Tuesday, August 19, 2025 | by DAILY MENTOR NEWS
Popular Nigerian singer Niniola Apata has revealed the lasting trauma she continues to endure after witnessing the assassination of her father, retired Nigerian Army Brigadier-General Simeon Apata, in 1995.
In a recent interview with Jay On Air, Niniola recounted the harrowing experience, describing how she was in the house when gunmen murdered her father in Lagos. She shared that being her late father’s favourite child has made the trauma even harder to bear.
“I was in the house when my dad was murdered. And I was his favourite child so you can imagine [the trauma]. Till today, I’m not over it. I can never get over it,” she said solemnly.
“I was very young when it happened. I don’t remember my exact age then but it wasn’t a good memory.”
The tragic assassination took place on January 8, 1995, and was witnessed not only by Niniola but also by other family members, including her sister Teni, also a renowned Nigerian singer. Teni previously disclosed in 2023 that the trauma of watching their father’s brutal death at the tender age of two has left deep emotional scars.
Retired Brigadier-General Simeon Apata was a respected military officer and community figure, whose untimely death has had a lasting impact on his family and those who knew him.
Niniola’s candid reflections highlight the often-unspoken emotional struggles faced by many who survive traumatic events, especially within the public eye. Her openness has drawn empathy and support from fans and fellow artists alike.
As Niniola continues to rise in her career as an Afrobeat and Afro House artist, her past remains a poignant part of her story, underscoring her strength and resilience.