Entertainment
Ruggedman, 3 others arraigned over $130,000 theft
Ruggedman, 3 others arraigned over $130,000 theft
Nigerian rapper and activist, Michael Ugochukwu Stephens, popularly known as Ruggedman, was on Friday arraigned alongside three others at Yaba Magistrate Court 1 over allegations of burglary and theft.
The charges stem from an alleged break-in at the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) national secretariat in Lekki, during which $130,000 was reportedly stolen.
A source close to the police investigation confirmed the development, indicating that the case is being treated with serious attention due to the scale of the theft an
The source said: “The defendants brought to Yaba Court 1 by the police are Ruggedman, Fruitful Mekwunye, Boniface Itodo, and Faga Bem-Paul for arraignment. Sunny Neji and Zakky Azzay remain at large.
“The charges include conspiracy, breaking and entry, and cybercrimes. However, the charges will be amended on the next adjourned date. Ruggedman is currently in custody.”
Ruggedman and other defendants were arrested following a petition filed on May 12, 2025, by PMAN’s legal representatives on behalf of the union’s embattled National President, Pretty Okafor.
The petition accused them of forcefully breaking into PMAN’s secretariat at 4B Hameed Kasumu Street, Chevy View Estate, Lekki, and stealing $130,000 in cash alongside two Apple MacBook Pro laptops.
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The legal complaint further detailed how the accused allegedly exploited Okafor’s official trip to Spain in August 2024 to unlawfully suspend him without due process.
According to a copy of the petition obtained by SaharaReporters, the accused individuals, described as suspended or dismissed members of the PMAN National Working Committee (NWC), allegedly took advantage of Mr. Okafor’s official trip to Spain in August 2024 to declare him suspended from office without due process.
The petition states that their actions were nullified by the PMAN National Executive Council (NEC), which reinstated Okafor and ordered a return to the status quo ante.
It claimed that despite this directive, Ruggedman (Michael Stephens), Sunny Neji, and others allegedly continued to sow discord within the union.
They reportedly convened an “illegitimate” National Delegates Conference where a parallel leadership structure was fraudulently established, backed by a consent judgment procured under what PMAN lawyers described as “deceitful and clandestine” conditions.
The controversial judgment was allegedly secured at the National Industrial Court in Lagos using an address—Lobby D, National Arts Theatre, Iganmu—not recognised as PMAN’s official headquarters. Okafor and his faction maintain they were never served any court processes related to the suit (NICN/LA/360/2024), rendering the consent judgment null and void in their view. Matters escalated in March 2025 when the accused persons allegedly staged a forced entry into the PMAN secretariat.
They were accused of carting away $130,000 and other valuables. Despite ongoing investigations by the IGP Monitoring Unit in Abuja, they allegedly returned on May 8, 2025, and again took control of the premises.
The petition noted that perhaps most alarming is the suspects’ claim that they acted under the authorisation of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, which the petitioners described as “deeply disturbing.”
A high-level meeting convened by DCP Akin Fakorede at Force Headquarters, Abuja, had reportedly warned the group to cease all actions until legal disputes over PMAN leadership were resolved.
Yet, the accused allegedly defied this directive, leading to their arrest. The petition also includes what is described as video and photographic evidence of the alleged break-ins, along with documentation from the Registrar of Trade Unions confirming Pretty Okafor as the legally recognised president of PMAN.
Ruggedman, 3 others arraigned over $130,000 theft
Entertainment
Tacha Condemns False Rape Allegations After Mirabel Admits Fabrication
Tacha Condemns False Rape Allegations After Mirabel Admits Fabrication
Former Big Brother Naija housemate and social media influencer Symply Tacha has spoken out against false rape allegations, following the revelation by TikTok user Mirabel that her earlier claim of being raped was fabricated.
In a video shared on her Instagram page, Tacha emphasised the seriousness of sexual assault and the dangers of spreading unverified claims. “Rape is a very serious issue. Women should never weaponise rape for any reason, because at the end of the day, you are taking away from the real victims,” she said.
Tacha noted that false accusations undermine trust in genuine survivors and embolden rape apologists, making it harder for future victims to be believed. She stressed that individuals who make fabricated claims should face legal consequences. “If any girl comes out to accuse a guy falsely of raping her, I honestly think she should be taught a lesson,” she stated.
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While acknowledging that mental health or personal challenges may sometimes play a role, Tacha argued that penalties are necessary to underscore the gravity of false allegations. She added that admitting to fabrication does not negate the reality that sexual assault remains a serious problem in society. “I am not going to back down from the fact that women still do get raped. I am not going back down from the fact that there are real victims out there,” she said.
Tacha also highlighted the emotional toll of false accusations, saying, “It toys with your mental health,” and called for responsible social media usage to prevent defamation and misinformation.
The controversy surrounding Mirabel, who admitted to lying about her rape claim in a conversation that went viral online, has prompted the Ogun State Police Command to announce plans to arrest and prosecute her. The case has reignited conversations about online accountability, defamation, and the protection of genuine survivors of sexual violence.
Legal experts have emphasised that spreading false allegations of rape can result in defamation charges or other legal consequences, while legitimate survivors should be supported through proper legal channels to ensure justice is served.
Tacha’s intervention has drawn public attention to the importance of due process and the need for social media users to exercise caution when discussing sensitive issues like sexual assault.
Tacha Condemns False Rape Allegations After Mirabel Admits Fabrication
Entertainment
Rosy Meurer Denies Snatching Churchill From Tonto Dikeh
Rosy Meurer Denies Snatching Churchill From Tonto Dikeh
Nollywood actress Rosy Meurer has firmly denied rumors that she snatched her husband, Olakunle Churchill, from actress Tonto Dikeh, calling the speculation false, misleading, and fueled by social media gossip.
In a series of Instagram videos, Meurer clarified that she is happy in her marriage and has no reason to unfollow her husband, despite claims circulating online after Churchill celebrated his son’s birthday with Tonto Dikeh. She explained that Churchill was in Lagos to bond with his son, and she fully supports his relationship with all his children.
“I got a lot of calls today from people asking why I unfollowed my husband on Instagram. I never unfollowed him, and I never will. When I go to his page, it still shows I am following. I have no reason to unfollow him. I am not that petty,” she said.
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Meurer also addressed allegations that she had any prior relationship with Tonto Dikeh, insisting she never met or was friends with her. She explained that the actress is 10 years older than her, and that her relationship with Churchill developed independently of his past marriage.
“All the news that I was her best friend and I snatched her hubby is all lies. When he was married, he was like a brother to me and helped me in my career. We were not dating. I do not know what happened between him and his ex-wife,” she added.
The actress emphasized that she is not a bad person and loves all of Churchill’s children equally, offering to care for any of them if her husband requested. She also asked the public to allow her family to enjoy private moments, including celebrations with Churchill’s son.
Social media reactions to Meurer’s clarification have been mixed, with fans praising her for setting the record straight, while others continue to debate long-standing speculations. Her statement highlights the impact of online rumors on celebrity relationships and the power of social media to distort reality.
Rosy Meurer Denies Snatching Churchill From Tonto Dikeh
Entertainment
Actress Destiny Etiko Breaks Silence on Alleged Nollywood Betrayal
Actress Destiny Etiko Breaks Silence on Alleged Nollywood Betrayal
Destiny Etiko has ignited fresh controversy in Nollywood after publicly accusing a fellow actress of betrayal, false allegations, and fabricated lies, setting social media abuzz with speculation and divided opinions.
The popular screen star took to her verified social media pages to vent her frustration, alleging that a trusted colleague deliberately twisted facts and spread damaging narratives about her. Etiko said she had endured the situation quietly for a long time but was forced to speak out after the claims began to threaten her reputation and personal integrity.
According to her, the alleged betrayal cuts deep because it came from someone she supported both personally and professionally. She warned that lies circulated for clout or sympathy may gain temporary attention but will eventually collapse under the weight of truth.
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“I have stayed silent for too long, but I won’t allow anyone to destroy my name with fabricated stories,” she wrote, stressing that dignity and honesty matter more than online validation.
Although Etiko stopped short of naming the colleague involved, the post immediately triggered intense speculation among fans and bloggers. Some social media users rallied behind the actress, praising her courage for speaking up, while others urged restraint and called for a peaceful resolution to avoid escalating tensions within the industry.
Several Nollywood insiders also weighed in indirectly, using the moment to caution against public feuds, online dragging, and the growing culture of airing private disputes on social media. They stressed that unresolved conflicts risk damaging the image of the industry as a whole.
As of the time of filing this report, the colleague accused by Etiko has yet to issue a public response. The unfolding drama has once again highlighted the challenges of fame, trust, and rivalry in Nigeria’s thriving film industry.
Actress Destiny Etiko Breaks Silence on Alleged Nollywood Betrayal
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