Many individuals have faced arrests, detention and legal battles after making unverified and damaging claims about Nigerian public figures. Cyberbullying is now the fad to garner popularity, following or a combination of both.

But the subjects of the online vitriol are not taking them lying down. Peoples Gazette documents some of the victims, the cyber bullies and the steps taken to correct the falsehoods.

Mercy Johnson-Okojie

In December 2025, a video circulated online alleging that Mercy Johnson-Okojie’s husband bought a mansion for another woman said to be pregnant for him.

In the video, a TikToker Eedie Bliss, who cited blogger Cutie Juls as her source, further alleged that the actress took some actions that led to the woman losing the pregnancy. Following the allegations, the content creator was arrested and detained in Abuja after a petition was submitted by the actress’ husband to the police.

In a later video on Monday, Mrs Okojie said she decided to withdraw the case “out of respect for the people, my husband and I respect and love.”

She, however, noted that her kindness should not be interpreted as her being soft on her stance against online harassment. 

The actress warned that going forward, “it would no longer be business as usual” for those spreading falsehoods about her family. 

She stated that persistent online rumours had begun to affect her children, who she said were being bullied at school over claims made about her online. 

Mrs Okojie said she would no longer tolerate allegations that harm her family, adding that while the case had been dropped, anyone making fresh claims would be required to prove them through the proper legal channels.

Eniola Badmus

In a case in 2023, the Federal High Court, Lagos Division, sentenced a female TikToker, Nwakaego Okoye, to three years’ imprisonment for cyberstalking Nollywood actress Eniola Badmus.

Justice Nicholas Oweibo convicted Ms Okoye after she pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of cyberstalking. However, considering her remorse, the court gave her an option of paying a N150,000 fine.

Ms Okoye, who was arrested for making defamatory statements against Ms Badmus, apologized for putting her and Nigerians in a “mess” and confessed that she acted after a friend, Fortune Ibe, promised to pay her N200,000. 

After her arrest, Badmus rejected pleas to settle the matter out of court, insisting on prosecuting the case to protect her reputation.

Dayo Amusa

In 2025, Nollywood actress Dayo Amusa also took legal action after a TikToker identified as Olaoluwa Segun, who falsely claimed she was living with HIV.

Ms Amusa described the allegation as reckless and harmful, explaining that it was based on a misrepresentation of a health awareness post she made some years ago.

The content creator was arrested and detained in Lagos following her petition to the police. However, the actress later withdrew the case, saying she chose to forgive after learning about Mr Segun’s personal issues, including the loss of his mother. 

The TikToker issued a public apology, admitting the claim was false and expressing regret over the damage caused. He explained that his assistant made the mistake during research and scripting, and  admitted that the video was “inaccurate and misleading.”

Regina Daniels and Ned Nwoko

In 2025, TikToker Timothy Gabriel, also known as Tuma, shared a video making several allegations against actress Regina Daniels and her husband, Ned Nwoko. 

He claimed the actress had a boyfriend in Abuja, alleging that her children were not her husband’s and dared the couple to sue him.

Before his arrest, Tuma deleted the videos and posted an apology, saying he picked up the claims from a blog and was ready to face the consequences of his actions.

Despite the apology, the couple said the damage to their reputation had already been done. Tuma was later invited to a police station in Abuja and subsequently detained for about 50 days.

Activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, publicly criticised Mr Nwoko for prolonging Tumma’s detention and described it as an abuse of due process. 

Mr Sowore visited him in custody and repeatedly called for his release, arguing that defamation is a civil matter and should not warrant extended incarceration. 

He also used his social media platforms to amplify the case and pressure authorities to either charge Tumma to court promptly or grant him bail.

A bail application was heard by the Federal High Court in Abuja, with his lawyer S.M. Oyeghe urging the court to consider the request.

He was later released and immediately posted an apology video. He thanked Nigerians, Mr Sowore, and his lawyer who fought for his release.

Speaking on cyberbullying, a lawyer, Peter-Cole Onele, said that the Nigerian law addresses online harassment under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, where it is categorised as cyberstalking.

According to the lawyer, cyberstalking includes knowingly sending messages online that are intended to bully, threaten or harass another person, threaten harm to life or property, or damage a person’s reputation.

Mr Onele noted, “Generally, there is freedom of speech which protects criticisms, opinions, commentaries, press freedom etc.”

He, however, stated that online speech crosses into criminal territory when false statements are made with the intent to harm, instill fear or damage reputation.

He added that celebrities do not enjoy special protection under the law, stressing that cyberbullying laws apply equally to public figures and private individuals.

Mr Onele advised victims to document evidence, seek legal counsel and carefully consider whether to pursue criminal action, civil remedies or both, depending on the severity of the case.

He added that deleting posts or offering public apologies as damaging remarks, does not automatically erase legal liability because online content continues to exist through screenshots and reposts.

In his contribution, human rights advocate and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, said that public figures were generally expected to tolerate a higher level of scrutiny and criticism.

He said victims should “avoid engaging emotionally with the perpetrator and seek legal advice promptly.” 

Mr Adeyanju said actions are more suitable where the aim is compensation, apology, retraction, or injunctive relief, noting that he doesn’t believe in criminalisiing defamation hence always advise people to take the “civil route.” 

Addressing the offenders, he said that immediate “retraction or apology” may relieve damages or influence the prosecutors decision especially in civil matters.

He advised victims to report the content to the platform, issue a formal demand or cease-and-desist through counsel, and file a complaint with law enforcement where suitable.