
Entertainment
Obi Cubana slams N1 billion libel suit against Lagos newspaper


Anambra born socialite Chief Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, has
dragged a Lagos based newspaper to court for libel.
Cubana is claiming N1 billion as damages against publishers of Lagos based newspapers “PM Express” at an Abuja High Court.
Obi Cubana in the suit dated and filed on April 27, 2022 by his lawyer, Mr. Afam Osigwe (SAN), is also seeking an order of perpetual injunction, restraining the defendants either by themselves, agents, third party, media outfits etc from publishing, advertising, promoting, distributing, circulating and serializing the news article, which is the subject matter of the suit on the internet, social media, Facebook and other social platforms, containing allegations and insinuations that he is involved in drug trafficking.
In the suit marked: CV/1367/2022, Chief Iyiegbu stated that he had suffered severe losses since the defendants, in their publication of April 26, 2022 presented him as a drug baron whose bank accounts have been frozen by the orders of a Federal High Court in Lagos.
Defendants in the suit are David Odey, Arinze Alinnor, Funsho Arogundade, Cyriacus Izulekwe and Taiwo Adelu, carrying on business in the name and style of DAFCT Communications.
In the statement of claim, Chief Iyiegbu accused the defendants of ‘’maliciously’’ using his photography in publishing a story in which the entire story as well as reported court order has absolutely nothing to do with him.
According to the claimant, the defendants had on April 26, 2022 published on their website: www.pmexpressng.com a story with headline ‘’Court Orders Banks to Freeze Suspected Drug Barons’ Accounts’’ with his picture used as that of one of the two suspected drug barons, Basil Okafor Onochie and Okwuchukwu Edwin Izuxhukwu, whose accounts were reportedly ordered frozen by Justice Tijjani Ringim in the suit filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
In supporting his suit of malice against the defendants he stated that he is a very well-known figure, whose name and image (photo) cannot be mistaken for either Basil Okafor Onochie or Okwuchukwu Edwin Izuchukwu, the suspected drug barons whose accounts were ordered to be frozen by the court.
Chief Iyiebu submitted that inherent in the action of the defedants are the allegations and insinuations that he is a drug baron, whose accounts have been frozen by the court and that he is involved with or has committed a criminal act.
According to him, “Defendants’ publication made using claimant’s picture was calculated to injure claimant’s reputation, by exposing him to hatred, contempt, ridicule.’’
He added that the defendants’ action was aimed at tarnishing his hard-earned reputation, built over the years so as to drive internet traffic to their website and social media platforms, gain public relevance and do maximum incalculable damage to claimant’s reputation, businesses, vocation and standing in the society.
While stating that the defendants by their weighty publications cast grave aspersion on his honour, reputation and integrity, Chief Iyiebu submitted that following the publication many persons, businesses, friends, associates, acquaintances as well as community members have shunned him and his company.
The publication, he added, exposed him to hatred, contempt, ridicule and injury in his position, profession, endeavours and businesses.
The defendants, he further stated, ‘’have by their publications shown they are engaged in an intentional smear campaign through defamatory publications.”
He argued that in an increasingly networked world online publication that invariably pass through the hands of countless intermediaries who distribute, host and index the billions of web-pages, e-mails and social media posts that make up the internet, “the defendants will not desist from the continuing hosting and publication of the complained words unless they are restrained by the court.’’
Cubana therefore, prayed the court to make an order directing defendants, jointly and severally to pay him the sum of N1 billion as general damages for defamation of character, as well as damage to businesses, professional and financial credit.
He also prayed the court to make an order that interest in the above sum be calculated at the rate of 10 per cent from the date of judgment until the final liquidation of the judgment sum.
While he also prayed for an order directing the defendants to carry out a global take-down or removal of the alleged defamatory content against the claimant on the internet, social media, Facebook etc, he urged that defendants tender a public apology in three different national newspapers.
Ends
Entertainment
Mbah Appoints Nollywood Actress Destiny Etiko as Senior Special Assistant

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has appointed popular Nollywood actress, Destiny Etiko, as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Youth Engagement and Creative Economy.
Etiko announced her appointment in a post on her Instagram page on Monday, November 9, 2026, expressing gratitude to the governor for the opportunity to serve in his administration.
The actress described the appointment as an honour and pledged her loyalty, dedication and commitment to the governor’s vision and the development of Enugu State.
“With profound gratitude and humility, I am honoured to announce my appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Enugu State on Youth Engagement and Creative Economy,” she stated.
Etiko expressed appreciation to Mbah for the confidence reposed in her, promising to discharge her responsibilities with dedication and a determination to make meaningful contributions to the state.
“My heartfelt appreciation goes to His Excellency, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for this confidence and opportunity to serve.
“I pledge my unwavering loyalty, dedication and commitment to your administration’s vision and the good people of Enugu State,” she said.
The actress further pledged to embrace the responsibility with humility and work towards creating more opportunities for young people while advancing the state’s creative economy.
“I embrace this responsibility with pride, humility and a determination to make a meaningful impact,” she added.
Etiko concluded her message by calling for collective efforts to translate the talents of young people into opportunities and the state government’s vision into reality.
“Thank you, Your Excellency. Thank you, Enugu State. Together, let us turn talent into opportunity and vision into reality!” she said.
Entertainment
Odumodublvck Accuses Complainant Of Presenting Fake Hospital Report In Assault Case

Nigerian rapper Tochukwu Gbubemi Ojogwu, popularly known as Odumodublvck, has accused the man who filed an assault case against him of presenting a falsified hospital report before the court.
The rapper made the allegation during an interview with NewsCentral TV on Friday, where he recounted his version of the incident and explained why he rejected his lawyers’ advice to settle the dispute out of court.
The suit was filed in November 2025 by Levi Ogbogiri, also known as Kraziecent, who accused the rapper of assaulting him at a public event on December 16, 2024.
Ogbogiri alleged that the incident occurred while he was taking photographs and videos and resulted in physical injuries, emotional distress and damage to his iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Entertainment
Veteran Nollywood Actor Diewait Ikpechukwu Dies at 71

Veteran Nollywood actor Diewait Ikpechukwu has died at the age of 71.
The actor reportedly passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2026, following a prolonged illness, according to family sources.
Ikpechukwu was a respected figure in the Nigerian film industry, with an acting career spanning more than 25 years.
Before venturing into Nollywood, he played professional football before later working as a business office manager in Nike.
He subsequently established himself in the movie industry, featuring in several Nollywood productions, including The August Meeting, Royal Palace (2005), The Guilty (2006), Across the River (2006), Python King (2007) and Ìjé Love (2022), among others.
Beyond acting, Ikpechukwu reportedly owned a communications company and was passionate about mentoring young talents in the entertainment industry.
He regularly encouraged upcoming actors to remain dedicated to their craft, avoid desperation and guard against exploitation in the movie industry.
Details surrounding his death remained sketchy as of the time of filing this report.
His death marks another loss to the Nigerian movie industry, where he spent more than two decades contributing to the growth of Nollywood.
Entertainment
Soludo’s Wife Denies Son Campaigned for Peter Obi, Threatens Legal Action Over Viral Video

The wife of Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Dr Nonye Soludo, has denied claims that her son, Ozonna Soludo, produced a viral video campaigning for the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi.
The disputed video, which has circulated widely on social media, shows Ozonna, a social media personality, dancing to a song promoting Obi, with the former Anambra governor’s photograph and the NDC logo inserted into the clip.
However, Mrs Soludo, through her media aide, Daniel Ezeigwe, described the video as doctored, insisting that it did not originate from her son.
In a statement, she alleged that the video was deliberately circulated to create the false impression that Ozonna was involved in Obi’s political campaign.
“The video being mischievously circulated and falsely attributed to Ozonna Soludo, son of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, did not originate from him. Any attempt to associate him with the video is false, malicious, and entirely unacceptable,” the statement read.
The statement also identified one Kelechi Simon, reportedly a medical radiographer based in Delta State, as a person allegedly connected to the creation and circulation of the video.
Mrs Soludo warned those responsible for circulating the video to desist, threatening legal action against anyone found engaging in misinformation, defamation or other unlawful conduct.
“Those peddling this misinformation are hereby warned to desist immediately. The laws against misinformation and libel remain in force, and anyone who engages in unlawful conduct should be prepared to face the full consequences.
“The internet is not a lawless territory, and political desperation is no defence against the law,” the statement added.
She also urged members of the public to verify information before sharing content on social media, warning that deliberate attempts to spread falsehoods could attract legal consequences.
The statement, however, acknowledged the right of individuals to support political candidates of their choice, express political opinions and participate in legitimate political discussions.
It cautioned against using fabricated content to misrepresent individuals or advance political interests.
“Everyone is free to campaign for their preferred candidate, express political opinions, and engage in legitimate political debate. However, such freedom must not be abused through fabricated stories, malicious propaganda, or deliberate falsehoods,” the statement said.
Entertainment
Nollywood Thrown Into Mourning as Veteran Actor Francis Duru Dies at 57

The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Nollywood actor, Francis Duru, who passed away at the age of 57 after a brief illness.
His family confirmed the sad development in a statement published on the actor’s official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, October 23, 2026.
Announcing his passing, the family expressed appreciation to fans, colleagues and well-wishers for their prayers and support during the difficult period.
“We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness.
“We appreciate your prayers, love, and understanding. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen,” the statement read.
The late actor is survived by his wife, Adokiye, and children.
His death comes barely four months after he publicly dismissed widespread reports suggesting that he was battling a life-threatening illness.
In June, Duru had taken to Instagram to debunk the claims, describing a video circulating online about his health as false and criticising those responsible for spreading the information.
Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru received his primary and secondary education in Cameroon before relocating to Nigeria, where he studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, graduating in 1996.
He began his acting career in 1989 with his debut appearance in Missing Mark, directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko.
However, his breakthrough came in 1995 when he played Ahanna in the iconic Nollywood movie Rattlesnake, produced by the late renowned filmmaker, Amaka Igwe.
The performance established him as one of the industry’s prominent actors and paved the way for a successful career spanning more than three decades.
Among his notable movie appearances were Blood Money (1997), Stigma (2013) and Mboputa (2020).
His contribution to the Nigerian film industry earned him several recognitions, including the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa.
He was also honoured with the United Nations Ambassador of Peace award in 2007 in recognition of his positive influence on young people.
Beyond acting, Duru served as interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2010 and received a nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards that same year.
His passing marks the end of a distinguished career that helped shape the growth and development of Nigeria’s film industry.
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