Citizens’ Gavel Drags TikTok to Court Over Obscene Content by Nigerians
Citizens’ Gavel Drags TikTok to Court Over Obscene Content by Nigerians
Lagos, Nigeria – April 5, 2025
Citizens’ Gavel, a prominent civic tech organization in Nigeria, has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, seeking a court order to compel the popular social media platform to crack down on Nigerians posting obscene nude content during live streams. The legal action, initiated last month, accuses TikTok of failing to implement adequate safeguards to prevent the spread of exploitative and inappropriate material, particularly involving minors and vulnerable individuals.
According to Nelson Olanipekun Esq., Team Lead at Citizens’ Gavel, the organization has been monitoring a disturbing trend on TikTok where adult users encourage young girls to engage in explicit behavior on live streams. “What started as a platform for creativity has turned into a space where obscene content, including nudity, is being aired unchecked,” Olanipekun stated. “We are asking the court to direct TikTok to put stronger measures in place to stop this abuse.”
The lawsuit, filed in March 2025, highlights TikTok’s alleged negligence in content moderation, pointing to weak age verification processes and an algorithm that critics say promotes harmful content. Citizens’ Gavel argues that the platform’s failure to act has created a digital environment where exploitation thrives, with Nigerians increasingly implicated in posting obscene material. The group first raised concerns with TikTok two months ago, recommending stricter policies, but claims the company’s response was insufficient.
This legal move comes amid growing calls for accountability in Nigeria’s digital space. Public outrage has mounted over the accessibility of explicit content, with some accusing TikTok of prioritizing engagement and profit over user safety. “It’s not just about creativity anymore; it’s about protecting our youth from being exploited on air,” said Sylvester Agih, a Senior Legal Analyst at Citizens’ Gavel.
TikTok has yet to issue an official statement on the lawsuit, but the case has sparked heated discussions online. Supporters of Citizens’ Gavel argue that platforms must do more to curb obscene content, while others defend TikTok, citing freedom of expression. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how social media companies operate in Nigeria, where internet usage continues to surge.
The court is expected to hear the case in the coming weeks, with Citizens’ Gavel pushing for immediate action to halt the spread of obscene nudes and other exploitative content on TikTok’s live streams. Igbe News will keep you updated as this story develops.
Reporting by Igbe News Team
April 5, 2025, 07:05 PM WAT

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