A Nigerian singer, Goodnews Emuemu, known by the stage name Gnewzy, has been kidnapped in Delta State, according to report by The Punch in Nigeria.
The singer, who is signed to Eric Many Records, was reportedly kidnapped early on Monday, April 29, 2024, while returning from a performance.
The singer’s manager, Obas9ice, who was also in the car at the time of the incident, claims that several armed individuals wearing police uniforms harassed them on Eklat Road in the Ughelli area of the state and whisked the singer away.
The Punch reports that shortly after the singer was taken away, the kidnappers emailed the record label, demanding a $200,000 ransom.
The email, which has been sighted by Nigeria’s Punch reads, “Hi, Dilly. You have seven days to pay $200,000 for your artist, Gnewzy, or we will send out his head. We will send you an email in five days on location for drop-off. Involve the police or mark the money, and he will be killed.”
Checks by 3News.com show that a campaign, #FREEGNEWZY has started and posted on Instagram by Obas9ice on Tuesday, April 30 an hour before the publication of this article.
A statement signed by Dayo Showemimo, the record label’s project coordinator, stated that they were currently working with law enforcement agents to resolve the case.
The statement read in part, “It is with deep concern and grave distress that Eric Many Records announces the unfortunate incident involving our artiste, Gnewzy.
“In the early hours of Monday, April 29, Gnewzy was kidnapped on Eklat Road in Ughelli, Delta State. His manager, Obas9ice, narrowly escaped the same ordeal.
“Immediately following the incident, Obas9ice has been cooperating fully with the Division A police station in Ughelli, providing his account and statement of the events.
“We are actively collaborating with law enforcement authorities to ensure the safe return of Gnewzy. We are in contact with high-ranking police officials, including the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe; and an Assistant Inspector General of Police in Lagos, Idowu Owohunwa.”
The record label has also called on members of the public to provide any information they might have that could aid the artiste’s safe return.
