Nigerian music icon and filmmaker Abdulrasheed “JJC Skillz” is set to make a bold return to the big screen with his new film, Hakeem: Seeking Justice, premiering in cinemas nationwide on August 1, 2025.
Produced under the Afristar Media banner by Mustapha Mamudu and JJC Skillz, with distribution by FilmOne Entertainment, the film promises a fresh, hard-hitting approach to action storytelling in Nollywood.
Early buzz around the project suggests a deliberate move away from the genre’s traditional formulas, with a trailer that has already sparked curiosity for its tense atmosphere and raw emotional undercurrents.
A Story of Grief, Betrayal, and a Broken System
At the centre of Hakeem: Seeking Justice is Deyemi Okanlawon, who stars as the titular Hakeem — a man navigating grief and betrayal while confronting the harsh realities of a failing justice system.
The film’s narrative promises more than stylised fight choreography; it aims to interrogate systemic failures and the trauma they inflict on ordinary people.
While the trailer offers only glimpses of the plot, early viewers have described it as “intense,” “visually grounded,” and “hauntingly realistic,” drawing comparisons to the John Wick franchise — albeit with a stronger focus on psychological drama over hyper-stylised violence.
A Director’s Passion for Meaningful Storytelling
For JJC Skillz, best known for his musical hit We Are Africans and acclaimed productions like Omo Ghetto: The Saga, Industreet, and She Must be Obeyed, the move into a darker, more nuanced action drama was an intentional evolution.
“This story had to be intentional,” he explained. “We wanted to explore an action-packed film that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats, while still portraying a captivating and emotional story.”
JJC Skillz’s signature fusion of entertainment and social commentary is clear here, as Hakeem promises not only thrilling sequences but also a narrative that resonates with audiences grappling with real-world injustices.
A Star-Studded Cast Elevates Expectations
Hakeem: Seeking Justice boasts a robust ensemble of some of Nollywood’s biggest and most versatile talents. Alongside Deyemi Okanlawon, the cast features Chioma Chukwuka, Zubby Michael, Bolanle Ninalowo, Gabriel Afolayan, Regina Daniels, Liquorose, Ali Nuhu, Skales, and White Money.
This powerhouse lineup is expected to deliver dynamic performances that bring both action and emotional depth to the screen, further building anticipation ahead of the film’s release.
Redefining Nollywood Action Cinema
Beyond its cast and production pedigree, Hakeem: Seeking Justice is part of a broader shift within Nollywood toward genre storytelling that doesn’t shy away from serious themes.
Set against the backdrop of a society grappling with inequality, the film taps into a growing appetite for movies that entertain while provoking thought.
Victoria Ogar, Head of Distribution at FilmOne Entertainment, described the project as a welcome departure from the norm:
“This film is a bold departure from Nollywood’s usual fare. It is action-packed, unapologetically cinematic, and adrenaline-fueled. Hakeem: Seeking Justice delivers intense action, raw emotions and a gripping story of vengeance and justice. JJC Skillz delivers a story that doesn’t just entertain, it provokes.
At FilmOne Entertainment, we are proud to distribute a film that challenges the norm and raises the bar.”
Nationwide Release and Promotional Tour
Hakeem: Seeking Justice is scheduled to open in cinemas across Nigeria on August 1, 2025. Ahead of the premiere, promotional events are planned in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, offering fans and industry stakeholders a chance to engage with the cast and crew.
For JJC Skillz and the entire team behind Hakeem, the film represents not just another entry in Nollywood’s expanding catalogue, but a call to elevate the conversation around what Nigerian cinema can be — bold, layered, and unafraid to confront the society it depicts.