Falz Recounts Near-Death Experience in 2013 Ambush: “Turban-Wearing, AK47-Wielding Men Shot at Us”

Nigerian singer and rapper, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, shared a harrowing experience from 2013 when he, along with his managers, was attacked by gunmen while returning from a wedding performance in Abuja. In a recent episode of “Untapped” with Gbemi O, Falz revealed that they were heading from Abuja to Lagos after a show when their car was ambushed by dangerous-looking men wielding AK47s.

The incident occurred during the peak days of Boko Haram activities in the country, and the attackers were described as “turban-tying” individuals. Falz explained that the journey involved traveling from Abuja to Benin, a trip that required hiring a car due to the unavailability of flights. He mentioned that they started the journey around 2 p.m. and fell asleep, only to wake up to a loud bang, which was a gunshot.

The armed men fired at their car, with the bullet narrowly missing everyone. Tragically, the driver of the car lost his life instantly. The car, still in motion, was heading towards a ditch, and Falz believed that it was the end. After passing out, he was the first to regain consciousness.

Falz described the assailants demanding money, and despite his explanation that they had none, they proceeded to search the car for cash. The incident occurred in a forested area somewhere in the north between Abuja and Lokoja. At the time, they were in a region where Boko Haram activities were at their peak.

The situation escalated as the attackers continued shooting, and despite the presence of sirens in the distance, no one stopped to help. Eventually, a police officer arrived, and another individual claiming to be a doctor also approached the scene. Reflecting on the incident, Falz expressed his gratitude for surviving and admitted that he was concerned his parents might have discouraged him from pursuing his music career after such a traumatic experience.