Nollywood star Jide Awobona has opened up about the extreme lengths he went to embody his character Inspector Jero, including intense fasting, while teasing fans about an exciting sequel in the works.
On the Conversations With Kenni podcast hosted by Kehinde Ajose, the versatile actor and producer shared the creative drive behind one of his most talked-about roles.
When asked what inspired the character and the dramatic promotion, Jide Awobona explained his unique approach to filmmaking:
“I’m a very unusual person so when I want to make any movie, there has to be a wow factor in it. I told my director, Abiodun Jimoh, that we should create something that put me in another light. We came up with an idea that birthed the Inspector Jero character.”
He revealed the personal sacrifices required to nail the look:
“I had to fast to lose weight and look hungry. Aside from the beards, I had to fast. On some days, I ate only fruits.”
The film Inspector Jero, released in 2025 on his YouTube channel Jide Awobona TV, quickly gained massive traction with its fresh storytelling and his committed performance. He confirmed a sequel:
“The sequel is coming. It’s the reason I’m keeping my hair.”
Awobona also addressed his relatively scandal-free reputation in the often turbulent Nollywood industry. When quizzed on how he maintains a clean image, he offered a refreshingly honest perspective:
“Am I scandal free? For me, there’s nothing like scandal. Nobody’s perfect. We’re all just living and trying… I don’t intentionally stay out of trouble. I just live. I can be anything at any point in time based on my experience at that time or my mood.”
His comments highlight the dedication many actors pour into roles while reminding fans that public figures are human. The success of Inspector Jero has further cemented Jide Awobona’s place as a creative force pushing boundaries in Nollywood’s digital space.