Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone B, Kaduna, has formally handed over a massive seizure of donkey bones and skins to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).

The Public Relations Officer of the Unit, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Saidu Nuruddeen, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Kaduna.

He noted that operatives intercepted 700 bags of donkey bones and 2,500 pieces of donkey skins in separate anti-smuggling operations. The items were handed over to Mr. Hene Emmanuel, NESREA’s Kaduna State Coordinator, during a brief ceremony.

Speaking at the event, Comptroller Aminu Sule, described the seizure as a major step in safeguarding Nigeria’s biodiversity. He stressed that the illegal slaughter and trade of donkey parts pose grave ecological and socioeconomic threats to rural communities where donkeys serve as a key source of livelihood and transportation.

‘The Nigeria Customs Service is committed to enforcing environmental laws, protecting endangered species, and preventing Nigeria from being used as a transit point for illegal wildlife trade,’ he said.

Comptroller Sule said the handover ‘sends a clear warning to traffickers and their collaborators: Nigeria will not tolerate environmental crime.’

According to him, the operation demonstrates the NCS’ resolve under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to deepen collaboration with partner agencies in line with his Three-Point Agenda of Collaboration, Consolidation, and Innovation.

He expressed appreciation to officers of the Unit and partner agencies for their dedication to protecting the nation’s natural resources. The Comptroller also called on communities, transporters, warehouse owners, and traders to support the Service by reporting suspicious activities linked to wildlife trafficking.

Big Brother Naija Season 10 housemate, Omotosho Kolapo, popularly known as Kola has been given a stiff penalty for breaching one of the show’s most important rules on confidentiality.

On Monday, Head of House Jason Jae delivered Big Brother’s judgment, announcing that Kola would not be allowed to speak until further notice. Instead, he is only permitted to communicate using a writing pad provided by Big Brother.

The sanction followed Kola’s decision to disclose details of a private red telephone conversation, despite earlier warnings not to share its content with fellow housemates.

During the call, Agent X had offered Kola a luxury manicure and pedicure session worth ?1 million, which would have been deducted from the eventual grand prize. Kola, however, declined the offer.

Big Brother declared: ‘Kola, you discussed part of your conversation on the red telephone despite being warned that you weren’t to discuss it with any of your fellow housemates during the course of your stay in Big Brother’s house.

‘As punishment, you’re forbidden from speaking till further notice. For the duration of this punishment, you’re only to communicate by writing on the writing pad that Big Brother has provided, except when speaking to Big Brother.

‘Each time you’re involved in a conversation, you have to write on the writing pad, and the housemate you’re addressing must read your words aloud before responding, and that has to continue for the duration of the conversation.’

The Malala Fund has commended the collective education activism in Nigeria, particularly noting the crucial role of local education activists and young women and girls in driving change.

During her visit to Nigeria, Malala Fund Co-founder Malala Yousafzai expressed her admiration for the tireless efforts of these individuals.

Malala said, ‘I’m so honoured to be in Nigeria once again. Nigeria is a very important part of the Malala Fund’s projects.’

‘We know that Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children, and girls here have the same dream and determination as girls everywhere else to be able to learn and have a future for themselves.’

‘The Malala Fund works closely with local partners to understand the complex challenges facing girls’ education in Nigeria. We believe that education is the best solution, education is the best investment in their future,’ Malala stated.

Malala also outlined the organisation’s focus on education as a solution against child marriage and forced marriage, re-enrolment of girls in schools, and policy change to guarantee 12 years of education for every girl.

‘Our activists have made many achievements in many states of the country in securing better policies, gender-responsive policies for girls,’ she added.

The Malala Fund team are committed to collaborating with stakeholders to ensure that policies are implemented and financed to bring real change to girls’ education in Nigeria.

‘I met the girls, I met the education activists here in Nigeria, and I am more determined than ever that change is possible, and we will see it happen in our lifetime when every girl in Nigeria will be able to have her right to a complete and quality education.’ She said.

Also speaking, the Malala Fund’s Chief Executive in Nigeria, Nabila Aguele, explained the organisation’s impact in the country, citing a decade of investment and activism that has yielded significant results.

‘We have had a presence on the ground for 10 years, and have invested about eight million dollars over that time. But impact cannot only be measured in dollars and time.’

‘Just last year, one of our partners working with the government of Adamawa state supported that state in launching their first-ever education policy, which was gender-responsive and spoke to the needs of girls and broader communities.’

Aguele underscored the importance of local activism and expertise in driving change for adolescent girls’ education. ‘Our problems are not being solved by outsiders.

‘That’s why I’m proud to lead an organisation that invests exclusively in local activists, local experts who work to inform policy as well as community, and who do so with the voice and the power of the girl in mind.’

‘The Malala Fund has focused its efforts in specific states, including Kaduna, Kano, Adamawa, Borno, and Oyo.

‘We have selected these states because they have a high need for girls’ education, as well as a robust civil society ecosystem and political will,’ Nabila explained.

Aguele pointed out the work of local partners, including Bridge Connect Africa in Kano, which is working on gender-responsive budgeting with the state government, and the Centre for Girls Education in Kaduna, which is pioneering safe spaces for adolescent girls.

‘The Malala Fund engages with a range of stakeholders, including policymakers, traditional rulers, and community leaders, to ensure that girls have access to 12 years of quality education.

‘This work cannot be done by any one actor. It needs to be owned and driven by government, but also by community.’

Aguele noted that systems change, capacity building, and partnership are crucial in ensuring that policies are informed by the realities and needs of girls.

‘We need to ensure that whatever is being done by policymakers is informed by the realities and the needs and the wants of the girls.’

‘That’s where we find the disconnect. It’s not always about whether there’s intent or interest. It’s about policies being developed and implemented without the right people at the table.’ She said.

The Board Member, Pearl Uzokwe, disclosed that the Malala Fund recognises the crucial role men and boys can play in promoting girls’ education and the organisation is working to engage men and boys in this effort.

‘We have to carry them a lot, so they have to have a community entr,y and then you’re buying it,’ Pearl said. ‘How are you doing it? What have been the efforts in terms of engagement as mobilisers for your children in education?’

‘Malala Fund is collaborating with men in different spaces to promote girls’ education. ‘Just as you’ve said, we’ve come to realise that if we are going to achieve the goals and the aspirations that we have for girls, then we are going to have to think about boys and men as allies,’ she said.

She noted that fathers often love their children but may not understand the value of girls’ education due to societal norms.

‘If we don’t tackle the issues of the social norms that prevent them from understanding the true value, economic and otherwise, of girls being in school, then we are going to have a challenge in our hands,’ she said.

The newly installed Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has told former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and other political leaders that he has retired from politics following his ascension to the throne.

Oba Ladoja made this known on Tuesday while receiving Atiku, El-Rufai, former Senate President Iyorcha Ayu, former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, and other chieftains of the African Democratic Congress, who paid him a visit at his private residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The monarch, who became the 44th Olubadan after the passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7, 2025, emphasised that he would now focus on serving the people with justice and fairness.

‘I’m not one of you again. I am the Olubadan of Ibadanland. So, I am for everybody now. I am no more one of you. I am not a politician anymore. Welcome to my house.

‘Now that I am the Olubadan, I am no more interested in any other than the Olubadan. You are welcome to my house.

‘We started from the Social Democratic Party, we were in exile together, we were in the Peoples Democratic Party together. When I wanted to create an identity, I went to the Accord Party, which became a household name here. I know you politicians have a way of coming back.

‘All the religious leaders said that the only thing the leaders can do is to promote justice and fairness. I will serve my people. Ibadan people, the state, Africa and the world at large. I will depend on your support and advice,’ the monarch stressed.

Earlier, Atiku explained that his absence at the coronation ceremony was due to protocol arrangements and not intentional.

He said, ‘We are here to say congratulations to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja. We regretted that we didn’t attend the coronation. It was not intentional. Protocol arrangements did not allow us to come during the coronation, not that we don’t want to come.

‘We know your roles and relationship with some of us. We are here to congratulate you. Kindly accept our apologies for not making it to the coronation. We regret not attending the programme.’

The leadership of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), on Monday, issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address its various demands or risk industrial action.

President of ASUU, Professor Chris Piwuna, conveyed the strike notice to the Federal Government in a statement issued in Abuja.

He noted that the 14-day ultimatum was the outcome of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union held on Sunday at its University of Abuja’s headquarters.

He described the strike notice as an alarm for danger that government would want to prevent by addressing the demands of the union to avoid a situation where universities in the country are grounded from operations.

Some of the demands of ASUU overtime include: renegotiation of 2009 agreement, funding of universities, particularly, revitalisation fund, promotion arrears and Academic Earned Allowance among others.

Piwuna called on all well-meaning Nigerians, religious and traditional rulers, parents, students, and other stakeholders in the education sector to press the Nigerian Government to turn its attention to Nigerian public universities to address the challenges in the system.

The ASUU president accused the Federal Government of paying scant attention to demands of the union, recalling that in recent times, ASUU has been engaging the press frequently.

He noted that the obvious reason has been to draw the attention of the Nigerian government and members of the general public to the declining fortunes of university education and its implications for the nation’s desire for transformative and lasting development.

‘Apart from engagement with the press, in the month of August this year, members of ASUU in both federal and state universities held rallies, carrying placards on their campuses in order to press the government to address the lingering issues in the university system.

‘Nothing came out of all these rallies and pleas. What is clear for now is that both the federal and state governments have a strong habit of paying little or no attention to the education sector in general and the welfare of university academics in particular,’ he said.

Recall that the Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, had noted that the Federal Government has been engaging the leadership of ASUU on the issues.

He had recently set up a committee chaired by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Abel Enitan to look into a proposal for ASUU in a bid to ensure stability across universities.

Part of the statement read: ‘At the NEC meeting held at the University of Abuja on September 28, 2025, the union decried the neglect of the university system and the government’s consistent refusal to heed to its demands.

‘Accordingly, ASUU has given the Federal Government an ultimatum of 14 days within which to address these issues. If at the end of the 14 days ultimatum, the Federal Government fails to address these issues, the union may have no option than to embark on a two-week warning strike and thereafter, a total and indefinite strike.

‘It is over 16 years now since ASUU has brought these issues to the media and the public domain. It means, therefore, that these issues are not new to you and the general public. For the past three months, ASUU has mentioned these issues at both the national, zonal and branch levels. For the past three months, these issues have been debated and combated in the media and other platforms. For the benefit of the doubt, they include:

‘Re-negotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement; sustainable funding of our universities; revitalisation of universities; victimisation of our colleges in Lagos State University (LASU), Kogi State University (KSU) and the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO).

‘Others are: outstanding 25-35 percent salary areas, promotion areas for over four years and third-party deductions.

‘ASUU is confident that the Nigerian leadership has the capacity to fix Nigerian universities once and for all. ASUU also believes that the Nigerian government has the financial strength to tackle the problem of university education in Nigeria.

‘We are, therefore, calling on well-meaning Nigerians, religious and traditional rulers, parents, students and all other stakeholders in the education sector to press the Nigerian government to turn its attention to Nigerian public universities this time to do that is right now. There is this common logic that; a pilot who hears an alarm of danger would refuse to fly so as to avoid a crash.

‘The 14 days ultimatum, therefore, is an alarm to the Nigerian government and ASUU as a union believes that the government has the muscle to avert this looming strike. As they say in English: a stitch in time saves nine,’ he stated.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has listed food, education, transport, and agriculture as items exempted from value-added tax under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recently signed tax reform laws.

The Executive Chairman of the FIRS, Zacch Adedeji, announced the changes during an interview marking his two years in office. He said the move fulfils Tinubu’s campaign promise to simplify tax compliance and reduce obstacles for taxpayers.

‘With these new laws, food, education, transport, and agriculture will be VAT-free,’ Adedeji declared. ‘The President has fulfilled his promise to make businesses flourish by removing all burdens and hurdles. This is the best thing that has happened to Nigeria’s fiscal ecosystem since 1960.’

The new tax code, set to take effect in January, merges several tax laws into one and cuts the number of tax types to single digits. It also raises thresholds to protect low-income earners and exempts businesses with annual turnover below N50m from tax.

Tribune Online reports Tinubu signed four bills into law on June 26, 2025 which includes the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Act. Together, these laws, known as the Tax Acts quartet aim to broaden the tax base and improve compliance across federal, state, and local governments.

Earlier, Tinubu, aimed at guiding the reforms, appointed Taiwo Oyedele, Fiscal Policy Partner and Africa Tax Leader at PricewaterhouseCoopers, as chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms. The committee includes experts from both the private and public sectors.

Continuing, Adedeji said the reforms are already delivering results, with Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio rising from 10 per cent to 13.5 per cent in two years, and a target of 18 per cent set for 2027. He added that 30 states have used improved revenue to repay N1.85tn in debts, while debt servicing costs have dropped from 90 per cent to about 50 per cent of revenue.

As part of the reforms, the FIRS will be renamed the Nigeria Revenue Service to reflect its role as a central tax authority for all tiers of government. ‘The word ‘federal’ gave the wrong impression that we only collect for the federal government,’ Adedeji explained. ‘In reality, we collect VAT, of which 90 per cent belongs to the states.’

He also pointed to Tinubu’s other economic decisions, including subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, as measures that have strengthened the federation account. ‘The health of the federation account has blossomed greatly, as there are no bogus subsidy claims to deplete the pool,’ he said.

Adedeji admitted that the reforms have created short-term hardship but said government measures such as compressed natural gas buses and crude-for-naira support for local refiners are helping to ease the impact.

He added that the consolidated tax law strengthens compliance by grouping taxpayers into small, medium, and large categories, with one-stop shops for filing and payments. ‘We are service providers to taxpayers rather than just an enforcement agency,’ he said.

On concerns about a petrol surcharge, Adedeji explained that it would not apply automatically. ‘It will only take effect if activated by a ministerial order and published in the official gazette,’ he noted.

While urging taxpayers to support the reforms, he concluded: ‘When companies are doing well, expanding, and making profits, we will benefit from their growth. Our task is to remove hurdles in their way, and that is what the president has done with these new laws.’

The Cross River State Government has expressed confidence that its 2025 fiscal year will close with a 90 per cent budget performance, building on the 85 per cent achieved in 2024, following renewed efforts to strengthen public financial management systems.

This declaration was made on Monday during a presentation of the Cross River Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (2026-2028) and Development of the Medium-Term Sector Strategy at Danic Hotel, Calabar, sponsored by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The Special Adviser to the State Governor on Budget, Mr Otu Otu Ita, disclosed that the state’s 2024 budget achieved an 85 per cent performance rate, while the 2025 budget had reached 35 per cent implementation by the end of the second quarter. With a supplementary provision of N104 billion signed into law in August to reflect new revenue inflows, he expressed optimism that the 2025 budget could achieve up to 90 per cent performance.

He explained that the state is committed to plan-based budgeting and prudent resource allocation.

‘We want a system where revenue projections match expenditure, based on proper economic analysis. From 2021, we have improved our processes, but there is always room for growth. That is why we are grateful to UNICEF for this technical support, and we are hoping that budget officers will learn best practices in the course of this workshop,’ he stated.

On leakages, the adviser noted that the state’s finance management system had been tightened, with due diligence processes and legislative oversight helping to curb wastage.

In her remarks, the Chief of UNICEF Field Office, Enugu, Juliet Chiluwe, who was represented by UNICEF’s Social Policy Officer for Enugu Field Office, Victor Chima, said the engagement was part of a broader initiative to build the capacity of budget officers across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

‘We are supporting Cross River state in terms of strengthening the public financial management system through capacity building for the medium-term expenditure framework and the medium-term sector strategies for WASH, education, social protection, and health’.

According to Chima, UNICEF’s support is tailored to ensure better alignment of budget implementation with the state’s development plan.

‘This effort is to enhance public financial management in sectors critical to women and children. While Cross River has recorded progress in budget implementation, there is still room for improvement, particularly in increasing allocations and ensuring timely releases for social services,’ he said.

He stressed that UNICEF does not set targets for states but works to strengthen their systems and provide technical assistance to help them achieve their own development priorities.

A Public Finance Management expert, Oluwasola Omoju, in his presentation ‘Overview of the Budget and Appropriation Process’, stressed that Nigeria’s budgeting process still suffers structural weaknesses that undermine its impact on citizens. He cited delays and arbitrariness in budget presentation, lack of a predictable budget calendar, and weak oversight functions as major challenges.

‘Government spends a lot of money, but the impact on people’s lives remains limited. A predictable budget calendar and reforms to strengthen legislative independence are critical. Oversight is compromised when lawmakers rely on the executive or external organisations for funding, rather than having dedicated resources to carry out their constitutional roles,’ he said.

He added that while national assemblies have some financial autonomy, most state assemblies still depend on governors for funding, a situation he described as unhealthy for accountability.

The expert also called attention to the need for strict adherence to the constitutional provision that places the Public Accounts Committee under the leadership of the opposition, warning that the dominance of single parties in most state assemblies undermines effective checks and balances.

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday arraigned Kaduna-based social media activist, Abubakar Muhammad, popularly known as Sultan, before a Magistrate Court in Rigasa, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Sultan was docked before Chief Magistrate Muhammad Musa on a two-count charge bordering on extortion and criminal intimidation by anonymous communication, offences contrary to the Penal Code Law of Kaduna State 2017.

According to the Prosecution Counsel, the charges followed a petition by one Hafsat Yusuf Paki, who alleged that Sultan threatened her via fake social media accounts and demanded payments in cryptocurrency and through a vendor.

The Prosecutor told the Court that, ‘the complainant alleged that the accused threatened to leak her indecent pictures to the public if she refused to comply, and even issued kidnap threats.

He added, ‘While investigation has not established kidnap elements, there is a prima facie case of extortion and criminal intimidation, hence the arraignment.’

The accused, Muhammad, however, pleaded not guilty.

DSS applied for his remand in correctional custody, but the Magistrate admitted him to bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum.

The Court ordered that the sureties must be civil servants not below Grade Level 16 in the Kaduna State Government, with passport photographs and bank statements showing not less than N1 million. The court clarified that no cash deposit was required, but the sum would be forfeited if Sultan jumped bail.

The case was, however, adjourned to October 6, 2025, for continuation of the hearing.

Sultan was arrested on September 27 at Rigachikun, where investigators claimed they recovered the social media handles allegedly used for the offence, along with digital footprints and payment records.

As part of efforts to reposition the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has met with the newly called-to-Bar personnel of the Force.

Addressing the officers at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, Egbetokun urged them to uphold integrity, professionalism, and discipline as they assume dual responsibilities as law enforcement officers and legal practitioners.

The IGP charged the 98 police officers, who were recently called to the Bar after completing the Nigerian Law School programme, to always ensure that every action they take is grounded in the law.

According to him, the Nigeria Police Force is not just an enforcement institution but also the frontline defender of law and order in the country. He stressed that the Force cannot effectively discharge this duty without officers who deeply understand the law and can apply it with clarity.

He said, ‘Your success, therefore, is not for yourselves alone, it is an asset for the Force and for Nigeria. Let me congratulate you on your successful completion of the Nigerian Law School programme and your call to the Bar. I have also been informed that one of you graduated with First Class Honours, a rare and outstanding feat. You have made the Nigeria Police Force proud, and for that, I thank you.

‘Policing is about enforcing the law, and no Force can do this effectively without sound legal knowledge. The Police require officers who are not only courageous in the field but also competent in the courtroom and clear in their interpretation of justice.

‘Every action we take must be grounded in the law. Every power we exercise must be backed by the law. And every responsibility we bear must be judged by the law. This is why your achievement matters.

‘You return to this institution not just as police officers, but as custodians of legal knowledge. That knowledge must not be idle. It must be put to work, to strengthen the Force and to serve the people of Nigeria.

‘Your success comes at a defining moment. The Nigeria Police Force has recently been upgraded in status and has now become the Force Directorate of Legal Services, under the command of an Assistant Inspector-General of Police. This elevation is not symbolic; it is strategic. The Directorate must now deliver sharper legal direction, ensure that our prosecutions are watertight, protect the Force against legal vulnerabilities, and shape policy at the highest levels. You are entering at this turning point, and the responsibility to make this Directorate excel rests heavily on your shoulders.’

While charging the lawyers, Egbetokun emphasised that the Nigeria Police Force does not need lawyers in uniform for decoration but officers who will add value. He said: ‘We need lawyers in uniform who will defend this institution with skill, with courage, and with integrity.

‘As young officers, I charge you to: Strengthen prosecutions, ensure that our cases are tight, professional, and beyond compromise. Uphold integrity, let your conduct be above reproach; compromise and corruption must never stain the Directorate. Advise with authority, your legal opinion must be clear, practical, and reliable, such that commanders can trust it without hesitation.

‘Advance reforms, help align the Force with constitutional standards, human rights obligations, and international best practices. Inspire others, be role models to officers coming behind you. Prove that police officers can wear the uniform and the lawyer’s gown with distinction.

‘Your call to the Bar has doubled your responsibility. You are now accountable to the Force, to the legal profession, and to the Nigerian people. You cannot afford to fail in any of these. Remember this: the uniform you wear is not ordinary. Combined with the authority of the lawyer’s gown, it places you in a unique and demanding position. You must carry yourselves with humility, discipline, and loyalty to the Force.’

Egbetokun also advised them not to misuse their legal knowledge for personal advantage.

He added: ‘Channel it into service. Let your competence strengthen this Directorate. Let your integrity inspire this institution. Excellence will be recognised and rewarded. Mediocrity will not be tolerated. You have brought pride to this Force. But pride is not enough. This institution has invested in you. Now, you must justify that investment.

‘Step into the Directorate of Legal Services with confidence, but also with duty. The nation is watching. The Force is depending on you. Your work will determine not just your future, but also the standing of the Nigeria Police as a professional institution of law enforcement.

‘Make no mistake: this achievement is not about the gown you will wear in court. It is about the standard you will set in this uniform. The Police, at this time more than ever before, do not just need lawyers who carry titles-it needs officers who will make the law work for justice, for discipline, and for Nigeria.’

Four housemates recently evicted from the Big Brother Naija house, Thelma, Kuture, Joanna, and Bright Morgan, have shared thoughts about the connections and relationships they built inside the house.

Bright Morgan, while speaking alongside others in an interview with Tribune Online, clarified his stance with fellow housemate Dede. According to him, his actions were about setting boundaries rather than hatred.

‘Mide and Dede are close, so I just wanted to set boundaries. I don’t dislike her, but we had an issue the other day. Moving forward, I know I don’t have to be friends with everyone. I’m intentional about my relationships. When I have eyes on someone, I just focus on them,’ he explained.

Responding to questions on whether there was more to their connection with KayBobo, especially after a ‘kissing spree’ during her time in the BBNaija House, which apparently shocked other evicted housemates, Thelma revealed she values trust above all else.

She recalled feeling uncomfortable when she learned Isabella had shared KayBobo’s bed before he moved to hers, which created a wrong impression.

She said, ‘I didn’t see the need to explain to anyone, but I wasn’t cool with how things looked. I’d rather KayBobo come outside the house and explain the context, especially after he told housemates when asked about him and Thelma that the house is a social experiment. I don’t owe them an explanation. I just want clarity.’

On her part, Joanna addressed her relationship with Faith, explaining that what viewers saw on the reality show was not a serious relationship but just a friendship.

‘Faith isn’t a relationship person, and we decided to remain true friends. For me, mental connection comes first before anything else,’ she said.

On another relationship drama, Kuture recalled an outburst involving Isabella and Imisi, where things got heated to the point that Isabella poured pepper on Sultana before it was later resolved in a surprising way.

‘They called me to be a witness when they decided to settle their fight with a kiss,’ Kuture added.