Ben Murray-Bruce, the Silverbird Group’s founder, shared how he was swindled out of $3.5 million by his South African business partner in a deal to purchase a cinema complex in Kenya.
Although he refrained from disclosing his partner’s identity, he mentioned that after transferring the stated amount, the South African partner took ownership of the business by registering it under his name.
The former Senator for Bayelsa East Senatorial District made this revelation during the fourth edition of the Peace Anyiam-Osigwe Nigeria Digital Content Regulation Conference, which took place on Thursday in Victoria Island, Lagos State.
He said, “I was called to buy a cinema complex in Kenya for $3.5 million. I transferred the money and my South African partner registered it in his name. That was how I lost that huge investment.
“I have a studio in Los Angeles and I am battling with litigation with one of the most prominent actors in Hollywood.”
The media tycoon shared his passion for film production, revealing that he is developing a movie script, with the film set to tackle key societal issues.
He emphasized the importance of fostering creativity, remembering that during a visit to the Ajegunle area of Lagos some time ago, he witnessed a group of children fighting.
Murray-Bruce noted that the kids — “future leaders” were “learning how to be tough. But some people see them as crooks. Leaders of entertainment in the US today were born in their Ajegunle.
“The entertainment industry is a very successful one. In all the things I have done, I have never made one move about movie making but now, I will. I am working on a script and I know we will get it right. We will deal with fundamental issues.”
The passing of Anyiam-Osigwe, a distinguished Nigerian filmmaker and the creator of the African Movie Academy Awards, was confirmed on January 10, 2023.
The ex-legislator also honored the memory of the late Anyiam-Osigwe, reminiscing about her visits to his home, where she would arrive riding her bicycle.
“Peace came to my house one day and asked me why I abandoned entertainment and became a politician. I have known her since she was six years old. She used to come to our house on her bicycle. Her brothers also used to come riding theirs,” he said.
