Big Brother Naija star Tolani Baj has publicly accused a former employee, Precious Akiyemi Deborah, of stealing DJ controllers valued at over N6 million from her academy. In an Instagram video posted on Monday, 24 August 2026, Tolani identified Precious as the individual hired in late April through a recruiting agency to serve as an executive assistant at her DJ Academy. The reality star also shared chat screenshots allegedly showing the employee attempting to rent replacement controllers after taking the originals.
Red Flags and Warning Signs Ignored
According to Tolani, the employee's role involved supervising students, purchasing refreshments, recording behind-the-scenes content, and managing the academy in her absence. However, within three weeks of Precious starting work, the recruiting agency flagged that her background check and reference form were incomplete. Despite this warning, Tolani said she gave the employee the benefit of the doubt because Precious appeared hardworking and reliable.
As the academy's launch approached, Tolani transferred approximately N6 million to Precious to purchase four DJ controllers from Alaba market. Receipts were sent, and everything appeared to be in order. However, Precious then began calling in sick frequently and asking for salary advances, behaviour Tolani described as habitual and unprofessional.
Discovery of Missing Controllers and Police Involvement
Things unravelled during graduation week when Tolani's lead instructor revealed that three controllers had been missing from the academy for about three weeks. Precious claimed she had removed them on Tolani's instructions, which Tolani denied. When pressed further on a group call, Precious admitted the controllers were at her home and cited illness and lack of transport as reasons for not returning them.
The following day, Precious sent a photo from what appeared to be a hospital, promising to return the equipment. That return never happened, and her messages eventually stopped delivering entirely. Tolani obtained chat screenshots showing Precious messaging a DJ that same evening to enquire about renting controllers, with references to specific models matching the ones allegedly taken. Tolani also called the vendor who sold the controllers and discovered that Precious had contacted him in June to sell three of those same controllers back to him, though the deal fell through.
Arrests, Recovery, and Public Appeal
Police were subsequently called in. Two individuals who had purchased the controllers from Precious were arrested, and one controller was eventually recovered. Precious Akiyemi Deborah remains at large. Tolani is appealing to anyone with information on her whereabouts to contact her via DM or WhatsApp.
Reactions from fans and fellow business owners were swift. @phatmimie wrote: "How is a recruiting agency even sending someone they've not vet to a company? Make it make sense biko!" @enchantprozee said: "You where not too nice, you where just not present... or communicating with your other staff regarding things/equipment with or without your permission.. double authentication kinder.." @okhae.ben commented: "This is really strange was she thinking the owner will just forget about her stuff or what was she thinking about." @folashalewa wrote: "Due diligence is very important! The agency told her... Too bad she could have listened tho." @mofe_hills advised: "Staffs will humble you, just be professional always all this sympathy not necessarily at all. Never put all you trust in one person, always inform security that nothing leaves the premises without your authorization, where manager or whoever. And lastly communicate from time to time with other staffs."
In related news, Nollywood actress Sotayo Gaga recently opened up about an alleged scam that reportedly left her out of pocket after she tried to help people she believed were in need. In a video shared with her fans, the actress expressed her disappointment and frustration. According to Sotayo Gaga, she went as far as selling some of her personal belongings in an effort to assist the individuals involved, only to later discover that they were allegedly scammers. The actress's emotional reaction touched many, with fans sympathising with her and expressing outrage over the alleged deception.
