Hakeem: Seeking Justice — Review

Hakeem: Seeking Justice is a 2025 Nollywood action–drama directed by Abdulrasheed “JJC Skillz” Bello. The film stars Deyemi Okanlawon, Regina Daniels, Zubby Michael, Bolanle Ninalowo, Chioma Chukwuka, Ali Nuhu, Gabriel Afolayan, and Liquorose.

It tells the story of Hakeem, a former military officer whose peaceful life is destroyed when his wife and child are murdered. When the system fails him, he seeks revenge and uncovers a dark web of corruption, betrayal, and abuse of power.

What Works Well

1. Emotional Core

The movie gives you a reason to care. Hakeem’s grief and rage feel real. His quest for answers is more than vengeance — it is a plea for justice in a broken system.

2. Strong Acting

Deyemi Okanlawon delivers a convincing performance. He shows both strength and vulnerability. The supporting cast also rises to the occasion and gives weight to secondary characters.

3. Good Action & Visuals

For Nollywood, the action scenes are ambitious and well-done. There are fights, chases, and tense confrontations that show effort and craftsmanship. The cinematography, lighting, and effects help the movie feel cinematic.

4. Relevance & Themes

The film tackles real issues: corruption, abuse of power, injustice. It’s not just about violence — it’s about what happens when systems meant to protect people fail them.

5. Music & Sound Design

The soundtrack supports the mood — soft and sorrowful in emotional scenes, intense during action. The sound design, from explosions to whispers, enhances impact.

What Could Be Better

1. Pacing

Some parts drag, especially in the middle. Emotional scenes sometimes linger too long. Tidying up could keep tension high.

2. Predictability

Some plot points follow familiar paths — betrayal by allies, hidden conspiracies, last-minute rescues. While effective, they are not always surprising.

3. Shallow Supporting Roles

While the leads are strong, many side characters don’t get full explanations or growth. Their motivations aren’t always clear.

4. Balance Between Action & Emotion

The shift between intense action and quiet emotional scenes can feel abrupt. A smoother transition would help both elements connect better.

Overall Feel

Hakeem: Seeking Justice is an ambitious film. It succeeds most of the time at weaving together action, grief, and moral conflict. It shows that Nollywood is evolving, exploring stories that are not only entertaining but also meaningful.

The film’s strengths — performance, themes, production — make it stand out. Its flaws don’t ruin the experience. As a movie, it is bold, satisfying, and emotionally resonant.

Highlights & Weaknesses

Best Moments

The opening tragedy that sets Hakeem’s journey in motion

High-octane fight scenes and chase sequences

Plot twists revealing betrayal by those close to him

Emotional showdowns in the climax

Weak Moments

Occasional slow pacing in the middle

Underwritten supporting characters

Predictable elements in the storyline

Final Rating

Story & Plot: 7.5 / 10

Action & Stunts: 8.5 / 10

Acting Performance: 8 / 10

Emotional Depth: 8 / 10

Cinematography & Sound: 8 / 10

Overall Enjoyment: 8 / 10

Final Thoughts

Hakeem: Seeking Justice is one of the stronger Nollywood films of recent years. It mixes heart, conflict, and spectacle in a way that many productions try but few achieve.

While not perfect, it shows what Nigerian cinema can become — films with power, emotion, and relevance. If you enjoy action dramas that also ask hard questions, this is a film worth watching.

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