The Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has firmly rejected claims that its president, Mr. Pretty Okafor, has been suspended from office. The union described the alleged suspension as both false and a violation of its constitution.
Union Denies Legitimacy of Alleged NEC Meeting
This strong rebuttal comes after reports surfaced that a group of members held a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on December 25, 2025, where Okafor was purportedly suspended. In an official statement released from the Nigerian Music House, PMAN's national secretariat in Lagos, the union denied that any lawful meeting took place.
The statement, signed by the Acting General Secretary, Barrister Elizabeth Gabriel, clarified that the purported meeting was not convened according to the union's constitutional provisions. She emphasized that legitimate NEC meetings must be called by the General Secretary in consultation with the president, with proper notice and a circulated agenda.
"No legitimate NEC meeting of PMAN was held on December 25, 2025," the statement declared, noting that no prior notice was issued and no consultation occurred with President Okafor.
Court Order and Leadership Stability
PMAN's position is backed by a subsisting order from the National Industrial Court in Lagos. The order, delivered on October 30, 2025, in Suit No. NICN/LA/48/2025, restrains several individuals from interfering with the association's assets or attempting to change its leadership structure while the case is ongoing.
According to Barrister Gabriel, this court order also binds the Registrar of Trade Unions and prohibits any action that could legitimize the individuals named in the suit or recognize an unauthorized change in PMAN's leadership. She stated that the alleged suspension attempt directly violates this court order and undermines the rule of law.
"Mr. Okafor remains the constitutionally recognised and judicially affirmed president of the association," the statement affirmed.
Link to Property Dispute and EFCC Investigation
The union connected the recent leadership turmoil to a long-standing dispute over PMAN's Monaco property in Abuja. The statement alleged that a former developer of the property, identified as Mr. Olusco, is central to efforts to destabilize PMAN.
PMAN accused Olusco of unlawfully selling parts of the union's property and entering into fraudulent agreements using the land without authorization. One specific case mentioned involved a company that was allegedly induced into a joint venture, leading to a payment of ₦350 million. This matter prompted a police investigation.
The police reportedly established a prima facie case of obtaining money under false pretence and criminal breach of trust. The case has now been transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation. PMAN confirmed that the EFCC has invited Mr. Olusco and requested detailed transaction records related to the property.
The union suggested that the recent claims against President Okafor are a distraction tactic aimed at obstructing these ongoing investigations by law enforcement agencies.
Call for Calm and Warning Against Impersonators
Barrister Gabriel issued a warning to individuals presenting themselves as PMAN leaders on television and social media, urging them to stop immediately. She described their actions as misleading and damaging to the association's reputation.
PMAN called on musicians across Nigeria and in the diaspora to remain calm and assured them that the association's legitimate leadership remains unchanged. The union urged all parties to allow law enforcement agencies and the courts to perform their duties without interference.
"There is only one legitimate leadership in PMAN, and it is the one recognised by law," the statement concluded, asserting that the association would not be swayed by misinformation and unlawful actions.
