The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has suspended Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar amid serious allegations of slander directed at her colleagues.
The guild’s announcement was shared through an official statement on its verified Instagram account, shedding light on a comprehensive investigation that lasted two years.
According to the AGN, a special investigative panel was established to conduct an in-depth examination of various online activities related to certain blogs and bloggers since 2022.
The guild has stated that the panel undertook a meticulous process to ascertain the veracity of claims surrounding the actress.
“Following the thorough investigative report by the special Secret Investigation Panel set up to conduct an internal underground secret investigation into the activities of some blogs/bloggers since 2022,” the AGN disclosed.
The results of this extensive investigation revealed that Halima Abubakar was allegedly at the centre of disseminating slanderous information targeting several members, associates, and patrons of the guild.
The AGN expressed concern, particularly over damaging rumours, including allegations of extramarital affairs involving prominent figures from the entertainment industry and society at large.
“After two years of painstaking investigations, the panel found that Miss Halima Abubakar was behind all the slandering information of our members, associates, and patrons,” the statement continued.
As a consequence of her actions, the AGN has imposed an indefinite suspension on Halima Abubakar, specifying that she will be subject to further disciplinary review.
“Therefore, Halima Abubakar is hereby placed on indefinite suspension from the Actors Guild of Nigeria. She will face the National Disciplinary Committee to determine her full punishment,” the guild asserted.
The suspension prohibits her from engaging in any official AGN activities or filming projects during this period, a decision intended to safeguard the integrity of the association and its members.
Furthermore, the AGN has empowered its national and state-level task forces to ensure adherence to the suspension order. Non-compliance with this directive could lead to additional disciplinary actions against Halima or others involved.
“The National/State Chapter Taskforces have been duly mandated to monitor the compliance of the above order, as violations of the suspension rules may lead to further disciplinary actions,” the guild added.
In a related development, the AGN has indicated that certain unnamed female colleagues are also under scrutiny.
“However, some female members on the watch list are being investigated by the secret panel, especially in the recent release of names purported to have had dealings with the Senate President,” the statement noted, hinting at wider implications within the industry that may unfold as the investigation continues.
The suspension of Halima Abubakar raises questions regarding the potential ramifications for her career moving forward.
Despite the AGN’s significant membership base, it is noteworthy that not all actors in the industry are affiliated with the guild.
Consequently, its actions may not fully restrict Halima’s ability to secure roles through independent producers who operate outside the guild’s jurisdiction.
Halima Abubakar’s history of controversy adds another layer of complexity to her situation. Back in 2022, she made headlines when she accused Johnson Suleman, a prominent pastor and overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, of failing to fulfil a promise related to their alleged relationship.
In this context, Halima also claimed that the cleric caused her a life-threatening illness, insinuating that this condition had plagued her for several years.
Following her revelations, a popular gossip blog known as “Gistlover” published a list of Nollywood actresses purportedly associated with Suleman in a sexual context.
Many of these actresses vocally denied the allegations, as did the pastor, highlighting the ongoing controversies that continue to swirl around Halima’s reputation.
As the situation develops, the AGN’s actions may signal a shifting landscape within Nollywood, where the relationship between personal conduct and professional consequences remains a pivotal issue.
The industry watches closely to see how this incident will affect not only Halima Abubakar’s career but also the broader conversation surrounding accountability in entertainment.
