Entertainment
Hyaify Schedules Tri-Nation Premiere for August 28, Hints at Ancient Horror
Banished Scroll August 28 Cinema Premiere begins in Nigeria, Ghana and Benin as Smart Conrad’s supernatural folk horror makes its world debut
A new supernatural folk horror film, Banished Scroll, is set to make its world premiere on Friday, August 28, 2026, as Hyaify Production prepares to debut the highly anticipated feature simultaneously in cinemas across Nigeria, Ghana and Benin.
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The film, written and directed by Smart Conrad, will begin its nationwide cinema run on the same day following the premiere.
Distributed by Ovueta Film Distribution, Banished Scroll has received a 15 age rating from the National Film and Video Censors Board, signalling that it is intended for mature audiences.
Set against the backdrop of an ominous forest steeped in ancient mystery, the film follows a desperate man whose search for salvation unleashes a powerful force that was never meant to be disturbed.
Drawing on African folklore, forbidden knowledge and supernatural mythology, the story explores the devastating consequences of crossing boundaries that have long been protected.
Smart Conrad, whose previous credits include Almajiri, Underbelly, The Island, Merrymen 1, Avante and Midway In (The Inn), described the project through its haunting premise, presenting a narrative rooted in tradition, sacrifice and the terrifying cost of love taken beyond its limits.
The production features an accomplished cast led by Francis Duru, alongside Adams Garba, Patience Ujah, Tony Goodman, Nadia Dutch and Sadiq Booth.
The film is produced by Hyacinth Osuagwu, while acclaimed filmmaker Toka McBaror serves as director of photography.
The creative team also includes Gideon Spice as art director, Gabriel Jah, who handled the special effects, visual effects and sound design, and Tricia Chisom, who created the special effects makeup.
According to the producers, details of the premiere venue, red carpet activities and ticket sales will be announced in the coming weeks. Media organisations have also been invited to apply for press accreditation ahead of the premiere.
The release reflects the growing momentum of Nigeria’s film industry, which has increasingly embraced indigenous folklore and supernatural storytelling to reach audiences across Africa and beyond.
In recent years, filmmakers have expanded the horror genre by blending traditional beliefs with contemporary cinematic techniques, producing stories that resonate with both local and international viewers.
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With its atmospheric setting, experienced production team and compelling cast, Banished Scroll is expected to add another distinctive title to Nollywood’s evolving catalogue of folklore-inspired horror films when it opens in cinemas on August 28.
Nollywood actress Lizzy Anjorin has questioned the authenticity of an interim order issued by the Lagos State High Court on 2 September 2026, restraining her from publishing photographs of Priscilla Ojo’s one-year-old son, Rakeem Mkambala, and from posting editorials concerning the family on specified social media platforms.
Anjorin raised the issue during an Instagram Live session on Friday, 4 September, after Priscilla shared a copy of the court order online.
The actress argued that publicising court documents before formally serving the respondent undermines the case.
“Your case na dead on arrival. If you post court letter on any platform before serving person wey you wan go serve, that court case na fake court case,” Anjorin said during the live session.
Her comments came shortly after the High Court of Lagos State granted an ex parte application brought by Priscilla, her husband, Tanzanian singer Juma Mussa Mkambala, and their son, Rakeem.
Justice Yetunde Adesanya issued the interim order in Suit No. LD/ADR/6646/2026.
The order restrains Anjorin, as well as people acting under her authority, from publishing, posting, circulating, uploading or broadcasting photographs of Rakeem on specified social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp and TikTok.
The court also directed Anjorin to cease publishing or broadcasting editorials concerning the applicants on the platforms covered by the order.
An ex parte order is made at an interim stage without the respondent being heard. The order is therefore not a final determination of the dispute and remains subject to further proceedings.
Priscilla shared the certified copy of the order on her Instagram Story on Friday, bringing the legal development into public view.
Anjorin’s reaction centres on the timing and manner in which the court documents were publicised. Her assertion that such publication makes a case “fake” is her own claim and is not a finding contained in the court order.
The development marks another chapter in the prolonged public dispute between Anjorin and Priscilla’s family, particularly Priscilla’s mother, actress Iyabo Ojo.
The disagreement has played out largely on social media and has previously resulted in legal action, including a ₦1 billion defamation suit filed by Iyabo Ojo against Anjorin.
In recent weeks, the dispute has also drawn Priscilla and her young son into the controversy, following public comments by Anjorin concerning the family.
Kesiena Tony Adjekpovu, popularly known as Kess, has said that participating in Big Brother Naija can make life harder, offering a candid reflection on the challenges that may come with the reality television experience.
The former Big Brother Naija housemate made the comment in a statement shared on social media, where he suggested that winning or simply taking part in the reality show does not necessarily make life easier after leaving the house.
“Big Brother makes your life harder,” Kess said.
The remark has drawn attention because life after reality television can bring a different set of expectations, particularly as former housemates adjust to increased public attention and the pressure that can accompany visibility.
Kess was a housemate on the seventh season of Big Brother Naija, which aired in 2022. He entered the show as a businessman and was among the contestants who competed for the season’s grand prize.
His time on the programme also placed him in the public eye, giving viewers an opportunity to follow his personality and relationships inside the house.
Kess’s latest comment offers a more reflective view of the reality TV platform, suggesting that the experience does not end when a contestant leaves the house.
However, he did not provide further details in the available post explaining which specific aspects of life after Big Brother he was referring to.
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