Ceeza Milli Opens Up About Depression After Jail Time and His Comeback Journey

Nigerian singer Ceeza Milli has candidly shared how a difficult spell in jail once plunged him into depression, revealing a lesser-known and deeply personal chapter in his life as he works to rebuild his career.

Speaking to Yanga FM in Lagos, the singer did not divulge specifics about the circumstances that led to his imprisonment, but was open about the emotional toll the experience took on him.

Ceeza Milli explained that his time behind bars was not only physically challenging but also mentally devastating. The experience triggered a depressive stage in his life, an uncommon admission in an industry where artists often guard their vulnerabilities closely. He noted that he is still in the process of recovering from the psychological effects, underlining the long-term impact incarceration can have on individuals even after they re-enter society.

This candid revelation highlights the often overlooked link between imprisonment and mental health. Studies and personal stories from former inmates globally show that incarceration can lead to anxiety, depression, and other psychological struggles due to separation from support systems, stigma, and the harsh realities of confinement. While Ceeza Milli didn’t go into details about the length of his jail term, another report suggests he may have spent approximately three months in detention at one point, an experience he described as “suffering in Nigerian prison.”

Despite this difficult past, Ceeza Milli is focused on his present and future, stressing that his current efforts uch as working on his health and physical wellbeing are intended for personal reasons and not in response to online criticism. He emphasized that he is “not bothered by critics and trolls,” shifting the narrative from past troubles to his ongoing journey toward stability and growth.

In the same interview, Ceeza Milli expressed gratitude to fellow superstar Wizkid for the early career support through collaborations that helped him provide for his family during tough periods. He acknowledged Wizkid’s contributions even while noting the limitations of what could be done due to contractual obligations at the time.

Ceeza Milli’s openness about depression following incarceration is significant in a cultural context where mental health conversations are often still stigmatized. In Nigeria, discussions around emotional wellbeing, especially among high-profile figures, remain limited, despite rising awareness of challenges like depression and anxiety across the population.

By sharing his story, Ceeza Milli contributes to an emerging dialogue that underscores the need for empathy, support structures, and broader awareness of how stressful life events—such as imprisonment—can have lingering effects long after the bars come down.