The producer and writer of the award-winning film Freedom Way, Blessing Uzzi, has revealed that a real-life experience with the Nigerian police inspired the storyline of the project.
Uzzi made the disclosure during the Lagos premiere of the film, which recently won Best Movie at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).
She recounted an incident involving her and singer Johnny Drille, where they were stopped by police officers who demanded proof of ownership for her laptop. “That day stayed in my head for the longest time,” she said.
The film explores themes of police brutality, abuse of power, and the impact of systemic injustice on ordinary Nigerians—issues that continue to resonate across the country.
Actor Femi Jacobs, who played a corrupt officer in the film, spoke emotionally about how personal the story felt to him. He revealed that he once had a traumatic experience with law enforcement in 2012 that left lasting effects.
“This country has a way of minting victims,” Jacobs said. “I was crying and laughing at the same time. They pointed a gun at me and threatened to kill me. I couldn’t sleep for months.”
Jacobs described the culture of impunity within the system as “a complete ecosystem of wickedness.”
Freedom Way features a cast that includes Adebowale Adedayo, Bimbo Akintola, Akin Lewis, J-Flo, Mike Afolarin, and Teniola Aladese, among others.
The film’s critical acclaim and social relevance have sparked conversations about the power of storytelling in confronting national issues.
