On October 25, 2024, the Nigerian thriller “Hijack ’93” was released on Netflix . The film, directed by Robert Peters and produced by Charles Okpaleke, dramatizes the 1993 hijacking of a Nigerian Airways flight, which was a socially and politically significant incident. In this instance, a gang of youthful hijackers aimed to draw attention to the terrible political situation in Nigeria under military control.

Hijack 93

The trailer begins intensely, causing a jump scare in the minds of viewers as one of the hijackers threatens to burn the plane, filling passengers with fear. Just as you’re on edge, the next scene introduces a tender moment, a love story between the pilot and a flight attendant, offering a brief, calming pause. Your mind starts to relax, and you wonder what the story is really about.

As passengers begin to board, the camera lingers on one particular passenger’s ticket. You wonder why this focus, but he’s allowed on the plane anyway. Suddenly, you remember him from the opening scene, he’s the one who was pouring fuel on the passengers. “But why did the hostess allow him in?” you wonder. Could she be working with him?

Then chaos breaks out as the voice of one of the hijackers announces there’s a bomb on the plane. The tension increases, and another flight attendant is threatened at gunpoint. The scene shifts to the hijackers commanding military personnel, forcing them to do their bidding under the threat of guns. This moment makes you question: Are the soldiers intimidated by a few armed young men? Why don’t they fight back?

The tension has no breaking point, escalating until it hits a climax as soldiers make a move to rescue the plane. This suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering if the military will save the day and what fate awaits both the hijackers and the passengers.

The trailer plants questions in your mind—why are these young men doing this? What were they thinking? Then, you’re given a glimpse of an answer: they’re fighting for a cause, aiming for political reformation. Suddenly, you feel a strange fear for them. Will they survive? Will they achieve their goal?

Hijack 93

This thriller is creatively woven with high tension, designed to keep you on your toes. It’s a story with an urgent pace, one that leaves you questioning every twist and turn. Don’t you want to find answers to those questions? Subscribe to Netflix and watch Hijack 93.

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“Criminal” 2024 Nollywood Thriller starring Uzor Arukwe

The 2024 Nigerian historical drama film Lisabi: The Uprising was written by Yinka Olaoye and Niyi Akinmolayan, produced by Victoria Akujobi and Adebimpe Oyebade. The cast includes iLateef Adedimeji and includes Olumide Oworu, Jide Awobona, Eniola Ajao, Adelimpe Oyebade, and Ibrahim Yekini Itele. It tells the narrative of Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, an Egba warrior who led a victorious insurrection against the tyrannical reign of the Oyo Empire, and is partially based on the legendary Lisabi Rebellion that took place in late 18th-century Abeokuta, Nigeria.

The mythical tale of a folk hero who rebelled against an oppressive empire, fighting for his independence and forever changing the path of Yoruba history.

From modest beginnings, Lisabi, a determined leader, emerges to lead the  Egba people in their struggle for liberation from the tyrannical Oyo Empire. The narrative starts with King Olodan refusing to pay the high payment that the Alaafin of Oyo were demanding. The Alaafin orders Olodan’s cruel execution as payback. The vicious leader of the tribute collectors, Songodeyi, terrorises the Egba people by raping women, seizing more than is due, and executing those who rebel. Lisabi’s close buddy Oshokenu, a slothful farmer, rebels against them after seeing their brutality. On their wedding day, Songodeyi rapes Oshokenu’s wife, Abebi, which causes her to tragically commit herself. Before being shot to death, Oshokenu, in a fit of wrath, murders ten tribute collectors. He begs Lisabi to guide the Egba people towards justice as part of his final desire.

Lisabi: The Uprising

Lisabi comes up with a fantastic plan to bring the Egba people together since she is determined to carry out Oshokenu’s final desire. He establishes the Aaro society, a cooperative farming organisation that on the surface seems innocuous but actually serves as the core of the uprising. By using this secret network, Lisabi is able to gather information and prepare his followers for a planned rebellion against the Oyo Empire. Under Lisabi’s leadership, the Egba people fight bravely and strike at the heart of their oppressors during the final, gory, and violent conflicts. They achieve their long-awaited independence by overthrowing the Oyo army in a spectacular finale. With the win, Lisabi becomes a beloved hero, his name immortalized in history as the liberator who guided his people towards justice and independence. His legacy lives on as a testament to perseverance, harmony, and the victory of a people determined to restore their right to dignity.

From modest beginnings, Lisabi, a determined leader, emerges to lead the Egba people in their struggle for liberation from the tyrannical Oyo Empire. The narrative starts with King Olodan refusing to pay the high payment that the Alaafin of Oyo were demanding. The Alaafin orders Olodan’s cruel execution as payback. The vicious leader of the tribute collectors, Songodeyi, terrorises the Egba people by raping women, seizing more than is due, and executing those who rebel. Lisabi’s close buddy Oshokenu, a slothful farmer, rebels against them after seeing their brutality. On their wedding day, Songodeyi rapes Oshokenu’s wife, Abebi, which causes her to tragically commit herself. Before being shot to death, Oshokenu, in a fit of wrath, murders ten tribute collectors. He begs Lisabi to guide the Egba people towards justice as part of his final desire.

Lisabi comes up with a fantastic plan to bring the Egba people together since she is determined to carry out Oshokenu’s final desire. He establishes the Aaro society, a cooperative farming organisation that on the surface seems innocuous but actually serves as the core of the uprising. By using this secret network, Lisabi is able to gather information and prepare his followers for a planned rebellion against the Oyo Empire. Under Lisabi’s leadership, the Egba people fight bravely and strike at the heart of their oppressors during the final, gory, and violent conflicts. They achieve their long-awaited independence by overthrowing the Oyo army in a spectacular finale. With the win, Lisabi becomes a beloved hero, his name immortalized in history as the liberator who guided his people towards justice and independence. His legacy lives on as a testament to perseverance, harmony, and the victory of a people determined to restore their right to dignity.

Cast

• Lateef Adedimeji Lisabi Agbongbo Akala
• Oyebade Adebimpe Adedimeji as Ikeola
• Ibahim Yekini Icon as Salako
• Adebowale  Adebay as Osokenu
• Olarotimi Michael Fakunle as Ogunlana
• Osobande Jide Awobona as Osobande
• Odunlade Adekola as Alaafin of Oyo
• Gabriel Afolayan as Odunbamitefa
• Kola Ajeyemi as Akinolu
• Boma Akpore as Osogbenro
• Olumide Oworu as Bejide
• Kevin Ikeduba as Obimodede
• Seun Akindele as Oduyale
• Femi Adebayo as Olu Olodan
• Muyiwa Ademola as Alake
• Roseline Afije “Liquorose” as Abebi
• Namisi Govin Emma as Sangu
• With a high number of Extras

The Executive producer: Lateef Adedimeji

Producers : Oyebade Adebimpe Adedimeji

                     Victoria Akujobi

Released : 27 September  2024 on  Netflix

Production company : AI Notions Studious

                                        Antihill Studios

Running time 120mins

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The 2023 Nigerian drama film Something Like Gold was directed by Kayode Kasum and written by Adaeze Ibechukwu. The film revolves around a woman who, after being abandoned at marriage, finds love again and faces the difficulties of starting over after her father’s riches is taken. The film, which was produced by Sandra Okunzuwa and Ife Olujuyigbe, was first shown in the cinema across the country on September 29, 2023. Later, it was made available on other streaming platforms extending it to reach wider audience.

Plot

Tamara Jola-Scott the spoilt daughter of wealthy socialite Jolayemi Scott of Lagos, enjoys a life of privilege. When word spreads that her father is about to be arrested for his involvement in an embezzlement scam, her entire world is turned upside down. The controversy brings an abrupt halt to her wedding plans when it results in the seizure of all their belongings and the cancellation of the ceremony. The father of her fiancé, who also happens to be her father’s business partner, refuses to let the union happen, claiming Jolayemi is a thief. As a result, Demola, her fiancé, deserts her.

Something like gold

Tamara is upset and doesn’t know what to do after being abandoned and shunned by friends and family. Their old housemaid, Aunty Mayowa, unexpectedly steps in to save her, just as her father has instructed. She shows Tamara around her simple house, which is a far cry from the lavishness she was used to. Tamara discovers long-kept truths and encounters individuals that radically change her life as she comes to terms with her new situation.

Genre: Drama, Romance

Flaws:

Something like gold lack a central story to hold the different aspects of plot together as it moves between different details without properly developing and ending the other. It shifts between family drama and a rom-com unsure of how to deliver. It has no climax and most characters remained underdeveloped. The dialogue are plain and not captivating. Some scenes are unnecessary (the scene were there was a choreographed dance adds no meaning to the plot). Over all the actors did their best in their delivery. Notable actors who delivered a 90% are Sandra Okunzuwa, Kunle Remi and Mercy Johnson.

Cast

• Sandra Okunzuwa as Tamara Jolayemi Scott
• Mercy Johnson Okojie as Aunty Mayowa
• Kunle Remi as Tunde
• Timini Egbosun as Demola
• Tope Olowoniyan as Ify
• Bukky Ogunnote as Aunty Solape
• Broad Shaggi as Area Boy
• Patrick Doyle as Jolayemi Scott
• Olayemi Soyeju as Aunty Bolu
• Bella Salami as Bimpe
• Teniola Aladese as Yemisi
• Segun Arinze as Demola’s Father
• Waliu Fagbemi as Habeeb
• Runo Efe as Tega

Production
The film was produced by  Filmtrybe and shot in Lagos, Nigeria.

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