Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan Denies ₦5 Billion Lawsuit Rumors Over ‘Aníkúlápó

Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has refuted widespread online reports claiming he owes FirstBank ₦5 billion over a production loan, describing the allegations as entirely false.

In a video statement released on Friday, Afolayan clarified that neither he nor his production company is entangled in any form of litigation with the financial institution, emphasizing that no such debt exists.

Speculation had mounted on social media platforms, particularly X, alleging that the director had been served court papers after failing to fully repay a three-year facility supposedly secured for his 2022 hit movie, *Aníkúlápó*. The viral posts claimed that the bank initiated legal action after receiving only a partial repayment following the film’s acquisition by Netflix.

Addressing the rumors, Afolayan explained that *Aníkúlápó* was structured as a straightforward co-production between his firm, Golden Effects Pictures, and Netflix, with no third-party financing liabilities. He maintained that his relationship with FirstBank remains cordial, noting a history of smooth collaborations between his brand and the bank.

While hinting that he was aware of the individuals originating the false narrative, the filmmaker declined to publicly name them. He concluded by thanking friends, family, and well-wishers who reached out to express concern, reiterating that the reports are completely fabricated.