Nigerian comedian and actor, Adebowale Adedayo, popularly known as Mr. Macaroni, has advised fellow celebrities to seek legal redress in court if they feel defamed by online trolls rather than using the police to “illegally” arrest or detain individuals.
Mr. Macaroni shared that he has faced defamation from alleged trolls of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) but has never resorted to taking justice into his own hands. He emphasized the “serious danger” of using the police to “illegally detain citizens” and cautioned against abusing power.
On his X handle, Mr. Macaroni wrote: “If anyone insults you or defames your character, go to court and seek justice. APC trolls insult me and tell so many lies against my person. I have never for once used the police to illegally arrest or detain anyone and never will I. There is serious danger in using the police to illegally detain citizens. I hope those of you supporting this abuse of power won’t cry foul when you or your loved ones are the victims.
“To be clear, this is not to support online bullying and harassment. I strongly condemn it and believe that those involved should be made to face the consequences of their actions. I am a victim myself and I know how mentally damaging it is. But go to court and seek justice like the rest of us do. Don’t use your friends in government to illegally detain citizens. It may favor you now, but think about tomorrow when you no longer have that power or the closeness to that power. It might not be you, it might be someone you care about. What will become of us if everyone takes law into their own hands?”
Mr. Macaroni’s advice follows reports of Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham arresting an X user who allegedly wished harm on her child.
4o
