By Benjamin Njoku

The Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria, PMAN, has adopted the final report of its National Disciplinary Committee, NDC, and suspended nine members, including National Treasurer Baba Ojonugwa and Sydney Sparrow.

The decision was taken at the National Executive Council, NEC, meeting on May 17, 2026, following the NDC’s report submitted on April 27, 2026. According to Acting General Secretary Elizabeth Khara Gabriel, the disciplinary process stemmed from a NEC resolution to investigate certain members over an alleged WhatsApp group call on December 25, 2025, and related actions deemed inconsistent with PMAN’s constitution and institutional integrity.

The NDC, chaired by Comrade Uche James with Kevin A. Williams as Secretary, issued query letters and held two Zoom hearings on April 22–23, 2026. The committee said the affected members were duly notified but failed to appear or respond despite being given the opportunity.

NEC adopted the committee’s findings and approved suspensions of up to 12 months in line with the PMAN constitution.

Those suspended are Baba Ojonugwa (JFO), Abdulsalami Abdulhakeem (Triple A), Olumide Aduloju, Joshua Offiong, Njiribeako Alexander (Golda C.), Oliver Omaniode (Don Oliver), Williams Eje (Ejekajo), Eric Kussiy (Ricky), and Sydney Jack Asowari (Sydney Sparrow).

According to the Acting General Secretary, the disciplinary process came from the NEC resolution referring certain members of the association to the National Disciplinary Committee for investigation and recommendation over matters connected with the alleged WhatsApp group call of December 25, 2025, and related acts considered by NEC to be inconsistent with the constitutional discipline, order and institutional integrity of PMAN.

“he referral was made pursuant to the motion titled “Referral to National Disciplinary Committee” moved by Comrade Orok Duke, which specifically called on the National Disciplinary Committee to invite the concerned persons, receive responses, consider relevant evidence, and report back to NEC with findings and recommendations.

“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 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,” Gabriel stated.

Baba Ojonugwa was specifically suspended from the office of National Treasurer for 12 months, subject to appeal to the National Delegates Conference. NEC unanimously appointed Comrade Uche James as Acting National Treasurer in the interim.

To maintain stability, affected chapters will be placed under interim administration where necessary, with elections to be conducted within the constitutionally stipulated time frame.

PMAN President Pretty Okafor said the union welcomes internal dialogue and criticism but will not allow any member or group to undermine its organs or destabilize the collective interest of Nigerian musicians.

He added that PMAN remains focused on rebuilding the union, protecting musicians, expanding opportunities, and strengthening its structures for greater national and international impact.