Abubakar Yakubu, the newly elected president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), was taken into police custody following a road accident in the Surulere area of Lagos that claimed the life of a child and injured the child’s mother, authorities confirmed on Wednesday.
The incident occurred on December 9, just days after Yakubu’s narrow election victory over rival Rita Daniels, the mother of Nollywood actress Regina Daniels. Yakubu secured the leadership post by 116 votes to 113, with three ballots rejected.
According to a statement released by the outgoing AGN president, Emeka Rollas, the crash was caused by a sudden mechanical brake failure, leading to the tragic collision. “The matter has been resolved amicably with the family, with a shared understanding that this was a tragic accident with no party at intentional fault,” Rollas said.
Rollas added that Yakubu remained at the scene and fully cooperated with law enforcement officials and emergency responders. He described the president-elect’s actions as those of a “law-abiding citizen”.
The AGN leadership, accompanied by Yakubu, has since visited the bereaved family to offer condolences and support. “Accidents are painful reminders of life’s fragility and are no respecter of age, status, tribe, or creed,” Rollas said, urging the public to prioritise empathy over speculation.
Yakubu’s detention followed standard police procedures, and enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing. The child’s mother is reported to be receiving medical care for injuries sustained in the collision.
