Nigerian blogger and TikToker, Destiny Ekhorutomwen, was arrested by the Nigeria Police Force on January 8, 2025, in Benin City, Edo State. He was accused of cyberbullying and spreading false information online. After his arrest, he was taken to Abuja, where he was kept in police custody. While in detention, he collapsed and had to be taken to the National Hospital for treatment.
The police claim that Ekhorutomwen used social media to post false and damaging content about the police. According to them, his posts were aimed at creating public anger against law enforcement officers. Because of these allegations, he was arrested and later transferred to Abuja for further investigation.
After his transfer to Abuja on January 10, the police granted him bail. However, the conditions of the bail were very difficult to meet. The police demanded that he provide four sureties with properties worth ₦2 billion. Many Nigerians, including legal experts, have criticized these conditions, saying they are too harsh and unfair.
While in police custody, Ekhorutomwen collapsed and was rushed to the National Hospital in Abuja. A medical report from Lily Hospitals, signed by a consultant surgeon, Dr. Eghonghon Raymond, confirmed that he had a history of abdominal pain and intestinal problems. He had previously undergone surgery and was still receiving medical care before his arrest.
Ekhorutomwen’s arrest and hospitalization have raised serious concerns about how the police treat people in custody. Many Nigerians are asking if the bail conditions are fair and if the police followed the right procedures. Some believe that the police are using strict bail conditions to punish him unfairly.
