Lagos, Nigeria – Popular TikTok personality Olumide Ogunsanwo, widely known as “SeaKing,” has been granted bail by the Lagos State Magistrate Court sitting in Ogba. This decision came after an attempt by the Nigeria Police to secure a remand order against him on charges including treason, cyberstalking, and conduct likely to provoke a breach of peace.
The legal representative of SeaKing, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, disclosed the details of the court proceedings via his social media account on X @InibeheEffiong. According to Effiong, the ordeal began when he, along with his colleague Jeremiah Okoro and SeaKing’s wife—who was accompanied by their six-month-old baby—visited the State Police Command in Ikeja to check on the detained influencer. However, they were denied access to him.
Effiong further revealed that while awaiting a meeting with the Commissioner of Police (CP) to address their grievances, SeaKing was covertly transferred from the CP Tactical Squad 1 to the Ogba Magistrate Court for what appeared to be secret remand proceedings.
Upon learning of this development, Effiong and his team rushed to the court premises, where they found SeaKing in police custody.
Remember, SeaKing was arrested days ago following his social media criticism of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigeria Police Force for alleged brutality against citizens. His comments sparked public debate, drawing both support from his followers and condemnation from others.
In the remand application, the police alleged that SeaKing had called on Nigerian youths to “wage war” against the police, which they argued was an incitement to violence. However, Effiong opposed the remand application, arguing that the police failed to establish probable cause to justify a 30-day detention pending advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Citing Section 264(5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, Effiong successfully applied for bail on behalf of SeaKing. The presiding magistrate ruled in favor of the defense and granted bail on liberal terms, including a bond of ₦500,000 and two sureties. One of the sureties must be a family member, both must reside in Lagos State, and they must be gainfully employed.
The case has been adjourned to January 16, 2025, pending the DPP’s advice.
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This development marks a significant victory for SeaKing, whose case has drawn public attention, especially among his followers on TikTok.
Efforts to reach the Nigeria Police Force for comment on the charges were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
