10 Nigerian Celebrities Who Secretly Got Married
In the glitzy world of fame and social media, where every move is often under the spotlight, some Nigerian celebrities have opted for a quieter, more personal route—especially when it comes to matters of the heart. Marriage, a deeply personal milestone, is often made into a grand public affair, but not for everyone. Some stars have chosen to exchange vows in secret, far from the public eye, and only revealed their union weeks, months, or even years later.
Here’s a list of 10 Nigerian celebrities who secretly got married and how they managed to keep such major life events under wraps.
1. Agbani Darego and Ishaya Danjuma
Agbani Darego, Nigeria’s first and only Miss World (2001), shocked fans when news broke in April 2017 that she had tied the knot. The model and beauty queen married Ishaya Danjuma, son of billionaire businessman Theophilus Danjuma, in a private ceremony held in Marrakesh, Morocco.
No photos or hints had been shared beforehand, and fans only got a glimpse when Agbani posted a simple wedding photo with the caption “08.04.2017”. The couple has continued to keep their family life private, despite Agbani’s high-profile status.
2. Zainab Balogun and Dikko Nwachukwu
Zainab Balogun, an actress and television host, is known for her roles in “The Wedding Party” and “Sylvia.” In May 2018, she stunned fans when it emerged that she had married Dikko Nwachukwu, founder of Jetwest Airways, in a very private traditional ceremony.
The wedding was so low-key that many of her closest industry colleagues found out only after the event. Zainab later revealed in interviews that she had kept the relationship and marriage private because she believed in nurturing her personal life away from public scrutiny.
3. Regina Daniels and Ned Nwoko
Although their marriage later became public and controversial, the early days of Regina Daniels’ union with billionaire politician Ned Nwoko were shrouded in secrecy. The Nollywood actress, who was just a teenager at the time, was seen flaunting luxury items and traveling in private jets before the news of her marriage broke in mid-2019.
Initially, Regina and her camp denied the rumors, but photos from their traditional wedding in Aniocha North, Delta State, eventually surfaced. Despite the media frenzy, the couple has continued to live relatively privately with their growing family.
4. Funke Akindele and Abdulrasheed Bello (JJC Skillz)
Actress and producer Funke Akindele, popularly known as Jenifa, got married to music producer and filmmaker JJC Skillz in a very private ceremony in London in 2016. Unlike her first marriage, which was widely publicized, this time she opted for secrecy.
Only close friends and family were in attendance, and the couple kept their relationship low-key until they were ready to share it with the world. Although the marriage later ended in 2022, it remains one of the most talked-about secret weddings in Nigerian celebrity culture.
5. D’banj and Lineo Didi Kilgrow
Koko Master D’banj, known for his flamboyant public persona, shocked fans when news broke that he had married Lineo Didi Kilgrow in June 2016. The ceremony was held in Lagos and was so discreet that even members of the press only found out long after.
D’banj later confirmed his marriage in an interview, saying that he wanted to protect his family from public pressure and distractions. The couple faced tragedy with the loss of their son in 2018, but they have since welcomed more children and continue to live quietly.
6. Di’Ja
Hadiza Blell, popularly known as Di’Ja and a former Mavin Records artist, is another celebrity who managed to keep her marriage out of the media. She reportedly got married in 2015 in a private ceremony attended by close family and friends.
Di’Ja later confirmed the news via social media, sharing photos of her baby bump and eventually introducing her son. Her ability to stay low-key in the age of Instagram fame earned her a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most private celebrities.
7. Simi and Adekunle Gold
Perhaps the most romantic secret wedding in recent memory is that of musicians Simi and Adekunle Gold. Long rumored to be dating, the couple never officially confirmed their relationship until after they got married in January 2019.
The wedding was a small affair attended by only about 300 guests, and no pictures or videos were initially released. The duo later shared snippets with fans through their music videos and social media, but the bulk of their special day remains private.
8. Stella Damasus and Daniel Ademinokan
Actress Stella Damasus and filmmaker Daniel Ademinokan kept their relationship and eventual marriage away from the spotlight for years. The two met while working on film projects and began a relationship that was initially kept secret due to the controversies surrounding Daniel’s previous marriage.
They later revealed that they had been married for years, stunning fans who were unaware of the union. Though the couple later separated in 2020, their secret wedding remains one of the most whispered-about stories in Nollywood.
9. Toke Makinwa and Maje Ayida
Though their relationship was public, the wedding of media personality Toke Makinwa and fitness expert Maje Ayida was held in secret in 2014. The court wedding was attended by just a few friends and family members, with no prior announcement made.
Toke only confirmed the marriage afterward through her social media. The marriage, however, faced major challenges and ended in a messy divorce following a cheating scandal. Still, it remains a notable instance of a celebrity wedding conducted in secrecy.
10. Dakore Egbuson-Akande and Olumide Akande
Actress Dakore Egbuson tied the knot with billionaire heir Olumide Akande in 2011 in a wedding that was surprisingly discreet, given her celebrity status. The couple kept details about their engagement and ceremony away from the public and media.
Though their relationship has occasionally faced rumors, the couple has stood strong, maintaining a relatively quiet life with their two daughters. Dakore has often spoken about the importance of shielding her family life from public drama.
Why Do Celebrities Choose Secret Weddings?
There are a number of reasons why Nigerian celebrities—despite being public figures—opt for secret weddings:
- Privacy: Marriage is a deeply personal affair, and many celebrities want to preserve the intimacy of that moment.
- Media Pressure: The Nigerian entertainment industry can be brutal with its rumors, commentary, and online trolls. Keeping weddings secret helps avoid unnecessary speculation.
- Past Experiences: Celebrities who’ve had public relationships go sour often prefer to do things differently the second time around.
- Spiritual or Cultural Beliefs: Some cultures in Nigeria value discretion in marriage matters, especially among prominent families.
- Security: Given the rise in insecurity and kidnapping in Nigeria, high-profile weddings could pose risks.
Final Thoughts
In a world where celebrity relationships are often dissected for public entertainment, keeping a wedding secret is no small feat. These Nigerian stars remind us that even in the age of oversharing, some milestones are best kept sacred and personal.
Whether it was out of caution, love, or personal philosophy, each of these celebrities managed to keep the most important day of their lives just that—theirs. Their stories serve as refreshing reminders that not everything needs to be for public consumption, even when you live life in the limelight.
