The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of a legal practitioner, Ahmed Abdulrahman, and four others, following their arraignment on allegations of cyberbullying Senator Shehu Umar, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence.
Justice Offili Ajumogobia directed that the defendants be detained at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja pending the hearing of their bail applications scheduled for 10 November 2025.
Background of the Case
The defendants — Ahmed Abdulrahman (41), Daure David (35), Ishaq Muhammed (25), Abdulrashid Musa (30), and Nasir Abubakar (21) — were arraigned on an 11-count charge filed by the Nigerian Police on 6 October 2025.
The charges include cybercrime, defamation, and advance fee fraud, among others.
All five defendants pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
Prosecution and Defence Positions
Prosecuting counsel Victor Okoye urged the court to remand the defendants in Kuje Correctional Centre, arguing that their actions violated the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
However, defence counsel Mr. Matanmi sought bail for his client, particularly the first defendant, Mr. Abdulrahman, citing his status as a legal practitioner and his prior compliance with police administrative bail conditions.
“We have presented his original certificate of call to the bar,” Matanmi told the court, assuring that the defendant would not interfere with police investigations or witnesses if granted bail.
The prosecution opposed the request, alleging that Mr. Abdulrahman engaged in additional cyberbullying activities even after being granted administrative bail by the police.
Mr. Okoye further maintained that neither the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 nor the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria grants lawyers special privileges in criminal proceedings.
Court’s Ruling
After listening to both parties, Justice Ajumogobia ordered that the defendants remain in FCID custody to allow all sides to file supplementary affidavits and responses to the “weighty allegations” raised by the prosecution.
The matter was adjourned to 10 November 2025 for hearing on the bail application.
Details of the Charges
In Count One, the police alleged that the defendants conspired to cyberstalk Senator Umar in violation of Section 27(1)(b) and punishable under Section 21(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes Act (as amended).
In Count Three, Mr. Abdulrahman was accused of publishing a defamatory video via his TikTok handle (“Kibanna Channel”) and YouTube channel, wherein he allegedly accused Senator Umar of sponsoring banditry and called for his investigation.
The prosecution contends that the publication was false and intended to incite public disorder, contrary to Section 24(1)(b) and punishable under Section 24(1)(5) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015.
Next Hearing: November 10, 2025
Court: Federal High Court, Abuja
Judge: Hon. Justice Offili Ajumogobia
