Angela Okorie Granted N5M Bail as Management Rejects Cyberstalking Claims

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A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday granted bail to Nollywood actress Angela Okorie, who is facing charges related to cyberstalking, threats, and harassment of fellow actress Mercy Johnson under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.

Justice Emeka Nwite admitted Okorie to bail in the sum of N5 million with one surety of the same amount, after she pleaded not guilty to the seven-count charge. The court stipulated that the surety must be a Grade Level 13 civil servant, who would depose to an affidavit of means and provide relevant employment documents. Okorie was ordered to remain at the Suleja Correctional Centre until her bail is perfected, and the matter was adjourned to March 23, 2026, for the continuation of her trial.

Okorie had initially been remanded following her arraignment. While early reports suggested she was arrested by the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, clarified that she was taken into custody by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja.

Filmmaker Ajemba Stanley confirmed that Okorie was charged to court on the same day of her arrest. During arraignment, she pleaded not guilty to all charges. Her lawyer, Alex Ejesieme, had applied for bail at the time, but the court declined the request, ordering her remand pending a formal bail hearing.

According to the charge filed by the Nigeria Police Force, Okorie allegedly conspired with Ifeoma Mbonu, currently at large, to cyberstalk and defame Mercy Johnson through posts on Instagram and TikTok in 2024, in violation of the Cybercrimes Act, 2015.

A petition submitted by Johnson’s lawyer claims that Okorie posted statements intended to cause reputational damage and emotional distress. One cited post read:

“Blood sucking demon no see blood suck again, e say na slimming tea… Gospel songs won’t save you. Your heart is dark!!!”

The petition further alleged that the posts were meant to incite hatred, provoke public unrest, and harass Johnson, causing emotional trauma.

Prior to the legal action, Okorie had made several allegations against Johnson on social media, including accusations of witchcraft. However, in a 2025 video post, Okorie stated she had forgiven Johnson after learning of her illness and said she would not wish such harm on anyone. She later issued a public apology, acknowledging any harm caused and appealing to Johnson for forgiveness, emphasizing her focus on mental health and the absence of ill will.

Meanwhile, Okorie’s management has denied the cyberbullying allegations. In a statement shared on Instagram on January 29, 2026, they asserted that Okorie “has not engaged in cyberbullying, harassment, or defamation of Mercy Johnson, either online or offline, directly or indirectly.”

The statement noted that both actresses had previously disagreed but agreed to refrain from making negative public statements, an agreement Okorie allegedly honored. It added that she is cooperating fully with authorities, in good health, has access to her legal team, maintains her innocence, and is confident that the judicial process will clarify the facts.

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Angela Okorie Remanded in Suleja Correctional Centre Over Alleged Cyber Defamation of Mercy Johnson

‘Home Alone’ Mom Catherine O’Hara Passes Away at 71

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Hollywood actress Catherine O’Hara, celebrated for her iconic roles in Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek, has passed away at the age of 71.

Her agency, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), confirmed that O’Hara died at her home in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

O’Hara first rose to international fame as the frantic yet devoted mother of Macaulay Culkin’s character in the first two Home Alone films. She later won critical acclaim and a new generation of fans for her role as Moira Rose in the Emmy-winning comedy series Schitt’s Creek, appearing in all 80 episodes.

Her impressive filmography also includes Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Best in Show (2000), A Mighty Wind (2003), and numerous other projects that cemented her reputation as one of comedy’s most distinctive performers.

A Canadian native who began her career in improvisational comedy, O’Hara enjoyed a career spanning decades across film, television, and stage. She is survived by her family and leaves behind a lasting legacy in comedy and popular culture.

Nollywood Star Stanley Amandi Detained Over Suspected Involvement in Coup Plot

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Nollywood actor and filmmaker Stanley Amandi has been detained alongside a group of military officers accused of plotting a violent takeover of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

A source within the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) disclosed that Amandi, a former chairman of the guild’s Enugu State chapter, was arrested in September 2025. According to the source, the actor-director was allegedly recruited by the suspected coup plotters to serve as a media propagandist. The group is also accused of planning the assassination of top government officials.

Officials familiar with the investigation had earlier revealed that the alleged plot involved a coordinated plan to seize power by force. Those reportedly marked for assassination included President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.

On Monday, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that an illegal scheme aimed at removing the Tinubu administration had been uncovered. It added that the military officers implicated in the plot would be tried before appropriate military judicial panels.

In an official statement, the Defence Headquarters said investigations into the matter had been completed and forwarded to “appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.” The military described the investigation as “comprehensive,” noting that it examined “all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.”

The statement further revealed that the inquiry identified “a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government,” stressing that such actions were “inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

Amandi is a well-known figure in the Nigerian film industry, with experience both in front of and behind the camera as an actor, director, and production manager. His body of work includes The Album, which he directed; Tiger King (2008), where he served as director and producer; Cornerstone (2019); and Once Upon a Dream (2024), in which he appeared as an actor.

His last activity on Instagram was recorded on September 19, 2025, just days before his arrest.

Source: Vanguard

Fela Kuti’s Legacy Celebrated With Historic Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

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Legendary Nigerian musician and pioneer of Afrobeat, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has been selected as a recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, making history as the first African artist to receive the honour.

The Recording Academy disclosed that Fela will be celebrated at the Special Merit Awards ceremony during Grammy Week in Los Angeles. The Lifetime Achievement Award is reserved for performers whose creative output has demonstrated exceptional artistic importance within the recording industry.

Fela, who passed away in 1997, is globally recognised as the architect of Afrobeat, a genre that fused traditional African rhythms with jazz, funk, and highlife. Beyond its musical innovation, his work became a powerful vehicle for political and social expression, openly confronting authority, exposing corruption, and amplifying the voices of everyday people in Nigeria and across the African continent.

Although his influence reached far beyond Africa, Fela never won a Grammy while he was alive. This posthumous honour is widely regarded as a significant milestone for African music and a long-awaited recognition of his profound impact on global culture and sound.

The award will be accepted on his behalf by members of his family. His sons, Femi and Seun Kuti, have continued to uphold and advance the Afrobeat legacy through their music and regular performances at the New Afrika Shrine in Lagos.

With this recognition, Fela joins a distinguished group of internationally revered music icons honoured for their lifetime contributions to recorded music. The award also follows the recent induction of his 1976 album, Zombie, into the Grammy Hall of Fame, further underscoring his enduring influence.

Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s recognition by the Recording Academy is being hailed as a landmark moment for Nigerian music, Afrobeat, and Africa’s expanding cultural presence on the global stage.

Emotional Drama at Omije Ojumi's Burial: Biological Father Contacts Children via Phone Call

Emotional Drama at Omije Ojumi’s Burial: Biological Father Contacts Children via Phone Call

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Drama unfolded during the burial of late Yoruba gospel singer Omije Ojumi (real name Bunmi Akinnanu Adeoye) on Wednesday when a man claiming to be the biological father of her children made an emotional phone call that stunned mourners.

In a now-viral video from the ceremony—where attendees dressed in white paid their final respects—the call came as the family gathered for the rites. The man reportedly stated he wanted to pay his last respects to the deceased before speaking to the children.

Putting the phone on speaker via a family member (as the daughter did not take the call directly), he introduced himself as their father and alleged long-term denial of access by their late mother.

In his words, heard clearly in the footage: “I’m your daddy and I’ve been looking for you. If you remember, I called your school years back when you were at Front Liner. I spoke to you through the school line and told you not to tell your mummy because she wouldn’t allow me talk to you. I don’t know how she found out, but she took police to arrest all the teachers in the school.”

Emotions ran high as the call played out, leaving some mourners visibly uncomfortable during the sensitive moment. The situation has since sparked intense online discussions, with many questioning the timing of the revelation, while others expressed sympathy for the children caught in the family drama.

Omije Ojumi, who passed away after a prolonged illness, was laid to rest amid tears, heartfelt tributes, songs, and celebrations of her life, music career, and sacrifices as a mother. The burial followed earlier cancellations and family resolutions, with her children delivering moving moments like Bible readings and performances in her honor.

Dee-One Invited by Police for Routine Interview Over Viral Video on President Tinubu

Dee-One Invited by Police for Routine Interview Over Viral Video on President Tinubu

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Former Big Brother Naija housemate and comedian Aderombi Adedayo, popularly known as Dee-One, has revealed that he has been invited by the Nigeria Police Force’s Force Intelligence Department (FID) for a routine fact-finding interview.

Dee-One shared the development on his X account (@DeeOneAy) on Thursday, January 29, 2026, where he read out the contents of the official invitation letter addressed to him. The letter, signed by the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Department, describes the invitation as part of an ongoing inquiry and directs him to report to the FID Annex Office in Lagos through the OCCIOS team.

In his reaction, Dee-One suggested the invitation may be linked to a viral video he posted earlier this week, in which he commented on an incident involving President Bola Tinubu during his visit to Turkey and urged both the President and his son Seyi Tinubu to “go home and rest.” The video sparked widespread reactions and debate online.

He maintained that he does not regret sharing his views and stands by his statements, describing them as his personal opinions expressed as an ordinary Nigerian citizen.

“If this invitation is about the video I posted yesterday, I have received many calls and heard different opinions. Some people said Deeone was cyberbullying, that I should not have mentioned the President’s son or spoken about the President,” he said. “I saw something strange that happened in Turkey involving our President, our dear President, and I shared my views as an ordinary Nigerian. I did nothing wrong.”

Dee-One addressed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, assuring him that he would honour the invitation. He confirmed plans to report to the FID Annex Office in Lagos on Monday, February 2, 2026, and promised to update Nigerians on any developments.

Angela Okorie Remanded in Suleja Correctional Centre Over Alleged Cyber Defamation of Mercy Johnson

Angela Okorie Remanded in Suleja Correctional Centre Over Alleged Cyber Defamation of Mercy Johnson

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Popular Nollywood actress Angela Okorie has been remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre in Niger State following her arraignment before a Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, January 29, 2026.

The court, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, ordered her detention pending a bail hearing scheduled for January 30. Okorie pleaded not guilty to three counts of criminal defamation, cyberstalking, and conspiracy under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act. The charges stem from alleged social media posts (on Instagram and TikTok) in which she reportedly conspired with another individual (said to be at large) to defame colleague Mercy Johnson-Okojie, including referring to her as a “blood-sucking demon.”

Reports indicate Okorie was arrested late Tuesday, January 27, at her Lagos residence by operatives from the Nigeria Police Force Cybercrime Centre in Abuja. She was detained overnight at Panti Police Station in Yaba before being flown to Abuja early Wednesday for court proceedings.

Nollywood filmmaker Stanley Ontop (Stanley Ajemba) reacted strongly on Instagram, lamenting the speed of the judicial process and accusing Mercy Johnson of intimidation. He urged her to pursue defamation as a civil matter through proper legal channels rather than alleged misuse of power.

In his posts, Stanley wrote: “Free @realangelaokorie now irrespective of who is involved. If you feel they defamed your person, kindly approach a competent court and sue the person involved. Omo when Nigeria police will even learn to do their work well?”

He added: “So the judicial can work this fast? Tell me how you will sleep this night knowing fully well that ur colleague is in prison!!! Angela I will never forsake you,” assuring support while heading to Abuja.

The long-standing public feud between Okorie and Johnson has escalated multiple times online, with this case marking a significant legal development. Police have not yet released a detailed official statement on the charges.

Ceeza Milli Opens Up About Battling Depression After Jail Time

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Nigerian singer Ceeza Milli has opened up about spending time in jail at a point in his career, revealing that the experience took a toll on his mental health.

Although he did not disclose the circumstances surrounding his imprisonment, the singer said the ordeal left him psychologically affected. Speaking in a recent interview, he shared that he went through a period of depression following his time in a Nigerian prison.

Ceeza Milli also noted that he is still in the process of fully recovering health-wise. He clarified that his current efforts to lose weight are strictly for health reasons and not in response to criticism or online trolls, adding that he remains unfazed by negative comments.

The singer further expressed gratitude to fellow artiste Wizkid for supporting his career through collaborations that significantly boosted his profile. He explained that Wizkid did as much as he could at the time, as he was signed to a record label then.

“Wizkid tried for me. He gave me collaborations that helped me put food on my family’s table,” Ceeza Milli said.

Legends Are Created, Not Announced

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Heroes and icons are created, not declared.

So when very dark brainless people come online shouting, “We don’t respect legends, that’s why Nigeria has no legends,” you immediately know they’re swimming in waters far deeper than their brains can handle.

Respect is not earned by screaming “respect me, respect me.”
Respect is earned by giving people a reason to respect you.

That’s a concept very dark brainless people struggle with in life.

This same confusion is why everyone in Nigerian music thinks they’re an expert. I’ve seen people who cannot clearly differentiate between a publishing company, a collection society, and a distribution company arguing at the top of their lungs about the business of music. But what do I know? A wise man once said ignorance is bliss. That’s why I drink Black Bullet and mind my business.

Now let’s ask a serious question without making noise:

Who is a legend?
What makes a legend?
And how is a legend different from an icon?

Don’t answer like Very Dark Brainless people that just open mouth and shout “waaaa” without thinking.

Bob Nesta Marley is one of the greatest musicians to ever live. Globally, he is as big as Reggae and Jamaica itself. But locally in Jamaica? Radios didn’t even mess with him like that. Peter Tosh and others were more respected at home.

You see the point?

Perception is everything.
Narrative is power.

Fela is a legend not just because of music, but because his estate successfully pushed a narrative the world bought into. Fela sold power. A different kind of power. An idea beyond music.

Wizkid, on the other hand, is shaping his own story. Musically—not technically—he has inspired more people than Fela ever did. That doesn’t diminish Fela. It explains evolution. Different struggle. Different symbol.

Bob Marley sold freedom to the world.
Peter Tosh sold consciousness.
Fela sold defiance.

Everyone is revered by the people they truly inspired.

So whether it’s Rema, Wizkid, Tems, or whoever, time will decide. Not noise. Not entitlement. Not social media rants.

Your music genius alone does not make you a legend.
As Oliver De Coque himself would tell you.

If you’re angry, think first.
If you disagree, explain intelligently.
If not, drink water… or Black Bullet.

Let’s talk.

Oscars 2026 Full Nominations – 'Sinners' Breaks Record with 16

Oscars 2026 Full Nominations – ‘Sinners’ Breaks Record with 16

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Oscars 2026 Full Nominations – ‘Sinners’ Breaks Record with 16

The 98th Academy Awards nominations were announced Thursday by actors Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman. Ryan Coogler’s Sinners leads with a historic 16 nominations (most ever for one film), including Best Picture and Best Director. Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another follows closely with 13 nods.

The ceremony takes place March 15, 2026, hosted again by Conan O’Brien. Full list now available!

Best Picture

Bugonia
F1: The Movie
Frankenstein
Hamnet
Marty Supreme
One Battle After Another
The Secret Agent
Sentimental Value
Sinners
Train Dreams

Best Actor

Timothée Chalamet, Marty Supreme
Leonardo DiCaprio, One Battle After Another
Ethan Hawke, Blue Moon
Michael B. Jordan, Sinners
Wagner Moura, The Secret Agent

Best Actress

Jessie Buckley, Hamnet
Rose Byrne, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
Kate Hudson, Song Sung Blue
Renate Reinsve, Sentimental Value
Emma Stone, Bugonia

Best Supporting Actor

Benicio del Toro, One Battle After Another
Jacob Elordi, Frankenstein
Delroy Lindo, Sinners
Sean Penn, One Battle After Another
Stellan Skarsgård, Sentimental Value

Best Supporting Actress

Elle Fanning, Sentimental Value
Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Sentimental Value
Amy Madigan, Weapons
Wunmi Mosaku, Sinners
Teyana Taylor, One Battle After Another

Best Director

Chloé Zhao, Hamnet
Josh Safdie, Marty Supreme
Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another
Joachim Trier, Sentimental Value
Ryan Coogler, Sinners

Original Screenplay

Robert Kaplow, Blue Moon
Jafar Panahi, It Was Just an Accident
Ronald Bronstein & Josh Safdie, Marty Supreme
Eskil Vogt & Joachim Trier, Sentimental Value
Ryan Coogler, Sinners

Adapted Screenplay

Will Tracy, Bugonia
Guillermo del Toro, Frankenstein
Chloé Zhao & Maggie O’Farrell, Hamnet
Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another
Clint Bentley & Greg Kwedar, Train Dreams

Animated Feature

TBD.

Documentary Feature

TBD.

International Feature

The Secret Agent, Brazil
It Was Just an Accident, France
Sentimental Value, Norway
Sirāt, Spain
The Voice of Hind Rajab, Tunisia

Editing

Stephen Mirrione, F1: The Movie
Ronald Bronstein & Josh Safdie, Marty Supreme
Andy Jurgensen, One Battle After Another
Olivier Bugge Coutté, Sentimental Value
Michael P. Shawver, Sinners

Cinematography

Dan Laustsen, Frankenstein
Darius Khondji, Marty Supreme
Michael Bauman, One Battle After Another
Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Sinners
Adolpho Veloso, Train Dreams

Original Score

Jerskin Fendrix, Bugonia
Alexandre Desplat, Frankenstein
Max Richter, Hamnet
Jonny Greenwood, One Battle After Another
Ludwig Goransson, Sinners

Casting

Hamnet
Marty Supreme
One Battle After Another
The Secret Agent
Sinners

Production Design

Frankenstein
Hamnet
Marty Supreme
One Battle After Another
Sinners

Costume Design

Avatar: Fire and Ash
Frankenstein
Hamnet
Marty Supreme
Sinners

Visual Effects

Avatar: Fire and Ash
F1: The Movie
Jurassic World Rebirth
The Lost Bus
Sinners

Sound

F1: The Movie
Frankenstein
One Battle After Another
Sinners
Sirât


Kokuho
Sinners
The Smashing Machine
The Ugly Stepsister

Original Song
Dear Me
from Diane Warren: Relentless; Music and Lyric by Diane Warren

Golden
from KPop Demon Hunters; Music and Lyric by EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seon, and Teddy Park

I Lied to You
from Sinners; Music and Lyric by Raphael Saadiq and Ludwig Goransson

Sweet Dreams of Joy
from Viva Verdi!; Music and Lyric by Nicholas Pike

Train Dreams
from Train Dreams; Music by Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner; Lyric by Nick Cave

Live-Action Short
TBD.

Documentary Short
All the Empty Rooms
Armed Only With a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud
Children No More: “Were and Are Gone”
The Devil Is Busy
Perfectly A Strangeness

Animated Short
TBD.