Nollywood actor Chijioke Temidayo Nwokafor, popularly known as Cjay, has died, prompting an outpouring of grief from colleagues in the Nigerian film industry.
Actress Nkechi Blessing announced his death on Instagram on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, while at a hospital in Badore, Lagos. She did not disclose the cause of his death.
Blessing also cancelled the scheduled release of her movie Egusi Ogbono, in which Cjay featured. The film had been set for release at 5pm on Wednesday, but the actress withdrew it following confirmation of the actor’s death.
The actress said she had spoken with Cjay at about 8am on the day he died, making the news particularly difficult for her to process.
In an emotional tribute, Blessing recalled the plans they had and expressed disbelief that she was suddenly having to mourn her colleague.
Other members of the film industry also reacted to the news.
Actor Charles Born expressed shock, saying he had planned to visit Cjay at the hospital, while Emeka Nwagbaraocha said he had exchanged messages with the actor only days earlier.
Cjay began his professional acting career in 2021 and appeared in several Nollywood productions. His credits include Larry Cold, Mum Overnight, A Day to My Wedding, The Lies She Tell, What Time Left, Doctor Lanre, Tide and Godly Escort. Film credits also list him as Cjay Nwoks.
The actor was from Awka, Anambra State, and was based in Lagos, where he pursued his acting career.
As of the latest reports, further details about the circumstances of his death and funeral arrangements had not been announced by his family or representatives.
His death has left colleagues and fans mourning a young actor whose career in Nollywood began only a few years ago.
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