Morning recap: ‘Fake’ SGF project office controversy, Poco Lee’s UK case puts entertainers on alert, other top stories

Nigerian celebrities have been put on alert following the UK remand of dancer Poco Lee over alleged sexual offences.

In Kogi, police continue combing bushes for abducted NYSC members, while pastor Kingsley Okonkwo’s N700,000 matchmaking platform faces backlash and supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso reject any merger ahead of 2027.

An internal dispute between the promoter of the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office, George Nwabueze, and some directors in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation may have triggered the controversy.

Officials claimed the ICPC was misled into believing the project office was a fake agency.

Nwabueze disputed the characterisation, alleging sabotage, while the Presidency said the ICPC investigation is ongoing and recommendations are awaited.

Read the full story below: https://punchng.com/inside-story-why-icpc-labelled-sgf-project-office-fake/

Sexual assault: Celebrities on alert as UK remands Poco Lee

Nigerian entertainers travelling to the United Kingdom have been advised to exercise greater caution after popular dancer and hypeman Iweh Odinaka (Poco Lee) was remanded in custody facing one count of attempted rape, two counts of rape and two counts of assault by penetration.

The case is listed for a hearing on September 15, 2026.

The development has prompted public discussions on consent and caution among celebrities, including reactions involving Koko Pee, Carter Efe and Portable.

Read the full story below: https://punchng.com/sexual-assault-celebrities-on-alert-as-uk-remands-poco-lee/

Police comb bushes for abducted corpers

The Kogi State Police Command and other security operatives continued combing bushes for National Youth Service Corps members and other passengers abducted along the Aloma–Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area.

Eleven victims, including the drivers of the two buses attacked, had been rescued as of Friday, with the search ongoing for others and the attackers.

Most of the rescued were NYSC members travelling from Bayelsa to Abuja. Transport operators have also stepped up security measures.

Love for sale? Okonkwo’s N700,000 matchmaking platform faces fire

A N700,000-a-year Christian matchmaking platform, ‘Mentor To Marry’, launched by relationship coach and pastor Kingsley Okonkwo has sparked heated debate.

Critics accuse him of commercialising the search for love after he had previously criticised the commercialisation of relationships.

The platform offers packages from N70,000 to N700,000 annually, with mentoring before matchmaking. Supporters argue it provides professional counselling services.