 has debunked rumors of the death of its Managing Director, Ali Nuhu, assuring fans that the Nollywood){kind=link}
The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) has officially dismissed widespread rumors claiming the death of its Managing Director and popular Nollywood actor, Ali Nuhu, describing the reports as false, malicious, and misleading.
The rumors, which surfaced on social media over the weekend, suggested that the Kannywood and Nollywood star had died in a ghastly motor accident.
A Facebook user, Ifeoma Chigbo, first shared a video insinuating that Nuhu had passed away, sparking confusion and panic among fans across Nigeria and beyond.
Within hours, the false report spread across multiple platforms, with some blogs and individuals amplifying the story without verification.
This prompted an immediate reaction from the NFC to set the records straight.
In a statement signed by Brian Etuk, NFC’s Director of Public Affairs, the agency strongly condemned the rumors, assuring Nigerians that Ali Nuhu is alive, healthy, and actively performing his duties.
“The attention of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) has been drawn to the purported passing of Dr. Ali Nuhu, its current Managing Director/Chief Executive, being orchestrated within the social media space.
The reports, including videos laced with his images, are malicious, injurious, and false in their entirety,” the statement read.
Etuk emphasized that Dr. Nuhu, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in February 2024, remains focused on repositioning the Nigerian film industry for global competitiveness.
The statement further warned individuals behind the fake news to desist, stressing that legal and regulatory actions were already being considered.
“NFC wishes to draw the attention of perpetrators of these uncouth acts, including their sponsors, to the dire consequences of their actions.
Appropriate measures have been initiated to arrest this ugly and unsatisfactory trend,” Etuk added.
The rumor caused an outpouring of emotions online, with fans and colleagues in Nollywood and Kannywood expressing shock and demanding clarity.
Many took to X (formerly Twitter) to trend hashtags such as #AliNuhu and #AliveAndWell, calling for responsible journalism and caution in spreading unverified news.
Several filmmakers and industry stakeholders have since expressed relief at the official clarification, describing Ali Nuhu as a critical pillar in Nigeria’s creative economy.
Known as the “King of Kannywood,” Nuhu has featured in over 500 movies, bridging cultural narratives between Northern and Southern Nigeria.
The NFC used the incident to call attention to the rising menace of fake news in Nigeria, especially targeting public figures.
The agency urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing, noting that unverified stories not only harm reputations but also cause undue panic among the public.
Since assuming leadership at NFC, Nuhu has pushed for stronger international collaborations, improved film financing, and enhanced capacity-building for young filmmakers.
He has also been vocal about using films as a tool for social reorientation and national development.
The NFC reiterated that the Managing Director remains committed to these reforms and assured stakeholders that his leadership continues uninterrupted.