In 2025, Nollywood faced an unexpected wave of sorrow as 15 actors and actresses tragically lost their lives. The sudden string of deaths shocked fans and industry stakeholders alike, sparking deep concern and reflection within Nigeria’s film industry.
Nollywood stars, from veterans to rising stars, the losses have left an irreplaceable void, prompting questions about the underlying causes behind this troubling trend. While tributes and condolences continue to pour in, many are left wondering why so many lives were cut short in such a short span.
Let’s take a look at the Nollywood stars who lost their lives in 2025.
- Fabian Adibe:
Veteran actor and TV personality Adibe, who turned 81 in December 2024, passed away peacefully at 2:30 am on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
- Monalisa Steven:
Nollywood actress and body positivity advocate Monalisa Stephen died on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Lagos at age 34. Her death was due to low blood sugar and internal bleeding. The news was confirmed by a family member and announced the next day by Nollywood executive Seun Oloketuyi.
- Nkechi Nweje:
Nollywood actress Nkechi Nweje died on Friday, March 21, 2025, at age 60. While the exact cause is unclear, reports suggest she passed after a brief illness.
- Tolani Akintunde:
Nollywood actress Tolani Akintunde died of a heart attack in the UK on Saturday, May 24, 2025.
- Pat Ugwu:
Nollywood actress Pat Ugwu, 35, passed away on February 5, 2025. The cause of death was not publicly disclosed.
- Chijioke Ike:
Nollywood producer Chijioke Ike died suddenly on January 8, 2025, after collapsing during a family gathering in Eastern Nigeria. His death shocked many.
- Rotimi Raji:
Nollywood director Rotimi Raji, aka “Genius,” died on February 15, 2025, after collapsing in his bathroom at his Lagos home. His body was found by a neighbor.
8.Columbus Irosanga:
Veteran Nollywood actor Columbus Irosanga passed away early Thursday, February 6, 2025, following a brief illness, confirmed by fellow actor Hilda Dokubo.
- Asa Koko:
Veteran Nollywood actor Asa Koko died on January 30, 2025, after a long battle with an undisclosed illness.
- Olaoluwa Dare Lawal:
Olaoluwa Dare Lawal, also known as Ola Olowu, tragically drowned during a night film shoot in a deep river in Ogun State, around late May or early June 2025.
- Tom Njameze:
Veteran Nollywood actor Tom Njemanze died on July 18, 2025, at age 75, after a long battle with prostate cancer.
12.Segun Remi (Chief Karan):
Veteran Yoruba actor Segun Remi, aka Chief Kanran, died on August 15, 2025, at age 72 after a brief illness, leaving the industry in mourning.
13 Omotola Odunsi:
Nollywood actress Omotola Odunsi, aka Motola the Actor, has died at 31. Her death was confirmed by fellow actor Akinola Akano (Segbowe).
14.Seun Confirm:
Nollywood actor Seun Osundiya, aka “Seun Confirm,” died on August 14, 2025, from complications related to an enlarged prostate (BPH).
- Kayode Peters:
Kayode Peters died on the morning of June 28, 2025, in Toronto, Canada, after a prolonged illness.