Author: GANUX

 

An entertainment lawyer, Akinyemi Ayinoluwa, who is a partner at Hightower Solicitors and Advocate, has been named one of the most important music lawyers in the world by Billboard for 2025.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the recognition highlights Ayinoluwa’s exceptional expertise in music law and dedication to championing the rights of record producers and songwriters.

 

According to Billboard’s April edition, Hightower Solicitors, led by Ayinoluwa, recently finalised a publishing agreement with Empire Music, an international music label.

 

Also with Ragee, a prominent Afrobeats producer who co-produced Chris Brown’s “Sensational”, which earned a nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 2025 Grammy Awards.

 

This achievement showcases Hightower’s expertise in guiding clients to build valuable music catalogues.

 

In an interview with NAN, Ayinoluwa said: “I feel blessed to be recognised by Billboard as one of the most important music lawyers in the world.

 

“I’m dedicating this to my late dad for instilling in me the discipline to stay on a journey, also for introducing me to the legal profession, and then also for accommodating my love for music.”

 

Ayinoluwa said that his journey in music law began when he realised that record producers and songwriters were often marginalised and underrepresented in the industry.

 

“As a young lawyer, I saw an opportunity to make a difference, and I have since dedicated my career to advocating for their rights.

 

“For the past 13 years, I’ve been championing record producers and songwriters.

 

“I think the reason for that is because, as a young lawyer at that time, I was in my third year of being a lawyer, and the recording artists were already doing well.

“It wasn’t easy for a young lawyer to maybe represent them, and the record producers and songwriters were the underrepresented and marginalised individuals in the music industry,” he said.

 

According to Ayinoluwa’s, his music law practice focuses on representing recording artistes, songwriters, record producers, record labels, investors in music, and talent managers.

 

He said one of the reasons for building strong relationships with clients was understanding their vision and pain.

“When you understand it, it’s easy to guide them through all the legal challenges that might arise as they continue to proceed with their journey in music,” he said.

 

According to Akinyemi, the biggest challenge facing Nigerian record producers and songwriters is being compensated appropriately for their work.

 

“My recognition will inspire me to do more, to do more qualitative work, and to continue to champion the interests of our clients.

 

“I think it helps to show that, yes, there’s excellence in Africa. African lawyers can do important work,” he said.

 

Looking to the future, Ayinoluwa said he was excited to announce a mentorship programme to support the next generation of Nigerian entertainment lawyers.

 

The Federal Government has called on the newly decorated Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, to lead a transformation of the service, shifting its focus from punishment to rehabilitation and reforms.

 

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this appeal during the decoration ceremony held in Abuja on Friday.

 

Addressing the newly decorated CG, the minister stressed the importance of leadership, accountability, and a clear vision for the future of the correctional system.

 

“Mr. President has invested his trust in picking you as the CG. You need to understand your mandates, ambitions, and targets. You must have timelines,”

 

“You have a huge national responsibility to protect over 256 custodial centres. You must lead from the front,” Tunji-Ojo said.

 

He charged the Nwakuche to lay a solid foundation for the service within the next 19 months, stressing the need to raise operational standards and build a lasting legacy.

 

“We want stability in the NCoS. We do not want a condemnation service but a transformative one. We want custodial centres to be a place where hopes will be renewed,” he added.

 

Highlighting the humane aspect of corrections, the minister described inmates as “awaiting assets” to the nation, urging the CG to treat them with dignity.

 

“All inmates are your children. Do not maltreat your children, but correct them so they can be better,” he said.

 

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Magdalene Ajani, also addressed the CG, reiterating the weight of the expectations ahead.

 

“You have a lot to do. Nigerians and the Ministry of Interior are looking up to you. We want to change the narrative of the correctional service,” Ajani charged.

Here are three integrated paragraphs with direct quotes from CG Sylvester Nwakuche’s speech, rewritten to fit naturally into the news story:

 

During the event, Nwakuche expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Nigerian Correctional Service at what he called a “defining moment” for the institution.

 

“This honour comes not merely as a promotion, but as a renewed call to duty—a higher charge to advance the vision of a correctional system that is secure, humane, and truly reformative,” he said.

The CG outlined a seven-point agenda for reform, prioritising security, decongestion, infrastructure, staff welfare, and inmates’ rehabilitation.

 

“The safe custody of inmates is our primary responsibility,” he stated, adding that his administration would focus on expanding manpower, strengthening surveillance, and promoting non-custodial measures to ease overcrowding.

 

“With over two-thirds of our inmate population being Awaiting Trial Persons, we will aggressively pursue decongestion by engaging the judiciary, State Governments, and other stakeholders.”

 

He also pledged to invest in staff training and welfare, modernise facilities, and prioritise youth rehabilitation.

 

“Our youths must not be lost to the streets or to crime. We will revitalise and expand Borstal Institutions to provide correction, character reformation, and hope to young offenders,” Nwakuche said.

 

He called on staff and partners to support the reform agenda, adding, “Together, we can make the Nigerian Correctional Service a shining example of what purposeful leadership and dedicated teamwork can achieve.”

 

The Senate on March 25 confirmed the appointment of Nwakuche as the substantive NCoS CG.

 

Nwakuche, who replaced Haliru Nababa, was appointed in an acting capacity by President Bola Tinubu on December 13, 2024.

A political group, the Democratic Front, has said the gale of defection in the Peoples Democratic Party is more a reflection of the party’s internal affairs than a deliberate effort to emasculate the opposition.

 

Malam Danjuma Muhammad, Chairman of TDF, said this in a statement released on Friday.

 

“We are, indeed, disappointed that some opposition figures in the country have accused the ruling All Progressives Congress and President Bola Tinubu of igniting rancour among its members.

 

“Notable in the ongoing politics of deceit and blackmail are leaders of the opposition PDP, whose selfish lust for power triggered a major crisis that led to implosion in the PDP.

 

“TDF is not oblivious of the fact that the PDP has been consistently ravaged by a self-inflicted crisis since it was defeated by the APC in the 2015 presidential election,” said the group.

 

According to the group, the party has been unable to present a credible presidential candidate since 2015, which buttresses its widely perceived image as a political party in disarray.

 

“The recent gale of defection that hit the PDP in Delta was not as a result of any imaginary influence or interference of President Tinubu, or the APC, as alleged by the opposition.

“It is a show of protestation by some members of the party against the scheming of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to remain perpetually its presidential standard bearer, against the dictates of the party’s internal democracy.

 

“We are also of the view that the relevant section of the constitution that guarantees individual freedom of association is not exclusively limited to any individual or group,” said TDF.

 

The advocacy group said it was the inalienable right of every Nigerian to join any group or political party of his or her choice.

 

“Therefore, the defection of PDP members in Delta State to APC should be seen within the context of their legitimate rights to freely associate with any group or party of their choice.

 

“It is our belief that claims of a looming one-party state by the opposition are spurious, baseless, and unfounded.

 

“The collapse of Atiku’s political coalition against President Tinubu was not based on external interference by anyone but a direct consequence of the mischief, which the coalition represented,” said the group.

 

It also called on leaders and members of opposition parties to eschew the politics of selfishness and bitterness.

Man United head coach, Ruben Amorim, has warned against complacency ahead of his sides second leg Europa League clash against Athletic Club.

 

Speaking with TNT Sports on Thursday, Amorim said, “We had the chances to score one more, but this is not done. The same result can happen at Old Trafford, and we need to be prepared.”

 

Indeed, nobody expected the magnitude of their 3-0 Europa League semi-final first leg win at Athletic Club, but insisted the tie was still not over ahead of next week’s return match.

 

His side became only the third to win at San Mames since August and inflicted the joint-biggest defeat on their hosts at the stadium in over a decade, putting one foot in the Europa League final at the same stadium later this month, where they look likely to meet Premier League rivals Tottenham.

 

United weathered an early storm from the hosts but took the lead through Casemiro’s header, and then played much of the game with a man advantage after centre-back Dani Vivian conceded a penalty and was sent off for pulling back Rasmus Hojlund in his own box.

 

Despite scoring three goals in the final 15 minutes of the opening period, the one criticism of the visitors’ performance was that they did not manage to add to their advantage and kill off the tie as a contest.

 

Man Utd are the only remaining team unbeaten in Europe this season, in stark contrast to their Premier League campaign where they have lost 15 of 34 league games – but even so, the head coach had not been expecting such an emphatic victory in the Basque country.

“It’s the best result because nobody expected this result,” he said. “But you saw two games today – the first 25 minutes and then, after the goal and the sending-off, the game changed.

 

“In the second half, we tried to be cautious, and we created chances, but the most important thing is the opponent didn’t get many shots on our goal.

 

“In the first 30 minutes, they had chances to score. If they score, it’s a different game. When we scored, we felt freer to play.

 

“It’s hard to understand, but sometimes it’s the context. We can win this competition. In the Premier League, we are suffering game after game. We try to manage both things with some injuries. Sometimes, it’s hard, even for the players.”

 

Amorim sounded a note of caution despite the size of Man Utd’s victory and the meteoric collapse, which would be required for them to be eliminated.

 

Of 133 previous first-leg away wins by three goals in European knock-out ties, all 133 teams have progressed to the next round.

 

The City Boy Movement has denounced as a baseless claim that its Grand Patron, Mr Seyi Tinubu, mobilised thugs to disrupt the National Association of Nigerian Students executives’ inauguration.

 

Mr Francis Shoga, the Director-General of the group, disclosed this in a statement issued in Lagos on Friday.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the City Boy Movement is a youth-driven sociopolitical and good governance advocacy organisation.

 

NAN reports that NANS factional president, Atiku Isah, on Wednesday, accused Seyi Tinubu of disrupting his inauguration in Abuja and locking down the venue.

In a statement by its PRO, Orowole Owoyemi, the group alleged Tinubu tried to hijack NANS leadership, thereby undermining its autonomy and student representation.

 

Responding, Shoga said the allegations were malicious, unfounded, and intended to damage Seyi Tinubu’s character through a desperate act of character assassination without credible evidence.

 

He urged those behind the smear campaign to cease their defamatory acts or face legal action for attempting to defame Tinubu’s reputation.

 

Shoga affirmed that Seyi Tinubu remains committed to youth empowerment, constructive dialogue and impactful development, not meddling in student organisations’ internal matters.

 

“The City Boy Movement is aware of false claims that our Grand Patron, Seyi Tinubu, mobilised thugs to disrupt unauthorised NANS inauguration events.

“As Director-General, I firmly reject these groundless accusations, which aim solely to smear the good name of Seyi Tinubu.

 

“The outlandish claims of being stripped and filmed under duress are nothing more than staged theatrics seeking undue public sympathy,” he said.

 

He emphasised Tinubu’s calm demeanour and consistent focus on youth advancement, not organisational interference.

 

“The group will not remain silent while opportunists exploit the President’s son’s name for publicity,” he added.

 

Shoga encouraged Nigerian youth to ignore the theatrics and stay focused on meaningful progress and collaboration.

He added that such disorganised antics, regardless of backing, will not succeed in misleading the public

 

Social media was set abuzz on Thursday when Nigerian music stars Michael Ajereh, aka Don Jazzy, and Crown Uzama aka Shallipopi, surprised fans with millions of naira in spontaneous giveaways following viral online interactions.

 

Don Jazzy gifted a woman, Adeyemi Adejoke Abidemi, a total of ₦6 million after noticing that her account balance was “not healthy.”

 

It all started with a trending post on X.com that encouraged users to tag one celebrity to gift them ₦1 million.

 

Adeyemi who tweets as #PopoolaJoke4 tagged #DONJAZZY, writing, “Make I tag #DONJAZZY. I dey always dream about him. Happy new month sir.”

The Mavin Records boss replied, “Akant namba,” prompting her to drop her GTBank details.

 

Minutes later, she posted a screenshot showing a ₦1 million credit alert. “Jesuuuuuusssssssss, this is huge,” she wrote. “Thank you so much for your incredible generosity. Receiving 1 million naira is beyond anything I expected, and I’m truly grateful. Your support means the world to me. God bless you abundantly sir.”

 

The surprise didn’t end there as Don Jazzy, moved by her previous balance of just ₦67.29, responded, “Amen ooo. That your akant balance is not healthy. I don add another 5 million. More blessings ma.”

 

Adeyemi confirmed the receipt of the additional N5m with a screenshot of her account balance with N6m.

 

Excited about the massive top-up, she wrote, “Oluwa oo. I am deeply grateful for this extraordinary blessing. May the Almighty who used you to lift me reward you beyond measure. May your hands never lack, your heart always be at peace, and your generations forever enjoy divine favour. Thank you #DONJAZZY. May God continue to enlarge your coast.”

 

In response to a critic who questioned her previously low balance, she said, “None of my accounts get 1 naira, I can screenshot all for you, only GTBank get 67 naira.”

Meanwhile, Shallipopi also gifted a million naira each to two of his fans while promoting his song.

 

“Summer is coming, ready your shorts and bikinis. Don’t forget to take a lil speaker with you in case you wanna jam da Album,” he posted on X on Thursday.

 

A fan, Samuel Uchechukwu Ifesinachi who tweets #teslime_dmw replied, “Summer is coming, still broke as hell. Money to buy speaker no dey.”

 

Shallipopi responded, “Imma send u a million if you promise to get yourself a very big JBL.” Ifesinachi eagerly promised to do so, as he shared his account details afterwards.

The artist confirmed the transfer of N1 million to the fan by sharing a receipt of the transaction on his X page.

 

Another fan, Anirah Gabriel who tweets as #gabe_the_menace, reminded Shallipopi of a prior conversation they had in March where the singer had asked, “How much you fit chop?” and Gabriel had replied, “Shock me papi.”

 

Responding to the screenshot of their previous conversation, Shallipopi teased him back, saying, “Lol u nor talk how much u fit chop nah. You dey do yanga for presido, talk jorr.”

 

Gabriel replied, “Make I see 1 meter from u preside jare,” to which Shallipopi responded, “Now u are talking,” and asked him to send his account details.

 

The singer afterwards shared the receipt of a transfer of N1m to Gabriel’s account.

 

No fewer than three shops were razed by fire in the early hours of Friday in Sango, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

 

The incident, which occurred behind the Fart Oil filling station around 4:30 am, reportedly began after an electrical spark from a plugged-in freezer ignited nearby combustible materials.

 

Investigations by PUNCH Online revealed that three out of a row of ten prefabricated shops were completely engulfed in flames before the arrival of fire service officials.

 

Though no casualties were recorded, goods including freezers, drinks, and other valuables worth several million naira were destroyed in the inferno.

 

When contacted on Friday, the State General Manager of the Fire Service, Yemi Akinyinka, confirmed the incident to our correspondent in Ibadan.

He said, “The emergency was reported at exactly 04:41 hours on the morning of Friday, May 2, 2025, via a telephone call from CSP Adesina, concerning shops on fire behind the Fart Oil Filling Station, Sango, Ibadan.

 

“The agency’s personnel, led by ACFS Adedeji (Mrs), were promptly deployed to the scene. On arrival, it was discovered that three shops out of a row of ten prefabricated shops were well alight.

 

“We swiftly swung into action and prevented the fire from spreading to other shops. The blaze was completely extinguished.

 

“No casualty was recorded. The fire affected three shops, freezers, and drinks. All nearby shops and property worth millions of naira were saved by officers of the fire service.”

 

He added that preliminary investigations revealed the fire was caused by sparks from a freezer that had been plugged in overnight and left unattended.

The Bauchi State Police Command has disclosed the successful interception of a truck transporting refined iodised salt, which was suspected of being diverted.

 

According to a press release issued on Thursday by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakil, the operation equally resulted in the apprehension of two individuals.

 

He explained, “On 30th April 2025, at about 1700 hours, operatives from the Alkeleri Divisional Police Headquarters acted on reliable intelligence, conducting a stop-and-search operation that led to the interception of a flat-topped truck trailer (registration number BAG 283 XF) carrying over one thousand bags of 25 kilograms each of iodised salt.

 

“The total estimated value of the confiscated salt amounts to approximately ten million two hundred thousand Naira (₦10,200,000). While the driver escaped the scene, the two suspects—Sadik Jidda, aged 20 years old, from Borno State, and Ibrahim Ahmad, aged 19 years old, from Kaduna State—were apprehended within the vehicle.”

 

Wakil stated that initial investigations indicated that the suspects were identified as conductors and were informed by the driver, who remains at large, about their destination in Alkeleri, Bauchi State.

 

He noted that the command is currently undertaking additional measures to locate and apprehend the driver and uncover further details surrounding the incident.

In the same vein, the command also disclosed a separate operation conducted on the same day where a 28-year-old individual, Jibrin Ali from Zandar, Niger Republic, was arrested in the Yankari Game Reserve, Alkeleri LGA, Bauchi State.

 

The PPRO revealed that Jibrin was found impersonating military personnel and displaying suspicious behaviour in an area known for bandit activity.

 

“Detectives from the Alkeleri Divisional Police Headquarters intervened during a routine patrol in collaboration with local security outfits and facilitated his arrest, which was met with some resistance.

 

“Upon interrogation, he could not satisfactorily explain his presence in the forest, raising concerns regarding his potential involvement with local criminal elements,” the statement added.

 

Wakil hinted that the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, while commending the diligence and professionalism demonstrated by the officers involved, has directed that both cases be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for more comprehensive investigations.

 

He stated that Bauchi State Command remains committed to prioritising our communities’ safety and security and appreciates the support of local security forces in these endeavours.

The Gada Divisional Police Headquarters in Sokoto State has recovered 25 cattle suspected to have been stolen or strayed from their rightful owners.

 

The animals were found in a dense forest bordering the Sabon Birni Local Government Area of the state on Thursday, following a tip-off from local authorities.

 

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Rufai, said in a statement on Friday that the recovery was initiated after Alhaji Muhammad Kyari reported the presence of stray cattle.

 

The statement read, “The District Head of Gada. Alhaji Idi “M,” the former Village Head of Gidan Rabami Village in Gada Local Government Area, had earlier alerted the authorities about the presence of stray cattle in a nearby forest.

 

“The animals were found in a dense forest bordering Sabon Birni Local Government Area, an area known for its complex terrain and occasional security challenges.

 

“The Gada Police Division responded promptly, deploying officers to the site where the 25 cattle were successfully recovered without incident.”

The statement further said that following the operation, the cattle were transported to the Gada Division Headquarters, where they are being held securely.

 

The police have called on livestock owners whose cattle may be missing to visit the station with valid proof of ownership for identification and collection.

 

“This recovery effort demonstrates our ongoing commitment to protecting the lives and property of our citizens, including their means of livelihood.

 

“We are calling on all concerned livestock owners to come forward with necessary identification to facilitate a smooth verification and handover process,” Rufai stated.

 

Authorities are also encouraging residents of Gada and neighbouring communities to share this information widely to hasten the identification process and prevent potential disputes or prolonged delays in reuniting the livestock with their owners.

 

Liverpool manager Arne Slot said Friday that winning the Premier League title at Anfield was one of the best days of his life as he turned his thoughts towards next season.

 

The Reds crushed Tottenham 5-1 on Sunday to seal a record-breaking 20th English league title with four games to spare, basking in a sensational atmosphere at their packed home ground.

 

“Maybe for all the Liverpool fans, but for many of them, one of the best days of their lives, and I think it was the same for me,” said Slot.

 

“The way the whole day went, arriving at the stadium, how intense the fans already were, then during the game going 1-0 behind, so it even felt like, ‘Oh, they’re not going to give it to us, we have to work for it’.

 

“Scoring the goals, seeing how much it meant to the players but also to the fans, for me, was really special to be part of.”

 

Liverpool travel to face fifth-placed Chelsea on Sunday before taking on Arsenal, Brighton and Crystal Palace in their remaining games.

 

“It’s nice that we play some very strong teams with Chelsea, Arsenal, Brighton and Palace, so that gives immediate challenge to those games,” said Slot, 46.

 

“It’s the end of the season but we also have to look at this as the start of next season already.”

 

The Dutchman said he was surprised by the 22-point between his side and Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea, whom he felt were the better team when they met in October, even though Liverpool won 2-1.

“We found a way to win, and that is a quality that we didn’t need a lot, because mostly we were the better team on the pitch,” he said.

 

“But in that game we had to suffer more than any other game, maybe. So to be so many points ahead of them is a big compliment for everyone here at this club.”

 

The former Feyenoord boss said he would rotate in the final games of the season.

 

“Some of them deserve to play already earlier this season because they’ve trained so well,” he said. “They are good enough to play for this club but I mainly chose the same players.

 

“And I think this is also a moment to see where they are, also looking towards next season maybe a bit already. But definitely also because they deserve to play this season.”

Slot said Liverpool’s Premier League triumph would be a boost in terms of recruitment.

 

“Winning the league, having these fans, I think this is a big attraction to every player we want to bring in, and that’s definitely helpful,” he said.

 

Captain Virgil van Dijk and top-scorer Mohamed Salah have recently signed new contracts to stay at the Liverpool but Slot said there was no update on Trent Alexander-Arnold, who continues to be linked with a move to Real Madrid in the summer transfer window.

 

AFP