A magistrate court in Kano has ordered the remand of Muktar Dahiru, a journalist with Pyramid FM Kano, following allegations that he posted content on Facebook deemed insulting to Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf. The journalist, who was arrested on Thursday, is facing charges of criminal conspiracy, defamation of character, and intentional insult.
The charges stem from a Facebook post by Dahiru in which he shared an audio interview featuring an opposition politician who accused Governor Yusuf of corruption. In the interview, the politician called for federal anti-corruption agencies to investigate a scandal involving Novomed Pharmaceuticals rather than relying on the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCCAC).
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This post came in the wake of a recent investigation by the Kano anti-corruption agency, which led to the arrest of five individuals, including Garba Kwankwaso, a nephew of former Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Kwankwaso, who serves as the managing director of Novomed Pharmaceuticals, was accused of violating public procurement laws by conspiring to secure a lucrative contract for the supply of drugs to local government areas in the state.
In addition to the post about Governor Yusuf, Dahiru is also reported to have shared an audio program criticizing the reinstated Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi. The program accused the Emir of leading an opulent lifestyle while claiming to be sympathetic to the plight of the poor.
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According to a report by Premium Times, Dahiru was secretly arraigned on Friday before Magistrate Court 24 in Gyadi Gyadi, Kano. The journalist appeared before the presiding magistrate, Ummah Kurawa, who ordered his remand in a correctional facility until the hearing of his bail application, which is scheduled for September 3.
The case has drawn significant attention, with many viewing it as a test of press freedom and the limits of free expression in the state.