The recent death of Ifunanya Miracle, a fresh graduate of Quantity Surveying at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has sparked national outrage.
Miracle, also known as Bliss, passed away after a robbery prank staged by an unidentified prankster went tragically wrong.
This incident has reignited calls for stricter legislation to curb the increasingly dangerous and deadly trend of online prank culture.
A report on June 25th, 2024 by the Punch Newspaper, revealed that Miracle was attempting to flee a staged robbery scenario when the prank took a fatal turn.
The prankster, who remains at large, is reportedly being investigated by authorities. Bliss’s friend was also injured during the incident.
Pranks, once a source of lighthearted amusement, have transitioned into a potentially life-threatening phenomenon.
Social media is rife with stories of individuals injured, traumatized, or even killed as a result of “going viral” pranks.
Deadly Pursuit of Online Engagement
Experts point to the relentless pursuit of online engagement, often translating to revenue, as a key driver behind the shift towards extreme pranks.
Videos featuring dangerous or harmful situations tend to generate significantly more views and interaction compared to harmless pranks. This, in turn, translates to financial gain for the prankster.
Investigations also reveal that some content creators, struggling to find success in other genres, turn to pranks due to their perceived profitability.
However, the line between a harmless prank and a reckless act is easily blurred, with unsuspecting victims suffering lasting psychological or physical trauma.
Examples of Extreme Pranks
Nigerian pranksters have taken pranks to new extremes, often with disturbing results. Pranks range from staged confrontations where the victim is told they are about to be murdered to fake bank robberies that leave employees terrified.
Notorious skit maker Abdullahi Maruff Adisa, also known as Trinity Guy, exemplifies this reckless trend. Adisa has gained fame for his expensive pranks, one of which involved him feigning being shot in the street. Bystanders, caught off guard by the staged attack, scrambled for safety, with some sustaining injuries in the chaos.
Backlash and Legal Repercussions
While pranksters primarily target their victims, their actions can also backfire on them. Trinity Guy, for instance, has been physically assaulted on several occasions by those he pranked after the reveal.
More importantly, there are legal consequences to consider. Pranks that result in harm can be classified as criminal acts. Lawyer Idris Balogun warns pranksters to be mindful of potential charges, including assault, battery, or negligence, if their pranks cause physical or emotional harm. Victims can also sue pranksters for damages.
““Pranks may be for entertainment purposes, but if any injury is suffered by the victim — be it physical, emotional, mental or psychological — the prankster risks getting prosecuted for criminal liabilities, civil liabilities, or even both,” he said, adding that the victim can decide to sue the prankster, “for assault and battery, tort of negligence or damages if the victim suffers any loss or damages as a result of the prank.”
Some pranksters claim to assess their targets before filming their pranks. However, psychologists like Oluwakemi Akintoyese emphasize that pranksters are not qualified to make mental health assessments. Psychological evaluations are complex procedures, and judging someone’s emotional stability based on a brief encounter is irresponsible and dangerous.
Curbing the Menace
Experts believe that enacting stricter laws is crucial to curb the dangerous prank epidemic. Clear legislation would establish boundaries and deter pranksters from crossing the line.
Equally important are preventative measures. Social media platforms have a role to play in regulating content and potentially implementing guidelines or restrictions on prank videos that promote violence or endangerment.
This recent tragedy underscores the urgent need for a multi-pronged approach by the relevant authorities.
Experts also believe there is a need for a shift in online culture that prioritizes safety and respect over blind pursuit of online fame.
