I was confused and kept asking myself why I was there. I have been held captive for nearly 17 days now
By Titilope Adako
A Nigerian show promoter based in South Africa, Bayo Salami, has accused his family of falsely declaring him mentally unstable and detaining him for 17 days in an attempt to take over his assets after he returned to Nigeria.
In a video obtained by KoikiMedia, Salami, the owner of Kuvuki Empire in Cape Town, said he had been sending money to his family for property investments, only to find upon his return that his properties were allegedly still under development.
When he requested to return to South Africa, his family insisted on taking him to an Islamic cleric (Alfa) for prayers.
“I arrived in Nigeria, and when I asked for my property and everything I owned, they denied my request and told me that they were still under development. I did not complain and told them that it was no problem—I would return to where I came from. They then told me that we needed to visit an Alfa, who would pray for me so that I could receive God’s blessings when I returned to South Africa.
“I agreed since they are my family. When we arrived there, the Alfa told me to enter a room. I thought they were going to pray for me, but suddenly, he pushed me inside. I saw people who had been there for six months to a year, and their living conditions were terrible.
“I was confused and kept asking myself why I was there. I have been held captive for nearly 17 days now.”
Salami, who said he had organised shows for Nigerian artists such as Davido, Wizkid, MI Abaga, and Banky W, described the living conditions at the facility as deplorable.
“I wish everyone could go there right now and see for themselves. They took me there because they claimed I smoked cigarettes. But in Dubai, people don’t drink alcohol, yet they smoke cigarettes. There is no verse in the Qur’an or the Bible that forbids smoking. I am not a drunkard—check my Instagram page and see how I look.
“I look like a homeless person now, but I am not insane. What happened today was unexpected—I didn’t know those guys had already planned something. I am like a JJC (newcomer) here. Some people have been here for eight months, some for five months. They suffer from rashes. My sister brought me a mat, but they took it from me and said I had to give it to the house leader.
“I am forced to obey the rules of this place. If someone gives you money, the leader must take it first. I cannot argue with them. All my brothers are influential people, but I have no idea where I am.”
To prove his mental stability, he was asked to state his social media handles and website in a video, which he did correctly.
Salami also revealed that his family only provided him with food twice a day during his confinement.
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