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Addis Ababa Police Arrest Influencers Over “Immoral” Content

Published

3 weeks ago

December 18, 2025

Addis Ababa Police Arrest Influencers Over "Immoral" Content

ADDIS ABABA – The Addis Ababa Police Commission has announced the arrest of four individuals identifying as “social media influencers and content creators” for allegedly disseminating content that degrades professional standards and contradicts the cultural, religious, and moral values of the society.

According to a statement released by the Addis Ababa Police Commission, the suspects are currently under investigation for utilizing platforms like TikTok to spread harmful messages and engage in behavior deemed disruptive to public order.

Details of the Suspects and Allegations By the Addis Ababa Police

The Addis Ababa police identified the suspects and the specific nature of their alleged offenses as follows:

Zahara Mohammed and Fetiya Elias: Residents of Bole Sub-City (Bole Bulbula), the two were apprehended for promoting “Illuminati” or “satanic” affiliations via TikTok. Police allege they encouraged followers to join such groups with promises of financial gain, a message viewed as a direct affront to the country’s deep-rooted religious and cultural heritage.
Leta Dereje Terefa: A resident of Nifas Silk Lafto Sub-City, Leta was arrested for producing content that reportedly mocks the teaching profession. Investigations revealed that he filmed himself wearing student uniforms, dancing on classroom desks, and depicting acts such as mocking educators and stealing money from students’ pockets.
Edom Million: A secondary school student residing in Kirkos Sub-City, Edom was detained for “disturbing public peace.” Under the slogan “Segit Femis” (roughly translated to ‘becoming famous through eccentricity’), he allegedly filmed himself half-naked in public spaces, startling passersby and forcing interactions with food in a manner that caused public distress.

Context: Federal Police Actions and Recent Releases

This crackdown follows a series of similar actions by the Ethiopian Federal Police. It is to be recalled that the Federal Police had previously arrested high-profile TikToker Adonay Berhane (a four-time G-Power TikTok Creative Award winner) along with several others, including Wongelawit Gebre Endrias, Bereket Tsegaye, Mekdim Dereje, Girum Gezahagne, and Yohannes Mekonnen.

These individuals were initially detained in connection with “shameful attire” and actions deemed contrary to Ethiopian ethics during public events and live broadcasts. However, in a significant update to these cases, Adonay Berhane and the other suspects mentioned were released from custody on December 16, 2025.

Commitment to Legal Accountability

Despite the recent releases, the Addis Ababa Police Department emphasized that digital platforms cannot be used as a shield for criminal activity or the erosion of social ethics.

“The Police Department will not tolerate those who, under the guise of being ‘social media influencers,’ engage in acts that violate the law or insult the dignity of our citizens and institutions,” the Commission stated. Authorities continue to warn content creators to respect the cultural fabric of the community, signaling that they will remain vigilant against content that violates the law.