Nigerian social media personality and entertainer, Abiodun Ademola, popularly known as DJ Chicken, has been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos over allegations that he threatened to kill Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu.
The 37-year-old defendant appeared before Magistrate M.F. Onamusi on Friday, where he was charged with three offences bordering on alleged threat to life, offensive online publication and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
DJ Chicken, who resides at Tafodi Estate, Royal Park, Lekki, pleaded not guilty to all the charges brought against him by the police.
Following his plea, the court granted him bail in the sum of ₦1 million with two sureties in like amount.
The prosecution, led by the Officer-in-Charge of the Legal Department at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja, Superintendent of Police (SP) Okunuga, alleged that the offences were committed on July 5, 2026, at about 9:00 a.m. in the Lekki area of Lagos.
According to the prosecution, the defendant allegedly uploaded a video on his verified Facebook and Instagram accounts, both identified as @djchicken, in which he threatened to kill Seyi Tinubu.
The police alleged that the video was deliberately published on social media with the intention that it would reach Seyi Tinubu and cause fear.
Prosecutors further claimed that the content of the video was grossly offensive and menacing and that it was intended to create panic among members of the public.
According to the police, the online publication violated provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
The prosecution also alleged that DJ Chicken threatened to kill Seyi Tinubu if President Bola Tinubu contested or won the 2027 presidential election.
Police told the court that such statements were capable of disturbing public peace and creating fear, particularly because they were circulated through widely used social media platforms.
According to the charge sheet, the alleged offences contravene Sections 232 and 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The prosecution also said the alleged online publication violated Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, which criminalises the use of electronic communication to send offensive, threatening or menacing messages.
When the charges were read to him in court, DJ Chicken denied all the allegations and pleaded not guilty.
His lawyer subsequently applied for bail, which was not opposed by the prosecution.
In his ruling, Magistrate Onamusi admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of ₦1 million with two sureties in the same amount.
The court, however, attached strict conditions to the bail.
According to the ruling, one of the sureties must be a blood relative who bears the same surname as the defendant, while the second surety must be either a recognised community leader or a clergyman.
The magistrate also directed that both sureties must provide evidence of payment of taxes for the past three years.
In addition, the sureties are required to undergo verification by the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) before the bail can be perfected.
The case was subsequently adjourned until August 3, 2026, for further hearing.
The trial is expected to focus on the prosecution’s evidence, including the alleged social media posts and any electronic records that may be tendered before the court.
The case has attracted public attention because of the identity of the complainant and the increasing number of prosecutions involving alleged threats and offensive content posted on social media.
In recent years, Nigerian law enforcement agencies have intensified efforts to investigate and prosecute cases involving alleged cyber harassment, online threats and the use of digital platforms to spread messages considered capable of causing fear or public disorder.
The Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, first enacted in 2015 and later amended, provides legal backing for the prosecution of offences committed through electronic communication, including cyberstalking, online harassment and threats.
However, the application of some provisions of the law has remained a subject of public debate, with civil society organisations and digital rights groups expressing concerns that certain sections could be used to restrict freedom of expression.
Supporters of stricter enforcement, on the other hand, argue that the law is necessary to discourage online abuse, threats and the misuse of social media platforms.
DJ Chicken is widely known for his outspoken personality and controversial videos on social media, where he has built a large following over the years.
His online content has frequently generated public reactions, with some viewers praising his bold style while others have criticised his language and conduct.
The latest court case is likely to attract further attention as proceedings continue, particularly because it involves allegations of threats directed at a member of the President’s family.
Under Nigerian law, an accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
With DJ Chicken maintaining his innocence and pleading not guilty to the charges, the court is expected to examine the evidence presented by the prosecution before reaching any conclusion on the case.
The matter will resume on August 3, when the prosecution is expected to begin presenting its case before the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.