Several Nigerian celebrities have, at different times, come face to face with the criminal justice system, both within the country and abroad. While some spent brief periods in police custody or detention, others were remanded in correctional facilities following court proceedings. These cases, varying in severity and outcome, underline the reality that fame offers no immunity from the law.
Across music, film, reality television, and social media, a number of public figures have had to answer questions from law enforcement agencies, stand trial, or serve jail terms. In some instances, the matters were resolved through bail or fines, while others resulted in convictions that attracted national attention.
Popular singer Oladapo Oyebanjo, widely known as D’banj or the Koko Master, became entangled in legal controversy over alleged fraud linked to the federal government’s N-Power programme. He was arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over allegations of misappropriating funds meant for youth empowerment. Before his arrest, the commission had declared him wanted, a move he attributed to being outside the country for music engagements.
Former Actors Guild of Nigeria president, Ibinabo Fiberesima, was convicted in a long-running case of reckless driving that resulted in the death of medical doctor Suraj Giwa in Lekki. After initially being given the option of a fine and spending a few days in custody, the case was revisited by the Court of Appeal, which sentenced her to five years in prison without the option of a fine. The judgment drew renewed public debate, including criticism from the family of the deceased.
Late singer Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, known as Mohbad, also had encounters with law enforcement before his death. One of such incidents involved his detention abroad after a successful music performance in London. While travelling onward for another show, he was reportedly detained at an airport, an episode that later resurfaced in public discussions following his passing.
Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Ikechukwu Sunday Okonkwo, popularly called Cross, was arrested in South Africa in 2022 after violating a local curfew. Unaware of the restriction, he was detained briefly and later released. The reality TV star later spoke about the experience, describing it as a lesson in obeying local laws while abroad.
Grammy Award-winning singer Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems, was arrested and detained in Kampala, Uganda, for violating COVID-19 regulations during the height of the pandemic. She was later released, and the incident became one of the most talked-about celebrity arrests at the time.
Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, also known as Verydarkman, has faced multiple arrests linked to allegations of cyberbullying and related offences. His legal troubles began after he honoured a police invitation following a petition against him. Though initially released after questioning, he was later detained again and spent several days in custody. Subsequent re-arrests followed online exchanges with individuals he accused of orchestrating his ordeal, leading to periods of detention, including time spent at Kuje correctional facility, before he eventually regained his freedom.
Controversial music star Azeez Adeshina Fashola, better known as Naira Marley, has also had several encounters with law enforcement. He has claimed to have been arrested multiple times while studying in the United States. In Nigeria, he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in 2019 over allegations of fraud and money laundering. He was later implicated during investigations surrounding the death of his former label signee, Mohbad, though he was granted bail by the police.
Nollywood actress and producer Lola Margaret, whose real name is Lola Oladipupo, was arrested in the United States on allegations of wire fraud. Her detention and mugshot quickly circulated online, sparking widespread reactions. She was later released and returned to Nigeria after the legal process abroad.
Read also:
- Dele Momodu slams celebs spending millions overseas on vacations, parties, leisure
- Singer Destiny Boy reportedly dies at 22
- Over 5,000 participants to attend Beauty West Africa in November
Cross-dresser and social media personality Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, was convicted for abusing the naira after a video emerged showing him spraying currency notes at a movie premiere. He was sentenced to six months in prison without the option of a fine, a ruling that reignited conversations about enforcement of laws protecting the national currency.
Nollywood actor Moses Armstrong was arrested and charged in Akwa Ibom State over allegations of sexually assaulting a minor. The case followed a petition by the victim, and Armstrong was later granted bail pending further legal proceedings.
In a related development, actor Seun Sean Jimoh drew attention when he publicly criticised the EFCC over the arrest of celebrities accused of naira abuse. His social media post, in which he accused the commission of targeting entertainers, sparked mixed reactions from the public.
Together, these cases paint a complex picture of celebrity life beyond the spotlight, showing how public figures, like ordinary citizens, can be drawn into legal battles with lasting personal and professional consequences.
