Precious Nwonu, Enugu
Nollywood actress and filmmaker Toyin Abraham has announced veteran actor Pete Edochie as the first major cast member of her upcoming movie, Bestie.
Abraham made the announcement on Monday, September 14, revealing that Edochie will portray a character named Papa Ngozi in the highly anticipated production.
The filmmaker unveiled the veteran actor on social media, celebrating his decades-long contribution to the Nigerian film industry and describing him as a “legend” and “GOAT.”
She also confirmed that Bestie will hit cinemas on December 16.
Although Abraham has yet to reveal details of the film’s storyline, Edochie’s involvement has generated interest among movie lovers, given his status as one of Nollywood’s most respected veteran actors.
Further details about the remaining cast members and the plot of the movie are expected to be announced as the release date approaches.
For Edochie, the role adds to a career spanning several decades, during which he has featured in numerous Nigerian films and television productions and become widely recognised for his diverse portrayals.
Bestie continues Abraham’s tradition of releasing films during the busy December cinema season.
Her previous festive-season projects include Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper in 2022, Malaika in 2023 and Alakada: Bad and Boujee in 2024.
The filmmaker also recorded major commercial success with her 2025 movie, Oversabi Aunty, which surpassed N1bn at the Nigerian box office.
The achievement earned Abraham a Box Office Champion Award from the National Film and Video Censors Board in March 2026.
The December release of Bestie will put the movie in competition with several other major Nigerian productions.
Funke Akindele’s The Four: No One Fights Alone is scheduled to hit cinemas on December 11, five days before Abraham’s film.
With additional cast announcements expected, Abraham has continued to keep much of Bestie ’s storyline under wraps, while the casting of Edochie as Papa Ngozi has provided fans with an early glimpse of what to expect from the production.