The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has lifted the suspension of Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar.
The guild had imposed an indefinite suspension on Abubakar in October 2024 following allegations of defamation against her colleagues and prominent Nigerians. A two-year investigation by an AGN panel found her culpable, barring her from participating in AGN activities and film projects during that period.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that outgoing AGN national president Emeka Rollas announced the lifting of the suspension during the inauguration of the guild’s new National Executive Council (NEC) on Thursday at the AGN national secretariat in Abuja.
The event brought together actors from across the country, as well as filmmakers and other entertainment stakeholders. Rollas, whose second and final term ended in December 2025, handed over to Abubakar Yakubu as the new national president.
According to Rollas, the lifting of suspensions was a gesture to allow affected members, including Abubakar, to return to the guild.
“There were persons that we have suspended according to AGN law, and because I’m leaving office, I don’t want to leave them suspended,” Rollas said. “Halima Abubakar took AGN to court claiming a frivolous amount of money, but after our investigations, we suspended her from all acting and AGN activities. However, acting remains her main source of livelihood, and it would be unfair to leave her like that. Therefore, by the powers vested in me by the Board of Trustees and the entire Actors Guild of Nigeria, I hereby lift Halima Abubakar’s suspension.”
Rollas also announced the lifting of suspensions for Christopher Igboji, Chidi Concord, Dan Ewerem, and Jeff Okwute, members of the guild’s Enugu State chapter.
Earlier, Chuks Chyke, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the inauguration, praised Rollas for his courage and inclusive leadership, which he said had stabilised the guild.
“Your achievements will remain part of the legacy upon which we continue to build,” Chyke said.
He congratulated the new president and urged the NEC to view their election as a sacred trust, calling for inclusive and visionary leadership.
“Today marks a historic moment in the life of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, as we witness the peaceful transition of leadership and the inauguration of a new president and National Executive Council. This reflects the strength of our institution, the maturity of our processes, and the unity of our creative family,” Chyke said.
He further called on members nationwide to support the new leadership in building a stronger, united, and globally respected guild.
(NAN)
