Nigerian actress Halima Abubakar has taken legal action against Emeka Rollas, the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), following her controversial suspension from the organization. Abubakar filed a lawsuit against Rollas, alleging that the decision to suspend her was part of a targeted attack against her within the industry. The lawsuit comes after Rollas announced her suspension, accusing her of spreading fake news and defaming fellow actors.
In his announcement, Rollas claimed that a two-year investigation had found Abubakar guilty of leaking unfounded rumors about her colleagues and prominent figures in the Nigerian entertainment industry. “Halima Abubakar has been suspended following a two-year investigation which revealed her involvement in the spreading of fake news,” Rollas said, accusing her of orchestrating a campaign of slander. The AGN president specifically mentioned that Abubakar had made sensational claims, including allegations of extramarital affairs, which sent shockwaves through the industry.
In response, Abubakar’s legal team, P.D. Pius & Associates, fired back with a letter of demand on October 20, 2024, condemning Rollas’ statements as “false publications” that have damaged the actress’s reputation. The letter, which was shared with PREMIUM TIMES, accused Rollas of making defamatory statements that have led to widespread public backlash against Abubakar. “The publications made by Rollas are false and have seriously tarnished the reputation of Halima Abubakar,” the letter read.
Abubakar’s legal team also pointed out that the actress, who has been grappling with health challenges, was particularly distressed by the timing of the allegations. The letter described the defamation as deeply hurtful, especially as Abubakar has been dealing with ongoing health issues. “It is disheartening that these false claims came at a time when Halima has been battling health complications,” the legal team stated, accusing Rollas of lacking empathy and professionalism in handling the matter.
In the lawsuit, Abubakar claims that her suspension and the subsequent defamation have further fueled the hostility and targeted attacks she has faced within the entertainment industry. The actress has not publicly commented on the details of the court proceedings, but her legal team has made it clear that they intend to pursue justice and protect her reputation.
