Days after comedian, Brain Jotter, helped a hawker named Eniola with ₦400k to leave the streets and launch her business, allegations have surfaced that she crossdressed to scam unsuspecting victims.
Here’s what we know about the situation so far.
What happened?
On Monday, November 6, 2023, Brain Jotter shared a video of his encounter with a female hawker on his way to a shoot. He saw her hawking bottled water on the streets of Lagos and was moved to help her.
During his interaction with the lady — identified as Eniola — Brain Jotter discovered that she was also a makeup artist. She provided her Instagram handle for the skit maker to verify her claims. Eniola also revealed that she moved to Lagos from Osun state in search of greener pastures.
Touched by her story, Brain Jotter asked what she needed to get off the streets and start her makeup business. After their conversation, he transferred ₦400k to her.
Brain Jotter also said he’d share Eniola’s account details with anyone willing to assist her.
Davido, Governor Adeleke, other Nigerians show support
Eniola’s story soon went viral on social media, with prominent Osun state indigenes, Davido and governor of the state, Ademola Adeleke, offering to help her.
“Thanks for sharing the video. Eniola’s dedication to making an honest living is inspiring. She embodies the qualities that represent Osun. I’ve directed my office to get in touch with her & explore possibilities to assist in advancing her education or improving her makeup skills,” Governor Ademola wrote on X.
More reactions from Nigerians who were moved by Eniola’s story and Brain Jotter’s kindness:
Allegations of a scam surface
On Wednesday, November 8, anonymous blogger, Gistlover, reported that Eniola is a young man who’s been cross-dressing to allegedly scam unsuspecting victims. The blogger claimed Eniola also goes by Sultan and has been offered financial assistance numerous times in the past.
According to Gistlover, a group of individuals came together to assist him in 2022 by renting him an apartment in Ketu, Lagos, and buying some materials to kick off his makeup business. However, Eniola returned to the streets and continued hawking.
Photos shared showed Eniola as a young man schooling in Osun state.
Source: Gistloverblog_mediahouse
Corroborating the blogger’s report, an Instagram user @cakesbyife recounted how she and a fellow baker, @auntyonicake, raised ₦600k and got an apartment for him earlier in 2023.
Source: Instagram/@cakesbyife
@auntyonicake shared a video on April 16, 2023, in which Eniola extended appreciation to everyone who contributed to helping him get a new home and tools to start his makeup business.
@auntyonicake also extended gratitude to everyone who came together to support Eniola.
“We would like to say a very big thank you to everybody who supported ENIOLA in one way or the other, you all have the hearts of Angels. The journey that began in anger and outrage ended up as a blessing for our dear Eniola because of you all.
“We cannot thank you enough for the special prayers, encouragement and hard-earned money. In this economy, we rose together and gave, for some, it was even your last card but from the bottom of your heart you gave joyfully just to take her out of the streets.”
Brain Jotter, Davido, back out
Shortly after Gistlover’s report, Brain Jotter deleted Eniola’s video from his Instagram page and expressed disappointment in an InstaStory post.
“If I tell you say I no tire, I dey lie. Just negodu, bro deceived us all. Some people have helped him before with over ₦600k. He lied. He is a man.”
Davido also called on his uncle to abort any plans to help Eniola.
Mixed reactions trail Eniola’s story
Eniola’s story has stirred mixed reactions from Nigerians with some people noting that his choice to crossdress shouldn’t stop willing individuals from assisting him.
An individual who tackled Davido for calling on his uncle to “abort the mission” said:
“@davido Na Man, does that change anything tho? He is from Osun, he is challenged and d!sabled, he needs all the help he can get, he deserves a good life too!! He needs help!! Unless you and your uncle are clout chasers!!! The boy needs help!!!”
This is a developing story.
