Nollywood, Africa’s bustling film industry, is celebrated for its creativity, innovation, and the sheer energy of its productions. Yet, behind the glitz and glamour lies a high-pressure environment where long hours, tight deadlines, and strong personalities can sometimes ignite conflicts. Recent reports suggest that the industry is grappling with a growing trend of physical altercations on set, raising serious concerns about safety, professionalism, and crew welfare.
While disagreements are a natural part of any collaborative project, a series of recent incidents indicates that some clashes have escalated beyond words into violence, leaving actors, production staff, and crew members injured and shaken.
Peggy Ovire and Taye Arimoro: A Public Showdown
One of the most talked-about confrontations involved actress Peggy Ovire and actor Taye Arimoro. Videos shared online by Arimoro showed him with visible injuries, claiming that he was attacked by Ovire and members of her team after attempting to leave the set once his scheduled work hours had ended. CCTV footage circulated online appeared to show Ovire’s team preventing Arimoro’s car from leaving the filming location, while the actor livestreamed parts of the incident, explaining that he only wanted to finish his day.
Ovire’s perspective, however, told a very different story. She maintained that Arimoro had assaulted two of her crew members and left before completing the remaining scenes he was contracted to shoot. According to her, the production manager had asked him to stay for an additional 30 minutes to complete the final shots, but the situation escalated when the actor allegedly became violent. Ovire added that her driver intervened by blocking Arimoro’s car after the alleged attack on the production manager.
The incident drew national attention, sparking online debates about accountability, professionalism, and the responsibilities of both actors and crew on set. Industry observers have urged producers to implement clear policies to prevent such altercations in the future.
Anierobi “Nwa South” Courage and Mary Eze: Crew Safety Under Threat
Another alarming incident occurred in October 2025, when Nollywood production manager Anierobi Courage, popularly known as Nwa South, was arrested following an alleged assault on lead makeup artist Mary Eze during the filming of Lagos to Opulence. Viral videos depicted Courage grabbing Eze by the neck while exchanging heated words, prompting widespread outrage.
The Nigerian Film Crew Community condemned the attack, describing it as “animalistic behaviour” and emphasizing the dangers faced by behind-the-scenes staff who are often the first to arrive and the last to leave. According to the NFCC, the altercation occurred after Eze spoke out against unequal treatment among the crew, underscoring the vulnerabilities that makeup artists, costume designers, and other essential staff face on set.
The organization called for Courage to be blacklisted from future projects and reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on violence, urging producers to prioritize crew welfare and workplace safety.
Femi Branch and an Assistant Director: Creative Disagreements Turn Physical
Veteran actor Femi Branch also found himself embroiled in controversy after allegedly assaulting a first assistant director during a production in June 2025. Eyewitnesses reported that the incident arose from a disagreement over creative instructions, with Branch reportedly reacting aggressively when the assistant director attempted to guide him on a scene.
Footage showed Branch attempting to leave the set while being restrained by crew members. The Film Crew Community later issued a statement confirming that Branch had apologized to the assistant director and the crew, commending the team for maintaining professionalism and refusing to tolerate on-set violence.
Zubby Michael and Godwin Nnadikwe: The Dangers of Unscripted Actions
In another troubling case, actor Godwin Nnadikwe claimed he was hospitalized after receiving an unscripted kick from co-actor Zubby Michael during a shoot. Nnadikwe reported that the kick was neither planned nor directed by the filmmaker, and that he had to secure medical care on his own due to the absence of on-set insurance or first-aid provisions.
The incident highlighted the need for strict adherence to scripts and proper safety protocols to prevent injuries. Nnadikwe used social media to stress the importance of respect, safety, and communication on set.
Shirley Igwe Suspended by Actors’ Guild
Earlier this year, actress Shirley Igwe was placed on indefinite suspension by the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN) following allegations that she assaulted a crew member during a Lagos shoot. The guild cited professional misconduct, violence, and indiscipline as reasons for the suspension, warning members to avoid working on productions involving Igwe.
The suspension sparked mixed reactions, with some praising the AGN for enforcing accountability, while others argued that a thorough investigation of all parties involved was necessary.
Industry at a Crossroads
These incidents collectively reflect a troubling shift in Nollywood, where tensions on set have escalated into physical confrontations. As the industry continues to grow in scale and global recognition, experts and industry stakeholders are calling for more robust policies to protect crew members, ensure contractual obligations are respected, and promote a culture of respect and professionalism on set.
The conversation now extends beyond mere scandal—it is a wake-up call for Nollywood to establish safer working environments, where creativity can thrive without the shadow of violence.
