Ben Murray-Bruce, the founder of Silverbird Group, shared the story of how he was defrauded of $3.5 million by his South African business partner in a failed cinema complex deal in Kenya.
Although he did not disclose his partner’s name, Bruce explained that after transferring the sum of $3.5 million for the purchase, his partner registered the business in his own name, effectively securing ownership and leaving Bruce with a significant financial loss.
Bruce recounted the incident during his address at the fourth edition of the Peace Anyiam-Osigwe Nigeria Digital Content Regulation Conference, held on Thursday, November 14, in Victoria Island, Lagos.
He remarked, “I was called to buy a cinema complex in Kenya for $3.5 million. I transferred the money and my South African partner registered it in his name. That was how I lost that huge investment.
“I have a studio in Los Angeles, and I’m currently involved in a legal dispute with one of Hollywood’s most prominent actors.”
He also shared his passion for movie production, mentioning that he is in the process of developing a script for a film that will tackle critical societal issues.
He emphasised the importance of fostering creativity, recalling an experience from a while ago when he visited the Ajegunle area of Lagos and witnessed a group of children engaged in a fight.
Bruce stressed that the children he saw in Ajegunle, whom he described as future leaders, were learning to be tough, yet many people misjudged them as criminals.
He pointed out that today’s leaders in the United States entertainment industry often hail from similar backgrounds.
“The entertainment industry is incredibly successful, and despite having never made a move in film before, I am now focused on it. I’m working on a script and I’m confident we’ll get it right. We will address fundamental societal issues.”
He also paid tribute to the late Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, the renowned Nigerian filmmaker and founder of the African Movie Academy Awards, who passed away on January 10, 2023.
Bruce fondly recalled how she once visited him at his home on her bicycle.
“Peace came to my house one day and asked me why I had left entertainment to become a politician. I’ve known her since she was six years old. She would ride her bicycle to our house, and her brothers would do the same.”
@THEWILL