Funke Akindele’s Behind The Scenes Becomes First Nollywood Film To Cross ₦2 Billion

Nollywood icon Funke Akindele has made history again as her latest film, Behind The Scenes, became the first Nollywood production to surpass ₦2 billion at the box office. FilmOne Entertainment, the movie’s distributor, confirmed on Monday via X that the film has now earned ₦2,103,039,706 in ticket sales, describing the milestone as “breaking and shattering records.” The achievement also makes Behind The Scenes the highest-grossing Nollywood film in Africa, as well as the top Nollywood release in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The distributor praised Akindele, noting that her success cements her status as West Africa’s highest-grossing writer, director, and producer. FilmOne further highlighted that she has now topped the African box office for three consecutive years, a feat described as unprecedented in the region’s film industry. Thanking audiences for their support, FilmOne said the film’s success is “more than a commercial win but a cultural movement,” driven by strong word-of-mouth and loyal moviegoers. Prior to this, Behind The Scenes had crossed the ₦1 billion mark and later reached ₦1.77 billion, already placing it among Nollywood’s most successful films. Its continued surge has now cemented its position at the top of the industry’s all-time rankings. The movie stars Scarlet Gomez in the lead role and features an ensemble cast including Funke Akindele, Iyabo Ojo, Destiny Etiko, Tobi Bakre, Uche Montana, Uzor Arukwe, Ini Dima-Okojie, Adebowale ‘Mr Macaroni’, Ibrahim Chatta, Kamo State, and other notable talents, blending established actors with emerging stars to deliver a blockbuster experience.

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CAF Investigates Player, Official, And Media Misconduct During AFCON 2025 Quarter-Finals

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has launched an investigation into alleged misconduct by players, officials, and media personnel during the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 quarter-final matches between Cameroon and Morocco, and Algeria and Nigeria. The probe follows reports of post-match confrontations with referees and concerns over inappropriate behaviour on the pitch. In a statement on Monday, CAF said it has collected match reports and video evidence suggesting possible violations, which have now been referred to the Disciplinary Board for review. “CAF has referred the matters to the Disciplinary Board for investigation and has called for appropriate action to be taken if the identified persons are found guilty of any wrongdoing. CAF is also reviewing footage of an incident involving members of the media who allegedly misbehaved in the mixed zone area,” the statement said. In the quarter-finals, Nigeria defeated Algeria 2-0 in Marrakech, with goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams securing the Super Eagles’ place in the semifinals. Post-match footage showed Algerian players confronting referees, resulting in minor scuffles and an attempted pitch invasion by fans, which was halted by stadium security. The Algerian team cited controversial refereeing decisions by Senegalese official Issa Sy, including a denied penalty for an alleged handball in the Nigerian box. Morocco also advanced with a 2-0 win over Cameroon, although the match was marked by refereeing disputes. Cameroon argued that two potential penalties involving Moroccan defender Adam Masina were wrongly denied. Morocco’s coach, Walid Regragui, dismissed allegations of home-team bias in his post-match press briefing. CAF reiterated its commitment to maintaining professional conduct at all events, stating: “CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour during matches, particularly actions targeting referees or match organisers. Appropriate measures will be taken against anyone whose conduct falls short of professional standards at CAF events.”

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Ned Nwoko Releases October WhatsApp Message, Responds To Regina Daniels’ Allegations

Senator Ned Nwoko has continued to clarify his side of the ongoing marital dispute with Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, following her recent drug test amid public scrutiny. In a statement released by his team, Nwoko highlighted a WhatsApp message he sent to Regina on October 17, 2025, which he says explains the challenges in their household. The message reads: “I won’t accept your friends coming here at odd hours again. First it was glam on Sunday night. I spoke with two of you to go to sleep at 1am or she should leave. She didn’t do either. It was an all night of noise and music and all that goes with it. By 3am another two friends joined you. They left the following afternoon. Again today, I asked you to go to bed at 3am. You refused. It was the noise of doors downstairs that woke me up. Lo and behold, you and Sonia were heading to your room at exactly 3.30am. You have shown so much disrespect in the past few days. I don’t know who is giving you drugs amongst them and this lifestyle is totally unacceptable and we can’t continue like this. It is either you continue with your therapy or you check into the rehab in Asokoro. My health is deteriorating because of your situation. I am worried about your life and what will happen with the kids. More importantly I won’t fund your lifestyle again until you are fully rehabilitated.” According to Nwoko’s team, the message highlights his concerns over late-night disturbances, alleged substance use, and unsafe behaviour in the household. They insist the message provides a factual account that predates public attention or court proceedings. Key points from the statement include: No domestic violence occurred; accusations arose only after the situation became public. No staff members witnessed abuse, and Regina’s mother reportedly admitted a video alleging violence was a prank. Documented concerns about substance use persisted over several months, with erratic behaviour and unsafe associations affecting the household. Independent toxicology reports confirmed substance use, supporting the concerns outlined in the October message. Professional help was offered repeatedly but resisted. The message reflects a final attempt to insist on therapy or rehabilitation. The well-being of the children and Nwoko’s concern for Regina’s health motivated financial boundaries, which were meant to prevent enabling destructive behaviour. Public claims of victimhood, the statement argues, were used to avoid accountability and evade treatment. The October message stands as a real-time record of concern and insistence on professional help, rather than abuse. The statement follows Regina’s public disclosure of a negative drug test, which she said cleared her name. Nwoko’s team maintained that the test only reflects temporary abstinence and does not negate prior independent assessments. As the dispute continues, both parties remain firm in their accounts, with Nwoko emphasising professional intervention and rehabilitation, while Regina disputes allegations of substance abuse and behavioural misconduct. The matter has drawn widespread attention from family, the public, and the media.

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Lizzy Anjorin Denies Arrest, Shares Video From Home Countering Police Claims

Nollywood actress Lizzy Anjorin has denied reports that she was arrested by the Nigerian Police. On Sunday night, she shared a video on Instagram showing herself enjoying a meal at home, refuting claims that she was in custody. In the post, she wrote, “Believe Esabod and Iyabo Ojo at your own risk,” making it clear that the arrest stories were false. Lizzy did not provide additional details about any complaints or police involvement but emphasized that she is not in detention. The online rumours had linked her alleged arrest to a petition reportedly involving actors Toyin Abraham, Iyabo Ojo, and Dayo Amusa. No law enforcement agency has confirmed the claims, and the police have not issued any statement suggesting that Lizzy Anjorin has been arrested or charged.

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Federal Government Commissions CCTV Surveillance Centre On Third Mainland Bridge

The Federal Government has commissioned a new Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) monitoring centre on Lagos’ Third Mainland Bridge, the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, announced. Speaking at the commissioning, Umahi said the facility represents a major safety and infrastructure upgrade, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to rehabilitate and secure key federal bridges across the country. The centre is equipped with high-definition CCTV cameras covering the bridge deck and underwater sections, a dedicated surveillance boat, and two operational Hilux vehicles to support monitoring and rapid response. The minister explained that the CCTV system aims to control speeding, prevent traffic disruptions, curb vehicle fires, and deter suicide attempts. He added that designated lay-bys on the bridge will allow enforcement teams to act without affecting traffic flow. Umahi also reassured the public that there are no plans to toll the rehabilitated Third Mainland Bridge.

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Ogun Police Probe Alleged Assault On Portable During Custody Incident

The Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation after a video surfaced showing Nigerian musician Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, allegedly being assaulted while in police custody. The video, which has gone viral on social media platforms including X, shows the Zazu crooner shirtless, handcuffed, and tearfully pleading while seated on a couch in what appears to be a police holding area. Reports indicate that he was allegedly beaten by officers at the detention facility, sparking public outrage and renewed scrutiny of police conduct and human rights practices. Police Public Relations Officer DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed that Portable remains in custody but condemned the alleged assault. “Yes, he was arrested, and he is with us, but that is a different issue. What is important is the assault that was happening at the station. We don’t condone it,” he said. DSP Babaseyi stressed that filming or publicly displaying suspects is prohibited, warning that such actions endanger both the safety of suspects and the integrity of investigations. “We don’t condone videoing suspects. We don’t even put suspects’ faces out. No matter who the suspect is, nobody should be treated in such a manner,” he added. He confirmed that an internal investigation has commenced and assured that any officer found culpable will face the law. “The investigation is ongoing, and the officers involved, if found culpable, will be sent to the appropriate authorities. That process has already started,” he said. Portable’s arrest stems from allegations of assault involving actress and skit maker Omobolarinde Akinyanju, also known as Ashabi Simple, one of his baby mamas. The incident reportedly occurred on January 1, 2026, at Portable’s bar in Ogun State, when Ashabi visited following an invitation from the singer. According to reports, a dispute broke out over Ashabi’s status in Portable’s life. She insisted on being recognized as a wife, while Portable maintained that only his legally married wife, Bewaji, holds that title. The argument allegedly escalated into physical violence, with Ashabi claiming that Portable slapped and beat her, seized phones, and threatened her and her siblings with an axe. Portable later addressed the allegations in a lengthy Instagram video, expressing anger over the lawsuit filed by Ashabi and accusing her of infidelity. The Ogun State Police have promised a thorough investigation into both the assault allegations and the conduct of the officers involved in Portable’s custody.

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Rema Reflects On Winning Awards Since 19 As He Bags Three AFRIMA Honors

Nigerian music star Rema has reflected on his rise in the industry, revealing that he has been winning awards since he was 19 years old. The 25-year-old singer shared the insight on Sunday while receiving three major honours at the All Africa Music Awards ceremony. Speaking during his acceptance speech, Rema expressed gratitude for his consistency and longevity in the industry. “Since I was 19, since I got to Mavin. I’m 25 now, I don dey old oo. But yeah, it’s beautiful to be here again and still getting an award, seven years in the game. I really appreciate it. Shout out to AFRIMA. One love,” he said. The Benin-born artiste joined Mavin Records at 19 and shot into the spotlight in 2019 with hit singles such as Iron Man and Dumebi, quickly cementing his place among Africa’s leading young talents. Rema’s career reached global heights in 2022 with Calm Down, later remixed with American singer Selena Gomez. The song became an international smash, topping charts in several countries and earning him widespread global recognition. At the AFRIMA event, Rema clinched Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, Artiste of the Year, and Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African RnB/Soul for Calm Down. He edged out fellow Nigerian stars including Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, and Asake in the top categories.

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BREAKING: Akran Of Badagry, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, Is Dead

The Akran of Badagry Kingdom, His Majesty De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I (OFR, LLD, DLitt, JP), has passed away. The respected traditional ruler, who reigned for several decades, was the paramount monarch of Badagry Kingdom and a highly regarded member of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs. His death marks the end of an era in Badagry, where he was widely admired for his leadership and contributions to the preservation of culture and tradition. May his legacy endure.

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