The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has lifted the suspension placed on Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar, ending months of disciplinary action against her.
The actress was placed on an indefinite suspension in October 2024 over accusations of defamation involving colleagues and prominent Nigerians.
Following a two-year investigation conducted by a panel set up by the guild, AGN said Halima was found culpable and consequently barred from participating in AGN activities and film projects during the period.
The lifting of the suspension was announced by the outgoing national president of AGN, Emeka Rollas, at the inauguration ceremony of the guild’s new National Executive Council (NEC) held on Thursday at the AGN national secretariat in Abuja, according to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Rollas, whose second and final tenure ended in December 2025, formally handed over leadership to Abubakar Yakubu, the newly elected national president of the guild.
Announcing the decision, Rollas said the leadership chose the occasion to lift the suspension on Halima Abubakar and other sanctioned members to allow them return fully to the association.
“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.
“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 placed on Christopher Igboji, Chidi Concord, Dan Ewerem, and Jeff Okwute, all members of the Enugu State chapter of the guild.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of the Organising Committee, Chuks Chyke, praised Rollas for what he described as courageous and inclusive leadership that helped stabilise the guild.
“Your achievements will remain part of the legacy upon which we continue to build,” Chyke said.
He also congratulated the new president and his team, urging them to treat their election as a sacred trust and to provide inclusive and visionary leadership capable of strengthening the guild.
The lifting of Halima Abubakar’s suspension clears the way for her return to acting and full participation in AGN activities, marking a new chapter after a prolonged and controversial period in her career.
