The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of former Marlian Records signee, Lil Smart, following allegations he made against his former label boss, Naira Marley, and singer Zinoleesky.
In December 2024, Lil Smart took to social media, claiming that Naira Marley and Zinoleesky attempted to abduct him. He also warned that if anything happened to him, they should be held responsible.
However, in a statement on Instagram on Thursday, the police revealed that Lil Smart was arrested on January 28 and had admitted in writing that his allegations were false and lacked evidence.
Speculation about his arrest gained traction after film producer Stanley Ontop disclosed that Lil Smart had been detained at an undisclosed location. This prompted further concern among fans and the entertainment community.
Addressing the situation, the Nigeria Police issued a statement on Instagram, confirming that Lil Smart was arrested for cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and spreading falsehoods against Naira Marley.
The statement further disclosed that his arrest followed a petition filed by a law firm, leading operatives of the National Cybercrime unit to apprehend him at his residence in Megamound Estate, Ajah, Lagos. Relevant exhibits linked to the alleged crimes were also recovered.
The police statement read, “Following a petition filed by a law firm, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime arrested one Idowu Smart Emmanuel, for criminal defamation, cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and falsehood against Abdulazeez Adeshina Fashola (A.K.A Naira Marley).”
“Investigations revealed that the suspect, using his Instagram handle @lilsmart_, falsely alleged that he was abducted, assaulted.
“On January 28, 2025, he was apprehended at his residence in Megamound Estate, Ajah, Lagos, and the exhibits involved in this crime were recovered.”
The police assured the public that further legal proceedings would follow in accordance with the law.
