Journalist Remanded For Insulting State Governor

Kano Magistrate Court Orders Remand of Journalist Muktar Dahiru Over Facebook Post

A magistrate court in Kano has ordered that Muktar Dahiru, a journalist with Pyramid FM Kano, be held in a correctional center following allegations that he made a Facebook post deemed “insulting” to Abba Yusuf, the Governor of Kano State.

Dahiru was arrested on Thursday and secretly charged before Magistrate Court 24 at Gyadi Gyadi with criminal conspiracy, defamation of character, and intentional insult.

Magistrate Ummah Kurawa has ordered Dahiru’s remand while awaiting the hearing of his bail application, which is set for September 3.

The Facebook post in question reportedly shared an audio interview with an opposition politician who accused Governor Yusuf of corruption.

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The politician urged federal anti-corruption agencies to investigate the “Novomed scandal” instead of leaving it to the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCCAC).

This scandal involves a multi-billion-naira drug procurement scam that recently led to the arrest of five individuals, including Garba Kwankwaso, the managing director of Novomed Pharmaceuticals and a nephew of former Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso. They are accused of violating public procurement laws by conspiring to award a contract for drug supplies to Novomed.

In addition to the Facebook post, Dahiru is also accused of publishing an audio program in which someone criticized the reinstated Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, for allegedly leading a lavish lifestyle while claiming to be sympathetic to the poor. He also shared an audio recording in which Yusuf Fasaha, an opposition politician, accused Rabiu Kwankwaso of fraud.

This case has raised concerns about press freedom and the treatment of journalists in Nigeria. Many are now closely watching the outcome of Dahiru’s bail hearing next week.