Entertainment

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has banned the shooting of movies in riverine areas and also suspended filmmaker Adanma Luke following the death of actor Junior Pope Odonwodo.

Junior Pope was among the persons who drowned while returning from a shoot for a movie called “Another Side of Life” which was being produced by Adanma. Their boat capsized around Cable Point at the waterside of River Niger in Asaba, Delta State.

While there were initial claims that Junior Pope was revived, the AGN said the actor is dead, prompting its suspension of shoots involving riverine areas and boat rides.

“Following the tragic incident of boat mishap that claimed the life of Mr John Paul Odonwodo aka Junior Pope and four other crew members at the waterside of River Niger Cable point Asaba on 10 April 2024 on a movie set titled ‘The other side of Life’ produced by Adanma Luke,” the AGN president Emeka Rollas said in a statement on Thursday.

“The leadership of the Guild has taken the following decisions: (1) All films that involve riverine areas and boat riding are at this moment suspended indefinitely, (2) no shoot on all locations Nationwide on Thursday, 11 April 2024.

“(3)The film titled ‘Another Side of Life’ is suspended indefinitely (4) No actor is allowed to work with Adamma Luke as a producer till further notice. (5) While we keep searching for the bodies of the remaining persons, may their souls rest in peace.”

The move is coming after the AGN president said the actor was alive after initially confirming Junior Pope’s death. But hours later, he deleted the post on his Instagram handle, posting another one where he said reconfirmed the actor’s death.

“It’s so so sad that our joy was shortlived. My first post was out of excitement when we noticed his tingling fingers. Two notable hospitals tried their best to revive him but to no avail. God knows the best,” he said.

AGN President, Emeka Rollas reported deleted the Instagram post where he announced that Junior Pope is alive and receiving treatment.

Details soon….

Nollywood actor Pope Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope, reportedly passed away at 39.

His untimely demise was confirmed on Wednesday, April 10, following a devastating boat accident.

Filmmaker Sam Olatunji shared the heartbreaking news, revealing that Junior Pope, along with three others, lost their lives after their boat capsized while en route to a movie location.

Filmmaker Sam Olatunji shared the heartbreaking news, revealing that Junior Pope, along with three others, lost their lives after their boat capsized while en route to a movie location.

Olatunji posted a picture of Junior Pope with the caption below: “Four actors including Jnr Pope fell into Anam River on their way to location and their bodies have been recovered. What a sad day for Nollywood.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Multiple sources confirm this sad development to us.”

Watch the video below:

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested celebrity cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, for mutilation of Naira currency.

Confirming the arrest, the spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, said Bobrisky was arrested at Pinnock Estate in Lagos State on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at about 3pm, for alleged spraying of the Naira, currency mutilation and abuse of the Naira.

LeadingReporters also gathered that Bobrisky is currently in custody at their facility in Lagos, where he spent the night and will face charges in court soon.

Recall that Bobrisky had been in the news amid recent discussions regarding the legality of cross-dressing in Nigeria, with the Police spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, expressing the complex legal landscape surrounding the issue as no law is against cross dressing in Nigeria.

Bobrisky had always defended his lifestyle choices in response to criticism, emphasising individual freedom of choice and urging others to mind their own business.

Ace comedian and filmmaker, Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, has said his problems started after he declared his support for the Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate in the last election, Peter Obi.

He said despite his troubles, he didn’t regret supporting Obi.

AY spoke at the Easter edition of his comedy show, AY Live, in Lagos on Sunday.

He said, “I supported Peter Obi [in the last presidential election]. I do not regret supporting Peter Obi. That was when my problems started.

“The decision I made to support Peter Obi is not because I am a politician but because I want change. I want Nigeria to become better. I am not a politician. I know nothing about politics. After I started campaigning for Obi on social media, my house got burnt. After God, the next person you should fear and respect is government. Try government, they will shock you.”

Atunyota Akpobome, the ace comedian better known as Alibaba, and Mary Akpobome, his wife, have welcomed a set of triplets.

Alibaba announced the arrival of the newborns in a post on his Instagram page on Monday.

He disclosed that the triplets arrived two months ago and have been named Aaron, Alexander, and Aandrew.

He also shared a picture showing the three babies being carried, and three little pairs of blue sneakers beneath them.

The 58-year-old comedian expressed gratitude to God for the safe deliveries which he described as beautiful blessings.

“Mary and I are happy and overjoyed to welcome our 3 sons, Aaron, Alexander, and Aandrew into the Akpobome family,” he wrote.

“It has been 2 months since they arrived, and as the days go by, we thank God Almighty for these 3 beautiful blessings.

“We also want to thank our sisters, brothers, friends, uncles, and aunties for all the support so far.

“We appreciate and thank you immensely for all your prayers, love, best wishes, and gifts.

“As we celebrate the essence of the Resurrection power in this period of Easter, we join our faith with yours and pray that things of joy will never be far from you.

“God will make all that needs to arise, to Arise in your favour in this Holy period of reawakening.

The family of the former member of the Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, has announced his burial arrangements.

The late Ojougboh was an illustrious son of Delta State. He was a grassroot politician who has contributed immensely to the development of Delta State and the nation at large. He was a prominent, fearless and outspoken politician without prejudice to tribe or tongue.

Ojougboh was conscientious, amiable, accessible and generous to all who came across him and was committed to serving the public interest and improving the lives of citizens.

Other lined-up burial activities that will precede the interment are Requiem Mass on Thursday, April 16, 2024 by 4:00p.m. at the Church for The Assumption, Asokoro, Abuja and Vigil Mass on Thursday, April 18, 2024 by 4:00 p.m. at All Saints Catholic Church, Alihame, Agbor, Delta State.

The Christian Wake will take place on Thursday, April 18, 2024 between 6:00p.m. and 10:00p.m. at the Ojougboh Family Compound, Alihame, Agbor, Delta State.

The burial activities shall be capped with a Thanksgiving Mass on Sunday April 21, 2024 at All Saints Catholic Church, Alihame, Agbor, Delta State by 9:00a.m.

Late Cairo Ojougboh represented Ika Federal Constituency of Delta State in the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007 and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State.

He was also a former Executive Director Project of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).