The nickname “Purple Aki,” reportedly tied to his dark skin tone, has been criticized as racially insensitive, with Arobieke himself challenging its use in court and media. A 2016 BBC Three documentary, The Man Who Squeezes Muscles: Searching for Purple Aki, led to Arobieke’s complaint of racial hatred, prompting a police investigation. His reputation as a “bogeyman” in Liverpool, Manchester, and North Wales has been amplified by social media, memes, and urban legends, with stories of his alleged pursuits circulating among youth.

Despite his criminal history, Arobieke’s story is complex, blending real legal issues with exaggerated folklore. He has expressed a desire to lower his profile and reinvent himself, claiming his actions stem from a need for human connection rather than malice. His life remains a polarizing mix of fear, humor, and cultural fascination in the UK.