Showbiz
Cinema Operators in Nigeria Records 25% Drop in February 2020

By Adedapo Adesanya
There was a 25 percent drop in total amount spent by Nigerians at the cinemas in the month of February, data from the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN), has revealed.
In January 2020, the sector generated higher revenue from movie lovers, but in the month of February, a total of N412.05 million was raked, about N139.94 million (25 percent) lesser than the N551.99 million spent in the first month of this year.
Year-on-year, this figure was 35.3 percent higher as Nigerians spent N267 million at the movies in February 2019.
It was disclosed that 360,928 persons visited Nigerian cinemas to watch the top 20 movies in February 2020 compared with 442,173 recorded in January. This signifies an 18 percent difference but higher 80 percent from over 200,000 last year February.
From the figures, records from CEAN showed that in the first weekend of last month, a total of N60.1 million was spent by Nigerian movie lovers, while from the Valentine’s weekend till February 20, Nigerian cinemas recorded over N109.2 million, marking the highest week. Data further showed that from February 21 – 27, about N81.6 million was spent at cinemas nationwide.
In February 2020, cinema operators made more money from Hollywood movies as N217 million was realised, while for Nollywood, they made N168 million, bringing in N385 million, and accounting for about 94 percent of the total income in February.
Other movie industries, Gollywood (Ghana), Bollywood (India) among others accounted for just over N25 million of the N412.05 million earnings realized in the second month of the year.
According to the CEAN data, Hollywood movie, Bad Boys For Life, which was the highest watched movie in February, raked in N77 million, while Nollywood’s blockbuster produced by Jadesola Osiberu – Sugar Rush, despite being released in December 2019, still finds itself in the top 4 films in the country. Since its release, the movie has made N275 million in Nigerian cinemas.
Latest weekend data available on the CEAN website showed that from February 28 – March 1), cinema operators in Nigeria recorded N46.6 million from moviegoers with Nollywood comedy movie, Who’s The Boss bringing in over N10.5 million.
Showbiz
Never Miss a Show: How Showmax Keeps You Entertained Anytime, Anywhere

March is bursting with entertainment, and Showmax ensures you’re always in on the action anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re a movie buff, a series addict, or a sports fanatic, Showmax has you covered with an exciting lineup that fits your schedule and your mood. And now, with Shikini Season, enjoying premium entertainment just got even easier.
Shikini Season—Your Ticket to Non-Stop Entertainment
Entertainment should be easy, flexible, and affordable; you don’t have to rob the bank to watch your favourite genres, and that’s exactly what Shikini Season is all about. For the month of March, Showmax is giving subscribers a huge discount on their subscription so they can enjoy unlimited movies, series, and sports without breaking the bank.
For just N1,000/month, subscribers can get the Showmax GE Mobile Plan, perfect for streaming on the go, so you never have to miss a moment of your favourite shows, even on a busy day. If you prefer watching on a bigger screen, the Showmax GE All-Devices Plan is now N2,000/month, letting you enjoy seamless entertainment across your phone, tablet, laptop, or smart TV.
Blockbuster Movies at Your Fingertips
Showmax brings the biggest movies straight to you. Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire and Venom: The Last Dance deliver all the action, intensity, and larger-than-life battles you’d expect from two of 2024’s biggest hits. If drama is more your speed, It Ends With Us, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, unpacks love, heartbreak, and second chances in a way that feels all too real. And for those who enjoy a good scare, Heretic, one of 2024’s most chilling horror films, promises a suspenseful ride that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
Binge-Worthy Series for Every Mood
Sometimes, all you need is a good series to get lost in, and Showmax has plenty to choose from this March. Gangs of London S3 returns with its gripping mix of crime, power, and revenge, while The Cleaning Lady S4 continues its story of survival in a world where doing the right thing isn’t always an option. If you’re in the mood for something light-hearted, the cult-favourite Party Down is back, bringing humour, chaos, and big Hollywood dreams. For a different kind of escape, Between Worlds, a Showmax Original, weaves Yoruba mythology into an intriguing fantasy adventure that takes storytelling to a whole new level.
Reality TV You Can’t Miss
Whether it’s unscripted drama or unmissable football clashes, Showmax has it all. The Real Housewives of Lagos S3 has been serving up premium entertainment, and now, the spotlight is on The Real Housewives of Durban S5 and The Real Housewives of Potomac S9, bringing more drama, luxury, and unexpected twists. Next Level Chef S3 takes things up a notch in the kitchen, pushing contestants to their creative limits.
Premier League you Can Stream Anywhere
Football lovers, gear up for the Carabao Cup final between Liverpool and Newcastle, plus thrilling Premier League showdowns like Man Utd vs Arsenal and Arsenal vs Chelsea.
Watch Anytime, Anywhere—On Your Terms
Your entertainment should fit into your schedule, not the other way around. Imagine catching a Premier League match right in the middle of an Owambe or keeping up with your favourite show at that birthday party you just couldn’t skip. With Showmax, you have the freedom to watch whenever and wherever it suits you, on your phone during a quick break, your tablet while commuting, or your TV for a weekend binge session. And when life gets hectic, simply download your favourites and watch offline, no interruptions, no FOMO.
With Showmax, there’s always something to watch, whether you’re catching up on the latest blockbusters, bingeing your favorite series, or keeping up with the biggest sports moments. And now, Shikini Season makes it even easier to stay entertained without stretching your budget.
For just N1,000, you can stream on Showmax Mobile, or get the multiple-device plan for N2,000, giving you the freedom to watch on your phone, tablet, laptop, or smart TV. Don’t miss out. Head to www.showmax.com/ deals to get started.
BUT THAT’S NOT ALL!
• Binge all the Harry Potter films from Monday, 3 March
• Binge The Lord of the Rings trilogy from Thursday, 13 March
• From Monday, 10 March, stream post-apocalyptic horror Arcadian, starring Oscar winner Nicolas Cage and It’s Jaeden Martell
• From Thursday, 13 March, stream Girl You Know It’s True, an award-winning, critically acclaimed Milli Vanilli biopic partly shot in Cape Town
See everything coming to Showmax in March 2025 here, including new seasons of Emmy nominees Gangs of London and The Righteous Gemstones
Showbiz
Jude Okoye: Lagos Court Sets May 16 to Commence Trial

By Adedapo Adesanya
The Special Offences Court in Ikeja on Thursday admitted the former manager of P-Square, Mr Jude Okoye, charged with stealing $1 million and £34,537, to N50 million bail and adjourned the case until May 16 for the commencement of trial.
The accused is the elder brother of Peter Okoye and Paul Okoye of the defunct P-Square group.
He is standing trial alongside his company, Northside Music Limited, on a four-count charge bordering on theft.
The charge was preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to which he pleaded not guilty.
Justice Rahman Oshodi, while delivering his ruling on the bail application moved by Mr Okoye lead counsel, Mr Clement Onwuenwunor (SAN), said, “I have considered the affidavit evidence and oral application submitted by the parties.
“The singular issue for determination is whether or not the court should exercise its discretion in favour of the first defendant by granting him bail.
“Section 115 (2) of the ACJL confers the discretion of this court to grant bail in cases not punishable by death.
“I am therefore satisfied that the issue for determination of bail should be resolved in the defendant’s favour.”
He, therefore, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N50 million with two sureties in like sum.
Justice Oshodi said the sureties should be gainfully employed and should show evidence of three years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
He ordered that the defendant should submit his dual citizenship documents to the chief registrar of the court.
The judge also ordered the EFCC to notify the immigration office to withhold the defendant’s international passport pending the determination of the case.
Earlier, the defence counsel, while moving the bail application dated February 27, had prayed the court to admit the defendant to bail on a liberal basis.
Mr Onwuenwunor argued that the defendant had been on administrative bail since the inception of the case with the EFCC and had not jumped bail.
According to him, the defendant owns 40 per cent of the family company, while the nominal complainant owns only 30 per cent.
He prayed that, for the purpose of family unity, the defendant should be released on bail on the most liberal terms.
EFCC counsel, Mr Mohammed Bashir, in his 13-paragraph counter affidavit dated March 6, argued that the defendant’s dual citizenship status made him a flight risk.
He informed the court that the defendant had been diligent in reporting himself while on administrative bail.
“To be honest, the defendant was diligent in reporting to the commission, but this is a different case.
“He is standing trial on multiple counts before your lordship, and he has dual citizenship, which makes him a flight risk.
“However, we leave everything to the discretion of the court,” he said.
In the charge marked Ref/99260/2025, EFCC had alleged that Jude dishonestly converted the sum of $767,544 to his use.
It alleged that the sum was paid to Lex Records Limited for music digital distribution/publishing royalties.
However, the EFCC alleged that the payment was made with the intent to permanently deprive the complainant, Peter Okoye, of his special interest in the business.
The anti-graft agency also alleged that, sometime between 2016 and 2023, the defendant dishonestly converted the sum of £34,537 paid by Lex Records Limited for music digital distribution/publishing royalties to his personal use.
The commission alleged that the ex-manager also dishonestly converted the sum of $133,566 paid by Kobalt Music for digital distribution/publishing royalties, with the intent to permanently deprive the complainant of his special interest in the property.
The anti-graft agency also alleged that the defendant dishonestly converted the sum of $118,652, paid by Mtech Limited for music digital distribution and publishing royalties, with the intent to permanently deprive the complainant of his special interest.
According to EFCC, the alleged offences contravene Sections 278 and 285 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.
Showbiz
The Women of Africa Magic on GOtv: Bold, Unfiltered & Unapologetic

The women of Africa Magic on GOtv don’t just play their roles, they own them. With talent, confidence, and undeniable presence, they bring stories to life in ways that keep us hooked. Sometimes, they could be a little bit chaotic, but that’s exactly why we can’t stop watching.
From captivating dramas to reality TV that keeps us talking, Africa Magic on GOtv continues to showcase women who bring stories to life in the most compelling ways. Let’s dive into some of the shows where these women take centre stage.
The Real Housewives of Lagos
Scarlet Gomez—Alex from Oil & Gas
Scarlet Gomez as Alex in Alex from Oil & Gas is proof that being the smartest person in the room doesn’t mean you have to lose your charm. She’s ambitious, confident, and knows exactly how to make things work in her favour. But what makes Alex stand out isn’t just her ability to handle business; it’s the way she does it with a mix of strategy and effortless cool. She makes winning look good, and even when things don’t go her way, you know she’s already planning her next move.
Stephanie Coker—Indomie Love Bowl Host
Hosting isn’t just about asking questions; it’s about setting the vibe, and Stephanie Coker does it effortlessly on Indomie Love Bowl. She’s got that mix of warmth and energy that makes you feel like you’re hanging out with a friend, not just watching a show. She hypes up the fun, keeps the conversations flowing, and makes sure every moment is one you actually want to watch. She’s not just a host; she’s the person who makes everything come alive.
Linda Ejiofor—Tinsel
Linda Ejiofor as Bimpe Adekoya in Tinsel is the life of the party; she is bubbly and always in the middle of something. Whether she’s chasing fame, stirring up drama, or just being her lovable, dramatic self, she brings a light-hearted energy that balances out all the serious moments. But she’s not just about laughs and mischief. She has her struggles, learns hard lessons, and somehow always finds a way to land on her feet. That’s what makes her stand out.
Oluwatoyin Albert, aka Tomama—My Flatmates
Some characters are so effortlessly funny, you forget they’re acting. That’s Oluwatoyin Albert, aka Tomama, in My Flatmates. She’s the kind of woman who enters a scene, and you just know something hilarious is about to happen. Her character has depth, emotions, and moments that make you see beyond the comedy. That’s what makes her so unforgettable; she’s not just funny, she’s real.
When watching these women, one thing is clear: they don’t just play their roles; they become them. Whether they’re delivering unforgettable performances, keeping us hooked on reality TV, or owning the stage as hosts, they bring something special every time.
Beyond these shows, they’re part of a bigger story, one that proves time and time again that the industry is filled with women who are not just talented but truly unforgettable. The best part is you can watch these incredible women by just subscribing to GOtv; dial *288# to subscribe or download the MyGOtv app and enjoy your shows anywhere and anytime.
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