Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar has taken legal action against Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas, the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), for what she describes as a deliberate attack on her reputation.
Abubakar, who has been a prominent figure in the Nigerian movie industry, is seeking a staggering N3 billion in damages after being suspended from the AGN for allegedly spreading fake news. The lawsuit has ignited a major controversy in Nollywood, drawing public attention to the behind-the-scenes tensions in the entertainment industry.
Halima’s suspension was announced on October 17, 2024, after the AGN completed a two-year investigation that accused the actress of spreading damaging rumors. These rumors, according to the Guild, included accusations of extramarital affairs involving high-profile actors and entertainment figures. The news of her suspension sent shockwaves across the Nigerian entertainment industry, with many questioning the allegations and the Guild’s handling of the situation.
The AGN, in an official statement, explained that Abubakar’s actions violated their code of conduct, and they had no choice but to take disciplinary measures. The Guild accused her of orchestrating a campaign of slander, using her influence in Nollywood to spread malicious gossip.
Halima, however, is not taking this lightly.
On Friday, Halima’s legal team, P.D. Pius & Associates, fired back with a strongly-worded letter of demand. The letter was addressed to Rollas, accusing him of making “false publications” that damaged the actress’s reputation. Halima’s lawyers claim that Rollas acted with malice and took advantage of her vulnerable state, knowing she had been dealing with serious health issues.
The letter from her legal representatives does not hold back.
It demands that Rollas retract his original Instagram post where he announced Halima’s suspension. They also demand a public apology and the payment of N3 billion in damages for the harm done to her career and public image.
“Your false publication has damaged the reputation of our client and continues to do so with each passing minute,” the letter stated, accusing Rollas of escalating the situation unnecessarily.
The letter also portrays Halima as a victim of targeted defamation. It highlights that the timing of the suspension was particularly cruel, as Halima has been battling health challenges. Her legal team claims that instead of showing empathy, Rollas chose to attack her during this difficult period in her life.
“Rather than show concern for our client’s fundamental rights to fair hearing and privacy, you chose this delicate moment to push your false narrative,” the demand letter asserts.
For Halima, this is not just about clearing her name—it’s about standing up against what she perceives as injustice within the Nollywood industry.
The AGN’s investigation into Halima’s conduct, which spanned over two years, concluded that she was guilty of spreading false information. The Guild’s statement, posted on social media, claimed that Halima had leaked damaging rumors about her colleagues, including allegations of extramarital affairs involving some of the industry’s most respected figures.
The Guild expressed concern that her actions had the potential to destroy careers and tarnish the reputation of Nollywood. According to them, this was not a matter to be taken lightly, and Halima’s suspension was seen as a necessary disciplinary measure.
However, the timing and manner of the announcement have raised eyebrows.
Many in Nollywood are questioning why the Guild chose to go public with such sensitive information. Some believe that this could have been handled more discreetly, without dragging Halima’s name through the mud. Others, though, argue that her actions warranted public disclosure, as they involved well-known figures in the industry.
Her legal team has given Emeka Rollas a seven-day ultimatum to meet their demands, which include removing the Instagram post and issuing a formal apology. Failure to comply, they warn, will result in even more legal battles.
With a N3 billion lawsuit now hanging over his head, Rollas faces immense pressure to respond. The AGN has yet to officially comment on Halima’s legal action, but it’s clear that this battle is far from resolved.
