By Daniel Otera
As the Nigerian film industry grapples with a string of tragic deaths, tributes pour in for Johnson and Gozman who died in a car crash returning from a wedding
The Nigerian movie industry has once again been thrown into mourning following the death of two promising cinematographers, Johnson and Gozman, who lost their lives in a tragic car crash along Port Harcourt Road.
The duo were reportedly on their way back from a colleague’s wedding when the fatal accident occurred, cutting short two rising careers in Nollywood’s behind-the-scenes talent pool.
Confirming the development via his Instagram page, popular actor and filmmaker Yul Edochie shared a candlelight image as a solemn tribute. He lamented the growing number of untimely deaths plaguing the entertainment industry.
“Too many untimely deaths in Nollywood. Really sad. R.I.P. to our fallen brothers. May God grant your families the strength to bear this painful loss,” Edochie wrote.
The deaths of Johnson and Gozman come at a time when the Nigerian film community is still reeling from recent bereavements that have rocked the industry. Nigeria’s vibrant film industry has entered 2025 on a sombre note, grappling with a succession of untimely deaths that have cast a shadow over its creative community.
The year began with shockwaves following the death of actress, model, and fitness coach Pat Ugwu, who passed away on 5 February at just 35. Known for her roles in Lack of Money, Twist of Fate, and Port Harcourt Lady, Ugwu was celebrated not only for her screen presence but also for her entrepreneurial drive, founding PatPat Fitness and gaining a large following on social media. Her sudden demise stunned fans and colleagues who had followed her active lifestyle and frequent online engagements.
Just 24 hours later, another blow struck the industry. Veteran actor and theatre lecturer Columbus Irosanga, renowned for his role in the cult classic Issakaba, died on 6 February. A senior lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt’s Department of Theatre Arts, Irosanga was admired for his dual contributions to academia and film. His passing was announced by actress Hilda Dokubo, who described it as “deeply painful”.
The grief did not end there.
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In April 2025, two up-and-coming actors died under unclear circumstances during a house party in Owerri, Imo State. According to local media, they were among four guests at the residence of a film director when the tragedy occurred. The other two were rushed to the hospital. Police authorities confirmed the arrest of the director and three others while launching a full investigation. The identities of the deceased actors were yet to be formally released at the time of reporting.
Reacting to the incident, Emeka Rollas, President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), condemned the incident and urged stricter compliance with guild membership rules.
“If you are not a member of AGN, don’t go to location again. Enough of these deaths,” he warned in a press statement, adding that unionisation and spiritual accountability were vital to halting what he described as “a disturbing trend”.
These tragedies come on the heels of a difficult 2024, during which Nollywood lost several household names including Mr Ibu (John Okafor), Amaechi Muonagor, and Junior Pope Odonwodo, whose deaths stirred nationwide mourning and renewed concerns over health, safety, and welfare in the industry.
Observers say the back-to-back deaths have reignited long-standing calls for institutional reforms, health insurance schemes, and better welfare provisions for creative professionals. Nollywood, the world’s second-largest film industry by volume, continues to thrive in output but often lacks the safety nets that should protect its workforce.
Yul Edochie’s tribute reflects the growing concern among stakeholders over the psychological and emotional toll these successive losses are having on members of the industry.
While Nollywood is often celebrated for its glamour and creativity, the recent wave of tragedies is exposing the fragile human realities behind the cameras. Colleagues of the late Johnson and Gozman have also taken to social media to express their shock, remembering them as dedicated, pass
