Nolywood actress Toyin Abraham is facing backlash on social media after reporting trolls who condemned her for supporting President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general election to the police for cyberbullying.
During the 2022 election campaign, Abraham proclaimed her support for Tinubu, telling her fans that the president had laid out his ‘Renewed Hope’ action plans to address some of the country’s problems, and she was confident that he would deliver.
Aside from the well-known Nollywood actress, several Yoruba movie stars expressed their support for Tinubu and campaigned fiercely for him.
However, since his arrival on May 29, 2023, the country’s economy has plummeted.
This led Nigerians to singled out Abraham because she has constantly defended her political decision, with many anticipating her to one day tell the world how Tinubu planned to address Nigeria’s myriad challenges.
In one of her comments to an X user identifying as #Lati, she stated that she had gone on to pursue a career as an actress and was not involved in government or politics.
She also regretted her decision to remain open to politics throughout the elections.
“I have faced my life and my career because I am not a politician and I am not in government. I have learned my lesson—never ever be open with my political choice again,” the actress wrote on X.
Despite Toyin’s explanations, netizens have not stopped calling her out as the country’s woes deepen.
A user on X, who identified as #YVRLO, directed harsh comments towards Abraham and her family, including wishing harm to her son.
This led Abraham to take legal action. “It is not an abuse of power; it’s a fight against cyberbullying,” her spokesman said.
“Everyone must understand that actions have consequences, especially online,” he added.
Another user on X, identified as Ayo, accused Abraham of using Tinubu’s money to do a hair transplant for her husband.
Ayo wrote, “Mrs. Toyin Abraham, walai aiye e ti ta!! (sic) You collect Tinubu money to use for a hair transplant for your husband. stupid fool.”
Reacting, Abraham reported Ayo to the police for cyberbullying, and he was subsiquently arrested.
Following his arrest, a X user, Ajebo Danny, stated, “Hello, @Toyin_Abraham, you will have to send the police to pick up all of us. You are shameless.”
The actress replied, saying, “You can abuse me and call me names; it is fine, and as I said, I will accept and take it in because I’m in public eyes, but cursing my kids and lying is what I won’t accept, and lastly, I never and will never arrest anyone’s mom. I made a report on cybercrime as a citizen.
Other netizens also berated the actress for arresting social media trolls.
Serah Ibrahim, “Toyin Abraham, you are extremely shameless. When you’re done bullying people who are not your friends, come outside and tell us the ideas Tinubu told you.
“You think your 0/10 tacky movies will save you when the country’s economy collapses due to terrible policies? You are shameless.”
Ola Mi Lakan, “What do you expect from a nuisance that refers to herself as Asiwaju Baby? The same Asiwaju has destroyed the Nigerian economy, and all you do is stay on social media to look for those who insult you and arrest them.”
Omolowo Akande, “Must she always react to everything she sees on social media? Sometimes you overlook things; she’s a celebrity, for that matter.”
Fejiro Ovo, “Toyin Abraham is just a coward. You supported the evil APC, and you want peace?”
Damiloju “Toyin Abraham must understand what bullying means. If you support a candidate with your full chest and even make a tweet like this, and people are now asking your questions since he is failing, it is not bullying. If you don’t want to be questioned on public issues, avoid it. #FreeAyo“
