Kano, Nigeria – July 3, 2025 – The ongoing saga of popular TikTok skit maker Umar Hisham Fagge, better known as Tsulange, continues to dominate headlines in Kano. Tsulange remains in a correctional facility following a remand order from the Nomansland Magistrate Court, igniting a fervent debate across northern Nigeria about the collision of digital expression and deeply entrenched societal values.

The 24-year-old content creator, whose comedic acts often push boundaries, found himself in hot water after a video of him bathing on a public road while clad in female underwear went viral. The controversial skit, deemed a “brazen violation of public morality and deeply offensive to Islamic cultural values” by authorities, prompted his arrest by the vigilant Kano State Censorship Board.

The Court’s Stance and Ongoing Investigations

Magistrate Hadiza Muhammad Hassan, presiding over the case, initially ordered Tsulange’s remand on Wednesday, June 19, 2025. This decision extends his detention until today, July 3, 2025, as police investigations into the incident continue. The incident, which reportedly took place on a major street in the Fagge area, drew immediate and widespread condemnation from religious leaders, traditional authorities, and a significant portion of the online community.

Kano’s Unwavering Resolve Against “Moral Collapse”

Tsulange’s arrest serves as a stark warning and a clear signal of renewed efforts by Kano authorities to curb what they describe as a “moral collapse” fueled by online content creators and influencers. These creators, often chasing social media fame, are perceived to be increasingly resorting to “indecent behavior” in their pursuit of virality.

Abdullahi Sani Sulaiman, spokesperson for the Kano State Censorship Board, minced no words in a recent statement. “We are witnessing a dangerous rise in disruptive entertainment masquerading as comedy. This will not be allowed in Kano,” he declared, reaffirming the agency’s zero-tolerance stance against any content that violates the state’s stringent religious and ethical standards.

As a predominantly Muslim state governed under Sharia-compliant laws, Kano has historically maintained a strict censorship policy. The Board has made it clear that it has intensified its surveillance on social media platforms, vowing to track, arrest, and prosecute content creators who promote what it labels as “obscene acts.”

Freedom of Expression vs. Societal Norms: A Brewing Debate

The backlash from Tsulange’s video has not only led to his incarceration but has also ignited a broader cultural debate about the boundaries of freedom of expression in a society deeply rooted in religious and community standards. While some social media users vociferously argue for artistic freedom and the right to create uninhibited content, a substantial number of residents, Islamic scholars, and religious groups have lauded the court’s decision. For them, it is a necessary step to “protect the moral fabric” of society and uphold cherished cultural and religious values.

Setting a Precedent for Digital Behavior

This is not an isolated incident. The Kano State Censorship Board has a track record of cracking down on social media content creators. Just last year, in March 2024, two influencers faced fines and public reprimands for “indecent dancing” in a video filmed near a mosque.

With Tsulange still behind bars and awaiting further proceedings, his case is undeniably setting a significant precedent. It highlights the increasingly tense intersection where digital behavior, often global in its reach, collides head-on with deeply ingrained societal norms and legal frameworks in northern Nigeria. The outcome of Tsulange’s case will undoubtedly shape the future of online content creation within Kano and potentially influence similar discussions across the region.