Nigerian actress Halima Abubakar has launched a legal battle against Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas, the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), following her controversial suspension from the organization. The actress, who has gained fame for her vibrant roles and candid nature, claims her suspension was an unjust attack on her reputation.
On Friday, the AGN announced that Abubakar had been indefinitely suspended after a two-year investigation found her guilty of spreading false rumors about prominent figures in the Nigerian entertainment industry. The Guild accused her of orchestrating a campaign of slander, including claims of extramarital affairs involving high-profile actors, which sent ripples through the industry.
In response, Abubakar’s legal team, P.D. Pius & Associates, sent a letter to Dr. Rollas on October 20, 2024, demanding a retraction of his statements. The letter labeled the AGN’s claims as “false publications” that have severely damaged Abubakar’s standing in the industry. According to her legal team, the allegations surfaced at a time when the actress was dealing with personal health issues, further compounding the impact on her life and career.
The AGN had previously posted on Instagram, on October 17, alleging that a confidential investigation had determined that Abubakar was behind several unfounded rumors aimed at tarnishing the reputations of her colleagues. The Guild’s statement described her actions as a breach of their professional code of conduct.
Abubakar’s legal representatives did not mince words, accusing Rollas of exploiting her vulnerable state to fuel a damaging narrative. The letter argued that Rollas failed to respect Abubakar’s right to a fair hearing and privacy, instead using the situation to incite public criticism against her.
Her legal team has demanded the removal of the original Instagram post, a public apology, and financial compensation of three billion naira (approximately $7.5 million) for the harm done to her reputation.
