By Sunday Samuel 23-5-2025
Veteran Nigerian rapper and activist Michael Ugochukwu Stephens a.k.a Ruggedman, has been arrested by the police in Lagos.
Ruggedman is a guest of the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti, Lagos, for allegedly participating in a leadership dispute at the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN).
It was gathered the arrest was on the orders of a Deputy Commissioner of Police.
On social media his fans and civil rights groups have expressed anger and said such actions demonstrate the increasing use of state power against those in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Many years ago, the musicians’ union which stood for protecting the rights of performers in Nigeria, has since suffered from numerous internal disputes, allegations of wrongdoing and legal struggles to keep its credibility.
Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, did not respond to inquiry on the matter when contacted.