Junior Pope: AGN suspends riverine shoots, suspends producer Luke

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has suspended the shooting of movies in riverine areas across the country.

The AGN also suspended Nollywood filmmaker Adanma Luke following the death of actor Junior Odonwodo, fondly called Junior Pope.

The AGN made this known via a statement issued by its president, Emeka Rollas, on Thursday, April 11, 2024.

Junior Pope was among the persons who drowned while returning from a shoot for a movie titled ‘Another Side of Life’ which was being produced by Adanma. Their boat capsized around Cable Point at the waterside of River Niger in Asaba, Delta State.

AGN makes U-turn, declares Junior Pope dead

Rollas stated: “Following the tragic incident of boat mishap that claimed the life of Mr John Paul Odonwodo aka Junior Pope and four other crew members at the waterside of River Niger Cable point Asaba on 10 April 2024 on a movie set titled ‘The other side of Life’ produced by Adanma Luke.

“The leadership of the Guild has taken the following decisions: All films that involve riverine areas and boat riding are at this moment suspended indefinitely; no shoot on all locations Nationwide on Thursday, 11 April 2024.

“The film titled ‘Another Side of Life’ is suspended indefinitely; no actor is allowed to work with Adamma Luke as a producer till further notice. While we keep searching for the bodies of the remaining persons, may their souls rest in peace.”

The Star