DJ Chicken Remanded in Kirikiri Prison After Court Arraignment Over Alleged Threat to Seyi Tinubu
Controversial Nigerian disc jockey and social media personality, Ademola Abiodun, popularly known as DJ Chicken, has been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos after being arraigned over allegations of threatening the life of Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The order was made by a Magistrate’s Court in Ogba, Lagos, following his arraignment on a three-count charge.
According to the prosecution, the charges stem from a viral video posted by DJ Chicken on his social media platforms while commenting on the 2027 presidential election. Prosecutors alleged that the content creator made statements interpreted as a threat to kill Seyi Tinubu if President Tinubu contested and won the next presidential election. The prosecution further argued that the remarks were capable of causing public alarm and breaching the peace.
The defendant was arraigned before Magistrate M.F. Onamusi on charges bordering on alleged threat to life, conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace and offences under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges brought against him.
Following arguments from both the prosecution and the defence, the court admitted DJ Chicken to bail in the sum of N1 million, with two sureties in like sum. However, the magistrate ordered that he be remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the perfection of his bail conditions. The case was subsequently adjourned until August 3, 2026, for further hearing.
The prosecution maintained that the alleged online publication violated provisions of the Criminal Law of Lagos State and the Cybercrimes Act. It argued that the statements contained in the video amounted to a criminal threat and justified the institution of legal proceedings despite the defendant’s subsequent retraction.
Before his arraignment, DJ Chicken had released another video in which he withdrew the controversial remarks. He claimed that the statements were not intended as genuine threats but were made to attract attention and generate engagement on social media. Despite the public retraction, the Lagos State Government proceeded with the prosecution.
Speaking after the court proceedings, DJ Chicken’s lawyer, Rotimi Stephen, confirmed that his client had been granted bail but remained in custody because the bail conditions had not yet been fulfilled. He expressed optimism that the conditions would be perfected promptly, allowing the social media personality to regain his freedom. The lawyer also thanked supporters who attended the court session to show solidarity with his client.
The case has generated widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing differing views over the prosecution. While some argued that public figures should be held accountable for statements perceived as threats, others called for restraint, noting that the judicial process should be allowed to run its course without interference.
Legal analysts say the matter highlights the growing scrutiny of content shared on digital platforms and the increasing use of existing criminal and cybercrime laws to address online conduct. They also noted that courts will ultimately determine whether the prosecution has presented sufficient evidence to support the charges.
As the legal proceedings continue, attention will remain on the next court date when the matter comes up for further hearing. The outcome of the case is expected to attract significant public interest given the profile of those involved and the broader conversation about responsible use of social media and freedom of expression in Nigeria.
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