Ogogo, Alexx Ekubo, Other Top Nollywood Stars Who Died Of Cancer

The Nigerian film industry has continued to mourn the death of veteran actor and filmmaker Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who died at the age of 66 after battling stage-four cancer.

Ogogo’s death has renewed attention on other Nollywood stars who also lost their lives after battling different forms of cancer.

Below are some Nollywood actors whose deaths were linked to cancer:

1. Alexx Ekubo

Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo reportedly died on May 11, 2026, at the age of 40, at Evercare Hospital from complications related to advanced metastatic kidney cancer.

His health condition was largely kept away from the public until his death.

Ekubo was known for his roles in movies including Weekend Getaway, Lagos Cougars, The Bling Lagosians, Omo Ghetto: The Saga and A Sunday Affair.

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2. Stella Ikwuegbu

Veteran actress Stella Ikwuegbu died on June 16, 2024, after battling leg cancer.

Her death was announced by movie producer Stanley Nwoko, who also paid tribute to her contributions to the Nigerian film industry.

Ikwuegbu was widely recognised for playing motherly and elderly characters in several Nollywood productions.

3. Tom Njemanze

Veteran actor Tom Njemanze died in July 2025 at the age of 75 after battling prostate cancer.

Before his death, the actor appealed to the public for financial assistance in a video shared online.

He was known for his performances in movies such as Issakaba, Osuofia in London, Pounds and Dollars, Brain Box and Twin Brothers.

4. Karibi Fubara

Nollywood actor and producer Karibi Fubara died on December 15, 2021, after battling kidney cancer.

Fubara revealed in 2020 that doctors had discovered a large, mid-stage tumour in his kidney.

He later underwent surgery to remove about 90 per cent of the tumour but died about 19 months later.

5. Sadiq Daba

Veteran actor and broadcaster Sadiq Daba died on March 3, 2021, after battling leukaemia and prostate cancer.

He received treatment both in Nigeria and abroad, with financial assistance from well-wishers.

Daba became widely known for his role in the television series Cockcrow at Dawn. He also portrayed Inspector Waziri in Kunle Afolayan’s October 1, a performance that earned him the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor.