Film

Nollywood faith-based film Agbara Nla: The Return has recorded the biggest non-December opening for a Nigerian film, grossing approximately ₦170.6 million during its preview screenings and opening weekend. The film earned ₦71.4 million from preview screenings ending October 1, before generating another ₦99.2 million between October 2 and 4, according to box-office figures reported by Premium Times. The performance also makes it the highest-grossing October opening for a Nigerian film and the strongest opening recorded by a faith-based Nollywood production. The remake, which premiered in cinemas on October 1, 2026, revisits the original film produced by Mike Bamiloye in 1993. His sons, Damilola Mike-Bamiloye and Joshua, popularly known as Jay Mikee, directed the new version. The original production reportedly began with just ₦5,000. Bamiloye recalled facing financial difficulties during filming, with members of the Christian community providing food, accommodation and financial assistance to support the project. The story follows a confrontation between Christian evangelists and a powerful herbalist who holds a village under spiritual influence. Its themes of faith, deliverance and spiritual warfare helped establish it as one of the notable productions of Mount Zion Faith Ministries. The new adaptation features Mike Bamiloye reprising his role as Isawuru, alongside Damilola Mike-Bamiloye, Philip Olubakin, Aanu Kolade Abiodun and other cast members. The film’s opening performance is particularly significant because Nigerian cinemas typically record their strongest earnings during the December festive season. However, it remains behind Funke Akindele’s Everybody Loves Jenifa, which earned approximately ₦206 million during its opening weekend, and Behind the Scenes, which grossed about ₦205.5 million. Agbara Nla: The Return was produced by Mount Zion Film Productions, Circuits and Sozo Films, with Nile Entertainment handling distribution.

Nollywood faith-based film Agbara Nla: The Return has grossed over 170 million naira in its first four days in cinemas nationwide. The film distributor, Nile Group, announced the milestone on Monday, saying the movie recorded packed cinemas and several sold-out shows. The distributor also revealed that Agbara Nla: The Return set three major records, including the biggest non-December Nollywood opening weekend and the biggest October opening weekend ever recorded. It also recorded the biggest opening weekend for a faith-based film. The movie had earlier generated about 70 million naira from preview screenings between September 25 and October 1, with more than 12,000 admissions. The latest figures further highlight the strong performance of the film since its release, despite competition from other titles currently showing in Nigerian cinemas.