Halima Abubakar, a suspended Nollywood actress, sues AGN for N30bn
Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar has filed a lawsuit against Emeka Rollas, the president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), seeking N30 billion in damages. The lawsuit claims that Rollas made statements that damaged her reputation and career, leading to emotional distress and financial loss.
Abubakar argues that the comments from Rollas have deeply affected her personal and professional life. She is requesting compensation for both the financial impact and the harm to her career opportunities in the Nollywood industry.
The issue began on October 17, 2024, when Abubakar was suspended indefinitely from the AGN. The suspension was announced through Rollas’ social media account, and it was related to accusations that she had spread defamatory rumors about members of the guild.
Specifically, Abubakar was accused of circulating rumors about extramarital affairs involving notable individuals in the entertainment industry. These allegations raised questions about the guild’s integrity and sparked broader conversations about professionalism in Nollywood.
The incident has caused a major stir within the industry, with both fans and fellow actors discussing the balance between personal lives and public images in Nollywood. The situation has put a spotlight on the responsibilities of public figures in maintaining professionalism.
Abubakar expressed her shock over the suspension, claiming she was never notified or given the chance to address the allegations before they were made public. She believes this has caused further damage to her reputation.
In a letter dated October 20, 2024, Abubakar’s legal team, P.D. Pius & Associates, criticized Rollas for his actions. They argued that he chose a sensitive time to make false claims, especially when Abubakar was recovering from health issues.
The legal team demanded that the defamatory post be taken down and that Rollas issue a public apology on his Instagram page. Additionally, they asked for N30 billion in damages for the harm done to Abubakar’s reputation, warning that legal action would follow if their demands were not met within seven days.
