April 16, (THEWILL) – The Association of Movie Producers (AMP), has suspended Adanma Luke, the producer of the upcoming movie in which the late actor, John Paul Odonwodo, a.k.a Junior Pope, was supposed to feature.
Pope died on April 10, after he fell into the River Niger in Asaba, Delta State, on his way to a movie location.
The film star was in the company of other crew members when the incident occurred.
Blessing Ebigieson, AMP national president, disclosed that a committee has been set up to investigate the incident.
AMP said the nine-member committee will investigate the activities that led to the death of Pope and the other victims.
The statement said Luke had been advised to suspend all work pending the submission of the investigation report and the final decision is taken.
AMP also sympathised with the families of those who lost their lives as a result of the boat mishap.
“The news of the boat mishap got to us as a rude shock without comprehension”, the statement reads.
“Following this tragic incident, AMP has set up a nine-man committee to investigate all activities that led to the death of these practitioners on the set of the movie, Another side of Life!
“Meanwhile, the producer, Adamma Luke, is hereby advised to suspend all work pending on the submission of the investigations report, and the final decision is taken. As we mourn our fellow filmmakers, we ask for calm from all sectors, stakeholders, and the public.”
Last week, Luke surrendered herself to the police for questioning over the circumstances that led to Pope’s death.
The producer later explained her side of the story.
The Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN earlier suspended all movies involving riverine locations.
Emeka Rollas, the president of the AGN, also warned filmmakers not to work with Luke until further notice.
Ivory Ukonu is a versatile journalist with many years of experience, with entertainment and society reporting as her area of core competence.
