Category: Entertainment

  • Why Mr Ibu’s Leg Was Amputated- Former Manager

    Emeka Chochoo, former manager to renowned actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has shed light on the reasons behind the recent amputation of one of the actor’s legs. 

    Chochoo revealed that the measure became necessary due to an infection in the arteries at the ankle, which unfortunately went undetected in its early stages.

    Having undergone seven surgeries, including the amputation, Mr Ibu is reportedly responding well to treatment, according to Chochoo’s statement in a recent phone interview. 

    Chochoo, who managed Mr Ibu for over a decade, expressed optimism about the actor’s gradual healing.

    Detailing the medical journey, Chochoo explained that doctors have been addressing various health issues sequentially. 

    The amputation, Chochoo emphasized, resulted from an infection affecting one of the arteries at the ankle, leading to insufficient blood flow that was not identified in a timely manner.

    “The surgery was done in Nigeria,” Chochoo stated, adding that plans are underway to fly Mr Ibu abroad for further treatment. Currently, the actor is under careful medical supervision in Nigeria as part of his ongoing recovery.

  • Irish Chef Breaks Nigeria’s Hilda Baci’s ‘Cook-a-thon’ Record

    Irish Chef Breaks Nigeria’s Hilda Baci’s ‘Cook-a-thon’ Record

    In a stunning culinary feat, Irish chef Alan Fisher has dethroned Nigerian chef Hilda Baci, breaking not one, but two Guinness World Records related to cooking.

    Fisher, the owner and chef of a restaurant in Japan, has etched his name in the record books.

    First, he claimed the title of the longest cooking marathon (individual), cooking tirelessly for an astounding 119 hours and 57 minutes. 

    This incredible accomplishment surpasses the previous record held by Nigerian chef Hilda Baci, exceeding it by more than 24 hours.

    But Alan Fisher’s record-breaking journey didn’t end there. 

    He also secured the longest baking marathon (individual) title, with an impressive time of 47 hours and 21 minutes. 

    This achievement shattered the previous record held by Wendy Sandner from the USA, who had clocked in at 31 hours and 16 minutes.

    Hilda Baci, a 26-year-old chef, had made headlines when she officially became the Guinness World Record holder for the longest cooking marathon on Tuesday, June 13. 

    Her initial record stood at 93 hours and 11 minutes, an extraordinary culinary feat in its own right. 

    However, a minor error during one of her rest breaks resulted in nearly seven hours being deducted from her total time.

    During her marathon, Hilda cooked over 100 pots of food, surpassing the previous record of 87 hours and 45 minutes set by Lata Tondon of India in 2019.

    Hilda Baci reacts to being dethroned

    Meanwhile, Hilda Baci has reacted to the feat by Irish, Alan Fisher, saying it was not easy and he deserved all the plaudits.

    Hilda Baci took to her Twitter page to congratulate the new record holder as she expressed her gratitude for holding such a prestigious title.

    She wrote:

    “Huge congratulations to Alan Fisher! 119hrs 57mins is a huge achievement, and I wish him all the best as the new world record holder! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

    I’m so happy to have held a record so prestigious and profound I will forever be honored and grateful for all the love and support ❤️❤️❤️❤️”

  • Shocking News As Mr Ibu Undergoes Leg Amputation Despite Several Surgeries

    Nollywood comic actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has undergone a series of surgeries, which unfortunately led to the amputation of one of his legs.

    This distressing update was shared on his official Instagram account on Monday.

    The statement on his Instagram handle indicated that Mr Ibu had gone through seven successful surgeries in his battle for recovery, but the decision to amputate his leg became necessary to save his life.

    “This development has been hard on us all, but we’ve had to accept it as Daddy’s new reality to keep him alive,” the statement read.

    In a heartfelt appeal, Mr Ibu’s family called upon Nigerians for support during this challenging time. 

    They expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support and requested further assistance.

    “Please, we are still soliciting support from well-meaning Nigerians. At this stage, Daddy is still in a delicate condition and needs all the help he can get.

    “Thank you, everyone, the Okafor family is grateful, and we don’t take you for granted. In due time, Daddy will personally acknowledge everyone who supported him during this period as soon as he’s stable,” the family said.

  • Mohbad: Naira Marley, Sam Larry granted N20m bail

    Nigerian singer, Abdulazeez Fashola better known as Naira Marley, and his aide, Samson Elutu otherwise known as Sam Larry have been granted bail after weeks in detention.

    According to a report, the embattled industry figures have not been granted bail, but made to provide three sureties with a substantial sum of N20 million.

    In addition, Naira and Larry have been ordered to surrender their international passports and make weekly appearances at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

    The Magistrate issued them a stern warning to avoid reaching her directly, as all attempts to contact her would be recorded and potentially disclosed in open court proceedings.

    Recall that following the demise of late singer, Mohbad, Naira Marley and Sam Larry were accused of physically assaulting the singer and had been remanded by the police.

    Last week, Naira Marley and Sam Larry filed a lawsuit against the Magistrate and Police over their continuous detention.

    The suit was filed before the Federal High Court in Lagos and named the police and magistrate as defendants, and are seeking N20m each as damages.

    The lawsuit has gotten many talking with some concurring with them, while others noted how they were being accused of murder hence their detention.

    This came after a Magistrate Court in Yaba, Lagos State, on October 4, 2023, remanded Naira Marley and Sam Larry, over allegations of bullying the late former Marlian Music signee Mohbad.

    Although the Lagos State Police Command had sought a 30-day remand for Naira Marley and the others to complete their ongoing investigation, Magistrate Adeola Olatunbosun ruled that a 21-day remand would suffice.

  • Nollywood New Yam Festival: Happy Julian, Noni Okocha Named Cultural Ambassadors

    Nollywood New Yam Festival: Happy Julian, Noni Okocha Named Cultural Ambassadors

    Ace Nollywood actress, Happy Julian-Uchendu, widely known as Happy Julian, has been honoured as an International Ambassador for African Culture at the 2023 Nollywood New Yam Festival in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Saturday.

    Mrs. Noni Okocha, the Chief Executive Officer of “I am the Future of Nigeria Youth Initiative,” was also recognized as an International Ambassador for African Culture. These awards were presented during the closing ceremony of the 11th edition of the festival in Abuja.

    The event also celebrated other industry stakeholders and advocates of African culture and values. Rekiya Ibrahim-Atta was honored as the “Akpugo” of African Culture, and Hon. Bamidele Salam received the title of National Ambassador of African Culture, among others.

    Mr. Agility Onwurah, the National Coordinator of the Festival and Chief Executive Officer of Agile 247.Com, commended the awardees, emphasizing the importance of celebrating those who have contributed to the growth and development of Nollywood and the promotion of African culture.

    He explained that Nollywood serves as a vital platform for promoting cultural heritage and values to fans, especially the younger generation.

    “Nollywood promotes our culture, and anyone who has contributed to its growth and development, in whatever capacity should be celebrated.

    “The festival is simply a platform where celebrities identify with culture and promote it to their fans and followers that no matter the influence of westernisation, we must uphold what defines us.

    “Artistes are supposed to be mirrors of society, and that is why we are proudly showcasing our culture to fans, especially young Nigerians who are the future generation,” he said.

    Onwurah clarified that the New Yam Festival is not a fetish practice, as some might misconstrue, but rather a means of celebrating cultural traditions.

    The festival highlighted Nigerian culture and showcased the vital role of artists as cultural ambassadors in conveying ideas and promoting national identity.

    The night of the festival was filled with glitz and glamour, as Nollywood enthusiasts enjoyed the company of their favourite celebrities and cultural performances. The annual Nollywood New Yam Festival brings together celebrities, cultural enthusiasts, and traditional leaders in the FCT, emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation and celebration.

  • I Support Tinubu But I’ll Never Insult Peter Obi – Yul Edochie

    I Support Tinubu But I’ll Never Insult Peter Obi – Yul Edochie

    Renowned Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie, took to Instagram on Friday to express his unwavering respect for 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

    Despite his vocal support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Yul Edochie declared that he would never insult Peter Obi for any reason.

    Yul Edochie described Peter Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State, as a “great Nigerian,” emphasizing his deep respect for the politician and his belief that Peter Obi could become president if it’s in God’s plan.

    The actor firmly asserted that the current time belongs to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he believes will “fix Nigeria” during his anticipated eight years of administration.

    In his words, Yul Edochie stated, “I have a lot of respect for Peter Obi. I will never insult him. He’s a great Nigerian. His time will come if God Almighty wills it. This time is for Jagaban. The next 8 years are for President Tinubu. And within that time, He will fix Nigeria for the good of all Nigerians.”

  • Phyna Recants Opinion About Getting Rid Of Pregnancy

    Former Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) ‘Level Up,’ winner, Phyna has retracted a statement she made that every woman in the world has at one point undergone an abortion.

    In a public statement on her Instagram page, the actress said she did not mean to project it on every female gender. 

    She emphasized that she will never encourage abortion, especially not in this part of the world, where it can pose a great threat to the life of the person

    with the illegal and unhealthy procedures that surround it.

    Read her statement below:

    “I am Josephina Otabor, also known as Phyna, and I write this statement to address the issues concerning an interview I did months ago where I talked about a very sensitive topic and inaccurately suggested that “all” women have engaged in it.

    Firstly, I would like to address the fact that, as much as I was misunderstood, I didn’t mean to project it on every female gender. I will never encourage abortion, especially not in this part of the world, where it can pose a great threat to the life of the person, with the illegal and unhealthy procedures that surround it. I admit that I was being too expressive in the heat of the interview, hence my assertions.

    I want to reiterate that abortion is not something I stand for, and I should not be seen in that light. I admit to all the mistakes I made.

    In addition, I am currently working with gender-based organizations and NGOs to provide sensitization and education about abortion and other societal issues prone to the girl child”.

  • Defamation: Kannywood Actress Slams Defamation Suit Against Civil Servant

    Kannywood actress Hadiza Aliyu, popularly known as Hadiza Gabon, has taken legal action against Bala Musa, a civil servant. 

    The lawsuit, filed in a Magistrates’ court on Daura Road, Kaduna, accuses Musa of defamation of character.

    Hadiza Gabon’s counsel, Mr. Mubarak Sani, stated that the actress had been subjected to negative reactions and comments from the public due to false allegations made by the defendant.

    These allegations included claims that she cheated Musa by accepting his money but refused to marry him, allegations that were proven false.

    Bala Musa, represented by his counsel, Mr. Naira Murtala, denied the allegations.

    The Chief Magistrate, Shamsudeen Sulaiman, inquired if the complainant’s counsel had witnesses, to which they responded affirmatively. 

    The Chief Magistrate granted bail to the accused under the condition that he must provide two reliable sureties who are residents of Kaduna State and civil servants.

    The case has been adjourned to November 15 to allow the complainant to present their witnesses.

    Bala Musa had previously filed a suit against Hadiza Aliyu in a Shari’a Court in March 2022, alleging that she had refused to marry him after he had given her N396,000. 

    Aliyu had denied any knowledge of Musa and stated that she had never met or spoken to him, disavowing any relationship with him.

    During the earlier case, it was revealed that four individuals were recipients of the money claimed to have been sent to the defendant. 

    Two of them, Fatima Abdullahi and Abdullahi Yusuf, confessed to impersonating the actress and receiving money in her name, pleading for forgiveness from the court.

    Following a request from Musa’s counsel to transfer the case to an Upper Sharia Court, the case was dismissed by Judge Isiyaku Abdulrahman on October 31, and Hadiza Aliyu was discharged.

    Additionally, the defendant’s counsel and client were ordered to pay N500,000 to the actress for wasting her time.

  • Yul Edochie Knocks Rufai Oseni For Clashing With APC Chieftain On Live TV

    Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie, has taken to the social media to launch a scathing attack on Nigerian journalist Rufai Oseni, following Oseni’s recent clash with the All Progressive Congress (APC) chieftain, Jesutega Onokpasa.

    Rufai Oseni found himself at the centre of attention on social media after a heated confrontation with Onokpasa, which garnered widespread attention.

    Seizing the opportunity to weigh in, Yul Edochie expressed his disbelief that Oseni, who had previously been caught driving in a BRT lane in Lagos, had the audacity to criticize others on national television.

    Edochie insisted that Oseni should sit down and refrain from making unwarranted remarks.

    Yul Edochie didn’t mince his words as he said, “My friend, shut up and sit down! I’m talking to you! You have no right, you don’t have any moral justification to talk where people with integrity are talking!”

    The actor went on to label Oseni as a disrespectful individual who displayed a lack of respect for the laws of the country.

    Edochie didn’t stop there, stating, “Are you not the same person that was caught driving on BRT lane? You could not even apologize, if not because somebody had a video, that was when you came on national TV to apologize.” Yul Edochie accused Oseni of lacking proper journalistic etiquette and questioned his qualifications in the field.

    The Nollywood star asserted that Rufai Oseni was no better than any other Nigerian and needed to acquire journalism skills. 

    Edochie continued his criticism, saying, “You’re not better than anybody out there. You’re a very disrespectful person and you should go and learn journalism, you are insulting people on national TV.” He also accused Oseni of acting like a self-proclaimed authority on national issues and making guests uncomfortable.

    Yul Edochie didn’t hold back, stating, “Same Rufai Oseni that is insulting people, acting like God on national TV, making your guests very uncomfortable, you dey form like na you get Nigeria, you’re the most concerned citizen, you’re more concerned than all of us, my friend shut up! You have no moral justification to talk to anybody on TV that way because you’re not better than any Nigerian.” 

  • Mr Ibu’s Former Manager Refutes Death Rumours, Gives Update On His Health

    Mr Ibu’s Former Manager Refutes Death Rumours, Gives Update On His Health

    Veteran Nollywood actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu’s former manager has strongly refuted the rumours of the his demise. 

    Contrary to widespread social media reports, Chochoo confirmed that Mr. Ibu is currently unwell but very much alive.

    He revealed that Mr. Ibu is scheduled to undergo surgery on either Saturday or early Sunday morning to address his health issues. 

    According to Chochoo, the actor has been declared dead online multiple times over the past two months, despite being alive offline.

    Chochoo stated, “He has been dying online for about two months now. I don’t know where they are getting the news from because online he is already dead, but offline he is still alive. He is having another operation either today or tomorrow morning. I was his former manager, but we are still very close. Online he is dead already, but he is very much alive in reality.”

    Addressing concerns about the potential amputation of Mr. Ibu’s leg due to diabetes, Chochoo clarified that only two toes, which have been severely affected, may be removed. 

    He explained, “He has had some complications based on his health, but this time he is battling with diabetes. Contrary to reports online that they want to cut off his leg, the doctors advised him to cut off two toes because they have been affected by the illness, as they were getting rotten.”