FACT CHECK: Pete Edochie Is Alive — Viral Death Rumour About Nollywood Icon Debunked

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Viral claims alleging that legendary Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has died at the age of 78 have been confirmed to be false, following extensive checks that found no evidence from credible sources to support the reports.

The false claim, which spread rapidly across WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, alleged that the veteran actor was rushed to the hospital and later passed away, with further assertions that his elder son confirmed the death on Instagram. These claims have no factual basis.

As of February 10, 2026, no reputable Nigerian or international media outlet — including Channels TV, Punch, Vanguard, Premium Times, BBC Pidgin, Legit.ng, or Daily Trust — has reported the death of Pete Edochie. Biographical records and verified public profiles continue to list the revered actor, born March 7, 1947, as alive, with no death notice or obituary issued.

There is also no verified social media post from any member of the Edochie family confirming such news. Neither Yul Edochie nor Uche Edochie, who have previously addressed similar rumours, has announced any death. In earlier instances of misinformation, Uche Edochie publicly dismissed the rumours, stating that false reports about his father’s death have circulated repeatedly for more than two decades.

This latest claim follows a long pattern of recycled death hoaxes involving Pete Edochie. Similar false stories surfaced in 2012, resurfaced between 2020 and 2023, and have continued intermittently into 2024–2026 — often amplified by clickbait pages seeking online engagement. Past versions of the hoax falsely claimed he died abroad or after an accident, all of which were debunked.

Pete Edochie remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated actors, honoured with national and industry awards including the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) and the AMVCA Industry Merit Award. There is no hospital report, no family confirmation, and no official statement to support the current viral claim.

The circulating report is misinformation, and members of the public are advised to verify celebrity death news through trusted media organisations or direct family statements before sharing.

Pete Edochie is alive and well.