Veteran Yoruba Nollywood actress Habibat Jinadu has spoken openly about why she lightened her skin, saying years of remarks about her complexion on film sets wore her down.

What she said

In an interview with a BBC Yoruba programme, reported on Thursday, 29 October 2026, Jinadu reportedly said that directors repeatedly complained that she was too dark under the lights on set. She said she did not take the comments to heart at first, until someone compared her to a monkey. She said fair-skinned actors were often preferred for roles when she was building her career, and that people who were not light-skinned were rarely called for jobs. The constant criticism, she said, eventually led her to bleach her skin.

Background

Jinadu has appeared in many Yoruba-language films over the years and is a familiar face to fans of the genre. Skin bleaching is a long-running issue in Nigeria and across Africa, and health experts have repeatedly warned about the dangers of some lightening creams. Other entertainers have spoken in the past about pressure to look a certain way on screen.

How people reacted

Her comments started a wide conversation online. Many users said colourism remains a real problem in the entertainment industry, while others said no one should be made to feel ashamed of their natural skin. Some praised her for speaking honestly about a painful experience.

Gambian actress Princess Shyngle, known to Nigerian audiences from Nollywood films, has raised the alarm over what she says is a case of identity theft.

What happened

In a video shared online and reported on Thursday, 29 October 2026, the actress said she had found out that someone went to a Lagos venue on Tuesday night and used an American Express card with her name on it. She said she had never imagined she could be a victim of identity theft.

What she said she will do

Speaking angrily in the video, Shyngle said she would obtain the venue's CCTV footage to identify the person and expose them publicly, warning that she was coming for whoever was responsible. She said she had already reported the matter to the police. The venue has not commented publicly, and no arrest has been announced.

Background

Shyngle has appeared in several Nollywood productions and has a large social media following. Identity theft and card fraud are growing concerns in Nigeria as more payments move online, and banks regularly warn customers to protect their card details and report suspicious transactions quickly.

How people reacted

Fans sympathised with the actress and urged her to work with her bank and the police, while some shared their own experiences of card fraud.

Nollywood actress Doris Ogala, who is the African Action Congress (AAC) candidate for governor of Abia State in 2027, has been remanded in a correctional centre in Lagos after appearing in court on Wednesday, 28 October 2026. Her application for bail is listed for hearing on Friday, 30 October.

What happened

Ogala was arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos on three counts linked to a complaint by the cleric Pastor Chris Okafor. The charges relate to the alleged publication of photographs, the alleged spreading of false electronic messages and alleged threats against the pastor. She has not been convicted of anything, and the allegations are yet to be tested at trial.

News of the remand first spread on Wednesday afternoon, when comedian Deeone shared it online. Reports differ on which Lagos facility she was taken to. Before she was led away, Ogala posted a short video from the courtroom in which she described the case as a political move aimed at stopping her governorship bid. Clips of the moment she was taken out of court were shared widely on Thursday.

Background

The dispute between Ogala and Okafor has played out on social media for months. It reportedly began after the pastor announced plans to marry another woman, which led Ogala to criticise him publicly. She has since spoken several times about their past relationship. In another video from court, she was also heard telling the judge that her former partner was using the law against her.

How people reacted

Human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore condemned the remand in a Facebook post, calling it an abuse of power. He accused the police of repeatedly using the Cybercrimes Act to shield powerful people, argued that what he called a private quarrel should not have become a criminal case, and urged the courts to stay impartial. He also said her rights as a candidate must be protected. Online, fans were divided, with some backing the actress and others saying she should answer the charges in court.

What happens next

All eyes are now on Friday's bail hearing in Lagos. Her party has not yet said how the case will affect her campaign in Abia.

Billionaire industrialist Abdul Samad Rabiu, founder of BUA Group, has drawn a wave of warm reactions online after he shared photos of an unannounced visit by his former wife, Hannatu Musawa, to his office in Abuja.

What happened

In an Instagram post on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, Rabiu described the visit as a pleasant surprise. He referred to Musawa as someone he once called his wife and said times change but friendship and mutual respect remain. He also praised her work in developing Nigeria's culture and creative sector.

Who is Hannatu Musawa

Musawa is Nigeria's Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy and a member of President Bola Tinubu's cabinet. A lawyer and politician, she has been in charge of the ministry since 2023. She and Rabiu were married in the past and later separated.

How people reacted

The post drew thousands of reactions within hours. Many users praised the former couple for showing that people can part ways and still respect each other, with one describing it as the healthiest divorce they had seen. Others joked that the pair should remarry, while some simply welcomed a rare moment of good news on their timelines.

Background

Rabiu is one of Africa's richest people, with interests in cement, sugar, flour and real estate through BUA Group. He was named among the continent's wealthiest people again this year and is known for keeping his private life largely out of the public eye, which made the post all the more talked about.