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The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has issued a stern warning against physical violence on film sets following a viral altercation between producer and actress Peggy Ovire and actor Taye Arimoro.
In an official statement signed by National President Emeka Rollas, the guild described a “disturbing video and voice note” showing an actor being “brutally assaulted” by a producer and her crew. The incident reportedly occurred during a late-night shoot in Lagos, escalating when Arimoro tried to leave after his contracted hours ended around midnight.
According to Arimoro’s account shared on Instagram Live, Ovire’s team blocked his vehicle, deflated his tyres, and physically attacked him, leaving visible injuries to his lips and gums. In response, Ovire defended herself on Instagram Stories, claiming that Arimoro became aggressive first, assaulting her production manager and driver, who she said was left bleeding from the ear, after being asked to film “just two quick scenes.”
CCTV footage that emerged online on November 13 added fuel to the controversy, showing Ovire and her crew surrounding Arimoro’s car during a heated exchange with physical contact visible. Although the low-quality clip does not clearly establish who initiated the violence, public outrage has intensified.
The AGN condemned the incident, stating, “The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has expressed deep concern over a disturbing video and voice note currently trending online, showing an actor being brutally assaulted by a producer and members of her crew on a film set. As an association of professional performers, the AGN unequivocally condemns the inhumane and degrading treatment meted out to the actor. No actor, under any circumstances, should be subjected to physical assault, intimidation, or any form of abuse in the course of professional engagement. Such behaviour is not only unacceptable but also highly unethical and contrary to the standards and values of the Nigerian creative industry.”
The guild further urged industry professionals to resolve conflicts civilly and through proper channels rather than resorting to violence. “The Guild strongly advises all practitioners within the motion picture industry to embrace lawful and civil means of conflict resolution rather than resorting to violence or self-help. Disputes arising on set or within production circles must be handled with decorum, respect, and through the appropriate professional channels,” the statement added.
To address the situation, AGN’s National Task Force has launched a full investigation and called on the Association of Movie Producers (AMP) to identify the producer involved and take disciplinary action. “While the AGN’s National Task Force has already commenced a full investigation into the incident, the Guild is also calling on the Association of Movie Producers (AMP) to urgently identify the producer involved and initiate appropriate disciplinary measures in line with their professional code of conduct,” the guild said.
The AGN reiterated its commitment to protecting the welfare, dignity, and safety of all actors, promising continued collaboration with sister guilds and associations to maintain professionalism within the Nigerian film industry. As of now, neither Ovire nor Arimoro has issued a public apology regarding the incident.
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