TikTok influencer and business woman Jennifer “Niffer” Jovin faces death by hanging if she is convicted of treason in Tanzania.
Jennifer is a popular content creator with over 776,000 followers on TikTok and 2.2 million followers on Instagram.
Jennifer’s heartbroken mom, Mwanaisha Isaac pleaded with Tanzania President Samia Suluhu to release her daughter from prison.
With tears in her eyes, and her voice trembling, Mwanaisha said in a video, “I would like to apologize on behalf of my daughter for whatever mistakes she made. She is the breadwinner in this family, and without her, we shall suffer.”
“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.”
Mwanaisha said Jennifer’s younger siblings rely on her to pay for their school fees and daily needs.
She urged fellow Tanzanians to join her in appealing to the president for her daughter’s release.
It all began in October when Jennifer recorded herself dancing to a song mocking Tanzania’s female president.
@niffer_cosmetics
President Samia Suluhu took offense to the video. Jennifer was charged with treason and accused of using the dance to incite violence.
The businesswoman and 21 others were arrested for participating in a protest against the government.
Jennifer is accused of urging the protestors to buy masks to hide their identities.
“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.
Niffer Jovin Is Now Facing Treason Charges Simply For Dancing To A Song Mocking Tanzania’s President pic.twitter.com/NOw9VshRkj
— Amazing (@kijanayamwingii) November 7, 2025
Jennifer faces death by hanging – the most serious penalty – if she is convicted of conspiracy to commit treason.
On November 7 the accused appeared in court. One video shows Jennifer and 21 others getting off a prison bus.
The heartbreaking video shows the group looking disheveled, weak and limping. The video sparked concern that the prisoners are being mistreated.
@bbcnewsswahili Mfanyabishara Jenifer Jovin maarufu mitandaoni kama Niffer aliyekamatwa kwa tuhuma za kuchochea maandamano wakati wa uchaguzi mkuu wa tarehe 29 Oktoba ameshtakiwa kwa uhaini. – Mfanyabiashara huyo mwenye umri wa miaka 26 amefikishwa mbele ya hakimu mkaazi mkuu Aaron Lyamuya katika mahakama ya Hakimu Mkaazi ya Kisutu jijini Dar esalaam Tanzania akiwa na watu wengine 21 kwa mujibu wa gazeti la Mwananchi. – Mkuu wa Polisi kanda maalum ya Dar es Salaam Jumanne Muliro akithibitisha kukamatwa kwa Jenifer Jovin al maarufu Niffer,alisema mfanyabiashara huyo alikamatwa na polisi kwa ''tuhuma za kuhamasisha vurugu siku ya uchaguzi mkuu'' Tanzania. – – – #tanzania #niffer #maandamano #uchaguzi #foryou ? NOW OR NEVER – TKANDZ & CXSPER
It’s shocking that a TikTok video can lead to treason charges. Silencing citizens for expressing dissent only deepens injustice and fear. Freedom of speech is not a crime, solidarity with Niffer Jovin and all calling for democratic rights. #Tanzania #FreeSpeech #Justice
— CryptoMashariki (@CryptoMashariki) November 7, 2025
No, not for dancing, she was inciting violence by promoting the selling of protest gear such as masks and other weapons. Additionally, Niffer was part of several WhatsApp groups discussing the potential destruction of vital infrastructure in Dar es Salaam during protests.
— Tanzania Analyst ?? (@TanzaniaAnalyst) November 8, 2025
