Movies

“Criminal” 2024 Nollywood Thriller starring Uzor Arukwe

Published

2 years ago

6 August 2024

Are you willing to risk it all just to save your own blood from dieing?

“Criminal” (2024), directed by Dolapo Adigun and produced by Victoria Akujobi, is a captivating Nollywood movie that has garnered significant attention since its release on May 31st. With a talented cast, including Funlola Aofiyebi, Uzor Arukwe, and Segun Arinze, this film promises to deliver an intense and suspenseful experience.

Storyline:

The movie’s premise, centered around a principled doctor faced with a deadly dilemma, sets the tone for a gripping narrative.

Uzor (Uzor Arukwe), an ex-convict brings his gun wounded brother to the hospital under emergency. He was told by the assistant doctors that the hospital is occupied at the moment and he might need to take his brother to a nearby hospital for immediate attention which he refused because he had researched prior to when they got to the hospital and discovered that Green leaf hospital run by the principled Dr. Amara Nwachukwu (Funlola Aofiyebi) is the best.

Now, Dr. Amara has a critical case of a pregnant woman in labour to attend to.

She’s caught in between two seas. Who is she going to save? Will Uzor get away with his crime this time? How will the hostages make it out alive? Well, this is the more reason you should see “Criminal” the movie. It has answers to your burning questions.

Three lessons stood out for me in this film and that is; Morality will always win -There’s no gain in living a life of crime. Ethics can be compromised in extreme situations and redemption is possible but requires effort and sacrifice. The saying “You can take a pig out of his sty but you can never take the sty out of the pig” stands true in this film.

Cast performance:

Uzor Arukwe’s portrayal of the dangerous criminal is commendable. He bodied the role so well and delivered. His performance brought depth and nuance to the story. Funlola Aofiyebi shines as the principled doctor, delivering a convincing and empathetic performance. We need more Doctors like Dr. Amara Nwachukwu, her act was stellar.

Technical Aspects:

The soundtrack, a mix of pulsating rhythms and haunting melodies, perfectly complements the film’s tense atmosphere. The set design, capturing the chaos of a bustling Lagos hospital, is commendable. Costume and makeup are also noteworthy, adding to the overall authenticity of the characters.

Criticisms and Analysis:

The pacing could be tighter, with a few scenes feeling slightly dragging. However, “Criminal” is a well-crafted thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The movie’s themes of morality, ethics, and redemption are expertly woven throughout the narrative, adding depth and complexity.

“Criminal” (2024) is a captivating Nollywood thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With its engaging storyline, strong performances, and impressive technical aspects, this movie is a must-watch for fans of Nollywood and thriller enthusiasts alike.

Rating: 7.9/10

“The Black Book” is another Nollywood thriller you should see. Check out the movie review here.

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Movies

Dede Ashiogwu Styles Herself in a Black Jumpsuit With White Lace Trim

Published

7 days ago

13 October 2026

Laju Odogwu

Photo: Instagram/@dedeashiogwu

Sometimes the simplest outfit says the most. In a recent post on Instagram, Dede Ashiogwu styled herself in a fitted black jumpsuit and let the white lace trim stand out. She captioned the post “I pull up like I own the city”.

The photos were taken on a night out. She wore a black sleeveless Oh Polly halter capri jumpsuit with a deep V neckline and thin straps. White lace ran along the neckline and the edges of the straps, following the dip of the V. The legs ended just below the knee, with another strip of white lace at each hem.

Photo: Instagram/@dedeashiogwu

She carried a fur structured clutch and wore a wide pearl bracelet.

Her hair was parted in the middle, with braids at the top that turned into long, loose waves past her shoulders. Her heels were Givenchy Shark Lock Heart sandals, with thick straps. Her makeup was soft, with warm tones and a nude pink lip.

Photo: Instagram/@dedeashiogwu

Her 16 September post kept the same black base, with an oversized pinstripe blazer worn open over a short black skirt, sheer thigh-high stockings and pointed patent heels. The lace is what sets the jumpsuit apart from that look, running along the neckline, the straps and both hems.

Entertainment

Nancy Isime Set to Produce Her First Film

Published

2 weeks ago

9 October 2026

Destiny Echobu

Photo: Instagram/@nancyisimeofficial

Nancy Isime has built a career across modelling, television presenting and acting. After years in front of the camera, the Nollywood actress is preparing to take on a new role as an executive producer, applying her experience in the entertainment industry to a project of her own.

In an Instagram video shared on October 7, 2026, Isime announced the project and admitted that she was nervous about taking on the responsibility.

Photo: Instagram/@nancyisimeofficial

“This is my first production as executive producer. I can’t lie, I am nervous and wondering if I am ready, but I think it’s about time; I have also tried,” she said.

Isime also plans to document the production, giving fans a look at the process as the film takes shape. She intends to share updates on production meetings, creative decisions, successes and challenges along the way.

“My first film as an Executive Producer. And I want you to come along for the entire journey,” she added.

Photo: Instagram/@nancyisimeofficial

Her experience in television includes hosting The Nancy Isime Show, which launched in 2019. She also made her acting debut in the 2011 television series Echoes and has since appeared in Nollywood productions, including Blood Sisters, Shanty Town and The Wait.

Isime began her entertainment career as a model before moving into television presenting and acting, building experience across different parts of the industry before venturing into film production.

The film’s title, cast, storyline and release date have yet to be announced.

Movies

“Dear Ajayi” Makes History as First Nigerian Production in Venice Days Competition | Watch Trailer

Published

2 months ago

1 September 2026

Laju Odogwu

“Dear Ajayi” Makes History as First Nigerian Production in Venice Damilola Orimogunje’s “Dear Ajayi” has been selected for the 2026 Giornate degli Autori, also known as Venice Days, at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. The selection makes it the first Nigerian production to compete in the Venice Days section. The Nigeria-Germany co-production will have its world premiere as part of the competition.

Photo: 2o9ine Films

Set in 1990s southwestern Nigeria, “Dear Ajayi” follows two sisters, Ade and Titi Ajayi, whose lives have gone in very different directions. Ade is a committed Christian and the main breadwinner in the family, while Titi is an aspiring singer who has chosen a more independent path. When their paralysed mother requires care, the sisters have no choice but to come back together.

Orimogunje wrote and directed the film. The cast includes Bimbo Akintola as Ade and Tosin Adeyemi as Titi, alongside Lanre Hassan, William Benson, Antar Laniyan, Uzoamaka Power, Michelle Dede and Chioma Omeruah, (Chigul)

Photo: 2o9ine Films

Re Olunuga composed the music, while KC Obiajulu served as cinematographer. The film was produced by 2o9ine Films, with Mayana Films, Depth and Optics Productions and Zynox Productions joining as co-production partners.

The film received support from the Hubert Bals Fund+ Europe, while Luminalia is handling its world sales