Veteran Christian filmmaker Mike Bamiloye has revealed that his iconic faith-based film Agbara Nla was originally abandoned after the cameraman disappeared with the original tapes shortly after production was completed in 1987.

Bamiloye shared the story in a post on his X account on Friday, describing the decades-long journey behind one of Nigeria’s most influential Christian films as anticipation builds for the cinema release of Agbara Nla: The Return.

According to him, the vision for the film began during the National Festival of Christian Drama, HARVEST ’87, organised by Mount Zion Faith Ministries at GOFAMINT International Gospel Centre, Ojoo, Ibadan, where Christian drama leaders agreed to produce what was planned as Nigeria’s first Christian movie.

He explained that the script, originally titled Agbara To Ju Agbara Lo, went through months of casting and rehearsals involving drama ministers from churches and campuses, including the University of Lagos, the University of Ibadan, Ogun State University and the College of Education, Ilesa.

Bamiloye said filming was eventually completed at Apete Village in Ibadan before disaster struck.

“Then, after all our efforts and labours of many brethren from church and campuses, when the film shoot was completed, the cameraman disappeared with the tapes. All efforts to locate him proved abortive. So the vision was rested and it died,” he wrote.

He said the project remained shelved until 1993 when, after Mount Zion had successfully produced several other films, he felt led to revive it.

According to him, the script was rewritten and production restarted at Badeku Village in Ibadan with support from members of the Christian community, including a Foursquare Gospel Church pastor who donated N5,000 as camera deposit and the late Rev. Idowu Animashawun of World Hope Mission, who provided accommodation during filming.

The filmmaker added that the television series was eventually broadcast across television stations in Western Nigeria before an English version, Ultimate Power, was produced in 1994 and gained widespread popularity across eastern and northern Nigeria.

Bamiloye said the production returned to set in 2025 for a remake directed by his son, Damilola Mike Bamiloye, and produced by Chris Odeh in collaboration with Mount Zion Films, Sozo Films and Circuit TV.

“The story of the production of Agbara Nla had began since 1987. Now it is time to appear on the global stage in the name of the Lord. Amen,” he wrote.

Bamiloye had earlier announced that “Agbara Nla: The Return”, a reimagined version of the 1993 classic, will premiere in cinemas nationwide on October 1.

Originally released in 1993, “Agbara Nla”, also known as “The Ultimate Power”, became one of Africa’s most influential Christian films, exploring themes of spiritual warfare, faith and the triumph of God’s power over evil. The remake sees Bamiloye reprise his role as Isawuru alongside a new cast, with nationwide cinema distribution handled by Blue Pictures Distribution.