The musician had earlier called on the state government to fish out and prosecute those who allegedly attacked him and destroyed his equipment in the state.
Some suspected thugs allegedly attacked the Fuji music star in Okitipupa town, the headquarters of Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Friday, stole his money and destroyed his equipment at a burial ceremony where he was invited to entertain the guests in the community.
It was gathered that the thugs stormed the venue of the ceremony and began to harass the musician in a bid to extort money from him, but this reportedly led to a struggle between his band boys and the suspected thugs.
During the struggle, the money he received while entertaining the guests was allegedly taken away by the thugs, who also allegedly injured some of his band members.
In response, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident and stated that two suspects had been arrested, while an investigation had commenced.
The PPRO simply said, “Yes, the incident happened, and two suspects have been arrested; they are in our custody with the exhibit. Investigation had begun.”
In the same vein, the chairman of Okitipupa LGA, Mr Andrew Ogunsakin, in a statement, described the incident as unfortunate and unacceptable and promised to deal with the perpetrators.
“I received the news of the unfortunate mistreatment meted out to Abbas Akande Obesere and his team yesterday at the Government Field, Okitipupa, with deep disappointment and utmost distaste. This incident is unacceptable and does not reflect the values we uphold as a people.
“I want to assure the public that the necessary steps will be taken to address this matter and to prevent such occurrences in the future, whether toward artists, celebrities, entertainers, or any individual visiting or residing in our local government.
“I will be personally reaching out to Obesere and his team to set the record straight and to convey our regrets over the incident. Furthermore, I am looking into the matter thoroughly to ensure such an incident does not repeat itself,” he stated.
The media manager of the musician, Ayonla Authentic, in a statement sighted on the Facebook page of Sidophonia Progressive F.C., on Sunday, expressed sadness over the incident, calling on the people in authority to act to prevent future occurrences of such.
Part of the statement read, “After Alhaji Abass Akande Obesere (Papa) concluded his performance and while we were preparing to leave the venue, large groups of touts surrounded the area. One group converged on my location because I was carrying the bag of money. Despite our efforts to leave peacefully, my principal and I were aggressively confronted. The assailants demanded that I hand over the bag; when I refused, a violent struggle ensued.
“During the attack, I was beaten, and my shoulder was dislocated as a result of the struggle. I was also struck with a knife while attempting to get into the car; I cannot confirm a stabbing wound, but I sustained several blows and am in significant pain. The attackers overpowered me and made away with the bag of money. At the same time, another group continued to manhandle Alhaji Abass Akande Obesere even after he attempted to placate them by giving money. I later guided Alhaji into our vehicle, and we left the scene to seek safety and medical attention.
“We condemn this criminal and violent behaviour in the strongest terms. Such attacks on performers, their teams, and mourners at a burial ceremony are unacceptable. We call on local authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible and to take measures to prevent similar incidents at public events.”
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