Ethiopian police have detained a sixth popular TikTok creator, days after five other influencers were arrested over accusations of dressing “indecently” at a public event.
The case has sparked a national debate about cultural values, online trends and freedom of expression in one of Africa’s most socially conservative countries.
Latest Arrest Adds Pressure to Growing Controversy
The latest detainee is 25-year-old Adonay Berhane, a lifestyle and motivational creator with nearly four million followers.
He was named “TikToker of the Year” at the 2025 Ethiopia Creative Award — the same awards ceremony now at the centre of the storm. Police announced on Wednesday evening that he is under investigation, though no formal charges have been made.
His arrest follows the detention of five other well-known creators who attended the event. Supporters say the crackdown threatens artistic freedom, while conservative groups insist that public figures must respect Ethiopia’s cultural norms.
Who Are the Influencers Arrested?
Among those detained is lifestyle and fashion creator Wongelawit Gebre Endrias, known as Evan, who attended the ceremony braless under an oversized blazer.
Dancer and content reviewer Yohannes Mekonnen, widely known as Jahnny, was also picked up after appearing with a man-bag. Others arrested include Bereket Tsegaye, Mekdim Dereje and Girum Gezahegn.
Adonay was photographed at the event wearing an open-necked shirt. None of the six have commented publicly on their treatment.
Families React as Police Cite ‘Public Morality’
Adonay’s mother, Abeba Gebru, told BBC Tigrinya she was shocked, describing her son as her “backbone” and “an example to Ethiopian youth”.
Adonay spent part of his teenage years in Canada before returning to Ethiopia. Much of his content focuses on warning young people about the challenges of migration and encouraging them to stay and build their lives at home.
The Ethiopian government has not responded publicly. Police say the influencers are suspected of promoting behaviour that “undermines public morality”, expressing concern about the influence of online trends on young people.
With more than eight million social media users in the country, the case underscores a wider struggle between Ethiopia’s fast-growing digital culture and its deeply rooted social traditions. Federal police have warned that more action will be taken against anyone who “violates the country’s cultural values” or promotes what they called a “shallow culture”.