Popular Nigerian rapper Michael Stephens, known professionally as Ruggedman, has reportedly been detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti, Yaba, Lagos.
Human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu disclosed the development in an Instagram post on Thursday, linking the detention to an ongoing dispute with the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria. Gwamnishu alleged that the artist is being held without due process and facing harsh treatment.
“Ruggedman is currently detained at State SCID Panti on the instructions of a Deputy Commissioner of Police over PMAN issues,” Gwamnishu 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.”
The detention follows PMAN’s August 2024 announcement suspending Ruggedman indefinitely alongside other artists including Sunny Neji, Zaaki Azzay, and JFO Baba Ojonorgua. The association’s national executive council stated the suspensions resulted from the artists being “found guilty of misconduct.”
Attempts to reach Ruggedman for comment were unsuccessful. Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin could not be immediately reached to confirm the circumstances of the detention.