The Nigeria Police Force has officially responded to widespread reports concerning the arrest of Lil Smart, a former signee of Marlian Records, amid an ongoing online dispute with his former label boss, Naira Marley, and music artist Zinoleesky.
The controversy began when Lil Smart publicly accused Naira Marley and Zinoleesky of subjecting him to physical assault, abduction, and psychological manipulation. His allegations gained significant attention on social media, with fans and netizens expressing mixed reactions.
Shortly after the accusations went viral, reports emerged claiming that Lil Smart had been arrested and was being held at an undisclosed location. These reports were further amplified when renowned Nollywood producer, Stanley Ontop, took to social media to confirm that Lil Smart had been taken into custody, although specific details were scarce at the time.
In a new development, the Nigeria Police have broken their silence, releasing an official statement via Instagram to clarify the circumstances surrounding Lil Smart’s arrest and the reasons behind it.
Confirming the earlier speculations, the police revealed that Lil Smart was arrested on charges related to cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and spreading falsehoods against Naira Marley. They emphasized that his online claims about abduction and assault were found to be misleading and defamatory.
According to the police statement, Lil Smart was arrested last month at his residence in Megamound Estate, Ajah, Lagos, following a formal petition filed against him by a legal firm representing Naira Marley. The authorities also confirmed that relevant evidence was recovered during the arrest.
The official statement from the Nigeria Police Force reads: “Following a petition filed by a law firm, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Unit arrested one Idowu Smart Emmanuel for criminal defamation, cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and falsehood against Abdulazeez Adeshina Fashola (A.K.A Naira Marley).”
The statement further added: “Investigations revealed that the suspect, using his Instagram handle @lilsmart_, falsely alleged that he was abducted and assaulted. On January 28, 2025, he was apprehended at his residence in Megamound Estate, Ajah, Lagos, and the exhibits related to this crime were recovered.”
As the case unfolds, Lil Smart’s arrest continues to spark debates among fans and industry insiders, with some questioning the legality of the charges, while others support the police’s actions. The development also raises concerns over social media disputes escalating into legal battles within the Nigerian entertainment industry.
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