ANTP Debunks Cancer Rumors as Actor Wale Elesho Undergoes Successful Facial Surgery

Association confirms veteran actor is stable and recovering after operation, urges public to disregard unverified health claims

The Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP) has officially dismissed widespread social media speculation that veteran actor and immediate past president of the association, Prince Adewale Adeoye Elesho, was battling skin cancer. The clarification comes after the actor successfully underwent facial surgery on Saturday, August 29, 2026, and is now reported to be stable and recuperating well at an undisclosed hospital in Lagos State.

Concerns about Elesho’s health first emerged when a visible growth was noticed on the right side of his face during the burial rites of his colleague, veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, in Ilaro, Ogun State, on August 24, 2026. The actor had attended the funeral despite admitting he was not in the best of health. Images and videos from the event quickly circulated online, prompting fans and colleagues to urge him to seek medical attention. The speculation intensified after social media users raised an alarm about the facial mark and urged Elesho to see a dermatologist immediately, pointing out the increased vulnerability of people with albinism to certain skin conditions. Many fans recalled noticing a similar but smaller mark on Elesho’s face during a movie production, noting that it had since grown significantly in size.

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In a statement shared on Facebook on Sunday, the ANTP National Publicity Secretary, Prince Adejonwo Oluwafemi, popularly known as Femson, confirmed that Elesho had undergone surgery and that the growth had been successfully removed. The association urged the public to disregard unverified claims about the actor’s health. The statement read, “We give all glory to God for the successful completion of his operation. In recent days, there have been several posts on social media concerning the health of our dear brother, Prince Adewale Adeoye Elesho, the immediate past President of the Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners – ANTP, with many speculations including skin cancer. We hereby confirm that the operation was successful. He is stable and recuperating well.” In a subsequent update, Femson added, “By God’s grace, his operation was successful. He is doing well and recovering. Thank you all for the calls, prayers and concern. We appreciate you. Continue to pray for his speedy recovery.”

The ANTP did not disclose the specific nature of Elesho’s operation or confirm that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer. The association expressed gratitude to family members, colleagues, friends and well-wishers who had reached out to inquire about his condition and offered prayers. Elesho, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s traditional theatre and entertainment community, has been a respected member of the ANTP and served as its immediate past National President. The health concerns came during a period when the Nigerian entertainment industry was already rallying around Ogogo, who had been battling cancer.

While speaking at Ogogo’s funeral, Elesho described the late actor as a good and honourable person, using the Yoruba word “omoluabi” to sum up who Ogogo was to him. He also shared a personal story about how Ogogo once stood by him on a movie set when he was pressured to do something against his values, demonstrating the late actor’s loyalty and kindness. Despite experiencing his own health difficulties, Elesho still made the effort to attend the funeral and honour Ogogo, a decision that touched many people who witnessed his tribute.

The ANTP’s confirmation of Elesho’s successful surgery has brought relief to his supporters, with many well-wishers flooding social media to express their joy and continue praying for his full recovery. The association has urged members of the public to continue praying for the actor’s speedy recovery and to respect his privacy during this period.

ANTP Debunks Cancer Rumors as Actor Wale Elesho Undergoes Successful Facial Surgery

DSS review stalls release of Apo Six movie in Nigerian cinemas

The planned cinema release of The Night of June 7th, a film inspired by the controversial Apo Six killings in Abuja, has been suspended following a decision by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to refer the movie to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further review.

The film was scheduled to open in cinemas nationwide on Friday, August 28, 2026, but its release has now been put on hold pending the outcome of the regulatory and security review.

The Night of June 7th was written and produced by Linda Ikeji and directed by Toka McBaror. The movie seeks to dramatise the events surrounding the deaths of six young Nigerians in Abuja on June 7, 2005, in a case that became widely known as the Apo Six killings.

The distributor, Nile Entertainment, confirmed the suspension in a statement signed by its General Manager, Nowe Segun-Ojo, on August 26.

According to the distributor, the NFVCB reviewed the film before referring it to the DSS for additional review and advice.

Nile Entertainment said the producer and distributor would comply with the directive and suspend the film’s release, distribution and public exhibition until the review process is completed and the necessary approvals are secured.

The distributor added that a new release date would be announced once the regulatory process had been concluded.

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The suspension does not necessarily constitute a permanent ban on the movie. Instead, the film remains on hold while the relevant authorities assess the production.

The Apo Six case dates back to June 7, 2005, when six young Nigerians — Ifeanyi Ozor, Chinedu Meniru, Ekene Isaac Mgbe, Paulinus Ogbonna, Anthony Nwokike and Augustina Arebu — were killed in Abuja following an encounter with police officers.

The incident generated widespread public outrage and raised concerns about police brutality, extrajudicial killings and accountability in Nigeria.

The victims were initially accused of being armed robbers, but the circumstances surrounding their deaths subsequently became the subject of investigations, public debate and lengthy legal proceedings.

Several police officers were prosecuted over the killings. In March 2017, an FCT High Court sentenced former police officers Ezekiel Acheneje and Emmanuel Baba to death over their roles in the incident, while former Deputy Commissioner of Police Danjuma Ibrahim and another defendant were discharged and acquitted. Another accused officer, Othman Abdulsalam, was reported to be at large.

The case has remained an important reference point in discussions about police accountability and human rights in Nigeria, more than two decades after the killings.

The decision to adapt the case into a feature film had attracted considerable attention because of the sensitivity of the subject and its place in Nigeria’s recent history.

The movie features a cast including Femi Branch, Ali Nuhu, Gideon Okeke and Charles Lenny, among others, and previously premiered at the NollywoodWeek Film Festival in 2025.

Its planned nationwide cinema release was expected to bring the events surrounding the Apo Six case to a wider audience and renew public discussion about the circumstances surrounding the killings.

However, audiences will now have to wait for the outcome of the DSS review before the movie can be released.

Nile Entertainment said it remains committed to working with the relevant regulatory authorities and expressed appreciation for the patience of audiences, exhibitors, partners and other stakeholders.

The distributor has not disclosed how long the review is expected to last or provided a specific date for the film’s rescheduled cinema release.

For now, The Night of June 7th remains unavailable for public exhibition in Nigerian cinemas until the regulatory process is completed and the necessary clearance is obtained.

DSS review stalls release of Apo Six movie in Nigerian cinemas

Poco Lee to face UK court September 15 over alleged rape and assault charges

Nigerian dancer and performer Iweh Pascal Odinaka, popularly known as Poco Lee, is scheduled to appear before Snaresbrook Crown Court in London on September 15, 2026, over allegations involving serious sexual offences.

The court has confirmed that the case is listed for plea and trial preparation on September 15. James Baker, an administrative team lead at the court, confirmed the listing in correspondence with TheCable Lifestyle.

“I can confirm that this case is currently listed at Snaresbrook Crown Court for plea and trial preparation on the 15th September 2026,” Baker said.

According to the court information reported by TheCable Lifestyle, Poco Lee faces five charges — attempted rape, two counts of rape and two counts of assault by penetration.

The court has stressed that the allegations remain unproven. Poco Lee is presumed innocent and can only be found guilty if the allegations are established through the legal process.

The September 15 hearing is expected to focus on plea and trial preparation, marking a significant procedural stage in the case. Further details about the proceedings, including the eventual trial arrangements, will be determined by the court.

The case emerged publicly after reports circulated online that Poco Lee had been arrested in the United Kingdom over alleged sexual offences. The reports quickly attracted attention in Nigeria, particularly among members of the entertainment industry.

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Several of Poco Lee’s colleagues and associates have since reacted to the development. Filmmaker TG Omori expressed concern over the reports, describing the dancer as one of the “purest souls” he had encountered.

“It breaks my heart to hear Poco Lee in this sort of mess. That’s the purest soul I have ever met. The devil really works overtime,” Omori wrote in a social media post.

Dancer Rahman Jago also reacted to the development as discussions surrounding the case intensified online.

Poco Lee’s management has meanwhile urged the public to distinguish between the formal allegations before the court and claims circulating on social media.

The management specifically disputed reports that drink spiking was part of the case. In a statement signed by Adedoyin Faleye on behalf of the management, the team said the claim was not contained in the charges before the UK court.

The management also warned against the circulation of unverified narratives, stressing that the case should be allowed to proceed through the appropriate legal channels rather than being decided through public opinion.

The clarification comes amid widespread discussion online, where different accounts of the allegations have circulated without independent verification. Details concerning the complainant and the circumstances surrounding the alleged offences have not been fully disclosed publicly.

Poco Lee has not publicly commented on the specific allegations or the court’s confirmation of the September 15 hearing.

The entertainer has established himself as one of Nigeria’s prominent dancers and performers, gaining widespread recognition through dance performances, music collaborations and appearances within the Nigerian entertainment industry.

His legal case in the UK has now attracted significant public attention, but the court process remains at a preliminary stage.

The September 15 hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court is expected to provide the next major development in the case as the court considers the plea and preparations required ahead of any trial.

Until the case is determined, the allegations against Poco Lee remain unproven, and he is entitled to the presumption of innocence and a fair hearing.

Poco Lee to face UK court September 15 over alleged rape and assault charges