A new layer of controversy has emerged in Nollywood as Jane Thomas Rogers, Director of the Association of Indigenous Filmmakers and Content Creators of Nigeria (AIFCON), publicly addressed Emeka Rollas, the outgoing president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), over his recent comments concerning Senator Ned Nwoko and actress Regina Daniels.
In an open letter now circulating widely across social platforms, Rogers challenged what she described as Rollas’ “laughable attempt” to appear impartial in the ongoing dispute, accusing him of masking allegiance with carefully worded statements.
According to Rogers, Rollas’ present position is far from neutral. She alleges that Regina Daniels and her mother, Rita Daniels, once played key roles in connecting him to Senator Nwoko, a relationship she claims later influenced certain appointments within the guild’s leadership structure.
Rogers argues that true impartiality would have required Rollas to address, even cautiously, Regina Daniels’ public allegations of domestic violence, sexual assault, and attempted rape—accusations that have sparked heated public conversation. Instead, she notes, he focused almost entirely on the senator’s claims of drug abuse.
The AIFCON director also criticized Rollas for his silence on a separate and deeply troubling case: the alleged rape of a 10-year-old child actor on a movie set in 2023. She reminded him that despite the victim being a young performer, Rollas dismissed the matter as the responsibility of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP), not the AGN.
Rogers contrasts that silence with his readiness to speak publicly about the Regina–Nwoko situation, suggesting that his involvement now may be influenced by Senator Nwoko’s status as chairman of the AGN Board of Patrons.
In what she describes as a “pocket solution approach,” Rogers accuses Rollas of prioritizing personal interest over moral responsibility. She argues that his recent references to Rita Daniels’ political aspirations appear timed to weaken her chances following her fallout with Senator Nwoko.
Rogers revisits earlier internal elections within the AGN, claiming Rollas has long attempted to influence electoral outcomes for personal benefit. She recounts receiving a lengthy call from him during the Kaduna elections, where he allegedly lobbied for his preferred candidate based on personal considerations.
The filmmaker insists her critiques of the AGN’s leadership stem from a desire for reform rather than hostility. She cites her past intervention regarding the guild’s lack of a permanent office—an issue she says was addressed only after public pressure from concerned stakeholders.
Instead of embracing such feedback, Rogers claims Rollas often labels critics as adversaries and uses his influence to humiliate or sideline them. She compares this approach to what she describes as Senator Nwoko’s pattern of exerting power over the vulnerable.
Addressing Rollas’ statements about Regina Daniels’ alleged drug use, Rogers questions whether the AGN president made any attempt to support or investigate her situation, especially given Regina’s claim that her struggles were connected to pressures within her marriage.
Rogers suggests that in publicly backing Senator Nwoko, Rollas appears to have chosen influence and power over the welfare of a young guild member, raising concerns about fairness and transparency within the AGN leadership.
The AIFCON director expresses disappointment at what she considers a culture of self-interest pervasive in the guild’s upper ranks. She warns that such behaviour could set damaging precedents for Nollywood’s emerging talents.
In her message to entertainers across Nigeria, Rogers advises them to avoid being manipulated by individuals whose personal agendas may disguise themselves as mentorship or industry guidance.
She urges them to make independent decisions that protect their long-term interests.
Rogers concludes by recalling how the industry once defended the Daniels family during the early years of Regina’s marriage, only for some of the same voices to now criticize mother and daughter.
Her letter ends with a call for integrity, accountability, and a more compassionate industry culture.
