Viral Video Gone Wrong: Kano Police Arrest Seven for Blocking Road Near Government House
In a dramatic twist that highlights the growing tension between youth social media culture and public order in Nigeria, the Kano State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of seven individuals—mostly young men and children—for obstructing traffic near the iconic roundabout close to the Kano State Government House.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, May 23, has sparked a wave of debate across social media platforms, with many Nigerians voicing strong opinions on the balance between freedom of expression and the rule of law.
Why Were They Arrested?
The arrest was confirmed by SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the spokesperson for the Kano State Police Command. In a statement posted to his verified Facebook page late Friday evening, Kiyawa explained the reason behind the police action.
“The suspects intentionally blocked the road at the popular junction, all in a bid to record a so-called ‘trending video’,” SP Kiyawa revealed.
According to his post, the group, made up of youths and minors, deliberately caused a traffic jam in a highly sensitive and busy area of Kano, simply to create content they hoped would go viral on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook Reels.
Understanding the Situation: What Actually Happened?
Eyewitnesses reported seeing a group of boys with smartphones and a small video camera positioning themselves dangerously in the middle of the road near the Government House roundabout. The area, known for its steady flow of both government convoys and civilian traffic, was reportedly congested for several minutes as the boys acted out scenes for their intended video.
This behavior prompted concern from drivers and commuters who felt endangered and inconvenienced. It wasn’t long before the Kano State Police Patrol Team, stationed nearby for traffic control and security monitoring, intervened and apprehended the youths.
Who Are the Suspects?
Although the police have not released the names or detailed profiles of the arrested individuals, they confirmed that the group included minors—a fact that adds a layer of complexity to the case. Some reports suggest that the group may be part of an emerging online collective or content crew aiming to gain fame by creating shocking or unusual videos in public places.
The trend of social media stunts is not new in Nigeria. However, this incident raises fresh questions about the ethics, legality, and public safety concerns surrounding such acts—especially when minors are involved.
Public Reactions: Divided Opinions on Social Media
As the news spread online, Nigerians were quick to express their thoughts—leading to a flurry of mixed reactions on Twitter (now X), Facebook, and Instagram.
Some netizens praised the police for their prompt intervention, arguing that public safety should come before online fame.
“I support the police. You can’t just block roads because you want to be famous on TikTok. That’s madness!” one Twitter user wrote.
“Today it’s just blocking roads, tomorrow it could be something worse. They need to learn boundaries,” another Facebook user commented.
Others, however, criticized the arrest, accusing the police of overreacting and focusing on trivial matters instead of tackling more pressing issues like kidnapping, armed robbery, and corruption.
“Arresting kids for trying to make a video while thieves and bandits roam free? Nigeria has bigger problems,” one critical user posted.
“This is a waste of resources. Educate them, don’t arrest them,” another person added.
The Bigger Picture: Youth, Creativity, and Responsibility
This incident isn’t just about a blocked road or a viral video gone wrong—it highlights a deeper issue: the intersection of youth creativity, social media ambition, and public responsibility.
In a country where unemployment remains high and many young people are turning to digital platforms as alternative income sources, it’s not surprising that social media has become a tool of expression, survival, and identity.
However, experts warn that while digital creativity should be encouraged, it must also be guided by ethical and legal standards.
Dr. Aisha Lawal, a sociologist at Bayero University Kano, explains:
“These youths are not criminals. They are simply trying to make a mark in a competitive digital world. But they must be taught the right way to channel their energy.”
She continues:
“Blocking traffic is not just an inconvenience—it’s a safety hazard. Imagine if an ambulance or a government official was delayed. The consequences could be severe.”
Legal Implications: What Laws Were Broken?
According to the Nigerian Criminal Code, any act that obstructs public highways or interferes with traffic flow can be considered a misdemeanor. While the arrest of minors complicates prosecution, the police are expected to handle the case under the Child Rights Act, which focuses more on rehabilitation and education than punishment.
SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa assured the public that the situation would be handled with fairness:
“We are not here to destroy futures. We are here to correct behavior before it becomes a bigger problem.”
This statement suggests that the police might opt for counseling sessions or community service, rather than formal charges—especially for the minors.
The Role of Parents and Society
In situations like this, many are asking: Where are the parents? With many of the suspects confirmed to be children or teenagers, concerns are growing about parental guidance and the influence of online trends on impressionable minds.
Hajiya Maimuna Sani, a child rights advocate in Kano, emphasized the role of parents and guardians in monitoring their children’s digital lives.
“Parents must be involved. These children didn’t wake up one morning and decide to block roads. They’ve been watching these videos online. Some even think it's normal,” she said.
Moving Forward: Educating for Safe Creativity
There’s no doubt that the world has changed. Nigerian youths are no longer just influenced by their immediate environment—they are part of a global online culture that rewards creativity, boldness, and sometimes, reckless behavior.
To move forward, experts suggest a combined approach:
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Digital education in schools and communities to teach children about responsible content creation
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Parental workshops to help guardians understand modern internet culture
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Community policing models that emphasize prevention and dialogue over arrests
Final Thoughts
The arrest of seven young Nigerians in Kano State for blocking traffic in a bid to create viral content has ignited a nationwide conversation about the limits of creativity, the responsibilities of youth, and the role of law enforcement in today’s digital age.
While the police have a duty to maintain law and order, they must also balance this with compassion and understanding, especially when dealing with minors. Similarly, young Nigerians must learn that freedom of expression comes with responsibility, and that public safety should never be sacrificed for online fame.
As Nigeria continues to evolve in the digital era, stories like this remind us that dialogue, education, and empathy remain key to solving the complex problems of our time.
