Emeka Rollas, former national president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), has confirmed that the guild’s newly elected president, Abubakar Yakubu, was involved in a car accident.
The incident took place on Tuesday night in Lagos.
In an official statement released on Thursday, Rollas explained that Yakubu’s vehicle suffered a sudden mechanical issue, specifically brake failure, which caused the crash.
He added that the accident resulted in the death of a child and left the child’s mother injured, with the latter currently receiving medical treatment.
Rollas stated that Yakubu “immediately cooperated fully” with law enforcement and emergency responders at the scene.
He added that the leadership of the AGN has visited the affected family to offer condolences, emotional support, and solidarity.
The former AGN president also emphasised that Yakubu, though physically unhurt, is “deeply shaken and heartbroken” by the incident.
Read the full statement below:
The Actors Guild of Nigeria is deeply saddened to confirm the involvement of the National President elect Mr. Abubakar Yakubu, in a tragic road accident that occurred on Tuesday 9th December in Lagos.
The accident, resulting from an unexpected mechanical brake failure, leading to a collision that unfortunately claimed the life of a child and injured the child’s mother, who is currently receiving medical care.
Immediately following the incident, Mr. Yakubu cooperated fully with law enforcement and emergency responders as a law abiding citizen. The Guild Leadership has since visited the affected family to offer condolences, emotional support, and solidarity in this painful moment.
The matter has also been resolved amicably with the family, with a shared understanding that this was a tragic accident with no party at intentional fault. The family has shown remarkable grace and humanity in their response, and we thank them for their understanding.
Mr. Abubakar Yakubu is hale and hearty though deeply shaken by this heartbreaking event. He expresses his profound sorrow and extends his heartfelt prayers for the soul of the departed child and full recovery of the mother.
Accidents are painful reminders of life’s fragility and are no respecter of age, status, tribe, or creed. As a Guild built on unity and compassion, we call on all members, industry stakeholders, and the public to join us in offering prayers and support to all affected, and to refrain from speculation or divisive commentary during this sensitive period.
The AGN remains committed to fostering a culture of care and responsibility, and we stand together in grief, hope, and continued solidarity.
We appeal for privacy and respect for all parties as they heal and recover from this tragedy.
Yakubu was elected the AGN president last week after defeating Rita Daniels by a slim margin.
