JUST IN: Veteran Nollywood actor Chief Kanran dies at 70

Veteran Yoruba actor Olusegun Akinremi, popularly known as Chief Kanran, has died at the age of 70.

The news was confirmed by film producer and movie executive Seun Oloketuyi, who announced on Instagram that the actor passed away on Friday morning.

“Popular actor Segun Remi, popularly known as Chief Kanran, died Friday morning. Details soon,” Oloketuyi wrote.

Chief Kanran was a household name in the Yoruba film industry, celebrated for his refined elegance, love for luxury, sharp wit, and powerful on-screen presence.

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He began his career in stage theatre before making a successful transition to television and film, gaining national recognition through numerous Yoruba stage productions and a popular NTA drama series.

Over the decades, he featured in several classic Yoruba films, including Ewe Orun, Aiye, Efunsetan Aniwura, Agbarin, and Bata Wahala. He was best known for portraying regal and authoritative characters such as kings, chiefs, and respected village elders.

As of the time of this report, the cause of his death has not been disclosed, and his family is yet to announce burial arrangements.

Fans and colleagues across the entertainment industry are mourning his passing, describing him as a legend whose work shaped the Yoruba movie landscape for generations.

Ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Čech announces separation from wife after 26 Years

Former Chelsea and Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Čech has revealed that he and his wife, Martina, are separating after 26 years together.

The 43-year-old football legend shared the news on Instagram with a heartfelt message and a black-and-white photo of Martina kissing him on the cheek.

“Martina and myself are sad to announce that we are separating after 26 years together,” Čech wrote. “We remain best friends and immensely proud of our two children.”

The couple met as teenagers in 1999 and tied the knot in June 2003. They share two children — Adela, 17, and Damian, 16. Adela plays as a defender for the Czech Republic’s Under-17 national team, while Damian recently signed his first professional contract with Fulham as a goalkeeper, following in his father’s footsteps.

Read Also: Arsenal complete £48.5m signing of Madueke from Chelsea

Čech famously missed Adela’s birth in January 2008 while away with Chelsea for a League Cup semi-final against Everton — a match in which he did not play.

During his illustrious football career, Čech joined Chelsea from Rennes in 2004 for £7 million, making 494 appearances and winning multiple trophies, including four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, and the UEFA Champions League in 2012. He moved to Arsenal in 2015, adding another FA Cup before retiring in 2019.

Since hanging up his boots, Čech has ventured into ice hockey as a goalkeeper and served as Chelsea’s technical and performance advisor until 2022, when he left the role following Todd Boehly’s takeover of the club.

Phyna accuses Dangote of privacy violation over sister’s accident, questions public statement

Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has strongly criticised the Dangote Group over its handling of the recent accident involving her sister, Ruth Otabor.

Ruth sustained severe injuries in a truck accident near Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, on August 13, 2025, which led to the amputation of her leg.

In a social media post, Phyna accused Dangote Group staff of visiting her sister at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital without seeking family consent to take photographs, alleging that the images were later shared publicly.

“Who gave you permission to snap any member of my family and post it online? What disrespect. You send staff members to the hospital today and decide to turn it into content? I just pray this kind of picture didn’t happen with my sister,” she wrote.

Read Also: Dangote assures medical care, compensation after truck accident involving Phyna’s sister

The reality TV star also questioned the company’s choice of words in its official statement, particularly referring to her sister as “Mrs. Ruth Otabor,” asking what “narrative” they intended to create.

Phyna further demanded that cameras be prohibited in any future meetings or discussions related to the matter, stressing the need for privacy and respect. She also criticised the company’s promise of “appropriate compensation” and a “quick recovery,” pointing out that her sister had already lost a leg and that the bike rider involved in the accident was also in critical condition.

The Dangote Group had earlier confirmed its involvement in the accident, pledging comprehensive medical care and compensation for Ruth, in line with its welfare policy.

The incident has continued to spark public outrage, with celebrities and fans joining Phyna in demanding justice and accountability.

Dangote assures medical care, compensation after truck accident involving Phyna’s sister

The Dangote Group has confirmed that one of its trucks was involved in a tragic accident that left Ruth Otabor, the sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner Phyna, with life-changing injuries.

The incident occurred in Auchi, Edo State, and resulted in the amputation of Ruth’s leg due to the severity of the impact.

In a statement, the company expressed deep concern over the accident and pledged to cover Ruth’s medical expenses while also providing adequate compensation in line with its welfare policy.

Senior officials from Dangote Cement Plc, alongside the company’s insurance team, visited Ruth and her family at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State, where she is currently receiving treatment. They also met with law enforcement authorities to discuss the incident and ensure all necessary support is provided.

Read Also: Phyna accuses Dangote of privacy violation over sister’s accident, questions public statement

“Following the recent road accident in Auchi, Edo State, involving one of our trucks, senior officials from Dangote Cement Plc, together with our insurance team, promptly visited the scene, engaged with law enforcement authorities, and visited the victim and her family. This action reflects our unwavering commitment to the well-being of those affected,” the statement read.

The company further assured that Ruth will receive “comprehensive medical care and appropriate compensation” while wishing her a full and speedy recovery.

The accident has sparked public outrage after Phyna took to social media to demand justice for her sister. Several celebrities, including Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw, have joined the call for accountability.

News Access NG will continue to follow this story and provide updates on Ruth Otabor’s recovery and the company’s support efforts.

Mercy Chinwo, husband welcome second Child, release new song ‘Onyeoma’

Gospel music star Mercy Chinwo and her husband, Pastor Blessed Uzochikwa, have joyfully welcomed their second child.

The singer announced the good news on Friday via Facebook, sharing stunning maternity photos and expressing gratitude to God for His blessings.

“The Lord has done it again! He has added to our joy, multiplied our laughter, and blessed us with the precious gift of a second baby,” she wrote.

Mercy also offered heartfelt prayers for her family’s future, declaring that God’s name will forever be lifted in their lineage and that generations to come will walk in His light.

Read Also: Davido reveals spending $3.7m on white wedding

In the same post, she celebrated her husband, calling him an “amazing father of two,” adding: “The Lord has indeed been good to us.”

The couple, who tied the knot on August 13, 2022, in Port Harcourt, welcomed their first child, a son, on October 4, 2023.

In celebration of their latest blessing, Mercy Chinwo released a brand-new single titled Onyeoma on Friday.

Fans and well-wishers flooded her page with congratulatory messages. One fan wrote, “Congratulations, baby, you’re welcome to the land of milk and honey,” while another said, “God be praised, I celebrate you, ma.”

Tinubu overhauls NTA Leadership, appoints Rotimi Pedro as new DG

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a major shake-up at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), replacing the current management team with new leadership.

Veteran media executive Rotimi Richard Pedro has been appointed as the new Director-General of the state broadcaster. Other key appointments include Katsina State’s Karimah Bello as Executive Director of Marketing, Stella Din from Plateau State as Executive Director of News, and Sophia Issa Mohammed from Adamawa State as Managing Director of NTA Enterprises Limited.

Pedro a Lagos native is an accomplished media entrepreneur and consultant with nearly three decades of leadership experience in broadcasting, sports rights, and marketing communications across Africa, the UK, and the Middle East.

Read Also: Tinubu has been fair to all regions – Umahi

A trained entertainment and intellectual property lawyer, he also holds an MSc in Investment Management & Finance from City University Business School, London. In 1995, he founded Optima Sports Management International (OSMI), which became one of Africa’s leading sports content providers, distributing premium events such as the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FIFA World Cup, and CAF competitions to audiences in more than 40 countries.

His career includes leading roles at Bloomberg Television Africa, Rapid Blue Format, and consultancy work for FIFA, UEFA, Fremantle Media, and the African Union of Broadcasters. Notably, he helped the AUB secure exclusive pan-African free-to-air media rights for all CAF competitions.

Industry analysts credit Pedro with building commercially viable broadcast platforms, boosting sponsorship revenues, and delivering world-class content to African audiences.

His appointment marks one of the most significant leadership changes at NTA in recent years and signals the Federal Government’s intention to modernise the broadcaster and reposition it in an increasingly competitive media market.

We’ve not received $100,000 promised by Tinubu – Ajibade

Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, has disclosed that the team is yet to receive the $100,000 reward and other incentives promised by the Federal Government after winning the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

Speaking in an interview with Chude Jideonwo, Ajibade expressed disappointment over the delay in fulfilling the pledges made by President Bola Tinubu.

Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu hosts Super Falcons after historic WAFCON win

When asked if the money had been paid, she responded, “We have not received our money, but hopefully, it will be paid. All the promises, we have not received anything.”

Ajibade captained the Super Falcons to a historic victory in Morocco, securing their record-extending WAFCON title. Following the triumph, President Tinubu honoured the players and technical crew with national awards of Officer of the Order of Niger (OON), as well as the promise of $100,000 and a three-bedroom apartment for each team member.

Receiving the squad at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu hailed their resilience, determination, and courage, describing their win as a landmark achievement for Nigeria.

Ibom Air passenger was provoked before outburst – Eyewitness

An eyewitness has claimed that airline staff triggered the unruly behaviour of passenger Comfort Emmanson during a July Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, lawyer David Ogede, who sat beside Emmanson, alleged that a confrontation between her and a flight attendant began before the plane landed at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.

Ogede said the first air hostess politely instructed passengers to switch off their phones before takeoff. Emmanson reportedly explained that her phone’s power button was faulty. However, a second hostess intervened in what Ogede described as a “confrontational manner.”

According to him, the second hostess insisted that Emmanson turn off her device, stating she could do so without a physical button. When Emmanson asked for help, the hostess refused and allegedly told her, “I don’t have time for your nonsense.”

Read Also: Ibom Air passenger Comfort Emmanson remanded in Kirikiri after assaulting crew

“The lady then asked if there was a button on her phone and requested the hostess to spell ‘general’ in the settings menu. The exchange became tense, and at some point, the hostess threatened to ‘deal with’ her if she spoke again. That was when Emmanson flared up,” Ogede recalled.

He noted that another passenger eventually assisted with the phone, but the atmosphere remained tense until landing.

Ogede said the situation could have been avoided if handled with tact, particularly by the first hostess, whom he described as “professional and polite.”

“With humility and empathy, things might have gone differently. She felt attacked and singled out. An apology could have calmed her down,” he added.

The incident has sparked public debate over airline customer service and the handling of in-flight disputes.

BBNaija 10: Victory mocks Thelma with single mother status

Big Brother Naija Season 10 housemate, Victory, has sparked controversy after mocking fellow contestant Thelma Lawson during a fiery argument on Wednesday morning.

The confrontation began when Thelma branded Victory “a clown” and accused him of lacking discipline, adding that she would have no problem avoiding further conversations with him since he “adds no value” to her.

Read Also: BBNaija 10: Tracy becomes Head of House for week three

Later, in a private chat with fellow housemate Kulture, Victory admitted making cutting remarks about Thelma’s personal life, questioning her right to advise him on self-control given that she is a single mother.

“She dey talk say I no get self-control, but na you don born one. She think say I dey play for here? She dey tell me nonsense,” he said.

Thelma had previously revealed during the season’s premiere that she is a single mother and uninterested in pursuing romance in the BBNaija house.

BREAKING: Court discharges Ibom Air passenger amid new developments

An Ikeja Magistrates’ Court has discharged Miss Comfort Emmanson of unruly behaviour and assault charges brought against her by the police.

Magistrate Olanrewaju Salami, on Aug. 11, remanded Emmanson in a correctional centre for allegedly assaulting flight crew onboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos.

Read Also: Ibom Air passenger Comfort Emmanson remanded in Kirikiri after assaulting crew

At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, Salami discharged Emmason following the withdrawal of the five-count charge brought against her by the police.

The prosecutor, Insp Oluwabunmi Adeitan, informed the court of new developments warranting case withdrawal and submitted an application, which the court accepted.

Details shortly…

(NAN)