Ghali Isma’il arrest and remand followed his viral TikTok video falsely claiming President Tinubu had died. He faces charges for fake news and public incitement

Ghali Isma’il arrest has sparked intense discussion after the social media influencer was remanded in Keffi Correctional Centre by an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court.

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Isma’il was arrested by DSS operatives for sharing a viral video on his TikTok handle (@bola\_asiwaju), falsely alleging that President Bola Tinubu had died following a poisoning.

According to court filings, the 29-year-old from Jogana village, Kano State, is facing a two-count charge.

The first charge accuses him of publishing false news with the intent to disturb public peace, while the second count involves inciting disaffection against the government. Both are serious offenses under Sections 416 and 418 of the Nigerian Penal Code Act.

The presiding magistrate, Ekpeyong Iyang, denied Isma’il’s bail application, ordering his remand until the next hearing on August 19.

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This high-profile arrest comes amid other controversies involving misinformation, including recent retractions by U.S.-based academic Farooq Kperogi and ongoing legal proceedings against separatists Simon Ekpa and Nnamdi Kanu.