Actress Halima Abubakar has filed a pre-action notice against president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Emeka Rollas after she was suspended on the allegation of spreading false news.
In a statement on Monday, Halima claimed she had been unfairly targeted within the entertainment industry.
Last Friday, the AGN president announced Halima’s suspension, citing a two-year investigation that allegedly found her guilty of disseminating false rumours about her colleagues and high-profile figures.
The guild accused her of spreading defamatory claims including allegations of extramarital affairs involving prominent personalities.
“After more than two years of a meticulous investigation, the Special Secret Investigation Panel uncovered that Miss Halima Abubakar was behind the slanderous information targeting our members, associates, and patrons, particularly regarding extramarital affairs linked to notable individuals in society,” the guild’s statement read.
In response, Halima’s legal team P.D. Pius & Associates issued a letter dated October 20, condemning Emeka’s claims as “false publications” that have severely harmed her reputation.
The letter emphasised that Halima was deeply distressed by the allegations especially as she has been grappling with health challenges.
Her legal team accused Emeka of exploiting her vulnerable state to perpetuate a damaging narrative, stating that his actions were intended to “stir up public outrage” against her.
“Instead of respecting our client’s rights to privacy and a fair hearing, you chose this sensitive period to promote your false story,” the letter charged.
The actress’ lawyers are demanding that the AGN president retract the statement, issue a public apology and pay N3 billion (approximately $7.5 million) in damages.
“Your false publication has severely damaged our client’s reputation and continues to do so with every passing minute,” the letter stated.
The letter concluded with a seven-day ultimatum for Emeka to comply, warning that failure to do so would result in legal action.