Outrage Grows as TikToker Gabriel Remains Detained Without Trial Over Video Targeting Regina Daniels

 

More than two weeks after his arrest, Nigerian TikToker Timothy Gabriel, known online as Tumma, remains behind bars at Keffi Prison in Nasarawa State. His detention, sparked by a video allegedly deemed offensive to Regina Daniels, wife of Senator Ned Nwoko, has drawn fierce criticism from civil rights advocates and legal experts who say his constitutional rights are being trampled.

The controversy erupted after Gabriel published a short video on social media, which reportedly mocked or criticized Daniels. The reaction was swift; a complaint was lodged by Senator Nwoko, a member of the Nigerian Senate representing Delta North. Not long after, Gabriel was taken into custody and remanded without being given the opportunity to appear in court to respond to any charges.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has been vocal in condemning what he labels as a growing pattern of state-enabled persecution against citizens who speak truth to power. Speaking on the issue, Sowore described the alliance between political figures and certain security operatives as a threat to Nigeria's already fragile justice system. He argued that the case of Gabriel is symptomatic of a larger issue, where the law is used not as a tool for justice, but as a weapon of oppression.

According to Sowore, Gabriel has not been informed of any specific charges, nor has he had the chance to plead guilty or not guilty. Even more troubling, prison officials allegedly told Gabriel that they had received orders not to disclose if or when he would be taken to court. This lack of transparency, Sowore stressed, blatantly contradicts the basic rights enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

Despite efforts by Gabriel’s legal team to challenge his incarceration, the TikToker remains locked up. Reports indicate that during an initial appearance before a magistrate, the police prosecutor – allegedly acting on behalf of Senator Nwoko – requested a remand order. Gabriel's lawyer protested, citing legal and procedural concerns, but the magistrate approved the remand regardless.

Sowore did not mince words when describing the situation, calling it an "unholy alliance" between the political class and elements within law enforcement. He accused this coalition of leveraging state power to intimidate and silence voices of dissent while protecting the wealthy and powerful from scrutiny. In a statement shared on social media, he declared that looters and oppressors roam freely with government security details while young Nigerians are being locked up for expressing themselves.

He said, “This descent into authoritarianism must be stopped. When the rule of law is ignored and the justice system is weaponized against citizens, especially those who lack the political connections to defend themselves, democracy is at risk. No matter the content of Gabriel's video, he has the right to a fair trial and to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.”

The legal team representing Gabriel includes several prominent attorneys, among them A.K. Musa, Inibehe Effiong, Rosemary Hamza, Abubakar Marshal, and Oyeghese Prebofa. They have all expressed concern over the legality of Gabriel’s detention and the lack of due process. Calls for his immediate release have grown louder across social media platforms, where the hashtag #FreeTUMMANOW continues to trend.

On June 21, SaharaReporters detailed the remand of Gabriel following the complaint made by Senator Nwoko. The report noted that despite a strong challenge from Gabriel’s defense, the magistrate proceeded with the order for remand. Critics argue this reflects a worrying trend where lower courts, often under pressure or influence, enable the misuse of judicial procedures.

Observers say the case is a litmus test for the Nigerian justice system’s commitment to fundamental rights such as liberty, freedom of expression, and the presumption of innocence. The constitution, legal experts emphasize, does not support the idea of punishment prior to conviction. Any detention without timely arraignment, they argue, violates both the spirit and letter of the law.

With each passing day Gabriel remains in prison without being charged in court, the spotlight on his case grows brighter. Human rights organizations, lawyers, and concerned citizens are urging the Nigerian government and judiciary to uphold justice and end what many now see as an act of political retaliation disguised as legal procedure.

What remains to be seen is whether the courts will eventually intervene to restore the rule of law in Gabriel’s case or whether this episode will become yet another example of power shielding itself from criticism, regardless of the cost to individual rights and democratic values.

Senator @PrinceNedNwoko is a despicable figure who continues to abuse power with impunity. Equally culpable is the illegally-appointed Inspector General of @PoliceNG, Kayode Egbetokun, and the newly deployed Commissioner of Police for the @FctPolice, Ajao Saka Adewale — a… pic.twitter.com/qUfwggq23x

— Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) July 1, 2025