‘Dance of Shame’: Nigerians Turn Suspected Thieves Into Viral Entertainment as Police Warn Against Practice

A new social media trend in Nigeria is putting alleged thieves at the centre of public spectacles, with suspects in several viral videos being ordered to dance after they are apprehended.

Dubbed “Dance of Shame” or “Criminals Got Talent” by some social media users, the practice has emerged in parts of the country as members of the public turn the arrest of suspected thieves into an unusual form of entertainment.

Videos circulating on platforms including Instagram and TikTok show people accused of stealing being surrounded by crowds and instructed to perform dance moves or other humorous actions while waiting for the situation to be resolved. The alleged offences range from stealing building materials and household items to farm produce and livestock.

In some cases, the suspects’ unexpected dancing skills have become the main attraction, with online viewers focusing more on their performances than the allegations that led to their arrest. The videos have drawn mixed reactions, with some Nigerians treating them as comic content while others have questioned the decision to publicly humiliate people who have not been convicted.

The trend has also been viewed by some observers as a possible alternative to mob violence. Nigeria has recorded cases where suspected criminals have been seriously injured or killed by angry crowds, making the less violent approach appear preferable to physical punishment.

However, the practice raises serious legal and human-rights concerns. An allegation does not amount to proof of guilt, while members of the public have no authority to determine whether someone is criminally responsible. Recording and sharing such videos can also leave suspects facing long-term embarrassment and reputational damage, even after an incident has been resolved.

The viral nature of the videos has further blurred the line between crime reporting and online entertainment. Nigeria’s huge social media audience means unusual incidents can quickly become widely shared content, potentially encouraging more people to record and stage similar spectacles.

The police have warned against the practice, insisting that suspected offenders should be handed over to law enforcement instead. The Lagos State Police Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, condemned the trend, saying: “We are against this practice. Anyone caught should be handed over to the nearest police station.”