Reigning Afro hip hop act, Iyanya is supposedly wanted by the Nigerian Police, in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, in connection with the case of fraud brought against him by popular show organiser, Opa Williams.
He however denied reports that police officers were looking for him, muttering on phone “Don’t mind them, I am in Abuja.”
According to Vanguard Newspapers, “Already, Iyanya’s manager, Ubi-Franklin Ekpong is said to be currently under arrest at Mile 3 Police Division,in the Garden city.”
Opa Williams,the producer of Nigeria’s foremost comedy show, ‘Nite of a Thousand Laughs’ reported Iyanya to the police for allegedly collecting N1.7 million from him being payment for the singer’s performance at ‘Nite of a Thousand Laughs’ shows which held in Benin and Port Harcourt few days ago. Unfortunately, the Kukere crooner never showed up at any of the shows.
Although Iyanya arrived Port Harcourt ahead of the show on that fateful day (Monday), he disappeared minutes later with his cell phones permanently switched off.
“He has caused me a lot of embarrassment, as people who paid to come and watch him went home disappointed. For 17 years, we have been organizing Nite of A Thousand Laughs and we have built a large followership, I will not allow anybody to destroy the credibility we have as people who deliver on their promises. That’ why we are going to pursue this case (legally) to a logical conclusion and ensure this is the last time Iyanya would do this to anybody.” Williams stated.
Adding, he said, “When Iyanya failed to show up at Benin edition, which held on December 26, he called to apologise, promising however to make it up with the Port-Harcourt and Bonny shows. But again, he did not keep to his word.”
It was gathered that Iyanya shunned Opa Williams’ event, but performed earlier at another show which held the same day in Port-Harcourt and featured Timaya.
However, Williams’ media Company, Media Image Managers, said, “We are aware of the issue between Opa Williams and hip hop act, Iyanya. The parties are at the moment at Mile 3 Police Division in Port Harcourt. Our client has informed us he is seeking redress in court. However, there are moves to resolve the matter amicably. It is sad that Iyanya would behave in such an unprofessional manner, but then, the police are handling the matter well.”