Veteran Nollywood actor Hanks Anuku has once again become the centre of public concern after videos showed him sitting alone on a street in Abuja.
ABUJA, NIGERIA — Fresh worries have emerged over the wellbeing of Hanks Anuku after a video showing the veteran Nollywood actor sitting alone along a road in the Wuse 2 area of Abuja circulated online over the weekend. In the footage, which has spread widely across social media platforms, the actor appeared unkempt and was seen sitting and at times lying on the bare ground while holding a disposable cup. The video triggered an outpouring of reactions from fans and movie lovers, many of whom expressed concern about the actor’s condition. Several eyewitnesses who shared the clips claimed there was no movie production taking place at the location and insisted that the actor appeared to be alone. However, the exact circumstances surrounding the video remain unclear, as neither Anuku nor his representatives had issued an official statement as of the time of filing this report.
The latest incident has reopened discussions about the challenges facing some veteran entertainers in Nigeria. Social media users flooded various platforms with messages calling on the actor’s family, colleagues and the entertainment industry to reach out to him. Some online observers alleged that Anuku appeared intoxicated, while others suggested he might be going through emotional difficulties. Those claims remain unverified. An ENN review of previous interviews and reports showed that the actor had earlier admitted to battling depression and financial challenges after a prolonged absence from the movie industry. In past statements, he explained that years without regular acting jobs had affected him personally and financially. The veteran actor also appealed to Nigerians for support in 2023, saying he had a family to care for and needed assistance.
The renewed concern surrounding Hanks Anuku has also revived memories of earlier incidents that generated similar reactions. In 2022 and 2023, videos showing the actor in unusual circumstances went viral and led to widespread speculation about his mental health. At the time, some colleagues and industry stakeholders defended him, insisting that certain clips had been taken out of context and that one of the videos was linked to a movie role. The actor himself later denied allegations that he used hard substances and insisted he was not mentally unstable. He also disclosed that rumours about his health had damaged his career and cost him acting opportunities. According to reports, Anuku said false narratives surrounding his condition affected his ability to secure roles and maintain his place in the industry he helped build over the years.
Hanks Anuku remains one of the most recognisable faces in Nollywood, especially for his portrayal of villains and tough characters in action films. Over the years, he built a strong following through numerous productions that earned him fame across Nigeria and beyond. The actor once staged a solo protest against hunger in the country, carrying a placard to draw attention to the economic hardship facing many Nigerians. He has also spoken publicly about his struggles and urged fans to appreciate entertainers while they are still alive. Industry observers say the latest incident highlights the need for stronger welfare support systems for ageing actors and other creative professionals who may face economic or emotional difficulties after years in the spotlight.
The development means the conversation around the welfare of veteran entertainers is unlikely to end anytime soon. While many Nigerians have continued to share messages of sympathy and support, others have urged caution against spreading unverified information about the actor’s health. As of Monday, there had been no official update from his family, management team or the Actors Guild of Nigeria regarding the latest videos. For many fans, the images of Hanks Anuku sitting alone on an Abuja street serve as another reminder of the challenges that some public figures face away from the cameras. Nigerians will now be watching closely to see whether the actor or those close to him address the growing concerns and what steps may follow in the coming days.
