TikToker remanded over false death claim of President Tinubu
A Chief Magistrate Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of social media influencer Ghali Isma’il at the Keffi Correctional Centre following his viral TikTok video falsely announcing the death of President Bola Tinubu.
Isma’il, 29, was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) after he posted the video on his verified TikTok handle, @bola_asiwaju, alleging that the President had died from poisoning. The video quickly circulated online, sparking alarm and public reaction.
Zagzola Makama reports that the defendant, a native of Jogana Village in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State, was arraigned on a two-count charge relating to publication of false information and incitement of disaffection against the government.
The first charge, “Publication of false news with intent to cause offence against public peace,” alleged that Isma’il knowingly spread unverified information on July 20, 2025, claiming President Tinubu was critically ill and had died. Prosecutors say this was intended to disturb public order, an offence punishable under Section 418 of the Penal Code Act.
The second charge, “Inciting disaffection to the government,” accused Isma’il of attempting to stir contempt and public disaffection towards the President through deliberate misinformation — a violation of Section 416 of the Penal Code.
Magistrate Ekpeyong Iyang denied the bail application submitted by the defence and ordered the accused to be held in custody until the next hearing, scheduled for August 19.
Isma’il’s arraignment follows recent high-profile misinformation cases, including a retracted report by U.S.-based journalism professor Farooq Kperogi, who falsely claimed former President Muhammadu Buhari was divorced at the time of his death.
TikToker remanded over false death claim of President Tinubu
