Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Actors Guild of Nigeria

  • Nollywood Faces Leadership Crisis as AGN Presidential Election Hijacked

    Nollywood Faces Leadership Crisis as AGN Presidential Election Hijacked

    In an update published by Daily Post, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) is embroiled in a fresh controversy following allegations that its upcoming presidential election has been “hijacked” by external interests. High-profile members and industry stakeholders have raised alarms over the lack of transparency in the screening process and the alleged exclusion of popular candidates.

    The crisis threatens to divide the world’s second-largest film industry at a time when it is seeking more global investment. Some members are calling for a complete overhaul of the electoral committee to prevent a total breakdown of order within the guild.

    The dispute was also picked up by Entertainment Weekly Nigeria, which reported that “tensions are high as several A-list actors have threatened to form a breakaway guild.” Tribune further quoted an industry insider who said, “If we cannot conduct a transparent internal election, we lose our moral standing to criticize the national government.”

    Echotitbits take: Nollywood is more than just movies; it’s a massive part of Nigeria’s “soft power” and diaspora engagement. A leadership crisis in the AGN could stall progress on copyright laws and international co-production deals. Watch for a possible mediation by the Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy.

    Source: Daily Post – https://dailypost.ng/2025/12/09/nollywood-stanley-ontop-alleges-agn-presidential-election-hijacked/, February 7, 2026

    Photo credit: Daily Post

  • Security Agencies Nab Popular Actor Over Alleged Coup Involvement

    Security Agencies Nab Popular Actor Over Alleged Coup Involvement

    In an update published by Premium Times, security forces have confirmed the discreet arrest of Nollywood actor and former Actors Guild chairman, Stanley Amandi, in connection with an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Amandi was reportedly taken into custody in Enugu by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) during a quiet operation that initially left his family in the dark. The investigation is said to involve both high-ranking military officers and civilian collaborators linked to the foiled coup attempt.

    The actor’s family initially suspected the Department of State Services (DSS) was behind the move due to the opaque nature of the arrest. However, formal correspondence later clarified that the DIA is leading the probe into what has been described as a “national security threat.” Amandi’s legal team and family have already raised concerns regarding his health, specifically citing his battle with hypertension, while requesting immediate access to him in detention.

    The arrest has also been detailed by The Punch and Daily Post. The Punch stated that “the operation marks a significant expansion of the government’s crackdown on alleged dissenters,” while Daily Post reported that “security is being beefed up in Enugu following the actor’s detention.”

    Echotitbits take:

    The involvement of a civilian entertainment figure in a coup investigation is rare and suggests the government is casting a wide net to identify “civilian influencers” potentially tied to military unrest. Watch for a public statement from the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) as this could trigger a rift between the creative industry and the security apparatus.

    Source: BusinessDay – https://businessday.ng/news/article/nollywood-actor-stanley-amandi-arrested-for-alleged-role-in-coup-plot-against-tinubu/, January 31, 2026

    Photo credit: BusinessDay

  • Nollywood Actor Arrested Over Alleged Involvement in Plot Against Government

    Nollywood Actor Arrested Over Alleged Involvement in Plot Against Government

    Premium Times reports that Nollywood filmmaker and actor Stanley Amandi was arrested over alleged involvement in a propaganda scheme linked to the foiled coup plot.

    Investigators reportedly allege he was recruited to help manage public messaging after a planned assassination of top government officials, as part of a wider sweep of civilian collaborators.

    Daily Post and Leadership also reported reactions, including calls for due process and concerns about the use of cultural influencers in political subversion.

    Echotitbits take: This is a rare instance where a creative-industry figure is publicly tied to a treason-related investigation. It underscores how governments increasingly treat narrative control as a national-security vector. Expect heightened scrutiny of politically themed productions, funding flows, and influencer networks.

    Source: BusinessDay – https://businessday.ng/news/article/nollywood-actor-stanley-amandi-arrested-for-alleged-role-in-coup-plot-against-tinubu/ 2026-01-30

    Photo Credit: BusinessDay

  • NFVCB Defends Ini Edo Film Title After Backlash, Floats Compromise

    NFVCB Defends Ini Edo Film Title After Backlash, Floats Compromise

    Photo Credit: The Punch

    2025-12-24 08:00:00

    According to Punch, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) says Ini Edo’s movie title “A Very Dirty Christmas” was cleared after review and was not intended as an attack on Christianity, following public backlash from Christian groups.

    The board’s explanation is that the phrase should be interpreted within the story’s theme rather than as a statement about Christmas itself, while also suggesting a possible compromise to reduce tension.

    • Premium Times (website): “The title Dirty Christmas is not an insult to the Body of Christ.”
    • Christian Association of Nigeria — Facebook (verified org page): “CAN … is deeply troubled by the title …”

    Echotitbits take: This is a familiar flashpoint in Nollywood: artistic choices meeting faith sensitivities at peak holiday season. Watch whether a title adjustment happens, whether cinemas face organized pressure, and whether the controversy ends up boosting attention and ticket demand.

    Source: The Punch — Dec 24, 2025 — https://punchng.com/nfvcb-defends-a-very-dirty-christmas-title-seeks-change-after-backlash/

    The Punch
    2025-12-24

  • Dayo Amusa elected into Actors Guild national leadership as vice president

    Dayo Amusa elected into Actors Guild national leadership as vice president

    Photo Credit: Dayo Amusa – The Nation Newspaper
    2025-12-14

    According to Vanguard, Nollywood actress Dayo Amusa has been elected as a National Vice President within the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) following the guild’s national election in Benin City.

    The report said the election produced a new national leadership team, with Amusa emerging as a key officer representing her zone in the guild structure.

    Daily Post also reported her emergence and described her as National Vice President Southwest.

    The Nation reported the same development and quoted her describing her emergence as a testament to her dedication to the guild’s growth and integrity.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Guild leadership influences welfare advocacy, dispute mediation and professional standards in Nollywood. Watch for Amusa’s agenda—especially transparency in guild processes, stronger member protections, and partnerships that improve earnings and working conditions across the creative economy.

    Source: Vanguard — 14 Dec 2025 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/dayo-amusa-emerges-national-vice-president-of-actors-guild-of-nigeria/)