Suspended Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar has launched a N30 billion lawsuit against the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rollas, for alleged defamation. The lawsuit follows Abubakar’s suspension from the guild, a move announced on Rollas’ social media handle that the actress claims was damaging to her reputation.
Abubakar’s legal representatives, P.D. Pius & Associates, issued a letter dated October 20, 2024, accusing Rollas of deliberately tarnishing her image without giving her the opportunity to respond to the allegations. The lawsuit stems from claims that Abubakar was involved in slandering the Nollywood industry, which led to her suspension from the AGN.
The actress, known for her outspoken nature, denied any wrongdoing and expressed frustration over not being consulted before the suspension was made public. Her legal team argues that Rollas acted in bad faith by choosing to announce her suspension at a sensitive time when she was recovering from health issues.
“Our client has been battling serious health conditions for years, and despite maintaining a professional relationship, you chose this delicate moment during her recovery to spread false narratives, causing her emotional distress and reputational damage,” the letter from her solicitors stated.
In addition to the N30 billion in damages, Abubakar is demanding the immediate removal of the allegedly defamatory post from Rollas’ Instagram page and an unreserved public apology. The letter concluded with a clear warning: “Failure to meet these demands within 7 days will result in legal action.”
This lawsuit has sparked widespread debate in Nollywood, with many industry insiders closely watching the fallout between one of the industry’s most controversial figures and its leadership. Abubakar’s lawsuit underscores deeper tensions within the Actors Guild and could set a precedent for how disputes between members and leadership are handled in the future.
The fallout follows a previous controversy where Abubakar publicly voiced her dissatisfaction with the treatment of actors in Nollywood, which some believe may have contributed to her suspension. However, her legal team insists that the timing and manner of the announcement were both inappropriate and damaging to her personal and professional life.
As the seven-day ultimatum ticks down, all eyes are on the AGN president’s response, with Nollywood’s future course of action hanging in the balance.
