Update: Delta Men Remanded Over Viral Video Allegedly Mocking Police, Smoking Suspected Weed on Patrol Vehicle [VIDEO]

 

A controversial video recently circulated on social media has led to the arrest and arraignment of two men in Delta State. The video, which quickly went viral, showed two young men casually smoking what appeared to be cannabis while sitting atop a Nigeria Police Force patrol van. The footage, laced with obscene gestures and derogatory comments directed at the police, sparked widespread outrage and led to swift action from the authorities.

The Delta State Police Command, acting on the contents of the video and the subsequent online reaction, arrested the two individuals identified as Patrick Junior Asini, aged 34, and Tega Ojo, aged 20. They have since been charged to court on multiple counts, including cyberbullying and cyberstalking, contrary to the provisions of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.

According to a statement issued by the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, both suspects were arraigned before the Oghara High Court and are now in custody at the Sapele Custodial Centre pending further legal proceedings. The charges brought against them stem from their actions in the video, which authorities have described as both disrespectful and illegal.

Footage that led to the arrests first appeared on the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter. It was shared by a user with the handle @dammiedammie35 and shows the two men seated on a marked police patrol van with the inscription “Nigeria Police Force Anti-crime Patrol, Oghara Division.” One of the men was clearly seen smoking what appeared to be a wrap of cannabis. Meanwhile, a voice in the background is heard making profane remarks about the police, including the statement, “Tell them, f*** the cops, bro. Pass me some weed, man,” followed by the raising of a middle finger towards officers nearby.

Law enforcement officials viewed the content not only as a challenge to authority but also as a direct attack on the integrity of the police force. The Delta State Police did not take the matter lightly. SP Bright Edafe made the situation public through a detailed post on X, confirming that the suspects had been charged and remanded.

His statement read in part, “The two suspects have been charged to the Oghara High Court and presently remanded at Sapele prisons on a three-count charge of count 1-Cyberbullying, Cyber Stalking contrary to sections 24 and 27 of the Cybercrime Prohibition Act amongst other charges.”

Legal experts familiar with the Cybercrime Act pointed out that the charges of cyberbullying and cyberstalking could carry significant penalties if the suspects are found guilty. These sections of the law criminalize the use of digital platforms to harass or threaten individuals or institutions and are part of broader efforts to regulate online conduct in Nigeria.

Reactions on social media have been mixed. While many users condemned the behavior of the suspects as juvenile and disgraceful, others questioned the severity of the charges brought against them. Some critics argued that the legal response could be interpreted as excessive, considering the context of the video. Still, supporters of the police action say it is necessary to maintain discipline and respect for law enforcement institutions.

The setting of the video, believed to be a car wash, has also raised questions about how the suspects gained access to a police patrol van. That detail remains under investigation as authorities seek to determine whether any officers were complicit or negligent.

This incident once again highlights the power and consequence of viral content in the digital age. What may have begun as an attempt to go viral or gain attention has now spiraled into a serious legal issue with potentially long-lasting consequences for the individuals involved.

Law enforcement agencies across Nigeria have recently stepped up their efforts to clamp down on social media behavior they deem unlawful or harmful. This case, which combines elements of drug use, disrespect for authority, and digital misconduct, appears to serve as a warning to others who might consider engaging in similar acts for online fame.

As the case proceeds through the legal system, both the public and legal observers will be watching closely to see how the courts interpret the actions of the suspects and the appropriateness of the charges brought against them. Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to upholding discipline and protecting the image of the force both offline and online.

𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐦𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 𝐯𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐚

The Delta State Police Command has arrested two men who appeared in a viral video smoking what appeared to be marijuana while sitting on a police patrol van and making obscene… pic.twitter.com/trGKl45z84

— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) June 13, 2025