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Nigerian actor Matt Alkali, famed for his role in popular TV series Halita where he starred as Dareng did not die of Covid-19, this is according to the production company behind the hit drama.
Setting the record straight, Halita executive producer Dimbo Atiya stated that the actor died of a blood clot and not coronavirus as widely speculated.
“It is sad that the facts of this situation have been turned around to mislead the general public on the death of this amazing young actor. Matt Alkali was not filming on the Halita set as Familiar Grounds Media officially closed set Monday, March 23 in conforming to the plea by government. All cast and crew of Halita were disengaged," he said.
"Matt Alkali had stopped filming about a month ago. The "set" he was working on was a different film project by some independent producers from Masaka in Karu. He was said to be on the location of the project since Sunday."
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Atiya explained that whilst it is true that Alkali died in Nasarawa State, Central Nigeria, the actor had been battling the condition for years.
“Alkali Matt had blood clot condition for a long time, something he had managed with orthodox medicine. But sort local traditional solution recently, I spoke with him on phone just on Saturday,” he added.
He further reiterated that the deceased was not in Lagos for the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards where an attendee, according to health officials, tested positive for the virus.
“He was not at the AMVCA. And, even if he had contact with anyone with COVID 19 here in Abuja, he will still be in the incubating period. (If he did come in contact with the virus, it was not on the set of Halita or through anyone on that project as it is speculated,” Atiya went on.
The producer noted that details as to what the deceased died of is not in doubt and expressed confidence that if an autopsy is conducted, it will disprove the widely circulated notions.
“Familiar Grounds Media offered to carry an autopsy to know what happened to him, his family's wish was they are not interested, they will like to bury their son in peace. This can be verified from the officials at the Federal Medical Centre Keffi, which, by the way, is the hospital he was taken to.”
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In an earlier statement, Atiya had eulogized the late actor as a talent gone too soon.
“This has come as a rude shock to us all and we pray that the Lord will grant his family the fortitude to bear this great loss. From all of us at Familiar Grounds, we say rest in power “Dareng”, shared Atiya on Instagram.
