Veteran Nollywood actor Diewait Ikpechukwu has died at the age of 71.

What happened

According to family sources, the actor died on Thursday, 5 November 2026, after a prolonged illness. News of his death was reported on Friday. Further details about the circumstances of his death had not been made public at the time of writing, and the family had not announced funeral arrangements.

His career

Before becoming an actor, Ikpechukwu was a professional footballer. He went on to have a long career in Nollywood and became a familiar face in classic Nigerian films. His film credits include 'August Meeting', 'Royal Palace', 'The Guilty', 'Across the River', 'Python King' and 'Ìjé Love', among many others.

Background

His death adds to a run of losses for Nollywood. The family of the late actor Francis Duru also recently announced burial arrangements for him.

Nollywood actress Doris Ogala, the African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate in Abia State, has reportedly been taken to hospital from detention.

What was said

On Thursday, 5 November 2026, a person close to the actress shared a video online saying he had spoken to her by phone while she was receiving treatment in hospital. According to him, she said she had lost consciousness, was bleeding and could not remember how she had been taken to the hospital. In the same video, Ogala could reportedly be heard speaking about her condition and raising concerns about bleeding linked to an earlier surgical procedure. The authorities have not publicly commented on her health.

Background

Ogala was remanded in custody in Lagos in late October after being arraigned before a Federal High Court on three counts linked to a complaint by the cleric Pastor Chris Okafor. The charges relate to the alleged publication of photographs, alleged false electronic messages and alleged threats. She has not been convicted of anything, and has described the case as an attempt to stop her governorship bid. At a later sitting she apologised to the court for her conduct at an earlier hearing, and the judge fixed Friday, 6 November, for a ruling on her bail application. Earlier this week, a medical report shared online said she had been treated in June for severe anaemia linked to a fibroid condition.

How people reacted

Fans and supporters have expressed concern and called for her release on health grounds, urging the authorities to make sure she receives proper medical care while the case continues.

What happens next

Attention is now on the court's decision on her bail application.

A behind-the-scenes video from a film set has got fans talking after a scripted slap from Sola Sobowale reportedly left a visible mark on Toyin Abraham's face.

What the video shows

The clip, which went viral on Friday, 6 November 2026, shows Toyin seated and visibly shaken, with people around her fanning her and a man standing close by, apparently trying to reassure her. The scene appears to have been filmed indoors, in a home setting. According to reports, the slap was part of the script, but the impact was strong enough to leave a mark on her cheek. Toyin reportedly insisted that the crew retake the scene rather than stop filming for the day. The title of the production and the location of the shoot were not revealed.

Background

Sola Sobowale is one of Nollywood's most celebrated veteran actresses, known for powerful performances over several decades, including her role in the 'King of Boys' films. This week she opened an elderly care home in Ibadan, which was commissioned by Governor Seyi Makinde. Toyin Abraham is a popular actress and producer who recently announced that veteran actor Pete Edochie will star in her December cinema film, 'Bestie'. She has also been in the news this week after sending a cease and desist letter to bloggers and announcing a change to her name.

How people reacted

Fans praised Toyin's dedication to her craft, while others expressed concern for her and debated whether real slaps should be used in films at all, with some urging producers to use safer stage-fighting techniques.

Veteran Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw has joined the growing number of Nigerians complaining about poor electricity supply, in a video aimed at the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe.

What she said

In the video, posted on Instagram and reported on Friday, 6 November 2026, Henshaw said electricity in her area comes on for only a few minutes before going off again. She was particularly angered by a reported statement from the minister suggesting that some Nigerians had asked for power supply to be reduced because their freezers were freezing food. She accused officials of not telling the truth, demanded accountability for the billions of naira spent on the power sector, and mocked the way households now have to combine generators, inverters and solar panels to get through the day. She also criticised the minister's predecessor over repeated tariff increases. Henshaw said she had deliberately avoided commenting on national issues for most of the year, but had reached her limit.

Background

Consumers in Lagos, Abuja, Ogun, Kwara and Oyo states have reported renewed outages this week. The minister has blamed the drop in supply on gas shortages, maintenance problems and reduced generation from hydropower plants. Comedian The Cute Abiola also posted videos this week appealing to President Bola Tinubu over the outages and economic hardship.

How people reacted

The video drew thousands of comments from Nigerians who said they shared her frustration. The minister had not publicly responded to her comments at the time of writing.