Veteran Nigerian rapper Michael Ugochukwu Stephens, popularly known as Ruggedman, has been detained by the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti, Yaba, following an ongoing dispute with the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN).
The arrest, which has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian music community, was brought to public attention by human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu via an Instagram post on Thursday.
Gwamnishu, a prominent advocate for justice and social reform, alleged that Ruggedman’s detention was ordered by a deputy commissioner of police without a thorough investigation. “@RuggedyBaba is currently detained at State SCID Panti on the instructions of a Deputy Commissioner of Police over PMAN issues. No proper investigation has been conducted. He and others are being maltreated,” Gwamnishu stated, urging Nigerians to take note of the situation.
His claims have sparked widespread concern and outrage on social media, with many fans and observers questioning the fairness of the rapper’s treatment.
The detention is reportedly linked to a leadership tussle within PMAN, an organization established in 1984 to protect and promote the interests of Nigerian musicians under the Trade Unions Act.
Ruggedman, who serves as PMAN’s media chairman, was among several prominent artists, including JFO Baba Ojonorgua, Sunny Neji, and Zaaki Azzay, suspended by the association in August 2024 for alleged misconduct.
The lack of transparency surrounding the arrest has fueled accusations of abuse of power. Gwamnishu’s allegations of maltreatment have further intensified calls for accountability, with many demanding a proper investigation into the circumstances of Ruggedman’s detention.
The Nigerian music industry, already grappling with internal divisions, now faces increased scrutiny over the handling of this case.
As of now, neither the Lagos State Police Command nor PMAN has issued an official statement regarding the arrest or the allegations of maltreatment. Efforts to reach Ruggedman’s representatives for comment have been unsuccessful.
The situation remains fluid, with the public awaiting further details on the rapper’s status and the legal proceedings that may follow.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
This incident underscores ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s entertainment industry and raises broader questions about the treatment of public figures in custody.
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