Nigerian comedy sensation Sabinus has publicly revealed private messages from a remorseful blogger begging for forgiveness after publishing fabricated news about the content creator. The exchange, shared on Sabinus’ Facebook page, has sparked renewed conversation about ethics in digital media and the real-world consequences of online misinformation.
The messages show the unnamed blogger pleading with Sabinus, claiming the false information was merely “cruise” – Nigerian slang for a joke or prank. In a surprising display of vulnerability, the blogger identified himself as one of Sabinus’ “biggest fans” while offering elaborate apologies and promises to purchase tickets to the comedian’s upcoming show for himself and his son.
“The rate at which bloggers condemn, tarnish, disfigure, defame, slander, and blackmail to get massive attention nowadays is highly alarming, and I think it’s high time it stopped!!!” Sabinus wrote in his Facebook post. The comedian expressed particular frustration with how quickly audiences believe unsubstantiated claims without demanding evidence.
Imagine what Afrocania wrote about me without video evidence, picture evidence, or even voice note evidence, and people are quick to believe,” he continued. “When you write something about people, abeg show evidence of where the person talk am. We celebrities are human too; we are not spirit!!”
The comedian’s public stance against irresponsible blogging comes amid persistent rumors about his personal life, including speculation about his marriage to Ciana. Recent reports have claimed their union of less than three years has deteriorated due to alleged infidelity and neglect – assertions seemingly supported by the fact that the couple has unfollowed each other on social media platforms.
This isn’t the first time Sabinus has had to address rumors about his relationship. Last year, Instagram blogger Cutie Julls alleged the comedian was physically abusing his wife – claims both parties firmly denied. At that time, Ciana directly challenged the logical inconsistency of the allegations, pointing out that physical abuse would be impossible given that she resided in the United Kingdom while Sabinus was in Nigeria.
The blogger’s messages to Sabinus reveal another dimension to the story – the economic motivations behind sensationalist content. In his plea for forgiveness, the blogger mentioned he was “gathering money” to purchase equipment to begin creating his own content, suggesting financial pressure might drive some content creators toward ethical compromises.
Media experts have long warned about the dangers of Nigeria’s largely unregulated blogosphere, where the race for clicks and engagement often overshadows journalistic principles. The competitive digital landscape, combined with minimal barriers to entry and limited accountability, has created an environment where verification sometimes takes a backseat to virality.
Everything is a cruise to this blogger,” Sabinus noted, highlighting how serious allegations that impact real lives are treated casually by some content creators who prioritize attention over accuracy.
Sabinus, whose real name is Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ejekwu, rose to prominence through his distinctive comedy skits featuring the character “Investor Sabinus.” His meteoric rise on social media platforms has made him one of Nigeria’s most recognizable digital content creators, with millions of followers across multiple platforms.
The comedian’s relationship timeline has been relatively private, though certain milestones have been shared publicly. In September 2022, he held a private introduction ceremony with Ciana at her parents’ home in Era Ojo, Lagos. The couple announced the birth of their first child in April 2023, though they chose not to reveal the baby’s gender.
The incident raises important questions about the responsibility of digital publishers in an era where information spreads instantaneously. While traditional media outlets typically adhere to established journalistic standards including fact-checking and source verification, digital-only publishers often operate without such frameworks, leading to situations like the one Sabinus has highlighted.
Communications scholars suggest this pattern is particularly problematic for public figures in entertainment, whose personal reputations directly impact their professional opportunities. False allegations can damage career prospects, affect endorsement deals, and create lasting negative associations that prove difficult to overcome, even after being debunked.
For audiences, Sabinus’ experience serves as a reminder to approach sensational claims with healthy skepticism, particularly when they lack substantiating evidence. The incident demonstrates how easily unverified information can circulate and the real harm such circulation can cause to those targeted.
As Nigeria’s digital media landscape continues to evolve, incidents like this may prompt calls for greater accountability mechanisms or self-regulation within the industry. Some industry observers have suggested the development of blogger associations with ethical codes or the establishment of fact-checking platforms specifically targeting entertainment news.
For now, Sabinus’ decision to make the private messages public represents both a personal vindication and a broader statement about the responsibility content creators have toward their subjects – famous or otherwise. By sharing his experience, the comedian has moved beyond being merely the subject of a false story to becoming an advocate for more responsible digital publishing practices.
