Nortu Jappah, a Liberian-born U.S. citizen, was booked at Roberts International Airport last week on a Delta Airlines flight bound for Atlanta. Authorities pulled the Virginia (U.S.) resident off the aircraft after ammunition for a .32 caliber revolver was found in his luggage.
Jappah called the incident a “foolish error.” He explained that a relative might have placed the ammo in his luggage and he knew nothing about it.
Living in America, it is clear, the young entrepreneur and Republican has learned one thing from Hollywood: no publicity is bad publicity. And after the dust settles, everyone knows your name.
The notoriety brought about by Jappah’s brush with the law has already begun to pay dividends.
Shortly after the incident, New York-based Liberian filmmaker Gerald “Gee Bee” Barclay called Jappah and offered him a part in a feature film he’s working on, “Passenger 58.” The movie, being filmed in Abuja, Accra, Kumasi and Monrovia, is the long-awaited sequel to the 1992 action flick “Passenger 57,” which starred American actor Wesley Snipes. Barclay says he now has the rights to the popular movie franchise.
“Central Casting in L.A. couldn’t have found me a better lead,” says Barclay. “Nortu has the look and build. Now, he also has a reputation that fits the character of a brazen airline security perfectly.”
Jappah is equally excited. “I didn’t look for a movie role, “he says. “The movie role came to me. I say God!”
Meanwhile, Jappah’s friends in the United States and Liberia have launched a “Free Nortu Jappah” campaign. Donations will be used to pay legal fees.
“You never ever know,” laughed Jappah, who says the role recalls the 'agent' movies he saw at Relda and Rivoli cinemas as a young man.
“Nollywood has eyes everywhere."
“Nollywood has eyes everywhere."
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