Author: Vincent Osuwo

The death of veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has taken many aback; however, what is more shocking is his death after the demise of his son. In August 2024, Duru shared an emotional social media post announcing the death of his youngest son, Ifeanyi. The loss was a painful experience for the actor and his family. On Friday, October 23, 2026, Duru’s family announced his death, saying he passed away following a brief illness, two years after the demise of his son. In a statement posted on his verified Instagram account, the family wrote, “We, the family of Francis Duru,…

The final heartfelt words that Nollywood actor Francis Duru wrote about his wife, Adokiye, have gained a deeper significance after his death at the age of 57. The veteran actor’s anniversary post has resurfaced during the mourning period, after his family announced that he had passed away following a brief illness. In the emotional message, Duru marked 23 years of marriage and thanked his wife for standing by him and helping to build their family. His words gave a glimpse of the appreciation he felt for the woman who shared more than two decades of his life. While celebrating their…

The death of veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru, a well-known figure in the Nigerian film industry, was announced by his family on Friday, October 23, 2026. Having built a career that spanned several decades, the actor was recognized for his versatility, his theatre background, and his contributions to the growth of Nollywood. Here are 10 things to know about the late actor. 1. His early years Francis Duru was born in Cameroon on July 27, 1969, to Nigerian parents who hailed from Imo State in southeastern Nigeria. 2. His educational history Duru earned his degree in theatre arts from the…

The US on Thursday praised the conclusion of the latest round of talks towards a democratic transition between Venezuela’s interim government and opposition representatives. The US-backed talks on moving away from the hardline socialist rule of ousted former president Nicolas Maduro got underway in August. Washington faces pressure to hold democratic elections after removing Maduro in January. It encouraged interim President Delcy Rodriguez, a former Maduro loyalist who served as his vice president, to engage in negotiations with an opposition delegation headed by Dinorah Figuera. “I welcome and recognize the efforts of the parties sitting at this dialogue table to…

The family of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the late leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization Afenifere has announced the burial arrangements for the late centenarian. The Afenifere leader died on Tuesday at his residence in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, at the age of 100. In a statement issued on behalf of the family by Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, it was said that the late Afenifere leader would be laid to rest on December 17, 2027. It read, “The family of Late Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, CFR, is pleased to announce the burial arrangements of our beloved patriarch, leader of Afenifere…

US President Donald Trump, on Thursday, attacked NBA superstar LeBron James over what he described as disrespectful conduct during the national anthem. Trump shared a video of the basketball legend appearing to do warm-up movements while standing in line with his Philadelphia 76ers teammates before their season opener against the New York Knicks on Tuesday. “While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our country! I said right from the beginning that he’s no good, a total disgrace,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social network. “LeBron James should apologize to all of those Great American Warriors and Heroes who…

The judgment in the trial over the 2020 death of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona will be delivered on December 22, the court announced Thursday, after six months of hearings. On Thursday, the trial of seven healthcare professionals accused of negligence in the star’s death came to a close, with brief statements from Maradona’s daughter and some of the defendants. Her voice breaking with emotion, Dalma Maradona said, “I hope my father receives the justice he deserves…like anyone else.” Maradona’s primary doctor, Leopoldo Luque, the main defendant in the case, declared, “I am innocent.” Maradona passed away at the age…

Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died after a brief illness, his family confirms. His family announced his demise on his official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, revealing that he died following a brief illness. “We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness,” the post reads. “We appreciate your prayers, love, and understanding. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.” In June, the actor refuted widespread reports that claimed he was fighting a life-threatening illness. The rumors picked up momentum after footage of him looking frail began circulating widely…

The Kaduna State Police Command has defended its handling of the case involving Nagarta Radio journalist Farida Isiak, stating that her Facebook post contained remarks aimed at the police force, an officer, and his family. The command stated that the incident should not be seen purely as an effort to stifle press freedom, maintaining that the circumstances surrounding the dispute needed to be taken into account before conclusions were reached. The police made this known in a statement signed on Thursday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, following criticism of Isiak’s arrest and sentencing, including a call…

Amnesty International has called for the immediate release of 23-year-old journalist Farida Isiak, who was handed a four-year prison sentence or a fine of N1.75 million over a Facebook post criticizing the police in Kaduna State. The human rights organization stated that her arrest and punishment “were clearly because of her attempt to expose abuses by the police.” “Sentencing a journalist to 4 years in prison after a sham trial is a travesty of justice,” it said. Isiak, a reporter with Nagarta Radio in Kaduna, was reportedly taken into custody at around 10pm on October 20 by officers under the…