Stephanie Okereke-Linus, Nollywood actress and producer may soon be embroiled in a copyright infringement battle over her much acclaimed movie DRY.
The actress is being accused of movie script theft by lawyer and scriptwriter, Daniella Madudu who is demanding a suitable compensation of N60,000,000 (sixty Million Naira), and royalties, failing which a civil and criminal action will be taken against Stephanie Okereke-Linus and associate, Joy Ndidi.
Olisa.tv reports the story thus:
Information reaching us claim that the cinematography of the movie DRY allegedly has “substantial similarity” and semblance to an original work, titled ‘BEHIND HER VEIL,’ written by lawyer and scriptwriter, Daniella Madudu. This work is said to have been written as early as 2011.
According to our source, a certain Joy Ndidi, who has been a known associate of Okereke-Linus was on Miss Madudu’s team of readers and editors in 2011. And this Associate is purported to have made a copy of the script ‘BEHIND HER VEIL.’
Madudu however had no inkling of foul play until the movie DRY premiered across cinemas in Nigeria, and her attention was drawn to the uncanny similarities in the stories.
In the documents prepared by Lagos based solicitors, Rafiu Bello & co, the obviously distraught Madudu is requesting credits as owner of the original story, since a substantial part of ‘BEHIND HER VEIL’ was adapted for the movie DRY.
In addition to this, she is requesting a suitable compensation of N60,000,000 (sixty Million Naira), and royalties, failing which she has threatened civil and criminal action against Stephanie Okereke-Linus and her associate, Joy Ndidi.
Meanwhile, Stephanie Okereke-Linus has yet to respond to these allegations personally or through her legal team.
When contacted on Thursday, June 1, 2017, Madudu’s lawyer said:
“We are ready to file the suit anytime from tomorrow as stated in the demand letter. We have only waited for the 14 days to lapse to offer an opportunity for Mrs. Okereke-Linus to settle the matter amicably. The ultimatum lapses today.”
This drama is brewing on the heels of a copyright infringement scandal involving Canada-based Nigerian writer and filmmaker Jude Idada and Nollywood’s Omoni Oboli a few months ago.
The premise for their case may have been different, especially as the movie in contention, Okafor’s Law was only just about to hit the cinemas when that scandal broke. But we can’t help wonder whose side the law will be on in the event that the parties seek legal redress.
Grammy-nominated artist Wizkid has sparked widespread excitement among Nigerian fans by hinting at a potential December concert in Lagos.
On November 26, 2024, the superstar posted an Instagram image captioned “Lagos December.” This immediately generated speculation about a live performance.
The album remarkably set a new record on Spotify. It secured the largest opening day streams for a Nigerian artist. Also, it demonstrates the musician’s continued global appeal.
“Morayo” features a diverse collaborative lineup, including 16 tracks with guest appearances from prominent artists.
The album showcases Wizkid’s international reach by featuring Afrobeats hitmaker Asake, French artists Tiakola and Anais Cardot, and American musicians Jasmine Sullivan and Brent Faiyaz.
Should the concert materialise, it would mark the first performance Wizkid holds in Lagos since his 2022 Flytime Fest headline appearance.
Fans are particularly intrigued by the potential concert, given Wizkid’s previous statement suggesting his 2022 performance might be the last ticketed show for his Lagos audience.
Industry observers and music enthusiasts are closely monitoring the potential tour plans. The “Morayo” album’s release suggests Wizkid is preparing for a comprehensive tour.
Furthermore, Lagos potentially serves as the inaugural destination for the live concert Wizkid holds for his latest musical work.
The strategic timing of the album release and the cryptic social media post has effectively generated significant anticipation among fans and media outlets.
Wizkid continues to demonstrate his ability to create musical and promotional momentum. He maintains his status as a leading figure in the global music landscape.
Meanwhile, official confirmation remains pending; the “Lagos December” post has successfully generated substantial speculation and excitement.
This could be about a potential homecoming concert that could be a landmark event for Nigerian music fans.
A Lagos restaurant named Cali refused to let the 27-year-old reality TV star Phyna enter because of her outfit. Phyna shared this experience on her X social media page (previously known as Twitter).
She posted a short video showing what she had worn to the restaurant. She then joked about the incident with her fans and followers on social media.
In her words,
“So I went to have dinner at one CALI RESTAURANT Abi what they call the place😂😂😂 omo they said I’m dressed indecently and I can’t enter o. WTF!!!!!”
So I went to have dinner at one CALI RESTAURANT Abi what they call the place😂😂😂 omo they said I’m dressed indecently and I can’t enter o
WTF!!!!! pic.twitter.com/L2UZp4vjp0
In the clip, Phyna wore a revealing black jumpsuit paired with a bold burgundy afro wig. Her outfit quickly sparked debate among her followers.
Some users criticised her choice of attire, arguing that it was inappropriate for the restaurant’s standards. Others defended the establishment’s decision, stating that enforcing dress codes is their right.
“If you wear a hookers uniform, be prepared to be treated like one,” wrote a user.
“The owner has every right to set rules for their business premises,” said another.
“So another hotel the other day that brought something for the lady to cover her self….Great one…If all these restaurants will start doing this, it will definitely be a big step to correcting this error in the society,” someone else wrote.
The post generated mixed reactions, highlighting contrasting views on personal style and public expectations. The incident fuelled a broader conversation about dress norms and the balance between individual expression and venue policies.
Recall that Phyna dropped her surname and publicly disowned her family on her X page recently. She said that she was tossed around relatives’ homes as a child, adding that she should’ve suspected foul play all along.
Nigerian rapper Falz recently shared a humorous yet awkward story from one of his early dating experiences. During an interview on the Cocktails and Takeaways podcast with British media personality Madame Joyce, Falz recounted a surprising request from his date.
She asked him to order takeout for her family members back home. He explained the situation with his signature humour, highlighting how unexpected and awkward the moment was.
He explained,
“I haven’t had too many date experiences but the worst probably was this girl asking to buy stuff for her family at home, so I wasn’t sure how to feel. This was in Nigeria and I didn’t know whether to feel bad or not. She wanted me to buy takeaway for them, like to buy for each person… So different portions for the members of the family, takeaway for them. I didn’t even know whether to feel bad, because it was like, I came here on a date with you, not the whole family.”Falz acknowledged that the request felt unusual but considered the possibility that her family genuinely needed the food. “I then sat and thought, What if they’re hungry? We were at a proper restaurant.”“I feel like there are things that, when it comes to dates, there are things that the person would say directly or indirectly that would make you know whether you want to continue talking to them or not,” he added.
The rapper dismissed the idea that men immediately know if a woman is marriage material on the first date. He elaborated, suggesting that relationships often require time and experience to fully understand a partner’s potential.
He said, “To this day, there is nobody I can say that this is someone I want to marry. I haven’t gotten to that stage yet so I think it’d take a while.”