Nigerian Rapper Ruggedman Detained In Lagos Over PMAN Dispute.
Veteran Nigerian rapper Michael Ugochukwu Stephens, popularly known as Ruggedman, has been detained by the Lagos State Police at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti, Yaba, according to recent reports. The arrest, which took place on Thursday, 22 May 2025, is linked to ongoing issues within the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN).
Human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu broke the news via a post on Instagram, alleging that Ruggedman’s detention was ordered by a Deputy Commissioner of Police without a thorough investigation. Gwamnishu claimed that the rapper and others are being mistreated while in custody, calling for public attention to the matter. “No proper investigation has been conducted. He and others are being maltreated,” he stated.
The detention reportedly stems from a leadership dispute within PMAN, an organisation founded in 1984 to protect and promote musicians’ interests under Nigeria’s Trade Unions Act. Ruggedman, who serves as PMAN’s media chairman, was among several members suspended by the organisation in August 2024, alongside JFO Baba Ojonorgua, Sunny Neji, and Zaaki Azzay, over alleged misconduct.
The arrest has sparked significant reactions online, with many Nigerians expressing concern over what they perceive as an abuse of power. Some netizens have speculated that Ruggedman’s detention may be connected to a recent public dispute with controversial activist Verydarkman (VDM), though no official confirmation links the two incidents. Social media posts reflect a mix of outrage and support, with one user, @lawdharry69, commenting, “The same system don jam am. You see this typical black man can never learn from history,” while @jamnaija noted, “Haba naw. He has an event on the 24th of this month oh.”
PMAN has long been plagued by internal crises, including leadership tussles and allegations of fraud, which have undermined its role as a unifying body for Nigerian musicians. Sources familiar with the situation told SaharaReporters that Ruggedman was invited for questioning due to recent disruptions linked to the organisation, though specific details remain unclear. Attempts to reach Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
As the situation unfolds, the Nigerian music community and fans await further clarity on Ruggedman’s detention and the broader implications for PMAN’s ongoing challenges. The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
