By Kenneth Ehi-Choya | Saturday, June 21, 2025
The ongoing leadership dispute within the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has taken a new turn following the release of a police investigation report that exonerates Mr. Pretty Okafor and confirms the legitimacy of his leadership.
The controversy, which has dragged on for several years, was reignited following recent statements by a group identified as the "Legal Advocacy Forum"—allegedly aligned with Chief Fruitful Mekwunye. This group has questioned the legitimacy of Mr. Okafor’s leadership and criticized the Police Inspector General's Monitoring Unit, calling it “a compromised police unit.” The Inspector General of Police's Monitoring Unit has rejected these accusations, describing them as defamatory and contemptuous.
Police Investigation Clears Pretty Okafor
According to findings by the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Department (FID), Pretty Okafor was cleared of all allegations of financial impropriety. The report, which has been widely circulated, affirms that the allegations against him lacked merit and were politically motivated.
Furthermore, the police report details that the leadership dispute within PMAN was exacerbated by what it described as criminal activities perpetrated by some suspended and dismissed members of the association, including Chief Fruitful Mekwunye, George Dureke, Raymond Lasisi, and others. The report recommends prosecution for their alleged involvement in break-ins, theft, and fraudulent manipulation of court processes.
Break-in and Theft at PMAN Secretariat
One of the critical incidents detailed in the report involves a break-in at PMAN's national secretariat, during which suspects reportedly stole $130,000, two Apple MacBook Pro laptops valued at $3,150, and Mikano batteries worth N120,000. Police have identified the suspects and are pursuing legal action.
Court Rulings and Government Recognition
In a 2020 judgment, the National Industrial Court of Nigeria declared Pretty Okafor the legitimate President of PMAN. This ruling has not been overturned and remains binding. The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment also recognizes Mr. Okafor’s leadership. During the PMAN National Delegate Conference (NDC) held on October 23, 2023, his presidency was reaffirmed alongside other executive members including Mr. Sunny Neji (1st Vice President), Mr. Zakki Azzay (2nd Vice President), and Mr. Michael Ogochukwu a.k.a Ruggedman (National Ex-Officio).
The Registrar of Trade Unions was represented at the conference, adding another layer of federal legitimacy to the proceedings.
Allegations of Fraudulent Judgment
The police report also highlights a court case allegedly orchestrated by Chief Fruitful Mekwunye and his allies, who reportedly obtained a consent judgment through fraudulent misrepresentation. The report deems the judgment “null and void” and emphasizes that the legal standing of PMAN rests on the valid 2020 National Industrial Court decision and government recognition.
Controversy Over Frozen Bank Accounts
The report further notes that a post-no-debit (PND) order was placed on Pretty Okafor’s bank accounts through an Upper Sharia Court III in Minna. According to the police, this action was taken without proper jurisdiction, and they recommend that the accounts be unfrozen.
Divisions Within the PMAN Leadership
Some previously recognized PMAN leaders—such as Sunny Neji, Zaaki Azzay, and Ruggedman—have reportedly aligned themselves with the Mekwunye-led “Lobby D” faction, which the police report now considers fraudulent. This shift in allegiance may compromise their legitimacy within the officially recognized structure.
Call for Accountability
While the report exonerates Mr. Okafor, it also recommends a broader investigation into allegations of financial misconduct during his tenure. Stakeholders are calling for transparency and accountability from all former and current members of the National Working Committee (NWC) during the period under review. These include Sunny Neji, Zaaki Azzay, Ruggedman, Asha Gangali, Itodo Boniface, and Faga Bern-Paul, among others.
In light of the findings, stakeholders are urging all parties to respect the rule of law, police recommendations, valid court judgments, and government recognition. This, they say, is critical to restoring integrity and functionality to PMAN.
Kenneth Ehi-Choya
Musician and Member, PMAN
June 21, 2025
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