Okitipupa Attack: Aide says thugs stole ₦25 million, Obesere’s ₦45 million chain, other valuables

Ayonla Althentic, the media manager to popular Nigerian Fuji musician Abass “Obesere” Akande, has provided fresh updates on the attack carried out by thugs on his principal in Okitipupa, in the Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Join the Premium Times WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.

Open in WhatsApp

PREMIUM TIMES reported that thugs assaulted the singer on Friday after performing at a burial ceremony in Okitipupa.

In an earlier statement, Althentic confirmed the incident and revealed that the attackers fled with a bag of money, although he did not disclose the amount contained in it.

However, in a follow-up statement posted on his Facebook page on Wednesday, the manager disclosed that the thugs not only stole the bag of money but also carted away several valuable items belonging to his principal.

He added that after the 60-year-old musician gave the thugs some money as ransom, they demanded more.

According to him, Obesere told the thugs to allow him to return to his car to get additional money, but instead of waiting, they descended on him and assaulted him further.

Losses

Revealing the items lost during the attack, Althentic noted that, “In the process, they also hijacked his gold necklace (valued at about 45 million) and his gold wristwatch (about 25 million). On my side, I was violently beaten— hit with blows and a plank — as they tried to seize the bag. The struggle led to my left shoulder being dislocated, and I was stabbed with a knife, but I clung to the money and tried to escape. The attackers were more in number than I expected.

Stay Ahead with Premium Times

Add as a preferred source on Google

“Suddenly, I received a hit on the back of my head and lost consciousness for a few seconds. When I came back, the bag of money had been taken. By the time I reached the car, the other group were still dragging Alhaji; I managed to get him into the car, and we drove away. The bag contained N20 million from our previous performance, plus roughly N5 million made on stage that afternoon, totalling N25 million. Alhaji had also just returned from a European tour, France and the UK, so the total amount taken was significant.”

Attack

Additionally, the singer’s aide alleged that he believed the attack on Obesere was premeditated.

He added that none of the band members knew about the incident or sustained any injuries, stressing that the attackers targeted only the singer, himself, and a friend known as Highway.

“I believe this was a planned operation involving at least two gangs: the main robbers came for the bag of money, and a group of street boys who distracted and targeted Alhaji. No other band members were aware or injured because they had left the venue; only Alhaji and I, the media manager, and one friend nicknamed Highway, remained.

“And no instruments were damaged. Strangely, when I checked myself after getting into the car, my clothes were torn, but I could not see a visible knife wound or blood stain; I did, however, feel pain from my dislocated left shoulder and other body parts due to blows and planks hit. The case has been transferred to Akure, the state capital, for proper investigation”, said Althentic.

Furthermore, Althentic confirmed the arrest of several suspects and stated that they would soon be charged in court.

He said, “Some suspects have already been arrested. I went to T.I.R.S., where the case is being handled, and I saw two suspects who confessed and named others. I pity their parents and relatives, because they will soon be charged in court.”

Enter police

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command, in a statement posted on its Facebook page and signed by its spokesperson, Ayanlade Olushola, on Monday, confirmed the arrest of two suspects.

Mr Olushola explained that the arrests were made following the command’s prompt response to credible intelligence indicating that Obesere had been assaulted during the event.

He said: “Further investigations revealed that on 21st November 2025, a group of suspected hoodlums led by one Michael Abbey, popularly known as “Emir”, allegedly attacked the musician while he was performing. During the assault, the suspects reportedly stole a bag containing ₦4,000,000, as well as a gold chain, a handset, and a wristwatch.

“The situation escalated when the victim’s manager sustained an injury to the hand after being stabbed with a broken bottle while attempting to intervene. Acting swiftly on these findings, operatives of the Command initiated targeted operations that resulted in the arrest of two key suspects identified as: Michael Abbey ‘M’ a.k.a Emir Oniye Oke ‘M’.”

Recovered items

Mr Olushola added that, during interrogation, the suspects confessed to taking part in the attack.

He also disclosed that a total of ₦479,100 was recovered as part of the stolen proceeds.

“Efforts are currently being intensified to track down the remaining fleeing suspects and recover the outstanding exhibits linked to the case. The Command acknowledges and appreciates the Inspector-General of Police for his unwavering support and strategic guidance, which continue to bolster operational efficiency across Ondo State.

READ ALSO: Eight people abducted in fresh Kano attack

“This encouragement has further strengthened the Command’s resolve to deliver effectively on its mandate. In line with this commitment, the Commissioner of Police reiterates that the Command will not tolerate any act of hooliganism, thuggery, or violent conduct—especially as the state approaches the festive period. He assures the public that all individuals connected to this criminal act will be apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law”, said Mr Olushola.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property while ensuring a secure and peaceful environment for all residents across the state.