JJC Skillz has stormed back onto the Nigerian film scene with Hakeem (Seeking Justice), an action-packed thriller that dominated Nollywood titles in its first week at the box office. The film’s powerful opening leaves industry watchers speculating on how soon it might cross the coveted ₦100 million threshold.

The story follows Hakeem, a battle-hardened ex-soldier who returns home only to face unimaginable tragedy — the brutal killing of his entire family. Fueled by pain and vengeance, his quest for justice uncovers a web of conspiracy that is darker and more dangerous than he ever bargained for.

The nationwide release on August 1, 2025, brought the director back into the spotlight. Abdulrasheed “JJC Skillz” Bello leads with a star-heavy cast featuring Ali Nuhu, Bolanle Ninalowo, Chioma Chukwuka, Deyemi Okanlawon, Gabriel Afolayan, Liquorose, Regina Daniels, Skales, White Money, Zubby Michael, and others.

Screening in 55 cinemas across Nigeria, the film’s opening figures were strong:

• Day 1 – ₦6.22 million

• Day 2 – ₦6.65 million

• Day 3 – ₦10.59 million

• Opening weekend – ₦23.48 million

• Day 4 – ₦1.90 million

• Day 5 – ₦2.71 million

• Day 6 – ₦2.73 million

• Day 7 – ₦2.64 million

• First week total – ₦33.51 million

This launch secured the film the top Nollywood spot for its debut week and placed it third overall at the Nigerian box office, sitting just behind Hollywood blockbusters The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Superman.

The film’s strong start has already drawn comparisons to past Nollywood successes such as Jade Osiberu’s Brotherhood, which opened with ₦53.23 million in 2022 before closing at ₦328.88 million, becoming one of the highest-grossing Nigerian films of all time. Whether Hakeem (Seeking Justice) can replicate that trajectory remains a key question.

For JJC Skillz, the project represents a return to directing after co-helming Omo Ghetto: The Saga, which grossed ₦636.12 million and reigned as Nigeria’s biggest box office hit until overtaken by Everybody Loves Jenifa (2024), A Tribe Called Judah (2023), and Battle on Buka Street (2022).

With an opening week already cementing its box office presence, Hakeem (Seeking Justice) positions itself as one of the most talked-about Nollywood releases of 2025, with its staying power in the coming weeks set to determine whether it becomes a true blockbuster.