Police clear Pretty Okafor in PMAN leadership crisis, uncovering forgery, fraud, and a failed coup attempt targeting union assets and leadership

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he PMAN leadership crisis has entered a decisive phase, following the release of a damning police investigation that fully exonerates National President Pretty Okafor and implicates multiple individuals in a wide-ranging plot of forgery, fraud, and attempted asset takeover.

Also read: PMAN leadership crisis worsens as national treasurer disassociates from Ex-NWC

At a press briefing on Wednesday 11 June 2025 in Lekki, Lagos, Okafor presented a certified police report that discredits allegations against him while revealing efforts to illegally remove him from office during an official trip to Spain.

According to the investigation, there was no evidence to support the claims of constitutional breaches or financial misconduct. Instead, the report uncovered serious violations by those who orchestrated his illegal suspension.

The Police report highlighted that the disciplinary processes required by PMAN’s constitution were ignored.

There were no deliberations by the National Executive Council or hearings by a Disciplinary Committee, making the suspension null and void.

The most shocking discovery was a forged Post No Debit order issued to freeze Okafor’s personal accounts.

This fraudulent act was traced to Inspector Caleb Samuel of the IGP Monitoring Unit and a clerk in Minna, Niger State.

The clerk has since been dismissed and charged, while the inspector faces internal investigation.

In addition, a fake court judgment was exposed. Filed in Lagos without the association’s consent, the judgment was part of a strategy to legitimise a power grab.

The plotters hoped to manipulate the legal system from outside the jurisdiction, but their plan collapsed under police scrutiny.

This isn’t just about PMAN—it’s about defending due process, integrity, and the rights of all Nigerian musicians.We will not only rebuild, but we will also pursue justice—without compromise.

The crisis also involved a physical invasion of the PMAN National Secretariat on 1 and 3 March 2025. Suspects including Boniface Itodo, Faga Bem-Paul, Sunny Neji, Zaaky Azzay and Michael “Ruggedman” Stephen were arrested after forcibly occupying the premises.

On 16 March 2025, the NEC met in Abuja, removed the individuals involved, and appointed replacements in line with constitutional guidelines.

Okafor revealed that the motive behind the conspiracy was the desire to take over PMAN’s growing assets.

His administration had completed several landmark projects, including a newly acquired National Secretariat, the launch of PMAN FM with modern broadcast equipment, and the PMAN Abuja Monaco Project.

The Monaco Project, managed by Olusco Heritage & Investment Ltd under Mr Olufemi Olumeyan, is now under investigation.

Reports revealed that the company collected over ₦350 million from subscribers without fulfilling obligations. Forensic inquiries suggest the presence of suspicious transactions.

To protect PMAN’s future, the NEC has resolved to place all major properties and investments under the management of an independent Asset Management Company.

In a major affirmation, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment issued a letter on 5 May 2025 confirming Pretty Okafor as National President and recognising the Lekki Secretariat as the association’s official headquarters.

The letter also upheld the legitimacy of the 24 October 2023 Delegates Conference that elected Okafor unopposed.

Also read: No royalties for Mohbad, not a member – PMAN’s president

The president has now filed legal motions to challenge the fraudulent rulings in suit numbers NICN/LA/26/2025 and NICN/LA/48/2025. Civil and criminal actions are also underway against those involved in the attempted coup.