Olaseni Johnson Olayinka

EARLY LIFE

Abu Abel (Olaseni Johnson Egbarin), born on November 8, 1972, in Sagamu, Ogun State (though closely linked to Lagos), is a prominent entrepreneur, talent manager, and real estate mogul. Founder of Obimzy Records, Obimzy Properties, and the Obimzy Foundation, he has shaped Nigeria's entertainment and real estate sectors. His legacy, once rooted in philanthropy and talent development, has recently been overshadowed by a controversial ₦447 million land fraud allegation in Lagos. This journey highlights the complexities surrounding Abu Abel's influence in the industry and the ongoing discussions about his contributions. The story of Abu Abel is one of resilience and innovation, showcasing his impact on the local community. Abu Abel, formally Olaseni Johnson Egbarin, was born on 8 November 1972 in Sagamu, Ogun State, though his business and social presence is strongly associated with Lagos. His roots trace back to Agbor in Delta State—a part of the Anioma Igbo community. Growing up, he received early education at Army Children School and Sonyindo Community High School in Sagamu. His exposure to both Southern Nigeria’s urban vibrancy and his Delta cultural origins shaped a dynamic identity embedded in enterprise and tradition. The story of Abu Abel is one of resilience and innovation, showcasing his impact on the local community. Abel earned a Management degree from Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, forging a blend of formal academic training and entrepreneurial spirit that would later fuel his ventures.

CAREER

His entry into music began as a percussionist under gospel legend Evangelist Roland Olubukola Olomola (Baba Ara), through whom he developed a passion for creative mentorship. He later established Obimzy Records around 2010, launching acts like Junior Boy with the hit single “Irapada” (feat. 9ice), and managed several top-tier artists including Naira Marley, Olamide, Zlatan, Reminisce, Small Doctor, and others. Parallel to music, he founded Obimzy Properties, a real estate venture developing upscale homes in Lekki and Ajah, Lagos, with expansions reaching London. His philanthropic leanings were formalized through the Obimzy Foundation, which supported vulnerable communities during COVID-19 and beyond. In 2021, he was honored with the Aare Borokini chieftaincy title of Sonyindo, Sagamu for his local community contributions in education, food aid, and infrastructure.

PERSONAL LIFE

Abu Abel maintains a private family life, though public records confirm he is married (Mrs. Egbarin-Johnson) with two children, a son and a daughter. Initially celebrated as a discreet kingmaker in music and generous philanthropist, his arrest and ensuing legal troubles have led to polarized public sentiment—tarnishing his reputation while prompting discourse about ethics in fame and wealth. On July 27–28, 2025, Abu Abel was arrested by operatives of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon in connection with a petition by Doyin Investment Group over an alleged ₦447 million land transaction in Eti‑Osa LGA, Lagos. According to multiple reports, the complaint alleged he misrepresented ownership of three plots (identified as Plots 1, 4, and 10) located within the Ojomu Chieftaincy Family land, Oke‑Arin Village, Mayegun (Eti‑Osa), leading to the execution of a Deed of Assignment and payment of the consideration. After the buyer reportedly discovered the land was encumbered/subject to third‑party claims, Abel is said to have refunded ₦230 million and defaulted on the remaining ₦217 million. A January 11, 2024 written undertaking allegedly pledged full repayment or forfeiture of a Lekki property in the event of default. Police sources cited in the press stated he was expected to face counts under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act (2006) and the Criminal Code. As of August 12, 2025, no court verdict has been publicly reported; proceedings/arraignment were said to be pending. Beginning August 11, 2025, several social‑media posts and short‑form videos circulated claims that content creator VeryDarkMan (VDM) said actress Iyabo Ojo told him privately that “Abu Abel drugs and rapes girls” and that she called him a “serial rapist.” In the same clips, VDM also states he asked for proof, and that none was provided to him in that conversation. These claims currently reside primarily on social platforms (Instagram Reels, X/Twitter posts, YouTube commentary); no police complaint, charge, or mainstream press investigation specifically corroborating a sexual‑assault allegation against Abel was found as of today (August 12, 2025). Consequently, these should be treated strictly as unverified allegations circulating on social media. Some social posts and user reactions explicitly challenge the credibility of the claim and ask for verifiable evidence or a victim’s public complaint, underscoring the contested nature of the allegation in the court of public opinion. Again, no official law‑enforcement corroboration or reputable newsroom investigation was found at this time. As an Ika (Anioma Igbo) from Delta State, Abel represents an Igbo subgroup renowned for business entrepreneurship, although there are no public disputes or alliances with other Igbo figures documented. Initially celebrated as a discreet kingmaker in music and generous philanthropist, his arrest and ensuing legal troubles have led to polarized public sentiment—tarnishing his reputation while prompting discourse about ethics in fame and wealth.