went in a birthday party and shot people’s children. Parents brought their children out and they left with medical examiners. That is not human.” The shooting occurred on Saturday night, November 29, during a birthday celebration for a two-year-old girl at a banquet hall attended by over 100 people. The gunman opened fire inside the hall and continued into the street. Eleven people were injured, and four were killed, including children aged 8, 9, and 14, as well as a 21-year-old man. The victims were identified as 8-year-old Journey Rose Reotutar, soon-to-be 9-year-old Maya Lupian, 14-year-old Amari Peterson, and 21-year-old Susano Archuleta. Authorities are still searching for the shooter, and a $25,000 reward has been offered for information leading to his arrest.

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Sokoto Village Residents Ordered To Pay N20 Million Levy By Bandits To Avoid Deadly Attacks

Residents of Bakale village in Kilgori district, Yabo Local Government Area, Sokoto State, have been told to pay a N20 million levy to avoid deadly attacks from an armed group. An audio recording obtained by our reporter captures the group’s leader instructing the village head to call a meeting and inform the community about the demand. In the recording, the bandit asked the village head about compliance with a previous directive, saying, “Did you meet with them? Did they agree to obey your command?” After the head confirmed, the bandit ordered him to summon residents again and announce the fresh N20 million levy. “We don’t want to attack you. That is why we decided to impose this levy. If you pay, you will continue to live in peace. We will prevent any group from attacking your community or abducting your people. But if you fail to pay, we will attack, kill, and kidnap,” the bandit warned. A community leader, speaking anonymously, confirmed that similar levies have been imposed on neighbouring villages. Affected settlements across Kilgori and Torankawa districts include Bazar, Alkalije, Gari, Bakale, Dagel, Adarawa, Kwaidaza, Kilgori Runji, Tudu, Tile, Kibiyare, and Barmadu. Levies reportedly range from N3 million to N20 million, depending on the size of the community. The source also revealed that six people were killed in Alkalije and four in Tile during attacks two weeks ago. Attempts to get a response from the Sokoto State Police Command were unsuccessful, with spokesperson DSP Ahmad Rufa’i not responding to multiple calls.

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Wizkid Tops Spotify Charts As Nigeria’s Most Streamed Artist In 2025

Nigerian superstar Wizkid has emerged as the most streamed artist in Nigeria on Spotify in 2025, reinforcing his status as a leading figure in Afrobeats. Spotify’s latest quarterly data shows that Wizkid racked up 218 million streams in the first quarter of the year, outpacing rivals Asake and Seyi Vibez, who ranked second and third, respectively. The achievement adds to Wizkid’s growing global milestones. He recently became the first African artist to surpass nine billion total streams on Spotify, with his collaboration with Drake and Kyla, “One Dance,” standing out as one of his most streamed tracks. His latest album, Morayo, also set records by registering 12.12 million streams within its first 24 hours of release — the highest for any Nigerian album on Spotify. Wizkid’s 2025 streaming dominance underscores his lasting influence in Nigeria and on the global music scene, further solidifying his reputation as one of Afrobeats’ most impactful artists.

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2Baba Clarifies “Help Me” Post, Reassures Fans He’s Fine Amid Marital Speculation

Nigerian music legend 2Baba has addressed concerns after a “Help me” post appeared on his Instagram Story, reassuring fans that he is fine and did not make the post himself. In a video shared online, the singer said, “This issue is getting out of hand, and you people are putting Natasha at risk. I’m perfectly okay. Someone else posted that on my IG; I’m not the one who posted it.” The clarification comes amid swirling rumours about marital troubles between 2Baba and his wife, Natasha Osawaru, including reports of a tense exchange during a recent Instagram Live session. 2Baba urged the public to avoid speculation, adding, “Families do have issues, but we will definitely resolve everything,” emphasizing that both he and his family are safe and well. "This issue is getting out of hand, and you people are putting Natasha on risk. I'm perfectly okay. Someone else posted that on my IG; I’m not the one who posted it. Families do have issues, but we will definitely resolve everything," -2face Idibia reacted. pic.twitter.com/MapaSxJmVa — CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) December 3, 2025

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MI Abaga Recalls Being Chased Off 2008 Headies Red Carpet Before Winning Big

Nigerian rap legend Jude ‘MI’ Abaga has opened up about a humbling experience at the 2008 Headies Awards, when he was chased off the red carpet to give way for veteran actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde’s photo session. Speaking on Vbyz TV Cartel, MI Abaga described the period leading up to the awards as one of relentless work that went largely unnoticed. Although he was nominated for ‘Best Rap Single,’ many at the red carpet didn’t recognize him and repeatedly asked him to move aside for Omotola. He recalled, “I had been grinding and nobody really knew who I was. In February 2008, I was announced as the winner for ‘Best Rap Single,’ and that changed everything. I was walking with my manager when Omotola came in with her security. The people on the red carpet didn’t even know I was nominated; they just said, ‘Come on, get out of here.’ We kept getting moved around while she posed for photos.” Holding his award later that evening, MI said the perception of him shifted completely. “Two hours later, I had a gold plaque from Ayo Animashaun in my hands, and from that moment, everyone knew MI was in the game. After that, hits like ‘Safe,’ ‘Talk About It,’ and ‘Incredible Music’ followed.” The rapper’s story serves as a reminder of the patience and persistence behind the rise of one of Nigeria’s most influential hip-hop artists.

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Sabinus Confirms End To Marriage With Wife During Carter Efe Livestream

Sabinus has confirmed that his marriage has come to an end, addressing the matter openly during a livestream with Carter Efe. When asked whether he was still married, the comedian clarified the situation, saying: “I am not married. My child’s mother and I ended things peacefully, and she’s completely fine with it, my daughter is fine too.” His statement follows ongoing rumours of marital troubles that had circulated for weeks. Fans had suspected tension between the couple, but this marks the first time Sabinus is publicly confirming their separation. He also emphasized that the split was without drama, noting that both his former partner and their daughter are doing well. “I am not married,My child’s mother and I ended things peacefully, and she’s completely fine with it,my daughter is fine too”. ——Sabinus pic.twitter.com/gP22cCc44W — 𝔸b𝕒𝕫𝕫 (@abazwhyllzz) December 3, 2025

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Lagos Moves To Remove Korope From Highways As Lekki–Epe Bus Reform Begins

Lagos State Government has announced a phased plan to remove korope buses from major highways as part of a wider effort to modernise public transportation and improve safety across the state. The update was shared during a stakeholder meeting held ahead of the launch of the Lekki–Epe Bus Reform Scheme, which will officially begin operations on December 8, 2025. Officials from the Ministry of Transportation, LAMATA, and informal transport operators met to finalize preparations for the first rollout. The new scheme will introduce fully regulated bus services along major corridors such as Ajah–CMS (Marina)/Obalende, Ajah–Oshodi, Ajah–Berger, and Ajah–Iyana Ipaja, with future extensions planned for Epe. According to LAMATA’s Head of Corporate Communication, Kolawole Ojelabi, Special Adviser on Transportation Sola Giwa explained that the long-term goal is to remove unsafe, unregulated vehicles from the busiest routes and replace them with a coordinated, modernised system designed to enhance comfort and safety for commuters. Giwa noted that the state intends to move korope buses off major highways and redirect them to feeder and community routes under the First and Last Mile scheme. He stressed that many poorly maintained buses will be systematically cleared from the road network as improvements roll out across other corridors. Under the new structure, existing regulated operators will continue stage-carriage services, while a cooperative under the NURTW, known as Oneness, has been approved to operate express services between Ajah, Oshodi, and Berger. Buses under the reform will carry Lagos State’s blue-and-white official colours, QR codes for verification, unique identification numbers, and TAP (Touch and Pay) stickers. Drivers will wear Ministry of Transportation badges to enhance accountability. A fleet of 229 medium- and high-capacity buses will operate in the first phase, with all fare payments restricted to the Cowry card system. Giwa warned that any operator or passenger engaging in cash transactions along the corridor will face arrest and prosecution.

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CBN Lifts Cash Deposit Limit, Increases Weekly Withdrawal Cap To N500,000

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has removed the cap on cash deposits and increased the weekly cash withdrawal limit across all channels to N500,000 for individuals, up from N100,000. The circular announcing the changes, titled “Revised Cash-Related Policies,” was signed by Dr. Rita Sike, Director of the Financial Policy & Regulation Department. According to the CBN, the policy revisions aim to reduce the rising cost of cash management, enhance security, and curb money laundering risks associated with Nigeria’s heavy reliance on cash. The bank noted that previous measures were designed to reduce cash usage and promote electronic payments, but updates were necessary to reflect current realities. Key changes, effective January 1, 2026, include the removal of the cumulative deposit limit, with fees on excess deposits abolished. The cumulative weekly withdrawal limit has been raised to N500,000 for individuals and N5 million for corporates. Withdrawals exceeding these limits will attract excess withdrawal fees. The prior special monthly authorisation allowing individuals to withdraw N5 million and corporates N10 million has been discontinued. For ATM withdrawals, daily limits remain at N100,000 per customer, with a maximum of N500,000 weekly, which counts toward the overall weekly withdrawal cap. Excess withdrawals will incur charges of 3 percent for individuals and 5 percent for corporates, split 40 percent to the CBN and 60 percent to the operating bank. Banks have also been directed to ensure ATMs are loaded with all currency denominations. The existing N100,000 limit on over-the-counter encashment of third-party cheques remains, and such withdrawals will count toward the weekly cumulative limit. Banks are required to submit monthly reports to relevant supervisory departments. Exemptions apply to revenue-generating accounts of federal, state, and local governments, as well as accounts of microfinance and primary mortgage banks. However, exemptions previously granted to embassies, diplomatic missions, and aid-donor agencies have been removed.

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