Lagos, Nigeria – February 4, 2025
Nigerian musicians Sunny Neji, Zakky Azzay, and Ruggedman have been arrested by officers of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex Alagbon, Lagos, over allegations of cyberbullying, cyberharassment, and defamation. The trio reportedly made defamatory statements against Pretty Okafor, President of the Performing Musicians Employers' Association of Nigeria (PMAN), leading to their detention.
Authorities state that Neji, Azzay, and Ruggedman, along with other dismissed members of the PMAN National Working Committee (NWC), accused Okafor of forgery, visa fraud, and financial misappropriation without substantiated evidence. These claims were widely disseminated across blogs, social media platforms, and WhatsApp groups.
The arrests were made under Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, which criminalizes transmitting offensive, false, or menacing information via electronic communication with the intent to cause distress or harm. A conviction under this provision could result in up to three years of imprisonment, a fine of ₦7,000,000, or both. Additionally, cyberstalking—using digital channels to harass or intimidate individuals—is also punishable under the law.
Investigative sources revealed that Boniface Itodo, an alleged key figure behind the defamation campaign, had knowledge of the impending arrests but did not inform his associates. Instead, he reportedly traveled to the National Industrial Court in Ibadan, leaving Neji, Azzay, and Ruggedman to deal with the repercussions alone.
Furthermore, attention has turned to another vocal critic, Emma Agu, who has frequently spoken against Okafor. Despite claims of being in Nigeria, Agu has yet to make a public statement regarding the arrests, raising questions about his potential involvement and whether he will cooperate with authorities.
The case continues to develop, with the authorities emphasizing the legal consequences of online defamation and cyberharassment. The music industry and the public await further updates on this high-profile incident.
More details will be provided as the situation unfolds.
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