{
  "id": 11130221,
  "title": "Nkechi Blessing, others mourn as Nollywood actor Cjay Nwokafor dies",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/nkechi-blessing-others-mourn-as-nollywood-actor-cjay-nwokafor-dies-11130221",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-01T07:04:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/nkechi-blessing-others-mourn-as-nollywood-actor-cjay-nwokafor-dies/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Nigerian entertainment industry mourns the death of Nollywood actor Chijioke \"Cjay\" Nwokafor. Actress Nkechi Blessing announced his passing on Instagram, sharing videos with the late actor. Blessing did not disclose the cause of death but cancelled the release of her movie, Egusi Ogbono, in Cjay’s honor. Cjay appeared in her film. She had initially scheduled the movie release for 5pm on Wednesday but withdrew it after a hospital confirmed his death. Blessing mentioned speaking with Cjay at around 8am on Wednesday before learning of his demise a few hours later. Actor Charles Born expressed surprise, stating he had planned to visit Cjay at the hospital. RMD urged citizens to stop condemning Nigeria as Carter Efe and Speed Darlington faced off in a clash. Emeka Nwagbaraocha also shared his disbelief, calling Cjay a \"sweet soul.\" As of press time, family and colleagues awaited further details on his death and funeral arrangements. Cjay began his acting career in 2021 and starred in various productions such as Larry Cold, Mum Overnight, and A Day to My Wedding. He hailed from Anambra State.",
  "summary": "Nollywood actor Chijioke ‘Cjay’ Nwokafor has died. His colleague, Nkechi Blessing, announced his death on Instagram, mourning his sudden passing. Read More: https://punchng.com/nkechi-blessing-others-mourn-as-nollywood-actor-cjay-nwokafor-dies/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "Nollywood actor CJay Nwoks dies in Lagos hospital",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/nollywood-actor-cjay-nwoks-dies-in-lagos-hospital",
        "published": "2026-10-01T02:20:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Nkechi Blessing, others mourn as Nollywood actor Cjay Nwokafor dies",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/nkechi-blessing-others-mourn-as-nollywood-actor-cjay-nwokafor-dies",
        "published": "2026-10-01T06:50:53.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}