ENTERTAINMENT
Photographer Drags 2face To Court Over Alleged N120m Breach Of Agreement
A photographer, Mr Emmanuel Okolo, has filed a N120 million copyright infringement suit against Nigeria’s popular musician, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2face (2baba), and his wife, Annie.
He alleged that the defendants made use of some photographs he took at the traditional wedding of Mr and Mrs Idibia in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State in 2013 without duly attributing the works to him or acknowledging him.
He claimed that the act was contrary to an alleged agreement.
The photographer, who sued alongside his company, Papilonmexy Films Studios Limited, claimed that the defendants wrote “2faceonline.com” across 148 out of the 355 high resolution photographs he took at the couple’s wedding and uploaded them on 2face’s official website, thereby denying him credit and referral opportunities.
He claimed Annie had called him on phone days after the wedding, requesting for copies of his photographs and that upon sending them to her, Annie complained about the watermark of Papilomenxy studios reflecting on them.
According to the photographer, Annie later sent the second defendant to negotiate with the photographer on the terms that the photographs could be released without watermarks.
The photographer claimed to have then released 355 high resolution photographs from the wedding to Anifite free of charge on the agreement that whenever and wherever they were used, the copyright would be credited to his company.
He, however, claimed that the defendants breached the terms of the signed agreement and went ahead to write “2faceonline.com” across 148 of the photographs that they uploaded on 2face’s official website.
The photographer, who described himself as “a certified film maker from the prestigious London Film Academy” and a holder of a Masters of Arts degree from Cardiff School of Creative and Cultural Industries, South Wales, United Kingdom, claimed to have suffered general and exemplary damages for which he is seeking 120 million Naira compensation from 2face, Annie and Anifite.
‘Premeditated Plan To Blackmail’
But the defendants have not only urged Justice Idris to dismiss the photographer’s suit but also filed a counter-claim wherein they are demanding 150 million damages from him and his studio.
They claimed that the photographer crashed into the venue of their traditional wedding, took pictures and circulated same for commercial gains without their permission.
They claimed that he was not invited but was just “one of the numerous photographers and pseudo-professionals and artisans who invaded the venue of the ceremonies to eke out a living for themselves without prior consultation with or the consent of the celebrants”.
They claimed that soon after their wedding they noticed some strange versions of their wedding pictures circulating online with Papilonmexy studio watermark and after painstaking findings they traced them to the photographer.
The Idibias claimed that upon locating the photographer and expressing their displeasure, he pleaded them with them, while lamenting that he was hard hit by a downturn in the still photography business and sought any future engagement with them.
They also claimed that the photographer forced the photographs on them, saying he wanted to leverage on their popularity to get referrals.
They, however, claimed that they told him categorically that the only condition on which they could accept the photographs was for him to remove the watermarks of his company, which he allegedly agreed to.
They, however, said they were shocked when after uploading the photographs, the photographer wrote a pre-litigation letter to them demanding that his watermarks be boldly inscribed across the photographs and a letter of apology.
But they claimed to have immediately pulled down the photographs because having Papilonmexy watermarks on some pictures on 2face’s official website would distort the original idea of the website.
They accused the photographer of having a premeditated plan to blackmail and extort money from them.
“The second plaintiff (Okolo), through his several guile, deceit, cunning gate-crashing and opportunistic posturing carefully planned and orchestrated the entire events leading to the institution of this suit with the express intention of embarrassing, harassing and blackmailing the first and third defendants (Annie and 2face) with a view to extorting money from them,” the further claimed in their counter-claim.
They, however, urged the judge to order Okolo and his studio to pull down all the photographs of them that the photographer had circulated.
They are also praying the court to order Okolo and his studio to “render forthwith, account as well as make full and frank disclosure of all sums and profit made by them as a result of unauthorised commercial usage” of their photographs.
They are demanding 150 million Naira damages and an order of perpetual injunction restraining Okolo and his studio from further commercialising their photographs.
One of Nigeria’s fast-rising street music stars, Amb. Christopher Ogar – better known by fans as Jay Moni – has just released a brand-new single titled ‘WTMD’, short for Where The Money Dey.
The song, which dropped on 19th April 2025, is already making waves across streaming platforms. Jay Moni teamed up with fellow Nigerian artist Tobless (real name Oluwatobi Adeniran), who brought his signature Afrobeats and hip hop style to the track. Tobless, who is also known simply as Oluwatobi online, adds a unique flair that fans are loving.
‘WTMD’ was produced by JayClasic at the Jay Moni Recording Studio in Lagos, Nigeria, and has quickly started climbing music charts.
To celebrate the release, Jay Moni and his team were hosted by GT Boiz for a special listening party on 2nd May, with several notable personalities in the music industry in attendance, followed by the official release of the music video on 3rd May 2025.
The artist has been building a strong following, thanks to his consistent quality and streetwise sound. His fans say they feel connected to his lyrics and style.
Earlier this year, Jay Moni released Congratulations, another single that became a breakout hit and continues to enjoy massive airplay on radio stations across Nigeria. That track helped cement his place as a name to watch in the country’s vibrant music scene.
With ‘WTMD’, Jay Moni is proving he’s not just a one-hit wonder but a powerful voice in the next wave of Nigerian street music.
The Federal Capital was abuzz with glitz and glamour as nightlife mogul Adewumi Segun Gabriels, popularly known as Theapilifestyle, hosted an exclusive All-White Party to ring in the New Year in grand style.
The high-profile celebration drew an array of celebrities, industry elites, and entertainment powerhouses, including Timini Egbuson, Efetommy, Nimi Briggs, Fantana, Ilebaye, and Ice Prince.
As the co-founder and CEO of Tokyo Nightlife and the visionary behind Apitainment and Apitix, Adewumi has been a driving force in redefining Abuja’s nightlife scene. In his welcome speech, he expressed gratitude to his supporters, business associates, and colleagues for their unwavering backing throughout 2024. He highlighted key milestones, including the successful execution of The Capital Picnic, Young Jonn Live in Abuja, AWG Fest, Rema Live in Abuja, and other premium social events that have solidified Tokyo Nightlife as Abuja’s top luxury entertainment destination.
The night, hosted by the ever-energetic Chuks D’ General, exuded an air of sophistication with guests dressed in dazzling white ensembles. Attendees were treated to electrifying live performances, including a special set by Ice Prince and a captivating live band session, adding to the evening’s unforgettable atmosphere. The culinary experience was equally indulgent, featuring gourmet dishes that complemented the event’s opulence.
More than just a celebration, Theapilifestyle’s All-White Party set the tone for a year of unparalleled entertainment. It reinforced his commitment to curating premium experiences that continue to elevate Abuja’s nightlife culture, promising an even more thrilling 2025.
By Ebriku John Friday
Following the intervention and impact on humanity, the African Union Commission, AUC, has deemed it fit to honour Nigeria rising street music artist, Christopher Ogar (aka Jay Moni) with the prestigious ‘Ambassador for Global Peace Award’.
The Award is being conferred on Jay Moni, CEO Jaytech Group of Companies and a BOT of the Wayward brand, for his passion and compassion for humanity and his commitment to make other Africans comfortable and have a sense of belonging through his humanitarian interventions and philanthropic activities.
According to the AUC, Jay Moni is a young Nigerian and African artist who does what would change the narrative among Africans, and the young and vibrant celebrity has given himself to service and development of the entire young populace across the country and continent.
Meanwhile, in an emotion laden voice of excitement and humility, Jay Moni expressed his profound gratitude and appreciation to the AUC for the rare honour done on him.
He said the ‘Ambassador for Global Peace Award’ is a call to duty to escalate what he has been doing to a new level, and he said Africans’ well-being should be of priority to every well meaning African, therefore, Africans who are well doing should show love, care and concern to other less privileged Africans.
Recently, Jay Moni and his entourage embarked on a charity mission in honour of his late father, Pa Raphael Ogar Oluohu, while commemorating the 10th anniversary of his burial, which he was at his home town in Yala Local Government Area and Ogoja, where he started pursuing his music career, which him and his team visited the Ogoja Correctional Centre, where he facilitated the release of inmates whose bail terms are negotiable, and he was at the orphanage home in Ogoja, and doled out cash, food items, with several other items.
Meanwhile, at the Okpoma General Hospital, Jay Moni paid the medical bills of all patients.
Jay Moni (middle) and his team members after his decoration as an AU Ambassador for Global Peace recently
He also distributed food items to locals on the streets of Okuku and shared cash to support the people.
According to him, it is his humble way of give back to the society from the blessing of God upon his life.
He said: “I am beyond honored to be seen worthy by the African Union to be made an Ambassador.
“I do not take this honour for granted in any way as this only propels me to do more for humanity.
“I sincerely appreciate the AU for this recognition, which I never thought of but was just being concerned and doing what God had laid in my heart.
“Not that I have too much but thought it wise to share part of what God has blessed me with because I understand what it means to be far below the poverty line and how unbearable it becomes to the extent people even die out of want and lack.
“Therefore, Africans’ well-being should be of priority to every well meaning African, and I call on Africans who are well doing should show love, care and concern to other less privileged Africans.
“Meanwhile, my big shout-out to my team and everyone who’s been a part of this… Love y’all immensely…#Alhamdulillah.”
Jay Moni, middle, and others
