bARR. Kanayo O. Kanayo,

Kanayo O. Kanayo Disavows Alleged Kidnapper Actor, Calls for Caution in Media

LAGOS, NIGERIA – Renowned Nollywood actor and lawyer, Kanayo O. Kanayo, has distanced himself from an actor implicated in criminal activities and subsequently killed by the police in Lagos.

Anayo Modestus Onyekwere, popularly known as Kanayo O. Kanayo, expressed his dismay over the incident after film producer Seun Oloketuyi linked the deceased, Prince Henry Ode, to a gang of kidnappers.

In response to the allegations, Kanayo cautioned bloggers and media practitioners to exercise caution before labeling individuals as actors and producers without thorough verification.

Emphasizing his role as a defender of the Nigerian entertainment industry, Kanayo underscored the importance of maintaining the integrity of the profession both in word and deed.

“My name is Kanayo O Kanayo, a Nollywood actor and a lawyer,” he affirmed during his reaction, highlighting his dual commitment to his profession and the safeguarding of the entertainment industry’s reputation”, he noted.

Kanayo’s response reflects his commitment to upholding ethical standards within the media and entertainment sectors, urging for responsible reporting and careful scrutiny of information before dissemination.

He raised critical questions about what qualifies someone as a legitimate actor or producer in Nollywood, cautioning against individuals who may exploit the industry for personal gain or illegal activities under false pretenses.

Kanayo pointed out instances where individuals falsely claim to be producers or actors by organizing auditions and collecting money from aspiring talents.

“We must clarify who truly qualifies as an actor and a producer,” Kanayo emphasized, stressing the importance of accurate identification within the media and public perception”, he posited.

Kanayo commended the efforts of the Nigerian police in maintaining security in Lagos and urged bloggers, influencers, journalists, and others in the media to exercise discretion in labeling individuals as Nollywood actors and producers.

He highlighted the potential damage to the industry’s reputation when individuals involved in criminal activities are falsely associated with Nollywood.

“We need thorough investigation and proper identification to avoid tarnishing the reputation of those of us who are dedicated to this profession,” Kanayo concluded, underscoring the need for responsible reporting and respect for the integrity of Nollywood.

Ason Rich, a prominent movie producer based in Asaba, Delta State, has been implicated in a serious criminal matter, alleging his involvement as one of the kidnappers neutralized by the Lagos State Police Command.

The incident occurred recently when the police engaged a gang of kidnappers in a firefight across several locations in Lagos.

According to Benjamin Hundeyin, the spokesperson for the Lagos Police Command, the operation by the Special Squad One Team resulted in the death of nine kidnappers, with two others escaping with gunshot wounds.

Ason Rich, the alleged kidnapper

The police action thwarted a planned kidnapping operation targeting high net-worth individuals in Lagos, as per intelligence reports.

The allegations against Ason Rich have sparked controversy within the Nollywood community and beyond, raising concerns about the integrity and reputation of individuals associated with the entertainment industry.

The incident underscores the importance of thorough investigation and verification in matters implicating public figures, especially those in influential positions like producers within Nollywood.

As the situation develops, stakeholders in the entertainment sector and the public await further clarification and legal proceedings regarding the allegations against Ason Rich and any potential impact on the industry at large.

 

About Idowu Hamed

Publisher and Editor in Chief - Magazine and Online Email: startrendinter@gmail.com