Following an online report accusing him of stealing a luxury wristwatch in Miami, Ubi Franklin, music executive, has publicly refuted the claims.
The allegations surfaced on Wednesday after a blog post alleged that Franklin, who was in the United States for singer Davido’s wedding, had stolen a timepiece.
In a detailed explanation posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Franklin described the accusations as "completely false and misleading." He recounted the events in Miami, stating he was approached by a man named Benny who offered to sell him a wristwatch. After inspecting the item and discovering it had a previous owner, Franklin decided against buying it to "avoid any potential complications" and communicated this decision to Benny.
However, during a church service for the wedding, Franklin said Benny's brother approached him and delivered a different wristwatch, which he then purchased and paid for in full. Franklin explained that he was in possession of both wristwatches during the wedding but only wore the one he had bought.
Franklin stated that he left Miami immediately after the wedding to attend his sister's funeral. While on the flight, he was contacted by Benny about the other wristwatch.
Franklin emphasized, “I am not a thief. I have never stolen from anyone in my life.”
He highlighted that he had purchased one of the watches and paid for it completely, and that Benny had already debunked the theft claim earlier that day. Franklin concluded by calling the situation "an extremely difficult and sensitive time" for him and his family, adding that this would be his final statement on the matter.