A distressing tale of deception and greed has unfolded as Bayo Salami, a Nigerian man based in South Africa, has come forward with allegations that his family has falsely declared him mentally unstable.
This shocking claim is an attempt to take control of his property, which he had invested in through his family.
Salami, a show promoter and owner of Kuvuki Empire in Cape Town, South Africa, had been sending money to his family for property investments. His clients in South Africa include some of the biggest Afrobeats musicians in Nigeria- Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid among others.
However, upon his return to Nigeria after 23 years, his family claimed that the properties were still under development.
Believing his family’s intentions were genuine, Salami agreed to follow them to an Alfa’s place for prayers. Instead, he was suddenly pushed into a room, where he found others who had been held captive for up to a year in deplorable conditions.
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.”
Salami described the living conditions as extremely poor, with some individuals suffering from rashes. He was forced to obey the rules of the facility, including surrendering any money or personal belongings to the house leader.
The family’s alleged motive for declaring Salami insane was to seize his assets, including his properties and financial resources.
Salami has appealed to the public for assistance in securing his freedom and reclaiming his rightful possessions.