Posted by By AZUH AMATUS on
Nollywood actor, Uche Odoputa, who was convicted and sentenced to eight months imprisonment for trafficking in illicit drugs has been released.
Nollywood actor, Uche Odoputa, who was convicted and sentenced to eight months imprisonment for trafficking in illicit drugs has been released.
Daily Sun gathered that the Imo State-born actor regained his freedom on Monday, September 3, 2007 and immediately headed straight for the Living Faith Christian Ministry (Winners' Chapel), Canaan Land, Ota, Ogun State for special prayers and cleansing.
"He has been at Canaan Land since Monday. He went to pray, fast and also ask God for forgiveness. He is expected to leave the church this weekend," a source close to the actor said.
While confirming his release from prison to Daily Sun, repentant Odoputa promised to tell the full story of why he went into drug trafficking at the appropriate time, adding that he regretted his actions.
"Since my release, I've been at Canaan Land praying and fasting for God's forgiveness. I will open up to the world and my fans at the appropriate time," he said.
Odoputa, who has starred in several Nollywood movies, was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos on March 23, 2007 with some grammes of cocaine. He was on his way to London when men of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) caught him with the illicit drug and he subsequently landed in jail.
Prior to Odoputa's arrest, popular Yoruba actress, Hassanat Taiwo Akinwande, popularly known as Wunmi, was also caught and convicted for drug trafficking.
Reacting, Ejike Asiegbu, the national president of the Actors Guild Nigeria (AGN), said he was not aware of Odoputa's release, but, however, congratulated him.
"I'm just learning about the release from you. Sincerely speaking, nobody has informed me. No matter what happened, he is still part of us and we would definitely be part of his rehabilitation process."
He added that the National Executive Council of the AGN would meet soon to deliberate on the matter.
Asiegbu, also warned actors to desist from any act capable of bringing the guild into disrepute.