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Nollywood Grieves as Monalisa Stephen, Beloved Actress and Body Positivity Icon, Passes Away

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By Prosper Mene 

The Nigerian entertainment industry is reeling from the tragic loss of beloved Nollywood actress, plus-size model, and body positivity advocate Monalisa Ayobami Stephen, who passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Lagos. The 33-year-old, affectionately known as Gabacci, succumbed to complications related to low blood sugar and internal bleeding, as confirmed by her younger sister.

 

The news was announced on Wednesday by Seun Oloketuyi, CEO of Best of Nollywood (BON), in an emotional Instagram post. “Brand influencer Monalisa Ayobami Stephen is dead. She died yesterday in Lagos after losing the fight against low sugar and internal bleeding. Her immediate younger sister confirmed the death of this hardworking and beautiful soul,” Oloketuyi wrote.

Monalisa Stephen was a vibrant figure in Nollywood, known for her roles in films such as Mami Wata (2023) and Breaded Life (2021), as well as her engaging presence in comedy skits. Beyond her acting career, she gained widespread admiration as a vocal advocate for self-love and body positivity, particularly for plus-size women. Her bold stance against body shaming and her candid discussions about personal challenges, including surviving an abusive relationship, resonated with fans across Nigeria and beyond.

Her passing has ignited an outpouring of grief from colleagues, fans, and industry peers. Nollywood stars, including Toyin Abraham and Mo Bimpe, expressed their sorrow on social media, while fans hailed her as an inspiration for embracing authenticity and confidence. One fan wrote on X, “Rest in Perfect Peace, Monalisa Stephen. Your light touched so many lives.”

Monalisa’s final social media post, a video celebrating a song by Davido, reflected her vibrant spirit and love for life. Her death marks yet another loss for Nollywood, which has mourned several talents in 2025, including Nkechi Nweje and Pat Ugwu.

The actress’s family has not yet released details regarding funeral arrangements. As the industry and her fans grieve, Monalisa Stephen’s legacy as a trailblazer for body positivity and a talented performer will continue to inspire.

May her soul rest in peace.

 

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Leah Sharibu’s Prolonged Captivity Sparks Urgent Plea for Action

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By Prosper Mene 

Seven years after her abduction by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), an offshoot of Boko Haram, Leah Sharibu remains in captivity, prompting renewed calls for her release. On May 14, 2025, as Leah marked her 22nd birthday, her eighth in captivity, a Nigerian advocacy group urged President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser to prioritize her freedom, labeling her prolonged ordeal a “sad development.”

Leah, abducted at 14 from her school in Dapchi, Yobe State, in February 2018, was one of 110 schoolgirls kidnapped by ISWAP. While most of her peers were released, Leah, the only Christian among them, was held back after refusing to renounce her faith. Reports indicate she has been subjected to enslavement and, according to some sources, forcibly married to an ISWAP commander. The Nigerian government has confirmed she is alive, yet her continued captivity has drawn widespread concern.

“Leah has spent over 2,649 days away from her family, all because she held firm to her beliefs,” EiE Nigeria posted on X, demanding action. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom also highlighted her plight, with Commissioner Maureen Ferguson noting, “Her family, friends, and community long for her return.”

Critics argue the government’s response has been inadequate, with the advocacy group pressing Tinubu to leverage intelligence and diplomatic channels to secure Leah’s release. The call comes amid broader concerns about Nigeria’s handling of insurgent abductions, with Leah’s case citing the intersection of religious persecution and security challenges.

Leah’s story is a stark reminder of the human cost of insurgency and the need for resolute action to bring her home.

 

 

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Yaba Tech Student Appeals for N30m to Fund Life-Saving Kidney Transplant

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By Prosper Mene 

Prisca Udochukwu, a Higher National Diploma (HND) student at Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) in Lagos State, is urgently seeking N30 million to undergo a kidney transplant to save her life. The aspiring engineer, whose education has been halted by chronic kidney disease, has appealed to kind-hearted Nigerians for financial support to help her resume her studies and achieve her dreams.

Udochukwu’s health challenges began in December 2024, when she was diagnosed with kidney disease, rendering her unable to return to class. The condition has since worsened, requiring a transplant to restore her health. Speaking to Hallmark News, she expressed her determination to survive, stating, “I am appealing for support to fund a kidney transplant so I can resume my studies and fulfill my dream of becoming an engineer.”

The N30 million is needed to cover the cost of the transplant surgery, hospital admission, medications, and post-operative care. Udochukwu’s family has exhausted their resources on her treatment, leaving her reliant on public generosity. Her plight has sparked an outpouring of sympathy, with calls for donations to help her reclaim her future.

Donations can be made to FCMB Account Number: 1030595893, Account Name: Udochukwu Prisca Nneka. For further inquiries or to offer support, Udochukwu can be reached at +234 814 419 1267.

Yabatech, known as Nigeria’s premier polytechnic, has not issued an official statement on the matter, but the student’s appeal has gained traction on social media, with posts on X amplifying her call for help.

As Udochukwu battles for her life, her story serves as a reminder of the resilience of young Nigerians and the power of collective support in times of crisis.

 

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Court Sets June 27 for Final Judgment in Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension Case

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By Prosper Mene 

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed June 27, 2025, to deliver a final judgment in the high-profile legal battle involving suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The senator is challenging her six-month suspension from the Senate, which she alleges was unjust, biased, and a violation of her right to a fair hearing.

The case, which has drawn significant public attention, stems from a contentious dispute between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, marked by allegations of misconduct, sexual harassment, and defamation. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension in March 2025 followed a Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct report, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, citing alleged gross misconduct. The senator claims the disciplinary process was unfair and politically motivated, naming the National Assembly, the Senate, Akpabio, and Imasuen as defendants in her suit.

During Monday’s hearing, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, led by Jibrin Okutekpa (SAN), informed the court that all required documents had been submitted as per prior directives. The team urged the court to invalidate the suspension, arguing it defied a valid court order. Okutekpa emphasized the urgency of the matter, noting that the six-month suspension period was time-sensitive.

The hearing also addressed contempt claims filed by both parties. Akpabio accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of breaching a gag order issued by Justice Nyako on April 4, 2025, which barred all parties from making public statements about the case, particularly regarding sexual harassment allegations. The Senate President’s legal team, led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), pointed to a satirical apology posted by Akpoti-Uduaghan on social media on April 27, where she mockingly apologized for “maintaining dignity and self-respect.” They argued this violated the court’s directive and requested that she delete the post and issue a written apology in two national newspapers.

In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Michael Numan (SAN), countered with an earlier contempt motion against Akpabio, the Senate, and others, alleging they disobeyed a court order by proceeding with the suspension despite ongoing litigation. Numan argued that a statement attributed to Akpoti-Uduaghan had “no connection” to her and did not constitute contempt. Justice Nyako, after hearing submissions from both sides, adjourned the case to June 27 for a final ruling on the suspension suit, contempt claims, and preliminary objections challenging the court’s jurisdiction.

The case originated before Justice Obiorah Egwuatu, who recused himself on March 25, 2025, following accusations of bias from Akpabio. Egwuatu had initially granted an ex-parte motion on March 4, halting the Senate’s disciplinary proceedings, but later vacated an order declaring the suspension null after the Senate proceeded on March 6. The case was reassigned to Justice Nyako, who has maintained strict oversight, including barring media interviews and social media posts to prevent prejudicing the case.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio, first aired publicly in February 2025 during a Senate seating arrangement dispute, have fueled debates about the treatment of female lawmakers. Her subsequent international media appearances, including interviews with BBC and Sky News, and a speech at the Inter-Parliamentary Union conference in New York, have amplified the controversy, prompting accusations of political victimization.

Akpabio has denied the harassment allegations, and his wife, Ekaette Akpabio, has filed defamation suits against Akpoti-Uduaghan, seeking ₦350 billion in damages. The senator, in turn, has sued Akpabio and his aide for ₦100 billion over defamatory social media posts. These related suits remain pending, adding layers to the ongoing saga.

As the June 27 judgment date approaches, Nigerians await an end to a case that has exposed tensions within the Senate and sparked broader conversations about justice, fairness, and accountability in the nation’s political sphere.

 

 

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Bille Women Storm Rivers Government House, Demand Release of Abducted Students

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By Prosper Mene 

Hundreds of women from the Bille community in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State took to the streets of Port Harcourt on Tuesday, staging a peaceful protest at the Government House to demand the immediate release of eight students abducted by suspected pirates. The students, who were traveling by boat from Port Harcourt to Bille to sit for their West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams, were among 13 passengers kidnapped on May 6, 2025, along the Port Harcourt-Bille waterways.

Clad in black attire and carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Government, Save Us from Sea Pirates,” “Our Children Writing WAEC Are with Pirates in the Bush,” and “Bille People Are Suffering,” the protesters, under the aegis of Concerned People of Bille Kingdom, marched from the State Police Headquarters on Moscow Road to the Government House on Azikiwe Road. Their chants and songs echoed their frustration and anguish over the rising spate of piracy in their waterways.

The protest was sparked by the abduction of the students, who remain in captivity over a week after the incident. According to reports, heavily armed pirates intercepted a speedboat carrying the passengers, diverted it into the creeks, and seized goods and property worth millions of naira. Disturbing allegations have surfaced, with some protesters claiming that the pirates raped some of the abducted female students and disposed of their belongings.

Janet Adebayo, a leader of the protest, presented a formal address to a Government House official, detailing the incident and appealing for urgent intervention. “On May 6, 2025, along the Port Harcourt-Bille waterways, a speedboat carrying 13 passengers was intercepted by heavily armed pirates who diverted them into the creeks,” Adebayo stated. “Our children, who were going to write their WAEC exams, are still in the hands of these criminals. We are begging the government to act swiftly to secure their release.”

Another protester, Alale, a mother from the community, expressed her heartbreak: “These are children going to write WAEC. Their siblings are writing exams, but these ones have missed out on all the papers written so far. We are here to say enough is enough. We need our children back.”

The women’s demonstration has drawn attention to the growing insecurity along the Port Harcourt-Bille waterways, a vital transportation route for the island community. Israel Pepple, Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Port Harcourt Commercial District, condemned the “incessant” pirate attacks and announced that the union may suspend transport operations to press for government action to secure the waterways.

The protesters called on President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police, the Rivers State Administrator, and the State Commissioner of Police to deploy marine police and naval units to curb the criminal activities plaguing the region. An elderly protester, overcome with emotion, flung herself to the ground outside the Government House, crying, “Government, please help me! My son is inside the creek with sea pirates!”

The Rivers State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement on the abduction or the protest, and no reports have confirmed the release of the captives as of Tuesday evening. The incident follows a series of pirate attacks in the region, including the abduction of five passengers in early April and 18 others in separate incidents reported on May 7, 2025, highlighting the escalating threat to riverine communities.

The Bille women vowed to continue their protests if no concrete action is taken to rescue the abducted students and restore safety to their waterways. For now, the community waits in anguish, hoping for the safe return of their children and an end to the terror on their waters.

 

 

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Nollywood Star Jumoke George Seeks Help Amid Homelessness and Health Issues

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By Prosper Mene 

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Jumoke George has made a heartfelt public plea for support, revealing she has been homeless for nearly six years and is battling significant health challenges. The 64-year-old actress, known for her roles in Yoruba-language films and her contributions to the Nigerian film industry, shared her struggles in a tearful video circulating on social media, prompting an outpouring of concern from fans and colleagues.

In the video, George detailed her dire situation, stating, “I’ve been homeless for five or six years now. Please, I need your prayers.” She also alluded to health issues, including arthritis, which she previously discussed in 2024, noting the physical toll of her condition and the challenges of living without stable housing. Sources close to the actress suggest she has faced financial hardship, exacerbated by a 14-year hiatus from Nollywood due to industry blacklisting over her refusal to comply with unethical demands, such as trading sexual favors for roles.

In interviews last year, she recounted her difficult childhood, including rejection by her parents and an abusive marriage, which she endured before finding solace in acting. Her return to Nollywood in recent years was celebrated, but her current circumstances examplifies the precarious nature of life for some aging stars in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

The actress’s situation also sheds light on broader issues of homelessness and healthcare access in Nigeria. According to a 2023 report by the Lagos State Government, over 70,000 people in the state are homeless, with limited social safety nets for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.

As of now, no official response has been issued by Nollywood’s governing bodies or public officials regarding George’s plea. Fans and well-wishers are rallying online, sharing messages of support and organizing crowdfunding efforts to assist the actress with immediate needs like housing and medical care.

George’s story is a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by many in Nigeria’s creative industry, where fame often does not translate to financial security.

 

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Kwara Court Orders Release of Hafsor Lawal’s Remains for Islamic Burial

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By Prosper Mene 

Justice Hannah Ajayi of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin has granted an application for the release of the dismembered remains of Hafsor Lawal, allowing her family to conduct a burial in accordance with Islamic rites. The ruling came during a hearing on Monday in the ongoing trial of AbdulRahman Bello and four others, who face charges of conspiracy and murder in connection with Lawal’s death.

The prosecution, led by Kwara State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Senior Ibrahim, moved the application to release the body parts, which had been admitted as exhibits in the case. Justice Ajayi approved the request, ensuring the deceased’s family could proceed with a proper burial.

During the session, three additional witnesses testified, including two police officers and Dr. Olaleke Folaranmi, an anatomic pathologist from the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. Police Sergeant Moses detailed how Lawal’s phone was traced to AbdulRahman Bello, the primary suspect, and recounted Bello’s alleged attempt to bribe him during the investigation. The officer further revealed that parts of Lawal’s body were recovered from Bello’s apartment, with additional remains found at a government dumpsite.

The case, which has drawn significant public attention, has now seen testimony from seven witnesses. Justice Ajayi adjourned the trial to May 21, 2025, for further proceedings.

The court’s decision to release Lawal’s remains has been met with relief by her family, who have been grappling with the tragic loss. The ruling marks a step toward closure as they prepare to lay Hafsor Lawal to rest according to Islamic traditions.

 

 

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Kemi Badenoch Slams Labour’s Immigration Proposal, Demands Tougher Reforms

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By Prosper Mene 

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has sharply criticized the Labour government’s latest immigration proposal, branding it “weak” and insufficient to address the UK’s immigration challenges. In a fiery statement posted on X, Badenoch accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of dismissing her calls for stricter measures, including a legally binding cap on immigration and an end to what she describes as an “automatic route” to British citizenship.

Badenoch’s remarks comes in a time the Parliament preparing to debate Labour’s Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, which aims to enhance police powers against people-smuggling gangs. The Tory leader has repeatedly argued that the current immigration system is unsustainable, pointing to record-high net migration figures under previous Conservative governments—peaking at 906,000 in the year to June 2023—and Labour’s reluctance to implement robust controls.

“Keir Starmer once called all immigration laws racist,” Badenoch posted on X. “So why would anyone believe he actually wants to bring immigration down? When I proposed ending the automatic route to British citizenship and introducing a legally binding cap, the government laughed it off.” She further criticized Labour’s approach as “playing games” and urged support for a Conservative-backed Deportation Bill to streamline the removal of illegal immigrants.

Badenoch’s own immigration proposals, unveiled earlier this year, include extending the residency requirement for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five to ten years and imposing a 15-year wait for citizenship eligibility. She has also advocated barring immigrants who claim benefits, rely on social housing, or have criminal records from obtaining settled status, emphasizing that only “net contributors” should earn a British passport. However, these plans have sparked controversy, with critics arguing they are punitive and could harm integration efforts. A Focaldata poll found that only 8% of the public support Badenoch’s 15-year citizenship threshold, with 56% favoring a wait of five years or less.

Labour’s Minister for Border Security, Angela Eagle, hit back, accusing the Conservatives of creating “chaos” during their 14 years in power. “After 14 years of shameful Tory failure, no one will take seriously anything they claim or promise now,” Eagle said, pointing to the £700m spent on the failed Rwanda deportation scheme.

Badenoch’s take on immigration is seen as a strategic move to counter the rising influence of Reform UK, which has capitalized on public frustration with high migration levels. However, critics, including some within her party, warn that her hardline stance risks alienating moderate voters and fails to address practical challenges, such as staffing shortages in sectors like healthcare and hospitality.

With the next general election years away, her ability to translate rhetoric into credible policy may determine whether she can regain voter trust lost during the Conservatives’ tenure.

 

 

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Court to Rule on Contempt Case Against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on May 13

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By Prosper Mene 

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled Tuesday, May 13, 2025, for the definitive hearing of contempt allegations against suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as announced during Monday’s proceedings. The case, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, involves claims by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who accuses Akpoti-Uduaghan of violating a court order through a social media post.

The contempt charge stems from an April 4, 2025, court directive prohibiting all parties in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s ongoing lawsuit from making public statements about the case. Akpabio’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kehinde Ogunwumiju, alleges that Akpoti-Uduaghan breached this order by posting a “satirical apology” on her Facebook page on April 27, 2025, which they claim mocked the Senate President and referenced the legal dispute.

In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a counter-affidavit, denying the allegations and asserting that her post did not violate any active court order. She claims the interim order cited by Akpabio was suspended on April 8, 2025, and argues that her post was a political satire protected under Section 39(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression. She further alleges that Akpabio’s motion is an attempt to intimidate her and suppress her rights.

Akpoti-Uduaghan has also lodged a contempt claim against Akpabio, the Senate, the Clerk of the National Assembly, and Senator Neda Imasuem, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct. She argues that her six-month suspension from the Senate on March 6, 2025, violated a March 4, 2025, court order by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, which restrained the Senate from proceeding with disciplinary actions against her pending the resolution of her lawsuit.

The legal battle traces back to a February 20, 2025, altercation in the Senate chamber over seating arrangements, where Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly defied Akpabio’s directives and disrupted plenary proceedings. This led to her referral to the Ethics Committee, which recommended her suspension despite the court’s restraining order. The senator’s lawsuit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, names the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, Akpabio, and Imasuem as defendants.

Justice Nyako emphasized the priority of resolving the contempt issues, stating, “I cannot proceed with this matter until I conclude on the issue of contempt.” She warned that continued disobedience of court orders could lead to severe consequences, including summoning the parties to court. The judge also requested a copy of the Senate rules and cleared her schedule for the May 13 hearing to address both contempt applications.

While the court prepares for Tuesday’s hearing, the outcome could have far-reaching implications for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, her allegations against Akpabio, and the Senate’s adherence to judicial directives. The Citizenry awaits a resolution to this high-profile clash, which has sparked debates about free speech, judicial authority, and parliamentary conduct in Nigeria.

 

 

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Patience Jonathan Backs Tinubu for 2027, Says No Return to Aso Rock

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By Prosper Mene 

Former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan has publicly declared her support for President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, firmly dismissing any intentions of returning to the Presidential Villa. Speaking at the Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award ceremony hosted by Accolade Dynamics Limited in Abuja on Saturday night, Jonathan emphasized her commitment to national unity through rotational leadership and her longstanding personal ties with the Tinubu family.

“I’m not going back to the Villa. If you call me, I will not go,” Jonathan stated, addressing speculations about her husband, former President Goodluck Jonathan, potentially running for president in 2027. She expressed unwavering support for President Tinubu, whom she described as a “wonderful president,” and pledged to campaign alongside Senator Oluremi Tinubu. “I stand by my friend. My friend is great. I told her I would campaign with her. I’m not running,” she added.

Jonathan emphasized her deep-rooted relationship with Senator Tinubu, noting their collaboration as wives of deputy governors and governors, predating their time in Aso Rock. “I didn’t just know her because she’s the First Lady. We worked together even when I was a deputy governor’s wife. Even when my husband was vice president, Oluremi stood with her husband and supported us during our first presidential election,” she said, citing her loyalty.

The former First Lady also reiterated her belief in a “turn-by-turn” leadership model, which she views as essential for Nigeria’s unity. “I believe in one president. When it’s your turn, I will support you. When it’s not your turn, step back, so that the country can move forward,” she said, addressing the audience, which included Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, President Tinubu’s daughter and Iyaloja-General of Nigeria. Jonathan praised Tinubu-Ojo for her advocacy for women, urging her to continue supporting Nigerian women.

Reflecting on her award, Jonathan dedicated the honor to those who have worked with her to advance women’s health and economic empowerment through her NGOs, the Aurora Richard Foundation and Women for Change and Development Initiative. “This award is a testament to the tireless efforts of countless women and men who have worked alongside me,” she said.

Jonathan also used the platform to advocate for 35% affirmative action for women in governance, expressing disappointment over the National Assembly’s repeated rejection of gender equality bills. She recalled the policy’s adoption under former President Olusegun Obasanjo and its continuation during her husband’s administration, urging lawmakers to reconsider their stance.

Her remarks come amid speculations that some political groups, particularly in the North, have been urging former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidency. However, Jonathan’s unequivocal stance has put such rumors to rest, signaling her family’s support for Tinubu’s re-election bid.

The event, attended by prominent figures, was described by Accolade Dynamics’ Managing Director, Ms. Dofan Chizaram, as a tribute to leaders who have impacted Nigeria through mentorship and community development. Jonathan’s endorsement of Tinubu and her call for unity will likely resonate as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 polls.

 

 

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