The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has suspended national treasurer Baba Ojonugwa and eight other executives.
The suspensions were ratified at a meeting on Sunday following PMAN’s adoption of the final report of its National Disciplinary Committee.
In a statement released on Monday, Elizabeth Khara Gabriel, the acting general secretary, said the disciplinary process stemmed from the executives’ alleged involvement in a WhatsApp group call in December 2025 and other acts considered “inconsistent with the constitutional discipline, order and institutional integrity of PMAN”.
She added that the matter was referred to the disciplinary committee through a motion moved by Orok Duke.
Gabriel disclosed that the committee invited the affected members, sent query and reminder letters, and held two Zoom sessions to hear their side of the story, but they failed to appear or defend themselves despite being given several opportunities.
“Following the said referral, the National Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Comrade Uche James, with Kevin A. Williams as Secretary, issued query letters, invitation letters, and reminder notices to the affected persons. Two interrogative sessions were subsequently held via Zoom on the 22nd and 23rd of April, 2026,” the statement reads.
“The Committee reported that the affected persons were duly notified and afforded an opportunity to appear, respond and defend themselves, but failed, neglected or refused to participate in the proceedings despite the additional opportunity granted in the interest of fair hearing.”
Following the committee’s report, the NEC approved disciplinary actions against the executives, including suspension for up to 12 months in line with the union’s constitution.
The suspended executives include Baba Ojonugwa (JFO), Abdulsalami Abdulhakeem (Triple A), Olumide Aduloju, Joshua Offiong, Njiribeako Alexander (Golda C.), and Oliver Omaniode (Don Oliver).
Others are Williams Eje (Ejekajo), Eric Kussiy (Ricky), and Sydney Jack Asowari (Sydney Sparrow).
The statement said that following the suspension of Ojonugwa, the NEC unanimously appointed Uche James as acting national treasurer, while affected chapters will be placed under interim administrative arrangements where necessary.
She added that James will serve in the position pending the end or review of the suspension period, or until a National Delegates Conference is held as provided in the constitution.
“In respect of the office of the National Treasurer, NEC adopted the recommendation that Baba Ojonugwa, popularly known as JFO, be suspended from the office of National Treasurer for a period of twelve months, in accordance with the relevant disciplinary provisions of the PMAN constitution, subject to his right of appeal to the National Delegates Conference,” it added.
“Consequent upon the suspension, NEC, by unanimous decision, appointed Comrade Uche James as the Acting National Treasurer of PMAN, pending the expiration or lawful review of the suspension period, or until a National Delegates Conference is convened in accordance with the constitution.”
Pretty Okafor, PMAN president, warned that no member or group would be allowed to undermine PMAN’s official structures.
“However, no member, officer, chapter executive, or group of persons shall be permitted to undermine the union’s lawful organs, misrepresent its authority, or exploit informal platforms to destabilise the collective interest of Nigerian musicians,” he said.
“Members, state chapters, partners and stakeholders are, therefore, advised to take notice of the decisions of NEC and continue to relate with the lawful organs of PMAN accordingly.
“PMAN remains focused on rebuilding the union, protecting musicians, expanding opportunities for members, strengthening institutional structures, and positioning Nigerian music for greater national and international impact.”
The post “WhatsApp Group Call, Acts Against PMAN Integrity” — NEC Suspends National Treasurer, Eight Others For Failing To Defend Themselves appeared first on TheNigeriaLawyer.
