Iddrisu Zakari: Old Video of Arrested Alleged Galamsey Kingpin Spraying Cash on Daddy Lumba Emerges
- NAIMOS arrested an alleged illegal mining kingpin, Iddrisu Zakari, over his activities within the Osino Residential Area
- An old video of the alleged kingpin lavishing the late Daddy Lumba at a big musical event has surfaced after his arrest
- The Twitter video has gained massive traction on social media, with many Ghanaians expressing mixed reactions
- YEN.com.gh spoke to entertainment analyst Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh about Ghanaian artists' association with controversial figures like the alleged Galamsey kingpin
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An old footage of the alleged illegal mining kingpin Iddrisu Zakari's public encounter with the late Daddy Lumba has resurfaced after his arrest.
Source: Facebook
On Monday, November 10, 2025, Iddrisu, popularly known as Yaayaa, was apprehended by operatives of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Squad (NAIMOS) for his alleged involvement in galamsey activities within the Osino Residential Area.
Photos of him in handcuffs while in the custody of security operatives also surfaced on social media.
Reports from veteran investigative journalist Erastus Asare Donkor indicate that the alleged kingpin was caught after agreeing to meet with operatives from NAIMOS to negotiate the release of his arrested thugs and a possible halt to the ongoing investigation into his activities.
Iddrisu's arrest came days after NAIMOS raided his alleged Galamsey site to shut down his illegal operations on the night of Friday, November 7, 2025.
During the raid, two Nigerien nationals and four Ghanaian machete-wielding guards were apprehended.
The alleged galamsey kingpin, Iddrisu, has also reportedly been handed over to the Ghana Police Service for further investigations.
The X post announcing the arrest of Iddrisu Zakari is below:
Iddrisu Zakari sprays cash on Daddy Lumba
A day after his arrest by NAIMOS operatives, footage of Iddrisu's appearance at the late Daddy Lumba's musical concert emerged.
In a video, the alleged galamsey kingpin was seen dancing and spraying wads of cash on the late highlife music legend as he performed one of his classic hits on stage at the De Ofosu Plaza Hotel in Koforidua on Easter Saturday.
According to some reports, he splashed over GH₵20,000 on the late Daddy Lumba during their encounter at the concert.
Source: Facebook
Iddrisu's money-throwing gesture attracted the attention of others, who rushed onto the stage to grab the cedi notes that were scattered on the floor.
The viral footage has reignited public anger over how galamsey money fuels luxury and excess while damaging local communities.
"Security agencies need to work"—Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh
Speaking to YEN.com.gh, entertainment analyst Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh shared his thoughts on if the display of wealth at events like Daddy Lumba’s concert, especially from people like the alleged kingpin, contributes to the normalisation of illegal activities like galamsey.
He also spoke about whether artists and entertainers should take more responsibility in distancing themselves from such figures.
He said:
"One doesn’t determine the source of people’s worth at events. Even political parties that take donations don’t do background checks on donors."
Even in the Church similar things happen, so it will be unfair to juxtapose it to just the entertainment sector. We all need to do due diligence, but I believe you can’t always get it right, so it’s the security agencies that need to do their work right."
The video on X of Iddrisu Zakari spraying cash on the late Daddy Lumba at a musical concert is below:
Reactions to Iddrisu and Daddy Lumba's interaction
YEN.com.gh has gathered some comments from social media users below:
Iambojarmedia commented:
"Dem go release am, person wey get money for this country dey go scotfree."
Dexnellyson said:
"They should give them the water they have been destroying to drink for 6 months."
BorteyRich wrote:
"You see how your man dey smile? He knows this thing no go reach anywhere. dem go leave am soon."
Ibfantastic8 commented:
"Eii, then it means this guy really has money o."
NAIMOS arrests another galamsey kingpin
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that NAIMOS had arrested another alleged galamsey kingpin, who had reportedly blocked and polluted the Ayensu River at Bisiasi in the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region.
Reports indicated that anti-illegal mining security operatives rejected a hefty bribe from the kingpin before he was arrested. NAIMOS operatives reportedly seized his money and equipment and closed down the mining site.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Kofi Owusu (Entertainment Editor) Kofi is an Entertainment Editor at YEN.com.gh. He graduated from the African University College Of Communication (AUCC) in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in Communication Studies. He has over 5 years of experience as an entertainment journalist. He joined Yen.com.gh in 2024. You can contact him via e-mail: kofi.owusu@yen.com.gh
Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh (Music Executive) Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh is an experienced Music Executive with over a decade of experience in the Music Industry. He is also a media personality with production and on-air experience on Television and Radio. He has worked with 3x Grammy-winning Reggae group Morgan Heritage, Mr Drew, King Paluta, Renner, Kwesi Valley, Ugandan star Azawi, and many others. NYB, as he is referred to in some quarters, is also an event producer and talent manager associated with events such as AfroNation Ghana and Guinness Accravaganza.
