In a recent development, Nigerian TikTok content creator Olumide Ogunsanwo, popularly known as “Sea King,” remains in police custody despite public clarifications from Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), denying any involvement in his arrest and calling for his release.
Sea King’s legal troubles began in December 2024 when he was arrested for posting a video on TikTok that criticized President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun. The police charged him with treason, cyberstalking, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. He was arraigned before the Ogba Magistrate Court in Lagos on December 23, 2024, where the police sought a 30-day remand. However, the court denied this request and granted him bail set at ₦500,000 with two sureties.
After meeting the bail conditions, Sea King was released from the Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri on January 6, 2025. His lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, noted that administrative delays due to the holiday season had postponed his release.
The situation took another turn on February 6, 2025, when Sea King was re-arrested at the premises of the Ogba Magistrate Court. This arrest was reportedly linked to allegations of cyberbullying Pastor Adeboye during a live TikTok session in December 2024. Following his re-arrest, Sea King was taken to the Lagos State Police Command in Ikeja and subsequently transferred to Abuja.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore highlighted that the arrest was based on a petition submitted by an individual named Paul James Adama on behalf of Pastor Adeboye. However, during the RCCG’s monthly Holy Ghost Service on February 9, 2025, Pastor Adeboye addressed the issue, stating that he had no involvement in the arrest and that certain individuals, angered by Sea King’s remarks, acted independently. He emphasized, “I didn’t even ask anyone who is not a member of RCCG to fast. I was told some people got so angry and went to arrest the fellow. Release him, he’s fulfilling prophecy.”
Despite Pastor Adeboye’s clarification and call for Sea King’s release, the TikToker remains in detention. His lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has condemned the re-arrest, describing it as an “outrageous charade and egregious abuse of the legal process.” Effiong has called on the Inspector General of Police to order Sea King’s immediate release, asserting that the actions of the police represent a significant assault on the rule of law.
This case has sparked widespread debate concerning freedom of expression and the role of law enforcement in regulating online content. Advocates argue that the arrest and continued detention of individuals like Sea King set a concerning precedent for free speech in Nigeria. As the situation unfolds, many are closely monitoring the actions of the Nigerian police and the judiciary, emphasizing the need to balance the enforcement of cybercrime laws with the protection of constitutional rights.
