NIGERIA: Senate Orders Arrest of Bandits Flaunting Cash on TikTok

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

The Senate has directed security and intelligence agencies to identify, track and arrest bandits and terrorists who openly display their activities and proceeds of crime on social media platforms, particularly TikTok.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi during Thursday’s plenary on the rising cases of banditry and terrorist attacks in Kogi West and other parts of the country.

Contributing to the debate, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised concerns over the growing trend of criminal groups publicising their operations online and called on the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre and other security agencies to take action.

“Bandits and terrorists who carry out these activities live on their social media handles. Two days ago, bandits conducted a giveaway, distributing over ₦100 million within the space of 30 minutes through their social media handles, especially TikTok,” she stated.

The Kogi Central lawmaker questioned why security agencies had been unable to apprehend individuals who allegedly maintain active online profiles while engaging in criminal activities.

Supporting the call, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the development as a dangerous display of impunity and challenged security agencies to act swiftly.

“The Department of State Services should be able to track their movements and arrest them because this is a show of impunity, as if there is no law at all,” Akpabio said.

He further noted that the public display of cash and criminal activities on social media appeared to be a direct challenge to government authority and security institutions.

“I do not see why we should not have control over the social media space. That idea of showing themselves, showing the cash collected and displaying it is a way of challenging the government,” the Senate President added.

Following deliberations, the Senate adopted the motion and urged relevant security agencies to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering and enforcement measures against criminal groups using social media platforms to publicise their activities and financial gains.