By Uche Amunike
The Nigerian Police has assured, Monday, that they would probe the alleged assault of popular Nollywood actor, Lawori, by a chieftain of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Ganiyu Oyedepo, also known as Koko Zaria, whom the thespian reported to be involved in a physical assault that resulted in him having a stitched wound to his head.
Recall that a video was shared by an X user, Oyindamola, who tweeted as #dammiedammue35, where Lawori was seen explaining how a bottle of alcoholic drink was smashed on his head, during the 2024 Idimu Day events which took place, Tuesday.
According to the actor, who showed the stitched wound on his head as he pleaded for justice from well meaning Nigerians, he was one of the Masters of Ceremony at an event where the assault took place. While he was on stage, carrying out his duty, an unknown man walked up to him and informed him that the NURTW boss, Koko Zaria, had sent for him. He immediately went to answer to the call. During the course of their interaction, he was attacked by Koko Zaria.
Hear him: ‘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.’
According to the actor, he became covered with his own blood as he lost consciousness because of the attack. All he could recall was that his head was stitched when he got to the hospital and was in untold pain. He explained that it was Koko Zaria that sent somebody to call him while he was working, only to end up in the hospital without remembering how come. He further stated that he he was not aware of what his offense was, to warrant such an assault.
Meanwhile, Koko Zaria has reacted to the accusation via his official Instagram page, where he denied the allegation. He admitted that they were close friends but that he was shocked when he saw the video where Lawori claimed that he assaulted him.
His words: ‘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 asked.
He continued: ‘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.’
He explained that during the event, which drew a large crowd, he had called Lawori to greet him while also apologizing for not showing up for a work he had called him to do. Shortly after, he returned to the stage, and that was when he observed that about two people were fighting him for stopping the music they were enjoying. He further explained that he did not attend the event with his boys.
He also said that he saw people hitting bottles on the actor’s head and that he was the person that eventually took him to the hospital where he was treated.
He further explained: ‘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.’
Koko Zaria also narrated that he personally alerted the actor’s wife about the incident and actually stayed with him in the hospital till they left by 1am, adding that Lawori actually gave him a call the day after, to thank him for the role he played.
He however concluded: ‘I know everything that’s happening. I know those who sent you. I hand you over to God.’
The Nigerian Police has reacted to the video through her PPRO, Benjamin Hundeyin, who tweeted: ‘This will be investigated, and justice will be served. Many people have called me on this case. @BenHundeyin, @FCID_ANNEX, @LagosPoliceNG, @PoliceNG.’
