Entertainment

12 Nigerian Celebrity Marriages That Crashed In 2022 [PHOTOS]

Published

3 years ago

December 23, 2022

Editor

2022 has been a roller coaster year for many Nigerian celebrity marriages. As some tied the knots with their lovers, others loosened theirs despite being married for quite a number of years.

Lovely pictures and social media posts between couples could sometimes be deceptive as behind the scenes these celebrities might have had just enough in their relationships.

The PUNCH examines 12 shocking celebrity marriages that crashed in 2022

1. Funke Akindele and Abdulrasheed Bello (JJC)

Funke Akindele and Abdulrasheed Bello (JJC)

Many Nigerians did not see this coming. Funke Akindele and JJC Skillz called it quits after six years of marriage. JJC announced via his official Instagram handle that he had separated from Akindele, stating that his marriage with Akindele has had issues for the last two years.

He also said he had to move out of their home three months prior to the announcement after Akindele insisted he did. The news about their split came just before Akindele was announced as the deputy governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos State.

2. Julius Agwu and Ibiere

Julius Agwu and Ibiere

Popular comedian Julius Agwu confirmed earlier in December to Sunday PUNCH that his marriage to his wife, Ibiere had crashed despite reports earlier in the year that their marriage had hit the rocks. Although there were allegations of cheating on the part of Agwu, in the interview, he said his wife told him she was tired of the marriage.

3. Paul Okoye and Anita

Paul Okoye and Anita

Paul and Anita Okoye’s marriage was one of the messy ones. The duo had been married for eight years before a court in Abuja dissolved their marriage just four days ago. In July however, Anita laid heavy allegations against husband Paul, while filing for a divorce. Some of which included infidelity, fraud, being an absent parent, among others.

Paul has also been seen recently with a new girlfriend

4. Basketmouth and Elsie

Basketmouth and Elsie

Veteran comedian, Bright Okpocha, just yesterday (Thursday) announced a breakup with his wife, Elsie Okpocha, after 12 years of marriage. Basketmouth via his verified social media accounts announced an end to their marriage. He wrote, “As much as it pains me to bring my personal life to the public space, this is an unavoidable situation. After much deliberations, my wife and I have made the difficult decision to end our marriage.”

5. Korra Obidi and Justin Dean

Korra Obidi and Justin Dean

Popular singer and dancer, Korra Obidi and ex-husband Justin Dean, had one of the messiest breakups this year. Dean revealed back in March that he had filed a divorce to end his marriage with the singer, saying it was the hardest decision of his life. He said he was leaving the marriage because of his mental health. He then promised to fight Obidi in court for full custody of their two girls.

Obidi who was quiet for a while then went on to say in a Facebook live that Dean stole her money and emptied her bank accounts adding that “he just wanted her and her girls to be homeless.” The tearful singer had lamented bringing her divorce matter to social media but said she could not be silent over the matter anymore.

In November the American-based Nigerian dancer, took to social media to celebrate as she finalised her divorce from her husband.

6. Oritsefemi and Nabila

Oritsefemi and Nabila

In October, Nabila Fash announced that her marriage with singer Oritsefemi had packed up. She accused Oritsefemi of incessant cheating. She revealed at the time that they were currently going through a divorce process after discovering that the singer had welcomed a child with another woman while they were still married.

Oritsefemi had two daughters from two different women before they met, and Nabila had said she took the girls as her own daughters. She however said the singer had gotten another lady pregnant while they were dating, and while they got married, he welcomed another daughter with the same woman.

The PR guru added she has had to deal with his constant cheating as several women reached out to her to inform her of his cheating habits. Nabila said that Oritsefemi was expecting a son with the fourth woman during the period he came online to ask the public to help beg her, narrating how she had to move out of their home because he was physically abusive towards her. Although, the singer came out to say he was never abusive to his wife. The duo tied the knot in 2020.

7. Kaffy and Joseph Ameh

Kaffy and Joseph Ameh

Nigerian celebrity dancer, Kafayat Shafau, popularly known as Kaffy, opened up on her separation from her husband, Joseph Ameh in January. The mother-of-two disclosed the breakup in a video on her Instagram page saying their destinies did not align adding that it was best for them to go their separate ways in order to focus on their careers.

Kaffy also noted that divorce or separation was not supposed to be toxic or bitter.

8. Gideon okeke and Chidera

Gideon okeke and Chidera

Nollywood actor and former Big Brother Naija housemate, Gideon Okeke, announced in October that he had separated from his wife Chidera, after four years of marriage. Okeke made the announcement on his Instagram page via his Insta stories, although troubles in their marriage had surfaced earlier in August, 2022. Okeke said it was a hard pill to swallow and urged fans to respect their privacy at the time.

9. Saint Obi and Lydia

Saint Obi and Lydia

Veteran actor Saint Obi and his wife, Linda Amobi, also had a messy breakup this year. They also battled over the custody of their three children after a divorce suit. The actor even alleged an attempt on his life by his estranged wife.

The 56-year-old actor further alleged that his estranged wife allegedly “imprisoned” their three children with the help of men of the Nigerian Police Force. The couple married in 2006 and have three children together, two boys and a girl together.

10. Do2dtun and Omotayo

Do2dtun and Omotayo

In one of the latest divorce dramas, Omotayo, the wife of on-air-personality Kayode Oladotun popularly known as Do2dtun, filed for divorce over alleged forced abortion, domestic violence and emotional abuse. The duo married in 2013 and have two children together.

The court also granted them divided custody of the children which Omotayo did not oppose to, pending the final determination of the suit in court. She also thereafter petitioned the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja through her lawyer for unlawful entry, malicious damage, criminal trespass and unlawful use of policemen by Do2dtun.

But reacting to the allegations via Instagram the radio host accused his wife’s family and lawyers of spreading lies about him. He also promised to expose the family’s “wicked” and “deceitful” ways.

11. Skales and Precious

Skales and Precious

In a then unreleased track in November, Nigerian rapper and singer John Njenga-Njeng better known as Skales, said he ‘‘didn’t know he was married to the devil.”

The 31-year-old rapper, who married Precious Hassanity, a chef, in September 2021, shared snippets of the unreleased track, which sounded more like a diss track targeted at his wife, calling her all sort of unprintable names for the third time in two weeks.

12. Sina Rambo and Korth

Sina Rambo and Korth

In another December crash, the marriage between the son of the Osun State Governor, Adesina Adeleke popularly known as Sina Rambo, and his wife Korth hit the rocks as the latter accused her estranged husband of violence.

Korth took to her Instagram stories to accuse Sina Rambo and his sister of violence, as she shared videos, chats, and pictures to prove her claims. She added that the marriage was over as she refused to succumb to abuse. She further accused the governor’s son of debt and she asked him to pay back the money he owed her.

Related Topics:Basketmouth Funke Akindele JCC

Up Next

Polygamy: May Edochie Replies Husband

Don't Miss

‘Respect Our Privacy’, Basketmouth Tells Fans After Marriage Breakup

Comments

Entertainment

Amy Winehouse’s Father Fues Her Friends For Auctioning Late Star’s Clothes

Published

2 days ago

December 9, 2025

Editor

The father of late British singer Amy Winehouse Tuesday defended his UK lawsuit against two of her friends after they sold some of her clothes at auction for around £730,000 ($970,000).

Mitch Winehouse told the High Court in London that Naomi Parry, the star’s former stylist, and her friend, Catriona Gourlay, did not have the right to sell dozens of items in auctions between November 2021 and May 2023.

Lawyer Henry Legge, acting for Winehouse, told the court on Monday, the first day of the trial, that the two women sold 150 objects which had belonged to Winehouse, including dresses which she wore on her last tour in June 2011.

The British singer-songwriter, who enjoyed meteoric global success, died a month later from alcohol poisoning, aged just 27.

Winehouse was a distinctive figure with her beehive hairdo, heavy black eye makeup, multiple tattoos and smoky voice.

She shot to international fame with her Grammy Award-winning 2006 album “Back to Black” which included the track “Rehab”, charting her battle with addiction.

According to court documents, Winehouse believed that any sums collected from the sales organised by Los Angeles-based Julien’s Auctions would be due to him.

The auctioneers had also been told that a third of the proceeds would be donated to the Amy Winehouse Foundation — a charity set up in the singer’s name working with young people to foster hope and self-reliance.

However, Winehouse’s team accused the women of failing to donate the share of proceeds to the foundation.

– ‘You’re wrong’ –

Ted Loveday, lawyer for Gourlay, said that most of the objects had been given or lent to the two women by the singer, even if there was no proof.

“If a 19-year-old gives a scarf or a pair of earrings to their friends, no one signs a contract,” he told the court on Monday, stressing the singer’s generosity.

Gourlay and Parry met Amy Winehouse in the early 2000s, before she shot to fame. Parry went on to create some of the singer’s most iconic looks — including the green bamboo dress worn on the June 2011 tour which sold at auction for $243, 200.

Beth Grossman, the lawyer for Parry, said the two “women are not thieves and they are not dishonest”.

She accused Winehouse of bringing the lawsuit against the women out of “petty jealousy”, which he strongly denied on Tuesday, saying “you’re wrong”.

Grossman also highlighted the financial differences between the multi-millionaire Mitch Winehouse and the two women who are “living pretty much hand to mouth”.

The hearing is set to last until Friday, with a judgement due at a later date.
(AFP)

Entertainment

FULL LIST: Shallipopi, Belove Olocha, Malumfoodie Win Big At TikTok Awards 2025

Published

3 days ago

December 8, 2025

Editor

TikTok has announced the full list of winners for the 2025 TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigerian stars Shallipopi, Belove Olocha and South Africa’s Malumfoodie taking home some of the biggest honours of the night.

The ceremony held on December 6 in Johannesburg and attracted top creators, performers and industry figures from across the continent. The theme for this year’s event was New Era, New Icons.

The show featured performances from Ciza, Lord Kez, Thuli P, DJ Fif Laa and Thabsie. South African entertainer Bontle Modiselle Moloi hosted the event while Keegan Gordon and Zayaan Noorani handled the red carpet. Influencer Mihlali Ndamase made a surprise appearance to present the Video of the Year award. Olympian Akani Simbine also presented the Sport Creator of the Year category.

Brands including NIVEA, inDrive, Coca-Cola, PEP and Dis-Chem supported the awards.

TikTok’s Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa, Boniswa Sidwaba, said the platform is recognising creators who are shaping global conversations.

She said, “Tonight’s ceremony was a gathering of the trailblazers who have redefined what it means to be a creator in Africa. From Sokoto to Nairobi, and Accra to Pretoria, we honoured the creators who turned 60-second clips into cultural movements. We are honoured to celebrate them as they amplify their voices and take their stories from Africa to the world.”

The ceremony will be rebroadcast on December 11 at 20:00 SAST on TikTok LIVE through the @tiktok.africa account.

FULL LIST OF WINNERS

Creator of the Year
Raja’atu Muhammed Ibrahim @diaryofanortherncook (Nigeria)

Storyteller of the Year
Brian Nwana @briannwana (Nigeria)
He said, “Every single creator is a storyteller. We all tell stories that help drive the local communities, our cities, and our countries, and when we do that we change the perception that the world has about us”.

Video of the Year
Fanuel John Masamaki @zerobrainer0 (Tanzania)
He said, “I am truly grateful to my fans and the love I have received from Tanzanians. Thank you so much . This win was for all of us.”

Rising Star of the Year
@tunero_animations (Kenya)
Runner up: Esther Francis @estherfrancisbackup (Nigeria)

Social Impact Creator of the Year
Dejoke Ogunbiyi @noositiwantiwa_ (Nigeria)
Runner up: Sinethemba Masinga @ufarm_julia (South Africa)

Food Creator of the Year
@malumfoodie (South Africa)
He said, “From my humble beginnings of Haamanskraal, to Soshanguve and to all of South Africa, now we are in Africa!”

Runner up: Abena Amoakoaa Sintim Aboagye @chefabbys (Ghana)

Sports Creator of the Year
John Maingi Mbugua @zozasportscast (Kenya)
He said, “Winning isn’t the finish line, it’s fuel for the next chapter. Every piece of content, every discussion, every moment captured was driven by passion, and receiving this recognition means that passion is resonating far beyond my expectations.”

Runner up: Victor Ademola @ademolavictortv (Nigeria)

Entertainment Creator of the Year
Belove Olocha @beloveolocha (Nigeria)
Runner up: Jabulani Macdonald @jabu_macdonald (South Africa)

Education Creator of the Year
Izzi Boye @izziboye (Nigeria)
Runner up: @michelle_expert (South Africa)

Artiste of the Year
Crown Uzama @theycallmeshallipopipp (Nigeria)
He said, “Thank you, TikTok, for supporting all upcoming artists and giving them a spotlight to shine.”

Entertainment

TikTok Temporarily Restricts Late Night Live Feature In Nigeria

Published

3 days ago

December 8, 2025

Editor

TikTok has restricted late-night LIVE access for Nigerian users, as the platform now blocks the feature during peak night hours.

The restriction started on Sunday at midnight when the app quietly shut down all LIVE activities across Nigeria, leaving accounts unable to host or even watch late night streams.

According to an in-app message sent to creators, TikTok wrote, “We’re temporarily limiting LIVE late at night in Nigeria as part of our investigation to ensure our platform remains safe and our community stays protected.”

Many affected users shared that their screens showed a “No Access” label between 11pm and 5am, confirming that the shutdown was nationwide and not a technical glitch.

Reports showed that only creators with at least 1,000 followers received the notice, since they are the only ones allowed to host LIVE sessions on the platform.

Several of them confirmed that all LIVE activities stopped throughout the night, and no one could even view broadcasts from other countries during the restriction.

TikTok users who earn money through LIVE gifting said their balances were not touched, easing fears of sudden financial loss.

By Monday morning, LIVE access returned, but the whole situation triggered long conversations on social media as Nigerians questioned why the company picked late night hours, which usually record the highest traffic for match streams, entertainment shows and interactive trends.

TikTok’s latest move came a few weeks after the platform released fresh safety figures for West Africa at its Safety Summit in Dakar, Senegal.

The company revealed that in the second quarter of 2025, it took action against 2,321,813 LIVE sessions and 1,040,356 creators worldwide for breaking LIVE monetisation rules.

It also disclosed that Nigeria alone recorded 49,512 banned LIVE sessions within the same period.

TikTok added that it removed 3,780,426 Nigerian videos between April and June 2025 for violating Community Guidelines, noting that 98.7 percent were deleted before anyone viewed them, while 91.9 percent were taken down within 24 hours.

TikTok LIVE remains a popular feature among young users because it allows real time broadcasting, comments and gifting, unlike pre-recorded videos.

To go LIVE, a creator generally needs at least 1,000 followers, must be above 16 years to stream and above 18 years to earn money.