The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a popular TikToker, Seaking, following his criticism of President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun in a viral video.
Seaking’s arrest reportedly occurred on Saturday, shortly after he posted the video online. In the video, he expressed frustration over a recent statement by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, who declared that insulting people online constitutes cyberbullying, which he described as a criminal offense.
Context of the Arrest
ACP Adejobi’s statement came in the wake of an earlier incident involving activist Olamide Abiodun Thomas, who was accused of insulting Seyi Tinubu, IGP Egbetokun, and Adejobi himself while protesting police actions during the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests.
Reacting to the police position, Seaking questioned the priorities of law enforcement, criticizing their focus on silencing critics rather than tackling crime.
In a video now circulating on social media, Seaking is seen being interrogated by security personnel at an undisclosed location.
Human Rights Lawyer Condemns Arrest
Prominent human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has criticized Seaking’s arrest, calling it unconstitutional. Effiong, who previously challenged ACP Adejobi to cite legal grounds for criminalizing online insults, described the police action as a misuse of authority.
Effiong also appealed for information on Seaking’s whereabouts, urging anyone with knowledge of his family or the police station holding him to reach out.
Implications for Free Speech
The arrest has sparked debates on the limits of free expression and the use of cyberbullying laws to suppress dissent. Advocacy groups and legal experts have called for clarity on the legal framework governing online speech and its alignment with constitutional rights.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between authorities and citizens over freedom of expression in Nigeria.
