Junior Pope: AGN suspends riverine shoots, blacklists producer of ill-fated movie

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has suspended all movies involving riverine locations, following the death of Junior Pope, the film star.

Born John Paul Odonwodo, Pope fell into the River Niger in Asaba, Delta state on his way to a movie location on Wednesday.

It was reported that he was in the company of some other actors.

Abubakar Yakubu, the national secretary of AGN, earlier said the actor died from the boat mishap.

A few hours later, Yakubu said the actor “was alive but in a coma”.

But on Thursday morning, Emeka Rollas, president of the AGN, confirmed the death of Pope.

Rollas, who had earlier announced that Pope was “alive”, said: “My first post was out of excitement when we noticed his tingling fingers”.

In a follow-up statement, the AGN president said the production of the movie titled ‘Another Side of Life’, which the crew members were going to before losing their lives, has also been suspended.

The AGN president further instructed that no one should work with Adamma Luke, the movie producer, “until further notice”.

Rollas also declared Thursday, April 11, as ‘No Shoot Day’ for all filmmakers.

“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 waterside of River Niger Cable point Asaba on 10th of April 2024 on a movie set titled “The other side of Life” produced by Adamma Luke. The Leadership of the Guild has taken the following decisions,” the statement reads in part.

“All Films that involve riverine areas and boat riding is hereby suspended indefinitely.

“No Shoot on all locations Nationwide on Thursday 11th 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 soul rest in peace.”