By Fasuyi Tolulope Samuel
The Nigeria Police Force has detained Seaking, a well-known TikTok influencer, following his outspoken criticism of President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Seaking was apprehended on Saturday shortly after posting a video that condemned the political leadership.The TikToker had responded to remarks by Force Public Relations Officer ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, who recently classified online insults as criminal acts.
Adejobi had labeled online criticism as cyberbullying, stating that such behavior goes beyond freedom of speech and violates the law.
Seaking’s arrest followed a video where he lambasted the police for prioritizing critics over actual criminals. In his fiery tirade, delivered in Yoruba and Pidgin English, he said:
“It won’t be well with Bola Tinubu. He won’t have peace of mind wherever he is. Next is Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Governor with the black eye. It won’t be well with you, and you won’t have peace wherever you are.”
Read: Nigeria Police’s Threat of Arrest for Cyberbullying Sparks Debate
The TikToker accused Nigeria’s politicians of destroying the country and vowed that they would face dire consequences:
“None of you politicians will know peace. It won’t be well for all of you who brought Nigeria to this state.”
Seaking further alleged that he had been declared wanted and defied the police in his video: “They said they’re looking for me and have declared me wanted. Senseless set of people. 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.”
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong criticized the arrest, challenging Adejobi to cite the constitutional basis for criminalizing insults. Effiong condemned the police action and called for information on Seaking’s whereabouts, urging anyone with knowledge of his detention to come forward.
The arrest has reignited debates about freedom of expression in Nigeria, with critics arguing that the government is silencing dissenting voices rather than addressing the nation’s pressing challenges.
