Nigeria's Dammy Krane explains Miami arrest

While some believed it was a deliberate promotional ruse by the singer, some queried the flashy lifestyle of the artist, who regularly posts photos of himself aboard private jets.

As the debate raged, it was revealed that the singer had been arrested for credit card theft, grand theft and identify fraud in Miami, US. A tweet by Tap Jets offered some clarity on the photos. “Yesterday Dammy Krane booked Tap Jets flight using stolen credit card numbers,” the company wrote. “Our policy is to prosecute to the fullest extent.” He was held alongside an accomplice.

While some spoke against the singer, others were in sympathetic. Notably, radio personality Freeze asked his compatriots to be understanding, blaming the situation on society. “The pressure on entertainers, especially the young ones, is unimaginably enormous,” he said. ”Born into a nation where money is king doesn’t help either.”

The artist’s mother also spoke up in defence of her son. “God bless our children for us, give them long life and a good name. My son is a good boy,” she posted on Facebook.

Dammy Krane, who was signed by 2Baba in 2012 but joined Davido's HKN label last year, has now been granted bail. Reports say bail was set at $7 500. He will return to court later this month.

Following his release, the artist released a video where he states his innocence, explaining that his arrest was caused by an agent who booked his flight. “I do not do fraud,” he said. “I do not partake in such activities. An agent booked my flight with fraudulent cards. My life is all about my music. I’m sorry I got caught up in this. I assure all my fans that it will never happen again. I want to thank everybody who stood by me throughout this period. May God continue to bless you.”