Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: Nollywood

  • Funke Akindele’s ‘Behind The Scenes’ Makes History with N2 Billion Box Office Record

    Funke Akindele’s ‘Behind The Scenes’ Makes History with N2 Billion Box Office Record

    In a post shared by TheCable Lifestyle, Nollywood powerhouse Funke Akindele has once again redefined cinematic success as her latest film, Behind The Scenes, officially became the first Nigerian movie to cross the ₦2 billion mark at the box office. The film reached this unprecedented milestone in record time, further cementing Akindele’s status as the undisputed “Queen of the Box Office.”

    The movie had already signaled its dominance early on, hitting the ₦500 million mark in just 12 days. Its continued momentum into February 2026 showcases the growing purchasing power of the Nigerian cinema-going audience and the immense appeal of Akindele’s storytelling. The actress and producer expressed her profound gratitude to her fans, whom she affectionately calls “family,” for their unwavering support.

    Behind The Scenes has outpaced her previous record-breaking hits like A Tribe Called Judah, suggesting that Nollywood’s commercial ceiling is continuing to rise. The film’s success is being viewed as a “movement” rather than just a theatrical run, with FilmOne distribution confirming that the numbers have “shattered all previous records” in Africa.

    This milestone comes at a time when Nollywood is seeking more international showcase opportunities, with two other unnamed Nigerian films recently selected for Hollywood showcases. Akindele’s success provides a blueprint for commercial viability that combines local relatability with high production standards.

    * FilmOne Entertainment (via Instagram): “Behind the Scenes has officially BROKEN and SHATTERED records hitting over 2 BILLION at the box office.”

    * Funke Akindele (via Instagram): “This is now a movement and we love to see it! I am grateful to God and my fans.”

    Echotitbits take:

    Funke Akindele isn’t just making movies; she’s building an empire that rival Hollywood’s mid-budget successes. Crossing ₦2 billion is a massive psychological and financial win for Nollywood, likely leading to increased venture capital interest in the industry. Watch for Akindele to potentially announce a global streaming deal or an international franchise expansion next.

    Source: TheCable Lifestyle — https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/behind-the-scenes-is-first-nollywood-film-to-cross-n2b-mark/ February 2, 2026

    Photo Credit: TheCable Lifestyle

  • Angela Okorie reportedly detained in cybercrime-linked dispute involving Mercy Johnson

    Angela Okorie reportedly detained in cybercrime-linked dispute involving Mercy Johnson

    According to Daily Post, Angela Okorie was reportedly arrested by operatives linked to a cybercrime unit in a case connected to her dispute with Mercy Johnson—fueling heavy chatter across Nollywood timelines. The story escalated because it’s not just “beef”—it’s now framed as a legal/police matter, and that changes how the public reads every prior post and shade.

    Echotitbits take: If this proceeds beyond “reports,” watch for court filings, verified statements, or withdrawals (common in celebrity disputes). Also watch who speaks: when producers/bloggers jump in early, it often signals deeper industry alignments behind the scenes.

    Source: Daily Post – https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/28/mercy-johnson-reportedly-arrests-angela-okorie-for-cyber-bullying/ January 28, 2026
    Photo Credit: Daily Post

  • Ini Edo calls herself “overambitious” as ‘A Very Dirty December’ promo conversations heat up

    Ini Edo calls herself “overambitious” as ‘A Very Dirty December’ promo conversations heat up

    According to NaijaNews, Ini Edo admitted she was “overambitious” about the rollout and expectations around A Very Dirty December, a project that’s been pulling attention in Nollywood circles. Her tone reads like a mix of honesty and recalibration—acknowledging the pressure of audience expectations while still keeping the project positioned as a big moment.

    Echotitbits take: When a star publicly resets expectations, it usually means the audience feedback is loud. The next thing to watch is whether the marketing shifts (new teasers, cast push, influencer campaigns) to control the narrative before release momentum dips.

    Source: Ripples – https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/ini-edo-admits-overambition-as-she-praises-funke-akindele-toyin-abrahams-dominance/ January 28, 2026
    Photo Credit: Ripples

  • Judy Austin Promotes Independence Amid Continued Yul Edochie Drama

    Judy Austin Promotes Independence Amid Continued Yul Edochie Drama

    According to weareiowa.com, Nollywood actress and filmmaker Judy Austin has made headlines for emphasizing personal independence and a “live-on-your-own-terms” philosophy, positioning herself beyond the scrutiny of her marriage to actor Yul Edochie.

    Austin, who has faced backlash since her relationship with Edochie became public, is framing her message as empowerment and self-definition. The move is being interpreted as an attempt to shift the storyline away from controversy and toward a personal-brand reset.

    Mentions tied to her ongoing public image note that the relationship has had reputational impact and remains a consistent driver of online commentary, even as she continues to work as a producer and screenwriter.

    Echotitbits take: This is a classic branding pivot. By leaning into the “independent woman” archetype, Judy Austin is attempting to neutralize negative press. It could attract a new audience—or be read as a dodge of unresolved family drama. Either way, the strategy signals she’s thinking in narratives, not just posts.
    Source: ThisDay – https://www.thisdaylive.com/2023/08/05/yul-edochies-polygamous-marriage-drama/ 2026-01-15

    Photo Credit: ThisDay

  • Gideon Okeke Challenges Afrobeats Stars to Champion Nollywood

    Gideon Okeke Challenges Afrobeats Stars to Champion Nollywood

    In a post shared by @gideonokeke.ng on Instagram, the veteran Nollywood actor sparked debate by calling out Afrobeats “Big Three” artists—Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido—for what he described as a lack of support for the Nigerian film sector. Okeke argued that while actors celebrate the global triumphs of musicians, the favor is rarely returned.

    He framed the issue as a cross-promotion gap, suggesting that if global music icons shared Nigerian film trailers or collaborated more deeply with local cinema, Nollywood’s international growth could accelerate. The conversation trended on X under #SupportNollywood, splitting fans between those who agree and those who argue the sectors run on different models.

    Punch Newspapers verified the video and quoted Okeke challenging the stars on whether they watch Nigerian films. The Guardian Nigeria also amplified the fallout, reporting on the public reaction to his comments.

    Echotitbits take: Okeke’s frustration highlights the “silo” effect in Nigerian entertainment. Afrobeats is the global darling, but Nollywood still fights for equal prestige despite huge production volume. Expect a few “peace-offering” posts from musicians to cool the temperature before it affects cross-industry deals.
    Source: LifeStyle.TheCable – https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/gideon-okeke-calls-out-burna-boy-davido-wizkid-for-not-supporting-nollywood/ 2026-01-26

    Photo Credit: LifeStyle.TheCable

  • Fans Raise Alarm Over Nollywood Star Alex Ekubo’s Long Absence

    Fans Raise Alarm Over Nollywood Star Alex Ekubo’s Long Absence

    Concern is growing among Nollywood fans as actor Alex Ekubo has remained largely absent from public digital spaces for over a year. The usually active celebrity’s silence has triggered a range of online theories, from a quiet marriage to a career pivot.

    Daily Post reported that there has been no official statement from Ekubo’s management about his whereabouts. Tribune Online also noted that colleagues have remained tight-lipped, adding fuel to ongoing speculation.

    Echotitbits take: In an era of oversharing, a celebrity going dark for a year is a loud statement. While some speculate health issues or a personal crisis, it is equally plausible he is executing a deliberate rebrand or embracing privacy. Until he posts, the “Missing Alex” trend will likely continue to cycle across TikTok and entertainment blogs.
    Source: The Whistler – https://thewhistler.ng/fans-ask-questions-as-alex-ekubo-vanishes/ 2026-01-25
    Photo Credit: The Whistler

  • Eucharia Anunobi Heads to Court Over Leaked ‘Celibacy’ Allegations

    Eucharia Anunobi Heads to Court Over Leaked ‘Celibacy’ Allegations

    Veteran Nollywood actress and pastor Eucharia Anunobi has filed a petition against Apostle Psalm Okpe over leaked audio recordings that allegedly reference a past romantic relationship—claims she denies. Anunobi has maintained she has remained celibate for 14 years since her ordination.

    The Whistler reported that she is seeking damages for defamation and emotional distress. Leadership Newspapers reported that the Apostle has not issued an official response, while the actress insists that no man can credibly claim intimacy with her since her spiritual rebirth.

    Echotitbits take: This is classic Nollywood-meets-Ministry controversy. Anunobi’s lawsuit is as much a legal move as it is brand protection, aimed at defending her hard-earned moral authority persona. Public opinion will likely hinge on whether additional recordings or corroborating context emerges.
    Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/naija-fashion/850408-leaked-sex-allegations-eucharia-anunobi-files-petition-against-apostle-psalm-okpe-heads-to-court.html 2026-01-25
    Photo Credit: Premium Times

  • Toyin Abraham’s “Oversabi Aunty” Nears N1 Billion Mark

    Toyin Abraham’s “Oversabi Aunty” Nears N1 Billion Mark

    BusinessDay reports that Toyin Abraham’s comedy‑drama *Oversabi Aunty* took second place at the Nigerian box office over the weekend, adding ₦53.3 million and bringing total gross to about ₦951.1 million—placing it within striking distance of the “Billion Naira Club.”

    The Nation is cited as highlighting producer rankings, while Naija News is cited as pointing to strong admissions and a sustained marketing push.

    **Echotitbits take:** The box‑office “World Cup” between Toyin Abraham and Funke Akindele continues. Akindele leads the season’s headline numbers, but Abraham’s consistency near the billion‑naira threshold confirms the audience appetite can sustain multiple megastars.

    Source: Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/olorisupergalmedia/posts/toyin-abraham-hits-new-milestone-with-oversabi-auntytoyin-abraham-ajeyemis-lates/122274181874197731/?_rdc=1&_rdr# (January 23, 2026)

    Photo Credit: Facebook 2026-01-23

  • Funke Akindele’s “Behind The Scenes” Breaks N2 Billion Record

    Funke Akindele’s “Behind The Scenes” Breaks N2 Billion Record

    According to BusinessDay, Funke Akindele’s latest directorial effort, *Behind The Scenes (BTS)*, has become the first West African film to surpass ₦2.29 billion at the Nigerian domestic box office. The drama explores the emotional toll of “black tax” and has held the number-one spot for six consecutive weeks, reportedly outperforming major Hollywood titles in the local market.

    Additional reporting cited in the item notes wider industry momentum around box-office stars and awards chatter, with Vanguard pointing to Akindele and Timini Egbuson as among the most featured stars of the season.

    **Echotitbits take:** This is more than a financial win; it is cultural validation. By tackling “black tax”—a deeply relatable Nigerian experience—Akindele is proving that local stories, told with strong production value, can beat big-budget foreign franchises. Expect a surge in social‑realist Nollywood dramas as producers chase this formula.

    Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/nollywood/849186-funke-akindeles-behind-the-scenes-hits-over-n2-billion-becomes-highest-grossing-nollywood-film.html (January 23, 2026)

    Photo Credit: Premium Times 2026-01-23

  • Funke Akindele Breaks Record with New Movie Premiere

    Funke Akindele Breaks Record with New Movie Premiere

    According to @funkejenifaakindele on Instagram, her latest cinematic release has broken opening weekend records for a Nollywood film. The actress and producer shared photos from the premiere and thanked fans for their support.

    Akindele—often positioned as one of Nollywood’s most bankable hitmakers—has repeatedly delivered high-grossing theatrical titles that connect strongly with mainstream Nigerian audiences. Her new project reportedly blends social themes with her signature comedic sensibility, a formula that has historically traveled well in local cinemas.

    The Nation described the performance as another proof-point of her commercial consistency. Premium Times also pointed to the broader significance for Nigerian theatrical releases and investor confidence.

    Echotitbits take

    Akindele’s box office track record is not accidental; it is audience science. Sustained success at this level helps normalize private investment into Nollywood production and distribution—especially for cinema-first releases.

    Source: @funkejenifaakindele on Instagram  — https://www.instagram.com/p/DTvG3AIATMb/ (January 22, 2026)

    Photo credit: Instagram