Tambuwal’s Aide Remanded in Prison for Allegedly Defaming Sokoto Gov’s Wife

A Chief Magistrate Court in Sokoto State has ordered the remand of Shafi’u Umar-Tureta, a former aide to ex-Governor Aminu Tambuwal, in a correctional facility over allegations of defaming Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu and his wife, Hajia Fatima Aliyu, through social media.

Umar-Tureta is accused of circulating defamatory content, including a video and a document, aimed at tarnishing the governor and his wife’s reputation. According to court documents, the accused shared a video showing the governor’s wife allegedly spreading money on the ground during her birthday and circulated a document claiming Governor Aliyu had failed his Senior Secondary School Examination and could not speak English.

The case, first mentioned on August 26, 2024, was brought to court by police prosecutor Inspector Abdurahman Mansur, who stated that the offences violated the Penal Code. Umar-Tureta, who served as a Special Assistant under former Governor Tambuwal, faces charges of circulating falsehood and defamatory material.

During the proceedings, Umar-Tureta pleaded not guilty to the charges. His defense counsel, Mr. Al’Mustafa Abubakar, requested bail, but the prosecution objected. Abubakar argued that the prosecution should not delay the case under the pretext of ongoing investigations and urged the court to set a date for a definitive hearing.

In her ruling, Chief Magistrate Fatima Hassan noted that only the First Information Report (FIR) was presented before the court and emphasized the seriousness of the charges. She advised the defense to file a formal bail application and subsequently adjourned the case to September 18, 2024, for hearing. Meanwhile, Umar-Tureta will remain in custody at the correctional facility.