Veteran Nollywood actor Ibrahim Chatta has emotionally recounted the tragic circumstances that led to the death of his first child, revealing that financial hardship forced him to bury the infant in a makeshift wooden Coca-Cola crate.
In a heartfelt conversation captured on video during a movie set interaction with crew members, the 54-year-old actor shared the painful memory of losing his baby girl due to an inability to pay hospital bills.
“Malik is not my firstborn. My first child is a baby girl. I lost her because I couldn’t pay hospital bills,” Chatta revealed.
He explained that the child had been taken to a hospital in the Iddo area of Lagos State, but all attempts to raise money for treatment failed. The actor said he walked long distances—from Ijora Badia to Makoko—seeking financial help, but the baby passed away before he could raise the needed funds.
Although the name of the sickness was not disclosed, he continued, “She was taken to the hospital in the Iddo area of Lagos State. I trekked from Ijora Badia to Makoko, and I couldn’t get any money until she died. My first child was buried in the old wooden crate of Coke,” he said, his voice filled with emotion.
The revelation sheds light on the severe struggles Chatta faced before rising to prominence in the Nigerian film industry.
Meanwhile, Chatta recently addressed ongoing speculation about his absence from the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, despite a career spanning several decades. He was nominated for Best Lead Actor for his performance in House of GAA, but the award ultimately went to fellow actor Femi Adebayo for Seven Doors.
Speaking on the Curiosity Made Me Ask podcast, Chatta stated that his exclusion from the AMVCA was deliberate.
“I have never submitted any of my works for consideration. I’m not interested in the award or going to the award ceremony. I won’t pray for something I have no interest in,” he said.
His remarks reflect a personal philosophy shaped by years of hardship, resilience, and a clear sense of purpose beyond industry accolades.
