
Social media is ablaze once again following a new wave of controversy surrounding Nigerian actor-turned-TikTok sensation Jigan Babaoja, whose private messages criticizing embattled singer Naira Marley were allegedly exposed by controversial activist VeryDarkMan (VDM).
The exposé has not only stunned fans but also prompted a fierce response from Sandra Benede, a prominent Nollywood figure, as questions about celebrity loyalty, justice for Mohbad, and social media hypocrisy take center stage.
In a now-viral video circulating on X, an individual said to be close to Naira Marley is seen in shock after discovering that Jigan, once thought to be neutral or supportive, had been sharing negative remarks about Marley in a closed group chat.
The leak, orchestrated by VeryDarkMan, adds a fresh layer to the ongoing saga surrounding the tragic death of Mohbad, a rising music star whose sudden passing in 2023 sparked nationwide protests and conspiracy theories implicating several top figures in the industry.
Among those accused by VDM of “sabotaging” the movement for Mohbad’s justice are Jigan Babaoja and Samklef, a veteran producer who also previously found himself at the center of heated online debates.
However, it is Jigan’s involvement that has triggered the most intense backlash, given his recent transformation from a marginalized actor to a TikTok powerhouse known for his confidence, authenticity, and unfiltered takes on social issues.
Sandra Benede, clearly disillusioned, commented on the situation, saying, "When you think someone is standing for the truth, but behind closed doors they’re feeding the fire—they’re worse than the ones we point fingers at." Her words echo the sentiments of many Nigerians online who now feel betrayed by Jigan’s perceived duplicity.
On X, users are not holding back. One post from @wixxy0 reads, “Jigan is a traitor, plain and simple. He was never for Mohbad—just chasing clout like the rest.” Another from @Cenovic125032 ominously warns, “This is the end of his TikTok career. People won’t forget.”
The impact on Jigan's public image is already visible. Once hailed for using his platform to fight body-shaming and redefine the role of physically challenged people in entertainment, Jigan now faces accusations of betraying the very values he projected.
The contrast between his motivational public persona and the alleged private messages paints a picture of contradiction—one that fans are struggling to reconcile.
Adding fuel to the fire is Jigan’s own past admission during an interview that he turned to TikTok “to survive” after acting no longer paid the bills.
That pivot brought him fame and fortune—but with the latest scandal, that success may be hanging by a thread. In Nigeria’s fast-paced digital space, credibility is currency, and once it's lost, recovery is rarely swift.
This incident is yet another reminder of the precarious tightrope celebrities walk in the age of screenshots and surveillance activism. As VDM continues to hold industry figures accountable—rightly or wrongly—the blurred lines between justice advocacy and digital vigilantism grow ever more contentious.
Whether Jigan will issue a public statement or attempt to repair the damage remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: the court of public opinion is in session, and forgiveness may not come cheap.
Watch the video below
"I felt so ashamed after seeing Jigan's message saying bad things about Naira Marley in that group VDM exposed, Naira that’s really closed to me" ~ alleged Naira Marley's baby mama pic.twitter.com/0BQkCXnmmc
— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) July 27, 2025