Entertainment
Why I no longer eat food cooked by my wife – Mr Ibu
What is the state of your marriage right now?
This is my final marriage. If this one falls apart, I won’t marry again. This is my fifth and the worst marriage, because my wife adopted what is not obtainable. This feels like punishment; not marriage. I doubt if I am still in the marriage, because it seems she has already prepared her mind to leave, and I’m not going to stop her. I support her leaving. Each time I see her, I begin to breathe erratically, and it is not good for me, because I am not ready to die. There are opportunities God exposed me to that are of interest to me.
Were you married when you adopted your daughter, Jasmine
After my fourth marriage, I adopted Jasmine. She was still a girl of about 12/13 years old when i adopted her.
Why did you adopt her?
It was because nobody cared for her. She was abandoned. I usually go to places and listen to people. She came to me and told me she was interested in acting. She does not know who her biological father was, and her mother didn’t use to discuss anything about him with her. She told me she used to watch my movies, and she loved me so much and would like to be in my care. I asked her what level of education she had, and she told me to help her complete her education; which I did. She bears my name, but it wasn’t until later that the adoption was legalised. Her mother consented to me adopting her.
It was said that it was after you recovered from the poison attack that you started having issues with your wife. Is that true?
Right from time, she had never allowed me to rest. When I was hospitalised and she came to the hospital, it was like war. She kept complaining that I did not care for her and the children. I made arrangements to give her some money, but she said it was not enough; that I should add something to it. I did, and after she left, she did not come to see me again throughout my stay in the hospital.
When you were to marry your wife, you said you introduced her to Jasmine. What was her initial reaction seeing your adopted daughter amidst your other children at that time?
Everything about me and Jasmine was known to everyone; and my wife kept on asking when she would meet her. I introduced her to Jasmine, and they became very good friends. Jasmine started sponsoring the family, buying foodstuff, and giving my wife money. Sometimes, my wife would leave the house to go and stay with Jasmine. Everything was going fine.
What then made her change and cause her to question your relationship with Jasmine?
There was one lady from my town that was close to the family. This lady wanted more than what God had given her; and when she was not getting it, she started causing trouble in my home by poisoning my wife’s mind.
When we were at the police station recently, the Divisional Police Officer asked her if I was guilty of all she said I did? She said ‘no’; that I should know that nobody would like to put a case in the public domain and lose. She said that she was only trying to win the case. So, my wife’s younger brother, her friends, and the lady from my town knelt down and were begging me in the presence of the DPO. Before then, my wife’s younger brother was ready to fight me in my own house. This was the same boy that said he wanted to play football outside Nigeria, and I singlehandedly took him to different clubs, where he was tried but was not selected in any of the trials. I actually lost money in that process.
But it was after the incident with the police that your wife went on social media to post all those negative remarks about you and Jasmine?
It was that same lady from my town that did all that. We called her and she apologised. When she had an issue with her business, I took her out of Abuja to Enugu; and gave her a house and money. I told her that whatever business she was interested in, she should let me know, and I would support her. But, after 11 months in Enugu, she said she wanted to return to Abuja. All she has been doing is to create chaos here and there.
Did you warn your wife about her when you saw that they were getting close?
I just told her to be careful, because I could not stop both of them from going out. But, my wife said nothing would happen; but, we can now see the outcome.
Some people are of the opinion that your wife is acting up because you don’t treat her as a wife, while you gave those privileges to Jasmine. What’s your reaction to that?
That is not true. When I married her, she did not have a car; and her family could not buy her a car. I bought her three cars at once. I told her to use one for church, one for domestic errands; and the third one going out with her friends. However, the day I gave her those cars was when my problem started. I allowed her to do her things her own way. But, she started moving with different women; and sometimes, I hear them ask her why she is still in the marriage.
You have been poisoned on different occasions. How have those incidents affected your relationship with people?
I was poisoned but I don’t know where it came from. I survived the first attempt; then, the second one came. I investigated the second attempt, and discovered that someone from my town was actually contracted to poison me. I suspected my wife, and I confronted her, but she denied it. I followed up until I got the man that brought the poison to the compound, and gave it to somebody to use it on me. I went to the man and told him that I got his message. I asked him if I had done anything bad to him. But, he acted oblivious of the incident. I went through hell because of that poison. I could not breathe well, and I cried every day. I later vomited things and went to the hospital where I was given a supplement that restored me back.
I went back to living my life; but I was poisoned again. My cousin came out to say that I was showing him that I was rich. He went ahead to threaten me. I had to go and hire a gun, with the intention of going to the village to kill him. But, when I got home, he was not there. I sat in my car because I did not want it to look like someone directed me. I was waiting for him, when my late father appeared to me, and told me that if I did what I intended to do, my world would be in shambles and I would regret it. I then drove off. While on my way, I saw my cousin, and he was calling out to me to stop, but I did not. If not that my late father appeared to warn me, I would have killed him.
How is the relationship between you and your wife now?
Since the recent incident, she has been so loving. But, I know it is all a pretence just to get my attention. I still show her love, providing money for domestic needs and making sure the family is fine. But, I am very skeptical. I cannot eat her food anymore. For now, I only eat from Jasmine’s kitchen. She cooks a lot, and I like eating.
You seem to be closer to Jasmine than your other children. Why is that so?
That is because Jasmine is so mature. She is also in the media. I have 12 sons, and four daughters. My first son is married with four children; some of my children are graduates, while some are still in school.
When did you realise you had dementia, and how did it affect you and your family?
Sometimes, my mind would just trip off. I could be sitting, and just forget that I was holding something. I could even be counting money, and throw it in the dustbin. It is after I must have thrown it away that I would remember it was money. I would then have to retrieve it from the trash. Sense is very costly. Once I remember anything about my wife, my mood would change instantly.
Since your recovery from the poison incident, you hinted that you would be returning to set. What are your plans in that regard?
Most of the scripts (I was getting) before now were not worth it, so while I stayed back due to my illness, I took time to go through some of the new scripts they sent to me, I realised that some of the writers were not reasoning well. I then consulted some professional writers to advise some of their members on the issue of debating a particular topic before going ahead to write about it. They listened to my advice and some of them are now re-writing their already written scripts. I will soon be back on the screen.
Why did you leave the Peoples Democratic Party for the Labour Party?
No matter the manipulations from the other political parties, Peter Obi (presidential candidate of LP) is coming. We know that the first result might favour another person, but we will not give up.
As an actor known for only comical roles, have you ever wanted to act different characters?
I am ready for any role but the marketers demand my services specifically for comic roles. The movie I am presently working on has to do with guns, and I told them (filmmakers) that it does not make sense. If I carry a gun, I could kill my boss and say it was a mistake (laughs). But, they said I must do it. I have started rehearsing it, and it is going well.
Aside from acting, what other areas do you have interest in?
Acting exposes me to the world, and I travel a lot. When coming back to Nigeria, I buy things that I can sell here. By the time I sell those things, I would then make profit. I buy everything my wife wears from outside Nigeria. She is usually excited whenever I come back from such trips, because she knows that I won’t disappoint.
Your last born looks so much like you. Have you seen any sign that any of your children will follow in your footsteps, career-wise?
I don’t know what that boy saw. He did not see any other person to resemble but me. However, he should leave my footsteps, and follow another person’s own. If he wants to act, he can go ahead; but not for him to follow in my steps. He is a fine boy.
How do you unwind?
If I am not working, I would be at home. I neither drink nor smoke. I don’t go out often too. I am usually in my house, playing with my wife and children.
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.
Amb. David Obama Onyekachi Christopher Geoman, popularly known as The Green Panther and Son Of Grace, is a Nigerian multi-talented entertainer, singer, songwriter, actor, beat maker, emerging music producer, humanitarian and youth advocate whose remarkable journey began at an unusually young age.
Born on 16 January 2010 through a Caesarean section at St. Gerald’s Catholic Hospital, Kaduna, David is the third child and first male child of High Chief Amb. Christopher Columbus Onukwugha Geoman and Lolo Stella Geoman. He hails from Ezuhunguru in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, while his upbringing and formative years have been closely connected to Kaduna State in Northern Nigeria.
From his earliest years, David displayed an unusual interest in performance and creativity. His father noticed his talent when he was just three years old and encouraged him to nurture and develop his abilities. That early encouragement became an important foundation for what would eventually grow into a multifaceted career.
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
David began his nursery and primary education at St. Anne’s Catholic Nursery and Primary School, Kaduna. After completing his primary education, he proceeded to St. Augustine Boarding College, Kujama. However, insecurity in the region eventually forced the school to shut down, prompting him to continue his secondary education at Demonstration Secondary School, Kaduna.
On 8 August 2026, David graduated from Demonstration Secondary School, Kaduna, where his talents earned him recognition as the Most Talented Graduating Student. He also made history as the school’s first prom king.
Following his secondary education, David began studying Theatre Arts at Veritas Catholic University, Abuja, where he is among the pioneer students of the institution’s Applied Arts Department.
FROM AFRICAN MICHAEL JACKSON TO THE GREEN PANTHER
David’s artistic journey began with one of the world’s greatest entertainers, Michael Jackson.
As a child, David was fascinated by Jackson’s music, dance and stage performances. He studied the legendary entertainer closely and began performing as a Michael Jackson impersonator. His remarkable performances earned him the nickname “African Michael Jackson.”
However, David’s ambition gradually moved beyond imitation.
As he matured, he began developing his own artistic identity. The young performer evolved from the African Michael Jackson into The Green Panther, and eventually embraced Son Of Grace as a broader personal and creative brand.
The transformation reflected a desire to build an identity rooted not only in entertainment but also in creativity, purpose, faith, humanitarian service and youth empowerment.
MUSIC WITH A MESSAGE
David’s transition from performing to songwriting and recording came at an exceptionally young age.
At just eight years old, he wrote and recorded “Heal Nigeria,” a song inspired by his observations of the challenges facing his country and his desire for peace and positive change.
The song became the title track of his first album, which also featured songs including “This Life,” “Orphans Cry,” “I Am Alive” and “Clearing My Head.”
For David, music is more than entertainment. It is a means of communicating ideas, expressing emotions and addressing issues affecting society.
One of the major milestones of his early musical career came when a song composed and performed by him was adopted as the Diaspora Anthem by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).
His performance journey has also brought him onto major platforms and alongside established names in Nigerian entertainment, including 2Baba (Tuface Idibia), Burna Boy, Di’ja, Small Doctor, Ibro, Zule Zoo, MC Tagwaye, Klint da Drunk, Ozzy Bosco, Gordons, Acapella, Rita Orji, Zack Orji, Chucks Mordi and Zeb Ejiro, among others.
He has also performed at major entertainment events, including One Lagos Fiesta and Panafest in Ghana, expanding his artistic exposure beyond Nigeria.
RECOGNITION AND AWARDS
David’s accomplishments extend beyond music and performance.
At the age of eight, he received a National Humanitarian Award. At nine, he was honoured with a Global Peace Ambassador Award and the Abuja Entertainment Stars Award.
At 10, he received recognition from the Africa Dance Academy, Nero Dance Academy and BEA, while also becoming an associate member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kaduna State Chapter.
At 11, he became a brand ambassador for the Save Young Talent Foundation.
At 12, he was inducted into the 1,000 Nigerian Peace Ambassadors, while at 13, he was inducted into the Kaduna Political Awards Hall of Fame.
His subsequent recognitions include the Ohaneze Ndigbo Youths Award for Exceptional Talents, the Personality of the Year Award by the North Satisfied Awards, as well as brand ambassadorships involving NIDCOM, London Til Career Institute UK and Celina Celebrity Magazine.
These recognitions reflect the breadth of David’s activities across entertainment, humanitarian service, peace advocacy, journalism and youth development.
THE BIRTH OF SON OF GRACE
On 16 January 2026, David marked his 16th birthday by officially launching the Son Of Grace brand at his alma mater, St. Anne’s Nursery and Primary School, Kaduna.
The launch represented an important turning point in his journey as he sought to give his growing career a more defined identity and purpose.
The vision became even more concrete on 19 September 2026, when he unveiled the operational headquarters of the Son Of Grace platform in Kaduna.
The Son Of Grace brand embodies David’s desire to combine his artistic career with humanitarian service, youth empowerment and positive social impact.
Through the Son Of Grace Charity and Humanitarian Initiative, he seeks to contribute to the welfare and development of vulnerable members of society and use his growing platform to inspire young people.
BEYOND ENTERTAINMENT
David’s ambitions extend beyond music, acting and performance.
Together with his sisters, he is involved in The 3 Gees (Good Children Series), a talk-show podcast that focuses on issues affecting children and young people.
The platform addresses subjects such as drug abuse, kidnapping and other social challenges confronting the younger generation.
Through the project, David and his siblings aim to create conversations that educate, inspire and encourage young people to make positive choices.
His work demonstrates an ambition to use his voice not only through music but also through advocacy and public engagement.
THE HIGHER HIGHER CHAPTER
On 1 October 2026, coinciding with Nigeria’s Independence celebration, David released his latest album, “Higher Higher.”
The project represents another chapter in his evolution as an artiste and creative personality.
The album features tracks including “Dropping Bars,” “Midnight Rain (Anti-Xenophobia Vaccine)” and “I Dey Shine.”
Following its release, the album has attracted reviews, views and airplay in Nigeria and beyond, further increasing David’s visibility and strengthening his aspirations for an international career.
With Higher Higher, David is seeking to demonstrate that his artistic identity has moved beyond the early days of impersonation into a developing career built around his own music, message and creative direction.
FAMILY, HERITAGE AND INFLUENCE
David comes from a family with strong connections to creativity, enterprise, community service and leadership.
His father, High Chief Amb. Christopher Columbus Onukwugha Geoman, is a craftsman, community leader, entertainment personality and healthcare support worker associated with RoyalTv247 UK.
His late grandfather, Geoman Ekeji Ebereuche, is remembered by the family for his pioneering contributions to radio technology and broadcasting.
David also carries the Igbo chieftaincy title Afunwaechetanna, reflecting his connection to his cultural heritage and traditional identity.
These influences have contributed to the young creative’s understanding of culture, service, leadership and personal responsibility.
A LEGACY STILL IN THE MAKING
At 16, Amb. David Obama Onyekachi Christopher Geoman has already experienced a journey that spans entertainment, music, acting, songwriting, humanitarianism, youth advocacy, public speaking and brand development.
From the three-year-old child whose father discovered an unusual talent, to the young performer known as the African Michael Jackson, and from The Green Panther to Son Of Grace, David’s story has been one of continuous transformation.
His journey demonstrates the possibilities that can emerge when talent is identified early, supported consistently and combined with discipline and purpose.
Yet, despite his accomplishments, David considers himself only at the beginning of his journey.
His ambition is to become a global creative personality while using his influence and future resources to inspire young people, support humanitarian causes and contribute positively to society.
His philosophy is rooted in a simple message: difficult circumstances should not determine the future of a young person. Through talent, discipline, faith, perseverance and purpose, he believes that young people can overcome limitations and create better futures for themselves and their communities.
At 16, The Green Panther — Son Of Grace — is still writing his story.
And if the journey so far is any indication, the next chapter could be even bigger.
By Chinedu Adonu
ENUGU — Nollywood movie, Ikenga: The Last Festival, has grossed more than N100 million in cinema revenue within one month of its release, its Executive Producer, Anita Odiakaose, has disclosed.
Odiakaose made the disclosure on Tuesday in Enugu at a media briefing organised to celebrate the film’s commercial success and highlight its role in promoting Igbo language, culture and heritage.
According to her, Ikenga opened in cinemas nationwide on August 21 and crossed the N100 million mark while still running in cinemas.
She said the movie was, as of Saturday, recognised as the highest-grossing Igbo film in West Africa, describing the feat as a major milestone for culturally driven Nigerian cinema.
Odiakaose said the movie was deliberately produced to promote Igbo identity, language, traditions and cultural heritage through entertainment.
She explained that the filmmakers blended fiction and non-fiction with an Igbo cultural festival and a love story to create a production capable of attracting both local and international audiences.
“About 90 per cent of the language in the movie is Igbo, with subtitles, while about 90 per cent of the cast and crew are Igbo,” she said.
The film features veteran and contemporary Nollywood actors, including Pete Edochie, Patience Ozokwor, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Zubby Michael, Jidekene, Beverly Osu and others.
The producer said the film’s performance had demonstrated that audiences were interested in stories that reflected their culture and identity.
She, however, expressed concern over the declining use of the Igbo language, noting that even she could not speak Igbo fluently despite being an Igbo woman.
Odiakaose challenged filmmakers to become more deliberate in promoting indigenous languages and cultural values through their productions.
She said, “We need to do more as filmmakers. We need to be deliberate about using Igbo names, Igbo language and Igbo cultural elements in our films.”
According to her, culturally rooted films could also help Nigerians in the diaspora reconnect with their heritage and expose younger generations to their language, traditions and cultural practices.
Odiakaose disclosed that Ikenga was not her first production, saying she had produced about 70 films for YouTube and other platforms, but that the movie marked her first cinema production.
She said the success of the film had encouraged the production team to take it beyond Nigeria, revealing that international screenings were being planned for the United States, United Kingdom and Canada.
She disclosed that the United States premiere was scheduled for October 30, while screenings in the UK and Canada were planned for November and December respectively.
Odiakaose said the commercial performance of Ikenga had shown that films built around indigenous culture could attract large audiences while also generating substantial revenue in the cinema market.
Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced his death in an Instagram post on Wednesday, describing him as “The Lion of Lufodo.”
Olusoji said the family was grateful to God for the life their father lived and appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy.
Olu Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s most respected veteran actors, with a career spanning theatre, television and film.
Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. He began his acting career in British television before featuring in international productions and later returning to Nigeria, where he established himself as a major figure in the country’s film industry.
He appeared in numerous Nigerian films and was recognised with several industry honours, including the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Africa International Film Festival.
Jacobs was also involved in film production and the development of the performing arts in Nigeria. Alongside his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, he was associated with the Lufodo Group.
His death marks the loss of one of the most recognisable figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Nigerian dancer and entertainer Iweh Odinaka, popularly known as Poco Lee, has been granted bail in the United Kingdom ahead of his scheduled appearance at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
According to court information, Odinaka was granted bail on September 11, with a plea and trial preparation hearing scheduled for September 15.
“The Defendant has been granted bail on the 11th September 2026,” the court stated, adding that “There is a plea and trial preparation hearing on the 15th September 2026.”
The bail decision clarifies the entertainer’s current custody status following earlier reports about his release.
However, the granting of bail does not mean the criminal proceedings have been discontinued or that the allegations against him have been resolved.
The Crown Prosecution Service had previously confirmed that the case remained active and that Odinaka was due to appear before Snaresbrook Crown Court.
Odinaka is facing five sexual offence charges, including attempted rape, two counts of rape and two counts of assault by penetration.
He has denied the allegations and maintained his innocence. The charges remain before the court and have not been determined.
In a video shared on Instagram by social commentator Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, Poco Lee said he remained confident because he knew he had not committed the alleged offences.
He said: “If I were inside there and I did what I was accused of, I would have felt I was paying for my sins, but since I knew I didn’t do what I was accused of, my mind is pure.”
The case followed Poco Lee’s visit to the UK for the Davido and Friends concert at the Crystal Palace Bowl in London on August 14, 2026.
Poco Lee has not been convicted of any offence. His next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
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