Entertainment
Nollywood filmmaker jailed five years for drug trafficking
Nollywood filmmaker jailed five years for drug trafficking
A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted and sentenced a Nollywood filmmaker, Emeka Mbadiwe, to five years in prison for trafficking 17.30 kilograms of “Canada Loud,” a unique strain of Cannabis Sativa.
The trial judge, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, jailed Mbadiwe after he pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of unlawful importation of the prohibited drug brought against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The NDLEA prosecutor, Abu Ibrahim had earlier informed the judge that the convict was arrested on December 24, 2024, during the examination of incoming cargo with Airway Bill No: 00637337285 from Houston, United States.
Mbadiwe was arrested at the National Handling Company (NAHCO) Import Shed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos.
Ibrahim also claimed that the convict had enlisted the help of one Uzoekwe Ugochukwu James to import the banned substance.
He stated that Emeka’s actions violated Sections 21(1)(e) and are punishable under Section 11(a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Cap. N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
READ ALSO:
- Bangladesh protesters burn family home of ex-prime minister
- Court blocks Trump’s birthright-citizenship ban
- Court to rule on NNPCL/Dangote refinery suit March 18
After convicting Mbadiwe, the court allowed the prosecutor to present the case’s facts and tender all exhibits related to the charges, including the bulk of the seized drug, the convict’s confessional statements, and an iPhone Pro Max 12.
The defence lawyer, Dennis Warri, pleaded with the court to consider a lighter sentence, arguing that his client’s timely guilty plea indicated remorse and saved the court time.
Warri also pleaded with the court to impose a non-custodial sentence or a fine instead of a prison term on the convict.
After considering the submissions from both parties, Justice Lewis-Allagoa sentenced Mbadiwe to five years in prison but also allowed him to pay a fine of N3 million as an alternative to the jail term.
The judge further ordered the forfeiture of the drug and the iPhone Pro Max 12 to the federal government of Nigeria.
The charges against Emeka stated: “That you, Mbadiwe Emmanuel Emeka, Male, Adult, on or about the 24th of December, 2024, during the examination of incoming cargo with Airway Bill No:00637337285 from Houston, United States, at the National Handling Company (NAHCO) Import Shed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja-Lagos, procured one Uzoekwe Ugochukwu James to import 17.30 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, a narcotic drug similar to cocaine, LSD, heroin, and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 21(1)(e) and punishable under section 11(a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Cap. N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”
Nollywood filmmaker jailed five years for drug trafficking
![]()
Entertainment
Adunni Ade Reveals Christian Fans Unfollowed Her After Publicly Identifying as Muslim
Adunni Ade Reveals Christian Fans Unfollowed Her After Publicly Identifying as Muslim
Nollywood actress Adunni Ade has opened up about the reaction she received after publicly identifying as a Muslim, revealing that some of her Christian fans unfollowed her because of her religious identity.
The actress said she initially found it difficult to openly discuss her faith because of what she described as the pressures associated with being a public figure in the Nollywood industry.
According to Ade, publicly identifying as a Muslim within the Nigerian film industry can be difficult, and she described the situation as “almost forbidden” based on her personal experience.
She explained that she eventually became tired of keeping her religious identity private and decided to be open about her faith.
Ade said the decision came with consequences, including losing some followers and receiving messages from people who questioned her choice.
“Some people unfollowed me. I got DMs from people trying to cast out spirits. Some people prayed for me,” she said while discussing her experience.
However, the actress added that she also received considerable support from Muslims, many of whom welcomed her more warmly after she publicly acknowledged her faith.
READ ALSO:
- Raphinha Runs Riot as Barcelona Thrash Racing Santander 7-2
- 2027: Sowore Rejects Utomi’s Coalition Talks, Says AAC Won’t Join Opposition Alliance
- Sani Abacha’s Son Emerges Kano PDP Governorship Candidate for 2027
Ade stressed that her decision to practise Islam should not be interpreted as an attack on Christianity or Christians.
She said she had experienced both Christian and Muslim religious environments and was not suggesting that Christianity was a bad religion. Rather, she explained that Islam was the faith that worked for her personally.
The actress’ comments have renewed attention on her long-standing and publicly discussed religious journey, which has included experiences with both Christianity and Islam.
Ade had previously spoken about her faith in 2020, explaining that she was born and raised Muslim but grew up in a family where different religious traditions were represented.
She said her father allowed his children to choose their preferred religion, while members of her extended family included both Christians and Muslims.
The actress also disclosed that she attended different Christian churches, including Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Christ Living Apostolic Ministry (CLAM) and Christ Apostolic Church (CAC).
Ade said she later returned to Islam on December 31, 2016, after reflecting on her religious identity and concerns about how people might react to her decision.
She said at the time that returning to Islam made her feel happier and more fulfilled.
Her religious identity also came under renewed public discussion in 2026 after she was seen attending an event at a Celestial Church of Christ in Lagos.
Following questions from social media users about whether she had returned to Christianity, Ade clarified that she remained a practising Muslim.
She explained that her presence at the church-related event was connected to her professional relationship with the celebrant and was not evidence of a change in her religion.
Ade’s latest comments therefore provide further context to a faith journey she has discussed publicly over several years.
While describing her experience as difficult at times, she maintained that her decision to openly identify as a Muslim was ultimately a personal one.
Her statement that being openly Muslim in Nollywood is “almost forbidden” reflects her personal experience and perception; it should not be taken as evidence of a formal industry-wide rule restricting actors from publicly identifying with a particular religion.
The actress’ disclosure has also highlighted the wider challenges public figures can face when personal beliefs become subjects of public discussion, particularly in an industry where celebrities often maintain diverse fan bases with different religious and cultural backgrounds.
Adunni Ade Reveals Christian Fans Unfollowed Her After Publicly Identifying as Muslim
![]()
Entertainment
BREAKING: Olu Jacobs Dies at 84, Atiku Mourns Cultural Icon
BREAKING: Olu Jacobs Dies at 84, Atiku Mourns Cultural Icon
Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar describing the late Nollywood icon as “an institution” and “a cultural icon” whose contribution helped shape Nigeria’s creative industry.
Jacobs’ death was announced on Wednesday, September 16, by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, who described the celebrated actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” and called on bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy as they mourn.
“It is with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought, that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle. The Lion of Lufodo,” Olusoji said in the announcement.
Reacting to the death, Atiku said Nigeria had lost far more than a great actor, describing Jacobs as “an institution, a cultural icon and one of the finest ambassadors of our creative spirit.”
The former vice president said Jacobs had become part of the collective memory of generations of Nigerians through his distinctive voice, commanding performances and decades of dedication to his craft.
According to Atiku, Jacobs was already making his mark internationally before Nollywood emerged as a global phenomenon, and his career helped lay foundations for the Nigerian film industry while inspiring younger generations of actors.
“The curtain may have fallen on an extraordinary life, but the characters he gave us, the standards he set and the generations he inspired will continue to speak for him,” Atiku said.
He expressed condolences to Jacobs’ wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, their children and the wider Jacobs family, as well as members of Nollywood and the African creative community.
Atiku said Jacobs “gave Nigeria his talent, his voice and a lifetime of excellence,” adding that the country would remember him with pride, affection and gratitude.
Jacobs, whose career spanned theatre, British television, international film and Nollywood, was trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. He became one of Nigeria’s most recognisable screen and stage actors and was associated with the development of the Nigerian film industry.
His death marks the end of a career spanning more than five decades and has already triggered tributes from political figures, actors and other members of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

![]()
Entertainment
Shimmer and Style: Zendaya, Selena Gomez, and Colman Domingo Light Up the Emmys Red Carpet
Shimmer and Style: Zendaya, Selena Gomez, and Colman Domingo Light Up the Emmys Red Carpet
From custom metallics to soft pastels and playful statuette cosplay, television’s top stars bring high fashion to Los Angeles
Top television stars gathered in Los Angeles on Monday evening for the annual Emmy Awards, showcasing an array of creative outfits and modern styles.
The ceremony, often described as television’s version of the Oscars, brought actors together at the Peacock Theater to celebrate the year’s best performances and share memorable fashion choices with fans worldwide.
READ ALSO:
- No Lives Lost as Responders Contain Dual Fire Outbreaks Across Lagos
- ‘I Was Never the Chosen One’ — Dembele Responds to Mbappe
- Plateau Attacks: Gunmen Kill Passengers, 13 Dead Across Three LGAs
Shimmering gold and silver fabrics were popular choices throughout the arrival walk. Zendaya chose an embroidered silver gown by Prada paired with diamond earrings, while Selena Gomez appeared in a fitted, floor-length gold dress by Louis Vuitton.
The host for the night, Mariska Hargitay, wore a bright red gown with a trailing design, attending alongside her daughter in matching styles that paid tribute to her mother, actor Jayne Mansfield.
Other guests chose calm, lighter colors such as soft lavender, sky blue, and gentle green. Actors Elle Fanning and Sarah Pidgeon selected simple, elegant slip dresses that focused on subtle beading and clean silhouettes.
Menswear also showed fresh variety, with Colman Domingo combining a tailored jacket with a colorful waist sash. Adding humor and fun to the red carpet, actor Meg Stalter appeared dressed as the winged Emmy trophy itself, bringing a lighthearted touch to the celebration.
Shimmer and Style: Zendaya, Selena Gomez, and Colman Domingo Light Up the Emmys Red Carpet
![]()
-
International3 days agoIslamic Council Condemns Attempted Attack on Holy City of Mecca
-
News3 days agoKeep Politics Out of My Office — Ogbomoso Grand Chief Imam Warns Politicians, Bloggers
-
metro2 days agoNiger Mosque Abductions: Terrorists Execute 30 of 500 Captive Muslim Worshippers
-
Business2 days agoFuel Prices Climb to ₦1,500 per Litre Across Nigeria, Sparking Calls for Urgent Action
-
News3 days agoBlue Line Rail, Hospitals Get Boost as Lagos Approves ₦200bn Bond and Budget Reordering
-
Entertainment3 days agoBREAKING: Olu Jacobs Dies at 84, Atiku Mourns Cultural Icon
-
News2 days agoOAU Investigates Death of Final-Year Student as Police Begin Probe
-
News19 hours agoECOWAS Biometric Card Expands as Seven Countries Begin Rollout
