Nigerian music icon and Director Abdulrasheed “JJC Skillz” is set to release his new movie, Hakeem: Seeking Justice – a gripping action drama set to premiere in cinemas nationwide on August 1, 2025.

Produced by Mustapha Mamudu & JJC Skillz under Afristar Media, and distributed by FilmOne Entertainment. The film stars Deyemi Okanlawon as the titular Hakeem — a man caught in the crossfire of grief, betrayal, and institutional failure in a justice system that seems designed to silence the weak.

While the trailer, released last week, gives only a glimpse into the plot, it hints at a deeply emotional and atmospheric story that departs from Nollywood’s conventional action formulas.

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Early responses to the trailer describe it as “intense,” “visually grounded,” and “hauntingly realistic,” drawing comparisons to the John Wick franchise, though Hakeem appears to lean more into psychological drama than stylised violence.

“This story had to be intentional,” said JJC Skillz. “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, best known for the Afro-urban anthem “We Are Africans,” and other blockbuster projects such as Omo Ghetto The Saga, Industreet, She Must be Obeyed, among others, brings his passion for storytelling to the screen.

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The cast features some of Nollywood’s biggest names, including Chioma Chukwuka, Zubby Michael, Bolanle Ninalowo, Gabriel Afolayan, Regina Daniels, Liquorose, Ali Nuhu, Skales, and White Money, among others, further elevating anticipation for the film’s release.

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Set against the backdrop of a society grappling with injustice and inequality, Hakeem: Seeking Justice joins a growing wave of Nigerian genre films that aim to entertain while igniting conversations.

“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,” said Victoria Ogar, Head of Distribution at FilmOne Entertainment.

The film opens nationwide on August 1, 2025, with promotional events expected in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt in the weeks leading up to the premiere.

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers. She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay. She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos. As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender. She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies. Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category. She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category. She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations. Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.

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