Seaking’s Detention Sparks Controversy as Police Refuse to Release TikToker Despite Adeboye’s Request
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Popular TikToker Olumide Ogunsanwo, widely known as Seaking, remains in detention despite calls for his release by Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
Seaking was re-arrested on Thursday at the premises of a Lagos State court and subsequently transferred to Abuja over allegations of cyberbullying. Reports indicate that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is holding him based on a petition filed by Paul James Adama, purportedly on behalf of Pastor Adeboye and a Christian association.
Adeboye Distances Himself from Arrest, Calls for Release
During a church program on Friday, February 7, Pastor Adeboye publicly distanced himself from the incident, stating that he had no hand in the arrest. He clarified that certain individuals, upset by Seaking’s remarks, took it upon themselves to act.
“I heard that someone lambasted me thoroughly. What is my offense? Because I asked my people to fast for 100 days? I didn’t ask him. I didn’t even ask anyone who isn’t a member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God to fast—only my children! God said it would happen,” Adeboye said.
He further urged the police to release the TikToker, emphasizing: “He is fulfilling prophecy.”
Police Ignore Adeboye’s Plea, Sowore Condemns Detention
Despite Adeboye’s remarks, Omoyele Sowore, a political activist, has revealed that the police refuse to release Seaking.
On Sunday night, Sowore, accompanied by Barrister Tope Temokun, visited Seaking at the notorious Abattoir Police Station in the Apo area of Abuja.
Sowore stated:
“Despite @PoliceNG’s attempts to intimidate him, @seaking303 remains in high spirits and unbroken.”
He further accused the police of stalling, saying:
“Despite @PastorEAAdeboye’s assertion that he had no involvement in @seaking303’s unjust and unlawful detention, the @policeng authorities at the Dasuki Galandanchi-led FID Cybercrime Unit have refused to release him, citing their belief that @PastorEAAdeboye would reach out to the petitioner, Paul James Adama, who is representing him.”
Sowore described the police’s handling of the case as “disheartening, disgusting, and frightening.”
What’s Next for Seaking?
With Adeboye publicly calling for his release and activists pressuring the police, it remains to be seen whether authorities will let Seaking go or continue to hold him despite the growing controversy.
The case has ignited a debate on free speech, cybercrime laws, and police overreach, as Nigerians question why a TikTok video could lead to such a high-profile arrest.
