Nigerian singer Skales recently opened up about a shocking encounter where he was forced to perform in a police cell following a dispute between his manager and a powerful billionaire. In a viral interview with Zikoko Media, Skales revealed how what started as a simple act of solidarity landed him behind bars—and in front of an unusual audience.
According to the artist, he got entangled in the situation when his manager was arrested unjustly, and he refused to leave him behind.
“One time, my manager and I were locked up for no reason. We had issue with a billionaire, just because of power, they arrested my manager and told me to go home. And I said how can you arrest my manager, and I will go home?”
Instead of walking away, Skales chose to accompany his manager to the police station, only to end up spending the night in a cell himself.
“I followed them to police station. While writing a statement for my manager, they said I had to sleep in the cell.”
His fame didn’t go unnoticed among the inmates. Once inside, he was quickly recognized, and the situation took a strange turn.
“So, I slept in cell and performed because when I got in there, one guy recognised me and said I looked like Skales. I told him I’m Skales. He asked me how come? If I had killed someone.”
After explaining the situation, the man expressed sympathy—and even made a startling offer.
“When I explained what happened to him, he said that’s how all these billionaires do. He even offered to help me murder him. But I told him no and that he should forget about it.”
Skales was then introduced to the ‘boss’ of the cell, and it became clear he had to entertain them to earn a better place to sleep.
“He told me that they had a boss and I had to go greet him, that if not, the boys beneath will deal with me. So, when he told their boss that I was Skales. The boss asked me to mention the song I wanted to perform. He mentioned ‘Shake Body’ and ‘Emergency’ and even sang some lyrics from ‘Emergency’.”
“He said I would perform for them for me to sleep on the mat. He said they would give me a special place when I perform because all of them sleep on the floor. I performed, sang the lyrics and everything shamelessly.”
The cell boss reportedly took pity on Skales and acknowledged he didn’t deserve to be there.
“He actually felt bad for me and said this boy does not deserve to be here.”
Skales went on to describe the harsh conditions inside the cell, where inmates rely on relatives for basic needs.
“While you’re in the cell, your family has to be sending money to the police to buy you food if not, you won’t eat.”
Upon release, the singer showed appreciation to the inmates by buying them food.
“So, when I left, I bought them lot of food and thanked them.”