“Everybody Is a Thief, Na the Person Dem Catch Be Ole” — Toke Makinwa Weighs in on US CEO’s Scandalous Affair at Concert

Nigerian media personality and socialite Toke Makinwa has once again sparked reactions online following her response to the viral scandal involving a US-based CEO who was recently exposed for having an affair during a music concert. The incident, which quickly became fodder for both local and international gossip blogs, sent shockwaves through corporate and celebrity circles, but it was Toke’s candid, no-holds-barred comment that truly ignited the flames on social media.

“Everybody is a thief, na the person dem catch be ole,” she wrote on her X (formerly Twitter) account, a statement laced with Nigerian street wisdom that translates to: "Everyone is guilty, it’s only the person who gets caught that is labelled a thief."

The US CEO at the center of the scandal, whose identity is now common knowledge among internet users, was reportedly attending a high-profile concert when a video surfaced online capturing him in a rather compromising position with a woman who was not his wife. The footage was allegedly taken by a concertgoer and posted anonymously on Reddit, but it wasn’t long before the video made its rounds on Instagram, TikTok, and X, where netizens wasted no time digging up the identity of the man involved. Within hours, screenshots of his LinkedIn profile and company website were circulating online, drawing attention not only to his infidelity but also to the implications for the multimillion-dollar company he helms.

As the scandal snowballed, people from different walks of life chimed in. But it was Toke Makinwa’s street-savvy proverb that gave the incident a new layer of cultural and philosophical relevance. Known for her unfiltered opinions and deep understanding of social dynamics, the media mogul didn’t mince words in calling out the hypocrisy of society. While some hailed her for keeping it real, others accused her of normalizing immoral behavior.

Still, many Nigerians couldn’t help but agree with her logic. In a world where deception and double lives are not uncommon—especially among the elite—Toke’s quote captured the bitter truth that many would rather ignore. Her words, though simple and colloquial, opened up a broader conversation about morality, judgment, and societal double standards. Social media quickly became a courtroom of public opinion, with hashtags like #CaughtInTheAct, #OleCEO, and #TokeSaidIt trending across multiple platforms.

Back in the United States, the CEO in question has since issued a public apology through a press release sent by his company’s PR team. The statement described the incident as “a lapse in judgment,” and the executive claimed he had “momentarily failed to uphold the values” of his organization. Though he insisted it was a “deeply personal matter,” the damage had already been done. Industry analysts reported that his company’s stock took a slight dip following the news, and rumors are swirling about an emergency board meeting that could determine his future with the firm.

Meanwhile, back in Nigeria, Toke Makinwa’s comment reignited debates around infidelity, especially in positions of power. Some followers praised her for refusing to engage in performative outrage, while others dragged her for being what they called "morally indifferent." But if there’s one thing Toke knows how to do, it’s stir conversation. Known for her podcast Toke Moments, bestselling book On Becoming, and consistent commentary on pop culture, she remains one of the most vocal and fearless voices in African media. Her words often mirror the opinions of many, especially the younger demographic who are increasingly disillusioned by societal pretenses and double standards.

“Let’s not act like this doesn’t happen every day,” another user tweeted in response to Toke’s post. “The only difference is this time, there was a camera and the guy was dumb enough to think no one would recognize him. Toke just said what everyone is thinking but too afraid to admit.”

Of course, not everyone was amused. Conservative voices criticized her take, calling it dangerous and irresponsible. “When you normalize wrongdoing just because many people are doing it, you contribute to the decay of society,” one critic posted on Facebook. Another user on Instagram said, “It’s one thing to be real, it’s another thing to justify sin. That’s not the way to use your platform.”

Regardless of the backlash, Toke remained unbothered. In follow-up posts, she defended her statement, explaining that her intention was not to condone cheating but to point out the double standards in how society punishes some while ignoring others.

“I didn’t say it’s okay to cheat,” she clarified. “I’m saying don’t act holier-than-thou because it wasn’t your scandal trending today. Everyone has skeletons. Let’s be guided.”

It’s not the first time Toke Makinwa has waded into controversial waters. Her opinions, often bold and unapologetic, have made her both a darling and a target of public discourse. Whether she's calling out bad behavior or sharing insights from her personal life, she rarely plays it safe—and this time was no exception.

The entire episode has left many asking tough questions. Why do we expect public figures to maintain higher moral standards than the rest of society? Why does the court of public opinion rush to judge without considering context? And most importantly, is Toke Makinwa right? Are we all, in some way, guilty—just waiting to get caught?

One thing is certain: in the era of camera phones, social media detectives, and public accountability, secrets are becoming harder to keep. The line between private indiscretion and public disgrace is razor-thin. And as Toke so bluntly put it, in today’s world, it may not be about who’s innocent—but who gets caught.

For now, the CEO's fate remains uncertain, his marriage is reportedly under strain, and his company is doing damage control. As for Toke Makinwa, she has once again proven that her voice carries weight far beyond the borders of Nigeria. Whether you agree with her or not, her statement has echoed globally, reminding us all of a bitter truth: in the eyes of society, your mistake isn’t real until it’s on camera.

And in this digital age, where every move can be broadcasted to millions in seconds, perhaps Toke’s words are more than just a witty proverb—they’re a warning.