Hanks Anuku Opens Up About Losing His Children’s Mother

Veteran actor Hanks Anuku has shared how the death of his children's mother impacted his life and career. He said it almost made him withdraw from everyone.

Anuku spoke in a viral video during a testimony session at the Mountain of God International Ministry (SMOGIM) in Abuja.

Although he did not mention the name of the mother of his children or when she died, he had shared in March 2025 that he wanted to remarry after his marriage to his ex-wife from Asaba ended.

The 64-year-old actor talked during an interview on Nollywood Hardcore, The Legend’s Untold Story. He explained that his first marriage failed because they were not compatible. This left him traumatized and scared of new relationships. He also confirmed that he had a partner at the time and called the death of the mother of his children a deeply traumatic experience.

“I want you all to understand that no one can be perfect. I have been through many traumatic situations. First, I lost my baby mama. I wanted to marry her, but she passed away too soon. She is the mother of my children, my son and my daughter, over there. I remember when I first met her; we were always together, and everything was fine.

“I don’t play games when I’m in a relationship with someone of the opposite sex; I’m devoted to that person, and no one else. That’s the way I’ve always lived my life, whether abroad, in Nigeria, or in any other country of the world. That’s my son. I never believed she would leave us so soon, and it hurts deep in my bones. I would have to sleep and not even call her anymore, for the rest of my life.”

Anuku mentioned that he withdrew from society after this loss. He lived in isolation until he found healing and peace through a religious experience. Now, he feels grateful for this change and wants to help others know about salvation.

“I was struck by the Holy Spirit and brought into the presence of God for deliverance, healing and divine comfort, which I now have. I’m not going to leave a presence like that easily anymore. I’m just going to keep giving thanks and making sure that others come to realise that salvation is necessary for a better life and a better tomorrow. I thank God for everyone here.

“Thank God for the pastor. I guess I’ll be bigger than this pretty soon, but it’s all good. Let’s take it one step at a time. I was feeling weighed down. I was feeling very heavy and uncomfortable. Now I feel as light as a feather, and as new as a baby. I have found joy after sorrow, and there’s a lot of laughter and dancing in me. If I let it out here, it will affect people positively, but I’m waiting for God to say ‘go’,” he added.

The actor also said he has turned over a new leaf. He insisted that the viral videos circulating online do not truly represent him.

PREMIUM TIMES previously reported that Anuku had repeatedly denied the viral videos that suggested he was mentally unstable. He said these clips hurt his reputation, affected his career, and left him traumatized.

“I guess you must have seen a lot of stuff online about me, but I tell you something, that wasn’t me. Do I look like that now? Which one would you prefer? Well, God did it, and He did it, starting from here. They came looking for me. God sends strangers, angels and messengers to look for those He wants to use to propagate the gospel and win souls for the kingdom.

“I guess I got lucky, I got on the train. That’s why I’m here. I want to thank God for choosing a wretched sinner like me to be in His presence. To make the tongue of the weakened one cleave to the roof of their mouth.