What was meant to be comic content for the algorithm has landed TikTok creator Umar Hisham Fagge, popularly known as Tsulange, in hot water—literally and legally.
The 20-something content creator was remanded in custody by a Kano magistrate court after filming himself mimicking a bath on a busy street while dressed in women’s underwear. The viral skit, intended to provoke laughter, instead stirred intense backlash, with many accusing Tsulange of crossing moral and religious lines.
Court Order: Behind Bars for a Bra Joke
On June 19, 2025, Magistrate Hadiza Muhammad Hassan of the Nomansland Magistrate Court ordered that Tsulange be detained until July 3, pending full investigation. He is facing charges of public indecency under Kano’s Sharia-influenced legal system, which holds firm boundaries on public behavior.
The Kano State Film Censorship Board, which brought the complaint, accused him of “mocking decency” and promoting content that violates both cultural values and Islamic ethics.
The Skit That Sparked It All
The video shows Tsulange simulating a bath at the roadside, pouring water from a bucket while wearing a bra and underwear, complete with dramatic gestures meant to satirize morning hygiene rituals. But to many residents, the stunt wasn’t funny—it was offensive, indecent, and inflammatory.
Officials claim the skit constitutes public misconduct, and critics argue it was a deliberate provocation in a conservative society where dress codes and public behavior are tightly regulated.
Censorship Board Hits Hard
Abdullahi Sani Sulaiman, spokesperson for the Kano State Censorship Board, condemned the video as: “An example of disruptive entertainment disguised as comedy, which undermines the sanctity of our cultural and religious norms.”
The board emphasized that this wasn’t just about digital content—it was about respect for public space, morality, and what is permissible in a society governed by faith-based law.
Crackdown on Content Creators
Tsulange’s case isn’t isolated. In recent months, Kano officials have launched a clampdown on influencers, especially those using public roads, cross-dressing, or vulgar themes in their content.
Earlier this year, another content creator was jailed for dressing in drag in a prank video. The growing surveillance of skit makers suggests a widening gulf between Nigeria’s online culture and regional conservative values.
What’s Next for Tsulange?
Still in custody, Tsulange awaits potential formal charges. If convicted, he could face fines, jail time, or both, depending on the interpretation of public indecency laws. His case could also set a precedent for how far social media comedians can go in places where law and religion intersect tightly.
The Bigger Picture: Satire vs. Sharia
This incident has reignited national debate on freedom of expression, comedy boundaries, and digital culture under regional law. It begs the question: Is humor still safe in public spaces governed by religious law?
And where does content creation end—and criminality begin?
As TikTokers, comedians, and netizens across the country weigh in, one thing is clear: going viral in Kano comes with consequences.
