The Actors Guild of Nigeria has lifted the suspension of actress Halima Abubakar.
The guild had placed an indefinite suspension on the actress in October 2024 after a panel found her culpable of defamation against colleagues and prominent Nigerians. The decision barred her from AGN activities and film projects.
The announcement was made by the outgoing national president of the guild, Emeka Rollas, at the inauguration of the new National Executive Council in Abuja. Rollas handed over leadership to Abubakar Yakubu at the event.
Rollas said the leadership chose the occasion to lift the suspension so that affected members could return to the guild.
“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,” he said.
He added, “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. However, since acting remains her main source of livelihood, it would be wicked for us to leave her like that. 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.”
Rollas also announced the lifting of suspensions for other members, including Christopher Igboji, Chidi Concord, Dan Ewerem and Jeff Okwute, who are part of the Enugu State chapter.
Earlier at the ceremony, Chuks Chyke, chairman of the organising committee, spoke on the transition process and called for support for the new leadership.
Recently, Halima Abubakar has spoken publicly about health and financial difficulties she is facing.
During a live social media session, the actress said she has been diagnosed with a brain tumour and was evicted from her home after funds raised for her treatment were not accepted by her landlady. She appealed to Nigerians and public figures for help with medical and living expenses.
“I have just been evicted from my house. I have been diagnosed with a brain tumour. Yesterday, my caretaker came to tell me to leave the house. The money contributed for my health, which I wanted to use to pay my rent, was rejected by my landlady,” she said.
She added, “Do they want me to kill myself? From one situation to another, I have packed all my belongings and I have nowhere to go. I do not want to kill myself.”
Halima said she needs about N25 million to cover surgery, aftercare, accommodation and other living expenses. She also appealed to government officials and individuals for assistance.
The actress disclosed that she has been on medication for about a year and relocated to Abuja for treatment, insisting that her situation is genuine and not a bid for sympathy.
