AGN Lifts Halima Abubakar’s Suspension, Clears Actress to Return to Nollywood

|By Queen Banigo

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has lifted the suspension placed on Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar, restoring her full membership rights and clearing her to return to film projects and guild activities.

Abubakar had been under an indefinite suspension since October 2024 over allegations of defaming fellow actors and other prominent Nigerians. A guild-appointed investigative panel had, after a two-year probe, found her culpable, prompting her exclusion from all AGN programmes and acting engagements.

The decision to reinstate the actress was announced on Thursday in Abuja by the outgoing AGN National President, Emeka Rollas, during the inauguration of the guild’s new National Executive Council (NEC) at the AGN national secretariat.

The ceremony attracted actors from across the country, filmmakers, and key stakeholders in the entertainment industry. At the event, Rollas formally handed over leadership of the guild to his successor, Abubakar Yakubu, marking the end of his second and final term in office, which concluded in December 2025.

Explaining the move, Rollas said he was unwilling to exit office while some members remained under suspension, stressing that compassion informed the decision.

He disclosed that Abubakar had earlier taken the guild to court, demanding what he described as a frivolous sum, but noted that the AGN proceeded with its internal investigation before imposing sanctions.

Rollas, however, said continuing the suspension would unfairly deprive the actress of her livelihood, as acting remains her primary source of income.

“By the powers conferred on me by the Board of Trustees and the entire Actors Guild of Nigeria, I hereby lift Halima Abubakar’s suspension,” he declared.

He also announced the lifting of suspensions on Christopher Igboji, Chidi Concord, Dan Ewerem, and Jeff Okwute, members of the Enugu State chapter of the guild.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Inauguration Organising Committee, Chuks Chyke, commended Rollas for providing stability and inclusive leadership during his tenure, describing his administration as pivotal to strengthening the guild.