An Abuja court on Monday granted bail to Nigerian singer, Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington.

It was learnt that efforts were being made to perfect his bail conditions.

Disclosing this on his X, on Wednesday, one of his lawyers, Deji Adeyanju, said the development followed a bail application after the Nigeria Police Force, charged the singer earlier in the day.

“Police finally arraigns Speed Darlington in court. Bail application moved and granted. We are trying to perfect same,” Mr Adeyanju stated.

The development came days after Mr Darlington petitioned the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Bureau, Abuja, Dasuki Galadanchi, demanding compliance with a court order against his continued detention.

Speed Darlington who was initially arrested in Lagos, in October 2024, was detained by the Intelligence Response Team of the Inspector General of Police, in the Guzape, Abuja, before he was later released.

His travail started after fellow singer, Damini Ogulu, popularly known as BurnaBoy, petitioned the police, alleging that Mr Darlington defamed him in a video online, in which he was heard alleging that Puff Daddy used oil on Burna Boy for him to win Grammy award.

“It wasn’t long after Burna Boy posted a photo of him and Diddy that he won a Grammy Award. Burna Boy, don’t be offended, but how many oils did Diddy use on you before they gave you the Grammy award?” he said.

He was re-arrested in November 2024, in Owerri, Imo State, while performing at a show after he returned to the country.

Nollywood actor Kunle Afod says in his 38 years experience as an actor and director, he has learnt “there is no friend or foe anywhere”.

Afod, while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos, said that nobody should be perceived as a permanent friend or enemy in life.

He said: “Someone believed as a friend can turn to be a traitor and another fellow perceived as an enemy may become instrumental to one’s success.

“I have been able to learn these two phases of life which everyone should beware of.

“I started acting since 1986 and I have learnt that there are no friends nor foes anywhere. I think it is better for people to be liberal.

“The person you see as your friend might come to stab you and that fellow you see as your enemy might be the person that will help you.”

Afod disclosed plans to come up with a big screen production in 2025.

“This year, I am looking toward the big screen. I will also be coming up with new series of the proverbs challenge this year. I like creating contents that are competitive,” he said.

Advising up-and-coming actors and directors, Afod said they should work toward improving on their knowledge.

“Directors should also be willing to carry out lots of research to improve on their work, upgrade their knowledge from time to time,” he said.

Afrobeats singer Tiwa Savage has responded to concerns about a video showing her “swimming with sharks.”

The 44-year-old artist shared the underwater footage on her Instagram story, where she could be seen swimming close to the marine creatures while wearing an oxygen mask.

She revealed that the experience was part of her bucket list.

The video, which quickly went viral, sparked worries among fans on social media about her safety.

Addressing these concerns in a follow-up post, she reassured her fans saying “The real danger lies within the Nigerian music industry.”

“Everyone worried about me swimming with sharks, but the ones in this music industry are way more f**king dangerous.”

Savage’s statement has, however, sparked speculation, leaving many to question what inspired her remarks.

While she didn’t delve into specifics, her words hint at the cutthroat nature of the Nigerian music industry.

She made headlines after alleging threats of assault and grievous harm against fellow artist Davido in January 2024.

Savage filed a petition with the police, outlining claims of harassment following an Instagram story she posted on December 23, 2023, which featured Sophia Momodu, Davido’s ex-partner.

In the petition, Savage urged the authorities to hold Davido responsible should anything happen to her or her family.

The controversy intensified when TeeBillz, Savage’s ex-husband, publicly vowed to “teach Davido a lesson” for allegedly disrespecting his family.

The Federal High Court, Lagos Division, has given an interim order to freeze bank accounts linked to Iroko TV boss Jason Njoku amid a legal battle with Cote Ouest Audiovisuel Maurice, an independent global audiovisual company headquartered in Mauritius.

Judge L.A. Okunnu gave the order while ruling on an ex parte motion dated March 21, 2024, and filed on behalf of the Mauritius company over an unresolved contractual issue with Mr Njoku and his company.

The company (claimants) noted it entered two separate licence agreements with Mr Njoku’s Iroko TV, granting his company non-exclusive rights to broadcast five telenovelas, including Caribbean Flowers, Juanita is Single, Now Generation, Seize the Day and Hidden Truth, both amounting to $141,500.

The claimants further claimed Mr Njoku refused to honour the licence agreements, leading to a settlement of $68780 to be paid in instruments from October 7, 2023, to February 7, 2025.

“A Garnishee Order Nisi is hereby made to the effect that sums of money which stand to the credit of the judgement debtors be and hereby attached to satisfy the judgement debt yet unpaid — the sum of USD 68780…or its equivalent in Naira as well as the administrative costs of these garnishee proceedings,” the order stated.

In 2019, IROKOtv, an online video-on-demand platform, announced the successful sale of her incubated media assets ‘ROK Group’ (‘ROK Studios’, ‘ROK1–3 on DStv/GOtv’ and ‘ROK on SKY’) to Canal Plus, a subsidiary of Canal+Group with the majority stake in Côte Ouest Audiovisuel, for an undisclosed amount. The new acquisition comprised ROK’s production, content distribution and publishing channels.

Although the acquisition came as Canal+Group looked to strengthen its content production reach in Nigeria and across Africa, Mr Njoku clarified that Canal Plus only acquired IROKO Ltd shares in the ROK Group, noting his wife, Mary Njoku, still retained her stake.

Meanwhile, many speculated that Iroko TV underwent a discreet acquisition that year, alleging Mr Njoku embarked on an extravagant globetrotting adventure which affected the running of the company.

Mr Njoku, however, denied allegations of IROKOtv’s death, saying the company is undergoing a much-needed transition.

“Irokotv dead? We can all agree that 2023 has been a nightmare. For me, it’s been unusually brutal as I have spent considerable time dealing with debt restructuring, cost reductions and completing the three-year turnaround of Iroko,” Mr Njoku tweeted.

Canal Plus and Mr Njoku did not return requests seeking comments on the case.

Controversial singer Portable has voiced his disapproval of comparisons being made between his facial tattoos and those of fellow artist Asake.

Following Asake’s recent unveiling of his facial tattoos, which include dollar signs and the word “Believe,” some fans drew similarities between his look and Portable’s.

Reacting on social media, Portable expressed his displeasure, saying, “Don’t compare me to Asake. I don’t look like Asake. I look like Lil Wayne. Stop comparing me to overrated artists.”

The singer’s statement has sparked further discussions among fans regarding individuality and style in the music industry.

Rapper, singer and songwriter Vector the Viper has revealed that his diverse musical background has been instrumental in his ability to stay relevant in the industry.

In an interview with Arise News, Vector credited his Yoruba heritage and early Christian upbringing in a white garment church for shaping his unique sound.

He emphasised the importance of versatility in music, noting that every artist should be free to express themselves in their own way.

“Every artiste has the right to affiliate with music how they wish. Let’s not box anything in. I have been honest with my music and as a Yoruba boy, I was raised with words and proverbs and wise sayings. Those things form like the core background of what you do. But then, I was also exposed to music properly in the white garment church. So how do I box myself? Which is why I say I am just within the confines of music,”he said.

Vector also discussed his fusion of rap and Afrobeat, dubbed “Rap-frobeat,” which he believes allows artists to maintain their originality while experimenting with different styles.

“With Rap-frobeat, I realized that the majority of the things that we claim will always lead to foreign intelligence to define and also even with Afrobeat, I have done a little bit of academic inquiry into it, but musically speaking. But Afrobeats as a music genre is probably in the recent past, the only genre of music that can embody different genres of music and still maintain its original identity,” he stated.

He explained that he pioneered this genre to prove to critics that he possessed vocal talent and a gift for words.

“So, yes, there is Afrobeat like the one Fela has done which is legendary but the way that the contemporary artistes have been able to fuse things together. So, I then made Rap-frobeat because I feel like, especially those of us that came into the rap game, there is this misrepresentation that says because you are a rapper, you can’t sing, whereas in my head, as Africans, we are blessed with words,” Vector added.

Afro-Juju maestro, Sir Shina Peters, has advised Nigerian youths to embrace hard work and shun get-rich-quick acts which have become the order of the day.

Mr Peters gave the advice during an interview on Thursday in Lagos.

The legendary musician urged the youth to uphold hard work, dedication and perseverance to achieve success.

Mr Peters, who has been in the music industry for over four decades, recalled his struggles before achieving success.

He said his success was as a result of his hard work, perseverance and service to others.

He stated, “It is sad to realise that our youths who we refer to as the leaders of tomorrow are too concerned about material things, they don’t believe in gradual success which can stand the test of time. I advise them now; they better retrace their steps and uphold gradual success which comes with hardwork, dedication and perseverance. They believe so much in money rituals. May God forgive them. They must embrace hard work and patience. These values are essential for achieving lasting success.’’

According to him, the get-rich-quick mentality has led many young people astray, causing them to engage in fraudulent activities and other vices.

The afro-juju icon also urged parents, guardians, and leaders to play more active roles in guiding the youth and instilling in them the right values.

He said to address youth restiveness, governments must establish platforms that provide meaningful engagement opportunities for young people after they graduate from tertiary institutions.

He said, “When the youth are constructively engaged, they will be less likely to indulge in criminal activities, as their time and energy will be channelled toward positive pursuits.”

Singer Spyro has expressed his frustration with the challenges of being a celebrity in Lagos.

He shared a personal experience in which he was insulted by a man whom he had promised to help the next day because he did not have the means.

Spyro revealed that he spends a minimum of N100,000 whenever he leaves his house and estimated that he spends around N15 million annually on helping others.

He explained that he faces constant demands for financial assistance, whether in public, at church, or even online.

The singer expressed his appreciation for his colleagues who face similar challenges, calling them the “real MVPs.”
He wrote on Instagram: “It’s really hard being a celebrity in Lagos. I told a guy I didn’t have anything and would see him the next day. He rained insults on me. Every day I step out of my house, I spend a minimum of N100k on gifts. Now let’s do the maths: let’s say I go out three times a week, that’s N300k per week, making N1.2m per month, and that’s about N15 million a year, Kilode.

“If I enter a restaurant, the bill waits for me outside; I enter the church, the same thing… Enter the estate, the same; carry phone enter online, na the same thing.

“Everybody wants to take, but nobody wants to give, and nobody thinks about how you are faring.

“S/O to every one of my colleagues out there going through this; you’re all the real MVPs and I celebrate you.”

Controversial artist Portable has voiced his support for Burna Boy amidst the ongoing rift between the Grammy-winning singer and Cubana Chief Priest, a close ally of Davido.

In a social media post, Portable shared a photo of Burna Boy, hailing him as “bigger than the rest” and applauding his authenticity.

He commended Burna Boy for not living a “fake life.”

Portable’s endorsement followed Burna Boy’s recent remarks, where he took a jab at an unnamed colleague for leading a fake lifestyle—comments widely speculated to target either Davido or Cubana Chief Priest.

Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Terseer Waya, popularly known as Kiddwaya, has revealed plans to launch a music career.

According to the 31-year-old reality star, he intends to utilise his father’s wealth to collaborate with top artists in the industry.

Kiddwaya shared his intentions on his X handle, stating,“Maybe I should enter this music business aswell. Popsi is rich so we go just hire the best of everyone. Make I kuku see wetin sup.”

This move follows a trend of Nigerian reality stars transitioning into music after gaining fame on reality shows.

Notable examples include Timi Dakolo, Omawunmi, Iyanya, Chidinma, Laycon and Efe Money, who have all successfully launched music careers after appearing on reality TV.

Ghanaian actor-turned-politician, John Dumelo, has announced the death of his father, John Anato-Dumelo Snr., at the age of 75.

Sharing the news on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Dumelo reflected on their final moments together, expressing gratitude for his father’s unwavering support and guidance.

He paid an emotional tribute, noting the bond they shared and the void his father’s absence will leave.

Dumelo recounted their last conversation, which centered on politics, business, and farming, as well as advice for his upcoming swearing-in as a member of parliament.
In the post, he wrote, ”At age 75, you lived your life well. Yesterday you called me several times that I come see you. We sat on the bed and spoke at length about politics, life, farming and business and of ourse we gossiped. We spoke about my swearing-in in three days time and you told me specifically to serve diligently in government.

“10 minutes after I left your house, I was called that you were not being responsive. I came back, we rushed you to the hospital and you were gone. Thanks for being my father, thanks for being my best friend, thanks for being my number 1 cheer leader and thanks for everything you did for me. Say hi to mum for us all.

‘We will miss you. Rest in perfect Peace Engineer John William Kudzo Anato-Dumelo Snr.”

Actor Yul Edochie has paid tributes to his late son, Kambilichukwu, on what would have been his 18th birthday today.

Sharing their photo, Yul Edochie reflected on the activities his son loved, hoping he was able to continue doing them in the afterlife.

The actor expressed his deep longing for his son, appealing to him to continue watching over his family.

Yul Edochie’s message reads: “Happy 18th birthday, son, Kambi Yul-Edochie. Hope you’re doing well over there, flying with the angels and playing basketball and football. I miss you so much. Keep watching over your family. Till we meet again. Forever in my heart, Love you, son.”

Kambilichukwu died in 2023 at 16, after reportedly slumping and being rushed to the hospital.

Actress Shaffy Bello has expressed concerns over the influence of technology on the younger generation.

During a recent appearance on Tope Olowoniyan’s talk show, Bello noted that while technology has its benefits, it can also be destructive if not used responsibly.

“The younger ones are missing out in a lot of ways. The younger generation is getting carried away with technology, the same technology that is fixing things and making life easier for you. However, I believe it can also be destructive if one is not careful,” she said.

Bello, who has a 28-year-old daughter and a 26-year-old son, acknowledged that she may not be fully aware of the challenges faced by young people today but she has some insight.

She emphasised that growing up in today’s world is much more difficult than it was in her time.

The actress reflected on her own experiences, sharing that she had her daughter at 26 and faced different challenges than those faced by young people today.

“It is much more difficult to be alive now than it was when we were growing up, it was harder for us then. I had my daughter at 26,” she stressed.

Actress and filmmaker Mercy Aigbe has announced her latest movie “Thinline”, has grossed N100 million at the box office.

Aigbe took to Instagram to express her gratitude to God and supporters, who have contributed to the film’s success.

She acknowledged the challenges faced during the production of the movie but is appreciative of the remarkable success.

The actress encouraged fans who have not yet seen the movie to experience it in cinemas, promising a unique cinematic experience.

She wrote: “Elede mi a de Oyo, Ariwo e lo ma po. Against all Odds, Against all the challenges, my amazing movie THINLINE is still thriving and standing Tall.

“My heart is full of gratitude to God and to everyone who have supported this journey thus far , i am so so grateful.

“This Win would not have been possible without your love, encouragement and support, for that i say a big THANK YOU.

“To everyone who have seen this masterpiece in a Cinema i say thank you! To everyone who continue to spread the word i say thank you.

“Those who haven’t experienced THINLINE in a cinema close to them, stop dulling! Go give yourself a treat! Go enjoy a cinematic experience never before!!!”

Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo, also known as Queen Mother has opened up about some personal and traumatic experiences from her childhood.

In a conversation with her colleague Biola Bayo on the talk show, Talk to B, which was shared on Friday, Ojo revealed that she had been r*ped five times.

She highlighted the prevalence of rape apologists in society and stated that she would hold anyone, even her own son, accountable if accused of such a crime.

“I was r*ped five times in my life. I discovered we have a lot of rape apologists. I don’t care who the person is; if that person is my son, I am going to come for him unapologetically,” she declared.

Iyabo also revealed that her father disowned her when she insisted on marrying her late husband.

“The only time I lacked was when I insisted this was the man I was going to get married to because, at that time, my dad and I disowned each other.

She spoke about how her father struggled with alcohol and drug addiction, which ultimately led to his death at the young age of 40.

“My dad did everything, alcohol and drugs, so it messed him up at a young age. He died at 40,” she added.

Reflecting on her early years, Iyabo disclosed that she was raised by her grandmother and only met her mother when she was around seven years old.

“I grew up with my grandmother, who is half Delta and half Igbo. I think I was seven before I knew my mother,” she added.

The Zambia’s music icon Wesley Chibambo, popularly known as Dandy Krazy has passed away at 47

He died on Thursday after succumbing to injuries sustained in a road accident on New Year’s Eve.

The accident, which occurred in the Kapiri Mposhi region, claimed four lives, including Dandy Krazy.

Despite undergoing emergency surgery at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, the musician’s injuries proved fatal.

Paying tributes lol, President Hakainde Hichilema expressed condolences to the family, fans and friends of the deceased musician.

“Our hearts go out to the family, fans & friends of Wesley Chibambo aka Dandy Krazy, and those affected by the tragic accident that sadly claimed 4 lives. Our dedicated Doctors & Nurses at #UTH are doing all they can. Keeping the bereaved families in our prayers during this time.

“With profound sadness we have learnt of the passing of Wesley Chibambo, aka Dandy Crazy. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends & fans. His music & charisma transcended boundaries. We also remember the 4 others lost in the tragic accident. May their souls rest in peace”.

Dandy Krazy’s music career spanned over two decades, during which he used his platform to address social and economic issues in Zambia.

His hit song “Donchi Kubeba” (“Don’t Tell Them”) played a significant role in the Patriotic Front’s victory in the 2011 general elections.

The music fraternity has been flooded with tributes and condolences, with fans and fellow musicians remembering Dandy Krazy’s contribution to Zambian music and his courage in speaking truth to power through his art.

Multiple award-winning singer, Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has announced his return to Nigeria after his performance at the 2025 Greater Lagos Countdown.

The event, held on December 31, 2024, at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, was part of the Lagos State Government’s annual end-of-year fiesta.

Wizkid, known for his hit songs, expressed his excitement to be home.

He said, “First of all, happy new year! You will live long, you will be wealthy. Long life and good health shall be for you and all your family.

“I have a very important message for you today, Lagos, Nigeria. I want you to know that your son Ayodeji Balogun, aka Wizkid, Machalla, the biggest bird, is back home now.”

The 34-year-old singer’s performance was part of the star-studded lineup at the Greater Lagos Countdown 2025, which also featured Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Olamide, Seyi Vibez, BNXN and Qinq Madi, among others.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had earlier announced the lineup, stating that Lagos was ready to host the biggest countdown event in Africa.

Actor and producer Pere Egbi has corroborated Femi Branch’s claims about the challenges faced by filmmakers in Nigerian cinemas.

Egbi shared his personal experience with his film, “The Silent Intruder,” which he claimed was unfairly treated by cinemas.

In an Instagram post, Egbi thanked Branch for speaking out on the issue and revealed that he had planned to wait until the end of January 2025 to take action.

Egbi claimed that he spent over N150 million of his personal funds on producing “The Silent Intruder” and borrowed an additional N11 million from a friend in London.

According to him, he spent over N200 million in total.

Despite this significant investment, he said the film only made N53 million in cinemas, when he personally earned just N8 million.

He expressed frustration that the film had not been picked up by streaming platforms like Netflix or Prime Video, despite being released almost 11 months ago.

Egbi stated that he had to leave Nigeria and return to America to work and pay back the loan he took to finance the film.

The actor and producer vowed to take matters by his own hands, threatening to release the film on YouTube himself if nothing changes by the end of January 2025.

He wrote on Instagram: “Dear Femi Branch, I came across your video, and I want to say thank you for speaking out on this issue. Every single thing you said is pure facts. Honestly, I was planning to wait until the end of January 2025 before making any moves, but at this point, I’m saying, “F*** it, let’s go!”

“This nonsense some cinemas do—hiding films, poor screen times—it happened to The Silent Intruder, my film. I spent over 150 million naira of my personal funds just on production, borrowed another 11 million naira from a friend in London, and still ended up being shown shege by cinemas. Imagine spending over 200 million naira (pre-production to post-production), and the film only made 53 million naira in cinemas. Out of that, I personally got just 8 million naira.

“It’s been almost 11 months since its release, and I’ve seen no Netflix or Prime Video deal. Meanwhile, films that premiered alongside mine are already streaming. Because of all this mess, I had to leave Nigeria and return to America to work, just so I can pay back the kind-hearted woman who lent me the money.

“At this point, I don’t care about being blacklisted. If nothing comes through by the end of January, I’ll release the film on YouTube myself. Enough is enough”.

Actor Femi Branch has expressed frustration over the reported growing trend of cinemas promoting one movie above others.

Branch’s concerns were sparked during a meet-and-greet event for Toyin Abraham’s latest film, “Alakada Bad and Bougie,” at a cinema.

The actor, in a video, revealed that cinema staff often wear promotional T-shirts for one film, remove media cards for other films from their counters, and replace them with those of the promoted film.

Branch further alleged that some cinema staff lobby patrons into watching certain movies, assuring them that it’s better than their intended choice.

Branch emphasised that cinemas should not dictate what people watch, and he warned those engaging in this practice to stop.

He argued that this behaviour creates division within the industry and appealed for an even playing field for producers.

Branch called for fairness and transparency in cinema promotions.

Recall that actress and producer Toyin Abraham recently hinted at the challenges faced by film owners in cinemas.

Abraham noted that some fans expect gifts in exchange for watching her movie, creating an uneven playing field for producers who cannot afford to offer such incentives.

Also, she and Mercy Aigbe accused some cinemas of sabotaging their films.

Renowned actor, producer, and director Afeez Owo has announced the passing of his father, Moshood Akanji Abiodun.

The Nollywood star, who is married to actress Mide Martins, broke the news on social media on Friday night, December 27, sharing a heartfelt tribute alongside a photo of his late father.

He wrote, “Sad… Rest in peace Baba miii. ERIN WO Rest On Moshood Akanji ABIODUN. Eku Baba Afeez Sun Re ooooo.”

Fans and industry colleagues have since flooded his comment section with messages of condolence and support as the family navigates this challenging time.