A Nollywood film shoot descended into chaos on Saturday after actor Godwin Nnadiekwe suffered a severe chest injury, resulting in internal bleeding and emergency hospitalization.
Nnadiekwe revealed that fellow actor Zubby Michael violently kicked him in the chest during filming — an action he says was “neither scripted nor approved” by the production team. According to the injured actor, the incident was unexpected and unsanctioned.
A disturbing video circulating on social media shows Zubby Michael exiting a vehicle, vaulting over a barricade, and delivering a forceful kick to Nnadiekwe’s chest before fleeing into a nearby building. The footage clearly identifies Michael as the aggressor in the unscripted attack.
“To be clear, the kick was neither planned nor rehearsed and was entirely unscripted,” Nnadiekwe stated. “It happened without my consent and outside the director’s planned sequence.”
The actor described intense pain following the assault and disclosed that he had to pay for his medical treatment out of pocket, as the production team reportedly offered no support.
“During a scene, I received a kick to the chest from my colleague that wasn’t part of the script or directed by the director,” Nnadiekwe said. “It caused me serious pain. I had to get medication on my own—no assistance.”
He emphasized the critical need for strict safety protocols on film sets, particularly during physical scenes, to prevent accidents and injuries.
“Without proper insurance and immediate medical care on set, unforeseen physical scenes can have devastating consequences. What if it had been worse?” he asked.
Following the incident, Nnadiekwe’s management confirmed his condition worsened, prompting his urgent admission to hospital.
“We regret to inform you that actor Godwin Nnadiekwe was rushed to the hospital this evening,” the statement read. “He is receiving treatment for internal bleeding caused by a chest injury sustained during filming with Zubby Michael.”
The incident has sparked concerns about safety standards on Nollywood sets and the need for better protection and care for actors involved in physically demanding scenes.
