Nollywood has suffered a significant loss again, with the passing of a remarkable actress.

Nkechi Nweje reportedly passed away this morning, March 21, following a brief illness.

While the reason for her death hasn’t been shared, her colleagues are expressing their sadness online. She worked with other big names in the industry, like the late Don brymo, junior Pope Odonwodo and others.

Yul Edochie, a well-known Nollywood actor, has raised concerns about the underestimation of Nollywood producers caused by specific movie plots.

Yul Edochie criticizes the undervaluation of Nollywood producers in film industry

The actor used his Instagram platform to express his wish for producers to avoid making movies that show Nigerians in humiliating situations when abroad.

Edochie stressed that such films tarnish the reputation of Nigerians, pointing out that a white filmmaker would not make a movie that disparages their own people in Africa.

Western filmmakers often depict themselves as superheroes in their movies, whereas Nollywood sometimes diminishes its own people in its storytelling.

In his words: “I wish our producers will stop making films where Nigerians travel abroad dey mumu. We sell ourselves short with such storylines. Oyibo people will never make a movie where a white man is foolish on African soil. Instead they’ll make the white man smarter than all the Africans in the movie. It’s intentional. They use movies to sell themselves as superheroes while we use ours to run ourselves down.

Let’s make movies where a Nigerian goes abroad and becomes the focal point for Oyibo people. He or she always walks with shoulders high, with so much pride and dignity. Always on Nigerian wears. And teaches Oyibo people beautiful things they never knew about us. Offers traditional solutions to problems and becomes a leader over there. Let’s sell ourselves as superheroes as well.”

The Lagos Police Command’s Special Squad One Team shot dead nine members of a notorious kidnapping gang during an operation in Ladipo, Mushin, in July.

Henry Odenigbo

In July, news emerged that a film producer and CEO of Ason-Rich Movie Production, Henry Odenigbo, was one of the nine members of a notorious kidnapping gang killed during an operation in Ladipo, Mushin.

Afric Showbiz reported that the Lagos Police Command’s Special Squad One Team shot dead the gang members who were allegedly planning to abduct wealthy individuals in the state.

Police Investigation into Kidnap Gang

The police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that the Command had been pursuing the gang for the past eight months due to their numerous kidnappings of wealthy individuals in Isolo, Okota, Ejigbo, and Ladipo areas of Lagos State.

The police, however, concealed the identities of the suspects. Nevertheless, spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin reported that they recovered:

Four AK-47 rifles
Four locally made semi-automatic pistols
Nine AK-47 magazines
Three walkie-talkies
Two operational vehicles: a black Toyota 4Runner and a blue Lexus RX350

Allegations and Disassociation

While the suspects’ identities remained confidential, filmmaker and actor Stanley Nwoko, also known as Stanley Ontop, posted photos of Odenigbo on his Instagram, alleging that he was the “ringleader” of the kidnap gang who was killed in a gunfight with the police.

The Actors Guild of Nigeria, along with prominent figures such as Kanayo O Kanayo and Yul Edochie, distanced themselves from the deceased filmmaker and three other film practitioners. The Guild issued a statement asserting that the individuals who perished in the shootout at Ladipo on Thursday were not members of their organisation.

The statement read in part:

“The Rivers State chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria disclaims any affiliation with the individuals who tragically lost their lives in a recent robbery incident in Lagos. Specifically, Prince Henry Asonna (Executive Producer of Aso Rich), Angel Emanuzo (Associate Producer), Chris Ahaneku (Logistics Manager of Rich), and Jerry Eze (Camera Assistant) were not members of our guild. They were not part of our organisation.”

Confirmation of Involvement

A report by Vanguard newspaper published on Saturday confirmed Odenigbo’s involvement in the kidnapping attempt. It noted that previously, only one gang leader, Prince Henry Ode, a prominent Nollywood actor and producer from Port Harcourt, had been identified, along with about four colleagues in the film-making industry who were also involved in the violent confrontation with the police.

The four members are included in the AGN’s Rivers State Chapter disclaimer. Recent investigations led by Kehinde Oni, a DSP, revealed 42 case files related to the gang’s operations across various police stations in Lagos.

“It was a shocking discovery. The sheer volume of evidence against the gang underscores the extent of their criminal activities,” Vanguard quoted Mr Oni as saying.

Identity of the Gang’s Sharpshooter

The police also uncovered the identity of the gang’s sharpshooter, whom they referred to as a “sharp shooter.” Mr Oni stated that Uzoamaka is renowned in criminal circles for his exceptional marksmanship and specialised training in arms handling.

“He was known as one of the sharpest shooters in the criminal world,” another police official commented. His skills were highly regarded, but we had no idea he was connected to the kidnappings in Lagos until now.

During the Ladipo Market operation, Uzoamaka fired the first shot when a decoy car obstructed the gang’s escape. The shot he fired was intended to intimidate and eliminate anyone in their way, striking the car’s headrest but narrowly missing an officer, as revealed by Mr Oni.

Ongoing Investigation

The police reiterated their commitment to identifying all victims involved in the Ladipo raid, despite the families of the slain kidnappers being reluctant to come forward.

Yul Edochie, a controversial actor, has disclosed the reasons for his absence at the funeral of his late colleague, Junior pope.

Yul Edochie Explains Why He Didn’t Attend Late Jnr Pope’s Burial After Betrayal

Yul used his social media platform to address his absence and minimal participation in the burial ceremony. He recognized that there is curiosity surrounding his decision not to attend. Yul stated that Junior Pope, whom he considered a brother, had betrayed him on multiple occasions.

Although he did not delve into specifics regarding their conflicts, Yul assured his followers that he would reveal additional exclusive details about the betrayal.

“I didn’t want to say anything till after
his burial.
I know many asked why I wasn’t
there.
Why I haven’t said anything about it
since.
I took him like a brother & good
friend. I was there for him when he
needed me.
But he stabbed me in the back,
repeatedly.
That’s LIFE!
I’ll drop the full details soon so
others can learn from it.
Be careful what you wish people, it
could come to you.”

International film director and musician Nduoma Sylvanus, known as Ndmax, CEO of Ndmaxmovietv, has produced a first-rate film titled ‘1954 Mobel Police Wing’.

[MOVIE] ‘1954 Mobel Police Wings’ Produced by Ndmax

This remarkable film features Nollywood legend Christopher Omenyi, alongside other professional film actors and actresses such as Smith Frank, Vulga Sampson, Albert Che, and Nchano Relindis etc…

Meanwhile, the following crew members contributed to making this film a first-rate success:

• Storyline: Takubum Emmanuel
• Screenplay: Nche Emma
• Director: Ndmax (ANMD)
• Producers: Ndmax (ANMD)
• Executive Producer: Nduoma Stanhope Nwaogwugwu

Click below to watch full film.