Kano police detain TikToker Fati Cele as investigations continue into the death of her boyfriend, Isma’il Makaye, in Kano

The Kano State Police Command has detained popular TikTok personality Fati Cele following the death of her boyfriend, Isma’il Makaye, after an incident at her residence in Kano.

Also read: Kano police arrest suspected drug dealers in major crackdown

The development was confirmed on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna, who said the social media influencer is currently in police custody while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the death.

Haruna confirmed the detention through a WhatsApp message but declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing investigation.

“Yes, it’s true, the TikToker is currently being detained over the death of her boyfriend, Isma’il Makaye,” he said.

Fati Cele, a native of Borno State, is a well-known content creator based in Kano. She resides in a rented apartment in the Danbare area of the city and has built a sizeable following on TikTok, where she has more than 32,000 followers.

According to sources familiar with the incident, the tragedy unfolded after the TikTok personality reportedly raised an alarm from her residence, claiming there was a fire outbreak.

A source close to the deceased, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, alleged that Makaye was found during the incident and was subsequently rushed to Nassarawa Hospital for medical treatment.

Despite efforts to save him, Makaye was later pronounced dead.

The source further disclosed that officers attached to the Dorayi Babba Police Division moved in shortly after the incident and took Fati Cele into custody as part of efforts to establish what transpired before the death.

Police authorities have not officially disclosed the cause of death, nor have they indicated whether any criminal charges have been filed.

Investigators are expected to examine witness accounts, medical reports and other evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Makaye was described by family associates as a cosmetics trader who lived in the Hotoro Tishama area of Kano.

Following the release of his remains by authorities, he was laid to rest at Unguwa Uku Yan Awaki in accordance with Islamic burial rites.

The incident has generated significant attention on social media, particularly among followers of the TikTok personality, with many awaiting the outcome of the police investigation.

As of Saturday, the Kano State Police Command maintained that inquiries into the case were ongoing and promised that further details would be made available as investigations progress.

Also read: Kano police investigation uncovers grim double killing

The case adds to a growing number of incidents involving social media personalities that have attracted public scrutiny, underscoring the importance of allowing law enforcement agencies to complete investigations before definitive conclusions are drawn.