I gained 1,000 followers after fake bandit invasion TikTok video — Tailor

A 25-year-old fashion designer, Kowiu Oloyede, has been arrested in Ogun State, Nigeria, for allegedly creating and posting a fake TikTok video depicting a bandit invasion. The misleading content went viral, causing panic within the Atan-Ota community before the state police command apprehended him.

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I saw many people online use the sound inside bush. Some use it in normal open place. I have bush at the back of my shop. That is why I use bush.

Oloyede, who owns a tailoring shop, confessed that his primary motivation for the video was to increase his social media following. He stated he saw other TikTok users employing similar "bandit sounds" and decided to replicate their approach to gain followers, drawing inspiration from creators who achieved success. He filmed the video in a bush behind his shop, enlisting the help of young men who sometimes stayed at his premises.

Following the initial video's perceived success, which reportedly garnered over 1,000 followers and 8,000 likes, Oloyede attempted a follow-up. This second video featured him kneeling and pleading with a Fulani herder, whom he falsely presented as a bandit. He admitted that encouragement from an acquaintance, who suggested it was a way to be "uplifted," further motivated him to create more content, though he was unsure of its ethical implications.

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Before I had 60 followers, but after I have over 1,000 followers. The first video gave me 8,000 likes.

The Ogun State Police Command has warned residents against disseminating unverified information, particularly content that incites fear or disrupts public peace. The command reiterated its commitment to prosecuting individuals who use social media platforms to spread falsehoods.

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When I did the video, someone told me that is how God uplift someone… The person encouraged me to do more videos. I don’t even know if it is a good thing or bad.