CELEBRITIES
10 dos and don’ts for Detty December
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Simi performing at NECLive
Are you feeling festive this Detty December? Then you’re probably ready to join the chaos at festivals, parties, raves, and street takeovers happening across Lagos.
If you’re a veteran, you already know the unspoken rules. But a reminder never hurts, especially when December crowds bring out the best and worst in people.
If you’re a newbie trying to survive your first Detty December without embarrassing yourself, welcome. This guide will help you avoid stepping on toes (literal and metaphorical) and committing the kind of public faux pas that’ll haunt you well into the new year.
Here are the dos and don’ts to keep your December smooth, safe, and legendary.
Dos
Have cash on you
Banks and network providers can disappoint you. Some vendors are cash-only, and emergencies happen. You don’t want to be strapped for cash this festive period. Don’t carry bundles, just enough to bail yourself out of a potentially sticky situation.
Plan transport
How are you getting to the function? How are you getting back? For those in Lagos, traffic can be a nightmare and it gets ten times worse during this season. Leave early to avoid turning your journey into a saga.
Dress for the vibe
What’s the function? A beach party, a rave, or a casual hangout with friends? Dress to fit the vibe so you don’t stick out like a sore thumb. If you want to dress outside the vibe, that’s fine too, as long as you’re comfortable.
Wear deodorant
With all the moving around and dancing, you don’t want to be the person with stinky pits. Imagine dancing in a crowded club, lifting your arms, and people visibly recoiling from the stench. The horror!
Hydrate
Water is your friend. Lagos heat (because harmattan seems to be making a very late appearance this year) plus party plus alcohol, if you partake, equals dehydration. Lord forbid you flop onto the floor in the middle of having a good time. And then end up as a viral video or meme.
Keep your phone charged
You see your phone? It’s very important that you keep it charged. Carry a power bank with you, because you might not be able to charge where you’re going, and even if you could, there’s the fear of it being stolen. How else will you book rides, stay in contact with people, capture memories, and update your followers on social media?
Look out for your crew
Party with people you trust. Everyone says how dangerous December is, and with good reason. Be safe and avoid leaving your group to hang out with people you don’t know. You do not want to become a statistic.
Bring good energy
Positive vibes only. We all have our worries, but going out is an opportunity to leave them at the door. Once you step out, focus on having a good time. Negativity kills the mood and you don’t want to ruin your fun.
Pace yourself
As Ice Cube said in his song Check Yo Self in 1992, “You better check yo’ self before you wreck yo’ self.” Basically, don’t start the night like you’re already at the finish line. The night is still young, and you have time. Don’t overeat, drink too much, or do anything in excess too early.
Know your limits
With everyone having a good time, you might feel pressured to match their energy. There’s nothing wrong with stepping out of your comfort zone, but everyone has limits. Stick with yours—whether it’s food, alcohol, spending, or late nights–so you don’t end up in an uncomfortable situation.
Don’ts
Don’t pressure people
Some people are party machines, and some aren’t. If you’re the former, you might feel compelled to hype people up. There’s nothing wrong with that, but know when to back off. Don’t pressure anyone to drink more, party harder, or go somewhere they don’t want to.
Don’t fight over small things
It’s easy to get into fights during this period. Spirits are high, which sometimes makes people more prone to arguments. It’s not worth it—queue fights, line fights, fist fights, none of it. In fact, don’t fight at all, unless it’s absolutely necessary, like defending yourself or someone else from harm.
Don’t disrespect the security or staff
Do not do it. They have a job to do and they deserve respect like everyone else. They also control entry, space, and safety.
Don’t block the way
You aren’t the only one in the room or space. Be mindful of people moving around. You know how annoying it is when people block the way, so don’t be that person.
Don’t leave your stuff unattended
We shouldn’t have to tell you, but we’re saying it anyway. Bags, devices, etc. should not be left unattended. December is peak “lost-and-found” season.
Don’t overdo selfies or videos
As tempting as it is to whip out your phone to take aesthetic pictures and videos to tension people on social media, remember that you’re also there to have a good time. Enjoy the moment. Does anyone really need that many snaps?
Don’t leave your friends stranded
Don’t ghost your friends after making plans, and don’t leave them stranded either. If you’re their ride to or from the event, stick to it. You should be there for each other and look out for one another. You’d want them to do the same for you.
Don’t kill the vibe with negativity
Arguments, complaining, and hating, leave them outside. Negativity is a downer and is definitely not welcome at the party.
Don’t try to impress too hard
No go do pass yourself. Yes, this is the perfect time to flaunt and flex, but you know what’s better than that? Enjoying the music, the food, the vibe, and the moment.
Don’t ignore your safety
Watch your things, trust your instincts, and pay attention to your surroundings. A good night out is not worth putting yourself in danger.
Banksy, the world’s most famous street artist, appears to have confirmed he is responsible for a new mural that appeared in London on Monday.
The piece, depicting two children lying down and pointing up at the sky, appeared on the side of a building in Bayswater, in the west of the capital.
Now the artist has shared it on his Instagram page, hours after its appearance, seemingly taking credit for the mural amid growing speculation that it was a new Banksy mural.
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An identical image appeared at the foot of the Centre Point tower in Tottenham Court Road, central London. Reports have suggested this is also the work of Banksy, but his representatives have not confirmed he is responsible.
The artist’s work is often political in nature, and critical of government policy on migration and war.
The new mural doesn’t appear to have an overt message, though some have suggested it addresses the topic of child homelessness.
A piece of graffiti artwork depicting two children by street artist Banksy, in Bayswater in central London. Pic: PA
The artwork at Centre Point, which may or not be a Banksy piece. Pic: AP
A Banksy unveiled in September depicted a judge armed with a gavel looming over an unarmed protester with a blood-splattered placard.
Daubed on an external wall of the Queen’s Building, in the Royal Courts of Justice complex, it came at a time when hundreds of protesters were being arrested for backing Palestine Action.
Read more:
Network forging Banksy and Picasso artworks uncovered
‘Art for sixth formers’: Is the public falling out of love with Banksy?
Palestine Action was banned by the government as a terrorist group in July, and the mural was swiftly covered up and guarded by security staff, before work began to remove it.
Banksy, whose works now sell for millions of dollars at auction, began his career spray painting buildings in Bristol.
David Walliams has been removed from the line-up for a children’s book event.
Book retailer Waterstones has confirmed the author will no longer appear at its Children’s Book Festival.
It comes after the TV star was dropped by his publisher HarperCollins UK following allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards women.
Walliams strongly denies allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
A statement from Waterstones said: “HarperCollins have confirmed that David Walliams will no longer be appearing at our festival in Dundee.”
The festival will span across three locations, also including Lincoln and Taunton. The Dundee event will take place on 6 and 7 February.
Walliams has been removed from the listed speakers list on the festival website.
The 54-year-old comedian, who shot to fame with the BBC sketch show Little Britain, is one of the country’s best-selling children’s writers.
He has written more than 40 books, which have sold more than 60 million copies worldwide and been translated into 55 languages, according to his website.
A spokesperson for HarperCollins UK said it had decided not to release any new titles by Walliams “after careful consideration, and under the leadership of its new CEO”.
“HarperCollins takes employee well-being extremely seriously and has processes in place for reporting and investigating concerns,” they added.
“To respect the privacy of individuals, we do not comment on internal matters.”
In a statement later on Friday, a spokesperson for the comedian and children’s author said: “David has never been informed of any allegations raised against him by HarperCollins.
“He was not party to any investigation or given any opportunity to answer questions. David strongly denies that he has behaved inappropriately and is taking legal advice.”
The news followed a report from The Daily Telegraph that Walliams was dropped after an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards young women.
Actress and filmmaker Ini Edo has made an emotional plea to regulators and the public, urging them not to ban her new movie, A Very Dirty Christmas, insisting that it does not mock Christianity.
In a video shared on her Instagram page, Edo begged critics to watch the film before judging, saying she would pull it down if it was found to be offensive.
“Just don’t pull my film, please. Just allow people to watch. Watch the film and come back and say that this film degrades Christians or degrades Christianity. Then I will pull it.
“If it dishonours God or Christians in any way, I will pull it and bear the consequences. I will not be part of something like that,” she said.
The controversy surrounding the film’s title has sparked concerns from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which described it as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.
Edo explained that the title was never meant to demean the Christian faith, saying the film highlights family conflicts and secrets unfolding, without ridiculing Christians.
“We chose ‘A Very Dirty Christmas.’ It was never to demean Christians or disrespect Christendom or dishonour God.
“This film has no dirt in it. It highlights family conflicts, secrets unfolding. It does not ridicule Christians.
“I did take money from investors to do this film. We have over about 70 cinemas nationwide. We’ve done print, media and digital. I don’t know how we are going to do it,” she said”, she added.
The actress, a devout Christian, apologised to anyone offended by the title, insisting there was no malicious intent.
The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has requested the producer to modify the title.
“However, the Board recognises that public perception and reception are critical elements of effective regulation.
“In light of the concerns raised by CAN, and in the spirit of responsiveness and dialogue, we have requested the producer to modify the title,” the NFVCB said.
Edo has offered to change it, saying Christians are not the people she wants a problem with.
“They’ve asked us to change the title, or they’re going to pull the films from the cinemas. How do I change the name, the title? Christians are not the people I want a problem with because I’m one. I will try to change the title. Just give us some time. Don’t pull the film.
“I am a Christian. Christians are not the people I want a problem with because I’m one. I would never sit in a gathering where Christians are ridiculed,” she said.
She appealed for understanding, asking that her film be given a fair chance and not be pulled from cinemas.
“All I’m asking is, don’t pull my film. Give me a fair fighting ground. Let people watch it.”
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A chief magistrate court in Abuja has summoned Okafor Victor, the rapper popularly known as Mr Real, over allegations of criminal defamation involving Nigerian music star D’banj.
In a court summons dated December 18, 2025, and obtained by TheCable Lifestyle, Chief Magistrate Farida Ibrahim directed Mr Real to appear in person before the court on January 19, 2026, to answer charges brought against him by the complainant.
The legal dispute stems from claims made by Mr Real in November, in which he alleged that D’banj, whose real name is Oladapo Oyebanjo, failed to honour a ₦20 million ambassadorial deal. The comments, which were reportedly made publicly, prompted D’banj to seek legal redress.
In a petition filed before the court, Pelumi Olajengbesi, counsel to D’banj, urged the magistrate to issue a criminal summons against the rapper, arguing that the statements amounted to defamatory publications capable of damaging the singer’s reputation.
Olajengbesi also requested an interim injunction restraining Mr Real and anyone acting on his behalf from making or circulating further statements deemed defamatory pending the determination of the complaint.
“The defendant, either by himself or through his agents, servants, privies, cohorts or representatives, should be restrained from further publishing, disseminating, broadcasting or circulating any defamatory videos, comments, statements or publications against the complainant,” the petition read.
Following the filing, the court granted the interim injunction and ordered Mr Real to refrain from making any further public statements about D’banj until the case is resolved. The matter is expected to come up for hearing when the rapper appears in court on January 19, 2026.
Barry Manilow is being treated for lung cancer and has been forced to reschedule live shows, the 82 year-old has revealed.
The Copacabana popstar announced on Instagram that a cancerous spot had been discovered on his left lung.
“As many of you know I recently went through six weeks of bronchitis followed by a relapse of another five weeks,” he wrote.
“Even though I was over the bronchitis and back on stage at the Westgate Las Vegas, my wonderful doctor ordered an MRI just to make sure that everything was OK.
“The MRI discovered a cancerous spot on my left lung that needs to be removed.”
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Manilow, 82, added that the cancer had been found early thanks to “pure luck” and a “great doctor”.
And while he would not require chemotherapy or radiation treatment, he wrote, he would have to undergo surgery, forcing him to reschedule his January shows.
He had been due to embark on a string of arena concerts in US cities including Orlando, Tampa, Charleston, Greensboro and Columbus.
He wrote: “I’m going into surgery to have the spot removed. The doctors do not believe it has spread and I’m taking tests to confirm their diagnosis.
“The only follow-up is a month to recover and that means we have to reschedule the January arena concerts.
“I’m very sorry that you have to change your plans.
“Just like you, we were all looking forward to the January shows and hate having to move everything around.”
Barry Manilow poses for photographers ahead of a run of shows on Broadway in New York City in 2019. Pic: Reuters
Read more:
King ‘deeply touched’ by reaction to cancer ‘good news’
NHS to offer same-day prostate cancer diagnosis
The Grammy Award-winning singer has released a string of hits over the course of more than 50 years recording music.
They include Could It Be Magic, Looks Like We Made It, Mandy, and Can’t Smile Without You.
His announcement comes after Cliff Richard revealed he had been treated for prostate cancer.
CELEBRITIES
Nollywood Actress, Doris Ogala Released Two Days After Arrest Amid Pastor Chris Okafor Controversy
Nigerian actress Doris Ogala has been released from police custody.
Doris was released on Monday after spending two days in police detention.
Earlier, Tori News reported that Doris was arrested on Saturday evening after calling out a popular Lagos-based pastor, Chris Okafor, on social media for allegedly deceiving her with a marriage promise, among other allegations.
Her arrest sparked diverse reactions from Nigerians, with many online personalities including VeryDarkMan calling for her release.
Celebrating her release, Doris in a post on her Instagram page Monday afternoon, thanked human rights activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore and VeryDarkMan for their efforts.
In the short post, she wrote “Thank you Sowore. Thanks so much to my ratel king.”
CELEBRITIES
Funke Akindele’s ‘Behind the Scenes’ becomes the highest-grossing Nollywood film of 2025 and the fastest Nollywood movie to gross ₦500 million
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Funke Akindele has once again cemented her place in Nollywood history with her latest film, Behind the Scenes, which has officially become the highest-grossing Nollywood film of 2025 while also setting a new record as the fastest Nigerian movie to reach ₦500 million at the box office, pulling in ₦512 million and topping weekend charts across West Africa. The film surpasses the popular action-comedy Gingerr, making Akindele’s achievement all the more remarkable.
Taking to social media, Filmoneng thanked fans for their support, writing, “Thank you, West Africa, for showing up, filling cinemas, and carrying this story with love. This is what belief looks like.”
Behind the Scenes follows Ronke Fernandez (played by Akindele), a wealthy philanthropist whose family’s constant demands push her to her breaking point, revealing hidden emotional and emotional struggles. The film explores truth, pressure, healing, and unspoken burdens, delivering a story that is both relatable and emotionally resonant for audiences.
The movie features a star-studded cast, including Big Brother Naija stars, DJ duo Wanni x Handi, Uche Montana, Scarlet Gomez, Tobi Bakre, Uzor Arukwe, Vee, Mr Macaroni, Ini Dinma Okojie, Iyabo Ojo, Ibrahim Chatta, Dele Odule, Destiny Etiko, Kamo, Afeez Oyetoro, and Ejiro Onojafe. This marks Akindele’s third consecutive December hit, following Tribe of Judah (2023) and Everybody Loves Jenifa (2024), solidifying her position as a leading filmmaker for holiday Nollywood releases.
Chris Rea, known for hits including Driving Home For Christmas and The Road To Hell, has died after a short illness, according to a family spokesperson.
A statement on behalf of his wife and two children stated: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris.
“He passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today following a short illness, surrounded by his family.”
Chris Rea arrives at the Odeon Leicester Square for the opening of the London Film Festival in 1996.
The Middlesbrough-born musician was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and had his pancreas removed in 2001, and in 2016 he suffered a stroke.
Follow our blog for the latest reactions to Chris Rea’s death
Rea found fame in the late seventies and eighties with hits such as Fool (If You Think It’s Over), Let’s Dance and The Road To Hell.
Rea’s debut album, titled Whatever Happened To Benny Santini?, a reference to the stage name his record label wanted him to adopt, was released in 1978.
His track Fool (If You Think It’s Over), from the album, went on to be nominated for a Grammy.
He did not find such success again for a few years, but by the time his eighth album On The Beach was released, he was a star in the UK and around Europe, with sporadic hits in the US.
When Road To Hell was released in 1989, he became one of the biggest solo stars in the UK. Two of his studio albums – The Road To Hell (1989) and Auberge (1991) – went to number one in the country.
His famous song Driving Home For Christmas, first released in 1986, features in this year’s M&S Food Christmas advert – which sees comedian Dawn French sing along to the single in her car.
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Nigerian comedian Wale Gates is marking his 17th wedding anniversary with his wife.
The British-Nigerian funnyman went on a date with his wife to mark their anniversary.
He shared photos from the date across his social media accounts.
He then wrote: “Since you asked…. It was our 17th wedding anniversary #DateNight yesterday.”
CELEBRITIES
“He’s Addicted To Immorality”- Pastor Chris Okafor’s Wife Receives Candid Advice From Cleric
- Dr. Charles Apoki, a Nigerian clergyman, has released a video discussing Pastor Chris Okafor’s marriage to his new wife, Pearl.
- The video addresses Pearl’s aspirations of having children with Okafor.
- Apoki cautions Pearl against expecting her husband to change after marriage.
Dr. Charles Apoki, a Nigerian clergyman and international conference speaker in several denominations, has released another video about Pastor Chris Okafor‘s marriage, this time focusing on his new wife, Pearl.
Reacting to Pearl’s comment about her dream of having children with Okafor, Apoki, in a video shared via his Facebook page, warned her about expecting her husband to change.
The Christian leader boldly alleged that Okafor is addicted to ‘copulation and immorality,’ claiming there were reports about his promiscuity from around the world.
He added that Pearl will be faced with the challenges of trying to keep a good image of her marriage in public and the reality of a promiscuous husband.
In his words, “I can see you have a lot of aspirations of raising children for him that would be as huge as himself. Chris Okafor will not change. From all the reports right from the United States, from Cameroon, from all over the world. He is addicted to copulation, to immorality, and you are going to be battling with trying to maintain sanity at home by not letting people see you as having made the bad choice and the reality of a promiscuous husband.”
He added in the caption of the video, “An advice for Pearl, Dr. Chris Okafor’s new wife: The reality of promiscuity.”
Recall that Dr. Charles Apoki had previously criticised Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, expressing deep disappointment with his involvement in Chris Okafor’s wedding with Pearl.
Apoki questioned the moral implications of officiating at the wedding amid unresolved allegations.
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Read some comments below:
@Hope Joseph Joe:”My brother…. what kind of talk be this Na?”
@Okeimute Emuobosa:”Dr, I hope you have not become “Assistant Jesus “?”
@Asika Igbokwe:”Some ladies are ready to stay in such marriage as long as there’s money and affluence. It’s possible she’s aware of all those reports. Looking at the rush with which the wedding was done despite the news in public space. She’s just carried away by the money.”
@Mayaki-Obende Blessing:”She no go hear She Don win jackpot.”
@Steve Paul:”Hmmmmm. Na wa oooo. Social media has done more harm than gud. So this is how an elder can advise a newly wedded couple.”
@Adewumi Zainab:”The fact is the man will want to make this new union with the new lady be a wonderful experience for her, because basically a lot has been said about him and he will not want his new wife to see those characteristics in him…….”