South Africa-Based Nigerian Show Promoter Alleges Family Falsely Declared Him Insane, Held Him For 17 Days To Seize Assets
A Nigerian man based in South Africa, Bayo Salami, has accused his family of falsely declaring him mentally unstable in an attempt to take control of his property upon his return to Nigeria after 23 years.
Salami, a show promoter and owner of Kuvuki Empire in Cape Town, South Africa, had been sending money to his family for property investments.
However, upon his return, he discovered that his properties were allegedly still under development. Rather than dispute the matter, he requested to return to South Africa.
His family, however, insisted on taking him to an Islamic cleric (Alfa) for prayers, claiming it would bring him divine blessings. Trusting their intentions, he followed them, only to be forcefully locked inside a room by the cleric.
In a video circulating online, Salami recounted that he was held against his will for 17 days in a facility where several individuals had been confined for over a year. He described the living conditions as deplorable and claimed he was only fed occasionally by his family.
The businessman, who said he organised events for top Nigerian artists such as Davido, Wizkid, MI Abaga, and Banky W in the past, said he was shocked by the ordeal.
He stated that his family justified their actions by accusing him of smoking cigarettes. Dismissing their reasoning, he argued that smoking was not a crime or a religious violation.
"I am based in South Africa, Cape Town precisely. My name is Bayo Salami, and my company is Kuvuki Empire. I am one of the top promoters in South Africa. I have organised many wonderful shows, from Davido to Wizkid, M.I to Banky W,” he said.
To refute his family's claims of mental instability, the interviewer in the video asked him to state his social media handles and website. Without hesitation, he provided the correct information.
"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 said.
When asked how he was feeding himself, he said his family brought him food twice a day.
Bayo explained that the living conditions were extremely poor.
"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,” he said.
"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,” he added.
"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.”