BREAKING: Veteran Rapper Ruggedman Detained by Police Over PMAN Issues — Activist Raises Alarm
Popular Nigerian rapper Ruggedman (Michael Ugochukwu Stephens), has reportedly been detained by the police at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Lagos.
According to human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu, the rapper’s arrest was ordered by a Deputy Commissioner of Police in connection with issues surrounding the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN).
Gwamnishu took to Instagram to raise alarm over the detention, stating that Ruggedman is being held without a proper investigation and is allegedly facing maltreatment while in custody.
“@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 concluded. He and others are being maltreated,” he wrote.
“I wish to draw the attention of Nigerians to what is going on.”
⚖️ Opinion: Why Detaining Ruggedman Raises Big Questions
Ruggedman has never shied away from confronting injustices — both in and out of the music industry. Whether it’s speaking out against SARS brutality or standing firm on issues within PMAN, he's been a loud voice for artists’ rights.
If this arrest is truly based on inter-union politics without due process, then it’s a red flag for freedom of expression and transparency in the Nigerian entertainment industry. It’s troubling when someone known for activism suddenly finds himself locked up under unclear circumstances.
Also, maltreatment of any detainee, regardless of who they are or what they're being held for, is a violation of their fundamental human rights.
🗣️ What Nigerians Are Saying:
“This is why people are afraid to speak up. Ruggedman has always stood for justice!”
“If there’s no proper investigation, why detain him? This is abuse of power.”
“We need to hear the other side. But this doesn’t look good for the police.”
🧠 Final Thought:
Ruggedman’s detention shouldn't be swept under the carpet. Artists deserve not just freedom of expression but protection from abuse of authority. It’s time for law enforcement to show fairness, and for PMAN to operate with accountability, not intimidation.
🚨 Trending Hashtags:
#FreeRuggedman #JusticeForRuggedman #PMAN #NigerianMusicIndustry #SCIDPanti #TalkTalkNigeria #HumanRightsAbuse #PoliceAccountability #VeteranVoicesSilenced
🕊️ Justice and music must coexist. Silencing a voice like Ruggedman’s only echoes louder calls for change.
