Tanzanian TikTok personality Jenifer Bilikwiza Jovin, known as Niffer, faces treason charges after allegedly encouraging election protests, prompting widespread condemnation across Africa.
Tanzanian Influencer, Niffer has been arrested for treason, after encouraging protesters to buy face masks to avoid tear gas.
She will face the de@th penalty if found guilty.
Her mother has pleaded with President Samia Suluhu Hassan for forgiveness. pic.twitter.com/FKW1yySSgS
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) November 18, 2025
TikTok personality Jenifer Bilikwiza Jovin, popularly known as Niffer, has been charged with treason, sparking outrage across Africa, according to a report from CITIZEN DIGITAL. The 26-year-old businesswoman was among 22 youths accused following violent unrest after the disputed October 29 elections.
Niffer appeared before Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court on November 7, where state attorneys outlined three charges, including conspiracy to commit treason and allegedly mobilizing people to buy tear-gas protection masks from her shop, her lawyer Peter Kibatala said. “She allegedly encouraged people to buy face masks to protect themselves from tear gas,” he told the media.
Videos showed Niffer and her co-accused appearing haggard and drained in court, fueling concerns of mistreatment during police custody. Niffer’s mother, Mwanaisha Isaac, pleaded publicly, stating, “I would like to apologise on behalf of my daughter for whatever mistakes she made…without her, we shall suffer.”
Prosecutors allege that between April 15 and October 29, 2025, the accused conspired to commit treason in Dar es Salaam. Social media users across Tanzania and the continent condemned the arrest. Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono wrote, “That is how absurd and repressive Madam Dictator’s Tanzania has become, a complete laughing stock before the world!”
The charges carry the death penalty under Tanzanian law, igniting debates over freedom of expression and government overreach. Thousands of supporters rallied at Niffer’s shop, flooding it with purchases and funds in solidarity.
Niffer remains in custody as legal proceedings continue.