Nasboi Sparks Controversy on Social Media
Nigerian skit maker Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Nasboi, is facing widespread criticism after tagging President Bola Tinubu in a social media post featuring a video of armed men.
The video, which shows men in desert camouflage riding motorcycles and firing guns into the air, was shared in the context of Nigeria’s worsening security situation, including the recent abduction of over 40 people in Oyo State.
While Nasboi’s intention appeared to raise awareness, social media users accused him of spreading fear and sharing misleading footage.
Public Reaction
Several users pointed out that the video actually depicted terrorists in Benin Republic, not Nigeria, and labeled Nasboi’s post as irresponsible.
“Nasboi will take videos of terrorist activities from Benin Republic & claim they happened in Nigeria… Nothing is wrong with speaking out, but what you’re doing now is spreading fake news,” wrote Bolaji Fesomade on X.
Other commentators speculated that Nasboi’s post might be a tactic to provoke government attention and position himself as a victim of censorship.
“I have a theory: this guy called Nasboi wants the government to invite him for questioning… Then other celebrities will blame the government for arresting him,” tweeted Omashola Sagay.
Government and Adviser Response
Olusegun Dada, the President’s Special Adviser on Social Media, condemned the post, describing it as the “highest form of irresponsibility.”
“You cannot continue to intentionally use your page to spread fear @iamnasboi for whatever reason you might think you have. The video you posted was clearly quoted from a page that says these are Beninese terrorists. This means the footage is from Benin Republic and has nothing to do with Nigeria,” Dada wrote.
Nasboi Defends His Actions
In response, Nasboi argued that his aim was to raise awareness about insecurity and not to manufacture panic.
“You say we’re spreading fear. Is there no fear in the land already? I can barely sleep. I’m traumatized. Aren’t we all? Raising awareness is now being twisted into ‘spreading fear’ simply because some people are desperate to silence anyone who speaks up,” he said.
