A popular TikToker, identified as Umar Hashim and widely known online by his nickname Tsulange, has been sentenced to one year in prison by a Magistrate Court sitting in Kano State after he was found guilty of public misconduct for bathing on a public road while wearing women’s underwear.
The court proceedings took place at Gyadi Gyadi and were presided over by Magistrate Hadiza Muhammad Hassan. The case was filed against Hashim by the Kano State Censorship Board, which accused him of violating public decency and morality laws with his viral comedy content.
According to details presented in court, Hashim was arrested in June 2025 after a video surfaced online showing him carrying out a skit where he was seen pouring water on himself and bathing openly in the middle of a busy road, all while dressed in women's undergarments. The video quickly attracted massive attention, with many condemning it as highly inappropriate and disrespectful to cultural and religious values in Kano State.
In her judgment, Magistrate Hassan ruled that the actions of Hashim constituted public misconduct and a serious breach of public morality standards. The court highlighted that while freedom of expression is protected, it should not be used as an excuse to engage in acts that undermine societal values or cause public outrage.
However, the court offered Hashim an option to convert his one-year prison sentence into a monetary fine amounting to ₦80,000, should he be able to pay it. In addition to this, he was ordered to pay ₦20,000 to the Kano State Censorship Board to cover the costs incurred during the investigation and prosecution of the case.
The judgment was met with mixed reactions from the public. While some defended Hashim's right to creative expression as a content creator and comedian, others praised the court's decision, arguing that it was necessary to preserve decency and deter others from engaging in similar acts that could offend public sensibilities.
The court emphasized that this ruling was not only about punishing the individual but also served as a stern warning to other social media influencers and performers. The court stressed the importance of promoting responsible content that aligns with local cultural and moral standards, particularly in a conservative state like Kano.
Hashim's sentencing marks another significant case in the ongoing efforts by Kano State authorities to regulate public conduct and enforce morality laws in line with local religious and cultural values. As of now, it remains unclear whether Hashim intends to appeal the judgment or pay the fine to avoid serving the prison term.