Ben Murray-Bruce Accuses South African Partner of Defrauding Him of $3.5 Million
Ben Murray-Bruce, founder of the Silverbird Group, has revealed that he was defrauded of $3.5 million by a South African business partner in a failed investment in a cinema complex in Kenya. Speaking at the fourth edition of the Peace Anyiam-Osigwe Nigeria Digital Content Regulation Conference, held in Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday, Murray-Bruce shared the details of the incident, although he did not identify his partner by name.
Murray-Bruce explained that he had been asked to invest in a cinema complex in Kenya, and he transferred the $3.5 million for the purchase. However, after making the payment, his South African partner registered the business in his own name, effectively leaving Murray-Bruce with no claim to the investment. “I transferred the money and my South African partner registered it in his name. That was how I lost that huge investment,” Murray-Bruce stated.
In addition to this financial setback, the former Bayelsa East Senator disclosed that he was also involved in a legal dispute with a well-known Hollywood actor. “I have a studio in Los Angeles, and I am currently battling litigation with one of the most prominent actors in Hollywood,” he added, although he did not provide further details on the nature of the lawsuit.
Despite these challenges, Murray-Bruce expressed his continued passion for the entertainment industry, announcing that he is currently working on a movie script. He emphasized that the film will tackle important societal issues. “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,” he said.
Reflecting on his past experiences, Murray-Bruce recalled a visit to Ajegunle, a neighbourhood in Lagos, where he witnessed a group of children fighting. He highlighted that these children, whom he described as the “future leaders” of Nigeria, were “learning how to be tough,” yet many people viewed them negatively. “Some people see them as crooks. But leaders of entertainment in the US today were born in their Ajegunle,” he said, underscoring the importance of nurturing creativity and potential in underserved communities.
Murray-Bruce also paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, a prominent Nigerian filmmaker and founder of the African Movie Academy Awards, who passed away on January 10, 2023. Recalling fond memories of their friendship, he said, “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.”
Murray-Bruce’s remarks highlighted both his ongoing dedication to the entertainment industry and his enduring connections with the late Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, whom he remembered fondly for her passion and vision for African cinema.
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