Big Brother Naija star Neo Akpofure threatens lawsuit in Nigeria after X user posts rape allegation linked to University of Calabar

Former Big Brother Naija Lockdown housemate Neo Akpofure is not taking a rape allegation lightly.

The reality TV star has moved swiftly, threatening legal action against a social media user who accused him of sexual assault on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Through his lawyers, Neo has demanded a public retraction and apology within 48 hours, warning that failure to comply will result in a lawsuit for defamation.

The Post That Sparked It All

The controversy began on February 17, 2026, when a user identified as Ms. Arikan Udoka, who operates the handle “the violently wicked (@notralia),” made a serious allegation in a now-deleted post.

In the post, she accused Neo of raping her during their time at the University of Calabar (UNICAL).

She claimed they had previously been involved in a consensual casual sexual relationship, adding that the alleged assault occurred after she confronted him about being in a relationship despite an agreement that he wasn’t.

The tweet quickly gained attention before it was eventually taken down.

Screenshots, however, had already begun circulating online — as is often the case with viral accusations.

Lawyers Call Allegation False and Malicious

In a letter dated February 18, 2026, signed by Chief Victor O. Idiapho on behalf of E.L. Akpofure, SAN & Co.,

Neo’s legal team described the allegation as “entirely false, malicious and defamatory.”

They pointed out what they consider a contradiction in the accuser’s statement — that she admitted to a consensual sexual relationship before accusing him of rape.

According to the lawyers, such a claim, particularly when shared publicly, amounts to libel under Nigerian law.

The letter stressed that rape is a grave criminal offence and that publicly branding someone a rapist carries severe consequences — not just legally, but socially and professionally.

They argued that the allegation has subjected their client to reputational harm, emotional distress, and potential damage to endorsements and career prospects.

What the Legal Notice Demands

Neo’s solicitors have laid out clear conditions that must be met within 48 hours:

• Immediate deletion of the alleged defamatory post anywhere it appears

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• A clear and public retraction stating the allegation is false

• A public apology acknowledging the claim was untrue and injurious

• A written undertaking not to publish further defamatory statements

Failure to meet these demands, the letter warns, will trigger immediate legal proceedings without further notice.

Defamation and Social Media in Nigeria

Cases like this are becoming increasingly common in Nigeria’s digital space.

Social media platforms such as X have amplified voices — both for advocacy and for allegations that can instantly trend nationwide.

Under Nigerian law, defamation can be pursued both as a civil and criminal matter.

Public figures, including entertainers and influencers, have in recent years become more proactive about protecting their reputations through legal channels.

Courts have awarded damages in several high-profile defamation cases, signaling that online speech carries real-world consequences.

At the same time, conversations about sexual assault have grown louder and more urgent.

Advocacy campaigns and hashtags have encouraged survivors to speak out, but they have also raised difficult legal and social questions about evidence, due process, and trial by social media.

The Wider Context

This particular allegation surfaced during heightened national discussions on sexual violence.

A separate viral claim by a TikTok user sparked the hashtag #StopRapingWomen, leading many women to share personal experiences of assault and harassment.

The climate has been emotionally charged, with strong reactions on both sides — some urging immediate accountability, others warning against unverified accusations that could destroy reputations.

Neo, who rose to fame during the 2020 Lockdown edition of Big Brother Naija, has largely maintained a public image centered around fashion, brand partnerships, and entertainment.

Any criminal allegation, especially one as serious as rape, poses enormous reputational risks in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, where public perception can make or break careers.

What’s Next?

The next 48 hours will be crucial. If the accuser complies with the demands — issuing a retraction and apology — the matter could end without reaching the courtroom.

However, if she refuses or remains silent, legal proceedings may follow.

A lawsuit would shift the dispute from social media timelines to a formal legal arena, where evidence, testimony, and due process would determine the outcome.

It also remains to be seen whether law enforcement agencies will become involved independently of the defamation dispute, given the criminal nature of rape allegations.

Summary

Neo Akpofure has threatened legal action against a social media user who accused him of rape on X.

His lawyers have described the claim as false, malicious, and defamatory, demanding a public retraction and apology within 48 hours.

The controversial post has since been deleted, but the matter may escalate to court if the demands are not met.

The case unfolds amid broader national conversations about sexual assault, accountability, and the power — and danger — of social media accusations.