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Tag: Pretty Okafor

  • PMAN endorses police investigation report over Abuja property

    PMAN endorses police investigation report over Abuja property

    The Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN), led by Mr. Pretty Okafor, has reviewed and endorsed the Investigation Report issued by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit on the activities of Olusco Heritage & Investment Ltd. and Mr. Olufemi Olumeyan regarding the union’s property located at Plot 504, Cadastral Zone B00, Kukwaba, FCT.

    According to the police report, a prima facie case of obtaining money by false pretense, cheating, threat to life, violence, assault, causing harm, and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace in relation to the unauthorized dealings over the PMAN property, has been established against Olufemi Olumeyan.

    In April 2023, PMAN and Olusco Heritage & Investment Ltd. signed a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) that expressly contained a condition precedent: a specified premium was to be fully paid to PMAN before the JVA could “come into effect.” 

    However, Olusco never paid the premium in full, leaving the JVA legally inchoate and unenforceable. While PMAN repeatedly sought compliance, it was discovered that Olusco was offering for sale plots/units to members of the public, despite lacking an enforceable mandate from the landowner.

    As PMAN pressed Olusco for transparency and lawful mobilization on site, he began to complain of funding constraints. At this juncture, the PMAN’s President, Pretty Okafor, invited an international investor to fund the project. 

    But in what could be considered legally inconsistent with international best practices, Olusco requested that the investment funds be paid into his personal account – a request PMAN firmly rejected.

    As the music body stepped up its scrutiny -particularly amid credible rumours of unauthorized off-plan sales – a campaign of calumny against its leadership ensued, including undermining efforts involving Mr. Boniface Itodo (former PMAN General Secretary) and fueled by the untoward activities of his accomplice, Mr. Zakky Azzay. 

    The Nigeria Police Investigation Report, which reinforced governance clarifications within PMAN – suspensions/dismissals by the National Executive Council (NEC) – further highlighted that impostors and dismissed officials continue to misrepresent themselves as PMAN leadership, leading to public confusion and alleged criminality.

    In the midst of the crisis, and by February 2025, PMAN received credible information indicating that Olusco had entered into a separate “Development Agreement” with G&D Building & Engineering Ltd., under which ₦350,000,000 (Three Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) was paid to the company, while G&D also incurred significant site costs (road works and other preliminaries). 

    But when the relationship soured, Olusco repudiated responsibility, denied signatures and mobilized thugs on site to disrupt operations and intimidate workers. This led to G&D’s

    Petition to the Inspector General of Police, and after thorough investigation, the IGP Monitoring Unit has now issued its report as referenced above.

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    As a responsible entity, PMAN took steps to protect the res and the public. Therefore, on December 7, 2024, the union formally terminated the Olusco agreement – citing the unfulfilled condition precedent, attendant breaches, and the unfolding risks to the public. By law, the termination stands.

    In coordination with law enforcement, PMAN strengthened perimeter security at Plot 504. And while dislodging illegal trespassers on the property, teargas was deployed, leading to the fall and sustaining of minor knee injury by an individual, who is now receiving attention at a police medical facility. Contrary to sensational and unsubstantiated reports, no person was shot, as the police acted lawfully and professionally to maintain peace.

    “The Police Investigation Report, now available upon request, sets out the alleged pattern of misrepresentation, unauthorised sales, intimidation and disorder. On this note, PMAN emphasizes that all persons named in the police report are presumed innocent until proven otherwise by a court of competent jurisdiction. 

    “We thank the Nigeria Police Force for a thorough, professional and credible investigation. Our focus now is on public protection and restoring confidence around Plot 504, Cadastral Zone B00, Kukwaba, FCT. No transaction, sale, allocation, pledge or advertisement on the property is valid without PMAN’s legal consent.

    “We urge anyone who paid money to unauthorized parties to come forward for verification. The Investigation Report is a crucial step toward accountability. We are aligning with the IGP Monitoring Unit and EFCC so that victims are identified, assets are traced, and the courts can do justice,” Okafor concluded.

  • Pretty Okafor moves to strengthen unity in PMAN

    Pretty Okafor moves to strengthen unity in PMAN

    The Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN), led by National President Pretty Okafor, has taken significant strides to strengthen unity within the Association.

    During a landmark visit to Ibadan, Okafor met with the Western Zone’s leadership, which comprised zonal leaders, state chapter governors, and some state chapter secretaries, to address member concerns, discuss challenges, and chart a course for future collaboration.

    The western zone chapter governors extended this invitation to honour Okafor’s achievements, particularly praising the ongoing PMAN Abuja project, the recent acquisition of the Nigerian Music House, and other infrastructure projects in progress.

    The excos also pledged their support for PMAN under his leadership, recognizing the positive impact of his accomplishments as President.

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    The meeting was attended by the following PMAN Western Zone leaders and key figures including Dr. Ola Jombo, Evangelist Remi Aderoju, Comrade Mutiu Ayeloja Manadex, Alhaji Adisa Owala, Prince Abiodun Adegoroye, Chief Olalere Adankara, Alhaji Azeez Ibrahim, Comrade Jide Abiade Murphy, Comrade Taiwo Omotunde, Lola Olamuyiwa, Alhaji Tajudeen Olalekan (Loko White), Comrade Adeolu Afolami, Comrade Temitope Opeyemi Ogunjobi,  Comrade Olujimi Oyewusi, Elizabeth Khara Gabriel, Comrade Kareem Azeez Osoba, Alhaji Tijani Adesina Fatai, Adekunbi Alamu Bamigbaye, Azubuike Enebeli; and Henrie Eduozor.

    During the open forum, State Chapter Governors praised the President for his passionate and result yielding leadership style.

    They also shared their perspectives on the National Association’s current impact, governance, and recent challenges.

    At the end of the meeting, Okafor reaffirmed his commitment to addressing raised concerns, while promising greater transparency and inclusivity.

    “I recognize the challenges and grievances you’ve raised today,” he said. “My goal is to bring PMAN closer to its members and to build a stronger, united Association.”

  • Pretty Okafor reaffirms commitment to PMAN’s growth

    Pretty Okafor reaffirms commitment to PMAN’s growth

    To address ongoing internal conflicts within PMAN’s leadership, and chart a path toward resolution and sustainable growth for the union, a meeting was held between the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and the Registrar of Trade Unions, Mr. Folonipe Amos.

    Held at the Registrar’s office in Abuja, the Registrar, who expressed disappointment that not all parties honoured the invitation to the meeting, emphasised that the goal of the meeting was to interpret the union’s constitution and ensure that all actions taken by the leadership are in line with the rules governing the association.

    PMAN President, Pretty Okafor, provided a comprehensive account of events leading to the current dispute, highlighting his efforts to maintain peace within the union despite internal challenges.

     He noted that despite their disagreements, he has remained committed to ensuring that PMAN’s core projects, including the PMAN House, PMAN Radio Station, and development of PMAN’s land in Abuja, continue without interruption.

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    Okafor further revealed that he had personally facilitated the acquisition of radio station equipment and secured international deals to advance PMAN’s interests. However, these efforts were met with opposition from some members of the NWC, leading to tensions that escalated into attempts to unseat him while he was abroad on official duties.

    The Registrar reiterated that the NWC is accountable to the National Executive Council (NEC) and that the NEC, as the union’s second-highest decision- making body, has the power to override the NWC’s decisions.

    He encouraged all parties to work within the framework of the PMAN constitution and assured them that disputes of this nature are to be handled by the Trade Union Dispute Act.

    Okafor expressed his vision for a more unified and resourceful PMAN.

  • PMAN president Pretty Okafor remains suspended – NWC

    PMAN president Pretty Okafor remains suspended – NWC

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has said that the suspension of PMAN President Pretty Okafor has not been lifted.

    The Nation reports that Okafor was suspended on Friday, August 23, 2024.

    However, in a statement by NWC members, including Acting President Sunny Neji, Vice President Zaaki Azzay, and General Secretary Boniface Itodo, the committee addressed recent public comments by Okafor.

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    The statement reads in part: “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) wishes to address recent public statements made by Mr. Pretty Okafor. As previously stated, Mr. Okafor remains suspended from his position due to serious allegations, and the matter is currently under review by the National Industrial Court in Lagos. Until a legal ruling is issued, Mr. Okafor’s suspension remains fully in effect.”

    The NWC reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability within PMAN. “Given the nature of these accusations, the NWC maintains that it is in the best interest of PMAN members and the public to exercise caution,” the statement added.

    The committee also clarified that a recent meeting held in Abuja with the Registrar of Trade Unions, Mr. Folonipe Amos, was intended to address internal PMAN disputes and reinforce adherence to the association’s constitutional framework. “Mr. Okafor’s attempt to present this meeting as a declaration of his authority is misleading. The gathering was intended solely to discuss general matters of union conduct, and the Registrar’s involvement was to mediate discussions, not to validate or reinstate any party,” the statement concluded.

  • Pretty Okafor remains PMAN’s president, says NEC

    Pretty Okafor remains PMAN’s president, says NEC

    Following the purported suspension of the President of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Pretty Okafor, the National Executive Council (NEC) has held off the suspension of Okafor pending a full review of the situation.

    To this end, the NEC convened an emergency meeting on August 23, 2024, to discuss the suspension of the President of PMAN, by the National Working Committee (NWC).

    After a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the suspension, the allegations made against Okafor, and his subsequent appeal, the NEC has resolved to take the following actions:

    The NEC directs the National Working Committee (NWC) to maintain the status quo regarding the suspension of Pretty Okafor’s and the Chapter Governors/Sole Administrators.

    No further actions should be taken by the NWC concerning these suspensions until a full hearing is conducted in accordance with the PMAN Constitution.

    In accordance with Article 13 (C) (ii) of the PMAN Constitution, the National Executive Council is empowered to appoint a Chairman and four (4) other persons to form a National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) for PMAN. The NDC shall then consider allegations of misconduct and breach of the PMAN Constitution or the Code of Conduct by a Member as may be referred to it from time to time by the NWC.

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    The NEC did not receive any submissions—written or oral—from the NWC to necessitate the setting up of the National Disciplinary Committee in accordance with the Constitution of PMAN to consider the allegations levelled against Mr. Pretty Okafor.

    As far as the NEC is concerned, no National Disciplinary Committee was recently appointed. A suspension of any member by the NWC is subject to a finding of guilt by the Disciplinary Committee as provided in Article 18 (A) of the PMAN Constitution.

    Furthermore, Article 18 (D) provides that a member shall not be fined, suspended or expelled from the Association unless a reasonable opportunity has been given to him to be heard in person.

    The members of the NDC have been carefully selected to ensure a fair and impartial review process, in accordance with Article 13 (C) (ii) of the PMAN Constitution.

     The committee is composed of the Chairman: Comrade Chuku Uchena James (Ebonyi State), Comrade Aralola Olamuyiwa (Lagos State), Comrade Jack Sydney Asuwani (Abuja FCT), Comrade Lady Golda C Njiribeako Alexander (Imo State), and Comrade Robert Udende (Benue State).

  • PMAN not in crisis, Pretty Okafor remains suspended – NWC

    PMAN not in crisis, Pretty Okafor remains suspended – NWC

    The national working committee of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has announced that Pretty Okafor remains suspended till after investigations, adding that the association is not in crisis.

    In a statement made available to The Nation on Wednesday, PMAN said the public should disregard the false news that the National Executive Committee (NEC) has reversed the suspension of Mr. Pretty Okafor.

    According to the group, an NEC meeting can only be convened by the current Acting President, Sunny Neji, and the General Secretary.

    It said both executives do not know about the purported NEC meeting.

    The statement read in part: “Please note that a NEC meeting can only be convened by the current Acting President, SUNNY NEJI, and the General Secretary, both Executives have no knowledge of the purported NEC meeting.

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    “We wish to clarify that the NWC has not convened any NEC meeting to discuss or determine any further actions regarding Mr. Pretty Okafor’s suspension. The suspension remains in effect indefinitely.

    “It has also come to our attention that on Sunday morning, 25th August 2024, Mr. Pretty Okafor committed a grave violation of the Law by orchestrating a break-in at the PMAN Secretariat.

    “Reports indicate that he sent individuals to forcefully enter the premises, allegedly searching for incriminating documents, especially the passports

    “This illegal act was confirmed by the security personnel on duty, who have provided a confessional statement to the Police Force. The statement reveals that Mr. Okafor, through one of the intruders, threatened the security staff if they disclosed the break-in.

    “Please be advised that Mr. Pretty Okafor remains suspended, and any statement made by him or on his behalf should be entirely disregarded.

    “The NWC will communicate any other decisions regarding a potential date for a PMAN NEC meeting after a thorough and lawful investigation by the relevant authorities has been concluded.”