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Kemi Adetiba, the acclaimed filmmaker behind King of Boys and The Wedding Party, is set to make her long-anticipated return with a gripping new crime thriller titled To Kill A Monkey. Slated to premiere exclusively on Netflix on July 18, 2025, the eight-part series marks a bold creative shift for Adetiba, exploring themes of cybercrime, friendship, betrayal, and survival.
This highly anticipated project is written, directed, and executive produced by Adetiba under her own banner, Kemi Adetiba Visuals. The series is also co-produced by Remi Adetiba, signaling another tight-knit collaboration for the Adetibas in what may become one of Nollywood’s most compelling TV entries of the year.
A Dark Descent Into Nigeria’s Digital Underworld
At the center of To Kill A Monkey is Efemini, played by William Benson—a principled but desperate man whose attempt to escape hardship draws him into a high-stakes world of cybercrime. When he reconnects with an old friend, portrayed by Bucci Franklin, Efemini is lured into a lifestyle that promises quick wealth but demands grave sacrifices.
The official synopsis teases a dark and emotional journey as Efemini is “coaxed into a moral minefield” that threatens to cost him everything. His choices unravel in a world where loyalty is conditional and survival may depend on killing more than just the metaphorical “monkey” on one’s back.
A Powerhouse Cast Brings the Story to Life
Joining Benson and Franklin is a remarkable ensemble of Nollywood veterans and rising stars. The supporting cast includes Stella Damasus, Bimbo Akintola, Ireti Doyle, Chidi Mokeme, Michael Ejoor, Lilian Afegbai, Sunshine Rosman, and Teniola Aladese. Each actor brings nuance and intensity to their roles, contributing to the series’ gritty tone and emotional weight.
This is also the first major Kemi Adetiba project that does not feature her long-time collaborator Sola Sobowale, signaling a notable shift in her casting approach. The series focuses primarily on male-driven narratives, offering a fresh direction in the filmmaker’s portfolio.
A New Phase for Kemi Adetiba Visuals
Production for To Kill A Monkey wrapped in late 2023, and the series has since gone through extensive post-production to match Adetiba’s exacting standards. The filmmaker teased fans for months with cryptic social media posts, eventually unveiling the official trailer in June 2025.
The trailer delivers a gripping preview—tense dialogues, sharp visuals, and a haunting question: “Are you willing to pay the price?” Set against an urban backdrop, the series offers a unique blend of crime thriller and psychological drama with subtle supernatural undertones. Critics and fans alike have described it as a significant evolution in Adetiba’s storytelling style.
Unlike the socio-political themes of King of Boys, To Kill A Monkey leans heavily into personal struggle, ethical compromise, and the seduction of power. The series will likely resonate with viewers both locally and internationally, especially as Nollywood continues to expand its global footprint on platforms like Netflix.
Netflix Partnership Cements Nollywood’s Global Rise
The Netflix premiere of To Kill A Monkey continues Kemi Adetiba’s relationship with the streaming giant, following the success of King of Boys: The Return of the King. Netflix’s investment in Nollywood originals has opened doors for high-quality, globally competitive storytelling—and Adetiba’s latest entry appears to be no exception.
With its cinematic visuals, unpredictable twists, and powerful performances, To Kill A Monkey is already being hailed as one of the most anticipated Nigerian series of the year. As fans count down to July 18, industry watchers are eager to see how the show will shape conversations around power, morality, and the cost of survival in the digital age.
To Kill A Monkey premieres July 18, 2025, exclusively on Netflix.
Are you willing to pay the price?
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