For several months, the anonymous operator of the Snapchat platform popularly known as “Calabar Anonymous” has been at the centre of controversy over a series of posts targeting the Member representing Yakurr I State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Cyril James Omini, as well as several other individuals.
The platform repeatedly published allegations about the lawmaker’s private life, family, health, and associates. Among the posts were claims accusing Hon. Omini of incest, alleging that he was HIV-positive, and claiming that he lured married women from Ugep to work as domestic staff in his residence through financial inducements. The platform also frequently made derogatory remarks about Ugep women, portraying them in offensive and demeaning terms.
These allegations were widely circulated on social media, causing reputational damage and emotional distress to those mentioned. While they attracted significant public attention, they remain disputed, and there has been no public court finding establishing them as true.
According to sources close to the lawmaker, the repeated publications extended beyond Hon. Omini to members of his family, political associates, friends, and other private citizens. They claim the anonymous posts damaged reputations, strained relationships, and, in some instances, nearly destroyed marriages
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Concerned by what he considered a sustained campaign of defamation and cyberbullying, Hon. Cyril Omini reportedly chose to pursue lawful channels rather than resort to self-help. According to the sources, he petitioned the appropriate security agencies to investigate the identity of the anonymous operator and determine whether any offences had been committed under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act and other applicable laws.
Before security agencies concluded their investigation, however, events allegedly took a dramatic turn.
According to individuals close to the matter, some of those who later confronted the suspected operator had themselves allegedly been victims of repeated defamatory posts and online attacks. They claim that, over time, they suffered reputational damage, public humiliation, and serious strain in their personal and family relationships as a result of the anonymous publications.
These sources further allege that the suspected operator was eventually confronted by some of those individuals and taken to Hon. Omini’s residence with the intention of identifying her and handing her over to law enforcement authorities.
Sources familiar with the incident maintain that Hon. Omini was not at home when she arrived. They allege that, before his return, some angry individuals assaulted the suspect. Upon arriving at the residence, Hon. Omini is said to have immediately directed that she be handed over to the appropriate security agencies for further investigation.
Those close to the lawmaker strongly deny claims that he directed, encouraged, or approved the alleged assault. They insist that his only involvement was reporting the matter to the security agencies and requesting a lawful investigation into the anonymous publications.
Supporters of the lawmaker argue that this distinction is significant. They maintain that while every citizen has the right to seek legal redress against alleged defamation or cyberbullying, no one has the right to take the law into their own hands. They also contend that anyone found responsible for the alleged assault should be held accountable in accordance with the law.
According to investigators, the suspect later admitted to managing the “Calabar Anonymous” Snapchat platform. Preliminary findings reportedly indicate that the platform deliberately targeted high-profile public officials and other prominent personalities with sensational and allegedly defamatory content designed to generate online traffic, increase engagement, and attract advertising revenue. The investigation remains ongoing.
