The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) has apprehended Nigerian popular dancer, Lil Smart, whose original name is Idowu Smart Emmanuel, a native of Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State.
He was arrested on charges of criminal defamation, cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and spreading falsehood against Nigerian musician Abdulazeez Adeshina Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley.
According to a statement by the police, Emmanuel, operating under the Instagram handle @lilsmart_, falsely accused Naira Marley of abduction, assault, and theft of $300. He further alleged that the singer had bribed all police officers in Lagos and was involved in credit card fraud.
Investigations revealed that these allegations were baseless, and the suspect later admitted in writing that his claims were false and lacked evidence.
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Following a petition filed by a law firm, police operatives tracked Emmanuel to his residence in Megamound Estate, Ajah, Lagos, where he was arrested on January 28, 2025. Authorities also recovered exhibits related to the crime.
The Statement reads:
ARREST OF SUSPECT FOR CRIMINAL DEFAMATION & CYBERSTALKING.
Following a petition filed by a law firm, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime arrested one Idowu Smart Emmanuel, a native of Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, for criminal defamation, cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and falsehood against Abdulazeez Adeshina Fashola (A.K.A Naira Marley).
Investigations revealed that the suspect, using his Instagram handle @lilsmart_, falsely alleged that he was abducted, assaulted, and robbed of $300, further claiming that Naira Marley had bribed all police officers in Lagos and was involved in credit card fraud. The suspect later admitted in writing that these allegations were false and without evidence to prove his claim.
On January 28, 2025, he was apprehended at his residence in Megamound Estate, Ajah, Lagos, and the exhibits involved in this crime were recovered.
Lil Smart had made several posts since last year on his social media handle, claiming that Naira Marley and Zinoleesky were after his life. He also claimed he had enough evidence to back his allegations. None of the artistes he accused had said anything, until this arrest.
Nigerian human’s right activist, VeryDarkMan, contacted him, and gave him N1 million to file the case in Abuja High Court, however, the dancer refused, and turned on VDM, accusing him of trying to force him into doing his bidding.
