Cyberstalking and Treason: TikToker Seaking’s Controversial N500k Bail
Olumide Ogunsanwo, known on TikTok as “Seaking,” has been charged with treason, cyberstalking, and incitement following a video he posted urging Nigerian youths to confront police officers who attempt to check their phones.
The charges against Seaking include:
- Conduct likely to cause a breach of peace: Alleging that his video could incite public disorder.
- Provoking breach of peace: Accusing him of intentionally encouraging actions that disturb public tranquility.
- Cyberstalking: Pertaining to the use of electronic communication to harass or intimidate.
- Treason: For allegedly inciting violence against law enforcement, which is interpreted as an attempt to undermine state authority.
During the arraignment at the Ogba Magistrate Court in Lagos State, the police prosecutor sought a 30-day remand for Seaking.
However, Magistrate O. I. Raji denied this request, granting him bail set at ₦500,000 with two sureties. The court stipulated that one surety must be a family member and both should be gainfully employed.
The case has been adjourned to January 16, 2025, pending advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Seaking’s arrest and subsequent charges have sparked discussions about freedom of expression and the boundaries of lawful dissent in Nigeria.
His legal representation, led by Inibehe Effiong, contends that the charges are baseless and constitute an attempt to suppress legitimate criticism of law enforcement practices.