Tragedy strikes Nollywood: Two Movie Crew Members Die from Suspected Food Poisoning in Imo

Sadness and lamentations has swept.through Nigeria’s film industry as two film crew members from a Nollywood movie died on Friday, April 18, 2025, in Owerri, Imo State, from suspected food poisoning.

The incident occurred at Works Layout beside Nwaosu Street, the state capital, where the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) members had called to establish a film production.

Eyewitnesses and officials within the guild say the tragedy occurred after lunch and drinks were offered to the crew during or just after the shoot.

Monday Israel and Evans Sampson are the two crew members who died. According to witnesses, they began vomiting and became unconscious after the meal and drinks—reported to have been served during a casual wrap-up meeting.

They were taken immediately to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri, where they were certified dead on arrival. Two other people who also consumed the same meal were discovered unconscious and are also undergoing treatment at the same hospital.

Mr. Conac Umez, the former AGN chairman in Imo State, confirmed the tragic development. A statement made by Umez indicated that the movie team had finished the day’s work and were at the producer’s residence to mark the occasion with a light celebration when disaster struck. At the occasion, a Calypso-flavored beverage was shared among the invitees.

The drama, as he explained, began when two crew members inexplicably started vomiting and lost consciousness. Two others were later discovered unconscious in a neighboring room and were taken to hospital as well.

Interestingly enough, the producer of the film, as reported, also had the same drink but did not feel any of the symptoms of illness, adding to the mystery of the incident.

The Imo State Police Command launched the investigation into the death. Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, corroborated that the Police Commissioner, CP Aboki Danjuma, directed the full forensic autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

“Part of the investigation is that some individuals have been taken in for questioning,” DSP Okoye said, noting that the authorities are bent on unraveling the tragic incidence.

The crash has sent shock waves in the Nigerian film industry, with many actors and producers, as well as fans, mourning the tragedy and calling for better safety and accountability on film sets.

This is a tragic loss,” one of the co-actors who worked with the victims on the movie said. “They were both dedicated and diligent individuals. We are saddened and call for answers.”

Condolences also poured in on social media, with many calling on the AGN and concerned authorities to ensure that justice is served and such losses prevented in the future.

The devastating accident has once more sparked demands for tighter health and safety measures in the Nigerian film industry. As the investigation continues, the Nollywood community prays that justice will be done and that the lives lost will not be forgotten.