Pop superstar Britney Spears was released from police custody Thursday morning after being arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated near Los Angeles, according to legal filings and US media reports.
The 44-year-old singer was arrested Wednesday night and booked into custody by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department on suspicion of DUI (driving under the influence), several entertainment news outlets said, citing police sources.
Sheriff records showed Spears had been released at 6:07 a.m local time and a court appearance had been set for May 4.
“This was an unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable. Britney is going to take the right steps and comply with the law,” a representative for Spears said in a statement to entertainment outlet Deadline.
“Hopefully, this can be the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britney’s life.”
Spears had phenomenal early music success with late 1990s hits like “…Baby One More Time” but has largely stepped back from music in recent years.
In her 2023 memoir “The Woman in Me,” Spears insisted she never did hard drugs and that she did not have a drinking problem, but admitted that she was taking Adderall, the ADHD medication.
Following a public breakdown in 2007, Spears was placed under the conservatorship of her father, Jamie Spears, who controlled her money and her personal life, even as she continued to perform high-profile concerts.
The conservatorship was dissolved by a Los Angeles court in 2021, after a groundswell of public support to “Free Britney.”
At the age of 10, when most children were discovering playgrounds and cartoons, Abidemi Praise Omowarola discovered something more enduring: a pencil and a quiet refuge in art.
READ ALSO: How Abidemi Praise Sketched Her Way Into The Record Books
She began drawing not for fame or applause but for survival. The young girl used sketches as a form of emotional release after witnessing domestic violence in her home.
“I didn’t know it was called art therapy at the time,” she said in an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, explaining how she would retreat into a world of scribbles and broken lines to process the turmoil around her.
Years later, that coping mechanism transformed into a historic triumph. Abidemi recently set a Guinness World Record for the longest marathon drawing portraits, standing and sketching for an extraordinary 90 hours. During the endurance test, she completed 15 detailed portraits of figures ranging from Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to King Charles III, as well as religious leader David Oyedepo and football icon Cristiano Ronaldo.
Preparation for the feat was as demanding as the record itself. Abidemi trained physically, even visiting the gym at midnight to build the stamina required to remain standing and focused for nearly four days.
Her attempt was not merely about endurance. It marked a personal renaissance. After relocating to the United Kingdom and taking on jobs that distanced her from art, she saw the record attempt as her “launch back” into the creative world.
Today, the same mother who once encouraged her to pursue medicine or law now sits proudly beside her easel as her greatest supporter.
And for Abidemi, the record is already opening doors.
“I might not get money for it, but I am able to knock on doors, and the doors are opened because I am a Guinness World Record holder,” she said.
Her triumph is emblematic of a larger phenomenon sweeping across Nigeria: a generation of young dreamers rewriting the limits of possibility.
Chessboard Of Dreams
Few stories capture the power of determination like that of Tunde Onakoya, the chess champion and founder of the nonprofit Chess in Slums Africa.
In New York’s Times Square, Nigerian chess master Tunde Onakoya has surpassed the previous 56-hour chess marathon record.
Raised in modest circumstances by a mother who worked as a cleaner, Onakoya first learned chess in a barber’s shop before going on to study computer science at Yaba College of Technology. His journey has since transformed the lives of hundreds of disadvantaged children through scholarships and educational support.
In April 2025, Onakoya set the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon, playing for 64 consecutive hours in Times Square, New York, alongside chess master Shawn Martinez.
The marathon shattered the previous record of 61 hours held by two Norwegian players. But the Lagos-born chess advocate made it clear that his motivation extended beyond the thrill of breaking records.
“We’re not just doing this for ourselves—we’re doing it for a million dreams,” he said.
The record attempt doubled as a fundraising campaign to build the largest free preschool in Africa for homeless children.
“It is possible to do great things from a small place,” Onakoya wrote while celebrating the feat.
The Nigerian government hailed his accomplishment as a powerful symbol of national pride.
“I received Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, at my residence today, where he also presented his World Record for the longest Chess Marathon. Tunde’s journey, from the streets of Lagos to uplifting underserved children and breaking world records, reflects the resilience and brilliance of Nigeria’s youth,” President Bola Tinubu said as he received him at the State House in June 2025.
Onakoya visited Tinubu at the State House in Abuja
Vice President Kashim Shettima described the achievement as a reflection of the “excellence and resilience that distinguishes Nigerians both locally and internationally.” Meanwhile, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos State, said the record attempt was “a strong testimony to how greatness can come from anywhere.”
Canvas Without Limits
Nigeria’s surge in global recognition is not confined to endurance feats. It is also visible in the creativity of its youngest talents.
READ ALSO: Autistic Teen Sets Guinness World Record For Largest Canvas Painting
In 2025, 15-year-old Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke achieved the Guinness World Record for the largest painting on canvas by an individual, unveiling a breathtaking artwork measuring 12,303 square metres in Abuja.
The teenage artist, who is autistic, titled the monumental work “Impossible is a Myth”. The painting—unveiled on World Autism Awareness Day—symbolises hope and possibility for people on the autism spectrum.
His feat earned him accolades from several quarters. Photo: X@https://x.com/officialABAT
Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, praised the feat, saying the young artist had demonstrated that “creative expression knows no barriers.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also celebrated the achievement in a message to the teenager.
“You are Brave, Audacious, and Tenacious,” the president wrote. “Congratulations on your recognition. Your story has made history, and Nigeria is proud of you.”
His feat earned him accolades from several quarters. Photo: X@https://x.com/officialABAT
The record-breaking canvas, unveiled at Eagle Square, drew dignitaries, diplomats, and advocates for autism inclusion, underscoring the global resonance of the young artist’s achievement.
‘Cooking Up’ History
Another name synonymous with Nigeria’s Guinness World Record surge is Hilda Baci, the chef whose culinary endurance sparked a nationwide fascination with record-breaking attempts.
Hilda Baci (L) dances as she stands next to a giant pot during an attempt to break the world record for the largest pot of Jollof rice,, on September 12, 2025. (Photo by OLYMPIA DE MAISMONT / AFP
Baci first captured global attention in 2023 with a 93-hour cooking marathon, a feat that ignited what many now call Nigeria’s “GWR era.”
Two years later, she added another extraordinary milestone: preparing 8,780 kilograms of Nigerian-style jollof rice, earning recognition for the largest serving of jollof rice—and simultaneously the largest serving of rice overall.
“I was shocked and happy at the same time, completely caught off guard,” Baci said after learning the single attempt had earned her two record titles.
Chef Hilda Baci displaying her second Guinness World Plaque on November 6, 2025. Credit: Hilda Baci/Instagram
Reflecting on her culinary path, she once told Channels Television that cooking seemed woven into every phase of her career.
“Cooking still pretty much shines out the best, and I would say it’s what God wants me to do,” she said.
Nigeria’s Global Moment
From art studios to chessboards, kitchens to colossal canvases, Nigeria’s new generation of record-breakers is reshaping how the world sees the country.
These feats do more than secure plaques. They broadcast a narrative of creativity, resilience, and audacity.
READ ALSO: IN PICTURES: Hilda Baci Takes A Shot At New Guinness World Record
Each record tells a deeper story: of children who found healing in art, of young leaders transforming poverty into purpose, and of dreamers determined to place Nigeria firmly on the world stage.
In the process, these young Nigerians have proven something profound—that greatness often begins with a small spark of possibility.
Angélique Kidjo has announced the release of her forthcoming album, ‘Hope!!’ an anticipated project that features Nigerian music stars Davido, Ayra Starr, and highlife duo The Cavemen.
The five-time Grammy-winning singer revealed the project in a post shared on her Instagram page on Wednesday, describing the album as a deeply personal work that has been five years in the making.
In the announcement, Kidjo disclosed that the 14-track album is dedicated to her late mother, Yvonne, who passed away five years ago, and said the project reflects the message of hope she received from her.
Writing on Instagram, the Beninese musician said, “5 years in the making: my new album HOPE!! Dedicated to my mother, Yvonne, is coming out on April 24th.
“She is the one who taught me that every dream I had could be accomplished, that HOPE for a better future is what makes us human. She left us 5 years ago, but her message resonates to this very day.
“I put my whole heart into this album, and I’m so GRATEFUL to all the great artists who have contributed their genius to the album: @pharrell, @ayrastarr, @nilerodgers, @quavohuncho, @iamshizzi, @davido, @pagny_officiel, @dadju, @fallyipupa01, @imcharliewilson, @iza, @pjmorton, @philippesaisse, @diamondplatnumz, @the.cavemen, @sowetogospelchoirlive, @smauricegrey, @sowetogospelchoirlive, @shungudzo, and @dianewarren, always by my side.
“I can’t wait for you to hear it! #hope. Pre-order HOPE!! now at the link in bio!”
READ ALSO: ‘Peaky Blinders’ Stars Hit Brum Red Carpet For Movie Premiere
Beyond the Nigerian stars, the album also boasts an extensive list of international collaborators, including American music icons Pharrell Williams, Nile Rodgers, Quavo, and Charlie Wilson.
Other artists featured on the project include French singers Florent Pagny and Dadju, Congolese star Fally Ipupa, Tanzanian singer Diamond Platnumz, Brazilian artiste IZA, and American musician PJ Morton. South Africa’s renowned Soweto Gospel Choir also appears on the album.
The collaboration with Davido continues a growing musical relationship between the two artistes.
Kidjo previously worked with the Nigerian singer on the track “Joy,” while Davido also featured the legendary vocalist on “Na Money” from his 2023 album, Timeless.
Hope!! is scheduled for release on April 24, 2026, and marks Kidjo’s 19th studio album.
The project follows her critically acclaimed 2021 album ‘Mother Nature,’ which earned her a Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album.
Dancer and creative entrepreneur Kafayat Shafau, better known as Kaffy, has asked women and girls to reject validation, focus on personal growth, and embrace their authenticity as the world marks the 2026 International Women’s Day.
The 45-year-old award-winning choreographer told women that transformation should not come at the cost of losing their identity.
“Transformation is my watchword… transform your environment, but how to do that is not to sacrifice who you are for it. I did that one time, and I had to try to find myself,” Kaffy told Channels Television on the sidelines of the Wema Bank International Women’s Day event held in Lagos.
“Use who you are to transform you so that the world around you will automatically transform. You don’t even need to perform for it. You don’t need to get approval or validation from anybody,” she said.
READ ALSO: I Am Proof That Success Cannot Be Boxed – Kaffy
The Guinness World Record holder also spoke about the realities many women face while trying to navigate life, acknowledging that even those expected to guide younger women are sometimes still figuring things out themselves.
“I feel like, where are the women that are supposed to help raise you? I will let you know that we are here. We are also figuring ourselves out,” the fitness coach said.
According to the dance critic, young girls should remain open to mentorship and guidance whenever the opportunity presents itself.
“When you see one moment, one opportunity that a woman has to pour into you, receive it,” Kaffy added.
She also emphasised the importance of forgiveness and understanding, especially towards women who may not have been able to provide the support expected of them.
“Forgive your mother. Forgive those women that are not able to show up for you because they are also trying to survive.”
Challenging young women to focus on the future rather than past hurts, she believes the next generation has the responsibility to build a better world.
Kaffy said, “It’s not about the past or the pains of the past. It’s about now. You are our future. I want you to be better than us.”
She urged women and girls to prioritise knowledge, emotional healing, and courage.
“Be informed. Empower your mind, heal your heart, and be audacious… and be authentic. No fear. Keep moving,” the choreographer stated.
International Women’s Day is celebrated annually to recognise the achievements of women while also advocating for gender equality and empowerment across the world.
Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, has lauded Nollywood icon Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, describing her as ‘a treasure’ for the nation’s development.
He spoke at the actress’ directorial debut, Mother’s Love, which premiered in Lagos on Sunday at Alliance Française in Ikoyi.
When asked about the “A-list” actress, Obasanjo drew her close in a show of fatherly pride, stating, “We have a treasure that we must keep and utilise for the development and growth of Nigeria, and there are many (other filmmakers) like that.
“We have to keep them and bring them to make meaningful contributions.”
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While Nigerian movie premieres attract high-profile guests, it was unusual to have a former president attend such events.
The 88-year-old former military head of state, adorned in a white ‘Agbada’ and blue ‘fila,’ did not just attend; he immersed himself in the festivities, taking pictures and engaging with the press.
As expected, the sight of ‘Baba’ at the movie premiere sent social media into a frenzy.
Reactions online were diverse: many netizens found the former president’s appearance heartwarming and a “big win” for Nollywood’s validation, while others viewed the high-profile guest list as a masterstroke of marketing.
READ ALSO: Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde Premieres Directorial Debut Mother’s Love In Lagos
The premiere served as a dual celebration, marking Omotola’s 30th year on stage.
Having started her career in the early 90s, she has appeared in over 100 films—including classics like Mortal Inheritance and international hits like Ije and Alter Ego.
Omotola’s latest stride is not a solitary one.
She represents a decade-long surge in Nollywood’s evolution, where talents are no longer just “actors” but significant cultural exports.
With Mother’s Love, she steps behind the camera to empower bold storytelling.
The film, which stars Olumide Owuru, Noray Nehita, and Ifeanyi Kalu, explores the visceral reality of sacrifice, a theme that resonates with Omotola’s own life as a mother of four and wife to Capt. Matthew Ekeinde.
By taking the director’s chair, she joins the ranks of visionaries like Kunle Afolayan, Funke Akindele, Niyi Akinmolayan, Toyin Abraham, and Genevieve Nnaji, all of whom have contributed significantly to the industry’s economic and creative growth.
British rapper “Ghetts” was jailed on Tuesday by a London court for 12 years for killing a student while speeding and over the drink-drive limit.
The award-winning grime artiste, whose real name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, failed to stop after his BMW hit Nepalese national Yubin Tamang, 20, in northeast London last October.
The 41-year-old defendant admitted causing death by dangerous driving.
At his sentencing at London’s Old Bailey court, judge Mark Lucraft handed down the 12-year prison term and disqualified him from driving for 17 years.
He told Clarke-Samuel that CCTV footage showed a “quite appalling litany of incidents” leading up to the fatal collision, which was “simply shocking”.
The judge noted the father-of-two’s “genuine remorse” and letters of support, including from his partner, setting out how he had used his career in music to make a positive impact on his community.
READ ALSO: Suspected Drug Dealer Arrested After 13 Years In Hiding
Ghetts, who has collaborated on tracks with Ed Sheeran and won the best male act prize at the Music of Black Origin (Mobo) Awards in 2021, was said to be one-and-a-half times over the legal drink-drive limit before the crash.
He went through six red traffic lights, repeatedly veered onto the wrong side of the road and was driving at more than twice the speed limit in a 30-mph (48 kilometres per hour) zone before his car hit Tamang as he was crossing the road, the court was told.
The defendant made no call to emergency services and Tamang died in hospital from his injuries two days later.
Clarke-Samuel had 12 previous convictions for 27 crimes from the age of 16, including robbery, aggravated vehicle taking and driving offences.
Sharmila Tamang, the victim’s mother, wept as she read out a statement about her only child in court.
“My son had come for his studies to the UK saying the UK had the best degree in the world,” she said.
