Ruggedman Breaks Silence Over “False Arrest” Reports, Blames Suspended P-Man President for Smear Campaign
Veteran Nigerian rapper Ruggedman has shut down viral reports of his alleged arrest for financial misconduct, calling the claims “false, misleading, and dangerous.” In a strongly-worded video message posted to his social media, the artist didn’t just clear his name—he came armed with facts, timelines, and a call for accountability in the media.
🎤 “This Is Not About Stolen Money – It’s About Smearing Names”
Ruggedman, born Michael Ugochukwu Stephens, addressed the situation with the clarity and composure of a man who knows his rights and isn’t afraid to defend them.
“There was a petition against me and others—not for stealing money—but for money allegedly missing from the P-Man office, and it hasn’t even been proven,” he emphasized.
According to him, the petition emerged suspiciously after the P-Man National Working Committee (NWC), which includes Ruggedman and fellow artists like Sunny Neji and Zaki Azzay, suspended former president Pretty Okafor for illegal acts within the union.
🔍 Coincidence or Calculated Revenge?
The twist? The same group of people who suspended Pretty Okafor are now being painted as criminals in public narratives.
“So you see how this is going?” Ruggedman asked rhetorically. “It’s retaliation—nothing more.”
He also pointed out that some of the people named in the reports, like Zaki Azzay and Yinka Davies, weren’t even in Lagos at the time of the supposed incident. Even more questionable is the inclusion of Chief Fruitful Mekwunye, the newly installed P-Man president, in a petition dated months before he even assumed office.
⚖️ Ruggedman to the Media: “Tread Carefully”
Ruggedman didn’t hold back as he called out online and traditional media houses for publishing unverified stories.
“I advise you take down those publications before I say I’m going to sue you for defamation,” he warned.
“Do not let one bad man use you as a tool to tarnish the image of innocent people.”
His message serves as a wake-up call in an age where clicks often trump facts—a reminder that even seasoned public figures are vulnerable to character assassination in today’s media landscape.
🗣️ Opinion: This Is Bigger Than Ruggedman—It’s About Integrity in the Creative Industry
What we’re witnessing here isn’t just celebrity drama. It’s a reflection of deep-rooted tensions and politicking within Nigeria’s music unions, where ego clashes and personal vendettas can weaponize the media and damage careers.
Ruggedman’s swift and open response is not only commendable, it’s crucial. More artists should speak up for themselves—and each other—when falsehoods threaten reputations.
Innocence should never be shouted over by rumors.
🎧 Final Note
Ruggedman remains unshaken in the face of controversy, proving that truth—when boldly spoken—still cuts through the noise. And as he continues to advocate for Nigerian musicians, one thing is clear:
Silence is no longer an option when false narratives run wild.
💬 What are your thoughts on Ruggedman’s response? Do you think Nigerian entertainment unions need better conflict resolution structures?
#RuggedmanClearsAir #NoToDefamation #PMANPolitics #TalkTalkNigeria