Ladipo Kidnappers: AGN, Kanayo Disassociate from Slain Filmmaker, Actors

In a recent operation in Ladipo, Mushin, the Lagos Police Command’s Special Squad One Team successfully neutralized nine members of a notorious kidnapping gang, suspected of planning abductions of affluent individuals in Lagos State. According to reports,  the police recovered significant weaponry and vehicles from the scene, but identities of the deceased were not disclosed pending further investigation.

Shortly after the incident, Stanley Nwoko, known as Stanley Ontop, a filmmaker and actor based in Asaba, Delta State, took to social media to identify Henry Odenigbo, the purported leader of the gang, as a movie producer and CEO of Ason-Rich Movie Production. Nwoko accused Odenigbo of bringing illicit funds into Nollywood and tarnishing its reputation.

Odenigbo, through Ason-Rich Movie Production, reportedly produced over ten films in 2024 alone, involving collaborations with prominent Nollywood actors such as Yul Edochie and Kelvin Ikeduba. Despite this, both the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and veteran actor Kanayo O. Kanayo have moved swiftly to distance themselves from Odenigbo and the other individuals allegedly involved.

Osuwa Chigozie, Chairman of the AGN Rivers State Chapter, emphasized that the deceased, including Odenigbo, were not registered members of their guild. He stated, “They have never been associated with our guild events and are not on our register.” Chigozie denounced any false connections linking the AGN to the tragic events in Lagos.

Kanayo O. Kanayo echoed similar sentiments on his Instagram page, cautioning against labeling the suspected kidnappers as representatives of Nollywood. He urged caution in distinguishing genuine filmmakers and actors from those using the industry as a cover for criminal activities.

Emeka Duru, AGN’s Financial Secretary, reinforced these points, asserting that none of the slain individuals were associated with reputable film associations despite their involvement in filmmaking activities. He emphasized the importance of rigorous screening processes to prevent such individuals from infiltrating the industry.

As investigations continue into the identities and backgrounds of those involved, stakeholders in Nollywood remain committed to safeguarding the integrity of the industry and ensuring that incidents like these do not tarnish its reputation further.