Entertainment
Davido Turns World Cup Stage Into Protest – Wears Jacket Bearing Names of Kidnapped Oyo Schoolchildren at FIFA Concert
Davido Turns World Cup Stage Into Protest – Wears Jacket Bearing Names of Kidnapped Oyo Schoolchildren at FIFA Concert
LOS ANGELES – Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, transformed his performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup countdown concert into a powerful plea for justice on Wednesday, wearing a customized jacket bearing the names of schoolchildren and teachers recently abducted in Oyo State, Nigeria. Taking the stage at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, the Grammy-nominated singer used one of football’s biggest global stages to spotlight the security crisis back home, demanding immediate government action for the victims who remain in captivity. The concert formed part of FIFA’s global countdown activities, with simultaneous events held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico in the lead-up to football’s biggest tournament. Davido performed alongside American singer America Foster, electronic music group Major Lazer, and renowned producer and DJ Diplo. By displaying the victims’ names before a global audience, the singer effectively transformed a World Cup celebration into a platform for advocacy, ensuring that the plight of the abducted children and their teachers reached millions beyond Nigeria’s borders.
A viral backstage video revealed the striking details of Davido’s carefully planned attire. The singer wore a white T-shirt reading “NIGERIA” beneath a black leather jacket. The jacket featured the message “BRING THEM HOME” boldly printed across the back and was decorated with green circular buttons on the front. Each button bore the name of a kidnapped victim. In a poignant design choice, the names of those still in captivity were written in white, while the names of those who had lost their lives were inscribed in red. The victims were pupils and teachers abducted during a deadly attack on schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026. Armed bandits reportedly stormed the schools, abducting dozens of students and teachers, including a vice-principal. One teacher was killed during the attack, while another abducted teacher was later murdered by the kidnappers. Before his musical performance, Davido addressed the international audience, saying: “Peace and love everywhere. May God be with the families of the abducted and the ones who have been killed.”
Before his musical performance, Davido addressed the international audience, expressing grief over the pace of rescue operations and urging both federal and state governments to hasten their intervention. “They still haven’t been rescued, we’re praying to God every day. We’re also praying to God that the government hastens. My country is going through a lot. We represent everywhere we go,” the singer added. The May 15 abduction has triggered nationwide outrage, prompting solidarity protests by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and an indefinite strike by teachers in Oyo State. The incident has generated widespread public concern, intensified by distress messages released by the school’s principal regarding the harsh conditions the hostages are facing.
READ ALSO:
- Sirika Trial: Nigeria Air Aircraft Chartered From Ethiopian Airlines for 3-Day Display – EFCC Witness
- Democracy Day: FG Declares June 12 Public Holiday
- Agbedi Emerges House Minority Leader as Reps End Leadership Tension
Davido’s gesture at the FIFA concert is the latest in a series of public interventions by the singer on Nigeria’s worsening security situation. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter) , he expressed concern over the growing wave of kidnappings across the country. He wrote: “I’m weak. God, please take control; we can’t continue like this. My heart goes out to the victims and their families. I can’t lie, we entertainers, including me, need to speak up.” The post drew widespread reactions from celebrities and public figures, including actress and content creator Kiekie, comedian and filmmaker AY Makun, and singer Tiwa Savage.
Amid public outcry over the Federal Government’s perceived indifference to the plight of the students, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu issued a statement assuring parents that his administration would ensure the safe return of the abducted children. Tinubu declared that he had “directed all relevant security agencies to sustain and intensify coordinated rescue operations for abducted children and other vulnerable citizens across the country. These operations must be intelligence-led, carefully executed and focused on the safe recovery of our children.” Beyond securing the safe return of the students, President Tinubu also expressed his administration’s determination to provide medical care for the children once they regain their freedom.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has also intervened repeatedly, meeting with relatives of the victims and assuring them that security agencies were working relentlessly to secure their release. During a meeting with affected families, the governor described the kidnappers’ actions as cruel and inhumane, pledging that authorities would continue rescue efforts until all the abductees were safely reunited with their loved ones.
Photos and videos of the performance quickly circulated online, prompting praise from many Nigerians who commended the singer for drawing international attention to the abduction crisis. Many social media users described the gesture as a powerful reminder that, amid the excitement surrounding the World Cup, some Nigerian families are still waiting for their children and loved ones to come home.
Davido’s tribute comes at a time when concerns over insecurity and school abductions remain high across parts of Nigeria. More than three weeks after the abduction, many relatives remain uncertain about the fate of their loved ones and continue to appeal for their safe return. For families of the victims, the singer’s message carried a significance far beyond fashion or entertainment. As concerns over insecurity continue to mount, more celebrities and citizens have joined calls for stronger government action to protect lives and tackle rising cases of kidnapping and violent crime across the nation. Key events in this developing story include: on May 15, 2026, armed bandits attacked schools in Oriire LGA, Oyo State, abducting dozens of pupils and teachers, with one teacher killed during the attack and another later murdered by kidnappers; on June 10, 2026, Davido performed at the FIFA World Cup countdown concert in Los Angeles, wearing a custom jacket bearing victims’ names and addressing the global audience; and following the concert, President Tinubu issued a statement on rescue operations while Governor Makinde met with affected families. The victims remain in captivity as rescue operations continue. This is a developing story. More details will be provided as information becomes available from Nigerian security agencies and government officials. Key details to remember: the abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State; victims include pupils, teachers, and a vice-principal; one teacher was killed during the attack and another was later murdered; Davido wore a jacket with “BRING THE HOME” and buttons bearing victims’ names at the FIFA concert on June 10, 2026; President Tinubu has ordered intensified rescue operations; and Governor Makinde has met with affected families.
Davido Turns World Cup Stage Into Protest – Wears Jacket Bearing Names of Kidnapped Oyo Schoolchildren at FIFA Concert
![]()
Entertainment
“Don’t Let Me Die”: Veteran Nollywood Actress Ngozi Nwosu Begs for ₦30m Surgery Fund
“Don’t Let Me Die”: Veteran Nollywood Actress Ngozi Nwosu Begs for ₦30m Surgery Fund
Veteran Nollywood actress Ngozi Nwosu has made a heartfelt public appeal for financial assistance, revealing that she has been hospitalised for three weeks and urgently requires ₦30 million for three life-saving surgeries.
The 62-year-old screen icon, best known for her memorable role as “Peaceful Peace” in the popular television sitcom Fuji House of Commotion, shared an emotional video from her hospital bed on her Instagram page on Thursday, July 23, 2026. In the video, a visibly pained Nwosu explained her prolonged absence from the public eye and pleaded with fans, friends, family, and colleagues not to abandon her during this critical period. Speaking from her hospital bed, Nwosu described her deteriorating health condition and the intense pain she has been enduring. She disclosed that her situation had escalated beyond what she and her family could handle, prompting her to seek public support. “My people, my fans and my family, I know that you’ve not seen me in circulation for some time. I’ve been hospitalised now for three weeks. Please, the thing has gone beyond my control. I need your help, don’t let me die,” she pleaded. The actress, who has been a familiar face in Nollywood for decades, acknowledged the difficulty of making such a public appeal but explained that her condition left her with no other option. “I know that you people never forsake me and I know that God will always see me through, but I’m begging you, my friends and family, don’t let me die because I am going through a lot, as in pain,” she added.
READ ALSO:
- Osun election: Àtàọ́ja should stop running joro-jara-joro
- Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today: Naira Holds Steady as Fuel Importer Demand Mounts
- Senate Bill Requiring Social Media Offices in Nigeria Gains Stakeholder Support at Public Hearing
While Nwosu did not disclose the specific nature of her illness, she revealed that doctors have recommended three surgical procedures, with the total cost estimated at ₦30 million. She directed anyone willing to assist her to contact her management or legal representative for further details. In a written caption accompanying her video, Nwosu urged her followers to share her appeal widely and not to scroll past the post. “My fans, friends, family and colleagues, this was really hard for me to do, but I can’t keep quiet anymore. I need urgent life-saving surgeries. Please don’t scroll past. Share this post and support if you can,” she wrote. She concluded her appeal with a prayer for her supporters: “God bless you and may you and yours never experience this affliction.”
This is not the first time the veteran actress has faced a serious health crisis. In 2012, she battled a highly publicized kidney-related illness that temporarily halted her acting career. At that time, she received support from government entities and non-profit organizations, enabling her to travel to the United Kingdom for treatment. In 2013, Premium Times reported that Nwosu received a ₦4.5 million lifeline from the Lagos State Government, while good-spirited individuals donated ₦2.5 million to complete the ₦6 million she needed for her UK procedure. Now, 13 years later, she is once again calling on Nigerians to help save her life.
Nwosu began her acting career on stage, training at the Royal Theatre Art Club School before transitioning to television and film. She gained early recognition through the television series Ripples, where she played the character Madam V-Boot. Her appearance in the 1992 classic film Living in Bondage also placed her among the familiar faces of Nollywood’s home-video era. However, she is perhaps best remembered for her role as Peace, one of Chief Fuji’s wives, in Amaka Igwe’s beloved sitcom Fuji House of Commotion. Over the years, she has remained a prominent screen presence, with credits including Skinny Girl in Transit, Isoken, Light in the Dark, and Crazy Grannies.
Since her appeal went viral, reactions have poured in from fans, colleagues, and members of the entertainment industry, many of whom have expressed sympathy and called for urgent support to help her raise the ₦30 million needed for her surgeries. Fellow celebrities and fans flooded her comment section with prayers and messages of encouragement. The situation has also drawn renewed attention to the challenges faced by veteran Nollywood actors, particularly regarding healthcare access and financial security in their later years.
“Don’t Let Me Die”: Veteran Nollywood Actress Ngozi Nwosu Begs for ₦30m Surgery Fund
![]()
Entertainment
2Baba, Annie Idibia Both Deny Rekindling Romance as Viral Dance Video Sparks False Reunion Hopes
2Baba, Annie Idibia Both Deny Rekindling Romance as Viral Dance Video Sparks False Reunion Hopes
Lagos, Nigeria – Nigerian music legend Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba (and formerly Tuface), has firmly dismissed widespread speculation that he and his ex-wife, Annie Idibia, have rekindled their romantic relationship. The rumors erupted over the weekend after an old video of the former couple dancing affectionately together resurfaced online and quickly went viral across social media platforms, igniting hopes of a fairytale reconciliation among their millions of fans.
The resurfaced clip shows 2Baba dressed in a stylish outfit complete with a fedora hat, while Annie sports a fashionable crop top. The pair are seen dancing intimately to 2Baba’s classic hit song “Amaka,” with the singer holding Annie close as they swayed and smiled at each other. The warm, affectionate nature of the footage led many fans, bloggers, and entertainment commentators to conclude that the estranged couple had reconciled and possibly rekindled their romance after their highly publicized separation in early 2025.
However, 2Baba was quick to pour cold water on the rumors. Taking to his official Instagram page (@official2baba) on Monday, the legendary artiste posted a clarification that left little room for interpretation. “Abeg nah old video o,” he wrote, adding several laughing emojis to underscore his point. The brief but direct response effectively confirmed that the footage was not recent and should not be interpreted as a sign of a renewed relationship. His casual, almost amused tone suggested that he found the speculation more entertaining than concerning.
His statement came just hours after Annie Idibia had also addressed the speculation on her Instagram Stories. The mother of two wrote: “Old videos circulating everywhere, false news everywhere!!!” She added a sharp cautionary note directed at her followers: “Believe everything u see on SM at your expense! Wishing everyone a great, fruitful week ahead.” Her tone suggested mild frustration with the constant scrutiny of her personal life, while also making it clear that the video did not represent any current reality. By using the abbreviation “SM” for social media, she subtly reminded her audience that not everything they encounter online is truthful or current.
READ ALSO:
- DJ Chicken Released From Kirikiri Detention After Meeting ₦1 Million Bail Conditions
- Atiku’s lobbying firm sends Tinubu’s forfeiture records to US Congress
- 2027: North-Central group backs Tinubu for second term, says re-election ‘done deal’
To fully understand why the video generated such intense reactions, one must revisit the couple’s highly publicized and often turbulent marital history. 2Baba and Annie Idibia’s relationship has been one of the most talked-about celebrity unions in Nigeria, spanning over a decade and producing two daughters, Isabella and Olivia. Their love story, which included a lavish fairytale wedding in 2013, was often celebrated as a testament to enduring love and second chances—especially given that 2Baba had children with other women prior to their marriage, including singer Pero Adeniyi and Sumbo Ajala-Adeoye.
However, the relationship was also fraught with public drama, infidelity allegations, and emotional turmoil, much of which played out on social media and reality television, including the popular Netflix reality show “Young, Famous & African.” In January 2025, 2Baba shocked fans when he took to his social media pages to announce the end of his marriage to Annie. He confirmed that they had separated and were living apart, though he did not go into specific details about the reasons for the split. The announcement sent shockwaves through the Nigerian entertainment industry, with many fans expressing heartbreak over the collapse of a union they had rooted for over the years.
In the months that followed, Annie Idibia began to carve out a new identity for herself. She publicly stated that she does not consider herself a “single mum” but rather “a woman with kids,” emphasizing that her identity extends far beyond her marital status. She has since focused on motherhood, her beauty and lifestyle ventures, and personal growth, often sharing inspirational posts about resilience, self-love, and healing on her social media platforms. She has also been open about her journey toward emotional independence, earning admiration from many women who see her as a symbol of strength and reinvention.
The resurfacing of the video triggered a flood of reactions across Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Facebook, with fans divided into three main camps. The first group, the hopeful romantics, expressed excitement at the possibility of a reunion, with comments like “They are meant to be together” and “Love always finds its way back.” Some even urged the couple to give their marriage another chance for the sake of their children. The second group, the skeptics, quickly pointed out that the video appeared dated, noting 2Baba’s outfit and Annie’s hairstyle as giveaways, and criticized bloggers for sensationalizing old content to drive engagement. The third group, the concerned fans, expressed hope that both parties would find peace, whether together or apart, and urged the public to respect the couple’s privacy and allow them to heal individually without external pressure.
Notable celebrities and influencers also weighed in on the unfolding drama. Media personality Toke Makinwa, known for her outspoken views on relationships and women’s empowerment, posted a cryptic message on her Instagram Story that read: “People will believe what they want to believe. The truth is often boring.” Meanwhile, singer Rema simply shared the video with a laughing emoji, avoiding any direct commentary but subtly acknowledging the absurdity of the situation. Other entertainment figures, including Ubi Franklin and Doreen Morakinyo, also chimed in with their own takes, further fueling the online conversation.
A quick forensic look at the video reveals several clues that align with 2Baba and Annie’s earlier years together. The outfit choices—2Baba’s fedora hat and Annie’s crop top style—were popular in the mid-2010s, around the time “Amaka” was heavily promoted. The video quality appears to have been shot on older smartphone or camera equipment, lacking the high-definition clarity common in recent celebrity content. Additionally, the setting and lighting suggest it was filmed during a private celebration or photoshoot, possibly around 2016 to 2018, well before their separation. These contextual details further confirm that the footage is a nostalgic throwback rather than a reflection of their current relationship status.
Neither 2Baba nor Annie has indicated any intention of reconciling. In fact, both have moved on in their respective lives—2Baba continues to focus on his music career, philanthropy, and business ventures, including his role as a brand ambassador and his work with the 2Baba Foundation. Annie, on the other hand, is building her brand as a wellness advocate, entrepreneur, and mother, often sharing glimpses of her new life on her YouTube channel and Instagram page.
As of now, there is no official confirmation from either party about a reunion. Their mutual dismissal of the video suggests that they are committed to their separate paths. However, sources close to the family have reportedly told Pulse Nigeria that the two maintain a cordial co-parenting relationship for the sake of their children, which is likely why old footage of them together continues to generate interest and spark false hope among fans.
The couple’s legal status remains unclear—neither has filed for divorce publicly, though their separation announcement in 2025 was definitive. Whether they will eventually finalize a divorce or quietly reconcile remains a matter of pure speculation. For now, both appear focused on their individual growth and responsibilities.
The viral video of 2Baba and Annie Idibia dancing together is ultimately a nostalgic throwback, not a sign of reconciliation. Both have made it clear through their social media posts that the footage is old and should not be misconstrued. While fans may continue to root for a reunion, the couple’s statements suggest that they are focused on their individual journeys. For now, the public would do well to respect their boundaries and allow them the space to live their lives—whether together or apart—without constant speculation and media intrusion.
2Baba, Annie Idibia Both Deny Rekindling Romance as Viral Dance Video Sparks False Reunion Hopes
![]()
Entertainment
‘I didn’t eat or bathe for four days,’ Peller says after police detention
‘I didn’t eat or bathe for four days,’ Peller says after police detention
Popular Nigerian TikTok content creator Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, has opened up about his experience in police custody, alleging that he spent nearly four days in detention without food or access to a bath following his arrest by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command.
The social media influencer made the claims in a series of posts shared on his Snapchat account shortly after regaining his freedom, describing the experience as the most difficult ordeal of his life.
According to Peller, the conditions in detention left him physically exhausted and emotionally shaken, adding that he had never experienced anything similar before.
“I am ugly now. I can’t show my face yet. Omo, I sleep cell for almost four days. It has never happened to me before in my life,” he wrote.
Peller and his associate, Bello Oladipo, were arrested on July 2, 2026, along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road in the Lekki area of Lagos after police officers intercepted their vehicle, which allegedly had no registration number plate.
The encounter reportedly escalated when Peller began recording the interaction with his mobile phone. He later alleged that one of the officers pulled his shirt and pointed a gun at him during the incident.
However, the Lagos State Police Command disputed the allegation, insisting that the duo obstructed officers who were carrying out their lawful duties during a routine operation.
The command subsequently charged Peller and Oladipo before a Lagos Magistrate Court on July 7 on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy to resist public officers, obstructing police officers in the discharge of their lawful duties, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace by allegedly threatening and filming police officers during the operation.
READ ALSO:
- US Names 124 Nigerians for Deportation in “Worst of the Worst” Criminal Crackdown
- Oyo school abduction: Bandits threaten to kill abducted pupils if troops advance
- Presidency Slams Peter Obi’s ‘False Intimidation Claims’
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following their arraignment, the court granted each defendant ₦500,000 bail with two sureties. The magistrate directed that one of the sureties must be a blood relative, while both sureties are required to present tax clearance certificates covering the previous two years. The case was adjourned until August 11, 2026, for further hearing.
Reflecting on his days in detention, Peller claimed he neither ate nor bathed throughout the period, saying fellow inmates jokingly referred to him as their “001” shortly after he was brought into the cell.
“As dey put me for cell, people wey dey cell talk say, ‘You be our 001 now.’ Omo, I burst laugh once. I no follow anybody talk till I comot.
“001 wey una wan give water beans.
“I no chop for four good days. I no bath,” he wrote.
His account has sparked widespread reactions across social media, with many users expressing sympathy over his alleged experience, while others urged that the legal process be allowed to run its course.
The incident has also reignited public debate about police-citizen encounters, the treatment of suspects in detention, and the growing role of smartphones and social media in documenting interactions between law enforcement officers and members of the public.
As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Police Command had not publicly responded to Peller’s latest allegations regarding the conditions of his detention. His claims remain personal allegations that have not been independently verified, while the criminal charges against him and his co-defendant are still before the court.
The case is expected to resume on August 11, when the court will continue hearing the charges against the two defendants.
‘I didn’t eat or bathe for four days,’ Peller says after police detention
![]()
-
Politics3 days agoPresidency, Obasanjo attack Atiku over US lobbying, reopen decades-old loyalty dispute
-
Opinion3 days agoOsun election: Àtàọ́ja should stop running joro-jara-joro
-
Entertainment3 days ago“Don’t Let Me Die”: Veteran Nollywood Actress Ngozi Nwosu Begs for ₦30m Surgery Fund
-
Business3 days agoDollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today: Naira Holds Steady as Fuel Importer Demand Mounts
-
Politics2 days agoAtiku denies Obasanjo’s N5m bribery claim, links accusation to 2027 presidential race
-
metro3 days agoTrackers, Profiling as FG Unveils Special Guards to Secure Coastal Highway
-
Education2 days agoOluwo Urges Youths to Pair Degrees with Skills, Commends Westland University’s Excellence
-
metro2 days agoPFICP scandal: How ₦1.3bn ‘fake agency’ traced to Buhari’s government entered 2026 budget
