A Nigerian man has been nabbed after he went on social media to rain curses on President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The arrest of the unnamed man who cursed President Bola Tinubu and rained insults on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu followed a recent warning by the Nigerian Police Force, which cautioned against making offensive statements or insults directed at public officials.

The police had followed up with the assertion that such acts were punishable under the law.

In the controversial video, the man unleashed curses at President Tinubu, holding him responsible for Nigeria’s challenges and criticizing his leadership. He also directed scathing remarks at Governor Sanwo-Olu, accusing him and other politicians of contributing to the nation’s plight.

Some of his statements included:

“The Inspector General of Police said anyone who insults others should be arrested. It won’t be well with Bola Tinubu. He won’t have peace of mind wherever he is.”

“Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Governor with the black eye, it won’t be well with you either. You’ll know no peace wherever you are.”

“You politicians, spoiling this country without accountability, none of you will know peace. You’ve brought Nigeria to this state, and you shall face the consequences.”

Despite knowing the authorities were after him, the man expressed defiance in the video, claiming he had been declared wanted and daring the police to take action.

“They said they’re looking for me and have declared me wanted on their platform. Senseless set of people,” he said.

“People like Yahaya Bello, who are destroying the country, are free, yet you declare me wanted. Those stealing money are untouched, but you’re after me.”

However, a follow-up clip confirmed that the man had been arrested for his remarks. The police have not disclosed further details about his detention, but his case has reignited debates on freedom of speech and the boundaries of criticism in Nigeria.

Watch the video below of the man as he cursed President Tinubu

Man was arrested a few hours after insụlting Tinubu and Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo Olu😳🙆 pic.twitter.com/VU47vv52b5

— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) December 21, 2024
The video, which continues to circulate online, has drawn mixed reactions, with some Nigerians condemning the man’s approach in cursing President Tinubu while others see his arrest as an attack on free expression.

See some reactions below:

@DeeNwuga: “To track dey so easy till e reach time track kidnappers and bandits then everywhere go silent.”

@ourt_destiny: “Abacha regime was not this bad, Tinubu has taken it to a whole new level.”

@GeneralSnow_: “I love his unbothered look. They will only make him a hardened activist.”

@HIBILLIONEAR: “This is just a reminder that e no go better for Tinubu, Sanwa Olu, IG of police and ecery other Nigerian politician. Una go arrest until prison and cells full, no space.”

@theboyisgreat: “They are afraid of what is coming but it will eventually catch up on them.”

@Chrizkhalifa21: “Na when e reach netizens turn una dey fit track them but track kidnappers and boko Haram una no fit.”

@Victoh: “The tyranny is playing out to our faces but we are still bantering Igbo or Yoruba. Make we dey play 😂Police PRO don first give us update of what is to come.”

@RAZZIEDML: “Na why I no dey do pass myself. Make them no go pick me wey never pick before.”

The President Bola Tinubu has declared Wednesday 25th, Thursday 26th December 2024, and Wednesday 1st January, 2025 as Public Holidays to celebrate Christmas celebrations, Boxing Day and New Year respectively.

Dr, Magdalene Ajani, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, on behalf of Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, made the announcement in a statement on Monday in Abuja

According to her, the minister extended greetings to all Nigerians, encouraging them to use the festive period to reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity that the season signifies.

The minister who emphasized the importance of the season, which according to him, is a time to foster harmony and strengthen bonds called on Nigerians to remain committed to the peace, unity and progress of the nation for national development.

“The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences,” said Dr. Tunji-Ojo.

He assured citizens of the Federal Government’s continued commitment to ensuring peace, security, and prosperity across the nation.

“While wishing Nigerians a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025, the Minister expressed his confidence in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s Administration ushering in the new year, a better and prosperous economy that will be the envy of the world”, the statement added.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has said the Federal Government will support families of victims of recent stampedes across the country.

Shettima made this known in a condolence message on Sunday in Abuja.

He expressed sorrow over the losses and offered prayers and condolences to the affected families.

Recall that on Saturday in Okija, Anambra, a Christmas palliative distribution event turned tragic with 22 persons losing their lives in an early morning stampede.

The same day in Abuja, another tragedy struck when ten persons died during an annual Christmas food-sharing event at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama.

There was also a stampede on Wednesday at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, Oyo State, where about 35 children lost their lives and others sustained injuries during a holiday fun fair.

The vice-president, who described the incidents as a national tragedy, revealed that the Federal Government had directed relevant agencies to provide immediate support to affected families.

“I am extremely saddened by these tragic incidents that have claimed innocent lives.

“My prayers and thoughts are with the grieving families of all victims, including those who sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment.

“I am particularly distraught by the fact that so many lives of Nigerians, particularly children, have been lost in stampedes that ought to have been avoided through proper planning and organisation,” he said.

He prayed the Almighty God to grant eternal rest to the souls of the departed.

“We stand ready to support the bereaved families through this difficult period, and no effort will be spared in providing the necessary assistance they need.”