Entertainment
Funke Akindele, husband, 56 others pardoned
About six months after their conviction for violating COVID-19 lockdown regulations, Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele, and husband, Abdulrasheed Bello, have been pardoned by the Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Also pardoned are 56 inmates who were ordered to be released from various correctional centres in Lagos.
Akindele-Bello and her husband were on April 6 sentenced to two- week community service, a non-custodial sentence and isolation by the court.
A statement by Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, (SAN) said Sanwo-Olu acted based on the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, under the powers conferred on the Governor by Section 212 (1) & (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
The 56 released inmates were recommended by the Advisory Council after due examination of their case files and consideration of the length of time served, the gravity of offence, old age and ill-health among other parameters.
The attorney general has also enjoined the beneficiaries to be good citizens and stay away from crime.
The Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy headed by Dr Abayomi Finnih was inaugurated by Governor Sanwo-Olu in December 2019.
Entertainment
Portable Says Parents Paid ₦30,000 Bail, Preventing Month in Jail
Portable Says Parents Paid ₦30,000 Bail, Preventing Month in Jail
Nigerian singer Portable, real name Habeeb Okikiola, has revealed that his parents paid just ₦30,000 for his bail, which prevented him from spending a full month in prison. The street-hop star shared the revelation while reflecting on his legal battles and the crucial role his family played in securing his temporary release.
The disclosure comes amid Portable’s ongoing legal challenges. He was recently denied bail by a Federal High Court in Ogun State following charges of assault and resisting arrest linked to an incident at his bar in Iyana Ilogbo, Ogun State on New Year’s Day. The hearing was adjourned to January 19, 2026, after a police officer expected to testify did not appear in court.
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While in custody, Portable welcomed news of a newborn in his family, with fans sharing videos of his reaction online. The singer’s legal history includes multiple arrests and court appearances, often related to assault allegations, obstruction of law enforcement, and public disturbances, keeping him in the public eye beyond his music career.
Portable’s statement about the ₦30,000 bail highlights the challenges faced by artists navigating fame and legal scrutiny in Nigeria. Supporters continue to call for due process and fair treatment, while critics argue that the singer must be held accountable for his actions.
Portable Says Parents Paid ₦30,000 Bail, Preventing Month in Jail
Entertainment
Eucharia Anunobi Petitions Police, Sues Pastor Over Leaked Allegations
Eucharia Anunobi Petitions Police, Sues Pastor Over Leaked Allegations
Veteran Nollywood actress and evangelist Eucharia Anunobi has petitioned the Nigerian Police Force and initiated legal action against a pastor following the circulation of leaked allegations that she described as false, defamatory and damaging to her reputation.
The controversy erupted after an audio recording allegedly linked to a cleric went viral on social media, making claims about an alleged relationship with the actress. Anunobi has categorically denied the allegations, insisting they are fabrications aimed at tarnishing her image and undermining her Christian ministry.
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In her petition to the police, the actress called for a full investigation into the origin and spread of the recording, stressing that the claims have exposed her to public ridicule, emotional distress and security concerns. She also confirmed that her legal team has filed a suit, asking the court to compel the pastor to prove the allegations or face the full weight of the law.
Reacting publicly, Anunobi stated that she has lived a celibate life for several years and warned that any threat to her life, family or property should be taken seriously by authorities. She maintained that the matter goes beyond social media controversy and has now become a criminal and civil issue.
The development has reignited debate over defamation, cyberbullying and accountability, especially involving religious leaders and public figures. In recent months, similar cases involving leaked recordings and allegations against clerics have drawn police attention, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of laws against false accusations and online abuse.
As investigations continue, legal observers say the outcome could set an important precedent on how viral allegations and digital evidence are handled in Nigerian courts.
Eucharia Anunobi Petitions Police, Sues Pastor Over Leaked Allegations
Entertainment
Nollywood Mourns as Nigerian Artist Dies in Movie Set Explosion
Nollywood Mourns as Nigerian Artist Dies in Movie Set Explosion
Tragedy has struck Nigeria’s film industry following the death of a Nigerian artist and special effects expert, James Akaie, who reportedly died after an explosion on a movie set in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The incident occurred during a filming session when an unexpected blast erupted in an area where special effects materials were being prepared. Akaie, who sustained severe injuries in the explosion, was rushed to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to his wounds.
Two other crew members who were present at the scene reportedly suffered varying degrees of burn injuries and are currently receiving treatment. They are said to be in stable condition.
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The death of the respected Nollywood special effects artist has thrown the industry into mourning, with colleagues and filmmakers taking to social media to pay tribute to his creativity and technical expertise. Akaie was known for his work on several productions that relied heavily on pyrotechnics and visual effects.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion, amid concerns that safety protocols on film sets may not have been adequately followed. The incident has renewed calls from industry stakeholders for stricter enforcement of on-set safety standards, especially during scenes involving explosives, gas cylinders, and special effects equipment.
The tragedy adds to a growing list of recent incidents highlighting occupational hazards within Nigeria’s creative sector, as practitioners continue to push for improved regulation, training and insurance coverage for cast and crew.
Nollywood Mourns as Nigerian Artist Dies in Movie Set Explosion
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