JUST IN: Poco Lee to Face London Court on September 15 Over Alleged Assault — Nigerians in UK Leader

  Popular Nigerian dancer and socialite Iweh Odinaka, popularly known as Poco Lee, is currently on remand in the United Kingdom and is expected to appear before a London court in September over an alleged assault, according to Benjamin Kuti, also known as the Oluomo of Derby and founder of the Community of Nigerians in the UK. Kuti, who confirmed the development in a conversation with our correspondent on Monday, said Poco Lee is currently in a UK prison and is scheduled to appear before the Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 15, 2026, at exactly 10 am. Kuti said he was privy to the development because he regularly attends court proceedings and supports Nigerians involved in legal matters in the UK. “I can confirm that the reports are true. Poco Lee is currently on remand in a UK prison. His next court date is scheduled for the second week of September, when he is expected to have a plea hearing,” he said.   Police bullet has made my right hand dead, made my life difficult – Lagos man0:00 / 0:00 He explained that a plea hearing would ordinarily involve the accused entering either a guilty or not-guilty plea. Kuti added that he planned to attend the proceedings as part of his support for members of the Nigerian community in the UK. “I will also be attending the court proceedings as part of my support for the Nigerian community in the UK, to ensure that our fellow Nigerian receives the appropriate support during this difficult period of his life. “It is important that we allow the legal process to take its course. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. His hearing would be at Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 15, 2026, at exactly 10 am,” Kuti said. Reports of Poco Lee’s alleged detention in the UK began circulating online on August 19. Early reports, however, did not disclose the identity of the alleged complainant, the circumstances of the alleged offence or whether formal charges had been filed. Several reports also noted that UK police or a court had not initially independently confirmed the arrest. Meanwhile, an email sent to the court to confirm the details of the trial had not yet been answered at the time of filing this report.

Ogun Governor, Mr Latin, Others Pay Final Tribute to Ogogo

  The governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, the President of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Mr Bolaji Amusan, popularly called Mr Latin, and other Nollywood actors, including Yinka Quadri, were among hundreds of sympathisers who gathered at the Agunloye Ashade Pavilion, Ilaro, on Monday to pay their last respects to the late veteran actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who died of cancer on Sunday. In his short remark during the Muslim prayers held for the late actor, Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Wasiu Isiaka, described the deceased as an exceptional theatre practitioner and icon whose demise was painful to all. The governor said, “We are here this morning to join the family, friends, and indeed the whole of Nigeria to mourn the demise of Mr Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo—a true icon, a proud Yoruba man, somebody that you are always proud to associate with and say this indeed is my brother. “Today, we are mourning him, and I believe that we are all learning from him. Because the last time I saw Mr Ogogo was when he came to my office to come and see his daughter, this means that Ogogo, apart from being an icon in town, is also a father to his children. “So today, I want to implore everybody, especially the children, to believe in God, that nothing can happen without the knowledge of Allah. It has happened, though sadly and full of sorrow, but what else can we do? We cannot query God. Because of that, take solace in the fact that he lived a very good life.” The governor expressed his appreciation to the people, especially members of the entertainment industry, for standing by the deceased’s family at such a trying time, urging everyone to take solace in the fact that the late actor lived an impactful life and contributed meaningfully to national development. Also speaking with journalists, TAMPAN National President, Amusan, described Ogogo as a complete gentleman of reputable character whose passage had brought much sorrow to the entertainment industry. He said, “Ogogo was a complete gentleman, a man of reputable character. He’s a man of the people; this was evident when he was sick; people unknown to me were all eager to help, but he is gone now.” Amusan urged the family of the deceased to keep alive the enduring legacy of the late thespian. He said, “My charge is that the family should keep his legacy going. Ogogo is dead, but his legacy should be kept alive.” Speaking during the janazah prayer, the Wakeel Muslim for the South-West, Edo and Delta, Sheikh Iskeel Lawal, urged people to live rightly, as death is inevitable for all mortals. Lawal, who is also the Consultant on Islamic Affairs to the Ogun State Government, also urged theatre practitioners to learn to speak out in time when facing challenges and always remain united in all their endeavours, noting that the storm of life could arise at any time. He hailed Hassan’s contributions to the entertainment industry, describing them as legendary, and prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the deceased eternal rest. PUNCH Online reports that the news of the actor’s death was confirmed by multiple sources, including the founder of Best of Nollywood, Seun Oloketuyi. Oloketuyi reportedly announced the death in a post on social media, writing, “Taiwo Hassan Ogogo is dead. “He finally lost the battle of life.” Ogogo’s daughter, Kaira Taiwo, was also seen crying during a live session on Instagram on Sunday, where she expressed disbelief over her father’s death. Nigerian actor and filmmaker, Saheed Balogun, also mourned the veteran actor in an Instagram post. “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. You can rest now my brother Taiwo Hassan Ogogo. May Almighty Allah guide you through Aljannah. This is truly painful,” Balogun wrote. The actor’s death came days after his daughters, Kaira and Lima Taiwo, appealed for medical assistance for their father, who had been battling stage-four cancer. On Monday, August 17, 2026, the sisters took to social media to seek medical advice and assistance for the actor. According to Kaira, doctors had informed the family that they could no longer administer chemotherapy due to his condition. The family subsequently sought alternative treatment options, including specialised medical procedures and traditional remedies. Ogogo was a prominent figure in the Nigerian film industry, particularly known for his contributions to Yoruba-language films.

Funke Akindele Draws Backlash Over Birthday Post on Ogogo’s Burial Day

  Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, has sparked mixed reactions on social media after sharing a birthday message on Monday, the same day veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, was buried in Ilaro, Ogun State. Akindele, who marked her birthday on Monday, expressed gratitude to God for another year and prayed for good health, long life and the grace to continue fulfilling her purpose. “Today is my birthday. My heart is full of gratitude to God for all He has done, all He is doing, and all that is still to come,” she wrote in an Instagram post. She also prayed that her life would have a positive impact on others. “May my life remain a testimony, and may the way I live inspire others to believe, to dream and to keep going. Thank You, Lord. Happy birthday to me,” she added. Ogogo File: Veteran Nollywood actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo. Her post, however, attracted criticism from some social media users, who questioned the timing of the birthday message amid the burial of Ogogo, who died on Sunday at the age of 66. One X user, Adewale (@SoEdunOkanESita), criticised Akindele for celebrating her birthday on the day of Ogogo’s burial. “Funke Akindele!!! Today of all days! Are you aware that Taiwo Hassan, your senior colleague in the film industry, is dead and will be buried today? Don’t you read the room? Everyone will die o. It is Ogogo today, no one knows who is next tomorrow. What you guys in the Nollywood are doing is not humane. You show no sense of humanity. Well, Ogogo did not die a sudden death even though how it happened is sad. He would have been 67 years old in October. Everyone will reap all they sow,” he wrote. Another X user, Olayinka Mujeeb Adeniyi (@ola_kish), described the birthday post as inappropriate. “Aunty Funke.. shame on you! We are mourning the death of Ogogo…. And you Dey post about birthday. Omooo this is not fair oo,” he wrote. Victoria A (@iamzioraa) also criticised the actress, saying she should have been more sensitive to the mourning surrounding Ogogo’s death. “Aunty Funke should at least read the room, Nigerians are mourning the death of Ogogo…. And she is posting about birthday. Omooo this is not fair oo,” Victoria wrote. Similarly, omoiyanofi (@papiexploring) said while Akindele had the right to celebrate her birthday, the timing of the post appeared insensitive. “Mrs Funke Akindele, I understand that life goes on and everyone has the right to celebrate their birthday, but posting a birthday celebration so soon after the passing of Taiwo Hassan (Ogogo) feels insensitive. Sometimes, it’s not about whether you’re right or wrong to celebrate. It’s about knowing when to tone things down out of respect for someone who has just passed away,” the user wrote. Another X user, AMICABLU (@Gbalode_), said Akindele’s decision to celebrate her birthday on the same day as Ogogo’s burial did not sit well with them. “Funke Akindele celebrating her birthday the same day people are mourning her colleague late Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ is being held doesn’t sit well with me. For someone of her stature and influence in the Nigerian entertainment industry, I expected a little more sympathy and sensitivity. At times like this, some situations call for restraint and respect,” the user wrote. ÀDÌGÚN the Bald Agbẹjọ́rò (@adigunagbejoro) also described the birthday post as insensitive. “Hmm To be honest, this birthday post seems insensitive. Today is the day Ogogo is being laid to rest, and it is not like he passed away long ago, he had just died yesterday. Humanity should come first. The movie industry is mourning. If Funke Akindele did not post about her birthday, people would understand why. But posting about her birthday on the day he is being laid to rest? I don’t think it demonstrates emotional intelligence,” the user wrote. KAN’EL (@i_am_Abiodun_) said Akindele could have postponed her birthday celebration. “If I were you Aunty Funke, I woulda forgo the celebration of my birth for the year. Today should be all about the passing of Ogogo. But we are not the same person. Happy birthday to you and I wish you long life in good health. I wish for you to continue to prosper,” the user wrote. Similarly, OLA OF IBADAN (@h0llaOla) said Akindele could have postponed the celebration. “Funke Akindele is celebrating her birthday the same day people are mourning her colleague late Taiwo Hassan (Ogogo) who d!ed yesterday. Aunty Funke could have shifted it till tomorrow out of respect but we all know what we are doing,” the user wrote. However, other social media users defended Akindele, arguing that her birthday celebration should not be linked to Ogogo’s death. Joy Ikpefua (@joy_ciana) said it was unfair to criticise the actress for celebrating her birthday because another person had died. “Anyone mocking Funke Akindele for celebrating her birthday today because Ogogo died yesterday is being very silly and, frankly, insensitive. Please, ask them if they have eaten today. Ask them if they went to work today. Have they paused their own lives today to mourn someone who died? Most people have continued with their lives because, as painful as death is, life does not simply stop because someone has died,” she wrote. She added, “Someone dying yesterday does not mean everyone who has a birthday today should cancel their own life, especially when they had no personal relationship with the deceased. You can mourn someone’s death and still acknowledge that another person’s life deserves to be celebrated. Grief is personal. Birthday celebrations are personal too. We need to stop policing how other people respond to death.” Another X user, Divya (@KunnujiC), questioned why Akindele should be expected to suspend her birthday celebration because of Ogogo’s death. “If someone dies at the office, they immediately appoint someone to fill into the position. They won’t do it tomorrow or next, they won’t stop work because someone died, they won’t tell … Read more

BREAKING: Veteran Actor Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ is Dead

  Nollywood Actor Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ Dies After Battling Stage-Four Cancer His daughter, Kira Hassan, confirmed his death in an emotional Instagram Live video on Sunday, saying, “My daddy is dead. I can’t believe it.” The development was also announced by popular TV platform, Emiralty Africa, which posted, “Ogogo is dead!!! We feel sad to announce the death of star filmmaker, Alhaji Taiwo Hassan Ogogo.” Ogogo’s death came only hours after Kira had spoken publicly about the challenges surrounding her father’s illness and accused some individuals of attempting to profit from the family’s difficult situation. During an emotional TikTok Live session on Saturday, she alleged that some people had approached the family with financial demands while offering assistance with the actor’s treatment. “My father is a good father. Some people are even trying to make money with us in this whole situation. Fear God. This one will come and bring solution, N800k, N5m, 11,000 dollars, N18,000 dollars. Do you want to make us broke? We are not billionaires,” she said. Kira explained that the family was focused on getting appropriate medical care for Ogogo and could not afford the financial demands allegedly being placed before them. She also disclosed that the situation was taking a toll on her personally. “I want to check my BP, I am not okay too,” she said. The actor’s illness had also deeply affected members of his family, including his brother, whom Kira described as her “big daddy”. According to her, members of the family regularly used a group chat to discuss Ogogo’s condition, where she recently saw a message indicating the extent of her uncle’s fear over the actor’s health. “That was the video my big daddy saw and on the group chat, where we always have our discussion about daddy’s health, I saw my cousin wrote something like, my big daddy was asking ‘Is Taiye going to die?’” she said. Kira said the bond between Ogogo and his brother was particularly strong and that the actor’s illness had been painful for the entire family. “My big daddy and my daddy, we are the children, we don’t even know who they love more. We don’t even know if it is we who are being or themselves. It is too much. My big daddy loves my daddy too much,” she said. She further expressed concern about the effect of Ogogo’s condition on her uncle. “I am sure my big daddy is not okay, he is not fine. He is not fine. I don’t know,” Kira said. ‘I don’t know how I will see the world again’ Kira had also revealed that she stepped away from social media because seeing images of her father while he battled cancer was becoming increasingly difficult for her. Reflecting on the possibility of losing Ogogo, she said she struggled to imagine how life would continue without him. “I don’t know how I will feel. I don’t even know how I will see the world again. If anything happens to my daddy… Please don’t think I am here to ask for sympathy or anything,” she said. Kira said she had initially gone online to “cool off”, but eventually became emotional because of the close relationship she shared with her father. “I am so connected to my daddy. Nothing can be okay, ever. He just want the best for everybody. He just want everybody to be okay,” she said.

Olise Scores, Assists as Bayern Munich Defeat Dortmund 2-1 to Win Super Cup

  Michael Olise scored and set up a goal as Bayern Munich secured a 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund to lift the German Super Cup on Saturday. The France international was Bayern’s standout attacking player, causing problems down the right flank throughout the match after starring for France at the World Cup. Olise played a key role in Bayern’s opening goal in the 28th minute. After being brought down near the edge of the penalty area, the ball fell to Nathaniel Brown, who calmly finished to give the visitors the lead. Bayern doubled their advantage shortly before half-time when Olise capitalised on a poor backpass from Jobe Bellingham. He raced clear of the Dortmund defence before keeping his composure to beat the advancing goalkeeper. Dortmund improved after the break and put Bayern under sustained pressure, but Vincent Kompany’s side defended well to maintain their advantage. The hosts eventually pulled a goal back with 15 minutes remaining when former Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Fabio Silva converted a Daniel Svensson cross following good work from debutant Giannis Konstantelias. Silva had another opportunity late in the game but headed straight at Manuel Neuer. Dortmund were reduced to 10 men in the final minute when Ramy Bensebaini was shown a straight red card for a late challenge on Bayern debutant Ismael Saibari. The hosts still had a chance to force an equaliser in stoppage time, but Maximilian Beier failed to beat Neuer after finding himself one-on-one with the Bayern goalkeeper. The victory secured Bayern’s 12th German Super Cup title and their second consecutive triumph since the competition was renamed in honour of club legend Franz Beckenbauer in 2025. The result also gave Bayern a winning start to the new season, although they were made to work hard by a Dortmund side beginning a new campaign with a revamped squad.  

Kogi LG APC Chairman Dies After Reconciliation Meeting

  The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Kogi State, Aliyu Momoh Ezzu, has confirmed the death of the party’s Ijumu Local Government Area chairman, Oyewole Mayowa Solomon, shortly after a reconciliation meeting in the area. Ezzu confirmed Solomon’s death in a condolence message on Friday, describing the late party chairman as a committed party member whose contributions to the growth and unity of the APC in Ijumu Local Government Area would not be forgotten. Solomon reportedly slumped during a party reconciliation meeting held in Iyara, the headquarters of Ijumu LGA, on Friday. His death was subsequently confirmed by the Kogi APC chairman, who expressed deep sorrow over the loss and commiserated with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, the people of Ijumu Local Government Area, the deceased’s family, friends and members of the APC. “His sudden death has sent shock and sadness across the APC family in Ijumu Local Government and Kogi State,” the statement issued on behalf of Ezzu read. The Kogi APC chairman described Solomon as a committed party leader who contributed to the growth and unity of the party in the local government. He prayed to God to grant the deceased’s family and the entire APC family the strength to bear the loss. Ezzu also urged party members and supporters to remain calm and united during the period of mourning. The circumstances surrounding Solomon’s death were earlier reported by AIT Online, which said the APC chairman slumped while a reconciliation meeting was ongoing at the Iyara Town Hall. According to the report, confusion and panic followed his sudden collapse among political leaders and delegates present at the meeting. Solomon was reportedly rushed to a medical facility in neighbouring Kabba, where he was pronounced dead. The exact cause of his death has yet to be officially disclosed. The reconciliation meeting was said to have been convened to harmonise political interests, reconcile factions, resolve internal disagreements and foster unity among APC stakeholders in Ijumu ahead of future political activities. According to AIT Online, the initiative was convened by a former chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area, Funsho Olumoko, following a mandate from the Ijumu Consultative Forum. The reconciliation effort reportedly followed an earlier meeting in Iyara where APC stakeholders in the local government endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Governor Ododo for their second terms. However, a previous session of the meeting was reportedly marred by disagreements over local government leadership, leading to a walkout by Solomon and some government officials. Friday’s meeting was therefore said to have been convened to bridge the divisions and bring together selected political leaders, local government and ward executives, women and youth leaders, as well as government appointees from the 15 wards of Ijumu Local Government Area. Meanwhile, the APC executives in Ijumu LGA have also mourned the late party chairman. In a condolence message signed by the party’s General Secretary, Joshua Monday Oshatoba, the executives described Solomon’s death as sudden, painful and devastating. “The news of his passing has left us devastated and speechless. He was a committed party leader who served with dedication, courage, and a strong sense of responsibility,” the message read. The local party executives said his death was a great loss not only to his immediate family but also to the APC, Ijumu Local Government and the entire Ijumu community.

Osimhen Moves Up to Third on Galatasaray’s All-Time Foreign Goalscorers’ List

  Victor Osimhen has risen to third on Galatasaray’s all-time foreign goalscorers’ chart following another outstanding display for the Turkish champions. The Nigeria international scored twice as Galatasaray defeated Erzurum FK 4-0 on Friday night, taking his tally for the club to 62 goals in 76 appearances. According to Turkish sports outlet, A Spor, on X on Friday, Osimhen’s brace saw him overtake former Czech Republic international Milan Baros, who scored 61 goals during his spell with the Istanbul giants. The 27-year-old has also registered 16 assists since joining Galatasaray. Only two players now stand ahead of Osimhen on the club’s foreign scorers list. Argentine striker Mauro Icardi leads with 77 goals, while Romanian legend Gheorghe Hagi is second with 72. Osimhen is also enjoying a remarkable start to the new Süper Lig season. His two goals against Erzurum FK took his tally to at least four goals across Galatasaray’s opening two league matches, making him the first player since Brazilian striker Mario Jardel in the 2000/01 season to achieve the feat. The latest milestone further highlights Osimhen’s growing importance at Galatasaray, where he has already established himself among the club’s most prolific foreign scorers.

2027: Ondo Will Deliver Massive Votes for Tinubu, Aiyedatiwa Pledges

  Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has pledged that the state will deliver overwhelming support and massive votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. Aiyedatiwa stated this on Friday in a statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, when he received the leadership of the Ondo State chapter of the City Boy Movement, a pro-Tinubu political group, at the Governor’s Office in Akure. The group, led by its state coordinators, Oluwafemi Ayejusunle and Tomide Akinribido, visited the governor to brief him on its activities, structure and grassroots mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections. The group also sought the governor’s support and the collaboration of the of the state government for its activities in Ondo. Aiyedatiwa commended the group for its commitment to the ideals of the All Progressives Congress and its advocacy for the Renewed Hope Agenda of Tinubu. The governor said Ondo had declared its full support for Tinubu’s re-election, citing his proclamation of “Ondo For Tinubu 2027”. He said the achievements of his administration in infrastructure, job creation, youth employment and empowerment would help to secure more support for Tinubu in the state. “Our people are seeing and feeling the impact of good governance. From road projects to health, education, and empowerment, we are building a foundation that makes it easy to sell the Renewed Hope message in Ondo State,” Aiyedatiwa said. The governor said the benefits of his administration’s programmes would translate into votes for Tinubu in the 2027 election. “Every action we take that impacts the people positively is a vote for the president. Every of the 6,000 jobs we have created is a vote for the president. Every road we build attract votes for the president. Every political appointment we make has multiplier effects that translate to more votes for the president,” he said. He added, “The President’s vision aligns with what we are doing here, and our people will reward that with their votes in 2027.” Aiyedatiwa assured the City Boy Movement and other support groups working for Tinubu’s re-election that his administration would support their activities. He said all groups campaigning for the President in Ondo would be carried along and given the necessary backing to succeed. Earlier, Ayejusunle thanked the governor for what he described as his exemplary leadership and for aligning the state with Tinubu’s administration. He said the group would intensify grassroots sensitisation to mobilise support for Tinubu and the APC ahead of the 2027 elections. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Fasoranti; and Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Abiola Olawoye.

Jigawa ADC Supports Atiku’s Call for Fuel Subsidy Restoration

  The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Jigawa State has thrown its support behind the party’s 2027 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over his promise to restore fuel subsidies if elected president. In a statement signed by the ADC Jigawa State Deputy Chairman, Ambassador Nuraddeen Jidawa, and made available to journalists on Saturday in Dutse, the state capital, the party said the proposal was necessary to ease the economic hardship facing Nigerians. The party linked the current economic crisis to the removal of petrol subsidy by the Federal Government in 2023, saying the decision led to increases in the cost of transportation, food and other essential commodities. “Given the hardship Nigerians are going through, Atiku’s plan to restore fuel subsidy is timely and people-centred,” the statement said. Jidawa described Atiku as a leader with integrity, maturity and deep democratic experience. “I am confident that Atiku will fulfil the promises he makes to Nigerians,” he said. He said Atiku’s proposed subsidy framework would focus on targeted and accountable support, adding that “the plan would prioritise domestic fuel production to reduce waste and corruption in the system.” “This shows the ADC’s commitment to finding practical solutions to Nigeria’s economic challenges,” Jidawa said. He urged Nigerians, particularly voters across the country, to vote for ADC candidates at all levels in the 2027 general elections. “This is about rescuing the country from economic hardship, rebuilding our institutions and restoring hope to Nigerians,” he said.

La Liga: Rodri to Miss Elche Opener, Barcelona Coach Confirms

  Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has confirmed that new signing Rodri will miss the Spanish champions’ La Liga opening fixture against Elche on Sunday. The former Manchester City midfielder may, however, be able to take part in their second match, against Athletic Bilbao, on Thursday. “He’s very concentrated, focused, our plan is that he will arrive on Monday with the team,” Flick told reporters on Saturday. “This is the plan. He’s a fantastic player, a leader, and his personality is very great.” Barca signed the Spanish World Cup winner for a fee which could rise to 76.5 million euros ($89 million) to bolster their midfield. However after Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres departed, the club are still looking for a striker in the transfer market. Flick did not reveal who would start up front at Elche but praised the pre-season form of Egyptian youngster Hamza Abdelkarim, after the 18-year-old notched four goals in friendlies. “Hamza is having a really great pre-season,” said Flick. “He’s a number nine, he’s young, and he has a lot of potential, and also he scored goals. This is the important thing when you’re playing in this position, and he made a great job.” New arrivals Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, both wingers, can also play through the middle as false nines along with Raphinha and Dani Olmo. Flick said full-back Joao Cancelo, signed this week, was available for Barcelona’s trip to the Martinez Valero stadium. “He’s ready to play. He has unbelievable technique and a lot of passion,” added Flick. AFP