Veteran Rapper Ruggedman Detained at Panti: Activist Gwamnishu Raises Alarm, Alleges Police Misconduct

 

Veteran Nigerian rapper Ruggedman has found himself in police custody, according to rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu, who sounded the alarm via a post on social media. The activist disclosed that the artist, whose real name is Michael Stephens, is currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti, Lagos.

The rapper’s detention, Gwamnishu alleged, was ordered by a Deputy Commissioner of Police, and stems from issues related to the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN). While the specific details of the PMAN dispute remain unclear, Gwamnishu claims Ruggedman and several others have been apprehended without the benefit of a thorough investigation.

Via Instagram, Gwamnishu expressed deep concern about the treatment of the detainees, suggesting that due process has not been followed. “@ruggedybaba is currently detained at State SCID Panti on the instructions of a Deputy Commissioner of Police over PMAN issues,” he wrote. “No proper investigation has been concluded. He and others are being maltreated.”

The post appears to be a public appeal aimed at raising awareness and prompting action from the wider Nigerian public, particularly those who follow Ruggedman’s work and advocacy. The rapper has long been known not only for his contributions to hip-hop in Nigeria but also for his outspokenness on social and political issues, including police reform and the #EndSARS movement.

Public reaction to the news has been swift, with many calling for transparency and due process. Some have taken to social media to demand immediate clarification from the authorities, while others have speculated that Ruggedman’s activism may have played a role in his current predicament.

Gwamnishu’s statement stops short of confirming any formal charges, suggesting instead that the arrest may be premature or influenced by interests within the music or policing community. The lack of official communication from the police has only deepened speculation, with questions being raised about the legality and motivation behind the detention.

The circumstances surrounding the PMAN issue, which has long been fraught with leadership tussles and internal disagreements, remain murky. Ruggedman has, in the past, voiced opinions on industry matters, particularly concerning musicians’ rights and union representation, making his arrest in connection with PMAN matters a point of public interest.

Efforts to reach police authorities for comments have so far yielded no formal response, and it is unclear how long the rapper will remain in detention. Meanwhile, supporters continue to call for his release and demand that any investigations be conducted with fairness and adherence to the law.

The incident has reignited concerns about police overreach and the treatment of individuals in custody, particularly when the circumstances of arrest are vague or potentially influenced by external pressures. As the situation unfolds, the public awaits clarity on the matter and hopes for a resolution that respects legal protocols and human rights.

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