Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Lifts Suspension on Adanma Luke and Reinstates Riverine Filming Ban Following Junior Pope’s Fatal Boat Accident
Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News
3 minutes read. Updated 11:00AM GMT Sun, 4August , 2024
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has officially lifted its suspension of actress and producer Adanma Luke, just four months following the tragic death of renowned actor Junior Pope. Luke, who produced the ill-fated film “The Other Side of Life,” faced a suspension from the guild due to a tragic accident involving the late actor and four crew members.
On April 10, 2024, the boat carrying Junior Pope and his team capsized in the River Niger near Asaba, Delta State, while en route to the film’s location. The incident led to the untimely deaths of Pope and four other crew members, casting a somber shadow over the Nigerian film industry.
The AGN’s initial response to the tragedy was a suspension of Adanma Luke for allegedly violating safety protocols. The guild also imposed a ban on filming in riverine areas until further notice. This decision was met with significant concern within the industry, as it affected numerous ongoing and planned projects.
In a recent development, AGN’s National Secretary, Abubakar Yakubu, announced the lifting of the suspension. “The National President of the Guild, Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas, MON, uses this opportunity to announce the lifting of the suspension placed on Adanma Luke, producer of the movie ‘Another Side of Life,’ where star actor Junior Pope and four other crew members lost their lives in Anam River,” Yakubu stated.
Furthermore, the AGN has also lifted the prohibition on filming in riverine areas. However, the guild has emphasized the need for all members to adhere strictly to safety standards as outlined in the AGN Bylaws. This move aims to ensure that future productions can proceed safely while respecting the lessons learned from the tragic incident.
