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.
The first episode of Africa Magic’s newest dating reality show, Heartbeat, premiered on Sunday night, January 11, 2026, and it is clear that Sunday nights are about to get a lot more fun. The singles came in and wasted no time in giving a show.
With Seyitan Atigarin at the helm and ten eclectic singles searching for a “Promise Lock,” the stage is set for a 12-week journey that promises to be more than just your average dating show.
Following an impressive first episode, here are five things we expect to see as the season unfolds.
1) Strong Personalities:
These singles came in with all confidence in who they are and what they represent. They have an idea of what they are looking for and seem like they will be going for it. Will there be a personality clash at some point or even ego bruises over partners? Time will definitely tell, and we’ll all be watching.
2) The Inevitable (and Messy) Love Triangle
If the First Glance reveal told us anything, it’s that tastes in the house are overlapping fast. We’ve already seen Henri and Ken eyeing the same ladies, while more than one woman seems intrigued by Igwe’s “cool and collected” energy. We expect a classic love triangle to form by the end of week two. There is nothing like a little competition to turn a “Love Pad” into a pressure cooker, and we are here for every bit of the “who-chose-who” drama.
3) Romance and Some “Heated” Tension:
If there is one thing that was obvious in the first episode, it is that the singles may have some physical attractions already. All thanks to the love pad, we got a first kiss from Ken and Queen Latifa, and one can only wonder what is to come in the following weeks.
4) High-Stakes “Compatibility” Challenges
Heartbeat isn’t just about sitting around and looking pretty. We expect to see weekly games and challenges specifically designed to test more than just physical attraction. From teamwork exercises that reveal who has a short fuse to “compatibility quizzes” that expose how well the pairs actually know each other, these tasks will likely be the catalyst for the season’s biggest arguments and its most romantic breakthroughs.
5) Intellectual Fireworks (The “Slumflower” Effect)
With Chidera Eggerue (The Slumflower) in the house, we aren’t just getting romance; we’re getting a masterclass in boundaries and emotional intelligence. Chidera has already made it clear she isn’t here for “bare minimum” energy. We expect her presence to challenge the men to step up their game, not just with flashy gifts, but with deep, intentional conversation. Expect some heated debates on feminism, dating standards, and “the patriarchy” over breakfast.
6) The “Promise Lock” Pressure Cooker
The show’s ultimate prize isn’t just a partner; it’s the Promise Lock. As the 12-week deadline approaches, the pressure to “lock it in” is going to turn friends into foes. We expect the final episodes to be a high-stakes showdown where couples have to decide if their “house romance” can survive a Lagos traffic jam or a Ghanaian family meeting. Who will commit, and who will leave their partner hanging at the gate?
Heartbeat Episode 1 successfully set the stage for a season of “romance, tension, and side-eyes.” If what we saw on the first episode is any indication, we’re in for a very messy, very entertaining three months. Catch the next episode on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151 | GOtv Channel 8) at 9 pm on Sunday. You can also watch all the drama on the go via the DStv and GOtv Stream apps, available on the iOS and Play stores.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Love Nwantiti crooner, Chukwuka Chukwuma Ekweani, professionally known as Ckay, recently told CNN International on African Voices, which aired on January 10, 2026, the legacy he intends to leave behind.
Speaking in his home studio with the show anchor, Larry Madowo, the singer said, “I want my legacy to be that I innovated the sound, I advanced the culture, and I made the world a better place than I met it.”
Ckay, who also doubles as a songwriter and producer, further said, “I would say it’s definitely made its mark in the history books of Afrobeats, definitely, and I’m really proud to, you know, be a part of this whole culture.”
While explaining the rationale behind his biggest hit, Love Nwantiti, with over a billion streams on Spotify, said, “I was in between relationships at the time I wrote that song […]. I was making a beat, and I freestyled on the beats. I was just vibing my feelings straight from the heart. Like most times I don’t always take a pen and write songs. Sometimes I like to just pour it straight from the heart.”
With other popular releases such as Emiliana and Felony, Ckay spoke to his growth as an artist, saying, “As a person I’ve grown in love with each time I make a song. If you listen to the lyrics and what I’m saying, you can tell that I’ve grown in love […]. I’m a lot more mature now and my music has grown with it as well.”
Ckay broke out by going viral on TikTok and reflects on the phenomenon of social media trends and he said, “There was a time when in the early stages of this people would laugh that I was making TikToks for songs. People didn’t think it was cool to make TikToks. Fast forward now because people have seen the impact, everybody is making TikToks.”
He is carving his own path in the world of Afrobeats. His music comes under the subgenre of Emo Afrobeats. He tells Madowo how this sound came about, “Being a cancer, cancers are known to be emotional people. We’re known to be very like in touch with our feelings. As a creative, my essence, which is my feelings, just naturally comes through my music even without me really trying. Afrobeats being my cultural heritage, I just felt like for me to come into this space, it was very important that I brought a different perspective to the sound.”
Despite using the term ‘Afrobeats’, Ckay addresses the overgeneralisation of the style of music, saying, “Africa has over 50 countries, more than 50 cultures. Nigeria alone has over 36 ethnic groups with different languages, food, music, rhythm. With the music they also have their own instruments also not all of them play guitar and piano, there’s African instruments too. Coming to a whole continent and just calling everything Afrobeats, it’s not the most apt, but it’s a start, right? I think for the Western world, it’s a start to help them understand African music.”
If you’re wondering what to stream this week on DStv as the new year settles in and the first full workweek wraps up, we’ve got you. From a brand-new reality dating show that’s about to break the internet to crime drama that will have you at the edge of your seat, here’s your ultimate guide to what to watch.
- Heartbeat – Africa Magic Showcase (DStv 151)
Starting with the star of the week, Heartbeat. It’s Africa Magic’s new dating reality show premiering on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
The show brings together 10 singles, five men and five women, all looking for love in a specially designed love pad. Over 12 weeks, the cameras will capture every flirt, fight, and awkward silence, plus the games and challenges that push them to get to know each other intimately.
And yes, some of these contestants are here for the love and drama. We’ve got Chidera ‘The Slumflower’ Eggrue, Alvin Leonard, Queen Latifah, Igwe Cruise, and more. If you love romance and reality TV chaos, this is your Sunday night fix.
- Paris & Nicole: The Encore – M-Net (DStv 101)
Airing on Sat, January 10 at 10pm, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie are set to take over your screen. This time, the BFFs are writing, producing, and starring in a one-word opera inspired by their childhood song “Sanasa.”
Episode 3, titled ‘The Sanasapera!’, is pure chaos. They work at Sonic, hijack a Hollywood celebrity tour to find an audience, and then get on stage to perform. If you love ridiculous, unfiltered celebrity energy that makes you question what “high art” even is, this one’s for you.
- There’s a Zulu On My Stoep – M-Net Movies 4 (DStv 108)
Perfect for the weekend is this South African classic airing on Saturday, January 10, at 6:25pm. The film follows two boys who meet in South Africa and form a lifelong friendship, then reunite as adults for a wild adventure.
Directed by Gray Hofmeyr and starring Leon Schuster, John Matshikiza, and Wilson Dunster, it’s a mix of heartfelt bonding and fun. Basically, it’s the perfect palate cleanse before veering into reality TV drama.
- Dating: No Filter South Africa – Bravo (DStv 124)
If you can’t get enough of dating drama, this South African reality series is a must-watch. On the show, singles go on blind dates, and their every move is accompanied by hilarious commentary from SA’s funniest celebrities.
Episodes 5 & 6 of Season 2 promise awkward encounters, accidental sparks, and laugh-out-loud commentary. Perfect if you’re into late-night TV chaos and love seeing people make all the wrong moves in the name of love. It’s airing on Sunday, January 11, at 11:45pm.
- The Split – Africa Magic Showcase (DStv 151)
Taking you into the world of Nollywood, The Split is a high-stakes financial crime drama that will have you holding your breath. The 26-episode series follows three bankers who pocket money that isn’t theirs. When the deceased account owner’s son resurfaces with proof, their pact unravels, sending the trio spiralling into guilt, fear, and betrayal.
With stars like Anee Icha, Baaj Adebule, Esosa Benard, and David Jones David, this one is your Thursday and Friday night adrenaline fix. It airs at 8:30pm.
- Daughters of Water – Africa Magic Showcase (DStv 151)
Still on must-watch Nollywood shows, Daughters of Water is one to look out for. The drama follows the journey of destiny and spiritual heritage through Anie, a disgraced investigative journalist who returns to her hometown, Ikot Ndem, seeking a comeback. Her arrival coincides with the sacred Ukang Festival, where seven “Daughters of Water” from special families take part in a river-dipping ceremony to honour river spirits.
Starring Imoh Eboh as Anie, alongside Ade Laoye, Teniola Aladese, and Bobby Ogbolu, new episodes are released every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 8:30 PM on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151), and you can catch up on previous episodes on Showmax.
All these shows and more are available on DStv, with subscribers still enjoying the opportunity to receive an instant upgrade when they stay connected on their current package or renew on any eligible package, unlocking more movies, sports, kids’ content and local shows from January to February 2026.
-
Feature/OPED6 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism9 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz3 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking8 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy3 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking3 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Banking3 years agoSort Codes of UBA Branches in Nigeria
-
Sports3 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn