Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has dismissed widespread reports suggesting he is critically ill, describing a viral video portraying him in a weakened condition as false and deliberately designed to mislead the public.
Gatekeepers News reports that concerns had mounted among fans and colleagues after footage circulated online showing a man resembling the actor looking severely frail and unwell. The clip quickly gained traction across social media, prompting speculation about Duru’s health and triggering an outpouring of concern from supporters.
Reacting to the claims in a video posted on his Instagram page on Friday, the 56-year-old actor assured the public that he is healthy and has never experienced the condition depicted in the viral footage.
“I am making this video with regard to very wicked videos circulating around about me being sick to the level that you could see in that video.
“Well, I have never been that sick and will never be that sick. And by God’s grace, we keep being stronger and stronger,” he said.
Duru accused those responsible for creating and sharing the video of intentionally spreading falsehoods for attention and online engagement. According to him, the trend reflects a disturbing misuse of technology and social media platforms.
“That video is a handiwork of merchants of darkness, of wickedness, people who sit and concoct negativity for people. You just don’t want to see people rise,” he said.
“You just don’t believe in people’s success all in the course of driving traffic. And if this is what social media is all about or AI. Then we are in big trouble indeed.”
The actor expressed concern about the growing use of manipulated digital content, warning that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence could be exploited to spread misinformation and damage reputations if not used responsibly.
He revealed that the false reports caused anxiety among family members, friends and associates, many of whom reached out to verify the claims after seeing the video online.
“But this is just to let you guys know that this is me talking to you. Anything beyond this is their business. But I believe God will reach out to the guys who are doing this very soon,” he added.
“Suffer not the witch to live. Please, my friends who have been embarrassed, scared, even to call me and those who just call for calling sake, but just to know whether it is true.
“Well, this is me. I said, let me just put this little video to let you know that anything beyond this is something from somewhere.”
Duru, who has spent decades in Nigeria’s film industry and featured in numerous acclaimed productions, urged the public to ignore the rumour and rely on verified information.
His clarification have eased fears among fans who had been worried about his condition following the circulation of the misleading video.
