Popular Nigerian rapper and singer, Panshak Zamani, better known as Ice Prince, has opened up about his time in prison, describing it as a life-altering and harrowing experience. The artist shared details during a recent episode of the Listen podcast, shedding light on the events that led to his incarceration and the harsh realities he faced while behind bars.
In September 2022, Ice Prince was remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre in Lagos by a magistrate court. He was accused of allegedly assaulting a police officer during a stop-and-search operation. While he regained his freedom after meeting his bail conditions, the rapper spent six days in prison, an experience he described as “terrible” and one that left a lasting impact.
Speaking on the podcast, Ice Prince dismissed earlier reports about the incident, claiming they were inaccurate.
“Whatever story you were told is not what happened. The case is over now, so I can talk about it. I spent six days in jail. I didn’t get preferential treatment. It’s prison, so there was no preferential treatment. I’m not talking about a police cell,” he said.
The rapper highlighted the stark difference between being detained in a police cell and being in a prison, emphasizing that the latter is an entirely different and grueling experience.
“I have seen a lot of celebrities and public figures who went to police cells come out to brag as if they went through some shit. If you’ve never been to prison, you ain’t seen shit yet. It’s a different world. I don’t pray for my worst enemy to experience it. You have to be careful out there because mistakes can take you there. There are so many innocent people in there. It wasn’t a good experience,” he shared.
Despite the difficulties, Ice Prince revealed that he managed to forge connections with fellow inmates during his time in prison.
“But I made friends in there. We hung out, chatted. It’s a different institution of higher learning,” he added, hinting at the life lessons he gained from the experience.
The Incident Leading to His Arrest
Ice Prince recounted the event that led to his arrest, explaining that it was a misunderstanding during a stop-and-search operation. He claimed that he was joking with the police officer involved when the situation escalated.
According to him, the trouble began when a police officer entered his car, and he drove off in jest, which was later interpreted as an assault.
The rapper’s candid reflections have reignited discussions about the Nigerian justice system and the conditions of correctional facilities. Fans and fellow artists have praised him for sharing his experience, with many expressing concern about the prevalence of such incidents.
Ice Prince’s story serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of being cautious during interactions with law enforcement and shedding light on the harsh realities faced by inmates in Nigerian prisons.