Without doubt, he is one of the best actors in the Nigerian movie industry called ‘Nollywood’. His interpretation of roles (mostly as a lover boy) has endeared him to fans and critics alike but unfortunately, Jim Iyke is one actor with a bad boy reputation.
He is constantly swimming in controversies: spats with Emeka Ike; a catalogue of heartbreaks (Oluebube Nwagbo , Ruth Okoro and Jamaican born model Keturah Hamilton at the last count!) and arrests; and occasional brawls with producers. He may not always be on the wrong end of things, and may not always be the culpable one, but-no thanks to his perceived arrogance and braggadocio-he almost always ends up the one who goes with the blame.
The Nollywood ‘serial heartbreaker’ who last year pledged to correct the perception by using music to tell his own story seems to be finding it hard to keep controversies at bay. Now, Iyke is presently embroiled in a bitter war with an Abuja based lady after a relationship gone sour.
And, with the look of things, this is one ‘war’ that could further dent his image.
The actor’s estranged lover is a 24 year-old OAP with Rhythm FM Abuja named Tutupie Sheriff from Maiduguri.
In a telephone chat with NET, the lady claims Iyke tried to strangle her- and she’s willing to present medical reports to back her claims up.
When NET contacted the actor, his publicist confirmed that the actor indeed ”dated the lady in question” but refuted her claims that Jim beat her up and tried to strangle her.
In his words: ‘‘That lady is just out to blackmail our client. She claims to have a medical report from a hospital in Abuja that Jim tried to strangle her; any body can get a medical report as far as I’m concerned. Her accusations are baseless and fabricated. She was bent on getting pregnant for Jim and his refusal led to the break down of their relationship’’ the actor’s publicist stated.
However, Tutu insists her accusations are true. ‘‘I know he has been going around with stories that I am out to blackmail him and hold him down with pregnancy. I have no reason to do that. I have witnesses; my Dad is a living witness. He saw what Jim did to me but I had to lie to him. Even my sister is aware of and I have evidence to back it up.’’
‘‘I am too busy to be blackmailing him, I have a job as a presenter on radio and I also run a clothing line. If Jim continues spreading lies about me, I will totally sue if I read any other thing he says about me.’’ The enraged lady threatened.
Efforts by NET to speak with Jim Iyke were unsuccessful as his publicist insisted he wasn’t making any comment regarding the issue.
‘‘I already told you Jim is not making any comment as regards the issue. We have already issued a press release in respect of the allegations. If it was something else, I could arrange an interview with him but not on this issue.’’ Jim’s publicist said.
Now that the former lover birds are singing discordant tunes, it remains to be seen how the episode will turn out as both parties look poised for war.
Quick Jim Iyke Facts
Jim Iyke Esomugha was born in Gabon Libreville to the family of Mr & Mrs Stephen Esomugha.
Jim Iyke hails from Enugu Agidi village of Anambra State.
He is the only son with seven sisters as siblings.
Jim Iyke has over 100 films to his credit
He has acted alongside internationally renowed actresses Judy Shekoni and Tangerine Martins.
He is a martial art specialist
He is an alumnus of the University of Jos with a degree in Philosophy.
His acting versatility has seen him rise to the peak of his career inspite of the odds against him.
In 2007, the handsome actor was embroiled in a messy wife-snatching mess with a US based Nigerian.
He has a bad boy tagged that plagues him even in real life.
He has a foundation to protect the right and welfare of children born with deformities.
Aside acting and music, he has interests in Oil & Gas (Jimke Oil & Gas) and Automobile dealership.
