Two Nollywood Actors Die After Wrap Party in Owerri: Rice and Wine Under Investigation

 

A somber cloud hangs over the Nigerian film industry as the Imo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the untimely death of two male actors following a house gathering in Owerri, the state capital. The tragic incident occurred on Friday, April 18, after the victims reportedly consumed rice and wine offered during a post-shoot celebration.

The deceased, whose identities remain undisclosed as of the time of reporting, were part of a group of entertainers who had just concluded filming a movie. According to emerging reports, they were among several guests hosted at a celebratory gathering allegedly organized by the movie's director. The group, which included four actors and three young women, enjoyed a meal and drinks provided by their host.

However, what began as a night of celebration ended in disaster.

Sources reveal that all seven attendees—four male actors and three women—were in good spirits after the shoot. The director, reportedly the host of the gathering, served rice for dinner and presented a bottle of Calypso and wine as drinks. It was alleged that the drinks were shared among the group, although two of the male guests—now deceased—consumed the lion's share of the alcohol.

A source identified as Kaito Karisia, who is believed to be close to the unfolding events, disclosed to Leadership News that the movie director retired early to bed, leaving the remaining guests still enjoying the evening. At around midnight, the director allegedly got up to switch from generator power to the public electricity supply and was confronted with a harrowing sight: two of the actors lay lifeless, while the other two were found gasping for breath.

The four male guests were rushed immediately to the Federal University Teaching Hospital in Owerri. Medical staff declared two of them dead on arrival, while the other two are reportedly receiving treatment and responding positively, according to Karisia.

“One of the survivors told me they all ate rice and drank Calypso and wine, but he and the other survivor only took a few sips. The two others who are now dead finished the bottle,” Karisia stated. His account has fueled growing speculation that food or drink poisoning could be at the center of the tragic turn of events.

In response to the incident, Imo State police authorities have launched an official investigation to determine the cause of death. The movie director and the three female guests who were also present in the apartment that night have been taken into custody and are currently being interrogated. Authorities are reportedly not ruling out foul play.

Police sources indicate that samples of the food and drink are being collected for forensic analysis, and autopsies on the deceased are expected to provide further insight into what caused the deaths.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the local Nollywood community and beyond, as many struggle to understand how an evening intended to mark a professional milestone could turn so fatally wrong. Tributes have begun pouring in online from colleagues, fans, and fellow creatives, even as the identities of the victims remain undisclosed pending official confirmation and family notification.

Meanwhile, authorities are urging the public to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified theories until the investigation concludes.

“This is a deeply tragic situation, and we are committed to uncovering the truth. The public will be kept informed as we proceed,” a police spokesperson said.

The event underscores growing concerns around safety and trust in social and professional gatherings, particularly in Nigeria’s burgeoning entertainment sector. As investigations continue, the film community awaits clarity and justice for the two young lives cut tragically short.