Lecturer jailed for posting video of gov’s son on facebook

Dr. Ahmad Abubakar, a lecturer at the Federal College of Horticultural Technology, Dadin Kowa, Gombe State, has been remanded in prison after posting a video on Facebook showing Shamsuddeen Mohammed, son of the Bauchi State Governor, dancing with his wife.

The video, posted on April 9, 2025, was captioned in Hausa: “’Yan Bauchi Ta Kudu Ga Sanatan Mu Fa”—meaning “Bauchi South, here is our Senator.”

The clip, which shows the couple in a festively decorated room, quickly attracted attention and controversy.

Shortly after the post went live, Dr. Abubakar, a resident of Gidan Gona in Bauchi State, began receiving threats urging him to take it down.

He refused, insisting he had done nothing wrong and had not violated any law.

However, a petition filed by Shamsuddeen alleged that the video was shared without his consent and not meant for public consumption.

The complaint described the post as a “serious invasion of privacy,” labeling it “injurious, defamatory, and libelous,” and claimed it was intended to tarnish Shamsuddeen’s reputation.

“The post has subjected him to hatred and ridicule, making people shun him as irresponsible and unfit for public office,” the petition stated.

Following the petition, Dr. Ahmad was summoned by the Bauchi State Police Command on June 11 and later remanded in prison, pending further legal proceedings.

The arrest has sparked public outcry from rights groups and free speech advocates who argue that Dr. Ahmad is being punished for exercising his constitutional right to freedom of expression.

Nazif Nuhu, coordinator of the Take It Back Movement in Bauchi State, told WikkiTimes that his group is providing legal support for Dr. Ahmad.

“This is a clear violation of his rights. He simply shared a public video and is now being targeted for it,” Nuhu said. “We’re standing with him in court to demand justice.”

The case has raised fresh concerns over the shrinking space for civil liberties in Nigeria, particularly in northern states.

Activists warn that the use of state power to suppress dissent and criticism online is becoming increasingly common, and threatens the foundation of free speech and democratic accountability.

Critics argue that rather than addressing legitimate public concerns, authorities are using legal and security institutions to silence voices deemed politically inconvenient.