Teni came under fire on Friday after sharing a video of herself prostrating to greet IBD Dende on a plane via her X handle
By Kehinde Okeowo
Nigerian singer, Teniola Apata, better known as Teni, has explained why she greeted popular businessman and socialite, Ibrahim Egungbohun Dende, aka IBD Dende warmly recently..
TheNiche had earlier reported that Nigerians trooped to Teni’s comment section on X to lambast her after a video of her prostrating to greet the businessman on a plane made the rounds.
Most of the commentators slammed the ‘Askamaya’ crooner for associating with IBD Dende despite the smuggling allegations against him.
Reacting to the social media outburst on Sunday morning, Teni explained that she wasn’t aware of allegations against IBD Dende, adding that the businessman showed her kindness in 2014 even before she hit stardom, and since then she has held him in high esteem.
ALSO READ: VIDEO: Netizens slam singer Teni for prostrating to IBD Dende amid FIJ allegation of smuggling
She went on to say she does not support criminals and urged the Nigerian government to allow the “law take its course”
Speaking via her verified social media handle, Teni tweeted: “[I] Met IBD [Dende] in 2014 and he was so good to me, even before I blew up. So when[ever] I see him, it’s always love.
“I honestly had no knowledge of any criminal activities associated with him. I do not support criminals, so let the law take its course.”
Early in the year, ace journalist, Fisayo Soyombo published an investigative work on the Customs, alleging that the leadership was responsible for the smuggling of banned items into Nigeria by allegedly using IBD Dende as a front.
In a video published to corroborate the claim, at least six AK47-bearing Customs officers were seen begging IBD Dende who seemed determined to assault an ‘overzealous’ customs officer who intercepted his alleged smuggled consignment.