The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) has strongly dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that its Director and Chief Executive, Dr. Ali Nuhu, has passed away.
In an official statement signed by Brian Etuk, NFC’s Director of Public Affairs, the agency described the news as “false, malicious, and injurious,” stressing that Ali Nuhu is alive, well, and discharging his official duties as the head of the film regulatory body.
“NFC wishes to draw the attention of perpetrators of these uncouth and dastardly acts, including their sponsors, to the dire and unmistakable consequences of their actions, no matter the innocuousness of their intent,” the statement read.
The NFC further noted that appropriate measures have been initiated to track down those responsible for spreading the rumors, warning against the dangers of misinformation. The Corporation described the circulation of the fake news as “ugly, baleful, and unsatisfactory conduct” that undermines public trust.
The death hoax gained momentum late Monday evening, when posts and videos containing images of Dr. Nuhu spread rapidly across social media platforms, sparking widespread concern among fans and stakeholders in the Nigerian film industry.
The NFC acknowledged the genuine concern and support shown by members of the public and stakeholders in both private and public sectors, who sought clarification following the circulation of the rumors.
Dr. Ali Nuhu, often referred to as the “King of Kannywood” and widely celebrated for his contributions to Nollywood and Hausa-language cinema, was appointed as the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Film Corporation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on February 12, 2024. His leadership has been seen as a significant move to bridge mainstream Nollywood with the northern film industry.
The NFC’s rebuttal also draws attention to the growing problem of fake news in Nigeria, particularly concerning public figures. The spread of false reports about celebrity deaths has become a recurring trend on social media, often causing unnecessary panic and reputational damage.
As part of its response, the NFC assured the public that it is committed to upholding transparency and accountability, and it urged Nigerians to rely on official channels for verified information.
For now, the Corporation has reaffirmed that Dr. Ali Nuhu remains in office, alive and healthy, continuing his efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s film industry and promote its growth on the global stage.
The NFC’s swift response is seen as not just a defense of its leadership but also as a warning against malicious rumor-mongering, which has become a worrying trend in the country’s digital space.
