It has been five years since popular Nollywood actor, Baba Suwe‘s NDLEA saga, but the headline-grabbing incident continues to haunt him.
On October 13, 2011, news of the comic actor’s arrest by NDLEA on suspicion of being in possession of hard drugs made the rounds, and from then on, it became a fierce battle of who was wrong and who was right.
READ: ‘Baba Suwe’s health has deteriorated due to NDLEA torture’ – Nollywood actor cries out
After being detained for three weeks, during which he was forced to excrete the wraps that were suspected to be in his bowels – with a method now described as cringe-worthy as using a hose – Baba Suwe felt vindicated as nothing was found.
Then came the never-ending court proceedings, from one of which the actor was awarded a sum of N25m. But NDLEA wouldn’t let go easily, as the agency filed an appeal (which it won) that it did no wrong. And just as Baba Suwe filed a counter-appeal, his lawyer, Bamidele Aturu died in July 2014.
Also READ: N25m verdict: Baba Suwe vows to appeal new court verdict
With news now emanating of Baba Suwe’s health problems, claimed to be as a result of his ordeal at the hands of NDLEA’s men, one can only wonder the extent of the damage it has had on his well-being – and career.
He said in an interview two years ago that the allegation levelled against him by the NDLEA caused him to lose the goodwill of political chieftain, Bola Tinubu, who used to be his benefactor.
‘The way they (NDLEA) treated me actually rubbished my image. My career has been dwindling,’ Baba Suwe told Encomium.
‘A lot of people that are supposed to be inviting me to take part in their movies abandoned me because of the incident. Even a lot of people that could have assisted me financially don’t want to associate with me again.’
An emergence of newer comic actors with fresher appeals in the past few years has also made landing roles harder for him, and this puts into perspective how desperate he must be to get the better of NDLEA in the ongoing brouhaha.
If there’s any justice in Nigeria the world, Baba Suwe would be duly compensated for the harrowing experience, more so, as he wasn’t found guilty of any wrongdoing.
