Nigeria’s digital space has been abuzz with captivating events that dominated discussions on X (formerly Twitter) in 2024, from shocking scandals to joyous celebrations and calls for change.
In this report, Tribune Online highlights the Top 7 trending on X in Nigeria 2024.
Death of Herbert Wigwe and Family:
Herbert Wigwe, a respected Nigerian banker and CEO of Access Holdings Plc, along with his wife and son, tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in California, USA on February 9, 2024.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the helicopter, identified as a Eurocopter EC 130, crashed with six individuals on board.The crash site was identified east of the 15-Freeway, near Halloran Springs Road, according to the sheriff’s department statement released following the incident.
Tributes poured in from various quarters, highlighting his contributions to the banking sector.
Bobrisky’s Ordeal
Bobrisky, whose real name is Idris Okuneye, has been involved in several legal issues in 2024, which trended for weeks on Twitter space. In April, he was arrested and sentenced to six months in prison for naira mutilation, a charge he pleaded guilty to, He was released on August 5, 2024.
In October, Bobrisky attempted to flee Nigeria by crossing the Seme border into the Benin Republic. He was arrested by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on October 20, 2024, and transferred to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos, on October 21, 2024.
During his imprisonment, allegations surfaced that Bobrisky had received special treatment, including access to a furnished single cell, a humidifier, visits from family and friends, self-feeding, assistance from inmates, and access to a television and fridge. An investigative panel concluded that while Bobrisky served his six-month sentence in prison, he enjoyed these privileges.
Additionally, a leaked audio recording alleged that Bobrisky paid a N15 million bribe to EFCC officials to drop money laundering charges against him and that Femi Falana and his son, Folarin Falana (Falz), offered legal advice that led to the clearing of Bobrisky’s name. Bobrisky denied these allegations, and the EFCC and Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) initiated investigations. The House of Representatives also conducted a probe, and the Federal Government suspended some NCoS senior officers.
On September 30, 2024, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, inaugurated a committee to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against the NCoS. The panel found no evidence that Bobrisky served any time outside the prison facility but noted that he received special treatment during his imprisonment.
As of November 4, 2024, Bobrisky announced that he had left Nigeria, though his current location is unknown
Davido and Chioma’s Wedding:
Celebrated Nigerian musician Davido and his partner Chioma tied the knot in a lavish ceremony on June 25, 2024, in Lagos.
Baltasar Engonga Sex Scandal:
The Director-General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF),Baltasar Ebang Engonga found himself at the centre of attention over a sex scandal that has shocked the nation in November, 2024.
Baltasar Ebang was caught on tape engaging in sexual activities with multiple women, including his brother’s wife, cousin, and the sister of Equatorial Guinea’s President.
The controversy sparked widespread discussions about ethics and accountability among public figures.
End Bad Governance Movement:
Throughout 2024, a grassroots movement advocating for political reform gained momentum, with citizens using the hashtag #EndBadGovernance to demand transparency and accountability from their leaders.
However, Nationwide protests broke out in response to a deepening cost-of-living crisis and soaring expenses, which many Nigerians attributed to President Bola Tinubu’s recent reforms. The unrest left at least 11 people dead, with one journalist reportedly arrested.
GTBank Network Glitch:
In October 2024, customers of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) experienced significant disruptions due to a network glitch during a system upgrade from October 11 to October 14. The incident led to widespread frustration, with many taking to social media as customers expressed frustration and disappointment over what they described as the bank’s poor service delivery.
Yaweh nude pictures and videos:
‘Yahweh’ once dominated trends on X (formerly Twitter) in Nigeria following the leak of explicit photos and videos involving Ivie Aigbedion, a social media influencer popularly known as Yahweh’s Rare Unique Masterpiece.
Aigbedion, who had previously courted controversy with her semi-nude posts and association with Nigerian music star Wizkid, was reportedly sharing exclusive content on Snapchat for paying subscribers.
The situation took a dramatic turn when some subscribers breached her privacy by downloading and sharing the explicit content across Telegram groups and on X.
Initially, Aigbedion distanced herself from the leaked materials, urging her followers not to tag her in related posts. However, in an unexpected twist, she later began posting the same explicit photos and videos on her X account, intensifying the discourse.
The incident caused ‘Yahweh’ to trend nationwide, with thousands engaging in discussions and searches, making it a significant moment in Nigeria’s social media history.
