Omotola: Why I Was Banned From Nollywood

Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, has opened up on the circumstances that led to her alleged ban from the movie industry years ago, alongside some of her colleagues.

The actress said she, alongside Genevieve Nnaji, Ramsey Nouah, Jim Iyke, Stella Damasus, Richard Mofe-Damijo and Nkem Owoh, were sidelined by marketers

after pushing for improved standards in the industry.

Omotola made this known during a recent interview while promoting her new movie, ‘Mother’s Love’, noting that their stance for better structure and professionalism

was resisted at the time.

“They said we were too troublesome because we were trying to better the industry. They said we were bad influences because we were pushing for standards,” she said.

She added that although a reconciliation meeting was later convened, she chose not to attend.

“They called for a reconciliation meeting, and I refused to go,” she said.

Speaking further, the actress addressed her relationship with Genevieve, clarifying that while they are on good terms, they are not particularly close.

“People don’t need to be best friends, but we talk,” she said.

  

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Despite Being Married, Admirers Still Send Me Gifts - Omotola

Award-winning actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde (aka Omosexy) has revealed that her admirers still send her gifts despite knowing she is married. The actress also commended the role of women in Nigeria’s film industry, stating that they dominate key segments and often run multiple businesses alongside their acting careers.

Speaking during an interview on Naija FM 102.7, Omotola underscored the pivotal role women have played in sustaining Nollywood, citing their entrepreneurial drive and capacity to balance diverse ventures.

“Women are the ones who hold this industry, right from the start. Women are the ones who do well for this industry. Women are mostly the producers. Women are the ones who hold Nollywood really,” she said.

The actress added that many female actors combine their film careers with enterprises such as modelling, brand influencing and retail businesses.

“I don’t know any female actor, even small ones who just entered this industry, that don’t get at least like three or four businesses. A lot of the females get businesses. They run different things. Most of them are influencers. They are doing acting, modelling, they have shops.

“You will hear say this one get boutique, that one gets this one, virtually everybody I know gets one or the other. Our job is very intense. You have to be on call. With acting, this is crazy to me. I think the balance must be there”, she said.

She compared the experiences of male and female actors, stating that while men receive admiration, the level of attention women get is more intense.

“Male actors too dey try, but I don’t think it’s as intense as the women,” she said. “Women get admirers. Men too get admirers wey dey help them, but women have more”, she added.

Omotola also shared her personal experience, revealing that she continues to receive gifts and assistance from admirers despite being married.

“Me, wey be married woman sef, I know how many people don dash me things. Asin women and men not be just men, women and men just see me, just say, ‘Oh, I’m sending you this, they don dash me car before sef”, she said.

However, she emphasised that her husband remains secure in their marriage, describing him as the most secure person she has ever met.

“My husband is the most secure. How you go marry Omosexy and you no go Dey secure. My husband is the most secure human being you will ever meet. The most secure, you know, no shaking,” she concluded.

  

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Pastor Kingsley Lashes Out At Ministers That Criticize His Tattoo, Says They Are Biased

Founder of David Christian Centre, Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo, has responded to backlash over his recent Bible-inspired tattoo, expressing feelings of insult

over comments from some ministers.

The cleric had sparked controversy with a video showing him getting a tattoo of John 3:16 in Roman numerals, “III: XVI,” on his body.

Okonkwo claimed that only a few ministers understood his decision, while others reacted out of “religious bias.”

He criticised pastors who questioned his actions, arguing that spiritual authority and understanding vary among ministers, and not everyone is qualified

to criticise others.

“On my tattoo issue, only one or two ministers were grounded and sound enough to understand it. Most of them are just religious people,” he said.

“They said, ‘Tattoo is not a sin, but is it expedient? Why did you post it? Why must you do it?’ That is stupid talk, and I am insulted,” he added.

The pastor cited other Christian leaders with tattoos, including Joyce Meyer and Max Lucado, to justify his action.

“Am I higher than Joyce Meyer? She had a tattoo at eight years old. Am I higher than Max Lucado? He got his tattoo at 70,” he noted.

He explained that he shared the tattoo publicly due to his personal calling and constituency.

Okonkwo emphasised that individual styles and choices shouldn’t be judged, stressing that people should be free to make their own decisions without affecting

others’ faith. 

“I posted it because my own position, my own calling, my own constituency requires that. Even Peter said he could not understand Paul. In Christianity,

there are different flavours. It is not only your style that matters. You don’t want to wear shoes—so what? I want to wear shoes. How does that affect

anybody’s faith?” he said.

  

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Why I Stopped Paying Tithes To Churches - Toke Makinwa

Media personality Toke Makinwa has revealed why she stopped paying tithes to churches, citing concerns about the wealth of religious institutions and the needs of struggling individuals.

In a conversation with Chude Jideonwo, Makinwa questioned the practice of giving money to churches that already possess wealth, while many people struggle to survive.

“I kinda stopped paying tithes to the church because all the churches I know are rich, and I decide that I’m not doing that anymore”, she said.

According to her, she now directs her support to hospitals, maternity wards, and individuals with urgent needs.

“I started thinking, if I have money and someone tells me they need it to pay rent, why should I pass it into a building that’s already rich.

“I would rather give my tithe to strangers who tell me their actual needs. The church is built. The pastors have money. Let’s help people the church cannot reach.

“Every church is building. Every Sunday, there’s a building fund envelope. You guys have so much money and it’s not taxed. It’s a business, if we are going to be real. Because if that pastor dies today, either his wife or his child becomes the next pastor,” she said.

Jideonwo also expressed concerns about the unintended harm caused by religion, including “post-traumatic church syndrome.”

Reflecting on her past experiences, Makinwa recalled handing over her entire brand endorsement deals to her church, seeking blessings.

“Ten years ago, I didn’t touch one naira from an endorsement deal; I carried it all into the church. Now, I give where it directly helps someone in need.”

                     

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Child Custody Case: Sophia's Lawyers Warn Davido, Fans Against Online Intimidation

A law firm representing Sophia Momodu, the estranged lover of Afrobeats star Davido, has cautioned the singer and his supporters against making public statements that could compromise the ongoing child custody case.

Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors condemned Davido’s social media posts, which criticised their partner, Ebelechukwu Enedah, representing Momodu for mentioning his deceased son during court proceedings.

The firm emphasised that the matter is sub judice and should be decided by the court alone, warning that attempts to intimidate legal practitioners could undermine the rule of law.

Davido had expressed frustration over the remarks, stating that mentioning his deceased son was a “lowest blow” and announcing his decision to withdraw the custody case, which sought joint custody of his daughter Imade.

The law firm’s statement read, “Our attention has been drawn to statements chiefly engineered by a Nigerian Afrobeat artiste, via social media, directed at our partner arising from her professional conduct in a custody matter presently pending before a court of competent jurisdiction in Lagos State.

“Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors will deploy every lawful measure available to it to resist any attempt to intimidate counsel or undermine judicial proceedings.

“Those who engage in conduct calculated to interfere with the administration of justice will be met with the full consequences provided by law,” the statement partly read.

Davido’s decision to withdraw the case has sparked reactions, with the singer stating that he never sought full custody and was disappointed with the turn of events in court.

  

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Deaths Of Nollywood Production Team Mates In Lekki: Police Arrest Two Suspects

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with the deaths of two Nollywood production crew members found lifeless inside a parked vehicle at a movie location in Lekki, Lagos.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abimbola Adebisi, told newsmen that the suspect was a member of the production team who allegedly delivered food to the deceased before they were discovered unresponsive.

“One suspect has been arrested. The suspect was the one who delivered food to the victims in the vehicle. Investigation is still ongoing,” she said.

The victims — lighting director Ekemini “GeeTee” Imeh and his associate, Ayodeji Walter Odediran — were found dead on Saturday, February 7, within the premises of Evercare Hospital Lekki, which was being used as a filming location.

According to a police source, the two crew members arrived early at the set to install lighting equipment ahead of shooting. After completing the setup, they reportedly entered a tinted Nissan vehicle parked within the premises to rest while awaiting further production activities for a film said to be directed by former Big Brother Naija housemate, Boma.

“At about 11am, a production staff member delivered breakfast to them inside the vehicle. The air-conditioning was on, and both men appeared relaxed at the time. Subsequent calls to their phones went unanswered. After filming wrapped up around 8pm, they were found lifeless in the vehicle,” the source said.

The source added that both men were reportedly foaming at the mouth, with one showing blood stains around the nose and lips.

Another police source disclosed that the matter was initially reported at the Maroko Police Station, while CCTV footage from the premises is being reviewed as part of ongoing investigations.

“The bodies have been deposited in a morgue for autopsy and toxicology examinations,” the source added.

Adebisi confirmed that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further probe, noting that investigators are working to determine the exact cause of death.

Until his death, Imeh was the Chief Executive Officer of a lighting company and was known for his work on major productions, including King of Boys, as well as music videos for artistes such as Davido.

The incident comes days after gospel artiste Matthew Ogundele, popularly known as Segun Praise, and three of his crew members were found dead inside a music studio in the Abraham Adesanya area of Ajah, Lagos State.

  

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It's Unfortunate That Nollywood Movies Are Not Reflecting Daughter And Mother Relationships - Omotola Jalade

Nollywood veteran Omotola Jalade Ekeinde is one actress that has remained focused on the movie industry in Nigeria. Recently, the actress has been on a media tour of her about-to-be released movie, Mother’s Love. Omotola has been using the opportunity to advocate for mother and daughter relationship, which she says is not being adequately reflected in Nollywood. 

In an interview with Yanga FM, Omotola gave insights into the film, which explores the complex bonds between mothers and daughters.

Reflecting on the scarcity of stories like hers, Omotola said, “We don’t have too many films that explore or showcase the relationship between mothers and daughters.” She described the subject as one “very dear to my heart,” emphasizing the importance of bringing these stories to the big screen.

The actress also addressed the challenges of promoting films in Nigeria, particularly the expectation for actors to dance on social media.

“Do whatever you can do—it’s exhausting, it’s not natural. For me, the film industry is not supposed to be like that. We are encouraging nonsense if we are doing that. It doesn’t mean that whoever is doing it is wrong. Anybody should be able to do what they can do. It’s your film, you invested money in it, and you know where it’s painful for you,” she explained.

On a personal note, Omotola reflected on motherhood, admitting, “With my first daughter, I’m not going to lie—I didn’t do a good job, because that was the way I understood things. I only understood discipline; I was a disciplinarian, period.”

In another development, Omotola disclosed how her children faced death threats during the EndSARS.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Rubbin’ Minds on Sunday, the 48-year-old actress said the threats marked a turning point in her long time of advocacy journey, forcing her to rethink how she engages in activism.

“I am used to death threats; I have received them many times,” Omotola said.

“But I have never seen anything like what happened during EndSARS. It was intense, my kids started getting death threats. That was when it became real, and when I realised this was no longer just about me.

“When people started coming to my home and workplace looking for me, I knew it was time to think beyond myself. I had to protect others, especially my children,” she said.

Omotola revealed that the experience ultimately pushed her to shift away from street protests toward more strategic, focused advocacy, citing the increasing difficulty of guaranteeing her children’s safety as they grow older.

“I can’t control where they go. I can’t protect them as much. I don’t care for my life, but I do care for them,” she said.

 

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Why I Fought My Wife In London - Tu Face

    Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has revealed that the fight between him and his wife, Natasha Osawaru, in October 2025 in London was because he was unable to control his temper. The award-winning artiste further stressed that emotional strain can cloud judgment, saying he now understands the importance of responding more carefully in tense situations.

“There are so many things I wish I could rewind and do better. As a human being, there are times when you are overwhelmed or don’t make the best decisions. My thick-skin is weaker now,” he said.

The singer opened up about personal and professional decisions he now regrets, revealing that difficult experiences have shaped his outlook on life and career.

The music icon made the disclosure during an appearance on the Mic On podcast, where he spoke candidly about lessons learned from emotionally charged moments and stressful situations.

The father of six admitted that there were several circumstances he wished he had handled differently, noting that pressure and intense emotions had influenced some of his past choices.

During the podcast, 2Baba also revisited a controversial incident in London involving a disagreement with his wife, Natasha Osawaru, in October 2025. He took responsibility for the episode, acknowledging that his actions were driven by anger.

“I was angry that day. It was an unfortunate incident,” the singer said. “I let my emotions get the best of me. I want young boys and girls to learn from this. When you reacts in anger, you end up regretting what you do.”

He explained that balancing personal struggles with life in the public eye has often been challenging, adding that some experiences have forced him to rethink how he manages conflict and stress.

 

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If You Date Me Again, We Will Never Break Up - Peller Begs Jarvis

Popular Nigerian content creator and TikTok personality, Hebeeb Hamzat, better known as Peller, has generated widespread social media attention after making an emotional appeal to his ex-girlfriend, Jarvis, during a recent livestream in which he invited her as a guest.

In the viral clip, Peller openly begged Jarvis to give their relationship another chance, assuring her that things would be different this time.

He said, “If you date me back, we’ll never break up again, we’ll be together forever, and we won’t do an online relationship again.

“We’ll travel, and nobody will know. I’m more mature now. I now eat and give leftovers to the kids to eat.

“When my dad eats, he would give us the leftovers to eat, that’s what they call maturity,” he added.

However, Jarvis appeared unmoved by his emotional appeal, responding sharply to his statements. She said, “Show workings, no be chochocho,” a phrase indicating that she wants to see real actions rather than empty promises.

The livestream has since gone viral, sparking reactions across TikTok and other social media platforms.

 

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Shock And Disbelief As Music Artiste, Three Crew Members Found Dead In Ajah Studio

There is confusion in the Ajah area of Lagos state as a popular music artiste, Matthew Ogundele, and three of his crew members have been found dead inside a studio.

The crew members were identified as Itunu Ogundele, Joseph Sanya, and blogger Matthew Awosanya, alias JoesTv.

The deceased were said to have been discovered on February 4, around 11 am, in the studio located at HFP Shopping Complex, Abraham Adesanya in Ajah.

It was gathered that the artists had gone to Ajah to perform in a three-day birthday party allegedly organized by the owner of the studio, Olanireti Akinbola.

The deceased, it was learnt, performed on February 3 and decided to sleep in the studio when they finished around midnight.

According to sources, they were given food by the owner’s husband that night, who is said to be the one who noticed something was amiss around 11 am the next day.

Sources alleged that a possible suffocation from a generator placed directly opposite the studio door could be responsible for their death.

They were allegedly found unresponsive with blood coming out of their nostrils, ears, and mouth, but no violent mark seen.

 “The convener invited some gospel artistes to minister during her three-day birthday praise, which started on Monday.

“Segun Praise was scheduled to minister on the second day, and he came with his crew. The session started in the evening and ran late, so they decided to stay overnight in the studio.

“It was the following morning that we heard that their bodies were found in the studio.

“Her husband was the one who raised the alarm after knocking the studio door several times with no response coming from inside.

“A generator was on and placed directly opposite their sleeping locations. So, it is suspected that this probably caused their death, but nothing has been concluded yet,” said a police source.

Contacted, the Lagos Police Spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the incident, saying it was reported on Wednesday, February 4, at Ajah Division, adding that it was later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba.

“One suspect identified as the organizer of the event is currently in custody. Investigation is ongoing while we await the autopsy report,” said Adebisi.

 

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The Holy Spirit Inspired Me To Cook Jollof Rice For iShowSpeed - Theresa Sappor As Nigeria-Ghana Rivalry Resurfaces

A Lagos-based caterer, Theresa Sappor, says preparing Nigerian jollof rice for American online streamer iShowSpeed has transformed her business, drawing patronage, as she credit the cooking to holy spirit

In a now-circulating interview with The Plug, the caterer, who runs Sappor Cuisine at Freedom Park, an old colonial prison, which is now a tourist attraction on Lagos Island, said the experience was almost miraculous.

“This Jollof rice, na Holy Spirit help me cook am. I’m still in shock. Social media get power. Whether we like it or not, Nigerians have good food,” she said.

Sappor recounted that a customer who has never visited Freedom Park before, came to her restaurant to eat the jollof rice she made for iShowSpeed.

“She said she has never stepped a foot into Freedom Park, but she came in because of iShowSpeed.We prepared the Jollof rice that iShowSpeed ate when he came to Nigeria. I tell anybody anywhere that I have the best cook in the world. I’ve been cooking since I was 12 years old. My mother-in-law is a caterer, so I went back to it. I really love cooking,” she added.

Her husband who is a co-founder highlighted the scale of the livestreamed moment. “While he was eating it, over one million people were watching. Lots of expatriates visit this place. They want egusi and fufu. They enjoy it and come back for more,” he said.

iShowSpeed, during his Africa tour titled Speed Does Africa, praised the Nigerian jollof rice during the livestream at Sappor Cuisine, saying, “I am not gonna lie, this is good. I think I might have to go with Nigeria.” The streamer’s comment immediately sparked reactions online, celebrating the quality of local cuisine.

Sappor described the encounter as life-changing, saying, “It has received a global visitation. iShowSpeed, thank you! I know how to cook the best egusi soup too.

“Thank you for raising people. God will bless you. And God will also raise you up.”

During his visit to Nigeria, the streamer visited Freedom Park on Lagos Island,  interacted with skaters, dancers and performers, attempting Nigerian dance steps and reacting with excitement to the skills of unicyclists and skateboarders.

While sampling Nigerian jollof rice at the park, Speed told viewers during his livestream, “I am not gonna lie, this is good. I think I might have to go with Nigeria.”

Speed later travelled to Ghana after his Nigerian visit, where he immersed himself in Ghanaian Jollof cuisine amid the long-standing culinary rivalry between both countries.

After tasting Ghanaian jollof rice cooked in a large-sized pot, the global streamer jokingly reignited the debate when he again declared a preference for the Nigerian version, saying, “I may have to go with the Nigerian one,” moments after backflipping into the massive pot of rice.

The comment sparked widespread online controversy and playful exchanges between Nigerian and Ghanaian fans. Amid the reactions, Ghanaian YouTuber Wode Maya revealed that the stunt was deliberately arranged at iShowSpeed’s request. “iShowSpeed actually asked for the big jollof bowl,” he said, explaining that the streamer wanted a visually striking experience for his global audience.

iShowSpeed’s Africa tour, which began on December 29, 2025, was scheduled to span 28 days across 20 countries.

His arrival in Lagos drew massive crowds, with residents, traders and passersby running alongside his convoy, waving and filming the popular streamer as he moved through the city.

 

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Lagos Government Warns Content Creators Against Child Sexual Abuse And Exploitative Materials

Content creators, skit makers and social media influencers have been warned against producing or uploading digital content involving children in ways that could harm their dignity, safety and overall well-being.

The warning was contained in a statement issued on Monday and shared on the Lagos state government’s official X (formerly Twitter) account.

According to the statement, the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, in collaboration with the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), expressed concern over the growing involvement of children in digital content that exposes them to abuse, exploitation and inappropriate situations.

“The Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, in partnership with the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, seeks to draw the attention of content creators, skit makers, influencers and digital media producers to the importance of safeguarding the rights of children across all forms of online and offline content,” the statement read.

The state government noted that some recent digital content involving children has undermined their well-being and violated their rights.

It stressed that such practices are unethical and contravene existing laws, including the Child’s Rights Law of Lagos State and the Criminal Law of Lagos State, which prohibit exploitative child labour and sexual offences against minors.

The government further urged content creators to consider the long-term psychological, emotional and social consequences of involving children in harmful or unethical content.

“Children deserve protection both online and offline, and the law is clear on their rights. As digital platforms continue to grow, responsible content creation is essential,” the statement added.

“Safeguarding minors is not optional; it is a legal and moral duty. Let us create content that informs, entertains and empowers without causing harm. Child protection is everyone’s responsibility.”

 

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Fela Becomes The First African To Be Honoured With Lifetime Achievement Award

Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti has received a major global honour nearly three decades after his death.

The BBC reported on Friday that the Recording Academy will posthumously confer a Lifetime Achievement Award on the Nigerian music icon at the Grammy Awards, making him the first African to receive the honour.

The award recognises Fela’s lasting impact on global music and culture, according to the BBC

Reacting to the recognition, his son and Afrobeat musician, Seun Kuti, said, “Fela has been in the hearts of the people for such a long time. Now the Grammys have acknowledged it, and it’s a double victory. It’s bringing balance to a Fela story.”

A former manager and long-time associate of the late singer, Rikki Stein, said the honour was long overdue.

“Africa hasn’t in the past rated very highly in their interests. I think that’s changing quite a bit of late,” Stein said.

The BBC noted that the recognition comes amid rising global interest in African music, driven largely by the international success of Afrobeats, a genre rooted in Fela’s work.

In 2024, the Grammys introduced the Best African Performance category, while Nigerian singer Burna Boy earned a nomination this year in the Best Global Music Album category.

Fela’s Lifetime Achievement Award places him among global music legends. Past recipients include Bing Crosby, while this year’s honourees also feature Carlos Santana, Chaka Khan and Paul Simon.

Members of Fela’s family, friends and associates are expected to attend the ceremony to receive the award on his behalf.

“The global human tapestry needs this, not just because it’s my father,” Seun Kuti said.

The BBC described Fela as more than a musician, portraying him as a cultural thinker, political agitator and the creator of Afrobeat.

With drummer Tony Allen, he developed the genre by blending West African rhythms with jazz, funk and highlife, marked by extended improvisation and politically charged lyrics.

During a career that lasted until his death in 1997, Fela released over 50 albums and became a fierce critic of authority, repeatedly clashing with the Nigerian military governments through his music and activism.

 

 

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"I Cannot Dance To Promote My Own Movie", Kunle Afolayan; "Don't Allow Jealousy To Burn You", Funke Akindele Fires Back

A subtle feud appears to be brewing between Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, and fellow filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, following recent comments on the sustainability of current movie marketing strategies in the industry.

While Afolayan criticized the prevailing trend in which movie makers, Funke Akindele inclusive, are compelled to market their own movies through dancing and other skits, Funke believes his criticisms are borne out of jealousy.

Akindele is currently Nollywood’s highest-grossing filmmaker with her movie ‘Behind The Scenes, released in 2025, grossing N2,407,000,000. She is well known for her energetic promotional style, often involving dance videos and comedy skits used to market her films across social media platforms.

Akindele’s comments come amid remarks by filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, who recently questioned the pressure on filmmakers to constantly create promotional content, particularly dance-driven marketing, to sell their films.

Speaking earlier, Afolayan described such promotional demands as exhausting, recalling his experience in the industry.

“In 2006, I did all the runs, and it was exhausting. I want to make a film if you can guarantee I don’t have to dance to sell that film.

“We need to come up with other strategies. How do we sell without exhausting ourselves?

“I don’t know how the likes of Funke Akindele and others are doing it — creating skits every day, changing costumes all the time. I can’t do it,” he said.

He also raised concerns about the financial returns of cinema successes, arguing that high visibility does not always translate into commensurate earnings for filmmakers.

“I don’t want two billion streams at the cinemas and end up receiving ten million naira,” Afolayan said.

This did not go down well with Funke Akindele. In a series of posts shared on her Instagram Story on Saturday, the actress dismissed suggestions that her approach to movie promotion was hindering the progress of others in the industry, stressing that success in Nollywood should be inclusive.

“I’m not the one hindering your progress. Ka rin ka po, yiye nin ye ni,” she wrote.

She further stated that the entertainment industry was large enough for everyone to thrive, urging colleagues to explore alternative approaches rather than criticising existing ones.

“If you can’t beat them or join them, create your own path. No allow jealousy burn you. The sky is so big for everybody to fly,” Akindele added.

The actress also encouraged filmmakers who find the current trend exhausting to adopt other promotional strategies or engage professional marketing firms.

“Go ahead and create alternative promotion or marketing strategies for promoting your business, or hire a company to handle it. You can do it. The opportunities are endless, and everyone has their own path. I’m focused on mine, and I have faith in God’s plan for me,” she said.

 

 

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From Islam To Christianity, Korede Bello Says Christians Should Stop Focusing On The Cross

Singer Korede Bello has shared a reflective message on faith, reaffirming his commitment to Christianity.

In a video on Instagram, Bello questioned the focus on Jesus’ crucifixion, stating that as a Christian, Christ’s sacrifice is complete and there’s no need for re-crucifixion.

“Does Jesus still belong on the cross? Before you crucify me, please be aware that I am a Christian and Christ has already died for me. He has already been crucified for me, so there’ll be no need for that. Jesus never said remember me on the cross. Am I saying the cross is not important? No”, he said.

Bello explained that his message was inspired by a moment of prayer and reflection, during which he realised that Jesus is no longer on the cross but seated next to the Father.

“I was praying and looking at the cross when it hit me that He’s no longer on it. When I think Jesus, I think my identity is seated right next to the Father. That’s where I am,” he said.

He stressed that the resurrection is central to the Christian faith, citing Apostle Paul’s words: “If Christ has not risen, then your faith is futile.”

Bello also shared his personal journey, revealing that he was born and raised a Muslim but became a Christian through personal study of the Bible.

“I was not born a Christian. I was born a Muslim, I had to start at the Bible myself, not for religious reasons, but for personal reasons,” he explained.

He expressed concern that many Christians remain fixated on the image of Christ on the cross, emphasising that their faith and identity should be in the risen Christ.

“Our faith and identity are in the Christ who has ascended and is right next to the Father. When we pray, we’re praying through someone who is not on earth or on the tree. The cross carried our sins. The old identity is gone. Staying there is like nailing Christ over and over again,” he said.

The singer urged believers to focus on love as the true mark of Christian identity, citing Jesus’ teaching: “People will know you’re my followers by the love you have for each other.”

He also spoke on communion, saying it was the true act of remembrance.

“He said when you eat the bread and drink the wine, do it in remembrance of me. He didn’t say remember me on the cross,” Bello added.

He concluded by encouraging Christians to live renewed lives, saying: “Be well, be safe, be renewed, and be Christ-like. Think mega”.

 

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Court Remands Actress Angela Okorie In Prison Over Alleged Cyberstalking

    A Federal High Court, sitting  in Abuja, has ordered the remand of actress, Angela Okorie in the Suleja prison in Niger State following her arraignment on charges of criminal defamation and cyberstalking.

Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Wednesday while ruling on an oral bail application made by Okorie’s lawyer, Alex Ejesieme (SAN) shortly after his client pleaded not guilty to a three-count charge brought against her by the police.

Justice Nwite ordered that the mother of one be kept in the prison until January 30 when her bail application would be heard.

Okorie of 1 Henry Montero Street, Lekki Palm City, Ajah, Lagos is alleged, in the charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/278/2025 to have conspired with Ifeoma Mbonu (now at large) to commit  cyberstalking and defamation by calling a fellow actress, Mercy Johnson Okojie a blood sucking demon in their posts on their social media platforms of Instagram and Tiktok.

The police said the offences, allegedly committed in 2024, violated the Cybercrime (Prohibition Prevention, Etc) Act of 2015.

After Okorie pleaded to the charge, prosecuting lawyer, Victor Okoye urged the court to remand the defendant in Suleja prison and fix a date for the prosecution to open its case.

Ejesieme objected to Okoye’s application, claiming that his client was not afforded adequate time and opportunity to prepare for her defence.

The defence lawyer said even though the prosecution filed the charge since July 2025, it only handed a copy to the defendant about an hour before the commencement of proceedings.

He claimed that his client was never informed about the  case in court but only arrested in Lagos the previous day and brought to Abuja for arraignment. He also claimed that the police denied him access to her for proper briefing.

Ejesieme prayed the court to allow his client to continue to enjoy the administrative bail earlier granted him by the police.

In the alternative, Ejesieme urged the court to release the defendant to him to enable her make provision for her child that has been left alone in Lagos and for her to also file a formal bail application.

The defence lawyer said his client was a single mother of one, who was not afforded time to make adequate arrangement for her child before being brought to Abuja from Lagos. 

Responding, Okoye faulted Ejesieme’s arguments. He argued that the administrative bail granted the defendant has since expired upon her arraignment.

Okoye accused Okorie of jumping bail and failing to honour invitations sent to her to report to the police headquarters in Abuja in respect of the case.

The prosecuting lawyer urged the court to order the defendant to file a formal bail application to enable the prosecution exhibit necessary documents in support of its position that the defendant jumped the administrative bail granted her and also failed to honour past invitations sent to her.

Ruling, Justice Nwite confirmed that the police actually sent an invitation to the defendant on January 16 to report at the headquarters in relation to the case.

The judge however faulted the police for denying the defendant access to her lawyers before the court’s proceedings.

He ordered parties to file and exchange all necessary documents in relation to the formal bail application to be filed by the defendant within 24 hours.

Justice Nwite also ordered that the defendant be remanded in Suleja prison and to be produced on January 30 for the hearing of her bail application.

Okorie’s case stemmed from a petition by Mercy Johnson Okojie’s lawyer, in which sundry allegations were made against her and Ifeoma.

Part of the petition, dated Mary 14, 2025 reads: “Most alarmingly, in a recent criminal and defamatory publication, Angela Okorie published the following statement via her Instagram page @ realagelaokorie:

‘Blood sucking demon no see blood suck again, E say na slimming tea. Except there’s no God, MJ go and beg people you chop their destinies and destroyed their hornes else no peace for the wicked!!! Gospel songs won’t save you. Your heart Is Dark!!!’

“This malicious statement, clearly targeted at our client, was published with the intent to cause irreparable reputational injury, incite hatred, provoke unrest among the public and further harass and emotionally traumatize our client. 

“The tone, content, and framing of the publication aim to portray our client as a destructive person, despite her widely known public image as a humanitarian and devout Christian mother. 

“The principal suspect, Angela Okorie, has demonstrated a relentless and calculated effort to incite public hatred and threaten public peace by repeatedly using her social media platform for criminal intimidation, false accusations, and criminal defamation. 

“She has become the most aggressive and persistent in this malicious campaign.”

 

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Stop Sending Me Marriage Proposals, I Am Single But Not Searching - Nollywood Actress Nkechi Blessing Tells Fans

Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday has decried what she described as an overwhelming influx of marriage proposals and unsolicited messages following the apparent exposure of her phone number online.

The actress, in a video shared on Instagram, explained that her Facebook account—linked to her phone number—has triggered a daily flood of messages from strangers. According to her, she now wakes up to thousands of messages from men of different ages and locations, many of whom introduce themselves, question her relationship status, and express interest in marrying her.

She added that the situation has spilled into her WhatsApp, leaving her inbox in disarray with more than 5,000 unread messages.

Nkechi expressed frustration over her inability to stop the messages, noting that all attempts to remove or change her contact details on Facebook have been unsuccessful.

“This number they are calling me on is a number that I cannot change. My WhatsApp is a mess. I have over 5,000 messages from different types of men on Facebook and on my WhatsApp. I am tired. How many be my body wey over 5,000 men wan marry me at the same time?” she said.

While confirming that she is single and a mother, the 36-year-old actress stressed that she is not looking for a relationship.

“Please, I need help on how to remove my phone number from Facebook,” she appealed. “I don’t know which video trended online. Please, I am single, but I am not searching. Stop texting my number.”

 

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If You Don't Take Off My Father's Tattoo On Your Hand, You Will Never Make Progress With That Hand Anymore - Seun Kuti Warns Wizkid

While different parties have waded into the social media showdown, a ceasefire appears to be far from the horizon.

Seun Kuti is not buying anything any peacemaker is trying to sell to him, and neither are Wizkid FC (fans), who seem to be getting a kick out of the round-robin of exchanges.

For those who are of the opinion that Wizkid having Fela’s tattoo on his body is enough proof that he respects and venerates the late Afrobeat icon, Seun has a caustic response for them and the Grammy winner, which he made public in a video on his Instagram page.

“What I want to happen has finally happened. Your game of replacing Fela has been stopped. Your infiltration of my family has been stopped, and nobody in the world will ever take you seriously when you try to leech off that legacy again,” he said, addressing the Ojuelegba crooner.

“And my father’s tattoo on your hand—if you don’t take it off, you will never make any progress with that hand again. You should better replace that tattoo with your father’s face. If Burna Boy could come out and say Fela is greater, who is this short man?” he added.

The fight is not being fought by Seun alone; some of his siblings and other family members have issued stern warnings to Big Wiz.

In the midst of the whole brouhaha, Wizkid has released his long-awaited documentary titled Long Live Lagos, which premiered on HBO a couple of days ago.

Meanwhile, comedian and actor Stanley Chibunna, popularly known as Funnybone, has weighed in on the ongoing online controversy involving Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti and fans of Wizkid, cautioning Seun against engaging in debates he says diminish the legacy of his late father, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

Funnybone made his remarks in a video shared on his Instagram page earlier in the week, reacting to the heated exchanges that followed claims by some Wizkid fans that the Grammy-winning star is “bigger” than Fela.

The online debate later escalated into a direct clash between Seun Kuti and Wizkid, after Wizkid responded to Seun via his Instagram Stories and on X (formerly Twitter).

Addressing Seun, Funnybone argued that Fela’s legacy is too monumental to require online defence or comparison with contemporary artists.

“The honour is to uphold Fela’s legacy, and part of it is choosing conversations and comparisons you would delve into,” Funnybone said. “When you delve into it, it is no longer you trying to defend the man; you are now demystifying the man’s legacy.”

According to him, engaging with fan bases—particularly younger fans who were not alive during Fela’s lifetime—only weakens the cultural weight and historical significance of the Afrobeat pioneer.

“His legacy is so big that he doesn’t need you or anybody to defend it,” he stated. “Most Wizkid FC people were not born when Fela was alive. When you dabble into an argument with them, you are not defending the legacy; you are watering down the potency of the legacy.”

Funnybone further stressed that Fela’s place in history is already secure, insisting that the late musician does not require validation, advocacy, or comparison in the digital space.

“Fela doesn’t need marketing. Baba doesn’t need a lawyer. Baba doesn’t need an activist online to defend him. Baba na Baba,” he said.

Using a metaphor, the comedian warned about the consequences of elders engaging in trivial disputes, adding that constant commentary can erode one’s stature.

“When an elder begins to play with children in the sand, dirt will touch his body,” Funnybone concluded. “The moment you start having an opinion on everything, it diminishes your value.”

The Wizkid–Fela comparison has continued to divide opinions online, with many cultural commentators arguing that both artistes belong to different eras and serve different cultural purposes, making direct comparisons unnecessary.

 

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My Wife And I Have Not Welcomed Any First Child - Mr Eazi Debunks Rumours

                        Afrobeats singer Oluwatosin Ajibade popularly known as Mr Eazi, has humorously dismissed viral rumours claiming he and his wife, Temi Otedola, recently welcomed their first child.

The speculation began when social media influencer Kolaqhazim shared an apparent AI-generated image of Temi holding a newborn on X, announcing that the couple had welcomed a baby girl after their eight-year relationship.

The post quickly gained traction, prompting a wave of congratulatory messages from excited fans in the comments section.

Mr Eazi shut down the false claim with a witty response, questioning the post by asking if his wife was even aware of the supposed birth, “Is Temi aware of this?”

Temi Otedola, who is the daughter of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, tied the knot in elaborate ceremonies held in Monaco, Dubai, and Iceland last year.

No official announcements regarding pregnancy or childbirth have come from either Mr Eazi or Temi Otedola.

 

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The Price I Had To Pay For Success - Billionaire Actress/Producer Funke Akindele

Nigerian billionaire actress, Funke Akindele has opened up on the price she had to pay for the success she now enjoys in her craft.

In a recent chat, Akindele expressed that she deprived herself of many things to achieve the success she enjoys today.

The 48-year-old mother of two confessed to depriving herself of social gatherings, events, vacations and other activities to achieve the success she enjoys with her brand. She further said she locked herself away inside Amen Estate for three years to build her brand and several contents, which are now her source of pride.

“Hard work is hard work. You work hard, putting in the work when you need to, depriving yourself of things many will go after so as to achieve the success you are aiming for. When I say hard work, I mean locking myself away in Amen Estate for three years building the Jenifa brand, working on Industreet, Aiyetoro, My siblings and I, and other content. I deprived myself of vacations, parties, events, no friends, nothing, just me and my team, working tirelessly, creating and working hard to achieve the success many now see. So, when I say putting in the hard work, I don’t just say that carelessly, I mean putting in the real hard work.

Continuing, she said, “When I am on the set of my films, I am not a diva, I am everywhere and very hands-on, no wig, just on my rough corn rows, working hard and seeing that everything is in perfect order. I go through all that till work is done, and then we can now start preparing for marketing and all the glam and dancing. So, it’s hard work that turns into success.”

Funke Akindele broke her own record of producing the first Nigerian film to gross over one billion in the cinemas in 2024 and has gone ahead to produce the first Nigerian film to gross over two billion in the cinemas.

 

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