In a striking admission that has sent ripples through Niger Delta activist circles and social media, content creator Angela Chinedu Nwanyanwu has publicly apologized for crafting and disseminating a fabricated video falsely attributing a 21-day ultimatum to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, demanding the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The apology, delivered in a viral video on November 4, underscores the perils of misinformation in an era of heightened regional tensions, where such falsehoods could inflame ethnic divides and undermine ongoing peace efforts in the oil-rich Delta.
Nwanyanwu, a Delta State-based influencer with a modest following on platforms like X and Instagram, confessed that the video—depicting Tompolo issuing the ultimatum to President Bola Tinubu’s administration—was entirely her creation, intended as satirical content to engage her audience. “I made the video for my followers, thinking it would spark discussion, but I never meant for it to be taken as real,” she stated tearfully in the 2-minute clip, which has amassed over 1,500 views within hours. She emphasized that no communication occurred with Tompolo or his team, and the script was a product of her imagination, loosely inspired by broader calls for Kanu’s release but devoid of any factual basis.
The original fake video, which surfaced on social media around October 26, portrayed Tompolo—a reformed militant leader and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited—as threatening escalated action if Kanu was not freed within 21 days. It quickly went viral, garnering thousands of shares and sparking debates on Niger Delta solidarity with Igbo causes. However, Tompolo swiftly debunked the claims through his media consultant, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, labeling it “false and mischievous” and the work of “enemies” aiming to tarnish his reputation amid his anti-oil theft mandate. In a statement, Tompolo reaffirmed his non-involvement in IPOB matters and his unwavering loyalty to Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, urging the public to disregard the fabrication.
The Apology: A Plea for Forgiveness and Lessons Learned
In her contrite video, Nwanyanwu, visibly emotional and speaking from what appeared to be her home in Warri, detailed the unintended consequences. “I take full responsibility. It was wrong, and I’m deeply sorry to Chief Tompolo, his family, the Niger Delta community, and all who were misled,” she said, adding that she has deleted the original post and is cooperating with platform moderators to flag reposts. She attributed the lapse to a desire for “viral content” in a competitive creator space but vowed to pivot toward verified advocacy, perhaps focusing on genuine youth empowerment in the Delta.
The confession has elicited mixed reactions. Supporters praised her accountability, with one X user noting, “At least she owned up—better than ghosting. Growth mindset!” Critics, however, decried the initial recklessness, especially given Tompolo’s sensitive role in securing pipelines that generate billions for Nigeria’s economy. The PBAT Door to Door Movement, with Tompolo as Grand Patron, condemned the original report as “malicious,” highlighting how such lies could disrupt his contributions to national stability.
Broader Implications for Niger Delta and Misinformation
This incident revives concerns over fake news in the Niger Delta, a region where historical grievances—militancy, environmental degradation, and resource control—make viral falsehoods potent tinder for conflict. Tompolo, once a symbol of Ijaw resistance, has transformed into a federal ally combating oil theft, recovering over 500,000 barrels worth ₦17 billion in recent operations. Linking him falsely to IPOB, a group advocating Biafran secession, risks alienating his support base and escalating South-South/South-East frictions.
Kanu’s ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja, adjourned to November 2025 for defense, remains a flashpoint. Recent protests led by activist Omoyele Sowore amplified release demands, but Tompolo’s denial distanced him from such agitations, reinforcing his apolitical stance on non-Delta issues. Regional watchdogs like the Niger Delta Journalists Association have called for stricter content verification, while platforms face scrutiny for algorithmic amplification of unverified videos.
For creators like Nwanyanwu, the episode serves as a cautionary tale. As one commentator put it, “Satire is fine, but in Nigeria’s charged space, label it clearly—or risk real harm.” Her apology, while timely, prompts questions: Will it restore trust, or has the damage lingered?
In the Delta’s complex web of influencers and insurgents, authenticity is currency. This saga reminds us that one viral lie can echo louder than a dozen truths.
Niger Delta Herald invites creators and stakeholders: How can we combat fake news without stifling free speech? Comment below.
