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PMAN Leadership Denounces ‘Fraudulent’ Merger, Accuses Suspended Members Of Criminal Trespass, Theft

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The legitimate leadership of the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN), led by President Pretty Okafor, has strongly rejected the purported “Resolution of the Newly Merged National Working Committee (NWC) of PMAN,” branding it a fraudulent attempt to seize control of the organisation.

The statement is in response to the widely circulated document and accompanying images of dismissed and suspended PMAN members, including Boniface Itodo (Aita Bonny), Sunny Neji, Michael Stephens (Ruggedman), Zakky Azzay, and Chief Fruitful Mekwuye.

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President Okafor’s office has accused the group of breaking into PMAN’s National Secretariat at 4B Hameed Kasumu Street, Chevy View Estate, Lekki, Lagos, describing the incident as the latest in a series of criminal acts.

According to the statement, the aforementioned individuals are already being investigated by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit for a previous incident involving the alleged misappropriation of $130,000 and two MacBook Pro laptops.

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“Today’s unauthorised entry is yet another blatant act of criminal trespass,” the statement read. “We will report this most recent incident to the appropriate authorities and take legal action to the fullest extent of the law.”

At the heart of the dispute is a purported consent judgement obtained in Suit No.: NICN/LA/360/2024, which the Okafor-led leadership categorically rejects.

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They argue that the judgement is invalid because court processes were deliberately served at an address other than PMAN’s officially recognised location.

“Under current law, a court judgement cannot bind a party who was not served, properly served, or made a legitimate party to the suit,” the statement emphasised.

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They also argue that any attempt to derive legitimacy from the consent judgement is futile.

The PMAN leadership also mentioned the ongoing criminal investigations by the IGP Monitoring Unit in Abuja into the suspended NWC members.

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“Today’s provocative actions compound their legal issues and firmly seal their fate,” the statement said. “The National Executive Council (NEC) must now take decisive action to permanently address these violations.”

President Okafor’s office dismisses the alleged merger as a “desperate attempt at legitimacy,” accusing the suspended members of staging a “photoshoot” intended to mislead the public.

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“The fusion of darkness from two ends would never translate to light,” the statement quipped, emphasising their firm belief that the suspended members have no legitimate authority.

The statement reiterated that the suspended members were properly removed by the National Executive Council and have never challenged their suspension or dismissal in court.

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It also stated that PMAN’s leadership cannot be taken over through deception, fraud, breaking and entering, or intimidation.

Responding to the claim that the consent judgement has any legal basis, the PMAN leadership stated that they have taken the necessary legal actions “out of convenience, and not because of any belief in the legitimacy of that fraudulent judgement.”

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They questioned why the opposing faction has not filed Form 48 or Form 49 contempt proceedings, if they truly believe the judgement is enforceable.

The statement also specifically targeted George Dureke, who allegedly represented all PMAN members in the legal proceedings. President Okafor’s office called the claim “entirely fictitious” and stated that Dureke will face legal consequences for his involvement in the alleged fraudulent scheme.

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Furthermore, the PMAN leadership emphasised the same individuals’ previous failed attempt to overturn a legitimate consent judgement issued by Honourable Justice Ogunbowale in Suit No. NICN/IB/90/2019.

They accused them of maliciously instituting a parallel suit while an appeal was pending, which was a gross abuse of the court process.

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The statement also included a direct quote from Pastor Amos McRoy Osifo, who allegedly served as their electoral chairman. According to the PMAN leadership,

Osifo has categorically dissociated himself from the group’s activities, confirming under oath the fraudulent nature of their claims and stating that no genuine electoral conflict existed.

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President Okafor’s office concluded by urging all PMAN members, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies, such as the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Registrar of Trade Unions, to disregard the recent misinformation campaign.

They emphasised that criminal behaviour cannot be justified as union politics and vowed that those responsible would face the full force of the law.

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“The legitimate PMAN leadership remains firmly in control,” the statement confirmed. “We are committed to ensuring PMAN’s integrity and lawful governance. “All necessary legal and disciplinary actions will be taken decisively.”

PMAN’s escalating dispute raises serious concerns about the organization’s stability and future. With criminal investigations underway and legal battles looming, the next few months are expected to be turbulent for Nigeria’s leading music industry organisation.

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The allegations of financial impropriety and fraudulent legal manoeuvres cast a pall over the association and necessitate a thorough investigation by appropriate authorities.

The findings of these investigations and legal proceedings will undoubtedly have an impact on PMAN’s future direction and leadership.

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