‘I Only Wanted To Get TikTok Followers’ — Man Arrested Over Fake Bandits Attack Alarm Begs Police

A young man identified as Qawiyu from Ibaragun in Ogun State has appealed to the Nigeria Police for forgiveness after allegedly raising a false alarm about a bandits attack to gain attention on social media.

Qawiyu, who is currently in police custody, admitted in a viral video that he fabricated the story solely to attract followers on TikTok.

“I raised a fake bandits attack just to gain TikTok followers. Please forgive me. My Ileya customers’ clothes are still in my shop,” he said.

The suspect explained that the Fulani herdsman featured in the video was someone who regularly moved around the area with his cattle behind his tailoring shop.

According to him, he persuaded the herdsman to participate in the staged video after initially refusing.

“I asked him to feature in the video so that I could get content. He initially refused but I insisted. I told my apprentice to do the recording,” he stated.

Qawiyu added that he was influenced by other social media users whom he claimed also create controversial content to attract online engagement and followers.

The incident has sparked reactions online, with many condemning the spread of false security alarms capable of causing panic among residents.

Authorities have yet to announce whether formal charges will be filed against the suspect.