Veteran Nigerian rapper Michael Ugochukwu Stephens, popularly known as Ruggedman, has been taken into custody by the police in Lagos. Human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu confirmed the arrest, revealing that the artist is currently detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti, Yaba.
In an Instagram post shared on Thursday, May 22, Gwamnishu stated that Ruggedman’s detention was ordered by a Deputy Commissioner of Police and was reportedly linked to unresolved matters involving the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN).
The activist wrote:
“@ruggedybaba is currently detained at State SCID Panti on the instructions of a Deputy Commissioner of Police over PMAN issues. No proper investigation has been conducted. He and others are being maltreated. I wish to draw the attention of Nigerians to what is going on.”
News of the arrest has sparked widespread outrage online, with many Nigerians condemning the alleged abuse of power. Social media users expressed their frustration over the lack of due process and what they described as a recurring pattern of arbitrary arrests in the country.
Some commenters suggested that Ruggedman’s detention might be connected to his recent disagreement with controversial activist Verydarkman (VDM). Ruggedman had criticized VDM’s approach to activism, claiming it had become unnecessarily confrontational despite its initial good intentions.
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@wicked_abavoboy: “Other nations go think Nigeria na we be Giant Of Africa.”
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@lawdharry69: “Shabi the Ruggedman follow dey yan say VDM isn’t doing it in a proper way, na the same system don jam am.”
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@sparkels1218: “Investigations are done before arrest in a normal system, but Nigeria is always the opposite.”
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@iam_oje_official: “This same Ruggedman when dey insult VDM. You see this country? E go reach everybody.”
Fans expressed concern over Ruggedman’s detention, noting that the artist had an event scheduled for May 24. It remains unclear how his arrest will impact his commitments.
As the situation unfolds, many are calling for transparency and accountability, urging the authorities to ensure that proper investigations are conducted before any further action is taken.
Also Read:Ruggedman Mourns Loss of His Beloved Father
