Veteran Nigerian rapper Ruggedman has publicly refuted claims of his arrest by the Nigerian Police Force at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Lagos. The reports had alleged that his detention was ordered by a Deputy Commissioner of Police in connection with an ongoing dispute within the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN). Ruggedman, alongside other figures reportedly involved, found himself at the centre of accusations that have drawn significant attention across social media platforms.
The controversy stems from multiple reports asserting that Ruggedman, along with Sunny Neji, Zakky Azzay, Boniface Itodo, and Raymond Lasisi, had been detained. These individuals were allegedly accused of burglary, criminal trespass, and theft exceeding $130,000 at PMAN’s national secretariat in Lagos. The accusations painted a picture of financial and legal misconduct, raising serious concerns about the state of affairs within the musicians’ union.
Adding to the tensions, human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu took to Instagram to express outrage over the alleged maltreatment of Ruggedman and others. Gwamnishu highlighted concerns about the lack of proper investigation into the matter, amplifying calls for accountability from the authorities.
However, Ruggedman has firmly denied the allegations, labelling them as baseless and driven by misinformation. In a video posted on Saturday, May 24, he urged the public to disregard what he termed “fake news.” The rapper provided his perspective on the situation, accusing a suspended PMAN member of concocting the narrative to mislead the public and undermine efforts to reform the association.
“Don’t be deceived by fake news,” Ruggedman asserted. “A disgruntled individual we suspended from PMAN is now alleging funds are missing from the office we visited—without providing any evidence. We are fighting to save PMAN from his grip. This is a battle for the soul of our musicians’ union and the rights of Nigerian artists.”
The dispute sheds light on long-standing challenges within PMAN, including leadership conflicts and efforts to protect the rights of Nigerian musicians. Ruggedman’s remarks underscore a broader struggle for transparency and unity within the association, which has faced multiple controversies over the years.
While the allegations remain a topic of heated debate, Ruggedman’s swift and emphatic denial highlights the complexities of navigating organisational disputes in the public eye. His call for vigilance against misinformation serves as a reminder of the importance of corroborating facts in an era where fake news can rapidly spiral out of control.
As the dust settles on this incident, attention remains firmly fixed on the future of PMAN and the role of its leaders in addressing underlying issues. Whether this dispute marks a turning point for the association or deepens its challenges, Ruggedman’s vocal defence of his actions ensures that the spotlight remains on the rights and welfare of Nigerian musicians.
