The Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, has been thrown into mourning following the death of popular special effects artist, James Akaie, who died after sustaining severe injuries from an explosion on a movie set in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Akaie reportedly suffered fatal injuries during a filming session when an explosion occurred in an area used for preparing special effects. The tragic incident happened outside the main filming location, where special effects materials were being tested ahead of a movie scene.
The sad news was confirmed on Friday by popular movie director and producer, James Abinibi, in a statement shared on the RockBottom Flix Instagram page.
According to Abinibi, the explosion was sudden and unexpected, leaving the crew members in shock.
“During a filming session, a sudden and unexpected explosion occurred in a designated effects preparation area outside the film set, where James was experimenting with an unauthorised pyrotechnic stimulation involving a gas cylinder alongside his two assistants,” the statement said.
The director explained that Akaie was immediately rushed to the hospital after the explosion but later died from his injuries.
“James succumbed to his injuries at the hospital,” Abinibi added.
He also disclosed that two assistants who were working with Akaie at the time of the explosion sustained serious burn injuries. The two men were quickly taken to a specialist hospital, where they received urgent medical care.
“His two assistants sustained fire burn injuries and were taken to a specialist hospital, where they received immediate medical attention and were later confirmed stable as they continue to receive treatment,” the statement said.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about safety standards on movie sets in Nigeria, especially during scenes involving special effects, stunts, or the use of flammable materials.
James Akaie was widely known in Nollywood for his skills in creating realistic explosions, gunfire effects, and other action scenes that have become popular in Nigerian films in recent years. He worked on several movies and was regarded by colleagues as dedicated and passionate about his craft.
Many actors, producers, and crew members have taken to social media to express shock and sadness over his death. Some described him as hardworking and innovative, while others called for better protection for behind-the-scenes workers in the industry.
The Nigerian film industry has grown rapidly over the years and is now one of the largest film industries in the world. However, concerns have often been raised about safety, especially on low-budget productions where proper equipment, training, and safety checks may be lacking.
In many cases, special effects artists and stunt coordinators work under pressure to deliver dramatic scenes, sometimes without clear safety guidelines or supervision from certified professionals.
Although Abinibi mentioned that the pyrotechnic activity was unauthorised, it remains unclear how such materials were allowed on the film location and what safety measures were in place at the time.
As of the time of filing this report, no official statement has been released by the Ogun State Government, the police, or emergency agencies regarding the incident. It is also not known whether an investigation has been launched to determine the full circumstances surrounding the explosion.
The death of James Akaie adds to a list of tragedies that have occurred in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, reminding many of the risks faced by crew members who often work behind the scenes without public recognition.
In the past, there have been reports of accidents on film sets involving electrical faults, stunts, and unsafe locations. These incidents have led to calls for stronger regulations, better insurance coverage, and proper safety training for all film crew members.
Some filmmakers and guild leaders have urged Nollywood unions and associations to enforce safety rules and ensure that only trained professionals handle dangerous equipment.
They also called on producers to invest more in safety planning, even if it increases production costs.
“Lives are more important than any movie,” a Nollywood practitioner said in an online post reacting to the incident.
As the industry mourns, attention has also turned to the welfare of Akaie’s family. Colleagues have called for support for his loved ones, noting that many behind-the-scenes workers do not have insurance or financial security.
James Akaie’s death is a painful reminder of the dangers that can occur on film sets when safety rules are ignored or overlooked.
As Nollywood continues to grow and gain global attention, many believe this tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for better safety standards, stronger oversight, and greater respect for the lives of those who work to bring stories to the screen.