Lagos, Nigeria – May 22, 2025
The Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN), under the leadership of its National President, Mr. Pretty Okafor, has addressed claims circulating online that several individuals, including musician Ruggedman (Michael Stephen), Fruitful Mekwunye, Boniface Itodo, and Faga Bem-Paul, are being unlawfully detained by the Nigerian Police.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, PMAN described the allegations as “mischievous rumours” and clarified that the individuals were arrested on legitimate criminal grounds including breaking and entry, criminal trespass, and theft.
The suspects were arrested by officers from the Criminal Investigation Department in Panti, Lagos, following investigations by the IGP Monitoring Unit. PMAN noted that the suspects had previously broken into the association’s national secretariat in Lekki in March 2025, and were cautioned and granted bail. However, they allegedly failed to report back for further investigation.
The group reportedly returned to the secretariat on May 8, 2025—this time with Mr. Mekwunye—leading to their re-arrest. PMAN emphasized that the matter is not related to union rivalry, but rather criminal actions that violate the rule of law.
The statement also addressed a broader context of internal conflict within the association. According to PMAN, some of the arrested individuals are former members of the National Working Committee who were dismissed or suspended in 2024. These individuals allegedly attempted to discredit Mr. Okafor through social media campaigns and unauthorized pronouncements.
“The suspects are not victims,” the statement declared. “They are defendants in a pending court action and remain persons of interest in ongoing investigations into conspiracy, cyberbullying, fraud, impersonation, and misrepresentation.”
PMAN called on the media and public to disregard false narratives and allow the legal process to proceed.
The statement concluded by reaffirming PMAN’s commitment to upholding its constitution and protecting its members from what it described as “exploitation, criminality, and lawlessness disguised as unionism.”
Signed:
Elizabeth Gabriel, Esq.
Acting General Secretary, PMAN
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