AGN Suspends Shirley Igwe Indefinitely Over Alleged Assault on Crew Member

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has suspended Nollywood actress Shirley Igwe indefinitely following allegations that she assaulted a crew member during a film shoot in Lagos.

The suspension, announced in a letter dated July 19 and signed by AGN national president Emeka Rollas, cited the actress for “professional misconduct, violence, and indiscipline” on set.

According to the guild, the incident involved Igwe allegedly slapping a crew member during an altercation on a movie set in Lagos. Following preliminary investigations, the AGN concluded that her actions violated the guild’s code of conduct and posed a threat to the image of the acting profession.

“Following our preliminary investigations into the allegation of violence levelled against actress Shirley Igwe on a film set in Lagos, the National Executive Council (NEC) has resolved to place her on indefinite suspension,” the statement read.

“This suspension is due to her professional misconduct, violence, and indiscipline — actions capable of discrediting the acting profession. These offences contravene the actors’ code of conduct and are punishable by constitutional provisions.”

As part of the disciplinary action, the AGN also directed all its members to refrain from collaborating with the actress on any film project during the suspension.

Shirley Igwe, a former principal protocol officer to ex-Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, rose to fame in Nollywood after her role as Adaora in the 2012 film Mercy the Bus Driver. She has since starred in several titles, including The King’s Search (2017), Stormy Hearts (2017), Love and Shadows (2019), and Blackout (2025).

This is not the first time the AGN has taken disciplinary action against a member. In October 2024, the guild suspended actress Halima Abubakar for allegedly spreading false information about fellow members and for involvement in extramarital affairs with high-profile individuals.