Nollywood actor, Lawori, accuses NURTW boss, Koko Zaria of assault

The Nigeria Police said it would probe an allegation by a popular Nollywood actor, Lawori, against a chieftain of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Ganiyu Oyedepo, popularly known as Koko Zaria, involving an attack in which the former suffered a wound to his head.

This was disclosed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Monday.

The actor, in a video shared early Monday by an X user, Oyindamola, tweeting as #dammiedammie35, narrated how a bottle of alcoholic drink was smacked on his head at the 2024 Idimu Day event held last Tuesday, June 25, 2024.

According to the actor, who revealed the stitched wound on his head, while pleading for justice from well-meaning Nigerians, said he was one of the Masters of Ceremony at an event.

While doing his work, he said an unknown man came on the stage to tell him that the NURTW chief called for him, which he obliged.

Lawori narrated, “As I went to meet Koko Zaria to greet him, he asked if I didn’t see them here. Then I apologised and said I would do the needful when I returned to the stage.

“I then heard somebody ask if I was Lawori, thinking that he (the person) didn’t know me and was meeting me for the first time. It was later confirmed to him that I’m Lawori.

“While I was talking with Koko Zaria and I turned, the man took a bottle of Martell (in front of Koko Zaria and his guys) and broke it on my head.”

The actor added that he was “wet” with his blood as he lost consciousness due to the attack. He noted that he could only recall how his head was stitched at the hospital, which has brought him pain.

“Nigerians, please help me. It was Koko Zaria who sent someone to call me,” he said, adding that he doesn’t remember how he landed at the hospital.

“Save me from Koko Zaria, I don’t know my offence to him,” he pleaded.

While reacting to the accusation via his Instagram page on Monday, the NURTW chief, using the handle #kokozaria_americaboy, denied the allegation.

“Lawori has never offended me. We’re very close. I saw a video where he said I was the one who ordered the attack on him. What did he do to me?” he queried.

Oyedepo added, “Lawori, I don’t have anything to curse you (sic) but I want you to swear by all you have and your ambition that I ordered the attack.”

The NURTW boss stated that while at the event which witnessed a large crowd in attendance, he called the actor to greet him, and also apologised for not showing up for a work the actor called him to.

Oyedepo recalled that when Lawori returned to the stage, about two people were fighting him as he (Lawori) stopped the music they were enjoying.

He noted that he didn’t go to the event with his boys, saying, “As you were coming from the stage, I saw that people were hitting bottles on your head. I took you to the hospital and you were treated. I stayed with you and paid your medical bill. I even gave you a wad of money. All these happened on Tuesday.”

He noted that he left the hospital with Lawori around 1 a.m., adding that he was the one who alerted the actor’s wife about the incident.

Oyedepo also said the actor called him on the phone on Wednesday and prayed for him to show appreciation.

“I know everything that’s happening. I know those who sent you. I hand you over to God,” he said.

Meanwhile, the PPRO, reacting to the video on X.com on Monday, wrote, “This will be investigated, and justice will be served. Many people have called me on this case. @BenHundeyin, @FCID_ANNEX, @LagosPoliceNG, @PoliceNG.”