Nollywood has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of celebrated producer, director, and writer Dimbo Atiya, who passed away at the age of 52.
Actor Mofe Duncan announced the heartbreaking news in a social media post, paying tribute to Atiya as “one of the greatest minds in the entertainment industry.”
Born in Nasarawa State and raised in Jos, Plateau State, Atiya’s journey into media was partly inspired by his mother, an English graduate who acted in local television productions by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in Jos. Accompanied by his mother to television sets during his early years, Atiya developed an early fascination with storytelling.
This passion for storytelling was matched by his dedication to honing his craft. In 2012, he attended the New York Film Academy, receiving professional training in filmmaking and production at both the New York and California campuses. His creative pursuits also extended into photography, where he worked with the London Theatre and later served as Head of Photography at Konga.com. These experiences reflect the remarkable breadth of his career across film, visual arts, and digital media.
Among Dimbo Atiya’s most celebrated works was the acclaimed political drama series Sons of the Caliphate, which explored themes of power, corruption, privilege, and the complexities of Northern Nigeria’s elite society. He also created and produced the hugely successful drama series Halita, a fan-favourite that captivated audiences across Nigeria and the rest of Africa with its compelling storytelling and memorable characters.
His reputation as one of Nollywood’s finest storytellers was further cemented when his drama series The Rishantes won Best Africa Magic Original Drama Series at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), underscoring his enduring impact on African television.
In 2025, Dimbo Atiya signed on to work on a 104-episode remake of the classic Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) drama Cock Crow at Dawn. He was set to co-produce the reboot alongside Steve Gukas, through a partnership between Natives Filmworks and Atiya’s Innovative Television Kontent. Pre-production and writers’ workshops began in late 2025, with production scheduled for 2026. Filming was planned to take place in Jos, Plateau State, mirroring the cultural and geographical roots of the original 1980s series.
Tributes have continued to pour in across social media, with fans and industry figures reflecting on his body of work and the legacy he leaves behind. His passing marks another significant loss for Nollywood, coming as the industry continues to grieve the deaths of several prominent figures in recent times.
