Chief Emeka Rollas, the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), has dismissed viral reports claiming he was arrested and detained by the police in Umuahia, Abia State. The reports suggested his arrest stemmed from allegations of imposing an unelected chairman on the AGN’s Abia State chapter.
In a telephone conversation with reporters, Rollas clarified that the claims were baseless and malicious. He explained that he had traveled to Umuahia due to the passing of his mother-in-law and decided to attend a meeting organized by the Abia State interim chairman to encourage member participation.
During the meeting, an individual reportedly emerged from the crowd, hurling insults and issuing threats. Rollas stated that he made a distress call to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 9, who intervened. The individuals involved were invited for questioning, and the meeting resumed without further disruptions.
After the meeting, Rollas visited the police station to officially report the threats to his life. He emphasized, “I was not arrested or detained. That report is completely false.”
Cornel Udofia, spokesperson for the AGN president, also debunked the rumors in a statement. He described the report as a fabrication meant to embarrass both the AGN president and the Nigeria Police Force.
The statement outlined the ongoing challenges within the Abia State chapter of the AGN, including disputes over leadership since 2024, when an unauthorized election was held. The National AGN body has since appointed interim leaders, with the latest being Emmanuel Ehumadu, who chaired his first meeting on January 9, 2025. Rollas attended the meeting to show support.
The statement reaffirmed Rollas’ commitment to resolving the issues in Abia State while ensuring the safety and unity of AGN members nationwide. It also condemned the spreading of false information intended to tarnish the reputation of the Guild and its leadership.
