Rapper Ruggedman Arrested Over Dispute With PMAN
Nigerian rapper Ruggedman has reportedly been arrested and detained by the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti over an ongoing dispute with the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN).
The development was made public by Harrison Gwamnishu, a human rights advocate, who raised concerns on Thursday via Instagram, alleging that the artist and others are facing police maltreatment despite no formal investigation being concluded.
“No proper investigation has been concluded. He and others are being maltreated. I wish to draw the attention of Nigerians to what is going on,” Gwamnishu stated.
The arrest follows Ruggedman’s suspension from PMAN in August 2024, alongside fellow musicians JFO Baba Ojonorgua, Sunny Neji, and Zaaki Azzay, over allegations of misconduct. While the exact nature of the dispute remains unclear, the arrest has sparked fresh criticism about police handling of civil matters involving entertainers.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the circumstances surrounding the arrest or ongoing investigation.
