News / politics

Ohanaeze lambasts Dokpesi over 2023 presidency

Apex Igbo socio-political group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has berated the Chairman of Daar Communications Limited, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, for saying the South East cannot win the 2023 presidential election for the Peoples Democratic Party.

The position of Ohanaeze Ndigbo was contained in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alex Ogbonnia.

It said it was disheartening that Dokpesi, one of the leaders of the South South Peoples Assembly, would profile the entire South as electoral liability to the PDP and back the North for the presidency.

It said: “One can easily understand the psychological ambivalence in the Dokpesi persona. On the other hand, there is no reason for the condescension and disdain he handed over to the entire south. According to him, ‘even I dare say there is no candidate from the south that you put in the north today that will be able to win.’ In another development,  Dokpesi recalls his friendship with Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his support for Tinubu’s presidential ambition. For the avoidance of doubt, several educated refined patriotic northerners are allergic to the supremacist born to rule entrepreneurs which has created the current Nigerian dilemma. “All the 17 southern governors in their meetings have resolved on the need for a power shift to the south. The Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi committee on zoning has declared that the national chairmanship of the  PDP should go to the north, while the Presidency should go to the south.

“It is therefore curious, the kind of appraisal parameters or kind of epitaph that the business mogul, Dr. Raymond Dokpesi, wishes to be remembered. In one sentence, Dokpesi proclaimed that “If we are the Nigerians, I want us to be, if we believe in the unity of Nigeria and we also believe in equity, justice, and fairness, there is no reason we should not give it to the South East if the slot is given to the south. In another breath, Dokpesi averred that ‘whoever emerges as the president of Nigeria would have to compensate the people of the South East …

News / Security

Kidnap: 90 students, staff of Kebbi College freed after four months

Ninety students and members of staff of the Federal Government College, Birnin Yauri in Kebbi State, who were kidnapped four months ago, have regained their freedom.

Father of one of the kidnapped students, who pleaded for anonymity, disclosed this in an interview on Tuesday.

According to him, all the kidnapped students and staff were released on Tuesday.

The parent did not disclose whether parents of the abducted students have reunited with them. As at the time of this report, the state government and the police were yet to issue any statement on the development. Nigerian Tribune.…

News / politics

Photo as Fayose visits Tinubu, responds to critics

A former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, has paid a visit to the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Fayose, who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, visited the APC chieftain in his Ikoyi, Lagos State home.

Fayose said his visit was primarily to wish Tinubu, who had a surgery on his leg, a quick recovery.

He lambasted those reading meanings into his visit. He wrote on social media: “Today, I was at Bourdillon, Ikoyi, Lagos  to wish Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu a quick recovery.

“Health issues know no political party and in this part of the world, we seldom celebrate people when they are alive.

“Rather, we like to sign condolence registers. To me, that is not the best way to live.

“Most importantly, politics should be about love for each other.

“Therefore, like other leaders in Nigeria, I wish Asiwaju sound and robust health.

“And to those negative political analysts, this visit notwithstanding, I remain an unrepentant PDP leader and key stakeholder.”…

Boxing / Sports

Tyson Fury knocks out Deontay Wilder to win an epic world heavyweight title fight in Las Vegas

The British heavyweight star was on the brink of defeat when he was floored twice in the fourth round, but Fury staged a sensational recovery and dropped Wilder in the 10th before inflicting a crushing knockout to retain his WBC belt. Wilder had been blasted to the canvas in the third round, but the American nearly pulled off a stunning fightback in the fourth, before Fury quickly regained command and eventually broke the resistance of his exhausted challenger. Wilder had been blasted to the canvas in the third round, but the American nearly pulled off a stunning fightback in the fourth, before Fury quickly regained command and eventually broke the resistance of his exhausted challenger.

In a tense opening round, Wilder tried to enforce his aggressive tactics as he forced Fury onto the back foot with stinging body shots and clubbing right hands.

But Fury began to find the range with his hurtful straight right hand in the second, then unloaded it perfectly in the third to daze Wilder, who was cuffed to the canvas. With Wilder badly hurt, Fury went for the finish in the fourth, but he wilted to the canvas after a huge right hand from the Alabama man.

A right hand from Fury sent Wilder crumpling to the canvas in the 10th, and still he threw back, briefly buzzing the Brit with crude shots.

But Fury finally concluded their saga in the 11th as a huge right hand sent Wilder crashing spectacularly to the canvas.

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Military / News / Security

Movie veteran Chiwetalu Agu reportedly rearrested by DSS

There are reports that Nigerian movie veteran, Chiwetalu Agu has been rearrested by men of the Department of State Service (DSS).

According to one of his colleagues in a post shared via his Facebook page on Friday, October 8, 2021, the actor is now in the custody of the DSS.

“Chiwetalu Agu is still not free. He is with DSS now. Colleagues say they are looking for a top lawyer to bail him,” he wrote.

It would be rehttps://www.facebook.com/Chiagozie.Fred.Nwonwu/posts/10223090818552825called that the movie star was released by the Nigeria Army on Friday afternoon.

The movie veteran was arrested on Thursday, October 7, in Onitsha by men of the Nigerian Army.

The actor was spotted wearing an outfit with the Biafran flag inscribed on it.

The army later released a statement where it revealed that the actor was arrested for inciting members of the public and soliciting for support for the Proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

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BBNaija / Entertainment / News

Liquorose plans to write books and re-open her salon

Big Brother Naija Shine Ya Eye first runner-up, Roseline Afije, better known as Liquorose says she is ready to bring some of the talents she was unable to display in the house to light.

The popular dancer in an interview on Wazobia FM on Friday, October 8, 2021, said she plans to make movies, write books and restart her beauty salon soon.

She said, “I have done some short films in the past; I have recorded some contents for my dance crew which have yet to be released, but most people only knew about my dancing career before I participated in the Big Brother Naija show.

“I applied to be on the show to unveil my talents because Big Brother Naija is a big platform where one could promote themselves. That was why I showcased some of my other talents which also helped me win so many games in the Big Brother House. I will soon bring to light the other talents that I was unable to display on the show since I’m now out of the house. I write poems and songs, so I’ll unleash my music talent — make movies, and write books. I’ll also restart my salon which I lost sometimes back.”

When asked if she learnt hairdressing from anyone, she said she learnt the skill at the age of six when she used to braid her grandmother’s hair.

“I didn’t learn hairdressing from anyone, I started practicing by braiding my grandmother’s hair when I was about six years old,” she said.

She added that the skill earned her some money when she started braiding her neighbors’ hair.

Liquorose, who braided hair for many housemates during the show, said she mastered the skill for survival.

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BBNaija / Entertainment / News

Whitemoney promises to drop a single before the end of the year

The winner of Big Brother Naija ‘Shine Ya Eye’ Season 6, Hazel Onou better known as Whitemoney has promised to release a single before the end of the year.

He said the single will feature veteran Nigerian singer, Duncan Mighty.

The 29-year-old announced his readiness to go into full-time entertainment and business on a radio show recently.

He said, “I am focusing on doing businesses, and I want to do full-time entertainment too. I will drop a single before the end of the year, and it will feature Duncan Mighty. Although I have not reached out to him about it, however, I am using this medium to make my plans known.”

Speaking about his love life, Whitemoney said he has never has never had a girl friend or any serious relationship since 2015.

He added that it was now tougher to find true love since he won the N90m grand prize.

“My singleness is now worse since I got out of the house because every woman now tells me, ‘Oh Whitemoney, you know I’ve been there for you. So if there’s love in the market, I’ll buy it. I have been single since 2015, and I’ve never had a girlfriend or any serious relationship since then. My time on the Big Brother Naija show helped me learn how to talk to and know women more and better,” he said.

However, the reality TV star said he was flattered by the love Nigerians showered on him while on the show, saying it was my first time he saw them coming together for just one person’s success.

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BBNaija / Entertainment / News

‘My last relationship was a disaster’ – BBNaija Mercy Eke

Mercy Eke the winner of the fourth season of popular reality TV show, Big Brother Naija, has revealed that her last relationship was a disaster. Mercy Eke the winner of the fourth season of popular reality TV show, Big Brother Naija, has revealed that her last relationship was a disaster. This came after her former boyfriend and reality TV star, IK granted an interview where he said that his relationship with Mercy Eke “wasn’t it” because many people had an opinion. “I’ve been in a couple of relationships but this one (with Mercy) wasn’t it; having a relationship where people have a million opinions just isn’t it,” he said.

Eke and Ike became an item after their time during the fourth season of Big Brother Naija.

By 2020, it became obvious that there were cracks in the highly publicized relationship.

By November of that year, Eke revealed that she was now married.

She also advised fans to stop asking her about her ex-boyfriend.

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Entertainment / News

Helen Paul shares photo of badly bruised face, says she was involved in a car accident

Nigerian comedian Helen Paul has revealed the reason behind her badly bruised face.

The doctorate degree holder made this known via her Instagram page on Sunday, October 11.

“Sometime ago, I was involved in a car accident in Abuja. I suffered a concussion to my head and had to wear sunglasses for a while. When taking pictures with others, I would leave my sunglasses on and many complained that I didn’t want my face to show in pictures with them,” she wrote.

“Some even assumed I was being proud, being a star 😃 They were totally oblivious of the true situation. Not all things are truly what they appear to be. Many are hiding alot and showing the best side on social media.”

She broke out as a naughty comic character on the radio program Wetin Dey on Radio Continental 102.3FM, Lagos.

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News / politics

Electoral Act: Saraki begs National Assembly on Direct Primaries

Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has sent a passionate appeal to members of the National Assembly who are in the process of reconciling the different versions of the Electoral Act (amendment) Bill passed by both chambers to save the country the crisis and trouble that will result from the proposal to make direct primaries compulsory for parties in sourcing candidates for elections.

Saraki spoke in a statement signed by Yusuph Olaniyonu, Head of his Media Office, and made available on Sunday.

He noted that the decision to include a provision in the proposed Electoral Act, which makes it compulsory for parties to adopt direct primaries, will only create a fresh problem while trying to solve another.

He added that many of the political parties lack the necessary infrastructure to successfully conduct direct primaries at all levels, while the attempt will lead to hundreds of litigations that may jeopardize the general election. He said: “I feel compelled to once again appeal to Distinguished Senators and Honorable Members of the House of Representatives on the proposed Electoral Act because I realize that while the focus of the general public has been on how to get the electronic transmission of results into the proposed law, another potential problem that may clog our electoral process is included in the Electoral Act is this provision on direct primaries.

“The two options on the table are to make direct primaries compulsory for all the parties or to leave it open for parties to decide. We should take the latter option. Let us leave each party to decide how it wants to source its candidates. The experience we have in the past shows that direct primary will lead to a crisis if forced on the parties. We saw how people sent from the national headquarters to conduct primary elections stayed in hotel rooms and conjured up figures which were announced as the result of direct primary elections.

“Even if the big parties have the funds and facilities to organize direct primaries nationwide, how about the …

Football / Sports

France beat Spain to win Nations League

France came from behind once again to win the European Nations League at the expense of Spain in Milan.

Mikel Oyarzabal put Spain ahead on Sunday at the San Siro before Karim Benzema struck back moments later.

Kylian Mbappe completed a second comeback at these finals for Les Blues, who secured their place in this final by coming from two down against Belgium.

After a tactical, nervy and tight contest for more than an hour, the game burst into life. A frustrated Paul Pogba, looking wound up after being booked for a stamp on Sergio Busquets, drove through midfield and eventually the ball found Theo Hernandez who cracked the ball against the bar.

Spain raced up the other end and took the lead with a fine show of strength from Oyarzabal before a brilliant low finish into the far corner past Hugo Lloris.

Benzema had barely had a sniff since the opening five minutes, when he had rounded Unai Simon in goal but saw his cut-back cleared, until he struck while Spanish fans were still celebrating the opener.

The Real Madrid striker collected the ball on the left and, cutting inside at the corner of the box, bent a wonderful strike into the far corner, with Simon getting a touch but unable to prevent it finding the back of the net.

Mbappe was also having a quiet night but was alert when he needed to be, racing onto a ball from Theo Hernandez to put him one-on-one with Simon. Mbappe showed wonderful composure to delay, throw in a step-over and finish past Simon.

VAR checked Mbappe’s goal for offside but it was allowed to stand despite the striker being in an offside position due to the slightest of touches from Spanish defender Eric Garcia.

Lloris made two fine late saves to deny Spain a leveller, stopping from Oyarzabal and Yeremi Pino.…

News / politics / Security

Ribadu speaks on report he blamed government officials for banditry

Nuhu Ribadu, a former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, has blamed most of the country’s challenges on fake news peddled by the social media.

Ribadu spoke on the development in the nation’s capital, Abuja, on Sunday at a news conference he addressed.

He was reacting to reports in the social media that he accused some top government functionaries of sponsoring banditry in the country.

The former EFCC boss said it was time for him to clear the air on the issue, which he said had been on for some time. He said: “July 2019 was the first time I came out to know about it, and I came out with a very strong denial, saying that it was a fabrication and had no basis.

“It was a piece of rubbish with very bad grammar and factual destruction, but indeed very damaging.

“I reacted very strongly after that, it didn’t stop and I was forced again to issue a statement denying it.

“I thought that would have been the end of it, but not long afterwards, it started coming back again and I am worried and concerned.”

Ribadu said globally, people who were worried and concerned and wanted to fact-check had been getting in touch with him, adding that he had continued to respond to the issue every single day.

He said: “I want to again deny in the strongest term and send a message to everybody to disregard the statements, it is not fair, it is not just.

“It is very sinful for you to create something from no where and attribute it to an innocent person who doesn’t know anything about it, I have nothing to do with that message.

“This is my strongest denial, everybody should please disregard the statement: it is not from me, it is not true.”

Ribadu said he had been inundated by messages from friends and associates who wanted to find out if the tweets on the issue were actually from him.

He, however, said he had made a formal complaint …

Education / News

Poly Lecturers threaten fresh strike over breach of MoA

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics has called on the Federal and some States Governments to pay outstanding arrears of the minimum wage to its members as contained in the Memorandum of Action with them.

This was contained in a statement by Abdullahi Yelwa, ASUP’s National Publicity Secretary, on Sunday in Bauchi.

The union also frowned at the delays in the release of the approved N15 billion Revitalisation Fund, non payment of salaries to its members in some state owned institutions, and non commencement of the renegotiation of the 2010 agreement.

Yelwa said the decisions were reached during the 101st Regular ASUP National Executive Council meeting held at the Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State. The statement read in parts: “ASUP equally expressed dismay at recent reports of infractions in the process of appointment of Principal Officers in Federal Polytechnics and some state-owned polytechnics in disregard to the provisions in the extant laws.

“The union particularly noted the events at the Federal Polytechnics, Ekowe, Offa and Mubi, where the process of appointment of Rectors were flawed, leading to the shortlisting of unqualified persons.

“The union notes that the council affairs in Federal Polytechnics, Oko, Offa, Auchi and Kaura Namoda has been relocated to the FCT without due consideration to the cost implication on the institutions, safety of staff and sensitive documents as well as general administration of the affected institutions.”

Yelwa, however, said members of the public should hold government responsible in the event of breakdown of industrial harmony, adding that the union and its members had shown considerable patience and restraint.

He said: “In view of the unsatisfactory status of implementation of the MoA signed between the union and government in April 2021.

“The union once again demand that the government should without further delay ensure the release of the arrears of the Minimum Wage to staff and release the approved Revitalisation Fund for the sector.

“Government should set up the implementation committee to administer the fund, recommence the renegotiation of the union’s 2010 agreement and withdraw institutional accreditation …

Internet / News

MTN subscribers lament service outage

Some MTN customers are currently experiencing service outage and are unable to connect with loved ones and business associates in parts of the country, The PUNCH has learnt.

Our correspondent gathered that the customers were unable to use the mobile network operator’s call, data and SMS services.

“Emergency calls only” showed on the screens of MTN users our correspondent spoke with as of the time of filing this report at 04:30pm on Saturday.

The users told our correspondent that they started experiencing the outage around 2:30pm on Saturday.

Some of the users, who also subscribed to other telecom service providers, have since switched over in the interim to link up with friends and family.

Some MTN users have also gone on social media to lament their frustration.

@kessyl tweeted, “MTN network completely off in Abuja…What is happening please?…

Entertainment / Movies / News

Actress Adunni Ade reveals how she was molested on set

Nollywood star actress, Adunni Ade has recounted her horrid sexual harassment experience on a film set.

The actress recently took to her Instagram LIVE chat with details of how a sound engineer on an undisclosed set harassed her.

Ade claimed the crew member tried to pin a microphone lapel to her dress but decided to push the lapel to her lower back, making for her underwear.

She said that while she tried not to create a scene, the crew member remained adamant about not harassing her. She further revealed that she got an apology from other crew members and discouraged from reporting to the relevant authorities.

Meanwhile, Adunni Ade is set to debut a brand new production titled ‘Soole’ and directed by Kayode Kasum.

The feature film which premieres November 26 also stars the actress, Sola Sobowale, Shawn Faqua, Lateef Adedimeji, Femi Jacobs among others.

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Entertainment / Music / News

How Hennessy is keeping the Rap culture alive in Nigeria

From the likes of Junior and Pretty, to Weird MC’s Allen Avenue, to Rap cliques such as Thoro Breds, Ruff, Rugged and Raw, Trybesmen, and stand-alone artistes like Nigga Raw, Cyrus Tha Virus and Black Masqueradaz from the late 90s.

This also gave rise to more rappers like Ruggedman, Modenine, Terry Tha Rapman, SixFootPlus and Pherowshuz of the early 2000s, and the genre has continued to grow stronger especially with the infusion of indigenous elements atypical of the Rap styles of the late Dagrin, and Phyno.

However, Rap music wasn’t always celebrated in Nigeria. In the era of the 80s when the genres of Highlife, Fuji and Juju music were mainstream, the emergence of Rap music in Nigeria was like a fish out of water.

Research shows that Rap music made a debut in the Nigerian music industry in the 70s with Ibrahim Salim Omari, a member of a defunct American music group Sugar Hill gang, was exiled to Nigeria.

His style of Rap was not highly acknowledged due to the existing music genres of the 70s, but with time, Rap music became a more accepted genre in the Nigerian music scene and grew to develop a unique personality of its own.

Many platforms have helped promote the art form that is Rap music in Nigeria. From Sprite Triple Slam which combined the edginess of a Rap battle with basketball and dance, to Coke Studio. However, none of these platforms have been able to hold their own like Hennessy, which is the embodiment of urban and pop culture in Nigeria.

Hennessy, through the Hennessy Artistry platform celebrates urban lifestyle which identifies with the distinguished edginess that is Nigerian Rap. The focus of the brand on Rap music is due to the genre’s association with urban culture, and because it is one of the quadruple touchpoints (Deejaying, Rapping, Graffiti and B-boying) of Hip-Hop.

The platform was launched to celebrate the best of musical talent, spur the growth of

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Movies / News

Izu Ojukwu’s ‘Amina’ is coming to Netflix!

Netflix has acquired Izu Ojukwu’s film ‘Amina’ based on 16th century Zazzau empire warrior Queen Amina. Much to the delight of fans of the filmmaker who have long anticipated the film since its trailer debuted in 2017, it will launch on the top streaming service on November 4, 2021.

Shot in Nigeria with post-production in Europe, the historical action drama follows the coming of age story of the legendary warrior Queen.

According to Ojukwu, the period film which is an ode to strong female characters from Nigeria’s rich history, features real fight scenes that took months for the actors to master.

‘Amina’ stars Lucy Ameh in the lead role alongside Clarion Chukwurah, Ali Nuhu, Magaji Mijinyawa among others.

Meanwhile, the filmmaker recently announced auditions for his latest production, a terrorism themed drama titled ‘The Train From Kafanchan’.

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Entertainment / Lifestyle / Music

Tiwa Savage says she’s being blackmailed with her sex tape

Nigerian music star Tiwa Savage has revealed that she’s being blackmailed with her sex tape.

The singer made this known during a chat with Power 105.1 FM‘s Angie. According to her, she got to find out about the blackmail after her road manager sent her the tape.

“Yesterday I was leaving a radio station in my car and my road manager sent me a message and was like ‘Yo check your phone’ and I’m like okay, then I checked it and I’m like where did you get it from and he like I just got it like 20 minutes ago. It’s a tape of me and the person I’m dating right now,” she said.

“The first I got of the phone and sent it to my manager and she was like ‘Oh my God’ and I was like what are we gonna do. So the person is asking for money now.”

When asked if the blackmailer was the person he was dating, Savage cleared the air about her current partner’s reaction to the news.

“No. He is going crazy too. I’m like what are we gonna do and my manager is like ‘How much are they asking for?’ So I woke and I was like no – I pay now, two months time you gonna come back again and two years and who knows if I do send you the money you are gonna release it anyway,” she added.

“Like the fact that I’m not going to allow anyone to blackmail me for doing something that is natural.”

Tiwa shared that the person who contacted her threatened to release the tape if she does not pay them the bitcoin amount that they asked for.

It is not clear if the mother of one has reported the case to the police.

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Entertainment / Military / Movies / News / Security

Nigeria Army explains reason for Chiwetalu Agu’s arrest

The Nigerian Army has given the reason behind the arrest of movie veteran, Chiwetalu Agu. In a statement released on its official Facebook page on Thursday, October 7, 2021, the army said the actor was arrested for inciting members of the public and soliciting for support for the Proscribed Indegenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

“Troops of Nigerian Army(NA) have arrested one Chiwetalu Agu while inciting members of the public and soliciting for support for the proscribed Indegenous People of Biafra (IPOB),” part of the statement read.

TROOPS ARREST CHIWETALU AGU WHILE SOLICITING SUPPORT FOR PROSCRIBED IPOB
Troops of Nigerian Army(NA) have arrested one Chiwetalu Agu while inciting members of the public and soliciting for support for the proscribed Indegenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Dressed in a very well known attire of the proscribed group, Chiwetalu Agu was picked up for questioning while inciting members of the public to join the proscribed group. Though he attempted puting up some resistance when troops made effort to take him into custody, he was not assaulted or subjected to brutalization.
While the NA recognizes the inalienable rights of the citizenry to freedom of movement and expression as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is apparently a violation for any individual or group to incite the public to cause mayhem or break down of law and order. It is therefore pertinent to state that while exercising such freedoms, it must be done within the confines of the law, bearing in mind the imperative for peace, and national security.
For the avoidance of doubt and emphasis, the Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB) remains proscribed . Therefore, any individual or group seen to be projecting and advancing the cause or activities of the group is viewed as brazenly challenging the constitutionality of Federal Republic of Nigeria. More worrisome, was the fact that considering the prevailing security situation of the region, coupled with the ongoing Exercise GOLDEN DAWN , his action could be a tacit endorsement and support for the proscribed group. We have
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Entertainment / Movies / News

Netflix to edit ‘Squid Game’ following reports of harassment

Netflix has reportedly confirmed plans to edit scenes from its rave series ‘Squid Game’ after a woman claimed she had been harassed by prank calls.

The businesswoman from Seongju, South Korea, told newsmen that since the series premiered on the streamer, she has received thousands of calls and texts from fans asking about the horror competition.

“This is a number that I’ve been using for more than ten years, so I’m quite taken aback. There are more than 4,000 numbers that I’ve had to delete from my phone,” Kim Gil-young shared. “At first I didn’t know why, but my friend told me that my number came out in ‘Squid Game’ and that’s when I realized.”

Reports further reveal that Gil-young turned down compensation offers of up to five million won ((£3 million).

Netflix and local production company Siren Pictures confirmed on Wednesday that the phone number which appears on a mysterious invitation card given to potential players in the series will be edited. “Together with the production company, we are working to resolve this matter, including editing scenes with phone numbers where necessary,” Netflix shared in a statement.

‘Squid Game’ is interestingly set to break a major record on Netflix as the most watched series on the streamer. Last month, the frightening hyper-violent series arrived on the service to critical acclaim.

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