Senator Ned Nwoko has proposed a new social media regulation bill following a viral TikTok video in which a content creator falsely accused him of attempting to murder his estranged wife, Regina Daniels.
The TikToker had claimed Nwoko paid him and others to kill Daniels, but later released another video admitting he fabricated the story for views.
Nwoko said the episode highlighted how unregulated Nigeria’s online space had become.
He stated that individuals were increasingly making severe accusations to attract attention without considering the reputational and personal damage to those involved.
He noted that the trend persists because consequences are often unclear or easily evaded, allowing creators to “lie to make money and simply apologise later.”
Recall Dockaysworld reported that Senator Nwoko had began a clampdown on defamers following numerous allegations against him in the midst of his public fight with Regina.
He argued that such behaviour demonstrates the need for stronger laws governing digital platforms.
The senator’s proposed bill seeks to compel social media companies operating in Nigeria to register in the country and open physical offices.
According to him, this would ensure responsibility for defamatory or harmful content hosted on their platforms, similar to how traditional media organisations are bound by existing defamation laws.
Nwoko argued that if landlords can be held accountable for tenants involved in cybercrime, foreign tech firms should not be exempt from responsibility for harmful content circulated through their services.
He added that local registration would create jobs, improve technology transfer, ensure tax compliance, facilitate easier litigation, assist in tracking criminal activities, and keep user records within Nigeria rather than under foreign control.
Nwoko said the TikToker’s false allegation is only one example of a larger problem, warning that without proper regulations, many more people could be targeted next.
