Nigerian actress Etinosa Idemudia has disclosed that fellow actress Mercy Johnson intervened on her behalf after she received threats from her ex-husband, following her public disclosure of domestic abuse.
The revelation came during a recent interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo. Idemudia explained that the controversy stemmed from an interview she gave regarding the film Stormy Heart, where she candidly described a past relationship as one that “nearly killed” her. She stated that while the interview’s focus was intended to be on the movie, the media outlet later crafted its narrative around her marriage.
This led her then-husband, a military officer, to accuse her of damaging his reputation. Idemudia said he demanded she retract her statements, framing them as the bitterness of an ex-wife, and subsequently issued death threats.
Faced with escalating intimidation, Idemudia said she publicly appealed for help on Instagram. Among those who responded, Mercy Johnson—noted for her family’s strong military connections—took concrete action. Idemudia stated that Johnson offered to escalate the matter to the Chief of Naval Staff. Subsequently, a representative from Abuja contacted her to confirm the issue was being addressed and that the threats would cease.
Idemudia was previously married to naval officer Babatunde Solomon, with their divorce finalized between 2017 and 2018. Her second marriage, to Benin City-based lawyer Ighorosa, ended in 2021 after the birth of their child.
The actress’s account highlights the severe personal risks some women face after speaking out about domestic violence and illustrates how personal networks can sometimes be leveraged for protection within Nigeria’s institutional framework.
