Police confirms death of Sam Loco Efe

Police confirms death of Sam Loco Efe

The Imo State Police Command has confirmed the demise of veteran Nollywood actor, Mr Sam Loco Efe, 66.

Imo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammed Jingiri Abubakar told reporters in Imo State that Sam Loco had been ill for about a week prior to his demise in a hotel room in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

Mohammed explained that the actor had checked into the hotel with the hope of resting before hitting set for a new movie being shot in Owerri.

“It is true that Sam Loco has died. He died in Rapour Hotel in Owerri. We heard he had been sick for one week and he had just been discharged,” the CP stated.

Abubakar said the police had recovered his body and would launch an investigation to determine the cause of death.

The death was also confirmed by the Actors guild of Nigeria (AGN). The Guild’s president, Segun Arinze said in an interview: “Yes, it is true that Sam Loco passed away tragically in his hotel room.

“I will be making a statement on Monday, (August 8). I can’t say much now because I want to verify the detail.”

National Secretary of the AGN, Chuma Onwudiwe also confirmed Efe’s death, saying: “Today (Sunday August 7) is indeed a very sad day in Nollywood. I can confirm that the great Sam Loco is dead.” 

Profile

A versatile actor and a polyglot, the late Efe spoke Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa fluently even though he hailed from Benin, Edo State in South-South geo-political zone. Sam Loco was however born in Enugu, Enugu State.

Efe had performed in several movies, on stage and television for more than four decades. He was part of the Nigerian troupe at FESTAC 77, when Nigeria hosted the world in arts and culture at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.

He began his theatre profession in 1968 when he established the Overamwen National Theatre Group in Benin, Edo State. He left the troupe a year later for Michelin and later Dunlop from where he returned to acting in 1970 on the cast of Hotel De Jordan.

When a new drama series, Hotel De Jordan, started in 1970 he was given the role of the lead character, called Picado Suberu.

The death of Efe marks another depletion in the ranks Nollywood family. A few months ago, one of the veteran actors, Ashley Nwosu, died and about a month ago, the Nigerian entertainment industry lost another legendary entertainer Christy Essien-Igbokwe popularly known as the “First Lady of Songs”.

Until his demise, he was one of Nigeria’s finest actors and had a huge followership.

PR/Iheanacho