Ayonla Althentic, media aide to popular Fuji singer Abass ‘Obesere’ Akande, has disclosed that the musician lost an estimated ₦95 million in cash and jewelry during an attack by thugs in Ondo State.
The incident occurred on November 21, shortly after Obesere performed at a burial ceremony in Okitipupa. According to Althentic, the attack was a well-planned operation targeting the singer and his team as they were leaving the event.
In a statement shared on Facebook on Wednesday, Althentic explained that the thugs seized a bag containing ₦25 million, which combined earnings from a previous show and the day’s performance. Additionally, Obesere’s gold necklace, valued at ₦45 million, and his gold wristwatch, worth about ₦25 million, were also stolen.
Althentic recounted the harrowing encounter:
“Around 6:00 p.m., I noticed unfamiliar faces not dressed like the bereaved family—they looked like street boys, which is common. Alhaji Obesere sang to hail them; they danced and seemed happy, unaware that they had a mission to execute. When the band stopped playing, they had already gone into the band bus.
“As we tried to move to our parked car, a large group of hoodlums rushed at us, demanding I hand over the bag of money. Others surrounded Alhaji Obesere, demanding more cash. After he gave some, they insisted on more. They hijacked his gold necklace and wristwatch during the struggle.
“I was violently beaten, dislocated my left shoulder, and was stabbed while trying to protect the money. Despite my efforts, the bag containing ₦20 million from a previous show and ₦5 million from the day’s performance was taken. Obesere had just returned from a European tour, so the total loss was significant.”
The aide’s statement paints a vivid picture of a calculated and violent robbery, highlighting both the personal risk faced by the singer and the substantial financial loss.