The national executive council of Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria has suspended national treasurer Baba Ojonugwa and eight other executives following the adoption of a disciplinary committee report.
The decision was ratified during a NEC meeting held on Sunday after the council reviewed findings from the union’s national disciplinary committee.
In a statement issued on Monday, acting general secretary Elizabeth Khara Gabriel said the disciplinary action stemmed from allegations linked to the executives’ participation in a WhatsApp group call in December 2025, alongside other actions the union described as contrary to PMAN’s constitutional order and institutional values.
According to her, the issue was referred to the disciplinary committee through a motion presented by Orok Duke.
“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 read.
Gabriel explained that the committee gave the affected officials multiple opportunities to defend themselves but they allegedly failed to honour the invitations.
“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,” she added.
Those suspended include Baba Ojonugwa, popularly known as JFO, Abdulsalami Abdulhakeem, also known as Triple A, Olumide Aduloju, Joshua Offiong, Njiribeako Alexander (Golda C.), Oliver Omaniode (Don Oliver), Williams Eje (Ejekajo), Eric Kussiy (Ricky), and Sydney Jack Asowari, also known as Sydney Sparrow.
The NEC approved suspensions of up to 12 months in line with the union’s constitution.
Following Ojonugwa’s suspension, the council appointed Uche James as acting national treasurer pending the expiration or review of the suspension period, or until a national delegates conference is convened.
“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,” the statement 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.”
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PMAN president Pretty Okafor also warned against attempts to destabilise the union or undermine its 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.”
Okafor added that the association remains committed to rebuilding the union, protecting musicians’ interests, and expanding opportunities for members within and outside Nigeria.