An Abuja Chief Magistrate Court has directed that popular TikTok content creator, Ghali Isma’il, be remanded at the Keffi Correctional Centre following his arrest over a viral video falsely alleging the death of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Isma’il, who was taken into custody by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), is facing a two-count charge for allegedly spreading misinformation and attempting to incite public unrest. The arrest was triggered by a video he uploaded to his verified TikTok account, @bola_asiwaju, in which he claimed that President Tinubu had died from poisoning after suffering a critical illness.
According to court documents, the first charge “Publication of false news with the intent to offend public peace” accuses the influencer of releasing the video on July 20, 2025, with the deliberate intention of spreading fear and destabilizing public order. The prosecution argued that this act contravenes Section 418 of the Penal Code Act.
The second charge “Inciting disaffection against the government” alleges that Isma’il’s video was not only misleading but also crafted to bring President Tinubu into disrepute and stir resentment against the leadership of the country. This is said to violate Section 416 of the Penal Code Act, Cap P3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
During court proceedings, the DSS urged the magistrate to deny bail, citing the potential risk of the defendant repeating similar actions if released. The defence team, however, argued that Isma’il's actions were covered under freedom of expression and that there was no concrete evidence linking him to a broader attempt to destabilize the government.
Presiding over the matter, Chief Magistrate Ekpeyong Iyang rejected the bail application and ruled that the defendant be held in custody pending the continuation of the trial. The matter has been adjourned to August 19, 2025, for further hearing.
The incident has reignited national conversations on the limits of free speech, misinformation on digital platforms, and the legal implications of false political narratives in Nigeria’s volatile political landscape. While some citizens argue that the state’s actions are necessary to prevent panic and unrest, others warn against the misuse of state power to suppress dissenting voices online.
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