In a dramatic turn of events, actress Halima Abubakar has officially filed a lawsuit against Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas, the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), following her controversial suspension for allegedly spreading fake news.
The actress, known for her vibrant roles and outspoken nature, claims the decision was a targeted attack on her character.
The AGN made waves on Friday when it announced Halima’s indefinite suspension, citing a two-year investigation that found her guilty of leaking unfounded rumors about fellow actors and prominent figures in the entertainment industry.
The Guild accused her of orchestrating a campaign of slander that included sensational allegations of extramarital affairs, which sent shockwaves through the industry.
On October 20, 2024, Halima’s legal team, P.D. Pius & Associates, sent a scathing letter of demand to Rollas, condemning his statements as “false publications” that have tarnished her reputation.
The letter highlights that Halima, a respected figure in the entertainment industry, was shocked by the allegations leveled against her, particularly during a time when she has been battling health issues.
The AGN’s October 17 post on Instagram claimed that a secret investigation had found Halima responsible for slandering fellow actors, including allegations of extramarital affairs involving high-profile individuals. The Guild’s statement suggested that her actions constituted a serious breach of their code of conduct.
Halima’s legal representatives did not hold back. They accused Rollas of using her vulnerable state to further a negative narrative, claiming it was an attempt to “stir up social opprobrium” against her. The letter stated, “Rather than show concern for our client’s fundamental rights to fair hearing and privacy, you chose this delicate moment to push your false narrative.”
The demand letter includes a stern request for Rollas to take down the original Instagram post, issue a public apology, and pay a staggering three billion naira (approximately $7.5 million) for the damage to Halima’s reputation. “Your false publication has damaged the reputation of our client and continues to do so with each passing minute,” the letter asserts, pointing to the wide reach of Rollas’ initial statement across various media platforms.
Halima’s legal team has set a seven-day deadline for compliance, warning that failure to meet their demands will lead to further legal action.
