The Nigeria Police Force has announced its preparedness to initiate legal proceedings against Ubani Zion Chibuike, known as ZFancy, a popular prankster, for creating and disseminating provocative content on his social media channels.
The Force released a statement on Thursday morning, signed by its spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, alleging that the detained content creator had engaged in serious offences that pose a significant threat to national security, leading to his arrest and detention.
It was learned that ZFancy was arrested on Wednesday at an apartment in Wuye, Abuja.
“This arrest follows the circulation of accusatory videos on social media, in which ZFancy was alleged to have committed heinous crimes, including rape. These videos caused significant apprehension among social media users,” the police’s statement reads.
It continued: “Furthermore, ZFancy came out and claimed the videos were scripted and part of his attempt to regain the spotlight after a break. Regardless, such actions have serious implications and cannot be taken lightly. The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to maintaining public safety and ensuring that individuals are held accountable for actions that incite fear or disturb public peace.
“The Police therefore warns pranksters and content creators to be law-abiding and be conscious of pranks and contents that could pose threats to the public and jeopardise the general security of our country. We urge the public to remain calm as we proceed with the necessary legal actions in this case.”
ZFancy is not the first prankster arrested by the Nigerian police over his content. In 2023, the police also arrested and sued an Oyo State-based skit maker and prankster, Abdullahi Maruff Adisa, popularly known as Trinity Guy, for sexualising a minor in a viral skit video.
Trinity Guy was later granted bail after spending four weeks in prison custody.
The trial court had also ordered the remand of Isiaka Ahmed, 40, and his wife Rofiat Ahmed, 29, who are the parents of the minor.
The police charged Abdullahi, alongside the parents of the victim with conspiracy, sexual abuse and exploitation.
The Prosecution Counsel, Inspector Oluwakemi Arowosaye, earlier informed the court that Trinity Guy, was arrested for sexually abusing and exploiting a 10-year-old girl in the Kuola neighbourhood of Ibadan on December 17, 2022.
