Entertainment
TikTok Star Khaby Lame Deported From U.S. Over Visa Violation
Italian-Senegalese social media sensation and TikTok’s most-followed creator, Khaby Lame, has been deported from the United States for overstaying his visa, U.S. immigration authorities confirmed.
Lame, 25, was detained last Friday by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.
In an official statement, ICE disclosed that the internet personality entered the U.S. on April 30 but remained in the country beyond the legal period permitted by his visa.
The New York Times reported that Lame’s visa status had become unclear in recent weeks, prompting enforcement action.
READ ALSO: TikTok Content Creator Arraigned For Alleged Cyberbullying Of FRSC Official
Lame, best known for his viral silent reactions to exaggerated “life hack” videos, has become a global phenomenon, boasting over 160 million TikTok followers.
His meteoric rise has earned him brand endorsements, a role in a Hollywood film, and a reality TV series, Khaby Is Coming To America, which aired on the streaming platform Tubi.
News of his deportation spread rapidly across social media, drawing widespread attention and stirring controversy.
Among the more vocal reactions was that of conservative commentator and Gen Z Trump supporter Bo Loudon, who claimed credit for Lame’s removal.
“Every single illegal alien needs to be DEPORTED. When I found out the biggest TikTok star, Khaby Lame, is an illegal alien evading taxes, I worked with Trump’s ICE to have him removed. He’s since been detained by ICE and removed,” Loudon posted on X (formerly Twitter).
While Lame has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, he appeared to confirm his departure from the U.S. by sharing an Instagram Story tagged in São Paulo, Brazil — his first publicly known location since the deportation.
Speaking to The New York Times, Lame’s former attorney, Riccardo Lanzo, noted that while the influencer had spent substantial time in the United States, “there were uncertainties regarding the specifics of his visa status.”
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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