The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has released Zion Ubani, the skit maker known as Zfancy, after a week in custody.
The prankster was arrested by the NPF’s national cybercrime center in Abuja on July 4 for hoax films accusing him of horrible crimes like rape.
On Wednesday, the police released Zfancy on bail to officials of the Practitioners of Content Creation, Skit-Making, and Influencers Guild of Nigeria (PCCSIGN).
The group was escorted to the force headquarters by Tokoni Peter Igoin, the president’s special assistant for ICT development and digital innovation.
According to Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, the skit maker was also warned “to avoid pranks that could cause public unrest”.
“The videos were later found to be scripted. He has been warned to avoid pranks that could cause public unrest,” the statement reads.
“While encouraging positive creativity amongst the youthful populace, the NPF urges content creators to responsibly use social media and avoid spreading misinformation that may incite public disorder.”
Last month, a video was widely circulated on X wherein the prankster was accused of performing rituals on a lady.
Lekki big boy Zfancy has been accused of being involved in a recent R!itual case, allegedly dumping a Unilag fresher on the roadside before driving off. pic.twitter.com/0DkACIHtOC
— Dami’ Adenuga (@DAMIADENUGA) June 12, 2024
The footage spread rapidly, causing alarm. The event drew the attention of the authorities, who arrested Zfancy.
It was eventually revealed that the video was a joke.
This isn’t the first time a Nigerian video maker has been arrested for their skits.
In 2023, the police in Oyo remanded Abdullahi Adisa, another prankster known as Trinity Guy, in Agodi prisons, Ibadan, amid allegations of sexualizing minors in his plays.
