Nigerian music promoter and socialite, Samson Eletu, popularly known as Sam Larry, has made his first public appearance since surviving a serious auto crash, putting to rest widespread rumours that he had died.
A video that surfaced on Saturday showed Sam Larry in the company of friends and associates, appearing healthy, alert and in high spirits during what appeared to be a celebration. The footage quickly went viral across social media, drawing thousands of reactions from users who expressed relief at seeing him alive.
The appearance comes days after unverified reports circulated online claiming that the controversial promoter had died following a road accident. The rumours spread rapidly across several social media platforms, prompting concern among fans and members of the entertainment industry.
Earlier, Sam Larry’s associate, Akin Abolade, popularly known as Mr Lilgaga, had dismissed the claims, insisting that the promoter survived the crash.
Speaking shortly after the accident, Lilgaga said Sam Larry was alive, although he noted that the severity of the crash made it difficult to immediately determine the extent of his injuries.
The newly released video now appears to have settled the speculation, providing the first visual confirmation of Sam Larry’s recovery since news of the accident broke.
Sam Larry remains one of the most controversial figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry following the death of singer Ilerioluwa Aloba (Mohbad) in September 2023.
He came under intense public scrutiny after videos emerged showing confrontations between him and the late singer before Mohbad’s death. The controversy sparked widespread public outrage and calls for an investigation.
He was subsequently invited and questioned by the police during the investigation into Mohbad’s death. However, authorities maintained that the probe would be based on available evidence, while Sam Larry consistently denied any involvement in the singer’s death.