Popular American rapper Nicki Minaj is facing a lawsuit filed by her former tour manager, Brandon Garrett, who alleges assault and battery during her Pink Friday 2 tour.

The lawsuit, filed on Friday, January 3, in Los Angeles Superior Court, accuses Minaj of striking Garrett during an altercation backstage at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena on April 21, 2024, following her performance. Garrett, who served as the rapper’s day-to-day manager on the tour, claims he was scolded and physically attacked during the incident.

In response to the allegations, Minaj’s attorney, Judd Burstein, issued a statement denying the claims and dismissing them as baseless.

“At this time, no complaint has been served upon [Minaj], and therefore, we are unaware of the specific allegations,” the statement reads. “However, if the lawsuit is as reported by TMZ, it is completely false and frivolous. We are confident that the matter brought by this ex-assistant will be resolved swiftly in Mrs. Petty’s favor.”

The Grammy-nominated rapper has yet to publicly address the lawsuit. The legal battle adds to the growing list of controversies surrounding Minaj as she embarks on her highly anticipated Pink Friday 2 tour.

Further developments are expected as the case proceeds in court.

Popular socialite and celebrity barman, Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, has addressed rumors surrounding Burna Boy’s $30,000 gift to a man speculated to be his brother.

The confusion arose after Burna Boy pledged to assist a phone repairer who went viral claiming to be struggling, despite being allegedly linked to the nightlife mogul. In a recent video, Burna Boy fulfilled his promise, handing the man the money, leading to widespread gratitude and celebrations online.

However, Cubana Chief Priest has debunked claims of any familial relationship with the man in question. Taking to his Instagram stories, he clarified, “I have only one biological brother and two sisters, all of whom are doing well. The man in the video is not related to me.”

The celebrity barman further emphasized that he bears no financial responsibility toward his siblings, adding, “Regardless, I owe them nothing. Na my money, make everybody find their own.”

This statement follows a series of online exchanges between Cubana Chief Priest and Burna Boy, which initially fueled the rumors. The socialite, while expressing satisfaction that the man received the funds, also urged Nigerians to celebrate Burna Boy’s act of generosity.

This development adds another layer of drama to the ongoing spat between the two prominent figures, with Cubana Chief Priest reaffirming that his family ties remain intact and unconnected to the viral incident.

The Kano State Censorship Board has imposed a one-year suspension on popular Kannywood actress, Samha Inuwa, citing allegations of indecent dressing and inappropriate online content.

The board’s information officer, Abdullahi Sulaiman, disclosed that the decision followed numerous complaints from members of the public regarding the actress’s revealing attire and controversial social media posts.

In a statement, the board announced that it had also revoked her liaison and ceased censoring any films featuring her. “The Kano State Censorship Board is empowered by law to ensure that all videos, writings, and other forms of expression align with the state’s religion, culture, norms, and values,” the statement read in part.

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According to the board, the suspension is part of its broader efforts to uphold moral standards within the Kannywood film industry and enforce compliance with its regulations.

Samha Inuwa is a multi-talented entertainer, known not only as an actress but also as a film producer, singer, and songwriter. She is a brand ambassador for various companies and enjoys a significant following on social media.

This is not the first time a northern actress has faced such sanctions. In 2020, Rahama Sadau, another prominent Kannywood star, was suspended by the Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigeria for posting a controversial picture of herself in a backless dress.

The suspension of Samha Inuwa underscores the Kano State Censorship Board’s commitment to preserving cultural and moral values in the entertainment industry.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended Nollywood actor and filmmaker Emeka Emmanuel Mbadiwe alongside his colleague, Uzoekwe Ugochukwu James, over the alleged trafficking of illicit drugs.

In a statement released on Sunday, January 5, 2025, by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, it was revealed that Mbadiwe, a US-trained filmmaker and motivational speaker, was arrested in a hotel room in Lekki, Lagos.

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The arrest came after his partner, James, was apprehended earlier the same day at a warehouse in Ajao Estate, Ikeja. James had reportedly been sent by Mbadiwe to retrieve a shipment of 33 parcels of “Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis. The shipment, weighing 17.30 kilograms, had arrived in Nigeria on December 24, 2024, via a Delta Airlines flight from the United States. The parcels were concealed in large wooden boxes at the Import Shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.

The NDLEA continues to intensify its efforts in the fight against drug trafficking, as investigations into the case progress.