The family of veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has petitioned Nigeria’s Department of State Services following the circulation of false reports claiming that the celebrated actor had died.
The move comes after a TikTok user posted a video announcing the alleged death of the respected screen icon, a claim that quickly spread across social media platforms before being debunked by the actor’s family and management team.
Pete Edochie, widely regarded as one of Nollywood’s most influential and accomplished actors, remains alive and well. His family described the viral report as entirely false and misleading, warning against the growing trend of fabricating celebrity death stories for online attention.
The actor’s first son, Leo Edochie, addressed the rumour directly in a video shared on his Instagram page. In the clip, he categorically dismissed the report, describing it as a malicious falsehood. He expressed frustration over the emotional distress such misinformation can cause to family members, friends, and fans.
Despite the public clarification, Leo revealed that the family had taken further steps to address the issue. In a Facebook post on Thursday evening, he confirmed that he had contacted the Department of State Services to pursue the matter formally.
According to Leo, the family considers the false announcement not merely a prank but a serious act capable of causing reputational harm and emotional trauma. He stated that security authorities have been alerted and are investigating the individual responsible for the viral claim.
In the same Facebook post, Leo shared a photograph of the TikTok user alleged to have originated the rumour. He identified the account handle as @ONE_BOR 001 and urged members of the public with credible information about the individual’s whereabouts to come forward.
He further announced that a cash reward would be offered to anyone who provides information leading to the suspect’s arrest. Leo stated that once the individual is apprehended, the promised reward would be paid.
The incident has sparked broader conversations about misinformation on social media platforms. False celebrity death reports have become increasingly common, often driven by the pursuit of online engagement and rapid follower growth. However, such content can carry serious consequences, including reputational damage and emotional distress for affected families.
Legal experts note that deliberately spreading false information about an individual’s death may fall under cybercrime and defamation laws, depending on jurisdiction and intent. In Nigeria, authorities have previously warned against the misuse of digital platforms to circulate harmful or misleading content.
For Pete Edochie, whose career spans decades and includes numerous iconic roles in Nigerian cinema, the incident underscores the challenges public figures face in the digital age. As a respected cultural figure, news regarding his health or status naturally attracts widespread attention, making him vulnerable to viral misinformation.
The family’s decision to escalate the matter to security authorities reflects a determination to deter similar incidents in the future. By seeking official intervention, they aim to send a message about accountability in the online space.
The Department of State Services has not yet released an official statement regarding the matter. However, Leo’s public declaration indicates that the family expects a thorough investigation into the source of the rumour.
Social media users have reacted with mixed opinions. While many expressed relief that the veteran actor is alive, others called for stronger regulations to address the spread of unverified information online. Some commentators emphasized the importance of verifying news through credible sources before sharing it further.
As digital platforms continue to shape public discourse, the responsibility to ensure accuracy remains critical. Incidents like this highlight the potential harm caused by misinformation and the need for greater vigilance among content creators and consumers alike.
For now, Pete Edochie’s family maintains that the actor is in good health. Their focus remains on protecting his legacy and ensuring that those responsible for circulating false information are held accountable.
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