JUST IN: Senate orders arrest of bandits flaunting cash on TikTok
The Senate on Thursday directed security agencies to intensify efforts to track, arrest and prosecute bandits and terrorists who openly flaunt cash and publicise their criminal activities on social media platforms, particularly TikTok.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West) on the rising wave of banditry and terrorist attacks in Kogi West Senatorial District and other parts of the country.
During deliberations, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) moved an additional prayer urging the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre and other relevant security agencies to monitor, track and apprehend criminal elements using social media platforms to showcase their activities and proceeds of crime.
Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed concern that criminal groups now operate openly online, using digital platforms to project influence, display wealth acquired through criminal activities and, in some cases, organise public giveaways.
According to her, some bandits recently distributed large sums of money through social media platforms.
“Bandits and terrorists who carry out these activities live on their social media handles. Two days ago, bandits conducted a giveaway, distributing over N100 million within the space of 30 minutes through their social media handles, especially TikTok,” she said.
The lawmaker questioned why security agencies had yet to arrest individuals who openly publicise their activities online despite leaving visible digital footprints.
“I wonder why the Cybercrime Unit and the Police Force generally cannot track these activities and apprehend them since they are on social media. Therefore, I urge the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre to track and arrest these individuals,” she added.
The motion received widespread support from lawmakers and was seconded by Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West).
Responding, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the actions of the suspected criminals as a blatant challenge to the authority of the state and a disturbing display of impunity.
“The Department of State Services should be able to track their movements and arrest them because this is a show of impunity, as if there is no law at all,” Akpabio said.
He warned that videos showing criminals displaying cash and celebrating illicit activities on social media undermine public confidence in the country’s security architecture.
“I do not see why we should not have control over the social media space. That idea of showing themselves, showing the cash collected and displaying it is a way of challenging the government,” he stated.
Akpabio urged security and intelligence agencies to treat the issue as a matter of urgent national concern and strengthen coordination in responding to digital intelligence.
“I want the security agencies and heads of security services to see this as a major challenge. Whenever anybody finds such content, bring it to the attention of the Senate, and we shall invite the relevant federal authorities to explain why those people have not been apprehended,” he said.
The Senate President further called for transparency in the handling of such cases, insisting that Nigerians should be informed whenever arrests are made and prosecutions initiated.
“If they are apprehended, they should also report back so that Nigerians can know that those who openly show their faces while committing crimes are being arrested and prosecuted,” Akpabio added.
The resolution reflects growing concern among lawmakers over the increasing use of social media by criminal groups to publicise their activities and challenge law enforcement authorities.