Leo DaSilva: How I ran into hundreds of millions in debt after BBNaija

Leo Dasilva, the former Big Brother Nigeria (BBNaija) housemate, has recounted how his equity firm ran into a huge debt. 

In a chat with Poco Lee, the dancer, on the ‘Clout Africa’ podcast, Leo spoke about life after BBNaija. 

The reality star participated in the 2018 BBNaija show titled ‘Double Wahala’ which Miracle Igbokwe won.

During the interview, Leo disclosed that the business which he founded after leaving the show was affected by the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020.

The reality star said he thereafter ran into hundreds of millions in debt.

“In my personal life, I am extremely satisfied. Business wise I am very very satisfied because I can’t lie to you I was neck in debt for like three years because I run a private equity firm,” he said. 

“And in a month before my birthday. I paid off all the debts. Hundreds of millions. 

“The equity investment for me was like the thing I started after the house. Before I was boxing myself into just real estate but I discovered that my passion was not just for real estate. My passion was for money. I needed something that could bring more money.

“Sometimes I used to wake up with (fear) that “am I going to court today?” In a manner that a lot of people invested. Some people traveled out of the country. But I made sure that I paid for all of that.

“It was COVID-19 that really affected me. Not that I took the money and spent it.”

Leo added that the reality TV show helped shape his brand visibility as a business owner. 

“My brand has stayed relevant from Big Brother for almost five years. Just spending six weeks in the house, I really love that,” he added. 

“I have never acted. Never sang any song. All I am now is a working-class, businessman who has clouts and is professionally fine. I am satisfied with that.”