Veteran actress Taiwo Akinwande, popularly known as Yetunde Wunmi, has opened up about her 2006 arrest by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the painful loss of her toddler son.
The actress shared the experience during a recent interview with FeelrightNews TV, where she reflected on some of the most difficult periods of her life.
Recalling her arrest at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, in 2006, Wunmi said she was left questioning how she found herself in such a situation.
She said, ‘Why her? How did I find myself here?’
According to the actress, she had seen herself arrested twice in her dreams before the incident, but she did not pay attention to them.
Wunmi admitted that financial difficulties contributed to her situation, revealing that she was desperately broke.
She said, ‘Maybe I allowed my love for money to get too much over me. I was actually very broke at that time… I could not boast of N10,000 in my savings.’
The actress was arrested while travelling to London and was subsequently convicted and sentenced to a two-year jail term. She was released in 2008.
Looking back at the incident’s impact on her career, Wunmi said she lost her privacy, popularity, and some close relationships.
She also recalled how some people in the entertainment industry distanced themselves from her because of her status as an ex-convict.
The actress also opened up about the death of her son, who passed away at the age of one year and 10 days.
Wunmi recalled how her passion for acting led her to return to the stage just 41 days after giving birth, as she sought to support her family.
The tragedy, she said, was followed by marital difficulties, as her former husband allegedly blamed her for their son’s death.
The actress had previously described the loss as one of the most painful experiences of her life, saying her son did not live long enough to enjoy the success she eventually achieved in theatre.
Despite the difficult experiences, Wunmi expressed gratitude to God for preserving her life and giving her an opportunity to rebuild her career.
Reflecting on her life after the ordeal, she said, ‘Today everything is new in my life, and I’m always grateful to Almighty Allah, who actually preserved my life during my trying period.’
The veteran actress also recalled the support she received from colleagues and members of the Yoruba film industry after her release, which helped her return to acting.