NFM Weekly Digest: From SGBV Advocacy to Legal Battles in This Week’s News
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This week’s stories ranged from Olubunmi Uluba’s 220-hour attempt to read sexual and gender based violence laws from across Africa and the sentencing of a Nigerian man for rape in the UK, to sexual assault allegations against Poco Lee, legal battles involving Bella Okagbue and Alicia Daniella, and backlash over misogynistic treatment of women in the public eye. We also reported on Telegram deepfake networks targeting women; support for pregnant women and new mothers in Ondo and Abuja; an interview with Domina Havi exploring the dominatrix through the lens of gender and power; the controversy surrounding Odogwu Asaba’s wife; and Ayra Starr’s upcoming NFL London halftime show. Below are some of the reports from the week. Click on the links to read the full stories.
- GWR 2026: BARR. Olubunmi Uluba Begins 220 Hours Reading of SGBV Laws
Nigerian lawyer and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) prosecutor, Olubunmi Uluba, has begun a 220-hour Guinness World Records attempt to publicly read SGBV laws, policies, and legal instruments from 15 African countries, turning an endurance challenge into an exercise in legal awareness and advocacy. For 220 hours, Olubunmi plans to read laws that are meant to protect women and girls from violence.
- Tonto Dikeh Clears Hospital Bills for Newborns in Abuja
Nollywood actress and activist Tonto Dikeh cleared hospital bills for babies born at a hospital in Abuja on August 22, 2026, as part of a maternity outreach. Hospital bills for babies born that day were waived, while new mothers received newborn care packages and direct financial support
- Nigerian Entertainer, Iweh Pascal ‘Poco Lee’ Odinaka Accused of Sexual Assault
Nigerian rapper Ms Jorji has publicly accused dancer and entertainer Iweh Pascal Odinaka, popularly known as Poco Lee, of attempting to sexually assault her and a friend in Dallas, Texas, approximately two years ago. Jorji made the allegation in a video shared on Instagram amid reports circulating online that Poco Lee had been arrested in the United Kingdom over the allegation of rape.
- Seyi Vibez Deletes Misogynistic Post Against Hilda Baci After Legal Intervention
Afolabi Oluwaseyi Balogun, popularly known as Seyi Vibez, has deleted misogynistic and defamatory posts targeting Guinness World Record-holding chef Hilda Baci, following a formal legal intervention by her legal team at Olaniwun Ajayi LP.
- TG Omori Draws Backlash After Naming Poco Lee “Purest Soul” Amid Sexual Assault Allegations
On August 24, 2026, Nigerian music video director Jeremiah Ogini, popularly called TG Omori, drew widespread backlash after posting a message that appeared supportive of dancer and entertainer Poco Lee, who is at the centre of sexual assault allegations and has been remanded in a UK prison pending a court hearing.
- Olukanyinsola Odebode Sentenced to 12 Years’ Imprisonment for Rape in UK
A 30-year-old Nigerian man, Olukanyinsola Odebode, has been sentenced to a 12-year extended sentence in Wales after being convicted of raping one woman and sexually assaulting another while on bail. Odebode was convicted at Swansea Crown Court of one count of rape and two counts of assault by penetration following a trial. The offences occurred between June 2024 and September 2025, involving two women in the Gwent and Dyfed-Powys Police areas.
- Telegram deepfake bots are built to survive takedowns and target women by default
Telegram deepfake bots are only the visible face of a wider abuse business. CIR’s analysis found referral networks, backup websites, payment routes and upstream generation providers that can keep the ecosystem alive after one bot disappears.
- Bella Okagbue Countersues Sheggz for N11m debt, Dismisses Defamation Claims
BBNaija star Chidimma Esther Okagbue, popularly known as Bella, has countersued her ex-boyfriend Segun Olusemo, popularly known as Sheggz, demanding full repayment of the ₦11 million she stated he owes her. Bella’s legal team has made clear she intends to pursue every penny owed to her.
- Mary Habila Had Heart Condition,” Family Says at Burial of Lady Found Dead at David Umahi Residence
The family of Mary Habila, the 25-year-old nurse who died at the Ebonyi State residence of Minister of Works David Umahi on June 27, 2026, has broken its silence on the cause of her death. They revealed in a burial brochure tribute that she lived with a hole in her heart and died following a cardiac arrest.
- 1,000 Pregnant Women in Ondo to Get Delivery Kits as State Moves to Ease Childbirth Costs
One thousand expectant mothers in Ondo State have received free delivery kits from the state government. The women are the first beneficiaries of the Ibi Irorun Safe Delivery Initiative, launched by the Ondo State Government on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the Basic Healthcare Centre, Arakale, Akure. The first phase will provide 1,000 pregnancy kits, with more than 500 distributed to women at the launch.
- “Men Desire to Submit to Their Wives”: Dominatrix Through the Lens of Domina Havi
What does it mean to be a dominatrix? What misconceptions have trailed the conventional understanding, and what do they tell us about the social power dynamics assigned to men and women? In this interview, Naija Feminists Media chatted with creative entrepreneur Domina Havi.
- Alicia Daniella Denies Affair Claims, Files Domestic Abuse Case Against David Martins
On August 26, 2026, the legal team of Alicia Daniella, wife of Nigerian photographer David Martins, issued a public statement categorically denying allegations of an extramarital affair circulating against her.
- How Odogwu Asaba’s Spouse Performs “The Good Wife Trope,” Amidst Husband Rape Charge
For some women, being labelled as a “good wife” appears to come with one non-negotiable rule: whatever happens, never turn your back on your husband. Not when the marriage is under pressure, not when the man is being publicly condemned, and apparently not even when he is facing an allegation as serious as rape.
- Ayra Starr to Headline NFL London Game Halftime Show at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
On August 27, 2026, Nigerian superstar Ayra Starr was announced as the headlining act for the halftime show at the 2026 NFL London Game, scheduled for Sunday, October 11, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The NFL announced on its official X account that Ayra Starr is the first Nigerian artist to headline an NFL halftime show.
