‘Internet is not Above the Law’, Says Sen. Nwoko’s Media Office as Tiktoker Faces Defamation Charges

BY AUSTIN OYIBODE

The media Directorate of Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, has explained the defamation charges filed against a Tiktoker, Timothy Gabriel, also known as “Tuma,” over what they describe as a sustained campaign of calumny, defamation and incitement.

Senator Nwoko and his wife, Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, had on Friday, officially commenced legal proceedings against “Tuma,” following series of online attack against them.

In a statement released on Saturday by the senator’s media directorate, the couple confirmed that both civil and criminal legal actions are now underway in response to what they called “vile, reckless, and malicious allegations” propagated by Gabriel.

The media office accused Gabriel of deliberately spreading false claims under the guise of activism and online advocacy, particularly targeting Regina Daniels with defamatory remarks about morality and paternity.

“There is no democracy anywhere in the world where freedom of speech includes freedom to defame, blackmail, or incite hatred under the guise of online influence,” the statement read. “The internet is not above the law.”

The legal move comes after Gabriel reportedly dared the couple to take legal action, a challenge they have now acted upon.

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Their legal team is pursuing both civil redress and criminal prosecution, citing the “dangerous and criminally prosecutable nature” of Gabriel’s accusations.

The senator’s media office stressed that the matter will not be litigated on social media. “We are taking this to the courts, where we will present overwhelming evidence,” the statement said, adding a pointed warning to those defending Gabriel under the banner of human rights: “Freedom of speech does not include the right to lie and destroy reputations.”

Reiterating their commitment to legal recourse, the statement noted: “Defamation is not activism, and the lines will be drawn clearly in the courtroom.”