Veteran Nigerian rapper Ruggedman has reportedly been detained by the Nigerian Police Force at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Lagos. His arrest, allegedly ordered by a Deputy Commissioner of Police, is linked to the ongoing leadership crisis within the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN).
Also detained are notable figures including Sunny Neji, Zakky Azzay, Boniface Itodo, and Raymond Lasisi. The group faces allegations of burglary, criminal trespass, and theft amounting to over $130,000 from PMAN’s national secretariat in Lagos.
According to human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu, who shared the news via Instagram, the individuals are reportedly being mistreated while in custody, with no proper investigation reportedly conducted prior to their arrest.
The arrests stem from a petition submitted to the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police by legal representatives of Pretty Okafor, the embattled National President of PMAN.
This development is the latest chapter in a long-running leadership crisis that has plagued PMAN, the body responsible for safeguarding the interests of Nigerian musicians. In 2024, the PMAN National Working Committee (NWC) suspended Pretty Okafor, citing violations of the association’s constitution, financial mismanagement, and other misconduct.
Following his suspension, veteran musician Sunny Neji was sworn in as Acting President. However, the situation quickly escalated when the PMAN National Executive Council (NEC) countered by suspending key members, accusing them of misconduct and deliberate attempts to destabilize the organization.
As the internal strife continues, concerns are growing over the impact of the crisis on the credibility and functionality of PMAN as a representative body for Nigeria’s music industry.
