The Lagos State Police command has declared Nigerian dancehall singer, Damini Oguilu, aka Burna Boy, wanted in connection with the robbery attack of fellow Nigerian artiste Abiye David Jumbo aka Mr 2kay.
This was confirmed by the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Olarinde Famous Cole, saying Burna Boy has been told to report to any police station close to him. He was earlier declared wanted by the Police commissioner, Edgal Imohimi at a press briefing.
Mr 2kay was robbed at gunpoint in his hotel room at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on October 22, during the “Buckwyld N Breathless” concert.
“Four armed robbers carried out the attack and detectives were able to arrest one of their girlfriends identified as ‘Matejero’. This led to the capture of the others. During interrogation, the robbers confessed that they were hired by Burna Boy through his manager, Joel Kantiock, who was arrested in Zaria, Kaduna State,” the Police commissioner said.
“They confessed to receiving a part payment of N50, 000 before the job and another N50, 000 was paid to the robbers directly by Burna Boy when the job was done. At the moment, efforts to apprehend him are proving futile but we count on him to make himself available for questioning immediately,” he concluded.
Though no known beef exists between the two, there was a trade of words between both parties on Twitter after Burna Boy said he would like to beat up pastors.
“The way I genuinely dislike pastors, preachers, etc. I might have to knock 1 of them the fu**k out 1 of these days. I know God will be happy.
“Go and find truth for yourselves. Research, ask questions. Free yourself,” Burna Boy tweeted.
Mr 2kay responded to him saying: “for me what Burna Boy said is a No, how will you say you will beat up pastors that pray for this country day and night. I don’t know if he is high or drunk for him to say that. But for me it is totally wrong. If pastors lay a curse on you, then you are done”.
Crime and fame: a cold mix
In lure to the talk of fame and wealth by most Nigerian artiste, all seems to go well as fans idolize them until things turn around to reveal a different side of the coin. Some artists have in the past found themselves on the wrong side of the law.
Nigerian rapper, Babalola Falemi, aka Sauce kid, was sentenced to two years in an American prison after he stole $15,388. He was also alleged to have obtained stolen bank card numbers and identification information from owners. He encoded the account numbers onto blank plastic cards.
Authorities said, after using automated system to change accounts PINs, he gained access to withdraw cash from ATMs, buying merchandise, between July 23 and July 26, 2016.
He was initially charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud; eight counts each of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft and possession of 15 or more fraudulent bank cards.
Nurudeen Ogundairo, a gospel artiste, was also arrested for armed robbery by the Ogun State police, claiming he took to crime to finance his maiden album which was due for launch on July 24, 2017.
Also recall that Dammy Krane another known artiste was arrested over credit card fraud, but was acquitted after he was able to prove that a show promoter had booked him a private jet with stolen credit cards.
In 2012, Lauryn Hill pled guilty to tax evasion and was imprisoned for almost 30 days before she was released upon making payment in full.
Nas almost lost all his hard-earned fame when he was charged with tax evasion, paying the government $6 million in back taxes.
Also female hip-hop artiste, Lil’ Kim was sued by former label for $2.5 million in 2008 and reported to owe the government $1 million of unpaid taxes.
