By Uboh-Ekong Treasure
Afrobeats star Divine “Rema” Ikubor has become the focus of intense public scrutiny after the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon, confirmed it is investigating his ₦386 million contract dispute with interior designer Amaka Obasi.
In a statement released this week, the FCID said the contract signed on April 4, 2023, with Obasi’s company, Ardeb Lifestyle covered renovation works, including a music studio and water system upgrades. The police said ₦287 million had been paid so far, with the balance due on completion.
Investigators who visited the site reported that parts of the project remained incomplete and that some of the furniture deliveries claimed by the contractor could not be verified.
The FCID confirmed that Obasi was “apprehended” after a petition filed by Rema and stated that both parties have been advised to appoint an independent valuer to assess the work done and reconcile accounts.
The police confirmation came after days of public outrage online, with users on X and Instagram accusing the artist of using police influence to intimidate the contractor. Viral posts claimed Obasi was detained on three occasions and forced to pay over ₦1 million in bail allegations not directly confirmed by FCID but widely circulated on social media.
Posts from users, including the widely shared @software_artist thread, claim that Obasi had successfully handled renovation projects for Rema’s mother’s house in Benin and the singer’s own residence before she was commissioned for additional work, including building a music studio and upgrading a water system.
The incident has triggered wider debate over the involvement of police in civil disputes. Critics argue that disagreements over contracts are best settled in civil court or through arbitration, while others say petitioning the police may be justified if there are allegations of fraud or misrepresentation.
Public opinion remains divided. Some social media users are calling for justice for the contractor, while others defend Rema’s right to seek redress if the project was not delivered as agreed.
