Entertainment
Drugs And Fraud: The Ugly Underbelly Of Nigeria’s Entertainment Industry(Part 2)
By Funmilayo Olusanya
In this second part, Biztellers takes a look at Nollywood celebrities who have been mired in drug and fraud allegations over the years.
In the first part, Biztellers looked at some prominent musicians who have been mired in rumors of drug peddling and fraud.
BABA SUWE
Another notable personality, Nollywood comic actor, Babatunde Omidina better known as Baba Suwe was arrested in 2011, at the Murtala Mohammad International Airport in Lagos. He was taken into custody by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), after the airport’s scanning engine revealed traces of ingested wraps of cocaine in his belly.
The accusation lead to a three-week spectacle in which Nigerian officials, and the entire country, kept tabs on the detained Baba Suwe’s bowel movements — looking out for discharged bags of cocaine. The bags never came.
The accusations against Suwe were serious, and the potential consequences dire. If convicted, he could have faced a lengthy prison sentence, and his reputation as a beloved actor and comedian could have been permanently tarnished.
The case garnered significant attention from the media and the public, with many people expressing their support for Baba Suwe and demanding that he be treated fairly.
Despite the intense scrutiny, however, no evidence of drug use was ever found. The bags of cocaine that the authorities claimed Baba Suwe had swallowed never materialized, and the actor himself maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal. In the end, he was released without charge, after three weeks in detention but the damage had already been done.
Upon his release, the actor charged NDLEA to court, for unlawful detention and public humiliation among others. The presiding Judge, who heard the case, ruled that the actor be paid the sum of 25 million Naira in damages, and also tender a public apology to repair the reputational damage done to the actor.
However, till date, NDLEA is yet to obey the court judgment and pay the actor the 25 million Naira sum. They’ve continuously appealed the case.
The actor, who battled chronic diabetes attributed his predicament to the fate he suffered during his illegal detention in 2011, amid these battle, Baba Suwe gave up the ghost on the 22nd of November 2021.
UCHE ODOPUTA
Uche Odoputa is another top Nigerian entertainer with a history of drug-related crime. In fact, unlike Baba Suwe’s case, Odoputa was actually convicted of cocaine trafficking.
The popular actor was arrested by men of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. He was taken into custody while he was about boarding a flight to the UK. In his possession was 1.34kg of cocaine, which led to his arrest.
Odoputa was charged to court and was subsequently sentenced to prison on a 2-year term. In his words, “greed and desperation forced his hands and pushed him into drug trafficking”.
While the actor was a relatively prominent upcoming actor prior to his conviction, he hasn’t been able to forge his way up the ladder. According to the actor, most of his former colleagues severed ties with him after his incarceration, with the exception of Mr. Ibu, Amaka Igwe and a few others.
AKINWANDE HASSANAT
The most popular drug trafficking story concerning a Nigerian entertainer is probably the conviction of popular Yoruba actress Hassanat Akinwande, who is fondly called Yetunde Wunmi by her admirers.
The veteran Yoruba actress was taken into custody at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport by men of the NDLEA. She was caught by the airport’s electronic scanner, which revealed traces of foreign objects in her stomach. This drew the attention of the drug enforcement officers at the scene, and the actress was subsequently taken into custody, where she eventually excreted ingested cocaine wraps, numbering in excess of 90.
Consequent to this, the actress was charged to court and was eventually sentenced to 2-year imprisonment, with an option of a 1 million Naira fine. The lenient penalty was allegedly attributed to the “humane remorse” that the actress showed during her trial. As gathered, the actress reportedly bursted into tears as she was arraigned before the judge, who in turn, felt pity for her.
Yetunte Wunmi, as the actress is popularly called, somehow managed to get a light sentence for a rather serious crime. However, the incident left an indelible mark on her reputation, which she is yet to, and may never, recover from.
SUNDAY JOSHUA
On January 11, 2021, the NDLEA arrested a fast-growing skit maker, Sunday Joshua, known simply as ‘De General’, after a raid at his residence at Orchid Estate, Lekki area of Lagos State.
He was immediately charged to court on three counts of trafficking tramadol and cannabis Sativa and convicted of the charges by a federal high court in Lagos after pleading guilty to possessing substances found in his home.
However, the court said the volume of substance was too minimal for a sentence and cautioned him to “go and sin no more.”
Many continue to believe that the Nigerian entertainment industry is fueled mostly by ill gotten wealth and the arrest of Huspuppi, a socialite who has been seen with a lot of celebrities and was believed to be silently sponsoring a lot of musicians.
The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following reports that popular Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo has died at the age of 40 after an alleged battle with kidney cancer.
The heartbreaking news surfaced on Tuesday after fellow Nollywood actor Godwin Nnadiekwe shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, expressing shock and sadness over Ekubo’s reported passing.
SEE ALSO: Nollywood Actress Doris Ogala Comes Hard On Gov Alex Otti Over Abia Money
“I’m struggling to find the words. This news has truly broken me,” Nnadiekwe wrote.
“Nollywood has lost a rare soul, and I’m lost for words because this wasn’t the plan, Alex Ekubo.
“To think you already prepared your will — it’s a heartbreak I can’t quite describe. Rest well, my friend.”
According to a Nollywood source, Ekubo was rushed to the hospital on Monday after reportedly battling kidney cancer.
The source claimed the actor died on Tuesday afternoon after spending hours on life support.
The development comes months after concerns emerged over the actor’s health due to his prolonged absence from social media.
A check on his pages showed that his last post was made on December 30, 2024, raising questions among fans about his wellbeing.
Since the news broke, social media has been flooded with tributes from fans, celebrities, and colleagues mourning the actor’s reported death and celebrating his contributions to the movie industry.
As of the time of filing this report, neither Ekubo’s family nor his management team had issued an official statement regarding the reports.
Ekubo was widely known for his roles in several Nollywood blockbuster films and remained one of the most recognised actors in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards 2026 delivered glamour, emotional moments, and major surprises as Africa’s biggest stars gathered at the Eko Hotel and Suites on Saturday night for one of the continent’s most prestigious entertainment events.
The ceremony, which began at 7 p.m., celebrated excellence in African film, television, and digital storytelling, with several Nollywood productions dominating the night.
SEE ALSO: All The Winners From The 2025 AMVCA Awards [Full List]
One of the biggest highlights of the evening was the dominance of “My Father’s Shadow,” which emerged as the biggest winner after clinching Best Movie, Best Director, Best Writing – Movie, and Best Sound/Sound Design.
Reality TV also had a strong showing as “Nigerian Idol” Season 10 won the Best Unscripted Series category.
The awards ceremony was broadcast live across Africa Magic channels on DStv and GOtv, attracting millions of viewers across the continent.
Full List of Winners and Nominees at AMVCA 2026
Best Costume Design
Winner: “Colours of Fire” – Valerie Okeke
Nominees:
“The Serpent’s Gift” – Mary Chukuma
“The Real Housewives of Lagos (S3)” – Deola Art Alade, Darey Art Alade
“Something About The Briggs” – Yolanda Okereke
“To Kill a Monkey” – Ikechukwu Urum, John Joseph Angel
Best Makeup
Winner: “Warlord” – Hakeem Onilogbo
Nominees:
“Behind The Scenes” – Mojisola Imam
“Lisabi (A Legend Is Born)” – Adeola Thelma Bamgboye
“Gingerrr” – Diablaq Artistry
“Abanisete” – Adeola Thelma Bamgboye
“Suky” – Ruth Harcourt
“Labake Olododo” – Adeola Thelma Bamgboye
Best Sound/Sound Design
Winner: “My Father’s Shadow” – Pius Fatoke, CJ Mirra
Nominees:
“Gingerrr” – Tolu Obanro
“Ben Made It” – Vaughan Phillips
“The Party” – Tolu Obanro
“Sebata (The Beast)” – Vaughan Phillips
“The Herd” – Fisayo Adefolaju
Best Writing – TV Series
Winner: “MTV Shuga Mashariki” – Annette Shadeya, Natasha Likimani, Mkamzee Mwatela, Arnold Mwanjila, Makgano Mamabolo
Nominees:
“The Wives” – Donald Tombia, Timendu Aghahowa, Chiemeka Osuagwu
“Our Husband” – Xavier Ighorodje
“Addis Fikir” – Besufekade Mulu
“Baba OH” – Temilola Balogun
“The Party” – Stephen Okonkwo
“Gizat” – Yednekachew Ayne
Best Art Direction
Winner: “Colours of Fire” – Ajamolaya Bunmi
Nominees:
“The Serpent’s Gift” – Zainab Oladupupo
“The Herd” – Omolade Abisola
“Aljana” – Olatunji Afolayan, Gideon Stephen
“Suky” – Victor Akpan
“Inimba” – Thabiso Senne
Best Writing – Movie
Winner: “My Father’s Shadow” – Wale Davies
Nominees:
“The Herd” – Lani Aisida
“Blackout” – Ikenna Okpara
“Cards on the Table” – Shirleen Wangari
“Gingerrr” – Xavier Ighorodje
“Suky” – Isaac Ayodeji
“3 Cold Dishes” – Tomi Adesina
Best Cinematography
Winner: “To Kill A Monkey” – Kabelo Thathe
Nominees:
“My Father’s Shadow” – Jermaine Edwards
“The Herd” – Emmanuel Igbekele
“Finding Nina” – Daanong Gyang
“The Serpent’s Gift” – Emmanuel Igbekele
“Stitches” – KC Obiajulu
“Gingerrr” – Emmanuel Igbekele
Best Digital Content Creator
Winner: “Leave To Live” – Emmanuel Kanaga and Sophia Chisom
Nominees:
“Luxury Koko” – Maryam Apaokagi-Greene (Taaoma)
“The Marriage List” – Destiny Ogie Osarewinda
“The Rate Race” – Benedict Ehimare Oriaifo
“August Meeting Election” – Steve Chuks
“Did I Just Hear Muah” – Akwaman
Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa)
Winner: “Lisabi (A Legend is Born)” – Lateef Adedimeji
Nominees:
“The Serpent’s Gift” – Winifred Mena-Ajakpovi
“Labake Olododo” – Iyabo Ojo and team
“Aljana” – Grace Yachat Yakubu
“Olorisha” – Abiola Adeshina
Best Indigenous M-Net Original
Winner: “Inimba” – Siphosethu Tshapu, Thandi Ramathesele and Yolanda Ndhlovu
Nominees:
“Kukoyi” – David Akande
“Undugu” – Hatibu Madudu
“Out N’ About (Harar)” – Bruk Yibrah
“Kamapala Creme” – Joel Ndugwa
“The Chocolate Empire” – Grace Kahaki and Phillippe Bresson
“Mgbuka” – Eze Izu
Best Unscripted Series
Winner: “Nigerian Idol (S10)” – Sulaiman Kassim and Anneke De Ridder
Nominees:
“The Real Housewives of Lagos (S3)” – Deola Art Alade, Darey Art Alade
“Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa” – Graeme Swanepoel
“Off Air” – Gbemi and Toolz
“Out N’ About” – Bruk Yibrah
Best Scripted M-Net Original
Winner: “The Low Priest” – Femi D. Ogunsanwo
Nominees:
“Adam to Eve” – Lizz Njagah and Alexandros Konstantaras
“Mother of the Brides” – Rogba Arimoro and Bio Arimoro
“The Yard” – James Kalu Omokwe
“Bobo” – Maurice Muendo
Best Supporting Actress
Winner: Linda Ejiofor – “The Herd”
Nominees:
Olamide Kidbaby – “Oversabi Aunty”
Bisola Aiyeola – “Gingerrr”
Sola Sobowale – “The Covenant Series”
Nadia Dutch – “Aljana”
Amal Umar – “The Herd”
Juliebrenda Nyambura – “MTV Shuga Mashariki”
Funke Akindele – “Behind the Scenes”
Best Supporting Actor
Winner: Bucci Franklin – “To Kill a Monkey”
Nominees:
Simileoluwa Hassan – “The Yard”
Lateef Adedimeji – “Gingerrr”
Gabriel Afolayan – “Colours of Fire”
Femi Adebayo – “King of Thieves 2”
Lateef Adedimeji – “Red Circle”
Femi Branch – “Owambe Thieves”
Uzor Arukwe – “Behind the Scenes”
Best Lead Actress
Winner: Linda Ejiofor – “The Serpent’s Gift”
Nominees:
Bimbo Akintola – “To Kill A Monkey”
Ifeoma Fafunwa – “The Lost Days”
Ariyike Owolagba – “Something About The Briggs”
Sola Sobowale – “Her Excellency”
Scarlet Gomez – “Behind the Scenes”
Genoveva Umeh – “The Herd”
Gloria Anozie-Young – “Mother of the Brides”
Best Lead Actor
Winner: Uzor Arukwe – “Colours of Fire”
Nominees:
Mike Ezuruonye – “Oversabi Aunty”
Lateef Adedimeji – “Lisabi: A Legend Is Born”
William Benson – “To Kill A Monkey”
Kanayo O. Kanayo – “Grandpa Must Obey”
Khumbuza Meyiwa – “Bet I Love You”
Wale Ojo – “3 Cold Dishes”
Femi Branch – “Red Circle”
Trailblazer Award
Winner: Uche Montana
Lifetime Achievement Award
Winners: Sola Sobowale, Kanayo O. Kanayo
Best Indigenous Language Film (Central Africa)
Winner: “Mabanda” – Kang Quintus
Nominees:
“Safou (A Gift From Nature)” – Nyasha Makamba
“Golden Spoon” – Egbe Francis Ettabrown
Best Indigenous Language Film (North Africa)
Winner: “Artal Alhanin: Our Memories” – Mohamed Awad and Mohamed Abdulraham Eldouma
Nominees:
“The Omnipresent” – Youssef Ben Khalifa
“The Delivery” – Abdalla Ezyan
“The Hidden Voice” – Houssem Eddine Abdelwahed
“This Is Portsaid” – Abdalla Ezyan
Best Indigenous Language Film (East Africa)
Winner: “Addis Fikir” – Leul Shoaferaw
Nominees:
“Inside Job” – Kamau Wandug’u, Joe Mahinda and Barbara Njeri Maina
“Sayari” – Omar Hamza and June Wairegi
“My Son” – Isarito Mwakalindile
“Kimote” – Hassan Mageye
Best Indigenous Language Film (South Africa)
Winner: “Tlhaho Ya Mosadi” – Naledi Galane, Promise Ramoroka, Ernest Ramoroka and Modipadi Mokgohioa
Nominees:
“Bet I Love You” – Joseph Duke and Keamogetse Modise
“Sebata (The Beast)” – African Entertainers
“Ben Made It” – Thabang Mathuumetse and Thapelo Dikhutso
“Terra of Queens and Kuma 2” – Neo Leonardo Mokoena
Best Scripted Series
Winner: “Inimba” – Siphosethu Tshapu, Thandi Ramathesele and Yolanda Ndhlovu
Nominees:
“To Kill a Monkey” – Kemi Adetiba
“The Yard” – James Kalu Omokwe
“The Chocolate Empire” – Grace Kahaki and Philippe Bresson
“Kash Money” – Grace Kahaki and Phillipe Benson
Best Director
Winner: “My Father’s Shadow” – Akinola Davies Jr
Nominees:
“Cordelia” – Tunde Kelani
“Osamede” – James Kalu Omokwe
“The Herd” – Daniel Etim Effiong
“Gingerrr” – Yemi Filmboy Morafa
“3 Cold Dishes” – Asurf Amuwa Oluseyi
Best Movie
Winner: “My Father’s Shadow” – Funmbi Ogunbanwo and Rachel Dargavel
Nominees:
“Gingerrr” – Ope Ajayi, Bisola Aiyeola, Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, Wumi Toriola, Bolaji Ogunmola and Onyeka Nnama
“The Herd” – Daniel Etim Effiong, Efe Ejukoriem, Ulogo Chukwudi, Kene Okwuosa, Craig Shurn and Ladun Awobokun
“3 Cold Dishes” – Martial Dansou, Asurf Amuwa Oluseyi and Ly Oumar
“The Serpent’s Gift” – Winifred Mena-Ajakpovi
“Behind the Scenes” – Funke Akindele and Wendy Uwadie Imaseun
Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold has addressed widespread online speculation claiming that he and his wife, fellow musician Simi recently welcomed twins, clarifying that the reports are false.
The award-winning artiste made the clarification during a recent interview with Great Day Houston, where he spoke about his family life and creative partnership with his wife.
SEE ALSO: Simi Urges Parents To Raise Independent, Self-Sufficient Daughters
Adekunle Gold described marriage to Simi as both inspiring and creatively fulfilling, noting that sharing a home with another songwriter allows them to exchange ideas and support each other musically.
He also expressed joy about their growing family, hinting at the excitement of raising children who may show interest in music.
However, addressing the viral rumours directly, the singer dismissed claims that the couple had welcomed twins.
“That is just the internet talking. We didn’t have twins, we have a son,” he clarified.
The clarification comes months after the couple announced the arrival of their second child in April, without initially revealing the baby’s gender or name—an omission that sparked widespread speculation online.
Adekunle Gold and Simi got married in January 2019 and welcomed their first child, Adejare, in 2020.
The couple remains one of Nigeria’s most admired celebrity music couples, known for balancing their public careers with private family life.
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