Activist lawyer demands sanction for presidential aide over fake Tinubu audio controversy
Marshal Abubakar, activist lawyer, has asked the Presidency to sanction Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga over remarks linking social media influencer VeryDarkMan (VDM) to an alleged fake audio of President Tinubu. Onanuga called the audio fake and warned VDM could face legal action for circulating manipulated digital content that could mislead the public. VDM's lawyers countered that a simple verification of his social media platforms would confirm he never shared the audio, accusing Onanuga of trying to silence critics. Abubakar framed Onanuga's remarks as an attack on freedom of expression, citing constitutional rights to criticize government policies and demand political change. He referenced Nigerian court decisions that protect free expression and peaceful dissent, alleging Onanuga's comments could violate Cybercrimes Act provisions. The controversy comes amid growing concerns about AI-generated misinformation in Nigeria, with the federal government previously warning against fake digital materials. VDM has distanced himself from the video while reserving civil redress rights. Onanuga and the Presidency had not responded to latest allegations at time of reporting.