Court remands lawyer, four others for cyber-bullying senator

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of a lawyer, Ahmed Abdulrahman, and four others at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Area 10, Abuja, over allegations of cyber-bullying, fraud, and extortion involving a serving senator, Shehu Baba Umar.

Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia issued the remand order on Thursday shortly after the defendants were arraigned on an 11-count charge filed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

The other defendants are Daure David, Ishaq Abubakar Muhammed, Abdulrashid Abdullahi Musa, and Nasiru Usman Abubakar. They are accused of conspiring to blackmail Senator Umar, who chairs the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence.

All five defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Following their plea, the prosecution counsel, Victor Okoye, requested that the court fix a date for the commencement of trial and urged that the defendants be remanded in Kuje Prison, pending trial.

However, Abdulrahman’s lawyer, Afeez Matanmi, applied for bail for his client, describing him as a legal practitioner who would not interfere with investigations or witnesses if granted bail. He noted that the police had earlier granted Abdulrahman administrative bail, which he did not violate.

In opposition, Okoye argued that the lawyer should not receive special consideration, insisting that after being granted administrative bail, Abdulrahman allegedly engaged in two further cyber-bullying incidents and featured in five of the eleven counts in the charge sheet.

The prosecutor maintained that no provision of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) or the Constitution affords lawyers preferential treatment when facing criminal charges.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Ajumogobia ordered that the defendants remain in custody at the Force CID until November 10, to allow Abdulrahman’s counsel to file a further affidavit and reply to the prosecution’s counter-affidavit. The case was adjourned to the same date for hearing.

According to count one of the charge, the defendants were accused of conspiring in 2025 to commit cyberstalking against Senator Umar, an offence contrary to Section 27(1)(b) and punishable under Section 21(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended, 2024).

In count three, Abdulrahman was alleged to have intentionally posted a video on his TikTok account, “Kibanna Channel,” and his YouTube page, falsely accusing Senator Umar of sponsoring banditry, with the intent to damage his reputation and incite public disorder. The prosecution said the statement was false and intended to cause fear and unrest.

The charge stated that the act contravened Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended, 2024).

In another count, Daure David was accused of attempting to extort ₦5 million from Senator Umar under the pretext that the money would be used to prevent a planned protest against the lawmaker.

The case continues on November 10, when the court is expected to hear arguments on the bail applications and the substantive matter.