10 Controversial Moments That Shook Nigeria’s Entertainment and Public Scene in 2025

2025 was an eventful year, filled with moments that left Nigerians talking, debating, and sometimes even shaking their heads in disbelief. From political brouhahas to celebrity scandals, these controversies kept the country in constant state of shock and disbelief.

Here are a few of those moments:

1. Rivers State State of Emergency
In March 2025, the federal government declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to escalating political tensions, rising insecurity, and widespread pipeline vandalism. Public events were disrupted, and debates erupted regarding governance, civil liberties, and the scope of emergency powers. After months of administrative intervention, the emergency rule was lifted in September, restoring the elected state government and briefly calming tensions.

2. Senator Natasha Akpoti vs Godswill Akpabio Saga
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, sparking national attention. Her petition was dismissed, she faced suspension from the Senate for misconduct, and was arraigned on defamation charges related to statements about Akpabio and former Governor Yahaya Bello.

3. Tuface (2Baba) and Wife Natasha Controversy
Music legend 2Baba and his wife Natasha Osawaru were at the center of public speculation in 2025, after viral posts and videos hinted at marital issues. The Edo State House of Assembly summoned Natasha over a controversial clip, while 2Baba called for calm and respect for their privacy. The two have still being seen together regardless of the controversies.

4. Jarvis and Peller Controversy

The controversy between Jarvis and Peller escalated after Peller suffered a public emotional breakdown linked to the intense pressure surrounding their relationship. Following heavy online backlash and criticism, Peller appeared visibly distressed during a livestream.

Shortly after, reports of a reckless driving incident and car crash sparked fears that he had attempted to take his own life. The situation dragged on involving the Lagos police and the FRSC indicating that he might be prosecuted due to his dangerous behavior but was dissolved after he issued a public apology promising to do better.

Jarvis also urged her followers to stop ridiculing Peller, and to be compassionate instead.

5. Nyesom Wike vs Lt. A.M. Yerima Confrontation
In November 2025, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike was blocked from accessing a disputed development site in Abuja by soldiers led by Lt. A.M. Yerima. A viral video captured the tense encounter, igniting debates over civil–military boundaries, the proper conduct of public officials, and the militarization of civilian spaces. Citizens were divided: some defended Wike’s assertiveness, while others criticized the public confrontation.

6. Maryam Sanda Presidential Pardon Controversy
President Bola Tinubu’s initial decision to grant a presidential pardon to Maryam Sanda, who was on death row for killing her husband in 2017, sparked nationwide outrage. Although her sentence was temporarily commuted to 12 years’ imprisonment on compassionate grounds, the Supreme Court later set aside the pardon and reaffirmed her death sentence due to public condemnation and outrage.

7. Ezra Olubi Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Fintech entrepreneur Ezra Olubi faced suspension from Paystack after serious sexual misconduct allegations resurfaced online. Paystack stated Olubi was suspended pending investigations then later terminated before an investigation concluded, prompting Olubi to contest the process and signal review of his dismissal.

8. Obasanjo and Ayo Fayose Political Feud Reignites
Long-standing political animosities resurfaced in 2025 when former President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-Ekiti Governor Ayo Fayose exchanged public barbs. Obasanjo’s remarks at Fayose’s 65th birthday in Lagos prompted a blistering response. Fayose, who had reached out to Obasanjo through a mutual contact and even assisted with logistics for the ex‑president’s attendance, said he felt insulted and humiliated by Obasanjo’s comments. In interviews after the event, Fayose said he had momentarily felt like grabbing the microphone from Obasanjo and striking him, such was his anger at the perceived veiled attacks in the speech. He explained that he had come in peace and had even given Obasanjo funds reportedly $20,000 for travel logistics only for the speech to be disappointing. This caused an uproar as people chastised Ayo Fayose for insulting an elder statesman.

9. Burna Boy Sends Fans Out During Concert Performance
During a 2025 live performance at No Sign of Weakness tour in Denver Colorado. Burna Boy reportedly halted his show abruptly after noticing a couple in the front row asleep, generating widespread social media debate. Fans and entertainment critics called him out for being insensitive and disrespectful, pointing out that the concert goers had paid for their tickets and should be given grace. The controversy lingered on for weeks, while others defended his rights and some called for him to be cancelled.

10. Regina Daniels & Ned Nwoko Split and Public Feud
The marriage between actress Regina Daniels and Senator Ned Nwoko became a major public saga in 2025. Viral videos showed Daniels in distress, alleging domestic issues and raising claims that Nwoko sought full custody of their children. Nwoko countered with accusations of substance abuse and need for rehabilitation. The controversy dominated social media and carried on for weeks but eventually came to a halt after both parties found respite in being apart.