Jolted by reactions, Ruggedman apologises for comments over Naira Marley’s arrest

Nigerian rapper, Ruggedman, has been forced again to react to threats and accusation leveled against him over the arrest and continued detention of embattled rapper, Afeez Fashola, aka Naira Marley.

The rapper received tons of accusations and threats from fans of Naira Marley over his continued detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), with many still in the belief that Ruggedman is behind the travails of Naira Marley.

Ruggedman’s social media pages have been hit with death threats after he spoke out against internet fraud and condemned Naira Marley for defending it with critics referring to him as a “snitch” and threatening to deal with him if he sets foot in certain places.

The deluge of unsavory messages received by the rapper has forced him to apologise again over the arrest of Naira Marley in a lengthy post on his Instagram page.

He wrote; “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.

Read also: EFCC set to drag Naira Marley, Zlatan Ibile, others to court

“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,” he added.

Naira Marley is still in the custody of the EFCC despite the release of his colleague Zlatan Ibile.

After spending five days in the custody of the EFCC, Zlatan Ibile was released late on Tuesday night alongside his personal assistant, Rahman Jago and one other suspect.

However, Naira Marley was still held back by the EFCC with reports revealing that he was not released due to certain incriminating items found on his phone and laptop.

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