A Nigerian fashion designer has openly accused Nollywood stars Toyin Abraham, Annie Idibia, and Gabriel Anthony of failing to repay an alleged debt.
In an Instagram story, the designer voiced frustration, disclosing that the debt has gone unpaid for an astonishing 14 months.
The designer’s heartfelt plea emphasized the actors’ apparent unwillingness to clear the outstanding payment, worth millions.
This situation has left the designer questioning how the celebrities can comfortably withhold such a significant sum for so long without addressing the issue.
The post stirred reactions online, with fans demanding accountability.
She wrote:
“@toyin_abraham @annieidibial Search @gabrielanthonysMy patient is running out already. 1 year and 2 months. How can you be with someone millions and feel so reluctant?”
However, Toyin Abraham swiftly reacted to the accusation on Friday night to deny the claims while giving clarity on the mix-up.
In her post, Toyin stated that she had no outstanding debts with the designer, rather Gabriel who introduced the fashion designer to her transferred the clothes to a third party.
She expressed disappointment over being dragged into the issue, stating that she has always maintained a clean reputation in her business dealings.
Toyin Abraham’s clarification on unpaid debts
“Hello everyone, I want to address the recent allegations regarding an unpaid debt to a fashion designer. The situation has been completely misunderstood, and I’d like to clarify what happened.
During the production of the movie Malaika, there was a runway scene, and we needed dresses. We contacted a couple of designers, Tiannah, to provide the dresses. Additionally, Gabriel, who was part of the team, mentioned that a friend of his also wanted to contribute some dresses, and she did.
I even bought a hairpiece from her, for which I paid in full. As for the dresses she provided, they were borrowed for the shoot, and once we finished using them, I handed the dresses back to Gabriel, who had initially brought them to us.
Upon seeing the allegations online, I immediately called Gabriel for clarification. Gabriel confirmed that he informed the designer that the dresses had already been returned to him, and that they were subsequently borrowed by someone else. It is, therefore, no longer my responsibility.
I hope this clears the confusion. Screenshots of THE conversation between the designer and Gabriel will be included for further proof. I appreciate everyone’s understanding and support. Thank you.”
Designer responses to Toyin’s clarification
Netizens have reacted with mixed opinions, ranging from sympathy for the designer to skepticism about the accuracy of the claims. Some fans encouraged the designer to seek legal action, while others defended the actresses, suggesting possible misunderstandings.
@iam_bmodel: “I know how people sleep so soundly knowing fully well they are owing someone. I can’t even sleep properly if I’m owing someone 2k.”
@janet_obayuwana: “Asiwaju baby owe you ke? Are you not aware her father is the president?.”
@ejbaci: “Aunty Toyin doesn’t owe, maybe she hasn’t reached out or she forgot.”
@archersplace__: “Your ‘patience’ dey run out? Abeg no let am escape o.”
@shegun_stylez: “But can’t she DM them privately or meet them physically? Nawa oooooooo, fish pieeee some people too do oo.”
@mz_beoppy: “See their comments without hearing the other side of the story, shior, sadist people everywhere.”
@3igtinnyy: “Celebrities must not wear one clothe twice, na wetin dey cause am later be this.”
@beccabella_signature: “As a fashion designer, don’t let them use celebrity status to cheat you. That’s why we no grow viral—no be say we no dey sew for celebrities too… we just stay grounded to the ethics of our brand.”