Mr Macaroni
Nigerian comedian and actor Adebowale Adedayo, widely known as Mr Macaroni, has called on his fellow celebrities to pursue legal action in court if they feel defamed by online trolls, rather than resorting to police intervention.
In a statement on X, Mr Macaroni emphasised the importance of seeking justice through proper legal channels.
He pointed out that he had been defamed multiple times by alleged trolls of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) but chose not to take the law into his own hands.
“If anyone insults you or defames your character, go to court and seek justice. APC trolls insult me and tell so many lies against my person. I have never for once used the police to illegally arrest or detain anyone and never will I,” he wrote.
Mr Macaroni warned of the “serious danger” in using the police to “illegally detain citizens,” highlighting the potential for abuse of power. He urged celebrities to stop leveraging their connections in government to detain individuals unlawfully.
He further explained that his stance is not in support of online bullying and harassment, which he strongly condemns. Instead, he advocates for addressing such issues through legal means.
“I am a victim myself, and I know how mentally damaging it is. But go to court and seek justice like the rest of us do. Don’t use your friends in government to illegally detain citizens,” he added.
Mr Macaroni’s advice follows reports of Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham allegedly arresting an X user who wished harm upon her child.
He warned that the misuse of power might favour some now, but it could have dire consequences in the future when such influence is no longer available.
“It might not be you, it might be someone you care about. What will become of us if everyone takes law into their own hands?” Mr Macaroni concluded, urging a more lawful approach to handling defamation and online harassment.
