A Nigerian man, Bayo Salami, who had been living in South Africa for over two decades, has returned to Nigeria after 23 years, only to find himself caught in a disturbing situation involving his own family. His attempt to reclaim properties he had been sending money to develop ended in a nightmare when his relatives took him to an Islamic cleric (Alfa), where he was held against his will for 17 days and labeled as mad in a bid to seize his assets.
Bayo, who resides in Cape Town, South Africa, runs a successful business called Kuvuki Empire and is known as a prominent show promoter. He has organized major events for popular Nigerian artists like Davido, Wizkid, M.I., and Banky W. To back up his claims, Bayo pointed to his social media presence on platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube, where his company’s name is prominently displayed.
Upon his arrival in Nigeria, Bayo went to visit his family, eager to see the progress on the properties he had invested in over the years. However, his relatives told him that the properties were still under development. Though disappointed, he chose not to argue with them and instead simply asked to return to South Africa. But his family had other plans.
In a shocking twist, Bayo’s relatives insisted that he visit an Islamic cleric, or Alfa, for prayers, claiming it would bring him blessings. Trusting his family’s intentions, Bayo agreed to accompany them. However, once they arrived at the Alfa’s residence, he was led into a room, supposedly for prayers. Without warning, the cleric locked the door behind him, trapping Bayo inside with other individuals who had been confined for over a year in deplorable conditions.
Bayo was shocked and confused by the turn of events. He spent the next 17 days imprisoned in the small room. During his captivity, his family would occasionally bring him food, sometimes twice a day. Despite this, the conditions were inhumane, and Bayo felt betrayed by those he trusted the most.
Explaining why he was taken to the Alfa, Bayo shared that his family’s claim was that he smoked cigarettes, a habit he argued was not a sufficient reason to imprison him. He explained, “I have been to Dubai, where they don’t drink alcohol but smoke cigarettes. Nowhere in the Quran or Bible is smoking cigarettes forbidden. I am not a drunk.” His protestations went unheard, and the family’s true intentions began to unfold: they sought to remove him from the equation so they could claim his properties for themselves.
Bayo’s experience in captivity was not just about the physical confinement but also the mental and emotional toll it took on him. For 17 days, he lived in fear, uncertain of what would happen next, and unaware of how his situation would be resolved. When he was finally freed, Bayo shared his shocking story, hoping to bring attention to the issue and expose the betrayal by his own flesh and blood.
The case has raised serious concerns about the exploitation of trust and the extent to which family members may go to seize property. Bayo’s situation highlights the lengths some individuals will take to manipulate and control others, even resorting to false accusations of madness to justify their actions.
Nigerian families are often considered a source of support and protection, but Bayo’s case sheds light on the darker side of familial relationships, where greed and deception can overshadow the love and care that should be present in every family unit.
As Bayo continues to seek justice, his story serves as a reminder of the vulnerability people face when they trust others, even those closest to them. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of placing blind faith in family members without ensuring that one’s interests are properly safeguarded.
This disturbing incident has sparked a wider conversation about the treatment of family members in Nigeria and the extent to which individuals are willing to go to protect their interests, even at the expense of their loved ones. For many Nigerians, Bayo’s story is a tragic but eye-opening reminder of the potential for exploitation within families.
The Nigerian public, as well as authorities, are now calling for a deeper investigation into Bayo’s claims. His experience with the Alfa and his family raises important questions about the practices of Islamic clerics and the potential for abuse of power. Meanwhile, Bayo is determined to press charges and bring those responsible for his wrongful imprisonment to justice.
In the wake of this incident, Nigerian authorities are being urged to look into the growing number of cases where individuals are being taken advantage of under the guise of religious practices. This story serves as a stark warning that the exploitation of family members for financial gain is an unfortunate reality that must be confronted and addressed in Nigeria.
As for Bayo, his focus is now on reclaiming his property and seeking justice for the wrongs that were done to him. He remains determined to clear his name and make sure that his family’s deceitful actions do not go unpunished. His return to Nigeria, after more than two decades, was meant to be a joyous occasion—a reunion with his family and a chance to enjoy the fruits of his hard work abroad. Instead, it turned into a nightmare that he will never forget.
