By Francis Ogwo
Idolizing celebrities has become a regular trend in the global space. Many thanks to the growth of technology.This is because their fans look up to them as role models and in most cases demigods who may not faulter.It is therefore perceived as awkward when celebrities get into the news for negative reasons
While many walk and deal with the society and public space with negative aura trailing, so many others have lived with the stigma of becoming enemies of the law or outright exconvicts.
Recently, the entertainment space has been buzziing with the news of popular celebrity couple JJC and Funke who were hit by the law for contravening an order aimed at containing the spread of the deadly COVID-19.
While many applaud the act as a control of impunity,others reflect on the place of crime records in the celebrity space.
Kaftan Post takes a peep into these entertainment celebrities that have fallen into trouble with the law.
1.Ibinabo Fiberisima
Light skinned Ibinabo was charged in 2009 for reckless driving and manslaughter after she accidentally killed Giwa Suraj , a medical doctor with the Lagos State Teaching Hospital in 2006.
She was sacked by the board of directors of Actors Guild of Nigeria from her position as President in 2016.Subsequently she was sentenced to a 5-year jail term by a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.
In 2017, a bail term of N2million naira opened the prison gates for the thespian making her move freely on the streets and public glare since then.Her freedom has raised dust from opponents who demand justice for the dead .
2. Uche Odoputa
Popular Nollywood actor, Uche Odoputa ha his brush with the law when he was also arrested with wraps of cocaine at the international airport in Lagos.
According to reports, the actor was jailed for two years and three weeks thereby truncating his trip to London.This incidence led to the actor going bankrupt with difficulty in feeding his family.
It took the support of some close associates like John Okafor popularly known as Mr Ibu and the late veteran filmmaker,Amaka Igwe to salvage him from the ‘wahala.
The actor has featured in several blockbusters since then.
3. Sinzu
This rapper goes by the name Babalola Falemi but popularly known as Sauce Kid He later changed to Sinzu
He was jailed for two years in the United States for identity theft of stealing over 15 bank card numbers and identified information of their owners.
This brought an abrupt end to get the artistes career who was already a rave of the moment.
He pleaded guilty to one of the counts after the other charges were dropped. He was jailed for two years for aggravated identity theft. He however made a failed return in 2018 with a not too successful video.
4. Godwon
This rapper Neyu Godwon Nyan had mocked fellow rapper and friend-turned-foe Sinzu after he was convicted.However, a new viral post now indicates that rapper Godwon have been allegedly arrested for burglary while in the US back in 2009.
He was alleged to have stolen some items from the house which were eventually found in his car.He was later arrested for ‘burglary of a habitation’ and locked up for three years.His arrest was filed by a LeanAnne Klentzman back in 2009. Godwon was freed in 2011.
In 2011, he released ‘Evolution’with a remix of his single ‘Too much money’ featuring Sinzu and rapper Ikechukwu.
5. Lola Margaret
This sultry Yoruba actress reported to have been arrested in USA for fraud.
According to reports, she had suspicious amounts of money wired into her bank account restriction which was constantly withdrawn from thereby drawing the attention of detectives.This led to her arrest and detention .She was later released but hid her face from social security events.
6.Naira Marley
This dread wearing singer has taken Nigerian music industry by storm with a cultlike followership and odd dancesteps.
Naira Marley was arrested on an 11-count charge of conspiracy and credit card fraud, preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
During his evidence at the court, EFCC’s forensic expert,Mr Anosike had told the court that the forensic analysis that was carried out on Naira Marley’s iPhone revealed some shocking evidence against him.
He has weathered the legal storm around him undaunted and dropped series of hits even though with a negative branding by the society.This has however had little impact on his rising game and fortune.He recently had a music deal with a popular bank in tune of millions.
