NIGERIA: Sam Larry Alive, Recovering After Fatal Lagos Auto Crash, Associate Says

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

An associate of music promoter and socialite Samson Eletu, popularly known as Sam Larry, has dismissed reports that he died following a road accident along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road in Lagos, confirming that he is alive and receiving treatment.

The clarification comes after widespread social media rumours claimed the socialite had died following the crash, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday and reportedly involved his vehicle and a trailer.

Speaking with journalists, Sam Larry’s associate, Akin Abolade, popularly known as Mr Lilgaga, confirmed that he had spoken with the music promoter after the accident.

Abolade said, “Yes, he’s alive and not dead, but his condition cannot be ascertained because of how bad the accident was. We spoke after the accident. He’s alive, and I’m sure of that.”

The crash reportedly claimed the life of Sam Larry’s bouncer, identified simply as Wale, who was said to have died at the scene, while the music promoter was hospitalised with injuries.

Videos and photographs circulating on social media showed the vehicle extensively damaged after the collision, prompting comedian and master of ceremonies Mario Wazobia to call for prayers for Sam Larry.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Sam Larry’s family nor his management has issued an official statement on his condition, while the police are yet to provide an official account of the circumstances surrounding the crash.