The Nigerian Police Force detained renowned Nigerian singer Harry Okiri, also known as Harrysong, on Tuesday morning in Lagos State.
The singer's arrest was verified to reporters by Benjamin Hundeyin, the public relations officer for the Lagos State Police.
Harrysong's arrest, according to Hundeyin, is connected to an inquiry into suspected defamation of character by music producer Soso Soberekon.
The police representative stated that at this time, he was unable to predict whether Harrysong would be given bail.
“Investigation is still ongoing. He is still writing his statement. Before the end of the day, I will be able to tell if he will be granted bail and what his bail conditions are,” he said.
Trouble began when Harrysong, in an interview with OAPs Nedu and Husband Material on ‘The Frankly Speaking’ podcast, alleged that Soberekon tried to kill him, among other damning accusations.
A week ago, the internet was agog with the news of music executive Soso Soberekon filing a legal notice against his erstwhile friend and partner, Harrysong, for alleged defamation.
In an interview with OAPs Nedu and Husband Material on ‘The Frankly Speaking’ podcast, Harrysong alleged that Soberekon tried to kill him, among other damning accusations.
Soberekon, through his legal representatives, No Limit Legal Partners, demanded a retraction from the singer.
He also demanded an apology and damages in the sum of N500 million for a “libellous publication.”
A letter from Soberekon’s lawyers described Harrysong’s refusal and failure to debunk the allegation as “an intentional act to mislead your medial social followers and the general public into believing that he (Soberekon) is a serial killer”.
It also described Harrysong’s statement as false and without any factual basis but malicious in all material respects.
Soberekon also asked for a retraction of the said publication and an apology to be published in two major newspapers and several online news outlets no later than seven days from the delivery of the letter.
Efforts to reach both Harrysong and Soberekon so far have proved abortive.
Harrysong, in the interview session on the topic, ‘Friendship in the Entertainment Industry, said that many assume that Soberekon is his friend, but he’s not.
The ‘Reggae Blues’ crooner said he isn’t cordial with Soberekon.
He said: “Soso is not my friend. Na, my enemy. He wants to kill me. He sent people to come and kill me in Port Harcourt. No jokes. I have evidence; I have videos. I have pictures.
“You will say he’s my friend. He’s not my friend. He wants to kill me. King Ateke settled this matter, and the King was surprised.”
He also told newsmen that he did nothing wrong in telling the world his truth, saying that Soberekon owes him an apology.