Former senior special assistant on new media to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, has weighed in on the Naira Marley and Mohbad saga.
After watching Naira Marley’s YouTube video detailing his side of the story, Ahmad expressed his support for the Marlian boss.
According to him, Naira Marley has been wrongly accused and commends him for meticulously documenting his interactions with Mohbad, including messages, calls, videos, and dates.
He opined that the habit of documentation can protect individuals from false narratives and injustice.
He feels that those who have wrongly accused Naira Marley owe him an apology.
He wrote on X, “I have never really taken time to go through the Naira Marley and Mohbad saga. I was only vaguely aware of the headlines and social media reactions until this morning, when I watched the video where Naira Marley shared his own side of the story. Honestly, I wouldn’t have believed him if he hadn’t documented everything so thoroughly, messages, calls, videos and dates, from the very first day they started talking, to the very last time.
“It is truly a blessing when God gives you the wisdom to document every important situation in your life. That habit alone can save you from injustice and false narratives.
“Those who wrongly accused Naira Marley owe him an apology, at the very least. May Mohbad continue to rest in peace.”
Ahmad’s comments come after Naira Marley shared his account of events leading up to Mohbad’s death, providing evidence to back up his claims.
The controversy has sparked intense discussions on social media, with many calling for a thorough investigation into Mohbad’s death and others defending Naira Marley’s innocence.
Nigerian audiences are set for a cinematic treat as My Father’s Shadow, the internationally acclaimed debut feature film by Akinola Davies Jr., will premiere in cinemas nationwide on September 19.
The movie, already a global sensation, etched its name in history as the first Nigerian feature to be selected for the prestigious Cannes Film Festival Official Selection (Un Certain Regard) earlier this year.
It went further to clinch the Caméra d’Or Special Mention, a recognition that placed the production alongside some of the world’s most promising cinematic works.
Critics have hailed the film for its originality and depth. The Guardian described it as a “subtle and intelligent coming-of-age tale,” while IndieWire praised it as “a beautifully remembered drama about a fateful day trip into Lagos.”
Set during Nigeria’s tense 1993 election crisis, the semi-autobiographical story follows two brothers who reconnect with their estranged father for a day-long trip through Lagos.
The production, shot entirely on 16mm film,
captures Lagos in its raw beauty and chaos, treating the city itself as a character.
The Director of the film, Akinola Davies Jr. explained that the film is deeply personal, adding that “I cried when I first read the script my brother Wale wrote. Our stories don’t need to be sensationalised; they’re powerful enough as they are. Point a camera at anything in Lagos, and it becomes cinematic.”
The screenplay was co-written by Davies Jr. and his Grammy-winning brother, Wale Davies.
British-Nigerian actor Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù (Slow Horses, Gangs of London) leads the cast alongside newcomers Godwin and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo, whose debut performances have been described as “stirring” and “authentic.”
The ensemble also includes Nollywood veterans and rising stars such as Ayo Lijadu, Greg “Teddy Bear” Ojefua, Uzoamaka Power, Winifred Efon, and Olarotimi Fakunle.
Behind the scenes, the film was powered by a predominantly Nigerian crew, over 80 percent, under the banner of Fatherland Productions, with international support from Element Pictures, BBC Film, BFI, and global streaming service MUBI.
The project was produced by Rachel Dargavel for Element Pictures and Funmbi Ogunbanwo for Fatherland Productions. Executive producers include Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe (Element Pictures), Eva Yates (BBC Film), Ama Ampadu (BFI), and the Davies brothers themselves.
With production design by Anti Design and partnerships with The Match Factory, Fremantle, Electric Theatre Collective, and Crybaby, My Father’s Shadow is being positioned not only as a Nigerian film but also as a global cinematic milestone.
Industry watchers believe the film’s success at Cannes and its global reception will further strengthen Nigeria’s position in world cinema. For many, the September 19 Nigerian release represents a “homecoming” for a story deeply rooted in the nation’s cultural and political memory.
As anticipation builds, the film is expected to draw both cinema lovers and casual viewers eager to see how Nigerian storytelling continues to break boundaries on the world stage.
Nigeria is a blessed country with many talented and inspiring kids, and today there are teenage celebrities who inspire countless young Nigerians with their passion and creativity.
Here are five successful teenagers in the Nigerian entertainment industry:
MOSHOOD ABDULMUIZ aka MUYEEZ ( MUSICIAN )
Moshood Abdulmuiz, professionally known as Muyeez, is an emerging Nigerian Afrobeats singer and songwriter. He was born in May 27 , 2008 in Kwara State . Muyeez’s passion for music began at age 8, which had led him to share freestyle videos on Instagram.
His freestyle videos on Instagram caught a lot of people attention in 2024 which had made his boss , Seyi Vibez signed him to his record label Vibez Inc.
In 2024, he collaborated with his record owner with his debut hit “Instagram” featuring Seyi Vibez .
The song “Instagram” drives him to popularity reaching number one on Apple Music in Nigeria within 24 hours of release
He’s currently the youngest African artist to chart on billboard hot 100 at age of 16 years .
2. ENORENSE VICTOR aka Kiriku ( SKIT MAKER, YOUTUBER & ACTOR)
Enorense Victor is a Nigerian skit maker, YouTuber and actor popularly known as Kiriku as his stage name . He was born on 17 December 2014 in Benin city , Edo State .
Kiriku has been a dedicated comedian at the age of four and his comedy skits portray the Street lifestyle and many other crazy scripts which usually triggers audiences to laugh.
He obtained his primary school education and certificate in his hometown even while he still focus on skit making.
He moved to Lagos State in pursuit of his career after the completion of his primary school education. He had featured a lot of celebrities since his arrival in Lagos State such as Cute Abiola , Officer Woos ,Oga Sabinus , Mr Funny , Brodda Shaggi , Edoboy Billions , Pencil D Comedian , Mac Mbakara and also a musician Iyanya.
In a 2022, Kiriku and his brother De Umbrella Boy made headlines by reportedly buying two Mercedes Benz cars for their dad which then gained widespread attention when Instablog9ja and Tunde Ednut posted the news on Instagram.
In 2023 , He won some two prestigious prizes like “Best Comedy Kid Award” at the Nigeria Comedy Awards (maiden edition) and also won the Best Comedy Kid Award at the HipTV Humor Award.
Kiriku is an influencer for brands like DPB Prince Builders and Spicy Guineafowl
3. GOODNEWS DIEPREYE aka FUNNY EMMA ( CONTENT CREATOR )
Goodnews Diepreye is a Nigerian content creator, actor and influencer , he was born in November 1 , 2017 (8 years) in Yenagoa ,Bayelsa State, Nigeria .
Funny Emma is known for his excellent content creator, he his best known for creating funny videos on his YouTube channels with lot of engagement and eighty four thousand subscribers
His remarkable talent is precisely the reason why Oga Sabinus also known as Mr Funny featured him in his own skits on several occasion as his son while many people thought he his the real son of Oga Sabinus due to the frequent featuring of Funny Emma in his videos.
He won his first ever award as a comedian, crowned Content Creator of the Year at just 7 years old on May 23, 2025
Adaeze Angel Oniuigbo popularly known as Ada was born on 2 September 2008 in Anambra State , Nigeria . She’ is an Actress, model, dancer, Instagram influencer.
Adaeze began her first career journey when she featured in a movie titled ‘emotional baby’. Since her first movie debut, she had acted alongside with top nollywood actress and actors like Jim Iyke , Patience Ozokwor, Destiny Etiko, Stanley Igboanugo, Ifedi Sharon and Regina Daniels.
She had register a lot of movies to her name such as Egg of love , Stolen crown , The heart that lies , Devils Harem , burden of love , Sonye and Good Friday to mention few .
Adaeze is a dancer , she discovered her dancing talent right when she is at a tender age of five . Since then she had become more popular with her dancing steps which do post on TikTok and this talent has crown her lot of engagement and followers on her TikTok account . She boasts over 2.5 million followers and over 23 million likes on the video sharing platform at the time of this writing.
Adaeze is an Instagram influencer with 1.2 million followers at the time of this writing . Due to her fame and media popularity, she has been able to endorse different brands such as, Zandas Cosmetics, Osbag Creations and Hollantex, among many others.
Uchechi Treasure Okonkwo (born October 12, 2010, also known as Adakirikiri, is a Nigerian actress, gospel singer, songwriter, producer, and dancer.
She was born in She was born on October 12, 2008, in Imo State, Nigeria . She began her career in gospel music, gaining attention with her breakout single “Okeosisi,” which had over two million views on YouTube.
At the age of 8 , she already had her social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook . Due to her smartness and intelligence, she featured lot of celebrities but she rose to limelight when she featured in a series with Nollywood Comedian Anokwute Longinus popularly known as Chief Imo, where she acted as his daughter ‘Adakirikiri’.
Adakirikiri became her professional stage name just like a number of Nollywood stars, she would now be known by that. As her career progressed, she went on to do movies like; Ziora , A Piece of Me, The Good Doctor , Identical Difference , Tales of Nmasi; and over a hundred others.
Uchechi is one of the biggest teen stars in Nigeria at the moment with lots of inquiries on her featuring in movies and in other African countries and beyond.
Apart from being a student and an actress, she own a television studios, a company and platform where her works can be seen. She is also one of the talents managed by Boldline Entertainment.
She is also gospel singer with songs like ‘One With God’, ‘Okeosisi’; ‘Chukwu Onye Obioma’, ‘Obiliwo’ among others to her name.
Controversial singer Naira Marley has called on the police to conclude investigations into the death of Mohbad.
In a recent video broadcast on YouTube, Naira Marley maintained his innocence in Mohbad’s death, which occurred under controversial circumstances on September 12, 2023.
Marley further requested that the police re-arrest everyone accused of involvement in Mohbad’s death.
The singer also sought a trustworthy officer to be put in charge of the case this time around.
According to Naira Marley, he returned to Nigeria to cooperate with the police investigation, as he noticed fingers pointing towards him and others.
He expressed frustration over his previous detention at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, for two months in 2023, claiming there was a conspiracy against him.
Naira Marley pointed to a leaked group chat as evidence, which mentioned the officer in charge of the case and a judge.
He said, “I came back to Nigeria to support the police because I can see fingers pointing our way. So I had to come back so that they can actually have nothing to do with it and check whoever so that he can get justice,” he said.
“I was in Panti for two months. After I came out of Panti, I was fighting for my passport; they held my passport. I was like, it’s okay to question me [over Mohbad’s death], but there’s no reason to detain me. I haven’t seen him for over a year. But it’s okay. There was a conspiracy and a gang-up to keep me there. As you can see, the group chat got leaked; they even mentioned the name of the officer in charge of the case in Panti. They were also talking about the judge.
“If you ask me, I will tell the Police to arrest everybody again. Put an officer we can trust in charge,” he said.
In a show of goodwill, Naira Marley revealed that he has agreed with Mohbad’s lawyer to hand over his royalties from Mohbad’s songs to the singer’s family member designated by the court to manage his estate.
This development comes as the case continues to attract public attention, with many calling for justice for Mohbad.
The investigation into Mohbad’s death remains ongoing, with the Lagos State Coroner’s Court previously noting that the decomposed state of Mohbad’s body made it impossible to determine a definitive cause of death, although medical negligence was suspected.
Media personality Do2dtun has criticised individuals who have relocated abroad but still offer advice to others on why they shouldn’t make the same move.
According to Do2dtun, unless these individuals have returned to Nigeria and are currently living there, they shouldn’t discourage others from pursuing the same path they took.
He argued that people who have benefited from leaving Nigeria shouldn’t lecture others on the difficulties of living abroad when they themselves haven’t returned to face those challenges.
Do2dtun wrote, “If you japaed, stop advising people on why they should not come over. If you haven’t moved back to Nigeria; you still live there, pls shut up. U are not qualified to discourage pple who want to follow the same path. keep your advice to yourself. If e too hard, come back. Let others try”.
Do2dtun also criticised Nigerians’ reluctance to challenge wealthy or influential individuals, even when they’re wrong.
He described those who defend the status quo as “gaslighting” and having a “slave mentality.”
According to him, this attitude stifles progress and allows the privileged few to continue benefiting at the expense of the masses.
He added, “In Nigeria, it’s a crime to challenge a rich man. You will see how angry a gaslighting, God forsaken, ignorant; alatenuje; disoriented & slave mentally individual who sees them as mentors will attack you for challenging them when they are wrong”.
Singer Terry G has expressed outrage over being snubbed by Billboard’s recent Top 50 ‘Best Afrobeats Songs of All-Time’ list.
None of his hits like ‘Akpako Master’, ‘Free Madness’, and ‘Run Mad’, made the list.
The list was topped by 2Face’s ‘African Queen’, with other notable inclusions like Timaya’s ‘Dem Mama’ and Olu Maintain’s ‘Yahooze’.
Reacting to a post by Chart Data announcing ‘African Queen’ as the number one song, Terry G felt slighted, claiming he was “robbed”.
His statement has sparked a heated debate among fans. While some defended his exclusion, others argued that his songs deserve recognition.
One fan, VIK-TOH12, expressed surprise that Terry G’s hit song “Free Madness” wasn’t included, joking that he must be a “foreigner” to be so overlooked. The fan also noted that some original artists were also left out.
VIK-TOH12 wrote, “I shock as them no include ur “FREE MADNESS” song ooo…. E come be like u be foreigner. Them no even include some OG artist songs self”
Another fan, Singerpour, advised Terry G to stay humble, acknowledging his impact on the music scene but cautioning against overreacting.
According to Singerpour, while Terry G’s contributions are recognised and appreciated, the snub shouldn’t be blown out of proportion.
Singerpour wrote: “Who dey gas you self? Wey love and recognize your impact in the game sha, but no overdo. This one pass you”
A third fan, Efebest38, came to the defense of the list, stating that “African Queen” by 2Face Idibia is a timeless classic that deserves its top spot due to its powerful message.
Efebest38 wrote: “OGA no body rubbed you ! Those days na Africa queen dey first enter everybody mind based on the message”
Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has reacted to a follower’s comment who asked him for a scriptural backing on his views on church weddings.
Reno shared this in a post on Tuesday, via Instagram explaining that there is no scriptural reference for church weddings.
This response came after Reno posted on Instagram criticising young men who make deliberate efforts to please their partners by ‘kneeling’, but neglect to accord their mothers the same honour.
The Instagram user identified as @jimmy_x_ commented, “For educational purpose Sir Reno, is there a scriptural backing this?”
Reno stressed that even the word ‘church’ does not exist in the original Greek Scriptures but only in translations.
“Dear Jimmy, thank you for your feedback. Did Africans get a Scriptural reference before we started implementing this European custom? Jimmy, does it make sense for me to give you a Scriptural reference not to do something that there is no Scriptural reference for you to do?”
“Are you aware that there is no Scriptural reference for a church wedding? Even the word ‘church’ is not in the Scriptures. It is in the translation, but not in the original Koine Greek.” He responded.
According to him, the weddings in the scriptures were done at home because it was a family affair, not a priestly one.
“Every wedding in Scripture was done at home, because marriage is a family affair. Priests have absolutely NO business with marriages. Because they want your money, they manipulate you by saying that Yeshua (Jesus) attended the wedding at Cana. Yes, He did. But as a Guest, not as an officiating minister. And that wedding was fine at a home, not at a synagogue.”
Reno finally argued that church started as a place of pagan worship in Europe, rather than for conducting weddings.
Controversial singer Naira Marley has shared his account of events surrounding the death of his former signee, Mohbad, in a video on YouTube.
Mohbad, whose real name was Ilerioluwa Aloba died on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at 27.
Naira Marley was acquitted of any wrongdoing in February by a Magistrate’s Court in Yaba, Lagos, and he maintains that he had no involvement in Mohbad’s passing.
According to Naira Marley, he learned about Mohbad’s alleged substance use in June 2020 and counselled him to stop.
“I wasn’t angry, I called him and advised him and told him about the danger. He said he got into it because of stress but said he would stay out of it. I didn’t force him to do anything,” the singer said.
He also claimed that Mohbad selected his manager and negotiated a payment structure.
“He was planning to pay Tunde 25 percent. I said ‘No 10 percent,’” Naira Marley said.
Naira Marley provided details about the February 2022 NDLEA raid on Marlian House, stating that he was abroad during the incident and Mohbad had a physical altercation with officers.
Naira Marley, who said he was in Sweden at the time, noted that Mohbad was taken along because he had physical altercation with the officers.
“Mohbad went live (on Instagram) under duress shortly after he was released. While having a panic attack he accused me and others,” he said.
During the live session, Mohbad said, “If I die, everybody na Marlian Music, Naira Marley kill me.
“On their way to the hospital, he also accused his girl, Zino, a lot of people. He even accused our wives. Shortly after that, whilst in a vulnerable state of psychosis, he made a statement calling Zino a snitch,” said Naira Marley.
Naira Marley discussed Mohbad’s departure from Marlian Music, stating that the singer’s lawyer sent a letter in October 2022 indicating Mohbad’s desire to leave the label.
He claimed that he provided payment logs to Mohbad’s lawyer to demonstrate transparency in their financial dealings.
Naira Marley also mentioned that Mohbad withdrew $72,000 from a DSP partner, which he believes belonged to Marlian Music.
“Not long after that, in December 2022, Mohbad withdrew $72,000 from a DSP partner. All these monies he took were not his. We had to hold some of his royalty payment till he returned the money he took,” he said.
The musician expressed frustration over being blamed for Mohbad’s death, stating that he was in Europe at the time of the incident.
He refuted bullying allegations, “I’ve never sent anybody to bully him. I’ve never bullied him. I’d warned everybody to leave him”, he said.
Naira Marley concluded by stating that Marlian Music is willing to release Mohbad’s royalties to his family or whoever the court designates.
United States-based lawyer, Astronaut Owolabi Salis, has narrated a pathetic account of his last minute effort to save the precious life of Kehinde Olusegun Akinremi, the renowned Nollywood actor whose demise was announced only a few days ago.
Narrating his last moment encounter with the departed theater celebrity affectionately referenced as ‘Chief Karan’ his popular stage name, the Nigeria-born epoch-making Astronaut recalled that on July 11, the renowned Nollywood star sent a voice note, notifying him that he wanted to celebrate both his 70th birthday anniversary and 55 years on stage
“On July 27, he sent two voice notes that he was severely plagued by appendicitis, which had subjected him to intensely unbearable pains, and would therefore need to under-go an urgent medical operation, that would cost N700,000 and that he needed N350,000 to balance the hospital bill.
“On the same July 27,I immediately dispatched a sum of N350,000 to him as requested”, said the lawyer-Astronaut popularly referenced as “Oba Mekunu” ‘King of the Poor’, because of his humanitarian propensity for care of the needy.
“On July 28,he sent a voice note of appreciation thanking me for my timely kind assistance.On August 1,he sent another voice note of appreciation” said the epoch-making polar explorer who also scored a spectacular distinction as the first Black,both in Africa and the diaspora,to have travelled to the South and North Pole within a season.
However in a dramatic turn of events,the popularly acclaimed explorer and humanitarian icon revealed “that the announcement of the sudden death of the celebrated theater impressario barely three days later, got me completely swept off feet in inexpressible shock from which I am yet to recover.”
Expressing a deep pathos of lament,he revealed that “on learning about the sad news of his death, I had promptly despatched a sum of money,on August 18,as my token assistance for his burial.
He called on Nollywood and government including well meaning Nigerians, Corporate bodies and notable institutions across the nation, to make fervent effort to immortalise the theater legend
He described his exit not only as the passing of an era,but also “shocking, lamentable and devastating.”
“To worsen the pain was the fact that this man died at the threshold of his 70th birthday, a very significant milestone of existence that everyone had often looked forward to.
He remarked that his death was one tragedy too many,a very sad loss and indeed, the last
thing I had ever expected to hear.”
“To be sure, Chief
Kanran was an iconic
prodigy who bestrode the thespian firmament like a colossus.He was simply unique in his own sphere, and unsurpassed, throughout his eventful sojourn on the Thespian space.”
“His glorious passing rings with irresistible nostalgic passion,in his exploit that took after the tradition of departed grandmasters in the mould of Hubert Ogunde, Duro Ladipo, Kola
Ogunmola,Oyin Adejobi,among others who had carved an indelible footprint on the sand of time, on account of their legendary thespian exploits which remains always evergreen in memory.” Salis stated.
The Ikorodu-born Lagosian who in 2019, contested for governors on the platform of the Alliance For Democracy said the teeming numbers of his fans would particularly miss the charismatic
swagger,regal grace, confident poise, self-assuredness,mastery and flamboyance with which he acted out his roles, often cast in the imperial mould of a King or boss or romantic Sugar Daddy,or in other variants of superior authority as might be assigned to him as a role play.
“A defining moment in this regard” said Astronaut Salis, “was the occasion he took on the role of Alaafin Kanran, a ruler of the old Oyo empire whose reign was dogged by unmitigated explosion of chaos and anarchy, arising from the uncontrollable despotism of the then Alaafin who was notorious for his tempestuous temperament. It was the commendable eclact and dexterity with which he acted out this role,that succeeded in warming him into the affectionate emotion of the immediate past Alaafin, in the person of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi of blessed memory.”
“Of course,it was this commendable epic role,which earned him the unique brand of “Chief Kanran” the titular nomenclature standing out as an epitaph of his outstanding dramatic excellence, that equally warmed him into the hearts of the generality of theatre freaks not only in Nigeria,but beyond.”
But on a contrasting departure, Salis expressed that ” it was the mark of his uncommon prodigy that when offered the otherwise unfamiliar and challenging role of head of a gang of armed robbers in one of the plays in which he featured,he brought his natural creative adaptivity and acute dramatic reflexes to bear in playing the role with remarkably impressive flair and panache”.
“Personally for me, Chief Karan captured and hypnotized my imagination, just like the generality of theatre buffs all over – with his amazing skills in those good old days,that his plays became an irresistible staple of recreation for me,even decades after my sojourn in the U.S. till this very moment,he said.
On a grievous note of lamentation,the fore-most Nigerian Astronaut said it was not only saddening,but extremely pathetic, that the departed theater Colossus went through an excruciating buffeting of fate, in which he lost his cars,studio worth several millions of naira, including his house,in the wake of a severe outbreak of fire,noting that his burden of woes was worsened by the fact that his two wives died in quick succession,as he became homeless and resorted to sleeping in the church”
“Noting that it was unfortunate that he had to go through this devastating sorry pass of cruel fate without any attempt by well meaning Nigerians and government in particular to take meaningful measures to address his harrowing plight, in his life-time,he observed that ugly scenarios of such nature was fraught with the grim prospect to stifle or paralyze the impulse for creative expressions.
Against this background he called on the entire rank and file of Nollywood members to rally together in strong fabric of love and unity for a solidarity front not only to champion the cause of their members, but for government to take them more seriously.
Singer Brymo has publicly criticised A-list artists Burna Boy, Davido, and others for remixing hit songs by rising acts.
According to Brymo, these artists are using remixes as a way to leverage the buzz and stay relevant, rather than genuinely helping emerging artists gain exposure.
In a statement on his Instagram story, Brymo urged A-list artists to stop jumping on every trending song, especially those by newer acts.
He stated that this practice is not only unnecessary but also detrimental to the growth of emerging artists, preventing them from finding their own unique voice and style.
Brymo describes the practice as “vile,” adding that it’s driven by self-interest rather than a genuine desire to support new talent.
This criticism comes amid a backdrop of tension between Brymo and some of Nigeria’s biggest music stars, including Burna Boy and Davido, with whom he has had past disagreements over issues like song ownership and industry dynamics.
Brymo wrote: “Dear Nigerian mainstream ‘A-listers,’ Burna [Boy], Davido and Co, stop jumping on every hit song in a remix, especially releases by newer acts.
“Let other artistes find their own way. The pretending to be helping them reach higher is a ridiculous watch. Stop seeking relevance in the efforts of ones who know little about the business. It’s vile!”
