By Milcah Tanimu
Popular Nigerian comedian and activist, Mr. Macaroni, has publicly condemned the use of personal connections to illegally detain citizens. His comments came in response to allegations that actress Toyin Abraham used her influence to detain a man who defamed her.
Speaking on social media platform X on the night of July 9, 2024, Mr. Macaroni emphasized the importance of seeking justice through the legal system rather than taking the law into one’s own hands. He wrote, “If anyone insults you or defames your character, go to court and seek justice. APC trolls insult me and tell so many lies against my person. I have never for once used the police to illegally arrest or detain anyone and never will I. There is serious danger in using the police to illegally detain citizens.”
Mr. Macaroni also highlighted the potential long-term consequences of misusing power, warning those who support such actions. “I hope those of you supporting this abuse of power won’t cry foul when you or your loved ones are the victims. To be clear, this is not to support online bullying and harassment. I strongly condemn it and believe that those involved should be made to face the consequences of their actions.”
He added, “I am a victim myself and I know how mentally damaging it is. But go to court and seek justice like the rest of us do. Don’t use your friends in government to illegally detain citizens. It may favor you now, but think about tomorrow when you no longer have that power or the closeness to that power. It might not be you, it might be someone you care about. What will become of us if everyone takes the law into their own hands?”
These statements followed social media reports that Toyin Abraham allegedly had a man and his mother arrested for defaming her on X. The actress faced significant backlash online, and she initially responded to some users but later deleted her comments.
Mr. Macaroni’s post sparked numerous reactions from his followers and other X users, who weighed in on the controversy. One fan commented, “Toyin Abraham dan go use police arrest person because of a mere tweet. Isn’t that the height of oppression?” Mr. Macaroni responded, “It is not a ‘mere’ tweet if it defames her character. It is a crime and it is punishable by law. My point is that any aggrieved person should seek justice in a court of law and not use their connections with those in government to take the law into their own hands. That is oppression.”
