A Nollywood movie set erupted into real-life drama and danger over the weekend when actor Godwin Nnadiekwe was rushed to the hospital after sustaining a serious chest injury.
The incident, which quickly spread across social media, has sparked outrage and concern over safety standards in the Nigerian film industry.
Nnadiekwe, in multiple posts, explained that the injury was caused by a violent and unscripted kick delivered by fellow actor Zubby Michael, resulting in internal bleeding and immense pain.
In his recount of the events, Nnadiekwe stated that he was caught completely off guard. “During a scene, I received a kick to the chest from my colleague that wasn’t part of the script or directed by the director,” he wrote.
“The pain was unbearable. I had to seek urgent medical attention, pay for everything myself, and handle the trauma with no support from the production crew.”
His tone throughout the posts was one of deep frustration, highlighting the negligence and lack of professionalism he experienced on set.
The video footage that surfaced paints a troubling picture. According to the clip shared by Nnadiekwe, Zubby Michael is seen dramatically exiting a vehicle, leaping over a barricade, and launching a powerful kick directly into Nnadiekwe’s chest.
Moments later, Michael disappears into a nearby building, leaving the injured actor to fend for himself.
“The kick was neither planned nor rehearsed. It was completely unscripted,” Nnadiekwe wrote, echoing the disbelief many viewers felt upon seeing the footage.
In further statements, the actor elaborated on the seriousness of the situation, insisting that what happened was not only unprofessional but dangerous.
“This action was unauthorized and completely outside the director’s planned sequence,” he added. “It happened without my consent. No warning, no agreement—just a sudden, brutal attack.”
The silence from the film’s management and crew only made the situation worse, as no immediate help or apology was offered.
Although Nnadiekwe initially chose not to directly name the assailant, the video left no doubt. “The footage speaks for itself,” he wrote.
“The individual responsible for this was not hidden behind a mask or shadow. It was Zubby Michael. And the consequences of that kick were severe.”
Nnadiekwe revealed that the damage extended beyond pain—it included internal bleeding that needed urgent and expensive hospital treatment.
He continued, “I had to get medication for my chest to feel better today. I did all this by myself. No assistance! No insurance! This isn’t just about me—it’s about every actor who steps on set trusting they’ll be safe while doing their job.”
His words reflect a larger problem in Nollywood: the lack of proper safety measures and medical preparedness on film sets, especially during physical scenes.
Concerned by his deteriorating condition, Nnadiekwe’s management team later released a formal statement confirming that the actor had been admitted to the hospital for emergency care.
“We regret to inform you that Actor Godwin Nnadiekwe was rushed to the hospital this evening,” the statement read.
“He is undergoing treatment for internal bleeding caused by a chest injury sustained during a film shoot with Zubby Michael.”
This incident has raised serious questions about the state of production ethics and actor safety within the industry.
“Without proper insurance and immediate medical care on set, unforeseen physical scenes can have devastating effects,” Nnadiekwe warned. “What if the outcome had been worse? What if I couldn’t walk away from this?”
His words serve as a stark reminder that acting, especially in action-heavy roles, can pose real danger if not handled with care and professionalism.
Calls are now growing louder for Nollywood to adopt stricter safety protocols.
Film directors, producers, and stakeholders are being urged to implement rehearsal standards, get insurance coverage for actors, and assign safety officers during shoots.
“This cannot happen again,” one fan commented under the actor’s post. “It’s high time our industry grew up and protected its talents.”
As Godwin Nnadiekwe continues to recover in the hospital, the Nollywood community is watching closely.
His experience, though traumatic, has opened up an urgent conversation about safety, respect, and accountability in Nigeria’s booming film industry.
Whether real change follows remains to be seen, but for now, Nnadiekwe’s pain has become a wake-up call for an entire industry.
