March 2025 | Page 11 of 16

“Seven Doors” Dominates AMVCA Nominations with Nine Nods

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago07 mins

Femi Adebayo’s Seven Doors has taken the African film industry by storm, leading the 2025 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) with an impressive nine nominations. The historical drama, which debuted on Netflix in December 2024, has captivated audiences with its rich storytelling, powerful performances, and stunning production. Set in the ancient kingdom of Ilara, Ondo State, during the 18th and 19th centuries, Seven Doors follows the rise of King Adedunjoye, portrayed by Femi Adebayo, as he grapples with an ancient prophecy threatening his rule. The story dives into themes of power, betrayal, and destiny, blending political intrigue with spiritual undertones to create a compelling and culturally resonant narrative. A Strong Presence at the AMVCA Seven Doors has secured nominations in some of the most prestigious AMVCA categories, including: A Tale of Power and Prophecy Seven Doors begins with the sudden death of King Adejuwon (played by Kolawole Ajeyemi), thrusting his son, Adedunjoye, into power. Reluctant yet determined, Adedunjoye must navigate the complexities of leadership while confronting a dark prophecy warning that opening any of the seven palace doors will lead to the kingdom’s downfall. Adedunjoye’s closest allies — Amaka (Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha), Prince Adeoye (Muyiwa Ademola), and Opayemi (Gabriel Afolayan) — face their own struggles as political tensions rise. Betrayal looms from within the palace walls, and Adedunjoye must decide who he can truly trust. The blend of historical elements, Yoruba culture, and mystical undertones creates a layered and immersive experience for viewers. Critical and Fan Praise Since its release, Seven Doors has received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. Femi Adebayo’s performance as King Adedunjoye has been particularly praised, with many calling it one of the strongest performances of his career. Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha’s portrayal of Amaka has also been celebrated for its emotional depth and strength. The film’s cinematography, art direction, and sound design have been recognized as benchmarks for Nollywood production quality. The soundtrack, composed by Tolu Obanro, has been highlighted as a standout element, earning the film a nomination for Best Score/Music. Critics have hailed Seven Doors as a “masterpiece of African storytelling” and a “milestone for Nollywood,” praising its ability to balance historical accuracy with emotional storytelling. The film’s complex narrative structure and strong character arcs have made it a favorite among fans. Femi Adebayo Reflects on the Film’s Success Speaking on the film’s success, Femi Adebayo expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying, “Seven Doors is more than just a movie — it’s a celebration of African culture and history. We wanted to tell a story that reflects the strength and resilience of our people, and I’m honored that audiences have connected with it.” He credited the film’s success to the dedication of the cast and crew, adding, “From the writing to the cinematography, everyone gave their all. Chioma [Chukwuka Akpotha], Gabriel [Afolayan], and the rest of the cast brought the characters to life in ways that exceeded my expectations.” The Road to the AMVCA With nine nominations, Seven Doors stands as the most-nominated film at this year’s AMVCA. The film’s dominance in key categories like Best Lead Actor, Best Director, and Best Writing positions it as a favorite to sweep the awards night. The 11th edition of the AMVCA is set for May 10, 2025, and anticipation is already building. Whether or not Seven Doors takes home multiple wins, its impact on Nollywood is undeniable. It has not only set a new standard for Nigerian cinema but also demonstrated that African stories, when told with heart and authenticity, can resonate on a global scale.

Natasha’s Constituents Submit Petition To INEC For Her Recall

Natasha’s Constituents Submit Recall Petition to INEC

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago03 mins

The lawmaker was suspended by the Senate for six months for misconduct after a seat row with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Senator Natasha had in the wake of a seat dispute with Akpabio accused the lawmaker of sexual harassment. X@NatashaAkpoti Some constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District have submitted a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for the recall of Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, the suspended lawmaker representing the district in the National Assembly. The petition, presented by Charity Ijese, on behalf of the constituents, was received at the INEC headquarters, by the Commission’s Secretary, Rose Anthony, on Monday, March 24, 2025. The petition was titled, ‘Constituents’ Petition for the Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Grounds of Loss of Confidence’. The constituents said, “In particular, this petition for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is brought pursuant to Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), as well as INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall Petitions.” They affirmed that Akpoti-Uduaghan emerged by virtue of an Appeal Court decision in October 2023 but said the petition arose as a result of their loss of confidence in her representation. “This petition arises from our loss of confidence in the Senator on the grounds of gross misconduct, abuse of office, evasion of due process, and a pattern of deceitful behaviour that has not only embarassed the people of Kogi Central but has also tarnished the integrity of the Nigerian Senate and our nation’s democratic institutions. “By this petition, which we have made sure is signed by more than half of the registered voters in Kogi Central, we hereby demand that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) immediately commence the constitutional and procedural process of recall to remove Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from office and declare her seat vacant,” the constituents said. The female federal lawmaker was involved in a seat arrangement dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The lawmaker accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office. Senate subsequently suspended her for six months for misconduct.

Trump administration officials accidentally text a reporter Yemen ‘war plans’

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago02 mins

The White House has confirmed a report by The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg, who says senior Trump administration officials accidentally included him in a Signal chat group in which they discussed plans to conduct strikes in Yemen Goldberg was included in a group chat in which US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other top officials discussed upcoming strikes against Yemen’s Houthis. Trump announced strikes on March 15, but in a shocking security breach, Goldberg wrote that he had hours of advance notice via the group chat. “The message thread that was reported appears to be authentic, and we are reviewing how an inadvertent number was added to the chain,” National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes told reporters. The security breach provoked outrage among Democratic lawmakers, including Senator Chris Coons, who wrote on X that “every single one of the government officials on this text chain have now committed a crime.” Signal, an open-source, encrypted messaging application, is not approved by the US government for sharing sensitive information.

Mercy Aigbe Loses Phones at Iyabo Ojo’s Movie Premiere

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago02 mins

Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe, lost two phones at Iyabo Ojo’s Labake Olododo premiere at the weekend in Lagos. After arriving at the event venue and enjoying herself, her assistant broke the unfortunate news to her. She was captured with her hands on her head, nearly in tears, as she reacted to the shocking news. In the viral recording, Mercy Aigbe was seen shouting at the top of her voice at her assistant. She was surrounded by her guests and colleagues, who came to sympathise with her. The mother of two queried the lady, who misplaced the phone. She asked her several questions and was almost in tears as she was reacting to the sad news. This is not the first time that Mercy Aigbe will be losing expensive properties. A few months ago, the actress lost her house to an inferno. She shared the sad news online and the things that were burnt in the inferno. Her colleagues and friends came to her rescue as they all sympathised with her and encouraged her about her loss.

Internal Security: Police Arrest 13 Kidnappers; Recover 11 Rifles, 89 Rounds of Ammunition

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago04 mins

In a remarkable display of operational proficiency , operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have carried out multiple diligent operations underscoring the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to enhancing internal security and combating criminal activities across the nation. On March 11, 2025, at approximately 6:30 PM, operatives from the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) were on a special assignment en route to Edo State when they encountered an ambush set by armed kidnappers at Oshara Ganden, a boundary area between Kogi and Edo States. Demonstrating exceptional tactical skills, the operatives overpowered the armed assailants, resulting in the arrest of eight individuals. The suspects, identified as Tukur Salisu, Sani Abubakar, Mamud Sani, Umar Abdullahi, Salisu Mohammed, Salisu Usman, Bashir Audu, and Jibril Haruna, were found in possession of significant weaponry, including one AK-47 rifle with 29 rounds of live ammunition, one new Israeli pump action rifle with 4 cartridges, two pump action rifles with 72 cartridges, a single barrel shotgun with 2 cartridges, and two operational motorcycles. In a separate operation on January 27, 2025, IRT operatives acted on credible intelligence to arrest Yakubu Musa, 30, and Usman Musa, 25, both from Kaduna State. These suspects were linked to series of kidnappings and cattle rustling activities in the Soba and Ikara regions of the State. During their arrest, three AK-47 rifles and 19 rounds of live ammunition were recovered, further substantiating their involvement in criminal activities. Additionally, on January 21, 2025, three suspects—Abubakar Lawan (24), Isiaku Abdullahi (35), and Abbas Maisaude (26), were apprehended for criminal conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, and kidnapping. The suspects confessed to participating in multiple kidnapping incidents across Rijana, Lambata, Dandume, and Ugama in Kaduna and Niger States. Recovered from them were one AK-49 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, and 28 rounds of live ammunition. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend additional members of their gang. These successful operations highlight the Nigeria Police Force’s relentless dedication to safeguarding lives and property. Citizens are urged to support the police by providing timely and accurate information, as their cooperation is vital in the fight against crime. To those who choose a life of crime, the Force is resolute in its mission to attain justice. There will be no sanctuary for criminals in Nigeria. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has commended the operatives for their bravery and dedication, emphasizing the importance of continued vigilance and proactive measures in maintaining law and order. The Force remains resolute in its mission to protect citizens, uphold the rule of law and assure the public that it will continue to take decisive action against criminal elements.

EFCC Arraigns One for Suspected Internet Fraud in Uyo

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago03 mins

The Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned Omereonye Solomon Chigozie (a.k.a Kolor Cabiek Ye) before Justice Maurine A. Oyetenu of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State for alleged internet fraud to the tune of $1,500 ( One Thousand Five Hundred United States Dollars). He was arraigned on Thursday, March 20, 2025 on a two-count charge bordering on impersonation, possession of fictitious messages and obtaining by false pretence through a fictitious Facebook account: “Kolor Cabiek Ye”. One of the charges reads, “That you Omereonye Solomon Chigozie (a.k.a Kolor Cabiek Ye) Sometime between 2019 and 2024 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this honourable court with intent to obtain property and gain advantage fraudulently presented yourself as Kolor Cabiek Ye on social media platform (Facebook) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2)(b) (i) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention Etc) (Amendment) Act 2024 and punishable under Section 22(2) (b) (iv) of the scime Act”. Count two reads “That you Chigozie Omereonye Solomon (aka Kolor Cabiek Ye) sometime between 2019 and 2024 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court did take possession of the sum of $1500 (One Thousand, Five Hundred United States Dollars) while impersonating Kolor Cabiek Ye on Facebook which you reasonably ought to have known forms proceeds of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act”. Chigozie pleaded not guilty to both counts when they were read to him. In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, Enobong Ubokudom prayed the court to fix a date for commencement of trial and remand him in a Correctional Centre. Defence counsel, Ikwere Davies did not oppose the prayers. Justice Onyetenu adjourned the matter to May 22, 2025 for trial and ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Correctional Centre, Uyo. Chigozie was arrested in Uyo on October 3, 2024 on credible intelligence regarding his suspicious activities on the internet. Investigations showed that he impersonated foreigners to defraud his victims across the world.

NFF partners Nigerian Breweries and Carloha motivate Super Eagles

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago02 mins

Corporate partners of the Nigeria Football Federation have joined the race to provide incentives for the Super Eagles to go all out for the three points when they take on the Warriors of Zimbabwe in Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup African Qualification Series Matchday 6 encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo. Nigerian Breweries, through their brands Goldberg, Life Continental and Zagg Energy drink are sponsoring the Man-of-the-match award for the sum of one million naira. The dummy cheque will be presented to the winner right on the pitch immediately after the final whistle. On their part, Carloha, official automobile company of the NFF and the National Teams, will sponsor the Chery Most Valuable Player award, also for the sum of one million naira. The dummy cheque for the amount will equally be presented to the winner on the pitch after the match. Sports journalists attending Tuesday’s match will be saddled with the task of picking the Man-of-the-match as well as the Most Valuable Player.

NFF to give out 500 jerseys, confirms match tickets will be sold on Tuesday

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago02 mins

The General Secretary of NFF, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, has confirmed that the first 500 persons to buy match tickets for Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria and Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo will get a Super Eagles’ home jersey. “We are calling on Nigerians to come out in large numbers to support the Super Eagles on Tuesday. The team needs the support. When we played Rwanda in Kigali on Friday, the Rwandans filled up the Amahoro Stadium to its full capacity. Let our people also come out in throngs and cheer the Eagles. “We are also appealing to fans to come to the stadium in Nigerian colours. Let us fill up the stadium in green and white colours, and drum and dance to support the team.” The NFF has also confirmed that match tickets will be available for sale on match day, with the VIP tickets going for N3000 and the regular seats for the sum of N1000 each.