There is a dangerous trend among some Nigerian youths today. In the desperate pursuit of monetisation, online relevance and social media followership, many bloggers and content creators now spread falsehood, malign innocent people and damage reputations without evidence or conscience.
In the era of traditional media, there were gatekeeping mechanisms. Editors, fact-checkers and legal departments carefully scrutinised stories before publication to avoid libellous reports and misinformation. Journalists understood that publishing falsehood could destroy lives and attract legal consequences.
Unfortunately, social media has weakened those safeguards. Today, anyone with a smartphone, internet access, and a TikTok or Facebook account can wake up and publish damaging lies about celebrities, politicians, clerics, or business leaders. Within minutes, thousands of people consume and circulate the falsehood as truth.
The situation has become alarming because many of these content creators know exactly what they are doing. Their primary objective is not activism or public enlightenment but clout, monetisation and online engagement.
One of the most controversial incidents occurred in February 2025 when TikToker and blogger Olumide Ogunsanwo, popularly known as SeaKing, was arrested over alleged cyberbullying and defamatory comments against Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
In a viral video, the young content creator described Adeboye as “very stupid and foolish” because the cleric directed members of his church to observe a 100-day fast.
Whatever one’s opinion about fasting may be, Pastor Adeboye’s instruction was directed at members of his church, not the general public. The sheer audacity of a young man in his twenties publicly insulting an 84-year-old religious leader in such derogatory terms reflects the growing culture of disrespect and recklessness on social media.
Another disturbing example emerged in July 2025 when Nollywood actress Dayo Amusa threatened legal action against a TikToker identified as Olaoluwa Segun, popularly known as unofficial_olas001, after he listed her among five Nigerian actors allegedly living with HIV.
The actress later forgave him, but the emotional and reputational damage had already been done.
“Why do content creators and bloggers post unverified information? I have families and friends who read all these lies. He will be my scapegoat and serve as a lesson to others. I am HIV negative,” she said.
The TikToker knew the implications of such an allegation. He understood the stigma attached to HIV in society. Yet he still spread the claim because controversy attracts views, followers and money.
Similarly, in June 2025, Senator Ned Nwoko announced plans to prosecute social media influencer Timothy Gabriel over allegedly defamatory allegations against him and his wife, actress Regina Daniels. Months later, another blogger, Chuks Eric, was arrested after posting a viral TikTok video falsely claiming that the senator paid ₦5 million to assassinate his wife.
These are not harmless rumours. Such allegations can destroy marriages, destabilise families and ruin public reputations built over decades.
In January 2026, Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie and her husband, Prince Henry Okojie, were linked to the arrest of a blogger known as Eddie Bliss over allegations of defamation. The blogger had claimed that Mercy Johnson’s husband bought a house for a pregnant mistress and that the actress was involved in causing the woman’s miscarriage.
Again, these were weighty accusations made publicly without proof.
The list is endless. At one point, another blogger falsely claimed that gospel musician Nathaniel Bassey was the biological father of Mercy Chinwo’s child. Despite the absence of evidence, the rumour circulated widely online.
Few days ago, controversy also erupted over false reports claiming that Tony Elumelu, chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA), had divorced his wife, Awele Elumelu. Some youths involved in spreading the rumour were reportedly arrested.
One of them, 18-year-old Kingsley Akunemeihe, was said to have reposted the claim shortly after writing his UTME examination. His sister later released an emotional appeal on Instagram, begging Elumelu to forgive him.
According to her, the teenager deleted the post and apologised immediately after discovering that the information was false.
Many people criticised the arrest, but society must also consider the implications of such falsehoods. Beyond the emotional trauma it may have caused Elumelu and his wife, damaging rumours about a respected business figure can affect investor confidence and business relationships. Reputation matters greatly in corporate leadership.
This is why I support the principle that people who intentionally spread falsehood should face legal consequences. Freedom of expression does not mean freedom to destroy lives with fabricated stories.
While the Elumelu controversy was still ongoing, another report surfaced that Lagos Island blogger Sherrifdeen Ojon, popularly known as Omo Eko, had been arrested and detained by the DSS in Shangisha.
Unlike many people calling for his release, I believe his case should proceed through the judicial process.
I first came across Sherrifdeen’s activities last year during his relentless attacks on actress Motilola Akinlami. He repeatedly accused the actress’ sister of allegedly duping people seeking UK visas. Rather than pursue the actual suspect through lawful means, he turned social media into a courtroom, launching continuous attacks against the actress herself.
Soon, his targets expanded to politicians and individuals who did not share his views. He made allegations involving corruption, extramarital affairs and financial misconduct against several public officials, especially in Ifelodun LCDA in Lagos state.
Among other claims, he alleged that the council chairman was romantically involved with married women and claimed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s younger brother was the council manager who had looted public funds while living extravagantly.
On May 5, Sherrifdeen defended himself in a lengthy social media post, insisting that “everything” he posted was true. He even described himself as a “gifted spiritual person” whose online activities were a divine calling.
According to him, “Every story you read here is 85% true.”
But personal conviction is not evidence. In a civilised society, accusations must be backed by verifiable facts and subjected to due process.
I was told some elders are already pleading with the authorities to release Sherrifdeen. Where were the so-called elders when he was defaming others and spreading untruth about them? That is one of the major differences between Nigeria and the United Kingdom (UK). You can’t post falsehood about anyone or issue threats to anyone. If you do and you are reported, you will be made to face the music and any elder who tries to beg may also be arrested either for being an accomplice or trying to pervert the course of justice.
Some activists, including Omoyele Sowore, often criticise public figures who involve law enforcement against bloggers and online blackmailers. However, the issue becomes different when people’s families, marriages, businesses and reputations are repeatedly targeted with unverified allegations. Unfortunately, Sowore, the publisher of SaharaReporters, is encouraging bad habits by defending those who deliberately defame others for money or clickbait. If he can accept it when people spread lies about him or his loved ones, others surely won’t!
Would those defending online recklessness tolerate similar falsehoods against their own spouses and loved ones?
This is not an argument against free speech. Social media has played an important role in exposing corruption and amplifying ordinary voices. Genuine whistleblowing and investigative reporting should always be protected.
However, there is a clear difference between activism and malicious defamation.
Many bloggers today operate without ethics, professionalism or accountability. Some deliberately fabricate stories because outrage generates engagement and engagement generates money.
Nigeria cannot continue normalising this culture.
Those accused of defamation should have their day in court. If the allegations are true, let evidence be presented publicly. But if the accusations are false, the law must take its course.
Ultimately, the growing culture of online falsehood and character assassination should concern every Nigerian. Today, it may be a celebrity, politician, or business mogul. Tomorrow it could be an ordinary citizen whose life is destroyed by a viral lie.
Social media influence should come with responsibility. The digital space must not become a haven for blackmail, reckless propaganda and clout-chasing.
People who intentionally spread falsehood should understand that actions have consequences and that the arm of the law can eventually catch up with them, no matter how untouchable they think they are.
Akinsuyi, former group politics editor of the Daily Independent, writes from the United Kingdom. He can be reached at shabydayo@gmail.com
