How My South African Partner Duped Me Of $3.5M In Kenya - Ben Bruce

The Chairman of Silverbird Group, Ben Murray-Bruce, has recounted how he was defrauded of $3.5 million by his South African business partner during the purchase of a cinema complex in Kenya.

Though he did not mention his partner’s name, he recalled that by making a bank transfer of the said sum, the South African registered the business under his own name, leaving Murray-Bruce with no claim to the investment.

The former Senator representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District stated this during the fourth edition of the Peace Anyiam-Osigwe Nigeria Digital Content Regulation Conference, held in Victoria Island, Lagos State, on Thursday.

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 business mogul expressed his interest in movie production, adding that while he’s currently working on a movie script, the movie would address fundamental issues in society.

He stressed the significance of promoting creativity as he recalled that some time ago, while he went to the Ajegunle part of Lagos, he saw some kids 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 death of Anyiam-Osigwe, a prominent Nigerian filmmaker and founder of the African Movie Academy Awards, was announced on January 10, 2023.

The former lawmaker also paid tribute to the late Anyiam-Osigwe, recalling how she used to visit him in his house on 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.