Ace Nigerian rapper, Ruggedman, has reportedly been detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti, Yaba, Lagos.
The development was disclosed on Thursday via an Instagram post by human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu.
According to Gwamnishu, the rapper’s detention is linked to an ongoing dispute with the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria.
Gwamnishu alleged that Ruggedman, whose real name is Michael Stephens, is facing harsh treatment in custody without due process.
“Ruggedman is currently detained at State SCID Panti on the instructions of a Deputy Commissioner of Police over PMAN issues,” he stated.
“No proper investigation has been concluded. He and others are being maltreated. I wish to draw the attention of Nigerians about what is going on.”
This incident follows the August 2024 announcement by PMAN’s national executive council regarding the indefinite suspension of Ruggedman and several other artists, including Sunny Neji, Zaaki Azzay, and JFO Baba Ojonorgua.
The council said the individuals were suspended after being “found guilty of misconduct.”
Efforts to contact both Ruggedman and Lagos state police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
