A Nigerian content creator and social commentator has launched a critique against celebrities and politicians for glorifying internet begging, warning that the trend is now fueling street harassment across the country.

Speaking on a recent podcast episode, the commentator Adika Emmanuel expressed outrage over the rise of individuals who have built massive public fame solely by demanding money online, blaming influential figures for legitimising the practice instead of shutting it down.

"There is someone in Nigeria who is popular for begging. He wouldn't be where he is if he weren't encouraged by those who are supposed to be the leaders of society. Somebody came out one day and started telling me, 'Give me ₦1 million, give me ₦2 million,' and you guys were giving him,” he said.

The content creator argued that rewarding online entitlement has fueled the prevalence of aggressive street thugs (Agberos) who have been demanding money from celebrities.

"The fruits that you have sown, you are reaping, and you are complaining and crying that agberos broke your windshield. And it's worse now that everybody has a phone. So those on the streets see him as an inspiration," he added.

Digital platforms in Nigeria have seen a sharp rise in individuals who go live or post videos directly asking for large cash gifts, often embraced by wealthy influencers and celebrities who donate publicly for social media engagement.

Public commentators have increasingly warned that the normalisation of online begging emboldens physical street extortion (agbero culture), where youths demand money from commuters and event attendees under the threat of harassment or property damage.

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