Entertainment / Health / News

Obama DMW dies after driving himself to hospital

A member of Davido Music Worldwide crew, Obama DMW, Davido’s Road manager is dead.

It was learnt that Obama died at a hospital in Lekki, Lagos State on Tuesday (today), but the cause of his death was not disclosed.

Obama had driven himself to the hospital where he was admitted after complaining of having difficulty in breathing.

He however died shortly after. A video shared by media personality, N6, showed friends and loved ones at the hospital where DMW died. His corpse has been deposited in the mortuary ahead of his burial on June 30.…

Crime / Foreign / News

South Africa’s Zuma gets 15-month jail term for contempt of court

South Africa’s top court on Tuesday handed former president Jacob Zuma a 15-month jail term for contempt of court following his refusal to appear before graft investigators. “The Constitutional Court can do nothing but conclude that Mr Zuma is guilty of the crime of contempt of court,” judge Sisi Khampepe said.

Zuma, 79, is accused of enabling the plunder of state coffers during his nearly nine-year stay in office.

“This kind of recalcitrance and defiance is unlawful and will be punished,” Khampepe said.

“I am left with no option but to commit Mr Zuma to imprisonment, with the hope that doing so sends an unequivocal message… the rule of law and the administration of justice prevails.”

“The majority judgement orders an unsuspended sentence of imprisonment for a period (of 15 months),” she declared, ordering Zuma to hand himself over within five days.

The commission of inquiry is headed by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.

The panel was set up by Zuma himself, under pressure over mounting scandals, shortly before he was ousted in 2018 by the ruling African National Congress (ANC).

But he only testified once, in July 2019, before staging a walkout days later and accusing the commission’s Zondo of bias.

He then ignored several invitations to reappear, citing medical reasons and preparations for another corruption trial.

He presented himself again briefly in November but left before questioning, and Zondo asked to ask the Constitutional Court to intervene.

Most of the graft investigated by the commission involves three brothers from a wealthy Indian business family, the Guptas, who won lucrative government contracts and were allegedly even able to choose cabinet ministers.

Zuma is separately facing 16 charges of fraud, graft and racketeering relating to a 1999 purchase of fighter jets, patrol boats and military gear from five European arms firms for 30 billion rand, then the equivalent of nearly $5 billion.

At the time of the purchase, Zuma was president Thabo Mbeki’s deputy.

He is accused of accepting bribes total of four million rand from one of the firms,

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News / politics

FG fixes new deadline for NIN-SIM linkage

The Nigerian Government has approved the extension of the deadline for NIN-SIM data verification to July 26.

The earlier deadline would have lapsed tomorrow, June 30. The deadline date has now been shifted for about seven times. The first deadline was December 30, 2020, two weeks after the exercise started in the country.

The latest decision to extend the deadline was made after a request by stakeholders on the need to consolidate the enrolment and NIN-SIM verification process following the rapid increase in the number of enrolment systems across the country.

As at June 28, a total of 5,410 enrolment systems are now available across the country and this would significantly ease the NIN enrolment process and subsequent linkage of NIN to SIM.

The enrolment system were just 800 as at December 2020. A statement jointly signed by the Public Affairs Director, NCC, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde and Head, Corporate Affairs, NIMC, Kayode Adegoke, on Tuesday, said the FG approved the extension as part of its effort to make it easier for its citizens and residents to obtain the NIN.

NIMC disclosed that there are now a total of 57.3 million unique NIN enrolments, with an average of three to four SIMs per NIN.

According to the statement, with the great number of enrolment centres across the country, every citizen and legal resident should be able to obtain their NINs.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, on behalf of the Federal Government, appreciates Nigerians for their patience and compliance with the Federal Government’s directive on the NIN-SIM registration exercise.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof Umar Garba Dambatta, and the Director-General/CEO of that National Identity Management Commission, Aliyu Azeez, urge citizens and legal residents to make sure they use the opportunity to complete the process of enrolment and verification.…

BBNaija / Entertainment / News

#BBNaijaReunion: Erica & Laycon face off in new episode

Non-Erica fans have argued that a drunken and sober Erica share quite a lot in common while others insist it is how she likes to express herself. Depending on which side you choose, the actress’s reaction to events leading to her abrupt exit from the show proved a few points.

While subtly berating Laycon, Erica recounted how hurt she was when she stumbled on videos of Laycon’s interviews ( a busy schedule did not stop her from watching all his interviews).

Laycon had very little to say in his defense asides stating that he never watched any video of Erica apologizing plus he would rather be in conversations that promote his music.

The ladies of the Lockdown season have shown that they possess a rare and special ability to detect “bad vibes” from other housemates and this superhuman ability was once again blamed for the months of silence between Wathoni and Erica. While Erica blamed it on videos of Wathoni’s interviews discussing her sexcapades in the house, Wathoni accused Erica of fighting her over Kiddwaya.

Weighing in, Kiddwaya took mild jabs at Wathoni for constantly dragging him into whatever drama she had with other housemates. Thankfully, the ladies apologized for detecting wrong signals then hugged for good measure.

When show host Ebuka queried the ladies about their relationship post the house, they reaffirmed that they had no existing friendship outside the house and prefer to keep things as toxic as were.

For Vee, the feelings and wellbeing of her friend [Laycon] was more important to her than pursuing a friendship with both Erica and Tolanibaj. 

The show ended with wise words from Ebuka directed to the fans. According to the media personality, toxic fanbases only taint the reputation of the show which is primarily about entertainment.

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Business / News / politics

N84b misappropriated in four years by NSTIF — Senate

The Senate on Monday disclosed that about N84 billion was mismanaged by the management of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund within four years from 12 out 50 queries investigated so far.

The Chairman, Senate Public Accounts Committee, Senator Mathew Urhoghide, who made this disclosure, said the agency is a cesspool of corruption with the investigation so far by the committee.

According to Urhoghide, 12 out 50 queries investigated so far by the Committee showed that over N84 billion was misappropriated.

He said: “Just unfortunate in a pace of four years, they depleted our resources.

“Just few human beings who are mindless.”

He added that it is unfortunate that the Management of NSTIF and board of NSTIF colluded between 2012 and 2017.

He said: They are all guilty, they are implicated, they stole the place dry.

“The agency is most defiant and most nutritious.”

One of the query reads: “Audit observed that the Fund had been implementing a salary structure that is not approved by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission.

“As a result, irregular payment of N38,219,919,530.32 by way of personnel cost was made to the staff of the Fund from 2012 to 2017.

“Implementation of unapproved salary structure may result in wastage of public funds as remuneration may be higher than the productivity level of staff.”

“Recommendation: The Managing Director is required to provide the approval of the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission for the implementation of the Fund’s salaries structure.”

But the Managing Director of NSTIF, Dr. Michael Akabogu, claimed that the amount was approved by the through a letter dated July 4, 2019.

However, when the Committee looked at the letter from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission on the illegal salary at the commission, it was observed it was written five years after the Commission started paying the salaries.

The Committee further discovered in the letter from National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, an objection was raised about the payment of unapproved salaries by the commission.

The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages …

Education / News

Nigeria now has highest number of Out-of-School Children — Minister

The Minister of State, Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, said Nigeria has the highest number of Out-of-School Children in sub-Saharan Africa.

Nwajiuba stated this during the inauguration of: “Better Education Service Delivery For All,” in Katsina on Monday.

He announced that Nigeria has an estimated 10,193,918 out of school children.

According to him, the current challenges affecting the Nigerian education system has left much to be desired, saying the system is characterized by high illiteracy level, infrastructural decay and deficits.

Nwajiuba congratulated the Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, on his giant stride to reposition education in the state.

He said this is a clear demonstration of leadership quality and personal commitment to education as well as the passion to revitalise the educational sector in order to develop the abundant human capital of the state.

The Minister stated that BESDA focuses on 17 states in the country, including all 13 states of the North West and North East geopolitical zones.

Niger, Oyo, Ebonyi and Rivers State are also included.

In his remarks, Masari commended the Federal Ministry of Education and the Universal Basic Education Commission for their foresight and commitment in coming up with laudable programmes for the development of the education sector in particular and the development of society in general.

The program started in 2018.…

News / politics

Why Social Media must be regulated – Gbajabiamila

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has said social media must be regulated to prevent its “evil’ from taking root in the country.

He said the National Assembly had been considering regulating social media for a long time, but that it was reluctant due to outcries by Nigerians.

While acknowledging the good of the platforms, he noted that social media is “the most potent weapon for good and evil.”

Mr Gbajabimaila disclosed this on Sunday at the “Mr Speaker Chat with young Nigerians,” a program on Channels TV.

Mr Gbajabiamila’s position puts a question mark on the investigation by the House into the Twitter ban.

On the 4th of June, the federal government announced the suspension of the operation of Twitter in Nigeria. The move by the government came some few days after the microblogging site pulled down a tweet by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Consequently, the lower legislative chamber had set up a joint committee to look into the ban.

The joint committee of the House, last Tuesday, held a public hearing into the matter.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how some members of the committee openly endorsed the ban.

Fatuhu Mahammad, the lawmaker representing Daura Federal Constituency of Katsina State where Mr Buhari hails from, openly canvassed the regulation of social media at the hearing.

The Minister of information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, appeared before the joint committee, during which he gave the laws backing the action of the government to suspend Twitter.

The joint committee is expected to present its report on Tuesday.

“Weapon for good and evil”

“Social media is the most potent weapon for good and for evil. While we welcome the good, we must prepare over the evil. You cannot use the idea of free speech to destroy me,” Mr Gbajabiamila said.

“Most democracies in the world today are making efforts to regulate social media and the National Assembly has been considering regulating social media for a long time. But each time the issue comes up, Nigerians kick against it.

“It is something we …

News / Transportation

Passengers trapped in the bushes for hours after a Kaduna-Abuja train broke down

The train reportedly left Kaduna shortly before 7am.

Daily Trust reports that five minutes after the train departed the Rigasa Station in Kaduna, it developed a mechanical fault.

Midat Joseph, an Assistant National Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), who was one of the passengers, said the train creaked to a halt around 7am.

“I left my house as early as 5:am to join the 6:40am train but unfortunately I have been trapped here in this forest. This is not the first time I will be experiencing this mess,” Joseph told the newspaper.

Another passenger said he had a similar experience last Saturday, saying it took them five hours to get to Abuja.

An engineer of the NRC (Nigeria Railway Corporation) who addressed the passengers, told them that it would take them two hours to fix the train.

“We are very sorry, the locomotive is faulty. We have contacted the Idu Train Station for another locomotive. It would take them two hours to be here,” he said.

The passengers have been evacuated from the forest at the time of filing this story, latest reports say.

The President Muhammadu Buhari administration is erecting critical rail infrastructure across the country, in a bid to stimulate an economy hard-hit by dipping crude oil prices and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Most of the completed train terminals have recently been commissioned with plenty of fanfare and political-speak.

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News / politics

Obasanjo is wondering why anyone would believe that Buhari is dead

The tale was first spun and given oxygen by Nnamdi Kanu who heads the proscribed secessionist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

It is not uncommon to hear Nigerians sharing the story of a ‘Buhari body double in Aso Rock’ on the streets, in the marketplaces, at the malls and in offices, as loudly as they can.

And now former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has described the tale as the most ridiculous and insane stuff he’s ever heard.

Obasanjo has also cited the Jubril-from-Sudan clone tale as one of the ills of social media in the modern era.

Obasanjo says he was approached by one highly placed person on the Jubril-from-Sudan clone tale.

“Somebody came to me, a very high hub person, saying tell me about this talk of Buhari not being Buhari.

“I said ‘do you believe them?’ He said, ‘well, it is in the social media’. I said ‘how will Buhari die and we will not know that Buhari has died and they will bring us somebody from Sudan to be Buhari?’

“It’s ridiculous to the extreme. But you have it in the social media and you see people believing it,” Obasanjo says.

The former president would go on to lecture on responsible use of social media platforms.

“Social media is good, but it can be abused. We have to train our youths and our children about the dangers of the social media,” he submits.

In 2018, President Buhari laughed off rumors that he is dead and has been replaced with a body double.

“One of the questions that came up today in my meeting with Nigerians in Poland was on the issue of whether I‘ve been cloned or not.

“The ignorant rumours are not surprising — when I was away on medical vacation last year a lot of people hoped I was dead,” he said.

The president added that: “I can assure you all that this is the real me. Later this month I will celebrate my 76th birthday. And I’m still going strong!”

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Entertainment / News

Burna Boy wins BET’s Best New International Act award

For the third time in a row, Burna Boy took him the plaque after he was named the winner at the 2021 BET Awards on Sunday, June 27, 2021 at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

The 29-year-old beat fellow Nigerian singer Wizkid, Diamond Platnumz from Tanzania and other artistes to win the award.

He was present at the ceremony and collected the award himself after he missed the opportunity in 2019.

“I made it this time to collect my award myself,” he said before he taught the audience a bit of Pidgin English.

“I want to teach you guys a little bit about where you are all really from,” he said with his mum standing beside him before urging them to speak a phrase in Pidgin English.

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Entertainment / News

Cardi B and Offset Announces pregnancy at the BET Awards

The music star revealed the news while performing with her husband Offset and his group Migos on Sunday, June 27, 2021, at the BET Awards.

Appearing on stage in a black bodysuit adorned with rhinestones, a sheer panel in the abdomen exposed Cardi’s burgeoning belly.

She also took to her Instagram page where she shared a photo of her baby bump.

The rapper and Offset  in 2018. Wecomed their first child Kulture in 2018

Cardi and Offset secretly got married back in September 2017.

The private ceremony took place in the couple’s bedroom in Atlanta.

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Covid 19 / Foreign / News

COVID-19: Olympians from six countries to take pre-departure tests for seven days

The Japanese Government has asked participants at the Tokyo Olympic Games from six South Asian countries to take COVID-19 tests daily for seven days prior to their departure for Japan.

Japan’s state broadcaster NHK said on Sunday that athletes and all other members of delegations from India, Nepal, Pakistan, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will face stricter counter-measures.

It added that this was because of the spreading Delta variant, which was first identified in India.

NHK also said the measures would take effect on Thursday.

Participants from these countries have already been required to be vaccinated before entering Japan, which is not a pre-condition for athletes from other delegations.

All overseas teams should have members tested twice within four days prior to departure, and every day in principle after arriving in Japan.

The latest step also requires participants from Egypt, Vietnam, Malaysia, Britain and Bangladesh to be tested every day for three days prior to departure.…

Military / News

Despite reunion of ISWAP-Boko Haram, NAF strikes strongholds of terrorists

Despite the alleged reunion of Boko Haram and ISWAP factions, coordinated multiple airstrikes by aircraft from the Nigerian Airforce have destroyed strongholds of terrorists commanders at the Lake Chad axis.

PR Nigeria gathered that the intelligence inspired operation was targeted at various terrorists’ camps in Sabon Tumbu, Jibularam and Kwalaram.

The latest development is coming after a report suggested that Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists have reunited in a 13-minute video showing the gunmen placing “their hands atop one another, while chanting words of solidarity, to demonstrate their reuniting and togetherness.”

An intelligence source involved in the operation said the aircraft also bombarded the spiritual base and training camps of the terrorists in the North-eastern part of Borno State and the fringes of Lake Chad.

The source said: “Intelligence revealed that their leaders, including Ali Chakkar and other top ISWAP commanders, were holding a meeting when the attacks were launched on their locations.

“The precision-guided airstrikes coordinated by the Air Task Force Command resulted in the killing of very large numbers of ISWAP Boko Haram Terrorists.”

The NAF Spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet confirmed the attacks on the locations when contacted by PR Nigeria.

Gabkwet said: “We don’t differentiate between Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists as we successfully launched the devastating intelligence-led aerial attacks targeting the terrorists in those locations.”…

Education / Entertainment / News

Peter Okoye bags honorary doctorate degree from Escae-Benin University, Benin Republic

The music star took to his Instagram page on Thursday, June 24, 2021, where he announced the big news.

“Dear Team P! It’s a great honor to be decorated by a distinguished educational institution, Who have recognized my contribution to Dance and Music as well as my support for the youth in the entertainment industry,” he wrote.

 

“Thanks, you @escaeakpakpacampus @escaeunibenin for this honor😇🙏🏽“- Dr(Hon) Peter Obumneme Okoye Aka Dr P” 👨🏽‍🎓”

Congratulations to Peter Okoye from all of us at Pulse.

Okoye joins veteran dance Kaffy on the growing list of celebrities who have bagged doctorate degrees from that same university.

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Entertainment / News

BBNaijaReunion: Lucy, Kaisha come to blows in new episode

In case you missed the exciting catfight and some theatrical moments from Ka3na, never mind, we have got you covered. Here are the highlights:

The boss lady gave a lengthy and drama infused speech about why she chose to unfollow the housemates. She cited the fact that she did not stay long enough in the house to bond and was surprised to find out that a majority of the housemates did not like her personality.

Housemates Wathoni, Praise and Tochi felt differently and called Ka3na out for being possessive and unfollowing housemates she felt were cool with Nengi.

Going forward, throwing pillows might not be the best way for housemates to express their anger as clearly, some are not as well-mannered as Vee. Take Lucy for instance.

The night took a surprising turn when Kaisha threw a pillow at Lucy for addressing an incident involving her mother and Ka3na. The audience managed to witness Lucy deliver an energetic swing that landed squarely on Kaisha’s face before the scene was unceremoniously cut. No thanks to Kayode!

In and out of the house, Ka3na and Lucy appeared to have had an enviable bond. It turns out things went south quickly for the ladies. Amid tears, Ka3na explained that she ended the friendship because Lucy was showed signs of unloyalty by befriending Nengi.

Ka3na and Tochi got into a weird argument, probably one of the most confusing since the show kicked off, over Ka3na’s choice to unfollow the housemates. As much as we tried to make sense of it, we could only grasp that Tochi who repeatedly claimed not to be interested in Ka3na’s life, cared enough to follow her tweets.

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Music / News

Bad Boy Timz’s record label, Anonymous Music announces new artist, Marz

This rising star on the fringe of possible stardom, Elvis Nwogu AKA Marz is set to release his debut single this year, after the announcement of his signing to Anonymous Music this is his first proper entry into the music industry. His much-awaited debut single ‘Again’ drops on Friday, June 25th 2021.

On ‘Again,’ Marz introduces himself on a percussion-heavy beat that shows a soulful, passionate and maybe even vulnerable side of himself.

Marz is a rising Nigerian singer/songwriter who’s been making music since he was 9. His music thrives on riding the continuously changing wave that is the Afrobeats sound which has also been constantly with the continuous fusions of genres to make it even broader, he demonstrates this well on his breakout single ‘Again’.

With his unique combination of coyness, humour and self-conviction, Marz positions himself as an individual that’s open to having honest conversations that he often transposes into lyrics layered into melodies.

After doing music as an amateur all throughout high school, with natural ease and finesse, he started doing music professionally in 2020. After releasing freestyles and covers on his Instagram page and garnering a cumulative view count of over 100k views it’s clear to say that this talent is on to something.

With his sensuous and taunting lyrics, Marz sounds like a bad boy who’s ready to share his talent with the world.

In his own words, Marz says that, “He wrote again in the start of being confused about love due to my past relationships. It’s heartbreaking when you give your love life a 100% and you don’t get the same energy then you find someone new but the scars of the last relationship keep holding you back” and he does this seamlessly as he vibes along with the percussion-heavy Afrobeats beat.

The song promises to be an instant hit for Marz who’s currently sitting on his debut EP that is set to be released in a few weeks. ‘Again’ was produced by soundz.

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Crime / News

Alleged N7.1b fraud: Court fixes date for Uzor Kalu’s retrial

The Federal High Court, Abuja on Wednesday fixed July 2 for adoption of all processes filed by parties in a suit by former Abia State governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, seeking to stop his retrial.

The court had in February granted Kalu leave to challenge the legality of the retrial.

At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, his counsel, Professor Awa Kalu, SAN, told the court that the respondents had served on him their counter affidavits.

Responding, counsel to the 1st respondent (EFCC), Oluwaleke Atolagbe, the second respondent, Mr George Ukaegbu, and the third respondent, Mr  K.C Nwufor, all admitted having filed and exchanged processes. In a short ruling, the judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, said since all parties had “joined issues”, the court had taken over control of the case.

Ekwo adjourned the matter until July 2 for adoption.

Kalu, a serving senator representing Abia North, is seeking an order of the court prohibiting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission from retrying him on the same alleged N7.1 billion money laundering charge against him.

He contended that having been tried once by the EFCC, convicted and sentenced in the same charge, FHC/ABJ/CR/56/ 2007, it would amount to double jeopardy for him to be subjected to a fresh trial on the same charge.

The former governor had also applied for an order prohibiting the EFCC from retrying, harassing and intimidating him with respect to the said charge or any other charge based on same facts as he needs not suffer double jeopardy.

Kalu was earlier found guilty and handed a 12-year jail term by the Lagos Division of the court.

The trial court convicted the former governor alongside his firm, Slok Nigeria Limited, and a former Director of Finance in Abia State, Jones Udeogu, for alleged pilfering of N7.1 billion from the state treasury.

However, the Supreme Court, in its judgement on May 8 quashed the conviction and ordered a retrial of the defendants by the EFCC.

In a unanimous decision by a seven-member panel of Justices, the Supreme Court, nullified the entire …

BBNaija / Entertainment / News

BBNaija Reunion Update

The audience had Kaisha to thank for some of the episode’s action with her account of her situationship with Neo in the house. In case you missed it, check out the highlights:

Wathoni’s angle of her love triangles while in the house did not change much in this episode but got even muddier with the introduction of Kiddwaya. While the housemates swore they saw hints of attraction from Wathoni, she vehemently denied citing his playboy personality as a deterrent.

Things heated up, unexpectedly, between Tochi and Wathoni when she accused Kiddwaya of describing her as an ‘easy catch’ in a conversation with Tochi.

Between Kiddwaya and Nengi, all that happened in the house was their way of expressing friendship albeit alcohol made things a little murky like the bathroom corridor clip.

The infamous video of Nengi and Kiddwaya whispering by the bathroom with her zipper down raised eyebrows especially Ozo’s. When asked what he thought about the moment, he admitted he felt confused but chose to believe his crush. Neither Nengi nor Kiddwaya could remember much of what was whispered or how they got there. Safe to say that it must have been a cruel game by drunken Cupid.

Vee and Neo’s relationship got major blows last night following Kaisha’s surprising revelation that Neo made several moves at her in the house including a time he asked her to kiss him.

Things got a little intense between the two (enough for Kaisha to walk out of the set) as Neo vehemently denied making any moves at her. He did admit that she was attracted to him but he was more into Vee.

The former lovebirds were the first to really hit our awww buttons on the show. It turns out the romance ended shortly after their eviction no thanks to a comment Lilo made accusing Eric of ‘taking advantage of her’.

Eric revealed

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Entertainment / Health / News

Nigerian singer YQ hospitalized in the US

The music star took to his Instagram page on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, where he shared photos of himself in the hospital.

“Thank God the ambulance 🚑 and cop 👮🏾‍♀️ showed up in less than 5 minutes. Can I get one 🌺 now that am still here? Thank you 🙏🏽 I’ll be back soon. #thankful #grateful #survivor #OnGod,” he captioned the photos.

The singer did not disclose the reason behind the emergency trip to the hospital.

The music star tied the knot back in December 2020.

His wedding came months after he was reportedly thrown out of his house by his girlfriend.

YQ started his music career in 2002 when he formed a group called Q-krest. He started his solo career in 2007.

He has several hit songs to his credit including Efimile ft Dagrin, I Like Girls, Dresscode and Sandalili.

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