I Cautioned Naira Marley for glorifying fraud
Admin I Wednesday, May 15, 2019
LAGOS, Nigeria – Nigerian rapper, Michael Ugochukwu Stephens better known as Ruggedman has said he has nothing to do with the arrest and incarceration of Afeez Fashola, better known in showbusiness as Naira Marley. Naira Marley was arrested last week by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC). He was arrested May 10, 2019 along side, Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael(Zlatan) and they have been in custody of EFCC.
Reacting to the arrest, Ruggedman who now refers himself as Ruggedbaba said he has been object of attack since he said he was “happy in a way” about Naira Marley’s arrest. He said his uttrance could have evidently frayed some nerves, adding “for that I apologise”.
Ruggedman recalled that Naira Marley glorified fraud on a public platform that had the likes of Nigeria Police, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), and that he is sure, these agencies sa his posts and the captions, the same way he did but that he went out of his way to cautioned him.
“I hereby state categorically that I had nothing to do with his arrest. We all must recall that he glorified fraud on a public platform where security agencies like the Police, NDLEA and EFCC are also on. I am sure they saw his posts and captions the same way we all did. I, however, was the one that cautioned him. I guess this was what led all the darts and arrows my way as a literal mortal retribution to my person.
“Despite the disrespect to my person, I got nothing against him and only longed for him to be discerning and utilise his position of influence appropriately”, Ruggedman said. See his full reaction below.
ruggedybaba
Why would I want an artist arrested? What will be my gain?
I have read and heard all sorts of comments pertaining to the @nairamarley case and seen the misinformation making the rounds which is quite unfortunate to say the least.
I note that saying I was “happy in a way” about his arrest has evidently frayed some nerves and for that I apologise. It was in hope that it would serve as deterrent for persons who might consider the said ills or need to make a u-turn. It by no means was intended to wish for his downfall. It perhaps was not a good choice of word in hindsight.
I do not look forward to anyone’s downfall but rather hope we all learn from the situation. I do not know Naira Marley personally, the same way I do not know the over 300 Nigerians I have gotten justice for against police brutality. I do it because it is who I am.
All I did was caution a young artist, who has influence, against making utterances about an issue that by global standard is considered a crime. I believe correcting this was the way to go as an elder, but got insulted for this even by those being misled.
I never responded to Naira Marley’s invectives nor those of his fans, same way I have not responded to any of the negative comments from social media.
I hereby state categorically that I had nothing to do with his arrest. We all must recall that he glorified fraud on a public platform where security agencies like the Police, NDLEA and EFCC are also on. I am sure they saw his posts and captions the same way we all did. I, however, was the one that cautioned him. I guess this was what led all the darts and arrows my way as a literal mortal retribution to my person.
Despite the disrespect to my person, I got nothing against him and only longed for him to be discerning and utilise his position of influence appropriately.May God bless you all and yes that includes those wishing me evil and threatening me. Nothing will change who I am and I will keep you all in my prayers.
God bless us all.
