Nollywood actress Atinuke Remilekun Kareem has died after battling breast cancer, becoming the third Nigerian actor or actress reportedly to die following a cancer battle in 2026.
Kareem’s death was announced on Tuesday, September 1, by the Ogun State chapter of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN).
The association’s Executive Governor, Owolabi Ajasa, announced the actress’ death, describing it as a painful loss to her family, colleagues and the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Before her death, Kareem had publicly appealed for financial assistance to continue her treatment.
In a video shared during her illness, the actress disclosed that she had spent a significant amount of money on treatment and that fellow TAMPAN members had also contributed towards her medical care.
Kareem, who revealed that she had two young children, appealed to Nigerians to support her as she continued her battle with the disease.
TAMPAN Ogun State said colleagues, fans, friends and well-wishers contributed financially and offered prayers and encouragement during her treatment, but she eventually died despite efforts to save her life.
Kareem’s death comes less than two weeks after veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, died on August 23 at the age of 66.
Ogogo, a veteran actor, filmmaker and screenwriter who spent more than four decades in the industry, had been battling stage-four cancer before his death.
His family had previously disclosed his diagnosis, although the specific type of cancer was not made public.
Earlier in 2026, Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo also died following a battle with cancer. The 40-year-old actor died in May, with his family later confirming that he died from complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
Ekubo was buried in Abia State in June following funeral ceremonies.
With Kareem’s death, the three documented cancer-related deaths among Nollywood actors and actresses in 2026 are Alexx Ekubo, Taiwo Hassan “Ogogo” and Atinuke Kareem.
The deaths have renewed attention on the health challenges confronting Nigerians, particularly the financial burden associated with prolonged cancer treatment.
Kareem’s public appeal highlighted the cost of continuing cancer care, while Ogogo’s family also sought assistance during his illness.
The developments have also prompted conversations about cancer awareness within the entertainment industry.
Following Ogogo’s death, veteran actor Musiliu Dasofunjo, popularly known as Baba Johunomi, publicly disclosed that he was battling prostate cancer.
Baba Johunomi described cancer as being “on the rise” and shared his experience to encourage greater awareness and attention to early warning signs.
Kareem’s death adds another painful loss to Nollywood in 2026, following the deaths of Ekubo and Ogogo after their respective cancer battles.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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