Popular Nigerian reggae artiste, Victor Essiet, was on Saturday quizzed by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Lagos State Police Command over an alleged N16 million fraud.
Essiet, a member of the popular The Mandators duo of the 90s, was picked up on the Hockey Pitch of the National Stadium, Surulere, during a concert tagged “Africa Meets Reggae International Music Festival”.
In attendance at the concert were top reggae stars like Orits Wiliki, Ras Kimono and Majek Fashek.
A police source said Essiet was arrested based on a petition alleging that the artiste was given N16 million to buy some trucks from overseas by the petitioner two years ago.
According to the complainant, Essiet bought and sent only one truck and since then did not return to Nigeria.
The source added: “The suspect just came into Nigeria to put up a show, which he said was to revive reggae in Nigeria.
“The show was taking place on that Saturday when police went there to arrest him.
“Other reggae stars were there when he was whisked away.”
Essiet was said to have denied knowing the complainant, adding that his trouble might be traced to a politician who wanted to destroy the “Reggae Meets Africa” concert.
Confirming the arrest, Lagos State Police spokesman, Kenneth Nwosu, said: “I can confirm to you that the reggae star, Victor Essiet, the Mandators, was arrested.
“He was arrested in connection with a case of fraud.
“Investigation is still on going to know his culpability in the case.”
