Following the trending drama surrounding Innocent “2Baba” Idibia’s arrest in the United Kingdom after a heated altercation with his pregnant wife, Natasha Osawaru, curiosity has once again surged around Nigerian celebrities who have had run-ins with the law. While fame often brings scrutiny, these stars made headlines for reasons far beyond their craft.
Here is a list of 12 Nigerian celebrities who have faced arrest and the offences that landed them in trouble:
1. 2Baba (Innocent Idibia)
The legendary singer was arrested in London in October 2025 after a public clash with his pregnant wife, Natasha Osawaru, at the airport. The incident, confirmed by his ex-manager Kaka Igbokwe, sparked global conversations about celebrity relationships and public conduct.
2. Bobrisky (Idris Okuneye)
The controversial cross-dresser was sentenced to six months in prison in April 2024 for abusing the Nigerian currency by “spraying” and stepping on Naira notes at social events.
3. Funke Akindele & JJC Skillz
In April 2020, the actress and her then-husband were arrested for hosting a crowded house party during the COVID-19 lockdown, violating Lagos State’s public health restrictions.
4. D’banj
The Afrobeats superstar was arrested in December 2022 over allegations relating to the diversion of funds from a government empowerment programme for unemployed youths.
5. Naira Marley
In October 2023, he was detained for questioning following the mysterious death of singer MohBad. Before this, he had been arrested by the EFCC on cybercrime charges.
6. Dammy Krane
The singer was arrested in Miami in 2017 for grand theft and credit card fraud after allegedly attempting to book a private jet with stolen card information.
7. Baba Ijesha
The Nollywood actor was arrested in April 2021 for allegedly defiling a minor, a case that generated massive outrage across the country.
8. Hushpuppi (Ramon Abbas)
The Instagram celebrity was dramatically arrested by Dubai Police in June 2020 and extradited to the U.S. for extensive money laundering and business email compromise fraud schemes.
9. Lola Margaret
The actress was arrested in Atlanta in 2017 over suspected money laundering activities, which eventually led to her deportation to Nigeria.
10. Sinzu (Babalola Falemi)
The rapper was arrested in the United States in 2017 and jailed for two years after being found guilty of using stolen credit card numbers to withdraw more than $15,000.
11. Cubana Chief Priest
The nightlife impresario was charged in April 2024 for abusing the Naira by spraying money at a public event, an offence increasingly frowned upon by Nigerian authorities.
12. Kizz Daniel
The hitmaker was arrested in Tanzania in August 2022 for failing to perform at a scheduled show. The issue stemmed from his luggage containing essential performance items being misplaced by an airline. He was later released after apologising and offering a free show.
Celebrity life may come with glitz, glamour and millions of fans, but as these incidents show, it also comes with consequences when the law is broken or when situations spiral out of control under the public eye.
