Nigeria’s digital space has been thrust into fresh controversy as popular TikTok content creator Olumide Ogunsanwo, known widely as Sea King, found himself back in police custody Thursday in a case that’s rapidly becoming a flashpoint for debates on free speech in Africa’s most populous nation.
Sea King was reportedly apprehended February 6, 2025, while attending proceedings for his existing case at the Ogba Magistrate’s Court in Lagos State. According to multiple sources, his latest detention stems from allegations of cyberbullying against Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the revered General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), one of Nigeria’s largest Christian denominations with global reach.
The content creator’s troubles began in December 2024 when authorities first detained him following a controversial live session where he allegedly made critical remarks about several high-profile Nigerian leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun. These comments resulted in serious charges including treason, cyberstalking, and conduct likely to incite public disorder.
After securing bail set at ₦500,000 with two sureties required in equal amount, Sea King had been making court appearances for the ongoing trial when this new development occurred. Following his arrest at the court premises, he was initially held at the Lagos State Police Command headquarters in Ikeja before being transferred to federal authorities in Abuja, suggesting the high-profile nature of the case.
Human rights activist and presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore confirmed the re-arrest through his social media account on February 7, bringing national attention to the case. Sowore, who has himself faced detention for activism in the past, has been vocal about what he perceives as shrinking civic space in Nigeria.
The second arrest, specifically targeting alleged comments about Pastor Adeboye made during a December 2024 live session, has ignited fierce debate about the boundaries of free expression in Nigeria’s increasingly digital public square. The RCCG, with millions of members worldwide and significant influence in Nigerian society, represents a powerful institution whose leadership has traditionally been treated with deference in public discourse.
Digital rights experts have noted the growing trend of authorities employing cybercrime legislation against online critics and content creators. Adebayo Okeowo, a digital rights attorney based in Lagos, commented: “We’re witnessing the expansion of cybercrime laws to potentially criminalize speech that would previously have been considered protected opinion, however controversial. This creates a chilling effect on digital expression.”
The case highlights the complex intersection of Nigeria’s traditional respect for religious and political authority figures with the more freewheeling nature of social media platforms like TikTok, where content creators often build followings through provocative commentary and unfiltered reactions to current events.
Sea King had amassed a substantial following on TikTok prior to his legal troubles, with his content frequently addressing sociopolitical issues through a combination of humor and direct commentary. His case represents a growing tension between Nigeria’s digital youth culture and established institutions as the country navigates questions of appropriate online speech.
Legal experts have raised concerns about the specific application of cyberbullying statutes in cases involving public figures and matters of public interest. Cyberbullying laws were primarily designed to protect vulnerable individuals from targeted harassment rather than shield public figures from criticism, however harsh that criticism might be.
There’s a crucial distinction between harassment and protected speech, even when that speech is offensive,” explained Constitutional law professor Chidi Odinkalu from the Nigerian Law School. “The test should be whether the speech constitutes a genuine threat or incitement to violence rather than mere offense to dignity.”
The transfer of Sea King to Abuja has raised additional concerns among human rights advocates about access to legal representation and family support, as detainees moved far from their home regions often face practical obstacles to mounting effective defenses. The distance can make it difficult for family members to visit and for local legal teams to maintain regular contact with their clients.
The Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, though with limitations related to public safety, order, and national security. The country is also a signatory to various international human rights instruments that protect freedom of expression, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
However, the implementation of these protections has been inconsistent, with critics suggesting selective application based on the target of the speech and the political climate of the moment. The growing prominence of social media has further complicated this landscape, as platforms enable instantaneous, wide-reaching commentary that would previously have required access to traditional media channels with built-in editorial filters.
For Sea King’s supporters, his case represents more than just an individual legal matter. They see it as part of a broader pattern of state action against critical voices, particularly those using digital platforms to reach audiences directly. Several online campaigns calling for his release have gained traction in recent days, with hashtags demanding his freedom trending across Nigerian social media.
Meanwhile, others have defended the legal actions, arguing that respect for religious leaders is a core Nigerian cultural value and that digital platforms should not become consequence-free zones for commentary that might damage social cohesion or incite religious tensions in a country with a history of sectarian conflict.
As the case progresses, legal observers will be watching closely to see how courts balance these competing concerns. The outcome could establish important precedents for future cases involving online speech, particularly regarding public figures and institutions.
With Sea King now facing legal jeopardy on multiple fronts, his case encapsulates the evolving relationship between digital expression, state power, and traditional authority in contemporary Nigeria. Whether he becomes a cautionary tale or a symbol of resistance to censorship remains to be seen as legal proceedings continue in the coming weeks.
