Nigerian actor Alexx Ekubo, a familiar face in British-Nollywood crossover productions, has died at the age of 40. Sources close to the actor confirm he passed away in Lagos on Tuesday. The cause of death has not been disclosed, but sources indicate it was unexpected.
Ekubo was best known for his roles in romantic comedies such as “The Wedding Party” and “A Trip to Jamaica”. But behind the smile was a man who navigated the murky waters of international film finance. His connections stretched from Lagos to London, where he worked with British producers on co-productions that promised to bridge two film industries.
“He was a dreamer,” said a producer who worked with him on a 2018 project that never saw the light of day. “But he also had a sharp eye for a deal. He knew how to make things happen.”
Those deals are now being scrutinised. Uncovered documents suggest Ekubo was entangled in a web of offshore financing and shell companies. Sources say his production company, Ekubo Films, received funding from a British Virgin Islands entity that has since been dissolved. Questions are being asked about where the money came from and where it went.
“Alexx was always generous,” said a former colleague. “He’d pick up the tab at fancy restaurants. But he never talked about where his money came from.”
The British Film Institute (BFI) confirmed they had funded a short film Ekubo produced in 2019. “Our grants are awarded after rigorous due diligence,” a BFI spokesperson said. “We are looking into the matter internally.”
His death leaves a void in Nollywood and among his British collaborators. Tributes have poured in from actors and directors on both sides of the Atlantic. But for those who followed the money, his death raises more questions than answers.
“Corruption in the film industry is not new,” said an investigative journalist focusing on diaspora smuggling rings. “But when an actor dies suddenly, you have to wonder if he knew too much.”
The Nigerian police have launched an investigation. “We are treating this as an unexplained death,” said Commissioner Isa Akinseye. “We will not rule out foul play.”
Ekubo's family has appealed for privacy. “He was a son, a brother, a friend,” read a statement. “We ask that you remember him for his work, not for the rumours.”
But the rumours persist. In a business where cash flows like palm wine, Ekubo’s death is a stark reminder that the party often ends badly. The question is: who’s footing the bill?
