A chieftain of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Ganiyu Oyedepo, popularly known as Koko Zaria, has addressed the allegation of assault made against him by actor Ibrahim Sanyay, known in the entertainment industry as Baba Lawori.
The actor recently appealed to the public for help, claiming he was brutally attacked by one of Koko Zaria’s aides. Baba Lawori recounted that while serving as the master of ceremonies at Idimu Day event, he was summoned by a stranger who informed him that Koko Zaria wanted to see him. The actor noted that when he met Koko Zaria, he was questioned for not acknowledging the NURTW chieftain.
Baba Lawori said he apologised and promised to rectify the situation once he returned to the stage.
However, Baba Lawori claimed that when he resumed his duties, he was struck on the head with a bottle by one of Koko Zaria’s associates, rendering him unconscious and causing him to bleed profusely. He said he regained consciousness in a hospital and now fears for his safety. The actor urged Nigerians to support his quest for justice.
In response, Koko Zaria firmly denied the allegations and criticised those who condemned him without hearing his side of the story. He said in Yoruba, “You all didn’t hear from me before cursing me. I hand you over to God.” He claimed he had always supported Baba Lawori financially and would never order an attack on someone he considers a friend.
Koko Zaria, an associate of MC Oluomo, explained that after Baba Lawori apologised for not acknowledging him, a fight broke out on stage, during which someone hit the actor with a bottle.
He claimed that he personally rushed the injured actor to the hospital, paid his medical bills, and even provided him with some money for his care.
Expressing his disappointment over the allegations, Koko Zaria said Baba Lawori was not being honest and that he had left the matter in God’s hands.
