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JUST IN: Nollywood Veteran Francis Duru Dies at 57 After Brief Illness

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Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness, his family confirmed in a statement released on Friday, October 23, 2026.

The family announced the news on Duru’s official Instagram page, writing: “We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness. We appreciate your prayers, love, and understanding. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.”

The confirmation followed a tribute the previous day from Alhaji Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), who posted: “Another great thespian gone… Rest in peace Francis Duru!!”

Duru rose to prominence in the mid-1990s with his role as Ahanna in Amaka Igwe’s 1995 film Rattlesnake. He began his acting career in 1989 and built a decades-long presence in Nollywood, appearing in numerous productions and earning recognition for his versatility. He served as interim president of the AGN in 2010 and received a United Nations Ambassador of Peace award in 2007 for his positive influence on youth.

Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, graduating in 1996. He is survived by his wife, Adokiye, and their children. The family had previously lost a son, Ifeanyi, in 2024.

In June 2026, Duru publicly dismissed circulating videos and speculation about his health, assuring fans he was well. His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans across the industry.

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Entertainment

BBNaija season 11: “And The Winner is Temi Nkem”

The finalists were Temi Nkem, Barry, Tram, Oyin, Flora, Sheba, Aikou, Ricky and Bluethopia.

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Temi Nkem has emerged as the winner of BBNaija Season 11, bringing the reality show’s latest edition to an end.

The finalists were Temi Nkem, Barry, Tram, Oyin, Flora, Sheba, Aikou, Ricky and Bluethopia.

Temi Nkem was crowned winner during the grand finale on Sunday night after weeks of competition, evictions and intense drama among the housemates.

The victory sees Temi Nkem take home the ₦160 million prize package awarded to the winner of the season.

The season began with 24 housemates before the competition was gradually narrowed down to the finalists.

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President Tinubu, Other Political Leaders Watch MKO Documentary

The documentary, MKO, directed by Nigerian-American filmmaker Ose Oyamendan, chronicles the life, political journey and legacy of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, with particular focus on the June 12, 1993 presidential election, its annulment, subsequent detention and the pro-democracy struggle that followed.

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President Bola Tinubu on Thursday attended the official launch and premiere of MKO at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts in Lagos, ahead of the film’s nationwide cinema release from October 2.

Chief MKO Abiola occupies a prominent place in Nigeria’s democratic history as the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which was annulled by the then military government.

The President was joined at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts in Lagos by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Others present included Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa, former Ogun State Governor Segun Osoba and other dignitaries.

The documentary, MKO, directed by Nigerian-American filmmaker Ose Oyamendan, chronicles the life, political journey and legacy of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, with particular focus on the June 12, 1993 presidential election, its annulment, subsequent detention and the pro-democracy struggle that followed.

The film, which had its international premiere at the Sheffield International Documentary Festival in the United Kingdom in June 2026, features archival materials and first-hand accounts from key personalities connected to the period.

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Nollywood actor Cjay Nwokafor dies

Cjay, who began his acting career in 2021, featured in several Nollywood productions, including Larry Cold, Mum Overnight and A Day to My Wedding.

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•Nollywood actor Cjay Nwokafor

The death of Nollywood actor Chijioke “Cjay” Nwokafor has been announced.

Cjay, an indigene of Anambra, who began his acting career in 2021, featured in several Nollywood productions, including Larry Cold, Mum Overnight and A Day to My Wedding.

His colleague, actress Nkechi Blessing, announced his death on Instagram on Wednesday, sharing videos of herself with the late actor.

Blessing did not disclose the cause of his death but said she had cancelled the release of her movie, Egusi Ogbono, in his honour. Cjay featured in the film.

The actress had initially scheduled the movie for release at 5pm on Wednesday but withdrew it after a hospital confirmed the actor’s death.

Blessing said she spoke with Cjay at about 8am on Wednesday, only to receive news of his death a few hours later.

“Cjay Nwoke Oma, so this is really the end? Omo we had plans. I spoke to you at 8 a.m. today and a few hours later you are no more with us.

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