Pete Edochie's Family Takes Legal Action Against TikToker Spreading False Death Rumors
The family of legendary Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has taken decisive legal action against a social media user who spread false rumors about the veteran actor's demise. In a significant escalation, the family has formally involved Nigeria's Department of State Services (DSS) to track down and apprehend the TikToker responsible for the malicious misinformation.
Family Contacts DSS and Offers Cash Reward
Leo Edochie, the actor's first son, publicly disclosed on Thursday evening that he had reached out to the DSS to ensure the arrest of the TikTok user behind the false death claims. In a video shared on his Instagram page, Leo described the reports as "a lie from the pit of hell" and revealed he had taken concrete steps to hold the perpetrator accountable.
The family has gone further by offering a cash reward for anyone with information that could lead to the TikToker's arrest. Sharing a photo of the alleged offender on social media, Leo wrote: "This young man posted a video on TikTok that our father is dead. His handle is @ONE_BOR_001. Anyone with information that will lead to his arrest will be handsomely rewarded in cash. I have contacted DSS and they are on his trail."
Multiple Family Members Debunk Death Rumors
The false death rumors began circulating after an X user fabricated a story claiming the veteran actor had passed away and that his son Yul Edochie had announced it on Instagram. However, these claims were quickly debunked by multiple family members who confirmed Pete Edochie is alive and in good health.
Yul Edochie took to his Instagram page to share a commanding photo of his father accompanied by a powerful message filled with admiration and cultural pride. Referring to Pete Edochie as "The Lion of Africa," Yul described him as his man for life and an "Ezigbo mmadu" (a truly good person). He firmly declared: "To the public, disregard any false news saying Chief Pete Edochie passed away. The Lion of Africa is fully alive, hale and hearty."
Not the First Time for False Death Reports
This incident marks another instance where Pete Edochie has been the subject of unfounded death reports, highlighting the persistent problem of celebrity death hoaxes on social media platforms. The family's decision to involve security agencies represents a significant shift in how public figures are responding to online harassment and misinformation.
Public Reactions to the Controversy
The family's actions have triggered varied reactions from netizens across social media platforms:
- Deroger Roddy Ezem-onyeuyo commented: "If you arrest him....Don't ever accept any apology to release him. I will add 30k data to whoever finds him."
- Emeka Okeke offered a different perspective: "In as much as I understand how you feel about this crazy allusion and with death inclusive one will naturally feel to teach the young punk a lesson but pls forgive and let go."
- Eucharia Okonkwo stated: "Very good. They must learn to respect boundaries. How can one announce such a nas.ty news without verifying."
- Nancy Chioma Chikendu added: "This is really called, don't touch the tail of a lion, whether alive, sleeping or even dead....this one don buy generational market."
The situation continues to develop as the DSS pursues the TikToker, with the family maintaining their commitment to legal action against those spreading false information about the beloved actor's wellbeing.
