Ruggedman Debunks Arrest Rumors, Accuses Pretty Okafor Of Spreading Falsehoods

Nigerian rapper Ruggedman has shut down viral claims that he was arrested for financial misconduct alongside fellow musicians Zaki Azzay, Sunny Neji, Boniface Itodo, and Fega Michaels.

Taking to social media, Ruggedman described the allegations as completely untrue, accusing Pretty Okafor—the suspended former president of the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (P-Man)—of masterminding the false narrative as revenge for his removal.

“There’s a petition against me and some others, but it’s not about us stealing money. It’s about unverified claims of missing funds from the P-Man office,” he clarified.

Ruggedman explained that the petition surfaced shortly after the association’s National Working Committee, which he is part of, suspended Pretty Okafor for misconduct.

“It’s clear what’s happening. The same people who suspended him are now being targeted in a petition. It’s retaliation,” he said.

He stressed that no one named in the reports was found with stolen money, and many weren’t even present in Lagos when the incident was reported. “Sunny Neji, Zaki Azzay, and others weren’t even around. So how could they have been involved?” he added.

Ruggedman also warned media outlets to stop circulating the false report, threatening legal action for defamation.

He questioned why Chief Fruitful Mekwunye, the newly installed P-Man president who only assumed office in May 2025, was listed in a petition about an event that allegedly happened in March.

“Make it make sense. How can someone be linked to something that happened before they took office?” he asked.

He ended his video by reaffirming his stance: “I’m innocent. I’ll always defend the truth and protect the image of hardworking Nigerian artists. Don’t let anyone use you to destroy others.”

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