Kannywood star Maryam Booth has named a hip-hop artist Ibrahim Rufa’i Balarabe, also known as Deezell, as the person who recorded her naked video which has been circulated widely on social media.
She dismissed the claim by Deezell saying he had no hands in the leaking of the nude video. Deezell had reacted after some social media platforms have identified him as the man behind the video, alleging that he released the clip to get back at Maryam after their relationship crashed.
But talking publicly for the first time since the release of the video, Maryam said in a statment on Saturday that Deezell was the one who recorded her while she was trying to change clothes.
Maryam Booth said: “I am aware of all the comments being made on social media regarding a video purportedly showing me which was widely viewed by thousands of people.
“I wanted to keep mute until security agents finished their investigations. The comments attributed to one Ibrahim Ahmad Rufa’i, popularly known as Deezell, forced me to break my silence.
“I want to say that this person (Ibrahim Ahmad Rufa’i) had threatened to release the video if I failed to give him money.
“As a female film star who is seen as a role model to millions of people, I have been trying to keep my self esteem. Suddenly, without my knowledge, a video that is three years old was released.
“In situations such as this, one needs to stay back and study the situation before commenting. It is true that Deezell is my former boyfriend and he was the one who recorded this video when I was dressing up.
“Right now I am consulting my associates with a view to seeking redress in a court of law against anyone involved in the release of this video.
“I thank my parents, friends and relatives, including my fans, for identifying with me in this difficult time. Thank you all.”
Meanwhile, Kannywood stars have continued to react to the video with many of them sending messages of support to the actress. Those who made a post on their social media handles in support of Maryam Booth include Ali Nuhu, Sani Danja, Yakubu Muhammad, Rahama Sadau, Nafisat Abdullahi, Halima Atete, Hafsat Idris, Ruqaiya Dawayya, Fati Mohammed, Ado Gwanja, Maryam Yahaya, Teema Yola, Amal Umar, and many more.
