The Nigerian film industry has been hit by another painful loss following the death of fast-rising Nollywood actor Chijioke “Cjay” Nwokafor, popularly known as Cjay Nwoks.
Cjay died on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, with news of his passing sending shockwaves through Nollywood and prompting emotional tributes from colleagues and fans.
Actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday announced the devastating news after Cjay was confirmed dead at a hospital in the Badore area of Lagos.
What made the news particularly difficult for the actress was how suddenly everything changed. She revealed that she had spoken with Cjay at about 8 a.m. that same morning, only to learn a few hours later that he had passed away.
The tragedy also forced Nkechi Blessing to halt the planned release of her movie “Egusi Ogbono,” which featured Cjay and had been scheduled for release later that day.
Other Nollywood personalities expressed shock at the actor’s passing, remembering a colleague whose career was still developing and whose death came unexpectedly.
Cjay began his professional acting career in 2021 and went on to feature in a number of Nollywood productions, including “Larry Cold,” “Mum Overnight,” “A Day to My Wedding,” “The Lies She Tell” and other projects.
The Anambra-born actor had been steadily building his presence in the Nigerian film industry, working alongside established actors and filmmakers.
His death comes at another difficult moment for Nollywood, leaving colleagues and viewers mourning a talent whose journey appeared to have many chapters still ahead.
As of the latest reports, Cjay Nwokafor’s cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, and his family has not announced funeral arrangements.
For his colleagues, fans and loved ones, however, the painful reality remains: another familiar face in Nollywood is gone.
Rest in peace, Chijioke “Cjay” Nwokafor.
Nneka Charles.
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