Olayiwola Matthew
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has suspended actress Shirley Igwe indefinitely for allegedly assaulting a crew member during a film production in Lagos.
Shirley’s suspension was announced in a letter dated July 19 and signed by Emeka Rollas, AGN national president, on behalf of filmmaking regulatory bodies.
The incident occurred on a film set in Lagos where the actress allegedly slapped a crew member during an altercation.
The guild said it found the actress guilty of “professional misconduct, violence, and indiscipline”.
The AGN said such behaviour violates its code of conduct and could damage the reputation 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 letter reads.
“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.”
AGN also issued a directive barring its members from working with Shirley on any film project.
“Members are hereby directed to refrain from participating in any film production involving her,” it added.
The actress has previously worked as a principal protocol officer to Rochas Okorocha, the former Imo state governor.
Shirley gained popularity for her role as Adaora in the 2012 film ‘Mercy the Bus Driver’.
Since joining Nollywood, she has featured in films such as ‘The King’s Search’ (2017), ‘Stormy Hearts’ (2017), ‘Love and Shadows’ (2019), and ‘Blackout’ (2025).
In October 2024, AGN suspended actress Halima Abubakar for “spreading false information about fellow members and having extramarital affairs with highly placed individuals”