celebrity radar - gossips

Parents use son as collateral for N8,000 in Lagos

Published

9 years ago

April 27, 2017

A 15-year-old teenager, Ajala Samuel, has been used as a collateral by his parents.

The Punch reports that the parents used him as a collateral to raise money for some urgent family needs. But the story changed after four months when they could not find him again. The parents had given him out to a Lagos trader, Iya Meta, who in turn paid them N8,000. It was alleged that Iya Meta also loaned out Samuel to some traders on the Lagos Island for N72,000. The traders were alleged to have further given him out to another family in the state. Two policewomen, identified as Titi and Funmilayo from the Ijora Badia division, were accused of harassing the family to refund the N72,000 paid to Iya Meta, failing which Samuel would be forced to work till October 2017 when the contract would expire

Talking to The Punch, Samuel’s stepfather, Idowu Isiaka, said they started having issues when he lost his job in June 2016. He said: “I worked as a security guard for a traditional ruler. When a banner displaying the man’s picture was stolen, I was put in a police cell for a week before I was released and told that I had lost my job. “At that time, Ajala’s mother just had a surgery and she needed money for medications. I borrowed a motorcycle from a friend and started using it to work. Later, I had an accident with the motorcycle and broke a man’s leg.

The motorcycle was seized from me and I was asked to raise money for the victim’s treatment. “I called my wife and told her that we needed to raise money by all means. I told her about Iya Meta, who lived in the community and always said she needed teenagers to work for her.

We agreed to take Ajala (Samuel) to her so we could raise some money.” Iya Meta was said to have offered them N8,000 as payment for the two months that Samuel would work for her. He was however shocked when Samuel did not return back to them after the expiration of the agreed date. It was when they went to Iya Meta’s house in Ijora Badia in Lagos that they got to know Iya Meta had moved out. “When I called her on the telephone, she said she was in Seme (Benin Republic) on a business trip and she had taken the boy along. She apologized for not telling me. She said Ajala (Samuel) was at home and when she got home, I would speak with him. She didn’t call back that day. “The following day, I called her and she told me that she had actually lied to me. She said the boy was with some people whom she had problem with.

She told me the case was at the Ijora Badia Police Station and one officer Titi would tell us where the child was.” Isiaka explained that he went to the station with his wife and officer Titi told them that they must pay N72,000 before the boy would be released.

The police officer told them that Iya Meta had been paid that amount before Samuel was taken from her. And if he was going to be released, the amount must be paid back.

But Iya Meta denied the allegations. She said the police are lying about her. She said,: “Prior to Ajala’s coming to my house, I had met three women –Rukky, Iya Ibeji and Eniketa. They claimed that they were textile dealers on the Lagos Island and they needed young boys and girls to work for them. “At that time, two of my cousins came from the village to work in Lagos. I handed over the two ladies to the women.

They gave me N80,000 as advance payment for their service. “It was a few weeks later that Ajala’s parents brought him and I gave them N8,000.

The boy had barely spent a month when he attempted to escape. He told me that his parents had instructed him to run away after getting the money from me. “I decided to send him to the three women so he could work with them. T

hey didn’t give me anything.” She said a few days afterwards, she received a call from one of the girls, who claimed that she had been taken to a pepper seller who maltreated her.

celebrity radar - gossips

Adron Homes Celebrates Visionary Chairman, Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, at 51

Published

2 days ago

April 2, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Adron Homes Celebrates Visionary Chairman, Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, at 51

The management and staff of Adron Homes and Properties Limited have joined family, friends, associates, and well-wishers across the globe to celebrate their Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, as he marks his 51st birthday.

In a statement released by the company, the milestone was described as a celebration of an exceptional leader whose vision, resilience, and entrepreneurial brilliance have not only transformed Adron Homes into a household name in Nigeria’s real estate sector but have also redefined affordable housing across the country.

Under his dynamic leadership, Adron Homes has continued to expand its footprint, delivering value-driven residential solutions while empowering thousands of Nigerians with opportunities for home ownership. His commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction has remained the driving force behind the company’s sustained growth and industry leadership.

The statement further highlighted Aare EmmanuelKing’s passion for nation-building and community development, noting his significant contributions to job creation, youth empowerment, and the promotion of socio-economic development through real estate investments.

“As a leader, mentor, and visionary, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing has consistently inspired a culture of excellence, integrity, and dedication within the organization. His ability to turn bold ideas into reality continues to position Adron Homes as a trailblazer in the industry,” the statement read.

The company expressed profound gratitude for his steadfast leadership and prayed for continued wisdom, strength, and sound health as he embarks on another year of impactful achievements.

As he celebrates his 51st birthday, the entire Adron Homes family proudly honours a man whose legacy continues to shape the future of real estate in Nigeria.

Happy 51st Birthday, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing!

celebrity radar - gossips

Oba Ara Releases Emotional Tribute to Late Taiwo Adegbodu

Published

5 days ago

March 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Oba Ara Releases Emotional Tribute to Late Taiwo Adegbodu

Taofik Afolabi

The gospel music community continues to grieve the painful loss of Taiwo Adegbodu, a beloved figure whose sudden departure left a deep void among fans, colleagues, and loved ones. In response to this loss, renowned gospel minister Rotimi Onimole, popularly known as Oba Ara, has released a moving tribute song that captures both the sorrow of the moment and the enduring legacy of the late singer.

Oba Ara, a proud son of Isale Eko, channels raw emotion throughout the song, using heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring melodies to reflect on his personal connection with Taiwo Adegbodu. In the tribute, he openly expresses how deeply the news of Adegbodu’s passing shook him, describing it as a painful and unexpected loss that is difficult to come to terms with.

The song goes beyond mourning, it celebrates the life, ministry, and impact of Taiwo Adegbodu. Oba Ara highlights the late artist’s dedication to spreading the gospel through music, his inspiring voice, and the spiritual influence he had on many within and beyond Nigeria. Through powerful verses, he paints a picture of a man who lived for God and touched countless lives through his ministry.

Listeners have described the tribute as both comforting and deeply emotional, as it resonates with the collective grief of the gospel music community. It serves as a reminder that although Taiwo Adegbodu is no longer physically present, his music, message, and legacy will continue to live on.

In honoring his late colleague, Oba Ara not only pays his respects but also offers a source of healing for fans and fellow ministers, using music as a tool to process grief and celebrate a life well lived.

celebrity radar - gossips

Buratai, Fagbemi , Shagaya, Olofa, Others Eulogise Olowu Kuta’s Olori On 60th Birthday, Foundation Launch

Published

5 days ago

March 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Buratai, Fagbemi , Shagaya, Olofa, Others Eulogise Olowu Kuta’s Olori On 60th Birthday, Foundation Launch

Eminent personalities across the Nigeria stormed the TFK Event Centre, Bala Mohammed Way, Guzape, Abuja, to celebrate the 60th birthday of Olowu Kuta’s Olori, Queen Jumai Amoke and her Foundation Launch on Saturday 28, March 2026.

From former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai rtd, to the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Olofa of Offa, HRM Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi. Even top businesswoman and socialite, Chief (Mrs) Bola Shagaya, was in attendance.

Other dignitaries were newly promoted Deputy Inspector-General of Police and former AIG Zone 2 , Lagos , Adegoke Fayoade, Major General Abdumalik, Major General Samuel Adebayo rtd (Fmr CDI);

Major General Anthony Omozoje rtd (Fmr Copp);

Alhaji Tajudeen Owoyemi (Asiwaju of Offa and CEO Radisson Hotel Nigeria;

Dr Waheed Olagunju, former managing director of Bank of Industry, Oniba of Iba, Lagos State, HRM Oba Dr Suleiman Raji ;

Justice Falola, Olu of Ile-Ogbo , Oba Adetoyese amongst many traditional rulers and captains of industry too numerous to mention.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Host, Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Adekunle Oyelude Makama, CON , Tegbosun iii, who is also the husband of the celebrant commended Queen Jumai for ‘ her slender arms full of kindness’ to establish such humanitarian Foundation, ‘Amoke Children and mother in Need Foundation’ at a time Nigerians are going through economic crisis occassioned by the global meltdown.

Olowu also commended her steadfastness and love for the less privileged and downtrodden.

The monarch refrenced the task before his wife’s humanitarian gesture said her best is yet to come.

” Olori Amoke Jumai, I celebrate you. You will celebrate 70, 80, 90 and continue to shine as you continue to put a smile on people’s faces. I love you, “Olowu Kuta added.

To Lt Gen Buratai, a former army chief and former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, the reward of hard work is more work.

Buratai, who also doubles as Balogun Agba of Owu Kuta, a chieftaincy title reserved for a generalismo congratulated Queen Jumai for attaining the age of 60 in good health.

The retired army General said he’s not surprised by the turn out of eminent personalities across the country to celebrate the Olowu Kuta’s Olori because she merited it through her hospitality to all, adding that Allah the most merciful, most beneficial would accept all her act of ibadah.

The minister of Justice, Prince Fagbemi, was full of praises for Queen Jumai for deeming it fit to have a place in her heart to accommodate the needy and less privileged in ‘our society.’

Prince Fagbemi urged the guests to contribute generously to support the Foundation in order to continue to alleviate poverty and put a smile on the faces of the people.

” I congratulate you on your 60th birthday and Foundation Launch. I wish you many happy returns of the day and many more fruitful services to the country and motherland”, Prince Fagbemi added.

The celebrant, Queen Jumai who was grining from ear to ear thankfully said she was excited by the turn out and the response of the people to her foundation.

Queen Jumai, however, promised to continue to use her resources and donations received for the good of the needy and less privileged in the society.

” I want to appreciate my own Kabiesi Olofa of Offa , for his presence and im I’m using him as a point of contact to all other Kabiesis present here, the minister of justice and Attorney-General, you’re welcome, sir; Mrs Bola Shagaya, I salute your enterprise, Lt Gen Buratai, I’m grateful, sir; DIG Fayoade, Justice Falola and other dignitaries too numerous to mention, I thank you, all. To my darling husband, Kabiesi Olowu , I thank you immensely for your support. And to my family and friends, I thank you , all. E se pupo!”, she said.