Why We Arrested Lil Smart – Nigerian Police Speak Out

The Nigeria Police Force nabbed famed musician and dancer Idowu Smart Emmanuel, commonly known as Lil Smart, for reportedly defaming his former label boss, Naira Marley.
It was previously stated that Lil Smart accused Naira Marley of kidnapping and abusing him.
He further claimed that Naira Marley bribed all Lagos police officers to avoid prosecution and implicated him in a credit card fraud plot.

On January 28, 2025, the police apprehended Lil Smart at his home in Megamound Estate, Ajah, Lagos.

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During a press briefing, the Nigeria Police Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the arrest, claiming that Lil Smart was being held for criminal defamation, cyberstalking, and spreading lies about Naira Marley.
“The suspect has been arrested for criminal defamation and cyberstalking. Following a law firm’s petition, Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime operatives arrested Idowu Smart Emmanuel, a resident of Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, for criminal defamation, cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and lie against Abdulazeez Adeshina Fashola (A.K.A Naira Marley).

“Investigations discovered that the suspect, using his Instagram name @lilsmart_, falsely claimed that he was abducted, assaulted, and robbed of $300, and that Naira Marley had bribed all police officers in Lagos and was involved in credit card theft.

“The suspect then admitted in writing that the claims were untrue and lacked evidence to back up his claim. On January 28, 2025, he was detained at his home in Megamound Estate, Ajah, Lagos, and the exhibits used in this crime were recovered, according to the statement.