Nigerian rapper and activist Michael Ugochukwu Stephens, popularly known as Ruggedman, is reportedly in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Lagos, in connection with ongoing issues related to the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN).
According to SaharaReporters, the arrest, said to have been ordered by a Deputy Commissioner of Police, has raised concerns among civil rights advocates, who allege it reflects a troubling pattern of using law enforcement to suppress dissent in the creative industry.
Human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu disclosed the incident via his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, stating that Ruggedman and several others are being detained without the conclusion of a formal investigation. He also alleged that those detained are being subjected to poor treatment.
“@RuggedyBaba is currently detained at State SCID Panti on the instructions of a Deputy Commissioner of Police over PMAN issues,” Gwamnishu wrote. “No proper investigation has been concluded, and he and others are being maltreated.” While SaharaReporters has yet to confirm the exact allegations or petitions behind the arrest, online sources noted that Ruggedman was brought in over disruptions tied to PMAN affairs.
PMAN, once regarded as Nigeria’s leading musicians’ union, has struggled in recent years with internal disputes, contested leadership, and allegations of financial misconduct. Attempts to reach the Lagos State Police Command for comments were unsuccessful. Calls and messages to the Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, went unanswered at the time of reporting.
Source : https://saharareporters.com/
