Halima Abubakar locks horns with AGN

Nigerian actress Halima Abubakar, no stranger to controversy, finds herself in a heated dispute with the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), marking yet another public clash. Recently bouncing back from a serious health condition, Abubakar has now been indefinitely suspended from AGN following what the Guild described as an extensive investigation into her alleged misconduct.

According to a statement released by AGN on Friday, the decision to suspend Abubakar came after a secret investigation panel, established in 2022, reportedly found her guilty of spreading unfounded rumors concerning extramarital affairs between actors and high-profile Nigerians. The panel’s findings alleged that Abubakar leaked slanderous stories to bloggers, damaging the reputations of numerous industry figures. AGN stated, “Following the thorough investigative report by the special Secret Investigation Panel, it was confirmed that Miss Halima Abubakar was behind all the slandering information.”

However, Halima Abubakar isn’t backing down. Responding with a defamation lawsuit, she slapped AGN with a N30 billion claim, accusing the Guild of blackmail and reputational harm. Represented by P.D. Pius & Associates, Abubakar’s legal team argued in a letter dated October 20, 2024, that AGN’s actions were deliberately timed to exploit her health struggles and cast her in a negative light.

The letter read, “Our client has been battling health issues for years, and despite maintaining a professional relationship, you chose this delicate moment during her recovery to spread a negative and false narrative.”

The letter further condemned AGN’s president for allegedly orchestrating a “false narrative” to “denigrate her, cast aspersions on her, and stir up social opprobrium.” Her solicitors demanded that AGN retract the publication and issue a public apology on the president’s Instagram page. Failing this, they warned of legal action within seven days.

Abubakar’s legal representatives highlighted the “emotional and psychological distress” she claims to have suffered due to AGN’s actions, which, according to her team, have also impacted her public image. They argued that AGN’s actions were intentionally harmful, undermining her reputation among fans and industry stakeholders. This battle with AGN follows other recent controversies surrounding the actress. Just days before the Guild’s statement, Abubakar publicly apologized to a prominent cleric she had accused of misconduct for over five years—a retraction that came amid her suspension announcement, raising questions about her motives and sincerity.

Abubakar’s record with controversies goes back years, often involving high-profile individuals. Her accusations and subsequent retractions have fueled speculation about her motives, with critics questioning whether these episodes are publicity stunts or genuine grievances.

This pattern of public conflict has defined much of her career, drawing mixed reactions from her fan base and industry peers alike.

In its suspension statement, AGN emphasised that Abubakar is barred from all Guild activities and participation in filming during the suspension period.

They further cautioned that violations of the suspension terms could lead to additional disciplinary measures. “She will face the National Disciplinary Committee to determine her full punishment,” the Guild stated, indicating that further penalties could be imposed.

With legal proceedings now looming, this clash is poised to draw more attention to Abubakar’s complex relationship with the Guild. While her legal team has demanded swift action from AGN, the Guild’s internal disciplinary processes suggest the matter may not reach a resolution anytime soon.

As the Guild awaits her appearance before the disciplinary committee, the industry watches closely, speculating whether Abubakar’s defiance could escalate into a protracted legal battle or another chapter in her controversial career.

READ ALSO: Police debunk viral video on poor training conditions