Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar has initiated legal action against Emeka Rollas, the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), demanding N30 billion in damages.
The lawsuit stems from allegations that Rollas made statements detrimental to her reputation and career.
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.
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.
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.