Nollywood actor Sylvester Madu has finally spoken out in response to a viral video that sparked speculation about him selling second-hand clothes, commonly referred as ‘okirika.’
The video, which surfaced online in 2023, showed the veteran actor at a busy street market in Enugu, arranging clothes on the bare ground and appearing to sell them to passersby.
The clip quickly gained traction, with many social media users expressing surprise and concern, assuming the actor had fallen on hard times and resorted to trading used garments for survival.
However, in a recent interview, Madu set the record straight, confirming that he is indeed the man in the video, but firmly refuting the claim that he was selling used or second-hand items.
According to Madu, the clothes he was seen displaying were all new, imported directly from the United States. He explained that the mere fact the clothing was spread out on the floor did not mean it was “okirika.”
“First of all, I don’t sell okrika. Those clothes I was filmed selling are not necessarily okrika because they were on the floor. I don’t sell okrika. I import from I sell from the U.S.,” he clarified.
The actor went on to shed more light on his entrepreneurial endeavors, revealing that his involvement in the clothing business is not new or recent.
In fact, he shared that he has been deeply engaged in the trade for more than three decades.
Madu explained that he purchases discounted or clearance-sale clothes from stores in the U.S., which he then ships to Nigeria for resale.
He emphasised that his business is well-structured, with several retail outlets and a network of employees managing day-to-day operations.
“I have multiple shops, and I have boys who sell for me. I don’t do big man, I go to the field to sell by myself. I have a lot of people selling for me. I have different shops. I monitor my business. I have been doing this business for over 30 years,” he said.
Nollywood Actor Sylvester Madu Aka Shina Rambo Clears The Air About His Selling Clothes (Okirika) Business. pic.twitter.com/YW7ZNGwF8N
— Somto Okonkwo (@General_Somto) April 5, 2025
Despite his celebrity status, Madu said he takes pride in being hands-on with his business. He believes in leading by example and doesn’t mind getting personally involved in street-level sales to ensure everything runs smoothly.
ALSO READ: Sex and On-Screen Chemistry: The Hollywood vs Nollywood divide
