A controversial TikTok live session has triggered widespread debate after a self-acclaimed “Celebrity Bandit” hosted a cash giveaway on Friday, prompting thousands of Nigerians to drop their account details in the comment section. The incident has fueled concerns about rising insecurity, poverty, and public attitudes toward criminality.
The TikTok user, who operates under a masked identity and boasts over 200,000 followers, went live around 7 p.m. claiming he wanted to “bless followers” with money. Within minutes, the stream hit 15,000 viewers. As the host called for “Azah” — slang for bank account numbers — the comment section was flooded with account details from users across the country.
“This country dong finish be this,” one viewer wrote, capturing the mood of many who watched in disbelief. What shocked observers most was the participation of people who regularly condemn banditry online. Screenshots circulating on X show handles that previously posted “death to bandits” now pasting their account numbers for the giveaway.
“Even people wey dey insult bandits everyday were pasting their account,” another user lamented. “Hunger don turn everybody.”
The host claimed he sent N5,000 to N20,000 to selected accounts during the live. Some users posted alerts confirming they received money, while others accused the account of being fake. Cybersecurity experts have warned that the trend is dangerous, as dropping account details publicly exposes users to fraud and phishing attacks.
The incident has reignited conversation about the glorification of criminal elements on social media. The “Celebrity Bandit” account routinely posts videos flaunting cash, weapons, and motorbikes, with captions mocking security forces. Despite multiple reports, the account remains active and continues to gain followers.
Public affairs analyst Dr. Amina Yusuf described the situation as a “reflection of desperation and failed systems.”
“When people are hungry and feel abandoned by the state, they will collect money from anywhere. The real danger is normalizing bandits as celebrities. Today it’s giveaway, tomorrow it’s recruitment,” she said.
The Nigeria Police Force has not issued an official statement on the TikTok live. However, a senior officer who spoke anonymously said the Cybercrime Unit is tracking the account. “We are aware. Glorifying crime is an offense. Posting account numbers to suspected criminals is also risky for citizens,” he said.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong condemned both the bandit and the participants. “You cannot eat from crime and claim to fight it. Collecting money from bandits makes you complicit. Government must also ask why citizens are this desperate,” he tweeted.
Religious and community leaders have called on TikTok to take down accounts that promote banditry. TikTok’s community guidelines prohibit content that praises violent criminal organizations, but enforcement has been inconsistent in Nigeria.
As of Saturday morning, the “Celebrity Bandit” account had gained 30,000 new followers since the giveaway. The comment section remains filled with “Oga next time abeg” and “God bless you sir” messages….Discover More
