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After 23 Years Abroad, Nigerian Man Held by Islamic Cleric As Family Declares Him Insane To Seize Property
Bayo detailed his ordeal, stating that his family initially told him the properties were still under construction.
Ibadan, Oyo State– A South Africa-based Nigerian show promoter, Bayo Salami, has accused his family of falsely declaring him mentally ill in an attempt to seize his property upon his return to Nigeria after 23 years abroad.
Bayo, who owns Kuvuki Empire, a top event promotion company in South Africa, claimed that he had been sending money home for years to develop properties in Nigeria.
However, upon his return, he was allegedly tricked by his family into visiting an Islamic cleric (Alfa), where he was forcibly detained for 17 days.
In a video obtained by Afrika Eyes, Bayo detailed his ordeal, stating that his family initially told him the properties were still under construction.
He accepted their explanation and planned to return to South Africa. However, his family convinced him to visit the cleric for prayers, claiming it would bring him divine blessings.
Upon arrival, he was led into a room under the pretense of prayer, only to be suddenly pushed inside and locked in. To his horror, he found other detainees who had been held for over a year in deplorable conditions.
“I was held against my will for 17 days,” Bayo recounted. “My family brought food for me, sometimes twice a day, but I was not allowed to leave.”
He further explained that his family justified his detention by claiming he smoked cigarettes, an accusation he found absurd.
“I have been to Dubai, where alcohol is prohibited but cigarettes are allowed. Nowhere in the Quran or Bible does it say smoking is forbidden. I am not a drunk,” he said.
Bayo, known for organising major events featuring Nigerian artists like Davido, Wizkid, M.I, and Banky W, urged the public to verify his credibility through his social media presence on Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube.
“When I arrived in Nigeria, I asked for my property and belongings, but my request was denied. They told me everything was still under development. I didn’t complain and assured them it was fine—I would simply return to where I came from. Then, they insisted we visit an Alfa who would pray for me to receive God’s blessings before I returned to South Africa.
“Since they are my family, I agreed. When we got there, the Alfa asked me to enter a room. I thought it was for prayers, but suddenly, he pushed me inside. To my shock, I found people who had been trapped there for six months to a year, living in deplorable conditions.
“I was confused, questioning why I was there. Now, I have been held captive for nearly 17 days,” he said.
Describing the harsh conditions, Bayo said, “I wish people could see this place for themselves. They took me there, claiming it was because I smoke 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—anyone can check my Instagram page to see how I look.
“Now, I resemble a homeless person, but I am not insane. What happened today was unexpected—I had no idea they had planned this. I feel like a JJC (newcomer) here. Some people have been here for eight months, others for five. They suffer from severe rashes. My sister brought me a mat, but they took it away, saying I had to give it to the house leader.
“I am forced to obey their rules. If someone gives you money, the leader takes it first. I have no say in the matter. All my brothers are influential, yet I have no idea where I am,” Bayo added.
