Outrage as Nigerian Police Detain TikToker Gabriel ‘Tumma’ Timothy Over Alleged Insult to Tinubu, Shettima, and Top Officials

Detention Sparks Debate on Free Speech and Police Power

A rising storm of controversy has engulfed Nigeria following the arrest and prolonged detention of popular TikToker Gabriel ‘Tumma’ Timothy by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). Tumma, known for his outspoken views, was taken into custody after posting viral videos criticizing President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun. His detention has ignited a nationwide debate on free speech, police overreach, and digital rights in Nigeria.

Arrest and Detention: What Happened?

On February 6, 2025, officers from the Berger Quarry Police Station in Mpape, Abuja, arrested Tumma. He was later transferred to the Cyber-Crime Centre of the Nigeria Police Force, where he has remained detained for several days without formal charges.

The arrest follows a viral video where Tumma criticized a recent police directive on handling citizens’ mobile phones. In the video, he urged Nigerians to resist unlawful phone searches, stating:

"If any officer says he wants to check your phone, beat him. Even if the Commissioner of Police or President Tinubu says he wants to check your phone, beat him very well. Your phone is your private property."

In another video, Tumma directly challenged Nigeria’s top political figures, including Tinubu, Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. He dared them to arrest him—a challenge that now seems to have been answered.

Legal Questions: No Formal Petition Filed Against Tumma

Human rights lawyer S. M. Oyeghe, representing Tumma, confirmed that the arrest was not based on a formal petition. Instead, the police acted on their own, claiming Tumma’s video posed a security threat. According to Oyeghe:

"His brother, who was present during questioning, confirmed that there was no official complaint against him. He was only confronted with the TikTok video."

This has raised concerns about the legality of Tumma’s detention under Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act and constitutional free speech protections. Section 39(1) of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, yet critics argue that law enforcement often uses cybercrime laws to silence dissenting voices.

Public Outrage and Calls for Release

Tumma’s arrest has sparked a wave of outrage from activists, legal experts, and social media users, who view it as an attempt to intimidate Nigerians into self-censorship. The #FreeTumma campaign has gained momentum on Twitter and TikTok, with users demanding his immediate release.

Prominent human rights advocate Femi Falana (SAN) condemned the detention, stating:

"The police are weaponizing the law to suppress free speech. No Nigerian should be detained indefinitely for expressing their views, no matter how controversial."

Similarly, digital rights group Paradigm Initiative warned that Tumma’s case sets a dangerous precedent for online expression in Nigeria.

Freedom of Speech vs. National Security: Where is the Line?

This incident raises critical questions about the shrinking space for free speech in Nigeria. The government has increasingly clamped down on critics, with past incidents including:

• The 2019 arrest of journalist Agba Jalingo for criticizing former Cross River Governor Ben Ayade.
• The 2021 Twitter ban, which lasted for seven months after President Buhari’s tweet was deleted.
• The 2023 detention of comedian Cute Abiola for allegedly violating cybercrime laws.

With Nigeria ranking 129th in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index, the country faces increased scrutiny over its human rights record.

What Happens Next?

As of February 11, 2025, Tumma remains in custody without bail. His legal team is pushing for his immediate release, arguing that his continued detention violates Nigerian and international human rights laws.

With increased public pressure and legal action, the Nigerian Police Force faces mounting criticism over its handling of the case. Whether Tumma is charged or released could set a precedent for digital expression and civil liberties in Nigeria.

A Defining Moment for Free Speech in Nigeria

The arrest of Gabriel ‘Tumma’ Timothy has become more than just a legal case—it is now a defining moment for digital rights and freedom of speech in Nigeria. As public outrage grows, all eyes are on the Nigerian government to see whether it will respect constitutional rights or continue its pattern of suppressing dissent.

For now, Tumma’s fate remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—the fight for free speech in Nigeria is far from over.