Thelma Osatohanmwen
Nigerian comedian and actor, Adebowale Adedayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, has called on fellow celebrities to address cases of defamation through the courts rather than resort to the police for “illegal” arrests or detentions.
In a statement on his X handle, Mr Macaroni emphasized the dangers of using connections within the government to bypass legal procedures, stressing that such actions undermine justice and could have severe repercussions in the future.
According to him, “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.”
Mr Macaroni, who has been a vocal critic of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), highlighted his personal experiences with online defamation, underscoring the mental toll it can take. Despite this, he maintains that the appropriate response is through legal channels.
“There is serious danger in using the police to illegally detain citizens,” he warned. “I hope those of you supporting this abuse of power won’t cry foul when you or your loved ones are the victims.”
His comments come in the wake of reports that Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham had an X user arrested for allegedly wishing harm upon her child. While condemning online bullying and harassment, Mr Macaroni insisted that the judicial system is the proper avenue for seeking redress.
“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, What will become of us if everyone takes law into their own hands?” he advised.