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.”