Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham has addressed claims circulating online regarding alleged payments made to her former protégé, Abike Shugaa, following a viral video detailing their past working relationship.
Taking to X on Friday, Abraham dismissed the figures being speculated, maintaining that the amounts mentioned online were inaccurate.
“I never paid anyone such, I paid 500k for Malaika and 50k for two scenes in Ijakumo and the director removed it, pls I won’t say a word,” she wrote.
Her response comes after an over eight-minute video by Shugaa, whose real name is Pelumi Olawuni, where she reflected on her experience working with Abraham and the circumstances surrounding the film Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper.
In the video, Shugaa recalled being appreciative of the opportunity and prompt payment she received at the time.
“After the job, she paid me 50,000 Naira immediately. She didn’t owe me,” she said, describing the gesture as helpful given her financial needs.
“And I was sincerely grateful for that. Cause I… needed the money.”
However, she went on to allege that despite filming scenes and actively participating in promotional efforts, she was excluded from the final version of the movie.
“I shot, I think I shot about two scenes… she paid me 50,000 naira for the two scenes,” she explained.
Shugaa added that she was involved in publicity activities for the project, noting, “We shot about 20 videos. I can’t remember.”
She said she had high expectations for the film, especially as she viewed it as a major career milestone.
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“I told my friends, this is my first cinema debut… I’m in the movie.”
According to her, those expectations were dashed after watching the finished production.
“When I saw the movie, I didn’t see myself in it,” she said, adding that she was later informed her scenes had been removed.
The actress also shared the emotional toll of the experience, revealing she chose not to confront Abraham directly at the time.
“I cried about it to my own family. I didn’t say anything to her.”
The video has since sparked mixed reactions online, with some social media users questioning the payment structure she described, while others defended Abraham’s contributions to her early career.
Shugaa, who previously featured in Malaika in a leading role, was once considered part of Abraham’s close creative circle. Their relationship is believed to have deteriorated over time, especially as Shugaa became linked with projects associated with Funke Akindele and wider industry dynamics.
As of the time of reporting, Shugaa has not released any additional statements beyond the viral video, while Abraham’s post on X remains her only public response to the controversy.