A Chief Magistrate Court in Abuja has ordered the detention of social media influencer Ghali Isma’il at the Keffi Correctional Centre after he posted a viral TikTok video falsely announcing President Bola Tinubu’s death.
The 29-year-old, a native of Jogana Village in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State, was arrested by the Department of State Services following his video on the verified TikTok handle @bola_asiwaju, which claimed the President had died from poisoning. The clip quickly spread online, causing widespread alarm.
Isma’il was arraigned on two charges: “Publication of false news with intent to cause offence against public peace” and “Inciting disaffection to the government.”
The first charge alleged that on July 20, 2025, Isma’il knowingly spread unverified information claiming President Tinubu was critically ill and had died, intending to disturb public order—an offence under Section 418 of the Penal Code Act.
The second charge accused him of attempting to stir contempt and public disaffection toward the government through deliberate misinformation, violating Section 416 of the Penal Code.
Magistrate Ekpeyong Iyang denied the defence’s bail application and ordered Isma’il remanded in custody until the next hearing on August 19.
The case follows other high-profile misinformation incidents, including a retracted report by U.S.-based journalism professor Farooq Kperogi, who falsely claimed former President Muhammadu Buhari was divorced at the time of his death.
