In the footage which was widely shared on social media platforms, Osudueh was seen openly demanding money from drivers, even giving change to commercial drivers. For many Nigerians, this was a painful reminder of the everyday corruption they endure from the public service. Yet, it also sparked a powerful demand for justice.
The public outcry was immediate and intense. Social media was flooded with the clamour for accountability, compelling the Imo State Police Command to take swift action. ASP Henry Okoye, the state Police Public Relations Officer, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), confirmed that Osudueh had been demoted following an orderly room trial and that the officer’s supervisor had been officially queried for failing to prevent such misconduct
The swift disciplinary action against Osudueh, precipitated by the power of a mobile phone camera and social media, showcased the potential for justice in a system often marred by corruption.
Meanwhile, in a heartbreaking incident at the Ajayi Crowther University in Oyo State, social media once again played a crucial role. In June, a male student was allegedly beaten to death by his peers in a horrific act of jungle justice. Accused of stealing a mobile phone, Alex Timilehin endured an eight-hour ordeal inside Shepherd Inn hostel, where he was beaten mercilessly and had his head forcibly shaved.
The brutality of this incident came to light through videos shared on social media. The harrowing footage, which showed the victim rolling on the floor as other students struck him with sticks, sent shockwaves across the nation. Voices in the videos urged more violence, revealing a chilling lack of empathy among the assailants.
The videos prompted immediate action from the university management. It expelled several students involved in the deadly attack. The alleged perpetrators have also been arraigned for murder. The tragic event highlighted the stark reality of violence in educational institutions and underscored the transformative power of social media in exposing and addressing such grave injustices.
Over the past decade, Nigeria has witnessed explosive growth in mobile phone usage and internet penetration. By the end of 2020, the Nigerian Communications Commission reported over 195 million active mobile phone lines. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp have connected millions of Nigerians, creating vast networks for real-time information sharing and social activism.
This technological revolution has empowered ordinary citizens to document and broadcast events, often bypassing traditional media constrained by censorship or political influences. From local incidents of abuse to nationwide protests against systemic injustices, the democratization of information is paving the way for a more transparent and accountable society.
The stories of Osudueh and the Ajayi Crowther University students are poignant reminders of the transformative impact of mobile technology and social media in Nigeria. They illustrate how the power of ordinary citizens, armed with smartphones and social media, can drive significant change and hold those in power accountable.
In a nation where corruption and abuse have long gone unchecked, these incidents offer a glimmer of hope. They demonstrate that through collective action and the power of technology, justice is not just a distant dream but a tangible reality that can be achieved. As Nigeria continues to embrace the digital age, the potential for social media to drive accountability and justice will undoubtedly grow, heralding a new era of transparency and empowerment.
The deployment of mobile phones and social media against injustice is not just about technological advancements; it is about empowerment, resilience, and the quest for justice woven into the fabric of everyday life. It begins on the streets, where ordinary citizens armed with nothing more than their smartphones and a determination to make a difference have sparked movements that reverberate far beyond the digital realm.
The #EndSARS protests- a watershed moment in Nigeria’s fight against police brutality- were notably influenced by social media. For years, stories of abuse and extortion by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad circulated among Nigerian youth, but it was the proliferation of mobile technology and social media that brought these injustices into sharp focus.
The tipping point came when videos and photos capturing instances of SARS brutality began circulating on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, galvanizing a groundswell of public outrage and solidarity
One such incident that captured the nation’s attention was the tragic death of Kolade Johnson in 2019, an innocent bystander shot by a SARS officer while watching a football match in Lagos. It was the grainy footage captured by bystanders on their mobile phones that laid bare the brutality of the murder, prompting widespread calls for accountability and justice. In the face of mounting pressure, the officer responsible was identified, arrested, and ultimately dismissed from the force, a testament to the power of citizen journalism in holding authorities to account.
More recently, in May 2024, an officer identified as Adabo Mohammed was dismissed for criminal conspiracy and armed robbery, among other charges. Social media played a crucial role in exposing the case and ensuring accountability in the police force.
However, the impact of mobile technology extends far beyond exposing police misconduct; it has also been instrumental in addressing pervasive issues like bullying, particularly in educational institutions.T
he death of Sylvester Oromoni, a 12-year-old student, whose life was cut short in controversial circumstances, is a case in point. When allegations surfaced that Oromoni had been subjected to relentless torment and abuse by his peers at Dowen College in Lagos, his family turned to social media to seek justice.
Through a series of heartbreaking posts and graphic images detailing Oromoni’s injuries, his family’s plea for #JusticeForSylvester quickly gained traction online, shining a harsh spotlight on the culture of violence and intimidation festering within the walls of Nigerian schools. In response to the public outcry, the Lagos State government ordered the closure of Dowen College and launched a thorough investigation into Oromoni’s death. It was a stark reminder that behind every hashtag and trending topic lies a human story of pain, loss, and the unyielding quest for accountability.
In 2020, Chineme Ezeaka, a university student, was bullied online by classmates who posted derogatory and offensive comments about her. She shared her experience on Twitter, garnering massive support from the public and forcing her university to take disciplinary action against the bullies. This incident highlighted the role of social media in providing a platform for victims to voice their experiences and seek justice.
In June 2024, the story of Keren-Happuch Akpagher, a student at Premiere Academy in Abuja, surfaced on social media. Akpagher died under mysterious circumstances, and her family alleged she had been sexually abused and bullied at school. They shared her story online, using the hashtag #JusticeForKeren to rally support.
The social media campaign brought widespread attention to the case, prompting the school and the authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death. The public’s involvement and the pressure exerted through social media ensured that Keren-Happuch’s story was not swept under the rug and that her family’s call for justice was heard.
In 2018, the serene atmosphere of the Obafemi Awolowo University was shattered by a scandal that equally gained traction on social media. Monica Osagie recorded a conversation with Prof Richard Akindele in which the latter could be heard demanding sex in exchange for better grades. Osagie’s decision to share the audio clip on social media ignited a firestorm.
The #SexForGrades hashtag quickly gained momentum, as countless women shared their experiences of harassment and coercion. The public outrage was swift and unrelenting. Akindele was suspended, dismissed, and ultimately sentenced to two years in prison. For Osagie and many others like her, this was a powerful vindication and a beacon of hope.
In 2019, the University of Lagos found itself at the centre of an explosive revelation. An undercover investigation by BBC Africa Eye, widely shared on social media, exposed the predatory behaviour of Dr Boniface Igbeneghu, a respected lecturer and pastor. Camera footage showed Igbeneghu making lewd advances towards an undercover reporter posing as a student, promising admission in exchange for sex.
The public was appalled. Social media erupted with anger and calls for justice. The UNILAG promptly suspended Igbeneghu, and the Foursquare Gospel Church, where he served as a part-time pastor, severed ties with him. The documentary, part of the #SexForGrades series, underscored the need for comprehensive reforms to protect students from such abuses of power.
disturbing video emerged from Lagos State University, showing Dr Samuel Oloyede attempting to force himself on a female student in his office. The university suspended Oloyede, launching an investigation.
social media became the stage for another disturbing revelation. Allegations of sexual harassment against Prof Ignatius Onimawo, the Vice-Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University, surfaced online. The allegations were part of broader complaints about the university administration, and the exposure on social media led to calls for an independent investigation and systemic reforms to safeguard students’ welfare.
In the students of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar took to social media to expose the misconduct of their Dean, Prof Cyril Ndifon. They staged a protest, sharing their stories and demanding his removal. The outcry on social media was deafening. Ndifon was suspended, and an investigation was launched, showing once again the power of collective action in the digital age.
During the elections, mobile technology and social media have been crucial in monitoring and reporting irregularities. Apps like “Ushahidi” have been used to crowdsource reports of electoral malpractices, ensuring greater transparency and accountability in the electoral process. Additionally, platforms like BudgIT analyse and explain government budgets and expenditures, making information accessible to the public and enabling citizens to hold government officials accountable for public spending.
But it is not just about individual cases; social media has emerged as a powerful catalyst for broader social movements aimed at driving systemic change. The #BringBackOurGirls campaign, which gained international prominence in 2014 following the abduction of over 200 schoolgirls by the terrorist group Boko Haram, exemplifies the potential of digital activism.
Fuelled by the relentless efforts of Nigerian activists and amplified by the global reach of social media platforms, the campaign kept the plight of the kidnapped girls in the global spotlight, exerting pressure on the Nigerian government to intensify rescue efforts and address the root causes of insecurity in the region.
Yet for all its promise and potential, the rise of mobile phones and social media in Nigeria is not without its challenges. The spread of misinformation and fake news poses a constant threat to the integrity of online discourse, while government censorship and crackdowns on dissent serve as stark reminders of the risks inherent in speaking truth to power in the digital age.
A Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, argued that without social media, many anti-corruption agencies would not fulfil their responsibilities effectively
Adeyanju pointed out that these agencies are not entirely independent and can be influenced by government directives. Therefore, social media serves as a crucial platform for those seeking to expose corruption and hold these agencies accountable.
Overthe last decade, social media activism in the fight against corruption has become very profound in the country,” he noted.
He highlighted instances where security agencies, rather than acting against corrupt individuals, have arrested and intimidated those who report corruption, accusing them of providing false information.
The human rights lawyer explained, “Our anti-graft agencies are not completely independent, and since they are likely, in most instances, being delegated by the government, social media is the only medium that people who intend to expose corruption or generally fight corruption use to not just to expose corruption but to put more pressure on the anti-draft agencies to actually do their job.
“Over the last decade, social media activism as regards the fight against corruption has become very profound in the country. I would even say beyond a decade, because if not for platforms like the espionage and corruption exposé that they have carried out over the years, many government agencies would have been uncomfortable, especially the police, in particular, and several other security agencies.
“Even in the face of social media activism by social media users, they remain largely uncomfortable with social media advocacy as regards to the fight against corruption. The security agencies that should be excited that they are being aided and abetted in the fight against corruption within the procedural legal framework of the fight against corruption have resisted social media”
He also criticised the whistleblowing policy introduced by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission under the Buhari administration. He attributed its failure to the anti-graft agency’s poor reception of social media activism, which deterred people from reporting corruption for fear of retaliation.
Theso-called whistleblowing policy of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission when the Buhari government came on board failed because of the lack of reception for social media activism in the fight against corruption.
“When people saw that if one reported corruption, the security agencies, instead of arresting the culprit, go after you; they felt that there was no need for them to put their lives at risk. And because social media gives people the platform to expose corruption without revealing their identity, citizens resort to this by ensuring that the people involved in corruption can be genuinely exposed,” he said.
A legal practitioner, Deji Ajare, emphasised the transformative impact of social media on human rights cases in Nigeria. According to him, the advent of social media has significantly advanced these cases by increasing awareness and facilitating information dissemination.
Ajare noted that the heightened awareness generated through social media platforms has enabled mass advocacy efforts, applying pressure on authorities to address and reverse controversial decisions.
Furthermore, Ajare pointed out that social media bridges the gap between vulnerable individuals and legal service providers, thereby enhancing access to justice. This increased connectivity ensures that more people can obtain the legal support they need.
He explained that social media evidence is now recognised as electronic evidence in Nigeria, following the 2011 amendment of the Evidence Act which resolved the controversy over the admissibility of electronic evidence.
“As long as certain criteria are met, social media evidence is admissible in court,” he stated, listing the criteria to include specific declarations about the conditions of the devices used to generate the evidence.
However, Ajare expressed concern over the lack of legal protection for online whistleblowers. “Sadly, there are no laws which seek to protect online whistleblowers, beyond the Cybercrimes Law which criminalises cyberbullying,” he noted.
He highlighted that this law had been used more to punish whistleblowers and activists than to protect them.
“Case in point is the ongoing criminal trial of a lady who did a review of a tomato paste on social media but who has now been charged for sundry offences including cybercrimes,” Ajare remarked.
An Information Technology expert, and the Chief Executive Officer of Hyperspace, Oluseyi Akindeinde, said the rise of mobile technology and social media has played a significant role in promoting accountability in Nigeria
Akindeinde noted that the role of social media in Nigeria’s fight for justice and transparency is expected to grow more significantly.
“Increased internet penetrations will likely lead to higher citizen engagement and participation in governance and social issues. Enhanced fact-checking and verification mechanisms, along with the integration of blockchain technology, could further improve transparency and accountability.
“AI and big data analytics are also expected to play a role in monitoring trends, predicting social movements, and understanding public sentiment, helping to address social issues before they escalate,” he noted.
He proposed that challenges such as censorship, cyber harassment, and the digital divide must be addressed to fully realise the fight against corruption and ill practices through social media.
To improve the efficacy of digital activism, he noted that Nigeria can adopt several global best practices, adding that capacity-building initiatives like the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum can provide activists with the skills needed for digital security and effective online campaigning.
“Collaborations with tech companies can offer activists access to advanced tools and platforms, while open data platforms, similar to those in Estonia, can promote transparency by making government data freely accessible to the public.
“Adopting legal frameworks that protect digital rights, such as the General Data Protection Regulation in the EU, can safeguard activists from surveillance and censorship. Crowdsourcing and crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe and Kickstarter can also help gather resources and support for activist causes,” Akindeinde said
In an interview with the spokesperson for the Nigerian Police Force, Muyiwa Adejobi discussed the impact of social media on police work.
Adejobi highlighted the increased effectiveness and functionality of social media platforms over the past two years in bridging the gap between the police and the public.
He noted that people were more comfortable leaving comments and complaints on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, which helps address issues like police brutality and misconduct more efficiently.
“You see that our social media news has been more functional and effective these days, at least in the last two years, because it makes us get closer to the public. People are more comfortable to drop their comments there.
“Except they are very sensitive cases, I always encourage the complainants to make them official. But some of these regular complaints, distortion, brutality and the likes are easily handled on social media, particularly Twitter, Facebook and IG,” he stated.
Adejobi praised Nigerians for their engagement on social media but also acknowledged the challenges of managing a 24-hour online presence, which has affected the sleeping patterns of police personnel, including himself.
Despite their efforts, some people still feel unappreciated and criticise the police for delayed responses, he noted
The force spokesperson mentioned that social media has both benefits and dangers. While it aids in intelligence gathering and complaint management, the lack of control over its use can cause harm.
Adejobi emphasised the need for social media regulation to prevent potential negative impacts.
“Social media has helped us, but in a major way, the benefits from social media are not enough like the merits we receive.
“Social media has been so dangerous to us in Nigeria because we do not control the use of social media. But for us in the security circle, we still pick certain intelligence, we pick certain complaints that are making our job easier.
“But on the other hand, we need to manage the use of social media. We need to regulate the use of social media because it may cause more harm than good for us if not regulated.”
