Zion Ubani, popularly known as Zfancy, was released from police custody on Wednesday, July 10, after spending a week detained for his controversial prank videos. The police granted him bail and placed him under the care of the Practitioners of Content Creation, Skit-Making, and Influencers Guild of Nigeria (PCCSIGN).
Zfancy was initially arrested on July 3 at an apartment in Abuja. His detention stemmed from prank videos that allegedly portrayed him committing serious crimes, including rape. The arrest was confirmed by the police in a statement on July 4, where they cited the content of one of his videos as the reason for his detention.
Upon investigation, it was revealed that the videos were staged and scripted, intended purely for entertainment. This clarification led to Zfancy’s release, but not without a stern warning from the authorities. The police cautioned him against producing any future pranks that could disturb public peace or cause unrest.
“Earlier today, 10th of July, 2024, at the Force Headquarters, Mr. Zion Ubani, aka Zfancy, was released on bail to the Excos of the Practitioners of Content Creation, Skit-Making and Influencers Guild of Nigeria (PCCSIGN). The delegation was led by Mr. Tokoni Peter Igoin, Special Assistant to the President on ICT Development and Digital Innovation,” the police statement read.
The police further recalled the circumstances leading to his arrest: “Mr. Ubani was arrested by the NPF-National Cybercrime Centre over prank videos accusing him of heinous crimes, including rape. The videos were later found to be scripted.”
In addition to his release, the authorities issued a formal warning to Zfancy, urging him to steer clear of creating content that could potentially incite public disorder. They also encouraged content creators to use social media responsibly and avoid spreading misinformation.
“The NPF urges content creators to responsibly use social media and avoid spreading misinformation that may incite public disorder, while encouraging positive creativity amongst the youthful populace,” the statement concluded.
Zfancy’s release marks a significant moment for the content creation community in Nigeria, highlighting the fine line between entertainment and public safety. The incident serves as a reminder for influencers and content creators to consider the impact of their work on the broader public.
