The Enugu-Agidi community in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State is witnessing protests against what locals claim is the illegal acquisition of their land by a suspected land grabber.

During the weekend, a group of protesters gathered at the Anambra State Police Command to raise concerns over the alleged activities of a man named Jeff Nweke, who is said to be the owner of Blue Shield Security Company, a private security firm.

According to the protesters, Nweke and his armed security personnel have forcefully taken over portions of their land and have been harassing women in the community.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Chief Peter Omekunsi highlighted the issue, stating, “Ozo Nweke has forcefully taken land from many people across neighboring communities of Enugu-Agidi and Nibo. We seek the intervention of the State Police Commissioner, CP Adeoye Aderemi.”

The protesters, including elderly individuals, youths, and children, expressed their grievances through placards.

NewsNow reached out to Nweke for comment, and while he acknowledged the protest and promised to call back, there has been no response from him as of the time of reporting.

With the proliferation of instant information and the pervasive influence of social media, the Nigerian celebrity landscape has increasingly become a hotbed for sensationalism, with rumors often taking precedence. One noteworthy trend that has gripped the industry is the emergence of what is being referred to as the “Death Hoax Syndrome.” This phenomenon recently garnered attention in relation to Nigerian musicians Skales and Oladips.

Skales, a prominent figure in the Afrobeat genre, was embroiled in a death hoax that sent shockwaves through the music community. Speculation ran rampant on various social media platforms, leaving fans anxious and seeking confirmation. It was alleged that Skales himself may have been behind the rumors of his own demise, possibly for the purpose of gaining traction on social media platforms.

Similarly, Oladips also found himself entangled in a similar encounter with the Death Hoax Syndrome. Rumors about his passing circulated widely across platforms soon after his official Instagram page made an announcement about his demise, occurring just a day before the release of his latest album. This caused considerable distress among his fan base. However, Oladips took proactive measures by directly addressing the rumors through a “Proof of life” video, reassuring his fans of his well-being.

Following these episodes, there has been considerable backlash from social media users, with some criticizing the decisions made by the artists in response to the rumors, while others have continued to express support for Oladips, albeit in a somewhat unconventional manner. They have pointed out the practice of people predominantly showing support for up-and-coming artists after their demise, exemplified by the case of Mohbad.

Oladips prank Nigerians went extreme with his de*ath cause he no know say na only dead body people Dey mostly support. Oya make una support am o! His new album is out. #SuperheroAdugbo Album out now pic.twitter.com/HCvBc5u89n

— Samklef (@SAMKLEF) November 16, 2023

It is worth noting that in Nigeria, there is a prevalent phenomenon where public support for celebrities experiences a significant surge following their demise. This trend can be attributed to a combination of cultural, social, and psychological factors. Death tends to evoke introspection and nostalgia, prompting people to reflect on the positive aspects of the deceased individual’s life and accomplishments. In the case of celebrities, this retrospection often serves to highlight their contributions to the arts, entertainment, or society, fostering a collective appreciation for their impact. Additionally, death can act as a unifying force, bringing together diverse communities in mourning and celebration of the individual’s legacy.

The media plays a pivotal role in shaping public perceptions, and the coverage of a celebrity’s life and achievements tends to escalate considerably following their demise. This heightened media attention can contribute to the perception that the individual was underappreciated or undervalued during their lifetime, thereby leading to an upsurge in posthumous support. Social media also plays a crucial role in amplifying these sentiments, as users share memories, tributes, and expressions of grief, creating a virtual community of supporters. The desire to pay homage to a deceased celebrity may be driven by a sense of regret for not fully recognizing their talents or contributions while they were alive.

Consequently, the prevalence of death hoaxes within the Nigerian celebrity scene sheds light on a darker side of celebrity culture. Whether stemming from malicious intent, mischief, or misinformation, these rumors undeniably have tangible effects on both the artists and their fan base. The emotional toll and potential damage to reputations highlight the importance for celebrities to navigate these challenges astutely.