Nollywood movie director DIMBO ATIYA dies

Friday, August 7, 2026 - The Nigerian entertainment industry has lost a renowned producer and director, Dimbo Atiya.

Actor Mofe Duncan and film producer Uzee Usman announced the news on their Instagram pages on Thursday, with Duncan paying tribute to the late filmmaker.

Duncan expressed his grief over Atiya’s passing, describing him as one of the entertainment industry’s greatest minds.

“God, no. Not Dimbo. No, no. I’m devastated. One of the greatest minds in the entertainment industry,” the actor wrote.

 Usman expressed his pain over Atiya’s death, revealing that they had spoken recently before his passing.

He added that many people, particularly in Abuja, relied on the late producer and would feel the impact of his absence.

“Honestly, I can’t relate, my God. Oga Dims, you sent me a message yesterday about my eyes, and you told me how you’re managing yours as well.

“You called to joke about my Apollo and how I should find my way back to Abuja. Please don’t do this; lots of people depend on you, especially in Abuja. This one pains me.

A native of Nasarawa State, Atiya won the 2022 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) for Best Africa Magic Original Drama Series with “Halita”, which he produce

In 2012, he enrolled at the New York Film Academy, where he completed professional training in filmmaking and production at the institution’s campuses in New York and California.

Throughout his career, Atiya produced more than 500 television episodes and five feature films. His productions created employment opportunities for over 100 actors and nearly 400 crew members.

He also worked as a photographer for the London Theatre and later served as Head of Photography at the online retail platform Konga.com.

Before his death, Atiya served as co-creator, executive producer, producer, co-writer and director of “The Rishantes”, a drama series aired on Africa Magic and Showmax.

The series received a nomination and won the 2022 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award for Best Africa Magic Original Drama Series.

His film credits included “Drawing Strength”, “Still Falling: Season 2”, “The Plan” (TV miniseries) and “Dala Dala”, among other productions.

He rose to national prominence with “Sons of the Caliphate”, a political drama series that examined themes of power, ambition, family loyalty and political manoeuvring.

Atiya created and produced the series, which featured prominent actors such as Yakubu Mohammed, Paul Sambo, Mofe Duncan, and Rahama Sadau.