Category: Entertainment

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has taken into custody Emmanuel Odiniya, the father of former Big Brother Naija champion Ilebaye, following allegations of domestic violence. This action came after a distressing video surfaced online, showing the father physically attacking his daughter, which sparked widespread outrage among Nigerians.

Earlier reports from DAILY POST detailed how the reality TV star pleaded for immediate assistance during a live Instagram session on Friday night. The footage revealed the brutal assault, prompting public concern and calls for intervention.

In response, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, issued a statement on Saturday confirming that the victim was promptly rescued and taken to a hospital after the alert. According to Adeh, police received a distress call at around midnight from Royal Anchor Estate in Wuye, Abuja, reporting an ongoing physical attack on Ms. Ilebaye Odiniya Emmanuel by her father, Hon. Emmanuel Odiniya.

A patrol team from Wuye Division, along with operatives from the Department of Operations, was immediately dispatched to the scene. The police spokesperson was also present to oversee the operation. Upon arrival, officers found the residence gate locked. After several attempts, they gained entry at about 2:30 a.m. Ilebaye was found with visible injuries and, along with her brothers, was rushed to NNPC Hospital in Abuja for medical care.

Emmanuel Odiniya is currently in police custody, and a thorough investigation is underway to determine the full details of the incident.

Nigerian artist Crown Uzama, popularly known as Shallipopi, has opened up about his shift from rap to Amapiano, stating that the latter genre is far more profitable. In a candid interview on the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, the ‘Cast’ crooner revealed that while his heart remains with rap, financial reality forced him to embrace Amapiano.

Shallipopi disclosed that he started as a dedicated rapper, even calling himself a ‘trap star,’ but the Nigerian music market’s response to rap made it tough to earn a living. He admitted, “It is Amapiano that bring food to the table, so we will do it. I will drag it with them.” The singer emphasized that rap was his first love, but the orientation and lack of support from local fans pushed him toward the more lucrative Amapiano sound.

When asked about his decision to turn down the Headies award for Best Rap Song last year—won by his track ‘Cast’—Shallipopi explained that he felt pigeonholed. He argued that the award organizers should have created separate categories for singing and rap, rather than forcing him into one box. This move, he says, was a statement against being labeled solely as a rapper when his artistry spans both styles.

Shallipopi’s remarks have sparked conversations about the financial viability of different genres in Nigeria’s music industry. With Amapiano dominating airwaves and streaming platforms, many artists are reconsidering their musical directions to align with market demands. The singer’s candidness highlights the tough choices musicians face between staying true to their roots and chasing commercial success.

Nigerian music sensation Rema has been confirmed as a headliner for the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony. The global football governing body announced the lineup via Instagram, revealing that Rema will grace the stage on June 12 in Los Angeles. He will share the spotlight with international acts including LISA, Katy Perry, Tyla, Future, and Anitta.

FIFA emphasized that the selection of artists reflects America’s cultural diversity and the energy of its diaspora, highlighting the nation’s profound impact on music and pop culture while demonstrating how melodies can unite people across the country.

In related news, the official tournament anthem titled Dai Dai by Burna Boy and Shakira is set to drop on May 14. Additionally, the World Cup final on July 19 will feature a Super Bowl-style halftime show curated by Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin, marking a first for the event.

The 2026 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) delivered another milestone as the movie ‘Lisabi’ clinched the Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa) award. The ceremony, held at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos on May 9, 2026, celebrated outstanding achievements in African cinema.

‘Lisabi,’ a production featuring acclaimed actors Lateef Adedimeji and Mobimpe, secured the prestigious honor for the second consecutive year. In 2025, its predecessor ‘Lisabi: A Legend Is Born’ also took home the same award, marking a remarkable winning streak for the franchise.

During his acceptance speech, Lateef Adedimeji dedicated the award to his wife, Mobimpe, who recently gave birth to triplets after five years of marriage. “This award is dedicated to the woman who made me chase my dream. The woman who gave me my three kings,” he emotionally stated.

The film’s repeated success underscores the growing appreciation for indigenous language storytelling in West Africa. The 12th AMVCA edition spotlighted diverse narratives, with ‘Lisabi’ standing out as a cultural beacon.

Nigerian comedian Bovi Ugboma and South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha have set social media abuzz after they humorously reenacted the widely discussed snub between Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham. The moment occurred during their hosting segment at the 2026 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in Lagos on Saturday.

The original incident took place in March 2026 at the premiere of Iyabo Ojo’s film The Return of Arinzo, where Akindele openly snubbed Abraham. This led to the two actresses unfollowing each other on social media and Iyabo Ojo accusing Abraham of breaking a peace pact with Akindele.

At the AMVCA, Bovi and Mbatha’s playful recreation of the awkward moment drew laughter and applause from the audience, quickly going viral on various platforms. The video captures the duo mimicking the infamous exchange, with Bovi stepping into Abraham’s role and Mbatha playing Akindele. Their lighthearted take on the drama provided comedic relief from the tension surrounding the original feud.

The reenactment has sparked mixed reactions online, with many praising the hosts for their witty approach while others felt it was insensitive given the ongoing rift. Nonetheless, the segment has become one of the most talked-about moments of the awards ceremony, underscoring how celebrity feuds continue to captivate public attention.

The Nigeria National League (NNL) chairman, George Aluo, has expressed his satisfaction with the organization and competitiveness observed during the 2025-26 Super Four playoffs. He described the event as a major step forward for the second-tier league.

The tournament, held at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, showcased high-quality matches and excellent facilities. Aluo praised the stadium, calling it world-class and second only to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in terms of quality. He noted that the pitch was in superb condition and the teams displayed attractive, competitive football.

Aluo also commended the officiating, stating that the referees performed admirably in a relaxed yet professional environment. He remarked that everything came together seamlessly and left him deeply impressed.

The 2026 Super Four playoff was ultimately won by Sporting Lagos, who were crowned champions of the competition.

Abdullahi Biffo, the former head coach of Kwara United, has expressed his admiration for the enhanced standard of the Nigeria National League (NNL) Super Four playoffs for the 2025-26 season. In a recent interview with Sportslighthub, Biffo highlighted the significant progress in the tournament’s organization.

According to DAILY POST, Sporting Lagos emerged as champions of the competition, clinching the title by outperforming Inter Lagos on goal difference in the decisive match. The ex-tactician noted that the heightened competitiveness has compelled clubs to adopt a more disciplined approach on the field.

“The improved organizational structure has positively changed how people perceive the NNL playoffs,” Biffo remarked. He added, “The Super Four this year has been both competitive and thrilling. The intensity has forced teams to be more cautious, leaving little space for substandard displays.”

Biffo also acknowledged that while he anticipated stronger performances from some teams, he understands their eagerness to claim the championship in the 2025/2026 campaign. His comments underscore a growing optimism about the league’s trajectory.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has officially imposed a suspension on Wikki Tourists’ defender Abubakar Aliyu, sidelining him for the upcoming match against Rivers United. Aliyu’s absence stems from accumulating five yellow cards this season, with the latest booking occurring during the 3-1 loss to Ikorodu City on Tuesday.

As a result, the Bauchi Elephants will be without the defender for their matchday 37 fixture scheduled for Sunday. The suspension has been enforced by the NPFL, which supported the decision made by center referee Joseph Ogabor, despite criticisms from the Wikki Tourists camp. The league body communicated the punishment to Wikki Tourists through a statement signed by Stanley Ike-Richard on behalf of the Chief Operating Officer, emphasizing that the referee holds full authority to apply the laws of the game during matches.

The Nigerian women’s national team, the Super Falcons, are preparing for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a training camp in the United Kingdom scheduled for later this month. According to reports, the 10-time African champions will be based in the UK from May 23 to 28, where they will play a single friendly match as part of their preparations.

Head coach Justine Madugu plans to use this opportunity to evaluate new talents, especially since several key players are likely to be absent due to commitments with their clubs. The camp comes after a previously scheduled double-header against Cape Verde was canceled when the Cape Verdean team pulled out.

The Super Falcons will also look to arrange more friendly matches during the next FIFA international window, which runs from June 7 to 14. This UK tour is a crucial step in building squad depth and ensuring the team is ready to defend their continental title.

Shaun Wright-Phillips, the ex-Chelsea winger, has delivered a stark warning to Joao Pedro: it’s time to leave Stamford Bridge without delay. The Brazilian attacker, who arrived from Brighton last summer for a hefty £60 million, has been one of the few bright spots in a dismal campaign for the Blues. Yet, Wright-Phillips insists that Pedro’s talent deserves a stage like the Champions League, which Chelsea seems unlikely to reach.

According to Wright-Phillips, Pedro’s potential is being wasted at a club that has lost six consecutive Premier League games and may miss out on all European competitions next season. He pointed to Barcelona’s reported interest as the perfect opportunity, emphasizing that playing alongside stars like Raphinha and Lamine Yamal at Camp Nou would be a dream scenario. “If I were him, I’d move heaven and earth to make that transfer happen,” Wright-Phillips stated.

The former England international believes Pedro’s goal-scoring prowess would flourish in Catalonia, noting that the forward has already shone in a struggling Chelsea side. With a contract running until 2033, a move might seem complicated, but Wright-Phillips argues that ambition should take precedence. “Joao deserves to compete at the highest level,” he added.