Since 2023, Nigerian movie director and producer Kemi Adetiba had been working on a series titled To Kill a Monkey. Released on July 18, 2025, the Nigerian crime thriller features a stellar cast including William Benson, Bucci Franklin, Stella Damasus, Bimbo Akintola, Michael O. Ejoor, Chidi Mokeme, Lilian Afegbai, and Sunshine Rosman.

The story follows Efe, a young man struggling to survive and provide for his family. His fortunes seem to change when he reconnects with a long-lost ‘brother’ who helps him rise though through illegal means. Soon, Efe begins to live lavishly, but as expected, nemesis eventually catches up with him.

The movie explores societal ills and is rich with themes of love, hatred, betrayal, loyalty, and pride.

No doubt, Adetiba has mastered the art of gripping storytelling. She once again brings to life the risks investigative journalists and personnel face just as she did in King of Boys (KOB). In this series, Bimbo Akintola delivers a standout performance as Inspector Ogunlesi.
One striking highlight for me is the embodiment of the first law in Robert Greene’s 48 Laws of Power—Never Outshine the Master.

William Benson (Efe) ignores this law. Bucci Franklin (Oboz-da-Boss), more experienced in the game, had discovered Efe when he was a struggling waiter earning about ₦42,000—a wage clearly inadequate to support a family. Oboz introduced him to a new lifestyle, essentially giving his life purpose. But in a turn of events, Efe bites more than he can chew. Chidi Mokeme (Teacher) places him in a difficult spot, demanding an 80% tax from him. This was far more than the usual 30% expected from both
Efe and Oboz.

Love or Backstabbing?0
Ivie (Efe’s daughter) quickly finds herself entangled with Oboz in a romantic atmosphere. Was it love or betrayal? One thing stood out—emotions ran deep.

Also, Oboz, now power-drunk, began forgetting those who had stood by him. He failed to appreciate loyalty until it was too late. Ozzyboy (Ozemgbe), once his right-hand man, walked away and never returned until he was killed. Ozzyboy, in his final reflections, regretted leaving and believed Oboz might have survived had he stayed.

The moment Oboz said, “Wetin you dey do for me? No be me dey give you money? Dey go. Follow am,” something snapped in Ozzyboy. His loyalty vanished. From the beginning, he had warned that Efe could not be trusted. But Oboz dismissed it, trusting the man who once saved his life back in university.

He guessed wrong. The same man he once called a savior betrayed him. Loyalty is rare and even scarce. Never take loyal people for granted. Enemies feast on such weakness, and that’s what happened to Oboz.

Betrayal at Every Turn
Betrayal is a major theme in Adetiba’s latest offering. It is layered and constant. From the restaurant scene where Efe’s boss refused to fulfill her part of clearing his debt, to Onome, the investigative officer who betrayed his agency for personal gain, the film lays bare the dark heart of self-interest.

Efe, whom Oboz was ready to die for, eventually handed him over to their enemies. It was a betrayal reminiscent of biblical proportions — a Judas moment.

Even Efe’s wife, Nosa (played by Stella Damasus), had ‘an affair’ with their supposed family doctor, Daniel Etim.

The power of a woman
Efe thought he had found trust and solace in Amanda Sparkles (Lilian Afegbai). Though he initially planned to use and dump her, Sparkles outsmarted him by arranging his arrest alongside that of Inspector Onome. In Season 2, she testified against Efe.

A mirror to what men face
From the beginning, the movie showcases the hardships many men face. Efe had to ‘steal’ WiFi just to make ends meet and prove he was “man enough” to provide for his family. Along the way, he suffered verbal abuse and rejection from his mother-in-law who only warmed up to him after he could afford to buy her jewelry for every occasion.
Cultural realism
Adetiba doesn’t forget her cultural roots. One such moment is when Efe’s uncles visit him at his low-paying restaurant job. Despite his plea that he could barely afford a coffin and a shovel to bury his mother, the family insists on a full, elaborate burial ceremony. Culture demands it—even if the man is broke.
Kemi Adetiba is more than a professional; she’s a visionary who turns societal realities into compelling storytelling. To Kill a Monkey is yet another example of her unmatched ability to reflect Nigeria’s deepest issues on screen.
lufemi is a journalist and a music/movie reviewer. He’s on Twitter and Instagram via @TheOluwadarmie and can be reached via [email protected]