Court Imposes N1m Bail on Former Sokoto Governor’s Aide for Defamation Charges

Shafi’u Umar, an aide to former governor and lawmaker Aminu Tambuwal, has been granted bail of N1 million by the Sokoto Chief Magistrate’s Court in a defamation case.

On Wednesday, the court ordered Umar, 37, to provide the bail bond as he faces trial for allegedly spreading false information about Governor Ahmad Aliyu and his wife on social media.

Prosecutor Inspector Abdurahman Mansur informed the court that Umar’s actions violated the Penal Code law. He stated that on July 18, the defendant shared a video of the governor’s wife, Fatima Aliyu, distributing money at her birthday party. According to Mansur, the post implied that she was spending money extravagantly despite the country’s economic challenges.

Additionally, Umar allegedly shared a document on social media claiming that the governor failed his Senior Secondary School Examination, scored F9, and could not speak English.

Although Umar pleaded not guilty, the court ordered his remand in a correctional facility.

Magistrate Fatima Hassan ruled that Umar would remain in custody until the bail conditions were met, which include a surety who must be a Sokoto resident and provide a National Identity Card and two passport-sized photographs.

The case has been adjourned until October 10 for further investigation.