Nollywood’s Growing Concern: Physical Altercations on Movie Sets
The Nollywood industry has recently been facing a worrying trend: physical conflicts among actors, crew members, and production staff. While disagreements are common on any busy film set, incidents involving violence are sparking serious discussions about safety, professionalism, and mental health within the industry.
Here are some notable cases that have made headlines:
1. Peggy Ovire and Taiye Arimoro
In November 2025, actor Taiye Arimoro accused actress Peggy Ovire of physically assaulting him when his contract ended at 11:59 PM, claiming he was prevented from leaving the set. According to Arimoro, his vehicle was initially stopped by the production manager and later blocked by another car. Feeling unsafe, he went live on Instagram to document the situation.
The confrontation escalated at the estate gate, where Arimoro said Ovire and her team confronted him. He alleged that his tires were deflated, he was surrounded, and he suffered injuries including a fractured jaw, bite marks, and bruises.
Peggy Ovire, through her lawyers, denied the allegations, stating that Arimoro attempted to flee after the incident and that the only physical contact involved a light push when he allegedly tried to deflate her tires.
2. Femi Branch and Assistant Director
In June 2025, actor Femi Branch was accused of assaulting a first assistant director during a production. A viral video showed Branch trying to leave the set while being restrained by crew members, repeatedly questioning the director about being embarrassed publicly.
The Film Crew Community released a statement confirming the incident, noting that Branch had slapped the assistant director but later issued a formal apology. The organization praised the crew for upholding professional standards and ensuring respect on set.
3. Zubby Michael and Godwin Nnadikwe
Actor Godwin Nnadikwe publicly accused Zubby Michael of delivering an unplanned and forceful kick during filming. Nnadikwe stated that the action was not scripted or directed and caused him internal pain, requiring hospital treatment.
In an Instagram post, Nnadikwe emphasized the importance of safety on set, highlighting the lack of first aid and insurance, and called for strict adherence to the script to protect everyone involved.
4. Shirley Igwe and Crew Member
In July 2025, actress Shirley Igwe was suspended by the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN) over allegations of assaulting a crew member on a Lagos film set. AGN advised members to avoid working with her while the matter was under review.
5. Anierobi “Nwa South” Courage and Mary Eze
In October 2025, production manager and casting director Anierobi Courage, known as Nwa South, was arrested for allegedly assaulting head makeup artist Mary Eze on a Lagos set. The Nigerian Film Crew Community condemned the act, calling it unacceptable and stressing the need for accountability.
These incidents highlight an urgent need for stronger safety protocols, mental health support, and professional conduct on Nollywood sets. As the industry grows, ensuring a secure and respectful working environment must remain a top priority.
