A Sokoto Chief Magistrate Court has granted bail to Shafi’u Umar, a former aide to ex-Governor Aminu Tambuwal, who is facing charges for allegedly spreading false information about Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu and his wife on social media.
Umar, 37, had been accused of circulating defamatory content, including a video showing the governor’s wife, Hajia Fatima Aliyu, distributing money during a birthday celebration. The video was shared at a time when many citizens were facing economic hardship. Additionally, Umar allegedly distributed a document claiming that Governor Aliyu had failed his Senior Secondary School Examination with an F9 grade and was unable to speak English.
The case, first mentioned on August 26, was brought under the penal code law, according to Police Prosecutor Inspector Abdurahman Mansur. The alleged offense was said to have occurred on July 18, as per the First Information Report.
Umar, who pleaded not guilty, had been remanded in a correctional facility pending trial. However, during a bail hearing, the presiding judge, Magistrate Fatima Hassan, granted him bail in the sum of N1 million, with a surety of the same amount. The surety is required to be a Sokoto resident and must provide a National Identity Card and two passport-sized photographs.
While granting bail, Magistrate Hassan adjourned the case to October 10, 2024, to allow the prosecution more time to complete their investigation, as requested by the police prosecutor. She also ordered Umar’s continued remand in custody until the bail conditions are met.
The defense counsel, Mr. Al’Mustafa Abubakar, expressed concerns about delays caused by the police investigation, noting that there had already been three adjournments. He urged the court to ensure the prosecution completes its investigation promptly, in line with legal requirements.
