What was supposed to be a night of music, prestige, and celebration has spiralled into a storm of fear, allegations, and unanswered questions, after a rights group accused armed soldiers of abducting a media executive in the aftermath of a ₦71 million celebrity event deal gone wrong.
The allegation, made by Youth Against Human Right Abuses (YAHRA), has ignited public outrage and placed the Nigerian Army, the EFCC, and multiple security agencies under an intense spotlight.
A Celebration That Unravelled
The chain of events began on 7 February 2026, at the 60th birthday celebration of Mr. Gbolahan Majekodunmi, an event expected to feature some of Nigeria’s biggest music stars.
Behind the glamour was a ₦71,000,000 contract covering artiste bookings and media services. Guests arrived. Expectations were high. But as the night wore on, the artistes never appeared.
Confusion quickly turned into shock. Then anger. Then panic.
EFCC Petition and a Missing ₦44 Million
Two days later, on 9 February 2026, the dispute escalated sharply when a petition was filed before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by O&A Olujinmi & Akeredolu Legal Practitioners & Notaries Public.
The petition accused Mr. Olumide Bolaji Owootomo of 213 Entertainment of:
- Criminal breach of trust
- Obtaining money under false pretence
- Allegedly diverting ₦44,000,000 from the total sum paid
Mr. Owootomo is now reportedly in detention, with sources claiming he was apprehended after an alleged attempt to evade custody. As at press time, the EFCC has not issued an official public update on the investigation.
Then the Story Took a Dark Turn
According to YAHRA, the matter did not remain within civilian law enforcement.
The group alleges that armed soldiers believed to be attached to the 81 Division Garrison, Bonny Cantoment, Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue in Victoria Island, Lagos, entered the scene — not to keep peace, but to forcibly seize a civilian media executive connected to the dispute.
YAHRA describes the incident as an abduction, insisting that no civil contract dispute justifies military intervention.
“When soldiers begin to enforce business disagreements,” the group warned, “fear replaces the rule of law.”
Army Commander Placed Under Public Pressure
The rights group has now issued a direct call to:
Major General Adebayo Babalola
81 Division Garrison, Bonny Cantoment,
Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue in Victoria Island, Lagos
demanding urgent clarification on:
- Whether soldiers under his command were involved
- Who authorised any military presence
- And how a failed event allegedly escalated into a military-style operation
As of press time, no official response has been issued by the Nigerian Army.
The Human Cost Behind the Headlines
Beyond the money and allegations lies a deeper human toll.
Sources close to the event say Mr. Ayo George, who reportedly financed the anticipated performances, attended the event in person, expecting the artistes to arrive.
Instead, he left devastated.
Associates describe him as overwhelmed by panic attacks, emotional distress, and crushing pressure since the incident — yet note that he never absconded, never disappeared, and remained accessible throughout.
“If he intended fraud,” one associate said, “he wouldn’t have shown up at all.”
No criminal allegation has been publicly announced against him.
Security Chiefs Urged to Step In
YAHRA has escalated the matter, calling on:
- The Inspector-General of Police
- The National Security Adviser
- The Chief of Army Staff
- Civil society and human-rights organisations
to intervene urgently, warning that unchecked military involvement in civilian disputes threatens democratic norms and public safety.
A Nation Watches as Silence Lingers
What began as a birthday celebration has now become a national talking point involving:
- ₦71 million in disputed contracts
- ₦44 million at the centre of an EFCC probe
- A detained entertainment promoter
- And explosive allegations of military abduction
As Nigerians wait, official silence continues.
Until clear answers emerge, the fear, speculation, and outrage surrounding this case are only growing.
This is a developing story.