Ayonla Althentic, media manager to renowned Fuji musician Abass “Obesere” Akande, has released new details about the violent attack on the artiste in Okitipupa, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Obesere was assaulted on Friday by a group of thugs shortly after performing at a burial ceremony in the town.
Althentic had earlier confirmed the attack, stating that the hoodlums escaped with a bag of money, though he withheld the exact amount at the time.
In a follow-up update posted on Facebook on Wednesday, the manager revealed that the attackers not only stole the money bag but also took several personal items belonging to the musician.
He said the assailants continued to demand more money even after the 60-year-old singer handed over an initial amount as ransom.
According to Althentic, Obesere asked the attackers to allow him return to his vehicle to fetch additional money, but instead of waiting, they “descended on him and assaulted him further.”
Detailing what was lost, the manager said: “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.
“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.”
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Althentic further alleged that the ambush appeared to be carefully planned. He noted that the attack targeted only Obesere, himself, and a friend identified as Highway, adding that the band members had already left the venue.
“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.
He also confirmed that some suspects had been arrested, adding, “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.”
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two suspects in connection with the incident. In a statement signed by spokesperson Ayanlade Olushola and posted on Facebook on Monday, the police said officers acted swiftly on intelligence that the musician had been attacked.
According to Olushola: “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’.”
Olushola noted that the suspects confessed during interrogation and that ₦479,100 had been recovered from the stolen funds.
He added: “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.
“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.
The police restated their commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring peace across the state.
