A TikTok content creator, Ghali Isma’il, has landed himself in hot soup after allegedly spreading fake news about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s health.
The 29-year-old, from Jogana village in Kano State, was arraigned before an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court after he posted a now-viral video on his verified TikTok handle, @bola_asiwaju, claiming Tinubu had died from poisoning.
DSS steps in, charges TikToker with intent to incite
According to reports, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) picked him up following the release of the controversial clip, which allegedly claimed that Tinubu had been poisoned and was in critical condition.
Omo, this is not small matter o.
The court slammed Isma’il with two-count charges, including:
- Publishing false information with intent to disturb public peace
- Inciting disaffection against the President
These are reportedly offences under Sections 418 and 416 of the Penal Code Act.
What the court documents revealed
One of the charges stated:
“You falsely claimed, via your verified TikTok handle, that you reliably confirmed from official sources that President Tinubu was poisoned through his meal, thereby attempting to disturb public peace…”
The DSS further told the court that the video was designed to stir unrest and damage the President’s image.
Bail denied! TikToker to remain in custody
Magistrate Ekpeyong Iyang wasn’t having any of it — he denied Isma’il’s bail request and ordered his remand at Keffi Correctional Centre until the next hearing on August 19.
Omo this is painful! This update is coming just days after US-based professor Farooq Kperogi also apologized for spreading a false claim that ex-President Buhari and Aisha Buhari had divorced before his death.
This recent wave of misinformation crackdown shows that the government is no longer smiling with those who spread unverified gist online — whether for clout or mischief.
