The family of veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has escalated their response to viral death rumors by formally involving Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS), marking a significant turn in the battle against misinformation on social media platforms.
The controversy erupted when a TikTok user, operating under the handle @ONE_BOR001, posted a video falsely claiming that the legendary actor had passed away. The unverified claim quickly spread across social media platforms, causing widespread panic among fans and colleagues of the 77-year-old thespian, who remains one of Nigeria’s most respected performing artists.
In an immediate response to quell the disturbing rumors, Pete Edochie’s family and management team swiftly issued statements debunking the reports. Leo Edochie, the actor’s first son, took to Instagram with a strongly worded video message, categorically dismissing the death claims as “a lie from the pit of hell.”
However, the family’s response has now moved beyond mere denials. In a Facebook post published Thursday evening, Leo Edochie revealed that formal complaints have been lodged with the DSS, Nigeria’s primary domestic intelligence agency, requesting the arrest and prosecution of the individual responsible for spreading the false information.
In an unprecedented move that underscores the family’s determination to hold the perpetrator accountable, Leo announced a cash reward for anyone who can provide credible information leading to the apprehension of the TikToker.
“This young man posted a video on TikTok that our father is dead. His handle is @ONE_BOR 001,” Leo wrote in his Facebook post, which included a photograph of the suspect. “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.”
The post further instructed informants to contact him via direct message, promising immediate cash payment upon the suspect’s arrest.
This incident highlights the growing menace of celebrity death hoaxes on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where unverified content can achieve viral status within hours. The Edochie family’s decision to involve security agencies sends a strong message about the legal consequences of spreading false information that causes emotional distress and potential reputational damage.
Pete Edochie, renowned for his commanding screen presence and distinctive voice, has enjoyed a career spanning several decades in Nigerian cinema. He remains active in the industry and continues to command immense respect both within and outside the entertainment community.
As of press time, the DSS has not issued an official statement regarding the investigation, and the TikToker’s whereabouts remain unknown. Legal experts suggest that if apprehended, the individual could face charges related to cybercrime and the dissemination of false information under Nigerian law.
The Edochie family has urged the public to disregard the false reports and to verify information from credible sources before sharing content on social media platforms.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
The family of veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has involved Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) to arrest a TikToker who falsely announced the actor’s death. Pete Edochie’s son, Leo, is offering a cash reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest, sending a clear warning that spreading false celebrity death rumors on social media carries serious legal consequences.
The actor is alive and well, and authorities are actively pursuing the individual responsible for the misinformation.
