PMAN Suspends 9 Executives Over ‘WhatsApp Group-Call Misconduct’

The national executive council of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria has suspended national treasurer Baba Ojonugwa, alongside eight other executives.

The suspensions were confirmed at a meeting on Sunday after PMAN accepted the final report from its national disciplinary committee.

In a statement on Monday, acting general secretary Elizabeth Khara Gabriel said the disciplinary process began because the executives were allegedly involved in a WhatsApp group call in December 2025 and other actions seen as “inconsistent with the constitutional discipline, order and institutional integrity of PMAN”.

She also said the issue was sent to the disciplinary committee after a motion by Orok Duke.

Gabriel explained that the committee invited the members involved, sent them letters and reminders, and held two Zoom meetings to hear their side, but they did not show up or defend themselves even after several chances.

“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 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.”

The NEC decided to take disciplinary action against the executives. After reviewing the committee’s report, the committee’s report includes suspending them for up to 12 months, as allowed by the union’s constitution.

The executives who have been suspended are Baba Ojonugwa (JFO), Abdulsalami Abdulhakeem (Triple A), Olumide Aduloju, Joshua Offiong, Njiribeako Alexander (Golda C.), and Oliver Omaniode (Don Oliver).

Others who were suspended include Williams Eje (Ejekajo), Eric Kussiy (Ricky), and Sydney Jack Asowari (Sydney Sparrow).

The statement said following the suspension of Ojonugwa, the NEC unanimously appointed Uche James as the 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 of 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 will be allowed to undermine PMAN’s official structures.

“However, no member, officer, chapter executive, or group of persons shall be permitted to undermine the unions lawful organs, misrepresent its authority, or exploit informal platforms to destabilize 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.”