Emmanuel Michaels Ogbonna prominently known as ‘De Senator’ (born 24th November 1983) is a Nigerian film producer.

Emmanuel Michaels Popularly Known as ‘De Senator’: Age, Career, Films and Net Worth

He is a personality recognised for his hit film “Smackdown.” He also has an impressive portfolio of other productions, including Mission Statement, Akudiya, and Lila.

Emmanuel Michaels ‘De Senator’ Biography

Emmanuel Michaels ‘De Senator’ was born on the 24th of November 1983. He hails from Olokoro, Umuahia, Abia State.

He is a graduate in Accounting from Federal Polytechnic, Oko.

Emmanuel Michaels ‘De Senator’ joined Nollywood in 1998 as an actor and undertook online film training under the supervision of the legendary film director Teco Benson (MFR).

He made his debut as a Nollywood producer in 2004 with a film titled “Action if the Gods,” which was produced by former AGN Chairman Delta DT Alex Idu.

Emmanuel Michaels ‘De Senator’ (DGN Director)

In 2006, he wrote and directed the film “Smackdown,” featuring notable actors such as Uche Jombo, Van Vicker, John Paul Nwadike, and Chiwetalu Agu. The film was also produced by Alex Idu.

Emmanuel Michaels ‘De Senator’ further developed his skills by learning film editing and cinematography before eventually establishing and registering his own production company, Hotline Movies Int’l.

As a certified DGN film director, he has produced Nollywood films including Deep Tunnel, Akudiya, Mission Statement, and Must Be Buried, among others.

Filmography

1. Fight of Destiny
2. Beyond Karma
3. Family Anarchy
4. Military Barbarian
5. Mission Statement
6. Akudiya
7. Clash of Royalty
8. Deep Tunnel
9. Lila
10. Military Barbarian
11. Seven kingdoms
12. Royal Catastrophe
13. Family Catastrophe
14. Snake Battle
15. Princess Adaora
16. UNJUST JUDGEMENT
17. RETRIBUTION
18. FIGHT FOR DESTINY
19. CLASH OF ROYALTY
20. PRINCESS ADORA
21. WHISPERED DECEPTION
22. OTAKA
23. OGU LOVE
24. ALIKE THE 7 KINGDOMS

Net Worth

Emmanuel Michaels ‘De Senator’ – Net Worth

Emmanuel Michaels ‘De Senator’ is a Nollywood DGN film director and producer whose net worth is $39,453,96 [#65,000,400 million naira]

Social Media

Instagram: @de_senator_dgn

The Lagos Police Command’s Special Squad One Team shot dead nine members of a notorious kidnapping gang during an operation in Ladipo, Mushin, in July.

Henry Odenigbo

In July, news emerged that a film producer and CEO of Ason-Rich Movie Production, Henry Odenigbo, was one of the nine members of a notorious kidnapping gang killed during an operation in Ladipo, Mushin.

Afric Showbiz reported that the Lagos Police Command’s Special Squad One Team shot dead the gang members who were allegedly planning to abduct wealthy individuals in the state.

Police Investigation into Kidnap Gang

The police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that the Command had been pursuing the gang for the past eight months due to their numerous kidnappings of wealthy individuals in Isolo, Okota, Ejigbo, and Ladipo areas of Lagos State.

The police, however, concealed the identities of the suspects. Nevertheless, spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin reported that they recovered:

Four AK-47 rifles
Four locally made semi-automatic pistols
Nine AK-47 magazines
Three walkie-talkies
Two operational vehicles: a black Toyota 4Runner and a blue Lexus RX350

Allegations and Disassociation

While the suspects’ identities remained confidential, filmmaker and actor Stanley Nwoko, also known as Stanley Ontop, posted photos of Odenigbo on his Instagram, alleging that he was the “ringleader” of the kidnap gang who was killed in a gunfight with the police.

The Actors Guild of Nigeria, along with prominent figures such as Kanayo O Kanayo and Yul Edochie, distanced themselves from the deceased filmmaker and three other film practitioners. The Guild issued a statement asserting that the individuals who perished in the shootout at Ladipo on Thursday were not members of their organisation.

The statement read in part:

“The Rivers State chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria disclaims any affiliation with the individuals who tragically lost their lives in a recent robbery incident in Lagos. Specifically, Prince Henry Asonna (Executive Producer of Aso Rich), Angel Emanuzo (Associate Producer), Chris Ahaneku (Logistics Manager of Rich), and Jerry Eze (Camera Assistant) were not members of our guild. They were not part of our organisation.”

Confirmation of Involvement

A report by Vanguard newspaper published on Saturday confirmed Odenigbo’s involvement in the kidnapping attempt. It noted that previously, only one gang leader, Prince Henry Ode, a prominent Nollywood actor and producer from Port Harcourt, had been identified, along with about four colleagues in the film-making industry who were also involved in the violent confrontation with the police.

The four members are included in the AGN’s Rivers State Chapter disclaimer. Recent investigations led by Kehinde Oni, a DSP, revealed 42 case files related to the gang’s operations across various police stations in Lagos.

“It was a shocking discovery. The sheer volume of evidence against the gang underscores the extent of their criminal activities,” Vanguard quoted Mr Oni as saying.

Identity of the Gang’s Sharpshooter

The police also uncovered the identity of the gang’s sharpshooter, whom they referred to as a “sharp shooter.” Mr Oni stated that Uzoamaka is renowned in criminal circles for his exceptional marksmanship and specialised training in arms handling.

“He was known as one of the sharpest shooters in the criminal world,” another police official commented. His skills were highly regarded, but we had no idea he was connected to the kidnappings in Lagos until now.

During the Ladipo Market operation, Uzoamaka fired the first shot when a decoy car obstructed the gang’s escape. The shot he fired was intended to intimidate and eliminate anyone in their way, striking the car’s headrest but narrowly missing an officer, as revealed by Mr Oni.

Ongoing Investigation

The police reiterated their commitment to identifying all victims involved in the Ladipo raid, despite the families of the slain kidnappers being reluctant to come forward.

The suspension on Adanma Luke has been lifted by the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rollas.

AGN lifts suspension on Adanma Luke, approves riverine filming

The decision to lift the suspension and approve riverine filming was made during the AGN National Executive Council meeting.

Adanma Luke is the producer of the ill-fated movie ‘The Other Side of Life’, in which Nollywood actor Junior Pope and four others died during filming.

The statement reads in part

“The National President of the Guild, Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas, MON, use this opportunity to announce the lifting of the suspension placed on Adanma Luke, producer of the movie ‘Another Side of Life,’ where star actor Junior Pope and four other crew members lost their lives in Anam river.

The President also lifted the ban on filming in riverine areas but cautioned members to apply all safety standard measures recommended in the AGN Bylaws.”

Date of Incident: 10th April 2024

Location: River Niger Cable Point, Asaba, Delta State

Victims:

Deceased actor and Four other crew members

Actions taken by AGN (Actors Guild of Nigeria):

Indefinitely suspended Ms. Adanma Luke for breaching safety protocols,
Prohibited its guild members from working with the embattled producer until further notice.

Banned films involving riverine areas and boat riding to ensure the safety of actors and crew members and prevent similar incidents in the future.