Budding artistes, mostly young ladies, have accused a film director, Endurance Egem, of not only ripping them off through collection of money but also subjecting them to sexual harassment.
Some of them subsequently approached the Igando Police Division to lodge their complaint and Endurance, was later arrested and arraigned before the Ejigbo Magistrate’s Court on a two-count charge of fraud and stealing.
He was remanded in prison custody because he failed to meet the bail conditions. The alleged offences, according to the police, are punishable under Section 419 and 390 of the Criminal Code, CAP C17, laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.
The 29-year old Endurance advertised for young and up-coming home movie actors and actresses whom he will feature in a movie and promised to turn them into stars in the movie industry.
The prospective young artists, especially young girls, allegedly trooped to his office at 1, Chris Bee Street, Igando, on the outskirts of Lagos to register, we gathered.
He demanded certain amount of money for logistics and promised each of them a leading role that will make him/her an instant celebrity in the entertainment industry.
Apart from allegedly defrauding some of them, he was alleged to have slept with some ladies who did not have the money to pay.
He allegedly collected money and had sex with some of the ladies but could not fulfill his promise to them.
The matter was exposed when the aggrieved victims besieged his office to demand for a refund of their money and in the process a fight ensued.
The matter was reported at Igando Police station and Endurance was arrested and charged to court.
Some of the victims include Chioma Nwachukwu who told the police that Endurance collected N56,000 from her.
Another victim, Stella Chris said she paid him N60,000.
Other victims who also allegedly paid Endurance money in exchange for roles in his movie include ThankGod Eze – N50,000, Adeshina Adeoye – N30,000, Theresa Okon – N60,000 and Okori Raphael – N120,000.
we also gathered from one of the victims who did not want her name mentioned, that apart from obtaining money from her he also engaged her and some other girls in a sex romp.
When the matter came up at the court, he pleaded not guilty.
The presiding magistrate, Mrs. S. O. Solebo granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum while the case was adjourned.
