by Atafo Igbinedion-
Nigerian music stars Ruggedman (Michael Ugochukwu Stephens), Sunny Neji, Zakky Azzay, Boniface Itodo, and Raymond Lasisi have been arrested in connection with an alleged burglary and theft of $130,000 from the national secretariat of the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) in Lekki, Lagos.
The musicians face serious allegations of criminal trespass, burglary, and theft following a petition filed by PMAN’s legal counsel on behalf of its embattled National President, Pretty Okafor. According to the petition dated May 12, 2025, the accused allegedly broke into the PMAN office at 4B Hameed Kasumu Street, Chevy View Estate, and stole two MacBook Pro laptops along with the cash.
“They forcefully entered the Secretariat during my official trip to Spain in August 2024 and declared me suspended without following due process,” Mr. Okafor told reporters. “Their actions were not only unconstitutional but criminal in nature.”
The petition, signed by PMAN’s attorney Henrie Eduozor, described the group as suspended or dismissed members of the National Working Committee (NWC), accusing them of forging a leadership takeover backed by a controversial consent judgment.
“This judgment was obtained under deceitful circumstances,” Eduozor stated. “The address used—Lobby D, National Arts Theatre—is not the recognised headquarters of PMAN. The entire process was fraudulent.”
Despite a directive from PMAN’s National Executive Council (NEC) to revert to the status quo, the group allegedly staged a second break-in on May 8, 2025. “This time they returned with one Mr. Fruitful Mekwunye and took over the Secretariat again, despite warnings from DCP Akin Fakorede at Force Headquarters,” Okafor added.
PMAN, in an official statement, dismissed the suspects’ claims of union rivalry. “This is about criminal conduct, not internal politics. These individuals were cautioned and bailed earlier but refused to comply with ongoing investigations. Their re-arrest is legally justified,” the statement read.
“The facts are clear,” the statement continued. “They are not victims—they are defendants in criminal proceedings involving conspiracy, impersonation, cyberbullying, and theft.”
Video and photographic evidence of the alleged incidents, alongside documents from the Registrar of Trade Unions confirming Okafor’s presidency, have reportedly been submitted to authorities. The case is being prepared for prosecution.
“The law must take its course,” Okafor said. “Falsehood cannot triumph over justice. PMAN will not tolerate the illegal occupation of its Secretariat or the impersonation of its leadership.”
At the time of this report, the suspects remain in custody, and police investigations are reportedly complete.
