Academy announced nomination for Headies Award 2022Nigerian rapper and activist, Ruggedman, has finally broken his silence over the viral news claiming he was involved in a \$130,000 fraud.
The reports, which have flooded the internet since March 2025, have been described as false and damaging by the artist himself.
In a video message released by the rapper, Ruggedman expressed deep frustration over the situation.
“First of all, I want to say a big thank you to everybody who’s reached out to me,” he began, showing gratitude to his fans.
He quickly addressed the false claims, saying, “The information you’ve been reading is false. It is fake. It is just a smear campaign by a disgruntled human being.”
The entire issue stems from a petition written by Pretty Okafor, the suspended former president of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN).
Ruggedman explained, “This petition was written by one old musician. His name is Pretty Okafor. He was the former president of PMAN.”
According to Ruggedman, Okafor was suspended by the PMAN National Working Committee (NWC), which included Ruggedman, Sunny Neji, Zakky Azzay, Boniface Itodo, and Raymond Lasisi.
“It’s not about us stealing money. It’s about money missing in an office which has not been proved,” he clarified.
Moreover, he emphasized there was no evidence showing that he or any of the others were in possession of the alleged missing funds.
The music veteran also questioned the timeline of events, highlighting the inclusion of Chief Fruitful Mekwunye the newly appointed PMAN president in the petition.
“This petition about missing money from PMAN happened in March 2025. Chief Fruitful Mekwunye stepped into the PMAN house for the first time in May,” Ruggedman said.
“His name suddenly appeared in the petition as one of those people who were around when money was missing.”
Furthermore, Ruggedman debunked media reports that artists like Zakky Azzay and Sunny Neji were arrested or in court.
“Did you see Zakky in the court? No. Did you see Sunny Neji in the court? No,” he asked. “ What you read in the papers is a lie. I can categorically tell you it is a lie.”
Meanwhile, Ruggedman has sent a strong message to media houses spreading the report.
“To media houses, you are spreading false information. Do not help a bad person to smear the image of good people,” he warned.
“I’d advise you take down those publications before… I don’t want to say I’m going to come out and sue you for defamation.”
The rapper reminded Nigerians of his long-standing fight for justice in the country, especially for fellow creatives.
“This is me doing what I’m doing. I’m not only fighting a fight for Nigerians. I’m fighting a fight for Nigerian musicians,” he said.
As the case unfolds, Ruggedman continues to maintain his innocence, calling on the public not to fall for manipulated stories.
“Do not let one bad man use you as a tool to tarnish the image of innocent people. Ruggedman says so. And God bless.”
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