On Friday, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) announced significant developments concerning several Nollywood actresses due to their alleged romantic associations with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This announcement comes amidst growing scrutiny of personal relationships within the industry, leading to the indefinite suspension of well-known actress Halima Abubakar, who has faced accusations linked to various high-profile scandals.
An internal memo from the AGN, dated October 17, 2024, outlined that Abubakar was found guilty of participating in defamatory actions that harmed the reputations of influential figures in the entertainment sector. This decision follows earlier claims made by a controversial blogger in July 2024, who included actresses such as Dakore Eguson, Ini Edo, and Nancy Isime in a list of alleged “side chicks” of Akpabio. The list also featured emerging personalities like Hilda Baci, Dakota Lawson, and Wanneka, a hair vendor, suggesting that the matter has captured considerable public attention.
The memo, titled “INDEFINITE SUSPENSION – HALIMA ABUBAKAR,” indicated that AGN’s special investigative panel had reviewed the situation thoroughly before reaching the conclusion to suspend Abubakar. The allegations against her included disseminating false information regarding extramarital affairs involving fellow guild members, their associates, and patrons of the AGN.
Abubakar’s case will be taken up by the AGN’s National Disciplinary Committee to assess the full extent of her punishment. Meanwhile, she faces immediate restrictions barring her from participating in any AGN-related activities or filming projects during her suspension. The memo emphasized the seriousness of the findings, stating, “Following the thorough investigative report by the special Secret Investigation Panel set up to conduct an internal underground secret investigation into the activities of some blogs/bloggers since 2022. After two years of painstaking investigations, the Panel found out that Miss Halima Abubakar was behind all the slandering information of our members, associates and patrons, especially news of extramarital affairs linked with highly placed individuals in the society emanating from the industry.”
Consequently, the memo officially declared Abubakar’s indefinite suspension, affirming her lack of participation in AGN events or filming during this period. The National and State Chapter Taskforces have been instructed to monitor compliance with this suspension, with a warning that any violations could lead to further disciplinary measures.
Furthermore, the AGN memo revealed that certain female members involved with political figures, including Akpabio, are now under a secret watchlist. It stated, “However, some female members on the watchlist are being investigated by the secret panel, especially in the recent release of names purported to have had dealings with the Senate President.” This suggests that the guild is taking a proactive approach in addressing potential misconduct and ensuring accountability among its members.