Nigeria: Toyin Abraham denies claims she ordered re-arrest of X influencer Big Ayo
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham has dismissed viral reports alleging she was behind the re-arrest of X influencer Big Ayo, saying she had no involvement and was on a movie set when the claim surfaced.
Abraham responded on Tuesday to a now-deleted post by X user Khan, which claimed that Ayo had “allegedly been arrested again” at her instance. The post quickly gained traction, reviving debate over her past actions against online trolls.
“Arrest Ayo as how, pls this is fake and false news. I’m on set filming. Pls kindly disregard. I didn’t get Ayo or anyone arrested; it’s all love from me. Thank you and I will advise to kindly take this down pls,” Abraham wrote.
Another X user, Prince Adeshina, also debunked the claim, noting the actress was at a film location and had no connection to any arrest. Abraham acknowledged the clarification with a retweet. “For the attention of the general public: Toyin Abraham was at a movie location and did not arrest Ayo. We urge the general public to consider the circulating report as fake news,” Adeshina wrote, adding that the originator may be required to substantiate the claim.
The allegation appears tied to a high-profile clash in July 2024, when Abraham took legal action against individuals accused of cyberbullying her. At the time, X user Jeffery alleged the actress had his mother arrested over trolling claims. Abraham later clarified that it was not Jeffery’s mother but his friend, Big Ayo, who was arrested. She accused Ayo of persistently abusing her online and making offensive remarks about her family.
Big Ayo had posted a controversial message targeting Abraham, accusing her of using funds linked to political support to finance personal matters. The post drew outrage and prompted Abraham to involve law enforcement. She defended the move at the time, saying she would not tolerate insults directed at her family and that sustained attacks had pushed her to her limit.
Abraham has been a frequent target of online criticism since her public support for Bola Tinubu during the 2023 general elections. Critics repeatedly demanded she justify her endorsement and disclose the “ideas and vision” she said the president shared with her. Some users have since resorted to personal attacks involving her family.
