A social media uproar has landed 29-year-old TikTok influencer, Ghali Isma’il, in serious legal trouble after he was accused of spreading false information about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s health.
Isma’il, known by his verified TikTok handle @bola_asiwaju, was remanded in custody on Friday by an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court and is currently being held at the Keffi Correctional Centre.
The influencer had posted viral video clips alleging that President Tinubu had died after being poisoned, claiming to have obtained the information from “official sources.” His content quickly gained traction, sparking alarm across digital platforms and prompting swift action from security agencies.
Isma’il was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and arraigned on a two-count charge: the publication of false news with intent to disturb public peace, and incitement of disaffection against the government.
According to court documents, the first count stated: “That you, Ghali Isma’il, male, 29 years of Jogana village, Gezawa LGA, Kano State, on or about July 20, 2025, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did publish false information by uploading a video on your verified TikTok handle ‘bola_asiwaju’ falsely claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was critically ill due to poisoning. This was done with intent to create public panic and disrupt peace, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 418 of the Penal Code Act.”
The second charge, “Inciting Disaffection Against the Government,” alleged that Isma’il’s content aimed to provoke resentment toward the President and destabilize public trust, in violation of Section 416 of the Penal Code Act.
Presiding Magistrate Ekpeyong Iyang, after reviewing submissions from both the prosecution and the defence, denied the defendant’s request for bail. He ordered Isma’il’s remand at Keffi Correctional Centre and adjourned the case until August 19, 2025.
The case highlights growing concerns over the weaponization of social media in Nigeria and beyond. It comes just days after Professor Farooq Kperogi, a U.S.-based Nigerian journalist, publicly apologized for falsely reporting the alleged divorce of former President Muhammadu Buhari and his wife, Aisha Buhari, prior to his death.
These developments underscore a growing legal reckoning for individuals using social media platforms to circulate disinformation or destabilizing rhetoric under the guise of freedom of expression.