Award-winning Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating on social media alleging that he is being sued by FirstBank over an unpaid ₦5 billion loan reportedly obtained to finance his blockbuster film, Aníkúlápó.
The rumour, which gained traction on several social media platforms, claimed that Afolayan borrowed ₦5 billion from the bank in 2022 to produce the movie, repaid only part of the loan after Netflix acquired the rights to the film, and was subsequently served court papers for allegedly defaulting on the balance.
However, reacting in a video released on Friday, the celebrated filmmaker described the claims as baseless, insisting that neither he nor his production company owes FirstBank or any other financial institution such an amount.
“I normally don’t respond to this kind of nonsense, but because many of my family members, friends and well-wishers have been calling out of concern, I have to set the record straight,” Afolayan said.
The filmmaker jokingly added that he would gladly accept a ₦5 billion facility if any bank was willing to offer one.
“If I find any bank that is ready to give me ₦5 billion, I will gladly collect it because I will use it for the betterment of the country. But the truth is that there is nothing like that,” he said.
Afolayan explained that Aníkúlápó was produced through a straightforward co-production agreement between his company, Golden Effects Pictures, and Netflix, stressing that the project was not financed through the alleged bank loan.
“Aníkúlápó was a co-production between Golden Effects and Netflix. It was a clear and straightforward business arrangement. No money is owed to anyone,” he stated.
He also dismissed claims that FirstBank had initiated legal proceedings against him, describing the bank as a long-standing business partner.
“There is no litigation. We have a very cordial relationship with FirstBank. We’ve worked together before, and we are still collaborating on different projects. There is absolutely no issue between us,” Afolayan said.
While hinting that he knows those behind the false report, the filmmaker declined to identify them publicly.
“The people behind this are my gurus, so that’s all I will say,” he remarked.
Afolayan thanked fans and associates who reached out to verify the reports, reassuring them that the viral claims were entirely fabricated.
“We are not owing anybody ₦5 billion. Thank you to everyone who called and sent messages to check on us,” he added.
The clarification comes after a viral post alleged that FirstBank had filed a lawsuit against the filmmaker over an unpaid loan used to finance Aníkúlápó. The post further claimed that he had become unreachable after allegedly repaying only half of the facility.
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