The Nigerian entertainment industry is in mourning after Nollywood actor Chijioke "Cjay" Nwokafor passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Actress Ruth Kadiri was among the first colleagues to publicly react, sharing a stunned tribute on Instagram after her day took an unexpected turn. Kadiri wrote that if anyone had told her her day would end at the hospital, she wouldn't have believed it, leaving fans and fellow industry figures shaken by the news.
It was actress Nkechi Blessing who first broke the news on social media, posting videos of herself alongside the late actor. Blessing had scheduled her film "Egusi Ogbono" for release at 5 p.m. on Wednesday but withdrew it after a hospital confirmed Cjay's death. The late actor had featured in the production, making the loss especially painful for Blessing given their close conversation just hours before his passing.
Blessing had spoken to Cjay at 8 a.m. on the day of his death and received the devastating news just hours later. She expressed her shock and grief, writing that Cjay had plans and she refused to accept his passing. Neither Blessing nor Cjay's family disclosed the cause of his death, and funeral arrangements had not been announced at the time of publication.
Cjay was born in Anambra State and launched his acting career in 2021, quickly building a filmography that included titles such as "Larry Cold," "Mum Overnight," and "A Day to My Wedding." In an interview with Trybe TV on September 21, he reflected on how his first experience on a film set, working alongside Ruth Kadiri, sparked his passion for acting professionally.
Cjay opened up about being misread by those around him, with many assuming he was arrogant, but he insisted that this impression had nothing to do with who he truly was. Following the news of his death, two Instagram posts Cjay had shared on September 12 and 23 drew renewed attention from fans and colleagues revisiting his page.
Reactions from the Nollywood community and fans flooded social media, with many expressing shock and grief at the news of Cjay's passing. Tributes poured in from colleagues and fans, including @lindy_manuelzz, @francaojochideobaje_, @angela_omho, @omodunbiadeola, and @gladysmacaulayofficial, who all shared messages of condolence and support.
The news of Cjay's passing has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian entertainment industry, with many still trying to come to terms with the loss of the young actor. The industry will likely continue to mourn his passing in the days to come, as colleagues and fans celebrate his life and legacy.
Key points
- Cjay Nwokafor, a Nollywood actor, has died at the age of not specified.
- The cause of his death has not been disclosed.
- Colleagues and fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to him.
