- Blogger Shafi’u Umar has been granted bail after being accused of spreading false information about Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu and his wife
- Umar faces charges for sharing defamatory content on social media, including claims about the governor’s wife and his educational background
A blogger named Shafi’u Umar, accused of spreading false information about Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu and his wife was granted bail by the Chief Magistrate Court in Sokoto on Wednesday.
Umar, 37, was charged with circulating false and defamatory information on social media, violating the penal code. The charges stemmed from accusations made on July 18, and the case was first heard on August 26.
Police Prosecutor Inspector Abdurahman Mansur alleged that Umar shared a video showing the governor’s wife, Hajiya Fatima Aliyu, “spraying” money during her birthday party despite the nation’s economic challenges. He was also accused of sharing a document claiming Governor Aliyu failed his Senior Secondary School Examination and could not speak English.
Umar pleaded not guilty and was initially remanded in custody. His defense lawyer, Mr. Al’Mustafa Abubakar, filed a bail application, leading Magistrate Fatima Hassan to grant bail at N1 million and require a surety of the same amount. The surety must be a resident of Sokoto and submit their National Identity Card and two passport photographs.
The case is set for further hearing on October 10, 2024, as the prosecution continues its investigation. Umar remains in custody pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions.