Nollywood Mourns as Actor Cjay Passes Away

Nollywood actor Chijioke Temidayo Nwokafor, popularly known as Cjay, has died.

The actor’s death was announced by his colleague, actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday, in an emotional Instagram post on Wednesday.

In a video shared on her page, Nkechi was seen in tears as she disclosed that she was at the hospital where Cjay had been confirmed dead. The actress, however, did not reveal the cause of his death or provide further information about the circumstances surrounding it.

Expressing her grief, Nkechi said Cjay’s death was unexpected and also announced that she would no longer release her movie as planned.

“Cjay this was never the plan,” she wrote, adding that the development had deeply affected her.

Read Also: Baba Ijesha Opens Up on His Relationship With Mr Latin

Cjay was a native of Awka, Anambra State, but was based in Lagos, where he pursued his acting career.

He began his professional journey in Nollywood in 2021 and subsequently featured in several movie productions.

Among the films credited to the late actor are Larry Cold, Mum Overnight, A Day To My Wedding, The Lies She Tell and What Time Left.

His death has left colleagues and other members of the entertainment industry mourning.

Meanwhile, another Nollywood actor, Rykardo Agbor, recently survived a serious car accident in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Agbor shared footage of the crash on Instagram and expressed gratitude to God for preserving his life.

The accident reportedly occurred around the Cornerstone City billboard area along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Details surrounding the cause of the crash remain unclear.

Baba Ijesha Opens Up on His Relationship With Mr Latin

Nollywood actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has opened up about his relationship with his colleague and President of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Bolaji Amusan, better known as Mr Latin.
It was reported that Baba Ijesha described Mr Latin as a brother but said he had come to understand that the actor avoids situations that could lead to trouble. BreakingNews Alerts

He spoke in an interview with Kasnaty TV, reflecting on his relationship with colleagues after his release from prison.

Baba Ijesha said he had no intention of holding a grudge against Mr Latin despite their differences, noting that he preferred to remember the positive experiences they shared.

He recalled that Mr Latin had helped facilitate his first trip to London and had supported him at various points in his career.

Baba Ijesha said, “Mr Latin and I are like brothers. We are from the same Oṣùn state. We are sending money to the same place. If I am friends with someone, I will always recollect the good they have done to me. I can remember that he facilitated my first trip to London.

“We travelled to the world. My first trip overseas was not by the influence of any promoter. It was God’s time for me. I cannot now say we are fighting.

“In this our profession, Mr Latin should calm down. He is an opportunist. He only received opportunity.

Read Also: Judy Austin’s N1bn Defamation Suit Against Ex-Husband Adjourned to November 24

“When I got back from ‘Jerusalem’, since they have asked me not to call it that name again, I called my brother more than 25 times. He would always tell me he is in a minute.”

The actor said he had expected to stay at Mr Latin’s residence after returning from prison but was unable to do so.

According to him, Mr Latin was a good person but tended to avoid confrontations.

Baba Ijesha said, “I was supposed to go and sleep at his house when I returned. Mr Latin is a good human being, but he is fearful. He does not want any trouble. That was how he was created.

“All the time these things were happening, you were pitying me, not knowing what my colleagues were experiencing.

“I was not angry with what Mr Latin said. I was the same person who called him when I came back.”

Baba Ijesha’s comments come after his widely publicised legal battle, which began in June 2021 when he was arraigned in Lagos on six counts, including indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault and attempted sexual assault by penetration.

In July 2022, a Lagos High Court sentenced him to 16 years in prison after finding him guilty of sexually assaulting a minor. The court ordered the sentences to run concurrently.

During the case, Mr Latin, who heads TAMPAN, publicly condemned the offence. He also stated that Baba Ijesha was not a registered member of the association at the time and therefore could not be subjected to its disciplinary measures.

Reflecting on his colleagues’ reactions, Baba Ijesha said some people may have remained silent because of circumstances surrounding the case.

“Those people who did not talk were not because they did not want to; it just happened to them in a certain way,” he said.

Judy Austin’s N1bn Defamation Suit Against Ex-Husband Adjourned to November 24

A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has adjourned the ₦1 billion defamation case filed by actress Judy Austin against her former husband, Emmanuel Obasi, to November 24, 2026.
It was reported that the case was heard on Tuesday, September 29, when Obasi’s legal team challenged the court’s jurisdiction to hear the matter. BreakingNews Alerts

Following the development, the court fixed November 24 for further proceedings in the case.

Austin filed the lawsuit in August over alleged defamatory statements attributed to Obasi.

She is asking the court to award her ₦1 billion in general damages.

The actress is also seeking ₦500 million in aggravated damages and another ₦500 million in exemplary damages.

She is further demanding ₦100 million as the cost of prosecuting the case.

Read Also: ‘Stop Blaming Her’ — Sandra Joseph Reacts to MC Fish’s Claims About Anita Joseph

Austin wants the court to order Obasi to publish a full retraction and apology over the alleged defamatory statements in at least two national newspapers and on his social media platforms.

She is also asking the court to stop Obasi from making further statements that she considers defamatory against her.

In addition, the actress wants previous social media posts containing the alleged defamatory material removed.

The case is connected to a long-running dispute between Austin and Obasi, who were previously married.

The disagreement has also involved their children and has been discussed publicly over the years.

In 2024, Obasi alleged that Austin had prevented him from seeing their children for about 10 years following her relationship and marriage to actor Yul Edochie.

After receiving the court papers, Obasi said he was not concerned about the lawsuit.

He also expressed hope that the legal proceedings could create an opportunity for him to reconnect with his children, whom he said he had not seen for more than 12 years.

‘Stop Blaming Her’ — Sandra Joseph Reacts to MC Fish’s Claims About Anita Joseph

Sandra Joseph, sister of Nollywood actress Anita Joseph, has criticised MC Fish for allegedly blaming the actress for the loss of their unborn child.

The controversy began after MC Fish, in a social media post shared two days ago, claimed that Anita Joseph’s frequent use of waist trainers contributed to the death of their baby.

Reacting to the allegation, Sandra described the claim as insensitive and unfair, stating that no woman should have the pain and trauma of losing a child used against her.

“Anita has suffered the loss of two pregnancies,” Sandra said, adding that MC Fish personally buried one of the babies.

Read Also: Mandy Kiss: You Can Mock Me, But Learn From My Mistakes

She further alleged that during one of the pregnancies, MC Fish pushed Anita, causing her to fall. According to her, the incident contributed to the loss of the unborn child.

Sandra questioned MC Fish’s actions, saying it was wrong to publicly attack Anita over such a painful experience.

She also expressed concern over the type of father he would have been if he could use the death of their child as a weapon against the actress.

Mandy Kiss: You Can Mock Me, But Learn From My Mistakes

Nigerian adult content creator, Mandy Kiss, has urged people to learn from her mistakes instead of simply mocking her as she starts over at her mother’s shop in Ijebu, Ogun State.

Mandy Kiss made the statement in a video after returning to the market, where she reflected on her experience and encouraged people to live their lives according to their own choices.

“You are free to mock me. It is my fault, but learn from my mistakes. Live your life, do you hear?” she said.

She advised people not to allow other people’s opinions to determine how they live, stressing that personal happiness should come first.

Read Also: RMD Urges Nigerians to Offer Solutions Instead of Just Criticising

“Don’t live other people’s opinions. Your happiness should come first in anything you’re doing. Put yourself first,” she said.

Mandy Kiss also encouraged her followers to pursue things that make them happy, regardless of opposition.

“Anything that makes you happy, do it regardless of whoever is against it. Live your life,” she added.

Speaking about her return to her family home, she said taking care of the house when she had money made it possible for her to return during a difficult period.

“Thank God I did very well at home. That’s why I was able to go back there. If not, where would I be now?” she said.

She added that her experience had shown her the importance of taking care of one’s family when things are going well.

“I did very well, that’s why I was accepted back into the house. That’s why it is good to take care of the house when you have money,” she said.

RMD Urges Nigerians to Offer Solutions Instead of Just Criticising

Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, has urged Nigerians to move beyond criticising the country’s challenges and actively contribute to finding solutions.

RMD made the call while speaking at the 2026 Pivot Nigeria Conference in Lagos.

The actor acknowledged the numerous challenges confronting the country, but stressed that identifying problems should be accompanied by efforts to address them.

“There are problems, but we need to fix them. Don’t stand and just criticise and propose no solution,” he said.

RMD also called on Nigerians to demand greater accountability from political leaders, stressing that elected officials must take responsibility for the people they represent.

Independence Day: King Kosoko Cinema Offers Buy-One-Get-One-Free Ticket DealRead Also:

“We don’t hold leadership accountable enough,” he said.

According to the veteran actor, Nigerians have a responsibility to ensure that those entrusted with public office understand that they are accountable to the people.

RMD further urged citizens to remember that their individual conduct contributes to Nigeria’s image, particularly when they travel or interact with people from other countries.

“Just remember who you are. You are an ambassador, not just for yourself, your parents or your school, but ultimately for your country,” he added.

Describing Nigeria as a “work in progress,” RMD called for patience, responsibility and sustained efforts from both citizens and leaders to drive national development.

Independence Day: King Kosoko Cinema Offers Buy-One-Get-One-Free Ticket Deal

Teqsus Studios has announced a buy-one-get-one-free ticket promotion for its historical epic, King Kosoko: The Battle For Lagos, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day.

The studio said the promotion will be available for all screenings of the film on Thursday, October 1, at participating cinemas across the country.

Directed by Adebayo Tijani, the historical drama features Femi Adebayo in the lead role as Oba Kosoko. Since its theatrical release on August 28 through FilmOne Entertainment, the movie has reportedly generated more than N65 million at the Nigerian box office.

King Kosoko: The Battle For Lagos explores the resistance of Oba Kosoko to British imperial expansion and his efforts to preserve the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Lagos. The story culminates in the 1851 bombardment of Lagos, an event historically associated with the Salt Water War, also known as Ogun Olomiro.

Read Also: Mary Njoku Tells Pastors: ‘Touch Not My Anointed Also Applies to False Accusations’

The film was produced by Ayo Ajayi and Segun Olojo-Kosoko, a Lagos prince and seventh-generation descendant of Oba Kosoko.

Ajayi said the Independence Day promotion was designed to connect Nigeria’s national celebration with the historical themes explored in the film.

He described the offer as an opportunity for Nigerians to celebrate the country by watching a story centred on resistance and self-determination.

The movie features Odunlade Adekola, Jide Kosoko, Fathia Balogun, Gabriel Afolayan, Femi Branch, Tina Mba, Yinka Quadri, Dele Odule, Aishat Lawal, Kolawole Ajeyemi, Niyi Johnson and Sola Kosoko.

The film is presented in Yoruba with English subtitles.

Participating venues include Filmhouse Cinemas, Silverbird SEC, Silverbird Galleria, Silverbird Kaduna and selected independent cinemas nationwide.

Mary Njoku Tells Pastors: ‘Touch Not My Anointed Also Applies to False Accusations’

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Mary Njoku has urged pastors to take responsibility for their public statements and actions instead of relying on the biblical phrase, “Touch not my anointed,” whenever they face criticism.

Njoku shared her views in a social media post while addressing how religious leaders should respond when their publicly expressed opinions or actions attract scrutiny.

According to the actress, the biblical warning should not be used to silence people who legitimately criticise pastors or discuss things they have said or done.

Njoku explained that “Touch not my anointed” should apply when a person is being falsely accused, deliberately lied against or intentionally targeted for harm.

She argued that when someone accurately reports a pastor’s public words or actions, the focus should be on what was said or done rather than attacking the person who reported it.

Read Also: Tayo Faniran: ‘If Nollywood Were About Talent, I’d Be Far Ahead’

“When someone gives an accurate account of what you said or did publicly, and it is causing you harm, Brethren, the problem isn’t the storyteller. The problem is what you said or did,” she stated.

Njoku encouraged pastors to acknowledge their mistakes, apologise where necessary and provide clarification if there is additional context.

She also reminded religious leaders that nobody is perfect, stressing that pastors, like everyone else, are human and capable of making mistakes.

Her comments have generated discussion about accountability, criticism and responsibility among public figures.

Tayo Faniran: ‘If Nollywood Were About Talent, I’d Be Far Ahead’

Nollywood actor Tayo Faniran has spoken about his experience in the Nigerian film industry, alleging that talent alone does not determine how far an actor or filmmaker can go.

Faniran made the claim during an interview on TVC’s eSplash, where he discussed the realities of working in Nollywood and the factors he believes influence success in the industry.

According to the actor, some of the producers widely regarded as major figures in Nollywood are not necessarily the most talented professionals in the industry.

He suggested that there is often a difference between public perception and what happens behind the scenes.

Read Also: Tems: ‘I Never Wanted to Be in the Spotlight’

“In Nollywood, the film producers you guys see and know as the biggest are not the most talented film producers,” Faniran said.

The actor also reflected on his own career, stating that he believes he would have achieved greater success if opportunities within the industry were determined strictly by talent and merit.

“If Nollywood were strictly about talent, I should be far beyond where I am,” he said.

Faniran further alleged that the industry is affected by what he described as “rigging,” suggesting that factors beyond professional ability can influence opportunities and career advancement.

His comments have sparked discussion about talent, access to opportunities and competition within Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

Tems: ‘I Never Wanted to Be in the Spotlight’

Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has revealed that despite wanting musical success, she was uncomfortable with fame.

Speaking in an episode of The Boost Podcast, Tems disclosed that for a long time, she hid her identity from fans because she didn’t want to be in the spotlight.

She explained that she wanted to continue her “secret life” while still making music.

“I would go to the airport and people say, ‘You’re Tems.’ I will be like, ‘No, I’m not Tems.’ I was so afraid, I wanted to continue my secret life, and I was like, ‘God please, I don’t want to be in the spotlight,’” she said.

Read Also: ‘Nigeria Is Not Safe’ — BBNaija’s Cross Claims Beggar Robbed Him in Lagos

The singer said she eventually started adapting to fame when she could no longer hide her fame.

Tems quit her job as a digital marketer to pursue a career in music in 2018. She released her debut single, “Mr Rebel,” the same year.

She rose to prominence after being featured on Wizkid’s 2020 single “Essence.”