Passion of Christ: Nigerian Actor Dies During Rehearsal After Explosion of Homemade Cannon

Michael Nnanke Obeten, a graduate of Cross River State University, died on April 4, 2026, during a rehearsal for the Stations of the Cross in Ugep, Nigeria, after a homemade cannon exploded. Obeten, who had previously played the role of Jesus Christ, was struck in the head by metal fragments. Despite being rushed to a hospital, he did not survive and was buried on April 7. The alumni group from UNICROSS is calling for legal action regarding the circumstances of the incident.