Nigerian singer, Crown Uzama, popularly known as Shallipopi, has said he can no longer speak publicly about his dispute with his former manager, Damilola Akinwumi, also known as Dapper, while the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, investigates the matter.
Shallipopi made this known in a statement to his fans, saying his legal team and the EFCC had advised him to step back from public commentary and allow the process to run its course.
The development follows Shallipopi’s earlier public accusations against Dapper Music and Entertainment Limited.
Newsunplug had reported on August 14 that Shallipopi accused Dapper of withholding royalties from 46 of his songs and threatened to involve the EFCC over the matter.
Explaining why he has stopped discussing the dispute, Shallipopi said rushing the process could affect the pursuit of justice.
“My legal team and the EFCC have advised me that, for justice to be served, I need to step back and trust the legal process,” he said.
The singer said his claims against Dapper Music and Entertainment Limited must now be thoroughly investigated, adding that he would not use his music or social media platforms to continue addressing the matter.
“Because of this, I cannot fight for myself using my music nor my words. I cannot sing about it, talk about it, or share it on any media platform for now,” Shallipopi said.
He, however, maintained that he stood by the claims he had previously made.
“While I stand firmly by the truth of my claims, I now understand why I cannot make public commentary on matters under active investigation, nor use my artistic expression to address them as I did a few weeks ago,” he said.
Shallipopi said the matter was important to him because everything he had worked for since his teenage years was tied to it.
“Everything I have worked for since my teenage years is tied to this. I remain hopeful that justice will prevail,” he said.
He concluded by expressing his frustration over being unable to personally address the matter as he had previously done.