Suspended Nollywood actress, Halima Abubakar files N30bn lawsuit against AGN
Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar has filed a lawsuit against Emeka Rollas, the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), seeking N30 billion in damages.
The legal action arises from claims that Rollas made statements harmful to her reputation and career.
Abubakar asserts in her filing that these comments have caused her considerable emotional distress and financial losses. She is seeking compensation not only for the damages but also for the negative impact on her professional prospects in the film industry.
The lawsuit follows an incident on October 17, 2024, when the AGN, through Rollas’ social media account, announced Abubakar’s indefinite suspension from the guild.
Her suspension was based on allegations that she had spread defamatory information about members of the AGN.
Specifically, she is accused of spreading rumors regarding extramarital affairs involving well-known figures in the entertainment industry.
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 situation has created a significant stir among fans and fellow actors, highlighting the delicate balance between personal lives and public personas in Nollywood.
In response, Abubakar expressed her shock, claiming that she was not informed or given an opportunity to address the allegations before her suspension was made public on social media.
In a letter dated October 20, 2024, Abubakar’s legal team, P.D. Pius & Associates, condemned Rollas’ actions, accusing him of deliberately tarnishing her reputation.
The letter stated, “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 negative and false narrative.”
They argued that the false claims caused Abubakar emotional distress and damaged her reputation.
The solicitors demanded that the defamatory publication be removed immediately and that Rollas issue a public apology on his Instagram page.
They also sought N30 billion in damages for the harm caused to Abubakar’s reputation.
The letter concluded with a warning that if these demands were not met within seven days, legal action would follow.
