The Nigerian Police Force has addressed the controversy surrounding the arrest of interior designer Amaka Obasi, who was accused on social media of being harassed and detained on the orders of Afrobeats star Rema.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by ASP Maiyegun Aminat, Police Public Relations Officer of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, the police explained that the arrest stemmed from a formal petition and not from personal influence.
According to the statement, Obasi, who operates under Ardeb Lifestyle Company, entered into an agreement on April 4, 2023, to furnish a property valued at ₦386 million. The petitioner reportedly paid ₦287 million upfront, with the balance due on completion.
However, the petitioner later alleged that the project was left incomplete and that some of the furniture claimed to have been delivered was missing. Investigators further claimed part of the funds had been diverted into another account, while the company’s account details were not properly registered.
Police said both parties were advised to appoint an independent valuer to assess the project, but Obasi allegedly declined to provide a valuer’s report or legal representation until her eventual arrest.
The FCID statement reads in part:
“A written petition was submitted… The investigation revealed that after receiving the funds, Miss Obasi failed to meet the terms of the signed agreement and instead transferred part of the money to another account. Both parties were accordingly advised to engage an independent valuer… Instead, Miss Obasi declined to provide either a valuer’s report or a legal representative, until she was eventually apprehended today.
The public is hereby urged to be wary of individuals who circulate misleading information aimed at deceiving well-meaning Nigerians. It is important to reiterate that the Nigeria Police Force does not serve personal interests or vendettas, but operates strictly in accordance with the law.”
The clarification follows claims by an X user, @software_artist, who alleged that Rema used his influence to intimidate Obasi over unpaid projects, including renovations reportedly done for the singer’s mother. The viral post sparked backlash against Rema, with some accusing him of weaponizing law enforcement.
Neither Rema nor Obasi has issued a personal statement since the police update. Meanwhile, the case continues to stir debate online, with many Nigerians calling for greater transparency in how disputes between celebrities and contractors are resolved.
