Social media has erupted with criticism as former Big Brother Naija Season 6 housemate, Sammie, comes under fire following an accusation of defrauding an acquaintance of over ₦4.45 million in a failed attempt to secure a spot in the upcoming 2025 BBNaija show.

The controversy began after a viral video surfaced, recorded by popular Nigerian videographer Lucky Udu, in which a man identified as Emmanuel Idakoh, also known as “Young Barby,” publicly detailed how he allegedly lost millions to Sammie.

According to Idakoh, the transaction began with a promise from Sammie to use his purported connections to secure him an audition slot for the 2025 BBNaija season. Emmanuel claimed that after making an initial payment, Sammie repeatedly demanded more money, including an additional ₦1 million. When Idakoh couldn’t produce the funds immediately, Sammie allegedly advised him to take out a loan—even suggesting that the potential rewards from appearing on the show would outweigh the cost of borrowing.

“I took a loan of ₦1 million, which I had to repay with ₦1.5 million. At the end of the day, I even had to sell my car to pay off the loan,” Idakoh lamented in the video. He described feeling deeply betrayed, emphasizing that his alleged scammer was not a stranger but someone he considered a brother and friend.

Idakoh also recounted that when he hesitated over the demands, Sammie assured him that a refund would be arranged if the plan failed. However, after the official 2025 audition list was released without Idakoh’s name on it, he claimed that Sammie cut off all communication.

As of the time of this report, Sammie has yet to issue any public response to the allegation, nor has he replied to messages seeking his side of the story.

The scandal has since prompted an angry response from the public, with many Nigerians flooding Sammie’s Instagram page to demand accountability and a refund. Comments range from harsh condemnation to appeals for him to return the money.

One user, @magold.glitzhairs_backup, wrote: “Thiefff refund his money ole.” 

Another, @paid4a, added: “Go return his money 419. Ole.”

  • joodihth: “I don land, how can you scam your own brother. What do you think of this?”
  • ondo_first_son: “Mumu go and pay up what you scammed someone. If VDM enter your matter you go understand.”
  • _onaz; “It’s obvious 95% of BBNAIJA ex stars are broke. But bro why going that length to dupe your own fellow brother N4.5m? What do you think of this?”

Others questioned Sammie’s integrity and the apparent silence:

  • _set_doctor: “Howfa what do you have to say about the allegations against you? Does your silence mean what the young man is saying is true?”
  • _slimchee: “Go and pay the money you owe; this is so heartless of you.”
  • sweet2andle: “Your life don dey outside, better go refund person hard earned money, or the street go tire you, they will drag you like generator. Save the shame and do the transfer back. I don’t know what you gain from illegality.”
  • maxiigram1; “How far? Dem say u scam person 4.4m? U do am or not??”
  • that.katsef: “Barawooooo Allah ya yisa.”
  • callmeirom: “419 go and refund that poor guy his money.”
  • aare_d_entertainer: “Are u not a tiff Sammy?”
The matter has reignited broader skepticism about the post-show lifestyles of BBNaija alumni, with some commenters suggesting that many ex-contestants struggle financially despite their fame.

While the accusations remain unproven and Sammie’s side of the story is not yet known, the incident highlights the growing trend of social media accountability, where public figures are quickly called out—and publicly tried—in the court of public opinion.

Observers say Sammie’s eventual response, or lack thereof, may shape the public’s final judgment on the matter.