Celebrities Nigeria lost in 2025 [ Full List]

• Celebrities Nigeria lost in 2025 [ Full List]
• Popular Nollywood actress Patience Ugwu, also known as Sugar Girl, passed away on February 5, 2025
• Arise TV news anchor Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, popularly known as Sommie, died on September 29, 2025

The year 2025 has been marked by moments of celebration and progress, as well as deep loss.

Across Nigeria, major political, economic and cultural developments shaped public discourse, but the year was also defined by the deaths of notable figures in the entertainment and media industries.

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Eko Hot Blog gathered that from Nollywood veterans and gospel musicians to comedians and broadcasters, several Nigerian celebrities passed away in 2025, leaving behind legacies that continue to resonate with fans and colleagues.

Below is a look at 10 Nigerian celebrities whose deaths in 2025 drew national attention.

1. Asa Koko

Veteran Nollywood actor Asa Koko died on January 30, 2025, after battling an illness for more than 2 years.

His death was confirmed by filmmaker Kunle Afod. Before his passing, he lived in Mushin, Lagos, where he ran a small canteen. Asa Koko was respected for his consistency and dedication to Nollywood.

2. Patience “Pat” Ugwu

Popular Nollywood actress Patience Ugwu, also known as Sugar Girl, passed away on February 5, 2025, at the age of 35. She featured in films such as Lack of Money, Port-Harcourt Lady, and Twist of Fate. Beyond acting, she was a fitness coach and beauty entrepreneur.

3. Columbus Irosanga

Veteran actor Columbus Irosanga died on February 6, 2025. He was widely known for his native doctor roles in Nollywood movies. A respected academic, he also served as a senior lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt.

4. Anike Agbaje-Williams

Media icon Anike Agbaje-Williams died peacefully on February 27, 2025, at the age of 88, in Ibadan.

 

She made history as the first face on African television and the first voice on Africa’s first commercial radio station, earning her the nickname Double-First.

5. Nkechi Nweje

Popular Nollywood actress Nkechi Nweje passed away on March 21, 2025. Her death drew widespread reactions from fans and colleagues who remembered her for her lively performances and strong screen presence.

6. Bolaji Olanrewaju (Big Bolaji)

Gospel singer and pastor Bolaji Olanrewaju, popularly known as Big Bolaji, died on April 19, 2025, aged 50, after a brief illness. He was celebrated for his energetic gospel songs and his impact in church music ministry.

7. Kayode Peters

Renowned film and stage producer Kayode Peters died on June 28, 2025, in Toronto, Canada, after battling a long-term illness. He was admired for his creativity and major contributions to Nigerian theatre and film.

8. Olusegun Akinremi (Chief Kanran)

Veteran Yoruba actor Olusegun Akinremi, popularly called Chief Kanran, passed away on August 15, 2025. He was known for his refined humour, distinctive acting style, and decades-long influence in the Yoruba movie industry.

9. Adetola Samad (Sanku)

Comedian and skit maker Adetola Samad, known as Sanku, died on September 1, 2025, following a fatal road accident along Ogbomoso Road in Oyo State. His death shocked the comedy and online content creation community.

10. Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu

Arise TV news anchor Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, popularly known as Sommie, died on September 29, 2025, at the age of 29, after an armed robbery attack at her residence.

Her death was a major loss to the Nigerian media industry.

FURTHER READING

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