Halima Abubakar Suspended by Actors' Guild of Nigeria 

In a really strong move, the Actors' Guild of Nigeria, one of the most powerful guilds in Nigeria, has indefinitely suspended the renowned Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar over allegations of professional misconduct after a two-year investigation. Announced on Friday, this decision by AGN shows the seriousness with which professionalism needs to be upheld within the Nollywood industry.

The investigation, according to the Guild, proved that Abubakar was into defamatory activities against her colleagues, peddling damaging rumors, and falsely implicating others in extra-marital affairs including renowned persons within and outside the Nollywood industry. The Guild said Abubakar was at the center of a smear campaign activity that had damaged the good names and reputations of fellow actors, associates, and major patrons of the industry.

For now, Abubakar's case will be brought before the AGN's National Disciplinary Committee, though her suspension is indefinite. This means she will not be allowed to engage in any activity or project that has to do with the Guild. This move further shows that AGN will not relent in its efforts to ensure that the interest of its members is safeguarded, as well as sustained, in the showbiz industry.

The probe of Abubakar is part of the larger investigations involving other actresses, said to be embroiled in a scandal involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio, with their names cropping up in a sex scandal with an extra-marital dealing scandal. AGN stands very firm on its efforts to sanitize the industry and will, in equal measures, further delve into the case.

In doing so, the Actors' Guild has made a landmark move in setting a precedent in Nollywood by reminding the actors of their commitment to professionalism, and that there is a price for unethical behavior by its members.