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The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has formally lifted the suspension placed on Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar, restoring her full membership rights and clearing her to participate once again in guild activities and film productions.
The actress had been placed on an indefinite suspension in October 2024 following allegations related to defamation involving some of her colleagues and other notable Nigerians. At the time, the guild constituted an investigative panel to examine the complaints. After a prolonged review process that lasted close to two years, the panel found Abubakar culpable, leading to her exclusion from all AGN engagements and professional activities under the guild.
The decision to reinstate the actress was made public on Thursday during the inauguration of the Actors Guild’s new National Executive Council (NEC). The event took place at the AGN national secretariat in Abuja and was attended by actors, filmmakers, chapter leaders, and key stakeholders from across the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Outgoing AGN National President, Emeka Rollas, announced the lifting of the suspension while addressing the gathering. Rollas, who completed his second and final term as president in December 2025, used the occasion to explain the rationale behind the decision, noting that he did not wish to exit office with unresolved disciplinary matters.
“There were persons that we have suspended according to the AGN law, and because I’m leaving office, I don’t want to leave them suspended,” Rollas said.
He recounted the circumstances that led to Halima Abubakar’s suspension, stating, “Halima Abubakar took AGN to court claiming a frivolous amount of money, but we had our investigations, and we suspended her from all acting and all AGN activities.”
According to Rollas, while the guild stood by its findings and disciplinary action at the time, humanitarian considerations played a role in the decision to reverse the suspension. He emphasized that acting remains Abubakar’s primary means of livelihood, and prolonging the ban indefinitely would be unfair.
“However, since acting remains her main source of livelihood, it would be wicked for us to leave her like that,” he said.
He then formally declared the reinstatement, adding, “Therefore today, by the powers imposed on me by the Board of Trustees and the entire Actors Guild of Nigeria, I hereby lift Halima Abubakar’s suspension.”
In addition to Abubakar’s case, Rollas also revealed that the suspensions of other guild members had been reviewed and lifted. He named Christopher Igboji, Chidi Concord, Dan Ewerem, and Jeff Okwute from the Enugu State chapter as beneficiaries of the decision, stating that the guild was committed to reconciliation and unity as it moved into a new leadership phase.
The lifting of the suspensions marked one of Rollas’ final official actions as AGN president before handing over to his successor, Abubakar Yakubu. The leadership transition was a major highlight of the inauguration ceremony, symbolizing continuity and a renewed focus on stability within the guild.
Earlier in the programme, the Chairman of the Inauguration Organising Committee, Chuks Chyke, delivered a goodwill address in which he praised Rollas for his years of service. He commended the outgoing president for promoting peace, inclusiveness, and institutional stability during his tenure, noting that the guild experienced relative unity under his leadership.
The reinstatement of Halima Abubakar has since generated mixed reactions within the entertainment industry and among fans, with some welcoming the move as an opportunity for reconciliation, while others remain cautious given the controversies surrounding the case. Nonetheless, the decision officially clears the actress to return to professional acting under the banner of the Actors Guild of Nigeria as the guild enters a new chapter under fresh leadership.
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