A Chief Magistrate Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of popular social media influencer Ghali Isma’il at the Keffi Correctional Centre for allegedly spreading false information about President Bola Tinubu’s death.
Isma’il, 29, was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) following a viral TikTok video he posted on his verified handle, @bola_asiwaju, falsely claiming that the president had died from poisoning.
The video, which quickly gained traction online, sparked panic and widespread reactions across the country.
According to reports by Zagzola Makama, the defendant, who hails from Jogana Village in the Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State, was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on the publication of false information and incitement of disaffection against the government.
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The first charge, “Publication of false news with intent to cause offense against public peace,” alleged that Isma’il knowingly disseminated unverified claims on July 20, 2025, stating that President Tinubu was critically ill and had died.
Prosecutors argued that the falsehood was intended to disturb public order, contrary to Section 418 of the Penal Code Act.
The second charge, “Inciting disaffection to the government,” accused the influencer of attempting to stir public contempt and disaffection towards the President through deliberate misinformation, an offense punishable under Section 416 of the Penal Code.
Chief Magistrate Ekpeyong Iyang, after hearing arguments from both sides, denied the bail application filed by the defense counsel. The court subsequently ordered that the accused be remanded in custody at the Keffi Correctional Centre until the next hearing, scheduled for August 19, 2025.