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Apostle Suleman says he tested Nathaniel Bassey with money, and was impressed

A film clapperboard on set
Stock image: Mattbr / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Apostle Johnson Suleman, founder of Omega Fire Ministries, has shared a story about gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey that has drawn wide attention.

What he said

Speaking during a Sunday service, in comments shared this week, Suleman reportedly said he first met Bassey on a plane ahead of his church's convention. According to him, Bassey said he wanted to attend the convention not as a paid performer but to support his spiritual father, whom Suleman named as Pastor Deboye. Curious about his reasons, Suleman said he deliberately offered the singer money to see how he would respond, as a way of studying his character and values.

The response

Suleman said Bassey's response left him with a powerful lesson about mentorship and respect for spiritual leaders, though reports did not detail exactly what the singer said.

Background

Nathaniel Bassey is one of Africa's most popular gospel ministers and recently became the first African gospel artist to reach 1 billion views on YouTube. He is known for his worship sessions and the annual Hallelujah Challenge. Suleman is a prominent and sometimes controversial Pentecostal preacher based in Auchi, Edo State.

How people reacted

Many Christians praised Bassey's humility, while others debated whether it was right to test someone with money.

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Nollywood & celebsReported
A film clapperboard on set
Stock image: Mattbr / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Genevieve Nnaji wows fans with rare appearance at Lagos Fashion Week

Nollywood star Genevieve Nnaji drew a flood of praise from fans and colleagues after a rare public appearance at Lagos Fashion Week, wearing a dress straight from a designer's new collection.

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Nollywood icon Genevieve Nnaji has set social media buzzing after a rare public appearance at Lagos Fashion Week.

What happened

Photos shared on Friday, 6 November 2026, showed the actress, who has kept a low profile in recent years, wearing a dress from the Nigerian label Orire's new spring/summer 2027 collection, taken straight from the runway. The pictures were shared by celebrity stylist and designer Veronica Odeka.

Stars react

Several Nollywood stars flooded the comments with praise. Actress Erica Nlewedim joked that the photos explained why everywhere suddenly felt so hot, while actor Steve Chuks also left a widely shared reaction. Fans also added their own tributes in the comments.

Background

Genevieve Nnaji rose to fame in the late 1990s and became one of Nollywood's biggest stars. In 2018 she directed 'Lionheart', which became the first Netflix original film from Nigeria. She has largely stepped away from the spotlight since then, which is why her occasional appearances attract so much attention. Lagos Fashion Week is one of Africa's biggest fashion events, and this year's edition has also featured Lagos governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu walking the runway.

Nollywood & celebsReported
A film clapperboard on set
Stock image: Mattbr / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Veteran Nollywood actor Diewait Ikpechukwu dies at 71

Veteran Nollywood actor and former footballer Diewait Ikpechukwu has died at the age of 71 after a long illness, according to family sources. He was known for roles in classic films including August Meeting and Royal Palace.

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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 & celebsReported
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Doris Ogala reportedly taken to hospital after losing consciousness in detention

Actress and Abia governorship candidate Doris Ogala has reportedly been taken to hospital after blacking out and bleeding while in detention, according to a video shared by a person close to her. Her bail ruling was due on Friday.

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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.

Nollywood & celebsReported
A film clapperboard on set
Stock image: Mattbr / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Scripted slap from Sola Sobowale reportedly leaves mark on Toyin Abraham's face

A behind-the-scenes clip shows Toyin Abraham being comforted on a film set after a scripted slap from veteran actress Sola Sobowale reportedly left a mark on her cheek. Toyin is said to have insisted on retaking the scene.

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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.