How fake malaria drugs allegedly killed West African Idol Contestant

Eric Arubayi

TALENTED Nigerian gospel singer, Eric Arubayi, died on Saturday at Delta State University Teaching Hospital. He was said to have fallen sick early last week.

Arubayi was the third runner up of Western African Idol who got married to Chinonso Liomah on December 28, 2013. Winner of the show Timi Dakolo was also present at his wedding and was part of the groomsmen for Eric’s wedding. Eric and his wife of three years Chinonso have a son together.

Beyond his commercial career, Eric was also a gospel singer at House on the Rock, Lekki, Lagos, where he ministered to many and touched the lives of several with his voice.

Several celebrities and friends have paid countless tribute to him on several social media platforms.

Tim Godfrey a Christian artiste and popularly known for his song “Na You Be God” said “Your smile was like a bright light!!!! Rest #Eric, God knows best!!!” in his tribute message.

Lepacious Bose wrote on her Instagram page that “Eric…. Oh dear Eric….. Heaven received an angel…. But everywhere suddenly seen darker as the world lost a bright shining star…….. It is well…. I have to keep saying this today…. It is indeed well.”

Actress Adesua Etomi also wrote on Instagram: “Your kindness…I remember your kindness and that smile of yours… and your voice. How can we ever forget that voice… sleep well Eric.”

“Never forget you my brother!!! Rest with God Erico. I know you are leading the worship in heaven right now. Live with Jesus @ericarubayi”, singer Ice Prince wrote.

Also, Praiz, another reality show revelation who shared a picture of himself and Eric at the audition wrote: “This was the first day we met, the idols audition, I didn’t make it, but you did … even after making it big you took me along. You gave me hope that I could succeed… treated me like a brother… seeing you on TV sing and smile gave my heart a lift and hope …I remember when you would call me to tell me you were coming to Abuja and invited me, you made me feel like I was a star. Introduced me to everyone, and when I was leaving back to Kaduna, you will give me a lot of money and clothes I never thought I would have. I remember when you forced @omawonder to make me sing because I didn’t make it to the idols show. You taught me how to sing in falsetto. I never thought it was possible cause of my voice texture. You pushed me and taught me how…ERIC.”

“I am so broken right now… it’s not like you will come here and read this so what is even the purpose of this? I feel so selfish for not even calling to say Happy New Year… The last time I saw you, you said ‘Mobutu, you never come know my house’. Eric with tears in my eyes I’m saying I’m sorry. I will be a better friend, I will make an effort to just reach out and say hello not to you anymore because you are resting with God, but to all the people I call my friends. Rest in peace my dear brother” – first runner up for the Idol reality show, Omawumi wrote.

The questions on the minds of many is, what drug actual got expired that led to the death of Eric and what pharmacist or hospital gave it to him?