Tanzanian TikToker Niffer’s mother pleads with President Suluhu as daughter faces treason charges

The mother of popular Tanzanian TikToker Jennifer Jovin, widely known as Niffer, has pleaded with President Samia Suluhu Hassan to forgive her daughter, who is facing treason-related charges.

In an emotional appeal shared publicly, Mwanaisha Isaac, the mother of the social media personality, expressed regret over her daughter’s actions and asked for leniency from the Head of State.

“Shikamoo Mama Rais Samia Suluhu, my name is Mwanaisha Isaac, a resident of Bukoba. I am the mother of Jennifer Jovin, also known as Niffer. I beg for forgiveness on behalf of my daughter. I also did not like what she did, and I am asking for forgiveness on behalf of the entire family,” she said.

“My daughter is the breadwinner for the entire family. She loves you so much. We all depend on her and we ask you to forgive her and forgive us,” she added while sobbing.

Niffer is among 22 individuals charged before a Tanzanian court in a case that has drawn wide public attention.

She was arrested on October 27, and has been in custody since.

According to court documents, she faces a separate charge of conspiracy to commit treason, while the other 21 accused have been charged with treason for allegedly destroying government property and infrastructure during unrest.

Her lawyer told the press, in videos seen by The Star, that Niffer was charged individually because she allegedly encouraged people to buy face masks to protect themselves from tear gas, an act the prosecution claims amounted to promoting resistance against state authorities.

While she did not allegedly engage in violence herself, authorities argue that her actions contributed to mobilizing resistance against state security forces, which falls under the broad scope of Tanzanian treason law.

“Niffer alone has been charged with committing treason because, according to the charges, she allegedly encouraged people to buy face masks to protect themselves from tear gas,” her lawyer said.

The case has sparked debate in Tanzania, with some legal experts and human rights advocates questioning the severity of the charges and calling for proportionality in handling online activism and freedom of expression.

Authorities have yet to issue an official response to the plea made by Niffer’s mother or to comment on the progress of the ongoing case.

Niffer, who rose to fame on TikTok for her outspoken commentary and entertainment videos, remains in custody as legal proceedings continue.

Niffer and her co-accused appeared in court on Friday, November 7, where they were charged for the alleged offenses alongside her co-accused.

The charges were read by senior State Attorney Clemence Kato before Senior Resident Magistrate.

According to Tanzanian laws, persons charged with treason cannot be granted bail.

In Tanzania, treason is a serious crime under the Penal Code, punishable by life imprisonment or, in extreme cases, the death penalty.

It generally covers acts that threaten the sovereignty, security, or constitutional order of the state.

This includes levying war against the government, aiding enemies of the state, inciting rebellion, or destroying government property and infrastructure. Even planning or conspiring to commit such acts is punishable.