Nigerians have reacted strongly after authorities announced the arrest of a man linked to a fake audio allegedly made to sound like President Bola Tinubu. Many asked why the same energy isn’t used to catch kidnappers and bandits.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga posted on Facebook that police operatives arrested the suspect. Onanuga wrote, “The IGP crack team has arrested Ifechukwu Dennis who originated the fake voice that he passed on to his gullible targets as President Tinubu’s voice. Dennis was arrested in Benin. The police will issue an official statement.” He added that another person was arrested over a social media post about security in Abuja, saying authorities want to stop panic.
The post sparked sharp reactions. Yusuf Muhammad Ladan wrote: “A funny nation. So bandits can’t be tracked.” Chidubem Ukamaka Onyejemuo: “He was tracked down and arrested before the bandits posting videos on TikTok. We are taking notes.” Anche Cornelius Uyah: “They should use the same energy to track bandits sending videos on social media.”
Others pointed out bandits’ loud social media presence. Lesuanu: “And bandits are doing giveaways on TikTok,” while Fatimo Gbadamosi urged security agencies to trace “people in the bush doing TikTok also.” Nicholas Oforkansi and Abdulrahman Isah Taheer asked why a doctored-audio suspect was found before violent criminals.
Enobong Oton warned this looks like targeting easy victims. Oton said, “Big Congratulations to the police on the arrest, but when are they going to arrest the hostage takers and ransom collectors. Arresting soft targets such as this man, while allowing violent criminals to roam freely and perpetrate more crimes amounts to a form of criminal negligence.”
John Maxwell asked: “How many days did it take you to arrest him because of a doctored video? But bandits are moving freely and making videos with handles.”
Araba Yemi Banjo added: “authorities should be showcasing the arrest of kidnappers rather than individuals accused of circulating controversial content online.” She continued, “Sir, in all that is happening in this country, is this what you can gloat about? One would have expected you to be showcasing arrested kidnappers who for over two weeks held innocent schoolchildren hostage in an evil forest. But alas you are here, sir, messaging the ego of your benefactor who has failed to perform his duty.”
Public anger comes as recent attacks between May 13 and 15, 2026 in Borno and Oyo left at least 82 pupils abducted. In Oyo, teacher Michael Oyedokun was beheaded, a motorcyclist killed, and a security operative died after hitting improvised explosive devices during rescue efforts.
