The family of legendary Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has officially escalated its response to a viral death hoax by involving the Department of State Services (DSS) to track and arrest the TikToker responsible for the misinformation.
Leo Edochie, the actor’s eldest son, revealed in a social media update on Thursday evening, February 12, 2026, that he has formally contacted the security agency to trail a TikTok user with the handle @ONE_BOR 001.
This move follows a wave of panic that swept through the Nigerian entertainment industry earlier this week when false reports suggested that the 78-year-old icon had passed away.
In addition to involving the authorities, Leo Edochie has placed a bounty on the TikToker, announcing a cash reward for any individual who provides useful information leading to his capture.
Sharing a photo of the suspect on Facebook and Instagram, Leo wrote, “Anyone with information that will lead to his arrest will be handsomely rewarded in cash. I have contacted DSS and they are on his trail.” He urged members of the public to contact him directly via private message with any leads, promising that the reward will be paid as soon as the individual is in custody.
The veteran actor himself has since addressed the recurring rumors, which have surfaced intermittently since 2012. Speaking via his communications team, Afrolens Media, and in personal telephone conversations with the press on Tuesday, the actor—popularly known as Ebubedike, affirmed that he is “alive, hale, and hearty.” He expressed deep frustration with content creators who fabricate such news for engagement, remarking that he has been “killed” at least seven times by internet hoaxes.
Pete Edochie, who will turn 79 on March 7, 2026, noted that such actions cause unnecessary emotional distress to his family and fans, warning that the spread of such “malicious and deeply irresponsible” information could lead to further legal repercussions.
