Nigerian comedian Nasboi has come under fire after sharing a viral video online that presidential aide Dada Olusegun described as misleading and falsely presented as originating from Nigeria. The controversy erupted on Tuesday when Olusegun, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, publicly called out Nasboi for spreading content that could distort public perception of Nigeria’s security situation. According to Olusegun, the video was traced to a foreign source that identified the armed men in the footage as terrorists operating in the Republic of Benin, not Nigeria.
The video, which Nasboi posted with a caption referencing President Tinubu, quickly gained traction on social media. Many viewers initially believed it depicted a real attack on a rural community within Nigeria, given the graphic scenes of armed men on motorcycles. This led to widespread concern and speculation online, prompting swift action from the presidential office to clarify the facts. Olusegun emphasized that the footage had no connection to any known incident in Nigeria and should not be circulated as such.
In a direct message posted on his official X handle, Olusegun criticized Nasboi for using his platform irresponsibly. He wrote, “You cannot continue to intentionally use your page to spread fear @iamnasboi for whatever reason you might think you have.” He further explained that the original source of the video had clearly labeled the individuals as Beninese terrorists, making it clear the content was not Nigerian. Olusegun stressed that while Nigeria faces real security challenges, the circulation of unverified or misleading content only fuels unnecessary fear and public anxiety.
Nasboi’s large social media following amplified the reach of the video, drawing attention from both supporters and critics. Some users questioned why the government was quick to identify the video’s origin but slow to address domestic security threats like banditry. Others argued that individuals spreading fake news should face legal consequences to deter similar actions. One commenter, @keemside, suggested the government should arrest Nasboi for spreading misinformation, warning that such acts could be exploited by opposition groups to incite chaos.
The incident highlights the growing challenge of misinformation in Nigeria’s digital space, especially during times of heightened security concerns. As social media continues to influence public opinion, the need for accurate information and responsible content sharing becomes increasingly critical. The government’s swift response underscores its commitment to countering false narratives, while also raising questions about how public figures should use their influence. Moving forward, this episode may prompt more scrutiny of viral content and greater accountability for those who share unverified material.
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