Entertainment

Plateau PMAN Urges Police to Stop Intimidating and Harassing Musicians

Published

2 years ago

August 19, 2024

Preport

Plateau State PMAN Governor Comrade Color Humphrey Iroegbu addressing police harassment of musicians

The Plateau State chapter of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has called on the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Adesina, to instruct officers to stop using citizens’ appearances and hairstyles—particularly those of musicians—as a basis for intimidation and wrongful arrests.

Comrade Color Humphrey Iroegbu, the PMAN Governor of Plateau State, made this appeal in a letter addressed to the Police Commissioner. The letter, shared with journalists in Jos on Friday, raises alarm over what the entertainment industry perceives as a targeted campaign against musicians and other creatives in the state.

Iroegbu expressed concern over the increasing reports of musicians being harassed, detained, and unfairly labeled as criminals solely due to their unconventional dress styles or hairstyles. “Our association has received numerous complaints of such unjust actions, and we have had to step in multiple times to secure the release of innocent musicians wrongfully detained by the police,” he noted.

He warned that if these practices continue, PMAN might be forced to pursue legal action to protect its members and the wider entertainment community from what he described as “unlawful and discriminatory practices.” The PMAN Governor stressed that such actions not only violate individual rights but also risk damaging the reputation of the Nigerian Police Force.

In the letter, Iroegbu highlighted the negative impact these incidents have on the morale and safety of musicians in Plateau State. “It is deeply troubling that in a time when freedom of expression and creativity should be encouraged, our members are facing unnecessary harassment,” he said. He urged the police to focus on their core responsibility of maintaining law and order, rather than profiling individuals based on their appearance.

Iroegbu also called on police officers and security personnel to maintain the integrity of their profession by upholding fairness and justice, and avoiding actions that could erode public trust in law enforcement.

Beyond addressing the police, Comrade Iroegbu advised musicians in Plateau State to prioritize their safety by always carrying their official PMAN ID cards and remaining vigilant. He encouraged them to be security-conscious, especially given the recent incidents involving law enforcement.

“The entertainment industry is a crucial part of Plateau State’s cultural and economic life. It is vital that our members feel safe and respected as they contribute to the vibrancy and growth of our community,” Iroegbu concluded.

The Plateau State chapter of PMAN remains committed to advocating for the rights and welfare of its members and is prepared to take further action to ensure that musicians can perform and express themselves freely, without fear of harassment or intimidation.

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Entertainment

PLABOMA to Launch Unified Bloggers Platform at World Social Media Day Celebration

Published

1 day ago

June 25, 2026

vicky

The Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA) has announced plans to unveil a Unified Bloggers Online Platform during the 2026 World Social Media Day Celebration scheduled to hold in Jos, Plateau State.

The unveiling, which is expected to be one of the major highlights of the event, is aimed at fostering collaboration, strengthening professional networking, and promoting a more coordinated digital media community across the state.

The World Social Media Day Celebration is slated for Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at the Usiju World Event Center, near the Plateau State Secretariat, Jos, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Speaking on the significance of the initiative, the organizers said the platform is designed to bring together bloggers, content creators, digital publishers, and online media practitioners under a common structure that encourages information sharing, capacity development, and collective growth within the digital media space.

The event, themed “Digital Voices: Innovation, Creativity and Youth Engagement,” will bring together bloggers, social media influencers, youth leaders, entrepreneurs, students, digital innovators, and members of the public to explore the evolving role of social media in shaping public discourse and empowering young people.

According to PLABOMA, participants will engage in discussions on emerging trends in digital media, content creation, online engagement, and the opportunities available within the digital economy. The celebration is also expected to provide a platform for networking, learning, and collaboration among stakeholders in the media and technology sectors.

The association noted that the launch of the Unified Bloggers Online Platform reflects its commitment to strengthening the voice of online media practitioners in Plateau State while creating opportunities for innovation, mentorship, and professional development.

PLABOMA further encouraged bloggers, content creators, social media influencers, students, entrepreneurs, and other interested members of the public to participate in the event and contribute to conversations on the future of digital communication and youth engagement.

Registration for the event is free and can be completed through the online registration form.

The organizers described the celebration as more than a commemoration of social media, noting that it will serve as a platform for inspiration, collaboration, innovation, and impact among digital media stakeholders in Plateau State and beyond.

For inquiries and partnership opportunities, interested individuals and organizations can contact the organizers via email at plateaubloggers@gmail.com or through the designated telephone lines.

The event is expected to attract a broad spectrum of participants from across the digital media ecosystem as PLABOMA seeks to promote responsible online engagement and harness the transformative power of social media for development.

Entertainment

Grammy-Winning Singer Talay Riley Dies at 35 After Stabbing Incident in UK

Published

3 weeks ago

June 8, 2026

Preport

British-Nigerian singer and songwriter Talay Riley has died at the age of 35 following a stabbing incident in East London, United Kingdom.

The singer, whose real name is Yinka Mark Orabiyi, reportedly died on June 5, 2026, after being attacked with a knife.

According to police reports, officers responded to emergency calls regarding a stabbing on Pankhurst Avenue. Emergency services later found the victim with multiple stab wounds in the garden of a property on Rayleigh Road.

Despite efforts by paramedics to save his life, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Another man in his 20s was also injured in the incident and was taken to hospital with multiple stab wounds. He is currently receiving treatment for injuries that are not considered life-threatening.

The Metropolitan Police said two men aged 27 and 24, along with a 25-year-old woman, were arrested near the scene on suspicion of murder. However, the 24-year-old man and the woman have since been released with no further action, while the 27-year-old suspect has been released on bail pending further investigations.

Homicide detectives from the Specialist Crime Command have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack and have appealed for witnesses who may have been in the area at the time to come forward.

Talay Riley was known in the music industry for his songwriting contributions, having worked with several international stars including Dua Lipa, Usher, Craig David, Chris Brown, Nick Jonas, and Britney Spears.

Tributes have continued to pour in from family, friends, and colleagues.

In a statement, his family described him as “a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend” who brought “love, light, and joy” to those around him.

His brother, songwriter Scribz Riley (Michael Orabiyi Riley), paid an emotional tribute, describing him as a mentor and inspiration, and expressing shock at his sudden death.

Industry figures including Stormzy, Craig David, Kehlani, Khalid, and Chip also shared condolences, celebrating his talent, kindness, and legacy in music.

Position Music, his record label, described him as “an extraordinary songwriter and artist whose impact will be felt for generations,” adding that his creative legacy would continue to live on.