"I Have Never Stolen from Anyone in My Life" — Ubi Franklin Breaks Silence on Wristwatch Theft Allegations as Davido Steps In

Nigerian music executive and talent manager, Ubi Franklin, has publicly refuted recent allegations circulating on social media that link him to the theft of a wristwatch during a trip abroad. In a strongly worded statement released via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Franklin declared the claims “completely false and misleading,” stressing that he has never in his life stolen from anyone. The former record label boss, who has recently been in the public eye for his close relationship with top music stars and his work in the entertainment industry, said the accusations come at a particularly sensitive and difficult time for him and his family.

According to Franklin, he had just returned from attending the wedding of a close friend—whom he described as a “dear friend and sister”—and is now in the midst of preparations for his sister’s funeral, which is scheduled for this weekend. “It is an extremely difficult and sensitive time for me and my family, but I feel it is important to address this matter directly,” he explained. The entertainment entrepreneur recounted the events leading up to the controversy, revealing that while in Miami, a man named Benny approached him with an offer to sell a wristwatch. Franklin said that after inspecting the watch and confirming its previous ownership, he decided not to purchase it in order to avoid potential complications, making his decision clear to the seller.

However, the situation took an unexpected turn during the wedding ceremony. “During the wedding church service, Benny sent his brother with another wristwatch to me — that which I had purchased and paid in full,” Franklin stated. He added that given the busy nature of the wedding festivities, he found himself in possession of both wristwatches and wore the one that had been delivered to him through Benny’s brother. Shortly after the wedding, Franklin had to leave Miami immediately to finalize arrangements for his sister’s burial. While on his flight, he received a message from Benny inquiring about the other wristwatch—the one he had earlier declined to buy.

Franklin maintained that there was no theft involved, reiterating that he had fully paid for the watch he agreed to purchase. He also pointed out that Benny himself had earlier publicly debunked the theft claims, yet the allegations continued to spread rapidly across social media platforms. “I want to state clearly: I am not a thief. I have never stolen from anyone in my life,” he declared, noting that the falsehoods being circulated were both damaging and hurtful at such a vulnerable time. “Benny had earlier in the day debunked this news and yet it still kept spreading,” he emphasized, expressing gratitude to those who had reached out with calls and messages of support.

The controversy has sparked conversations within Nigeria’s entertainment space, especially given Franklin’s long-standing visibility in the industry and his close friendships with some of its biggest names. Many fans and industry insiders have expressed disappointment at the speed with which unverified allegations gain traction on social media, often without giving those involved a fair chance to clarify the situation. In this case, the allegations appear to have originated from a misunderstanding over the possession of two wristwatches during a hectic wedding event, compounded by Franklin’s immediate departure from Miami due to personal family matters.

As Franklin’s statement made the rounds online, Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido stepped in with a public show of support. Responding directly to Franklin’s post on X, Davido dismissed the need for any further clarification, writing, “You owe nobody any explanation.” The comment, brief but emphatic, was widely interpreted as a strong vote of confidence in Franklin’s integrity and an admonition to those amplifying the rumors without factual basis. Davido’s backing did not go unnoticed, as fans of both men chimed in to applaud the singer for standing by his friend in the face of public scrutiny.

This is not the first time the Nigerian entertainment scene has been rocked by public accusations that later unravel under closer inspection. In an industry where visibility is high and private moments are often subject to public commentary, misunderstandings can quickly snowball into full-blown scandals. Social media platforms, while offering celebrities direct access to their audiences, also amplify misinformation at lightning speed, making it difficult for the truth to keep pace with sensational headlines. Franklin’s decision to issue a detailed, point-by-point account of the events appears to have been driven by both a desire to protect his reputation and to provide closure before turning his focus back to his family’s immediate needs.

In his statement, Franklin made it clear that this would be his final comment on the matter, signaling that he has no intention of prolonging the drama. For many observers, the incident serves as yet another reminder of how easily personal and professional reputations can be threatened in the digital age. One moment’s misinterpretation, especially when intertwined with high-profile social gatherings and celebrity associations, can trigger a cascade of public speculation.

While Franklin has now publicly set the record straight and Benny has reportedly refuted the claims, the persistence of the story even after clarification underscores the stubborn nature of online rumors. Whether or not this particular episode fades quickly from public memory will depend largely on the appetite of social media users for scandal versus truth. For now, Franklin appears determined to put the matter behind him and focus on supporting his family through their bereavement.

Davido’s public show of loyalty has further highlighted the importance of solidarity among friends in the entertainment industry, especially when reputations are under attack. For Franklin, having the endorsement of one of Africa’s biggest music stars may help shift public perception and reinforce his assertion of innocence. As the dust settles, the episode stands as a case study in the collision between personal grief, professional visibility, and the volatile dynamics of social media-fueled gossip.

Whether the public fully accepts Franklin’s account may ultimately matter less to him than regaining peace of mind during this challenging time. His final words on the subject were clear, firm, and unyielding: “This is my final word on this.” With that, the music executive has drawn a line under the controversy, choosing to step away from the noise and focus on what truly matters to him in this moment — family, truth, and moving forward.