Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar has slammed Emeka Rollas, the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), with a N30 billion lawsuit for damages.
The lawsuit stems from an incident on October 17, 2024, when the AGN, through Rollas’ social media handle, announced Abubakar’s indefinite suspension from the guild.
The suspension was enacted due to allegations that Abubakar disseminated defamatory information about members of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN).
Specifically, she is accused of spreading rumors regarding extramarital affairs involving well-known figures in the entertainment industry.
In a memo released by the guild, it said it found Halima “guilty of spreading false information about fellow members, associates, and patrons, including allegations of extramarital affairs with highly placed individuals”.
The AGN said a two-year-long investigation, conducted by a special secret investigation panel, uncovered Halima’s “involvement in slandering Nollywood”.
These accusations have not only raised concerns about the integrity of the guild but also sparked a broader discussion about the responsibilities of public figures in maintaining professionalism and respect within the industry.
The association said Halima, despite the suspension, would still face disciplinary action.
Reacting to the accusations, the actress expressed that she was neither contacted nor given the opportunity to respond to the claims before the announcement was made public on social media.
Abubakar in a letter dated October 20, 2024, by her legal representatives, P.D. Pius & Associates, accused the AGN President of deliberately tarnishing her reputation.
“Our client has been battling health issues for years, and despite maintaining a professional relationship, you chose this delicate moment during her recovery to spread a false narrative. This has caused her emotional distress and harmed her reputation in society.”
The solicitors further demanded immediate removal of the defamatory publication on Rollas’ Instagram page with unreserved public and N30 billion in damages for reputational harm.
The letter concluded with a warning; “Unless these demands are met in 7 days, we are instructed by our client to pursue appropriate legal action.
In her filing, Abubakar claims that these remarks have caused her significant emotional distress and financial loss. She is seeking compensation not only for the damages incurred but also for the impact on her professional opportunities within the film industry.
By Ezinne Okorie.
