Entertainment
Naira Marley Remanded in Prison Custody Till May 30
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Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered that up-and-coming artiste Azeez Fashola, who goes by the stage name Naira Marley, be remanded in the prison.
The judge made the remand order on Monday morning shortly after Naira Marley was arraigned on 11 counts bordering on credit card fraud.
Naira Marley pleaded not guilty to the cyber fraud charges pressed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The judge adjourned till May 30 to take the bail application filed by the defence counsel, Taiwo Oreagba, on behalf of her client.
Following the court order, Naira Marley was led into the holding cell on the court premises by prison officials accompanied by policemen and EFCC officials.
At the court were the singer’s relatives, including his mother, who looked distraught.
The mother looked on as her son was led away by security. But she was later permitted into the holding cell where Naira Marley was held temporarily before being taken to Ikoyi Prison.
In the charges against him, the EFCC alleged that Naira Marley conspired with Yad Isril and Raze, said to be at large, to use access cards, with numbers 5264711020433662 and 42658840359191132, “issued to persons other than you in a bid to obtain gain.”
The EFCC also alleged that Naira Marley was on May 10, 2019 found in possession of two counterfeit access cards Nos. 4539782440624281 and 492189410257431 issued in the names of Nicole Louise Malyon and Timea Fedorne Tatar, respectively.
The anti-graft agency said the artiste retained the two cards and another one with number 5264711020433662, issued to an unknown person “under circumstances which constitute card theft.”
The prosecuting counsel for the EFCC, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, told the court that Naira Marley acted contrary to Section 27 (1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015.
He said the musician was liable to be punished under sections 33(9) and 34 of the same Act.
The Punch
MultiChoice Nigeria has announced that the 11th season of Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) will premiere on Sunday, July 26, 2026, and the winner to receive a record-breaking grand prize of N160 million.
The announcement was made during a press briefing on Wednesday, and organisers said the prize package, comprising N100 million in cash and a brand-new SUV, is the highest in the reality show’s history.
The launch show will air from 7pm on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family. The 24-hour live channel will be available on DStv Channel 198 and GOtv Channel 49, while viewers can also watch via DStv Stream and GOtv Stream.
Preparations for the new season began earlier this year with physical auditions held from May 22 to 24 in Lagos, Abuja and Enugu after shortlisted applicants were invited to participate.
Participation was free, with eligibility limited to individuals aged 21 years and above who possessed valid means of identification.
The upcoming edition follows the conclusion of Season 10 on October 5, 2025, when Opeyemi Ayanwale, popularly known as Imisi, emerged winner after defeating 28 other contestants. Imisi received a prize package worth N150 million, comprising N80 million in cash and an SUV.
Speaking on the new season, Atinuke Babatunde, Executive Head, Content and Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice, said the show would continue to build on its success.
“Big Brother Naija has consistently redefined entertainment in Africa by bringing together authentic storytelling, compelling personalities and moments that resonate with millions of viewers.
“Season 11 builds on that legacy with even bigger stakes, fresh twists and an exciting mix of housemates that will keep audiences engaged from premiere night through to the finale.”
The organisers also announced a new lineup of sponsors, with betPawa joining Big Brother Naija as the headline sponsor.
Commenting on the partnership, Borah Omary Ndanyungu, Head of Local Marketing & CSR, betPawa, said: “At betPawa, we believe in creating unforgettable experiences that bring people together through the things they are passionate about.
“Big Brother Naija is one of Africa’s most celebrated entertainment properties, and we are proud to come on board as Headline Sponsor for Season 11. We look forward to rewarding fans, deepening engagement throughout the season and delivering exciting experiences that complement the energy and excitement of the show.”
Guinness returns as the Gold Sponsor, while Minimie joins as an Associate Sponsor.
On the partnerships, Babatunde said: “We are delighted to welcome betPawa as our Headline Sponsor alongside Guinness and Minimie, whose partnership reflects the enduring value and impact of the Big Brother Naija platform.”
Since its return in 2017, Big Brother Naija has grown beyond a reality television programme into one of Africa’s biggest entertainment franchises, producing household names, creating jobs across the creative industry and shaping popular culture.
Ebuka Obi-Uchendu will return as host for Season 11, with organisers promising new twists, strategic gameplay, competitive tasks and entertaining challenges throughout the season.
Eligible subscribers will be able to vote through the MyDStv and MyGOtv self-service apps. Viewers can also increase their voting benefits by upgrading their subscription packages or renewing for multiple months.
Anticipation for Big Brother Naija is building up again after organisers teased the return of the reality show for its 11th season, prompting fans to call for an official premiere date.
In a post shared across the show’s social media platforms on Sunday, the organisers announced: “A new chapter begins, and this time, everything is for the taking. #BBNaija season 11 is coming soon.”
The teaser arrives months after the conclusion of Season 10, which ended with Imisi Ayanwale clinching the grand prize of N150 million.
The franchise has stayed in the spotlight since the Season 10 reunion, aired on June 8, when all 29 former housemates reconvened to address controversies that defined the season.
In preparation for the new edition, organisers said auditions have been completed.
The application portal opened in May, followed by physical auditions in Lagos, Abuja and Enugu.
Members of Nigeria’s entertainment industry turned out in large numbers on Wednesday for the service of songs of late actor Alex Ekubo.
Ekubo died on May 11, 2026, after a battle with kidney cancer.
Colleagues, friends, and dignitaries filled The Monarch Event Centre for the ceremony, dressed strictly in white as requested by the Ekubo family.
Attendees included Funke Akindele, Kate Henshaw, Chioma Akpotha, Ebele Okaro, Nancy Isime, Ruth Kadiri, Nkechi Blessing, Stan Nze, Blessing Obasi, Ik Ogbonna, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, singer Chike, and socialite Cubana Chief Priest.
The evening featured worship led by gospel ministers Peterson Okopi and Ebuka Songs, with Pastor Jerry Eze, Nathaniel Bassey, and Kaestrings also ministering.
The Ekubo family had earlier released an obituary on the late actor’s Instagram page, asking the public to keep them in prayer.
Wednesday’s service of songs officially opened Alex Ekubo’s burial rites.
The funeral moves to Arochukwu, Abia State, for a wake-keep on June 17, with burial scheduled for June 18.
