Nollywood actor Kalu Ikeagwu has broken his silence about enduring domestic abuse in a toxic relationship, revealing how faith and inner strength helped him escape the traumatic experience.
In a candid interview with Punch, Ikeagwu opened up about falling victim to domestic violence and the emotional toll it took on him. Reflecting on the relationship, he admitted to ignoring early warning signs.
“Yes, I have experienced toxic relationships and ignored red flags, as most young people would,” he said. “I learnt very quickly to spot those red flags early on and to never assume people can or will change. A leopard does not change its spots.”
The actor recounted moments of violence and emotional strain, but credited his fear of God for guiding his actions and helping him stay composed during the worst moments.
“The fear of God kept me in check,” Ikeagwu said. “I remained calm, removed all emotion from the situation, and maintained complete control until the escalation died down. Today, I’m much better for it. I thank God I trusted Him through the process.”
Offering advice to others, Ikeagwu emphasized the importance of choosing a God-fearing partner, noting that those seeking such a quality must also embody it.
“There is no point being a hypocrite, demanding from someone else what you refuse to touch,” he said. “Family background checks are also important. A person is the product of the family they come from. A violent or dysfunctional family can only produce a violent or dysfunctional individual.”
Discussing the wider issue of domestic abuse in Nigeria, Ikeagwu noted that awareness campaigns are helpful, but insufficient without concrete action.
“Media coverage helps raise awareness,” he stated. “But if we don’t address the root causes, we won’t see change. Our laws are strong enough, but enforcement is weak. There’s a lack of will—political and otherwise—to apply these laws and protect victims.”
Kalu Ikeagwu’s testimony sheds light on the silent suffering of many men in toxic relationships and highlights the urgent need for broader conversations and stronger enforcement of domestic violence laws in Nigeria.
Story by Obaapa Janee/ ahotoronline.com
