What began as a simple night of camaraderie on a film set has ended in heartbreak for the Nollywood community. In a suspected case of deliberate poisoning, two young filmmakers have died, and two others remain hospitalized after consuming a drink during a gathering at a producer’s residence in Owerri, Imo State.
The tragic event, now widely referred to as the Owerri Movie Set Poisoning, occurred on the night of Thursday, April 17, 2025. Those affected were part of a film production team working in the area.
A Night of Bonding Turns Fatal
The survivors recount that the crew had gathered at the producer’s home after a day of filming—a common practice to relax and bond. Alcoholic spirits were reportedly brought out for the group. Of those who drank, four crew members consumed a significant amount. By dawn, two were dead.
The victims, affectionately known by colleagues as Nnunu Cuiz (Israel Monday) and Evans, were up-and-coming talents in Nigeria’s expanding film industry. Their deaths have sent shockwaves through the creative community, prompting grief and growing demands for accountability.
“It all happened so fast,” said Super V, one of the survivors, speaking from his hospital bed at the Federal Teaching Hospital Owerri. “I only had a little to drink. I felt strange and laid down. – The next thing I knew, I was in a hospital bed. I still don’t know who rushed me there.”
Lives Lost, Dreams Destroyed
The story of the deceased makes the loss even more painful. Evans was only days away from his traditional marriage ceremony, scheduled for April 26. Nnunu had been preparing for his mother’s burial, having recently lost her.
“We lost more than co-workers. We lost our brothers,” said a tearful crew member. “They were full of dreams, full of life.”
The other survivor, Swavy, offered a chilling account of what happened that night.
“I drank just half a cup,” he said. “It tasted more bitter than usual. I stopped but took a little more later. Within five minutes, people began shouting, holding their stomachs. I thought rest would help. But I passed out and woke up in the hospital.”
According to Swavy, the group began drinking around 10:00 to 11:00 p.m., and by 11:15 p.m., symptoms of poisoning had already started to manifest.
Actors Guild of Nigeria Responds
As the community mourns, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has stepped in. AGN Chairman, Mr. Chikodi Frances, popularly known as Mopolico Films, visited the hospital where the survivors are treated, offering solidarity and promising the Guild’s support. Unfortunately, Swavy was unconscious then and unable to speak with the chairman directly.
While there has been no formal statement from police authorities, the AGN’s involvement signals the seriousness of the case. The Guild has urged law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of death and identify whether this was a tragic accident or a targeted act of foul play.
“This is a wake-up call to protect our creative professionals,” an AGN member said. “We cannot allow this tragedy to fade without answers.”
Grief, Shock, and a Demand for Truth
As families prepare to bury their sons and the community grapples with loss, the film production has been suspended indefinitely. What was once a vibrant set filled with hope and hustle is now a crime scene marked by silence and sorrow.
“This kind of pain should never happen again,” a grieving relative said. “We need to know what happened. We need justice.”
The Filmmakers Suspected Poisoning incident has not only shaken Owerri but also raised alarms throughout Nollywood about the safety and well-being of young creatives. Many are now calling for stricter safety protocols on set and better protections for cast and crew.
As the survivors continue to recover, and investigations slowly begin, one thing remains clear: the Nigerian film industry has lost two rising stars whose stories ended too soon. And until the truth is uncovered, a cloud of heartbreak and suspicion will continue to linger over Owerri’s movie scene.
