A South Africa-based Nigerian, Bayo Salami, has alleged that his family detained him at an Islamic cleric’s residence under the pretense of prayers after he returned to Nigeria to claim properties he had been financing for years.
A Shocking Return
Salami, who is based in Cape Town, South Africa, shared his ordeal in a viral video on Sunday, appearing visibly distressed as he recounted how he was locked up and mistreated.
“I am based in South Africa, Cape Town. My real name is Bayo Salami. My company is Kuvuki Empire, and I’m one of the top promoters in South Africa. I have done many wonderful shows, from Davido to Wizkid, Banky W, and M.I.,” he said.
He explained that he returned to Nigeria after 23 years to check on the properties he had been sending money for. However, his family claimed the properties were still under development.
Rather than argue, Salami accepted their explanation and informed them of his plan to return to South Africa. But his family insisted on taking him to an Alfa (Islamic cleric) for prayers, promising it would bring him divine blessings.
Trapped in a Cleric’s House
Trusting his family, Salami agreed to the visit. However, upon arrival, he was pushed into a room and locked inside, discovering that other individuals had been detained for months under appalling conditions.
“I saw some people there who had been there for like six months to one year. Their living conditions were very terrible,” he recalled.
While detained, his family brought him food occasionally, sometimes twice a day, but he had to navigate a strict hierarchy among the captives.
“The people there had been there for like eight months. In there, there are hierarchies. Sometimes when they brought food for me, they collected it from my hand.”
Salami also revealed that his mat and money were confiscated by a so-called “number one” among the captives.
“When my sister brought a mat for me, they collected it, saying I had to give it to the number one of the house. If they gave me money, the number one must collect it because you can’t say anything to them.”
Family’s Justification and His Disbelief
His family justified the detention by claiming that he smoked cigarettes. Expressing disbelief, Salami questioned their reasoning.
“I have been to Dubai, where they don’t drink alcohol but smoke cigarettes. Nowhere in the Quran or Bible is smoking cigarettes forbidden. I am not a drunkard.”
He further revealed that he had spent 23 years living in various countries, including South Africa, Malaysia, Cyprus, Togo, and Ghana, only to be trapped by his own family upon his return to Nigeria.
Public Reaction and Next Steps
Salami’s shocking revelation has sparked widespread discussions online, with many condemning the betrayal by his family. It remains unclear how he eventually escaped or if legal action will be taken against those responsible.
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