Viral social media posts recently claimed that popular streamer IShowSpeed faced assault and robbery during his Lagos, Nigeria, tour stop. The complete story, which verifies the actual events, shows what people falsely claimed.
Who Is IShowSpeed?
Darren Jason Watkins Jr., who is commonly known as IShowSpeed, serves as an American YouTuber and Twitch streamer from Cincinnati, Ohio, who is currently 21 years old. He has more than 50 million YouTube subscribers as of January 2026. His Forbes-estimated net worth of $20 million earned him three Rolling Stone titles, which named him the Most Influential Creator of 2025. Speed achieved success through his video game content, his unpredictable real-life broadcasts, and his worldwide exploration.
Fact Check: Assault and Robbery Claims
These claims are false. No evidence supports that IShowSpeed was assaulted or robbed. The rumors started during the Lagos leg of his tour on January 21, 2026, when large crowds at Balogun Market mobbed him for selfies and money. The videos show fans who aggressively requested cash, but there were no actual physical attacks, thefts, or police involvement. IShowSpeed confirmed his safety while he praised Nigeria for its hospitality, which showed crazy energy throughout his time there.
What Actually Happened
During his Lagos visit, the security system failed because it could not control the huge crowds that filled the area. He streamed his experiences live, enjoying local culture, eating jollof rice at Freedom Park, visiting the Nike Art Gallery, and celebrating 50M subscribers on his birthday. To reduce fan unrest, he distributed cash to his followers. No injuries or incidents occurred.
African Tour Highlights
Speed Does Africa (Dec 29 2025–Jan 26 2026) covers 20 countries, which include South Africa (cheetah race), Angola (kids’ football), Kenya (Maasai visits), and Morocco (AFCON final). The Nigerian leg focused on showcasing traditional Nigerian culture instead of his common practice of working with others. His next stop is the Benin Republic.
