Locked Up in Panti: Content Creator Recounts Harrowing Ordeal After Dayo Amusa’s Police Report

The Nigerian entertainment space has once again been thrown into drama following shocking revelations made by a content creator who recently found himself on the wrong side of the law after a heated exchange involving popular Nollywood actress Dayo Amusa. The individual, whose name has now gone viral across various platforms, disclosed that he spent two torturous days in detention at the infamous Panti police station in Lagos, an experience he has described as one of the darkest and most humiliating periods of his life. The saga began after the content creator alleged in one of his posts that the award-winning actress was HIV positive, a claim that quickly spread online and drew widespread attention. The actress, known for her outspoken personality and zero tolerance for falsehoods, wasted no time in reporting the matter to the authorities. This action, according to him, resulted in his sudden arrest and subsequent detention, sparking heated conversations around freedom of expression, cyberbullying, defamation, and the perceived abuse of police power in Nigeria.

In his emotional recount, he described the arrest as dramatic, stating that it came without warning. According to him, men dressed in plain clothes showed up at his residence, demanding that he follow them to the station. At first, he thought it was a prank or an intimidation tactic, but when they mentioned Dayo Amusa’s name and showed him documents linking his viral posts to their investigation, he realized the matter was far more serious than he had anticipated. Upon arrival at Panti, the content creator was reportedly stripped of his belongings, placed in a cramped cell, and treated like a hardened criminal. He said the cell was overcrowded, with people of different backgrounds and criminal charges packed together, creating an unbearable environment. “I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t eat, I was terrified every single second. Spending two days there felt like a lifetime. The smell, the noise, the fear of the unknown—it broke me completely,” he confessed.

As his narration made rounds online, many Nigerians reacted with mixed emotions. While some expressed sympathy for his ordeal, noting that Panti is notoriously one of the most dreaded detention centers in the country, others argued that he deserved the experience for spreading such a damaging allegation against a public figure without proof. Critics of his actions insisted that freedom of speech does not give room for reckless defamation, especially concerning sensitive issues like HIV, which could irreparably harm reputations and mental health. They applauded Dayo Amusa for taking a firm stand, stressing that celebrities are often targets of malicious rumors and that she had every right to protect her name and image.

However, the incident has also reignited conversations about the police and their approach to civil matters, particularly cases involving defamation. Several commentators questioned why the issue could not have been handled strictly as a civil case in court rather than through arrest and detention. Legal practitioners have argued that while defamation is indeed a serious offense, subjecting a suspect to such harsh treatment before trial raises questions about due process and the balance between justice and human rights. Human rights activists have criticized what they describe as the criminalization of online speech, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent where celebrities or influential individuals could easily weaponize the police against critics, regardless of whether their claims are factual or baseless.

The content creator, in his account, admitted that his two-day ordeal has reshaped his perspective about content creation and the weight of words shared online. He acknowledged that while clout-chasing and sensational posts may fetch temporary attention and engagement, the consequences could be dire when such content damages another person’s reputation. “I never knew one post could turn my life upside down. I regret everything. I wish I could take it back. Those two days in Panti taught me lessons I will never forget. It’s not something I would wish on my worst enemy,” he said, his tone filled with remorse and fear. He further noted that his detention exposed him to the harsh realities of Nigeria’s justice system, where suspects are often presumed guilty until proven innocent, and where ordinary citizens can spend days behind bars over allegations without immediate access to legal representation.

For Dayo Amusa, this case marks another instance of her fighting to protect her dignity in an industry where false stories spread like wildfire. The actress, known for her bold roles in Yoruba and English movies, has not shied away from calling out those who attempt to smear her reputation. By taking legal steps rather than engaging in online back-and-forth, she has sent a strong message to bloggers, content creators, and internet users who thrive on unverified claims and scandal-driven narratives. Supporters of the actress have applauded her decision, saying it could serve as a deterrent to others who casually spread rumors without considering the psychological and professional impact on the individuals involved.

The incident has also opened the floor for broader societal debates about the responsibilities of influencers and content creators in Nigeria’s ever-growing digital landscape. With the rise of social media, everyone with a smartphone and internet connection now has the power to influence public opinion. While this has democratized information and provided platforms for free expression, it has also blurred the lines between responsible journalism and careless gossip. Experts warn that the unchecked spread of harmful narratives could escalate into a culture where misinformation becomes normalized, with devastating effects on individuals and society at large.

As the dust settles on this dramatic episode, the content creator’s story serves as both a cautionary tale and a mirror reflecting deeper issues within Nigeria’s social and legal frameworks. On one hand, it highlights the dangers of defamation and the need for creators to fact-check before publishing sensitive claims. On the other hand, it exposes flaws in law enforcement approaches that appear heavy-handed and intimidating, especially in matters that could be resolved in civil courtrooms. Whether this will spark lasting reform or fade away as just another trending story remains to be seen, but for now, his painful words—“I spent two days locked up in Panti. It was one of the worst experiences of my life”—will continue to resonate with anyone who has ever underestimated the power of their own words.