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Nollywood Celebrities, Soludo Attend Alexx Ekubo’s Burial in Arochukwu, Abia State

Hundreds gather as top actors, Anambra Governor, and business leaders pay tribute to late star who died of kidney cancer

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Hundreds gather as top actors, Anambra Governor, and business leaders pay tribute to late star who died of kidney cancer

The final burial ceremony of popular Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo took place on Thursday in Arochukwu, Abia State, drawing a large crowd of celebrities, politicians, business figures and fans from across Nigeria. Ekubo, who died on May 11, 2026 at the age of 40 after battling advanced metastatic kidney cancer, was laid to rest in his hometown amid an outpouring of emotion and tributes.

The streets of Arochukwu witnessed heavy vehicular traffic and increased activity as mourners arrived for the funeral service. Notable personalities present included Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, businessman Obi Cubana, and a host of Nollywood stars such as Stan Nze, Bimbo Ademoye, IK Ogbonna, Ini Edo, Nancy Isime, Omoni Oboli, Kate Henshaw and Mbong Amata. Family members and friends were also joined by hundreds of fans who came to pay their last respects.

Ekubo’s death has been widely mourned within the Nigerian entertainment industry. His career spanned more than a decade with roles in major films that earned him numerous awards and recognition as one of Nollywood’s most beloved actors. His passing at a relatively young age has sparked renewed discussion about access to quality healthcare for entertainers and the need for increased support structures for those facing critical illnesses.

Speaking at the event, several attendees described Ekubo as a positive influence in the film industry. “He was always supportive of his colleagues and had a passion for helping others,” one actor said during the service. Governor Soludo commiserated with the family and called for unity among creative professionals during trying times. Businessman Obi Cubana was also seen consoling relatives at the graveside.

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) sent a delegation to represent industry colleagues unable to attend in person. Many Nigerians took to social media to share memories and pay tribute to Ekubo’s legacy. As the funeral concluded late Thursday afternoon, community leaders in Arochukwu expressed gratitude for the peaceful conduct of proceedings despite the influx of visitors from outside Abia State.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/nollywood-stars-storm-abia-for-alex-ekubos-burial-ceremony-2026061911472261143

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Nnamdi Kanu, Former Ally Announce Rival Leadership in IPOB Amidst Fresh Dispute

Conflicting claims over Indigenous People of Biafra’s top post spark confusion among supporters and raise fresh questions about succession

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June 19, 2026

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Conflicting claims over Indigenous People of Biafra’s top post spark confusion among supporters and raise fresh questions about succession

A fresh leadership tussle has erupted within the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, and a former close ally have separately announced changes to the group’s top hierarchy. The development, which unfolded on Friday, has thrown IPOB’s command structure into uncertainty, especially across its strongholds in the South-East.

The disagreement began when Nnamdi Kanu, who remains in detention facing trial by the federal government, reportedly issued a directive replacing certain key officers within IPOB. Shortly after, a prominent former disciple of Kanu released a contradictory statement claiming to have assumed leadership of the group and announcing an alternative set of appointments.

This open rift marks one of the most public succession disputes within IPOB since Kanu’s arrest and ongoing trial on charges related to treasonable felony. The situation has heightened anxiety among members and observers about the direction of the separatist movement at a time when security agencies are maintaining a heavy presence across several South-East states.

Neither side has released detailed explanations for their actions. However, supporters loyal to Kanu insist he remains the authentic leader regardless of his incarceration. Meanwhile, followers of the former disciple argue that decisive action was needed to keep IPOB operational given Kanu’s prolonged absence from direct leadership.

The federal government has not issued an official statement regarding the latest leadership crisis. Political analysts note that internal disputes could affect IPOB’s influence and operational capacity in coming months. Many South-East residents are watching closely for possible fallout or further security clampdowns as tensions persist.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/888943-nnamdi-kanu-ex-disciple-announce-conflicting-leadership-changes-in-ipob.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Arsenal to Face Coventry City in Premier League Opener as 2026/27 Fixtures Released

Defending champions begin title defence away to newly promoted Coventry; full match schedule announced by league officials

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June 19, 2026

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Defending champions begin title defence away to newly promoted Coventry; full match schedule announced by league officials

Arsenal will kick off their campaign to retain the Premier League title with an opening fixture against Coventry City, following the official release of the 2026/27 season fixtures on Friday. The defending champions are set to travel to Coventry for their first match as the league unveiled the full schedule for all twenty clubs.

According to details provided by Premier League organisers, Arsenal’s opening clash with Coventry marks a high-profile start, pitting last season’s winners against a newly promoted side eager to impress on their return to top-flight football. The fixture is one of several headline matches slated for the opening weekend, with other clubs also learning their paths for the coming season.

The announcement comes amid heightened anticipation among fans and stakeholders, as Arsenal look to build on their successful previous campaign. For Coventry City, who secured promotion from the Championship last season, facing Arsenal at home represents both a challenge and an opportunity to make a statement early in the league.

Premier League officials said the fixture list was designed to balance competitiveness and ensure teams have adequate rest between matches. “Every new season brings fresh excitement and challenges,” a league spokesperson stated while unveiling the fixtures in London. Reactions from club supporters have been swift on social media, with many highlighting key clashes that could shape the title race and relegation battle.

With pre-season preparations already underway for most clubs, attention will now turn to player transfers and tactical adjustments ahead of the August kick-off. Arsenal’s opener against Coventry is expected to draw significant attention from fans across Nigeria and beyond, reflecting growing interest in English football within the country.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/football/888937-arsenal-begin-title-defence-against-coventry-as-premier-league-unveils-2026-27-fixtures.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Zamfara Council of Imams Condoles Police Command After Bomb Attack Kills Officers in Gusau

Religious leaders offer prayers and condemn violence as Commissioner Ahmad Muhammad Bello receives delegation at Command headquarters

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June 19, 2026

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Religious leaders offer prayers and condemn violence as Commissioner Ahmad Muhammad Bello receives delegation at Command headquarters

A delegation from the Council of Imams (Zawiyya Branch), led by Khalifa Ibrahim Sheik Balarabe, paid a condolence visit to Zamfara State Police Command headquarters in Gusau on Wednesday after a recent bomb attack claimed the lives of police officers on duty. The religious leaders visited to sympathise with the Command’s leadership and bereaved families affected by the tragic incident.

The Imams were received by Commissioner of Police Ahmad Muhammad Bello and members of the management team. During the visit, Khalifa Balarabe led special prayers (Du’a) for the repose of the souls of the deceased officers and for comfort for their families. He condemned the attack, stating that killing innocent people was against Islamic teachings which promote peace, justice, brotherhood, and respect for human life.

The Council expressed deep sympathy to both the police authorities and bereaved families, urging them to remain steadfast in faith during this period. The delegation emphasised that such violence undermines efforts to maintain peace and security in Zamfara State and called on residents to support security agencies as they respond to ongoing threats.

Commissioner Bello thanked the religious leaders for their show of solidarity and assured them that police would continue working with all stakeholders to restore normalcy in affected communities. He reiterated that investigations into the attack were ongoing and that security measures had been strengthened across vulnerable areas in Zamfara.

The bomb attack comes amid ongoing security challenges facing Zamfara State in Nigeria’s North-West zone. Authorities have repeatedly called for community support and cooperation as efforts continue to tackle armed attacks targeting security personnel and civilians alike.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/council-of-imams-condoles-zamfara-police-command-over-bomb-attack/

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