Review: ‘Agu’ is the Nollywood ‘Suits’ you didn’t know you needed

Uche Ikejimba is no stranger to crafting thought-provoking, emotionally charged dramas, and Agu is no exception. The Showmax Nigerian Original legal drama released in 2023, quickly garnered attention for its intricate storytelling and intense courtroom battles.

Much like how The Good Wife and Suits captured international audiences with their razor-sharp legal maneuvers, Agu delivers a uniquely Nigerian take on the legal profession, blending the tangible with the metaphysical in ways only Nollywood can.

Ikejimba’s signature style shines through in Agu, where every episode is steeped in suspense, family drama, and unexpected twists that keep the audience engaged until the final verdict. It’s the kind of series that remains just as thrilling on a second watch, offering fresh nuances and hidden details that might have been missed the first time around and is sure to draw in new viewers.

Agu is not just a legal drama. At its heart, it is a family tragedy encapsulated in a courtroom battle. The story revolves around the brilliant but emotionally distant lawyer, Etim Iyang (Kanayo O. Kanayo), a man whose past haunts him in more ways than one.

Once at the pinnacle of his career, Etim now finds himself at odds with his own daughter, Victoria Atem (Ruby Okezie), also a lawyer which threatens his reputation.

This pushes their father-daughter relationship into a war-zone, where they end up as opposing counsels in a high-stakes murder trial and the conflict that comes with it.

The show masterfully explores themes of betrayal, estrangement, and redemption, making it a must-watch not just for legal enthusiasts but also for those who appreciate deeply human storytelling. Think How to Get Away with Murder, but with a distinctly Nigerian flavor complete with its cultural nuances, traditional influences, and family dynamics that hit close to home.

One of Agu’s strongest selling points is its stellar cast. Kanayo O. Kanayo delivers a powerful performance as Etim Iyang, effortlessly embodying the role of a seasoned lawyer battling both personal and professional demons. Iretiola Doyle, Tina Mba, Mofe Duncan, and Vine Olugu also bring their A-game, ensuring that every scene crackles with tension and authenticity.

A special mention goes to Ruby Okezie, a rising talent who holds her own alongside Nollywood veterans. With performances like this, she is undoubtedly one to watch in the industry.
Beyond acting, the series’ cinematography is top-notch.

The lighting, costume design, and use of real-life legal settings create a visually compelling experience.

However, there is a minor continuity issue in one subplot. After a heated argument between Etim and his client’s wife over her supposed diabolical practices, the show fails to provide a clear reconciliation scene before he resumes representing her. Although this is not a deal-breaker, it’s a noticeable gap in an otherwise tightly woven narrative.

For those who love legal dramas that go beyond the courtroom to explore the human condition, Agu is for you. The series doesn’t just throw legal jargon around, it presents cases that challenge moral boundaries, ethical dilemmas, and family loyalties.

It’s also a great educational piece for anyone in the legal field or those curious about Nigerian law. As the saying goes, ignorance of the law is no excuse, and Agu serves as both entertainment and enlightenment.