Ruggedman has strongly denied reports suggesting he was arrested over financial misconduct, labeling the claims as baseless and politically motivated
In a video posted to his social media, Ruggedman stated that neither he nor fellow artists Zaki Azzay, Sunny Neji, Boniface Itodo, and Fega Michaels were apprehended or involved in any financial wrongdoing. He linked the false reports to a vendetta by Pretty Okafor, the recently suspended former president of the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (P-Man).
“A petition was written against us—not because we stole money—but because of unproven claims of missing funds in the P-Man office,” he explained. “This happened right after we suspended Pretty Okafor for misconduct.”
Ruggedman pointed out the apparent retaliation, saying, “It’s the same people who suspended him that he’s now accusing. That should tell you what’s going on.”
He clarified that none of the artists were caught with any money and that some of them, including Sunny Neji and Zaki Azzay, weren’t even in Lagos when the story surfaced. He criticized news outlets that carried the false reports, warning them to take down the stories or risk legal action for defamation.
Ruggedman also addressed the inclusion of Chief Fruitful Mekwunye, P-Man’s current president, in the petition—despite the alleged incident occurring two months before he assumed office.
“How can someone be accused of being involved in something that happened before they even took office?” he questioned.
He closed the video by reaffirming his integrity: “Don’t let a disgruntled man manipulate you into spreading lies. I will always stand for the truth and for Nigerian musicians. Ruggedman say so.”
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