News
Court remands TikToker over false obituary video of President Tinubu
Court remands TikToker over false obituary video of President Tinubu
By: Zagazola Makama
A Chief Magistrate Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of a social media influencer, Ghali Isma’il, at the Keffi Correctional Centre for allegedly publishing a false video announcing the death of President Bola Tinubu.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested Isma’il following a video he uploaded on his verified TikTok handle, @bola_asiwaju, in which he claimed that the President had died after allegedly being poisoned.
The 29-year-old suspect, a native of Jogana Village in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State, was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on publication of false news and inciting disaffection against the government.
The first count, titled Publication of false news with intent to cause offence against public peace, stated that Isma’il, on or about July 20, 2025, falsely claimed in the video that he had confirmed from official sources that President Tinubu was critically ill, allegedly after being poisoned. The charge added that the intent was to cause public alarm and disturb the peace.
The offence, according to the prosecution, is punishable under Section 418 of the Penal Code Act, Cap P3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The second count, Inciting disaffection to the government, accused the defendant of attempting to bring contempt or incite feelings of disaffection against the President by spreading falsehood. The prosecution cited Section 416 of the Penal Code as the relevant legal provision.
The presiding magistrate, Ekpeyong Iyang, after listening to submissions by the prosecution and the defence, denied the bail application filed by Isma’il’s counsel.
He ordered the accused to be remanded at the Keffi Correctional Centre pending the continuation of trial, which was adjourned till August 19.
Isma’il’s arraignment came days after a U.S.-based professor of journalism, Farooq Kperogi, apologised for publishing a false report alleging that former President Muhammadu Buhari and his wife, Aisha, were divorced at the time of his death.
In a similar development, Finnish-based separatist agitator, Simon Ekpa, is currently standing trial in Finland for terrorism-related charges stemming from online broadcasts supporting Biafran separatism.
Prosecutors in Finland are seeking a six-year prison sentence for Ekpa, whose online activities, they argue, constitute terrorism under Finnish law.
Last week, in Abuja, Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), told a Federal High Court that his online broadcasts were mere jokes, despite prosecution claims that the content led to the deaths of hundreds.
Court remands TikToker over false obituary video of President Tinubu
JNIM terrorists clashes with rival factions in rare encounter in Nigeria’s Kebbi state
By: Zagazola Makama
A suspected clash between rival terrorists factions has been reported in Kebbi State, raising fresh security concerns in the North-West region.
Sources said the incident occurred on April 4, when a group identified as Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) claimed it engaged a rival faction described as “Khawarij”.
The group alleged that one fighter was killed and another captured during the encounter, while three motorcycles and about N10 million were recovered.
However, the identity of the opposing group has yet to be independently verified.
Preliminary indications suggest the rival faction may be linked to Boko Haram or one of its splinter groups, though this remains subject to confirmation.
Security sources said the development could represent one of the first reported inter-jihadist clashes in the region.
JNIM terrorists clashes with rival factions in rare encounter in Nigeria’s Kebbi state
Troops foil mob attack, rescue suspected terrorist in Danmusa in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 17 Brigade have foiled an attempt by a mob to lynch a suspected terrorist and burn down a police station in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. on April 5, 2026, when troops deployed at Combat Team 1 in Danali village responded to a distress call from a Nigerian Police outpost in the area.
The police had reported that a large crowd attempted to set the station ablaze and attack personnel after a suspected terrorist was brought into custody.
Troops were immediately mobilised to the scene and successfully prevented further escalation of the situation, restoring order in the area.
During the intervention, police personnel reportedly fired tear gas to disperse the irate crowd, which led to injuries sustained by one civilian.
The injured victim was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
Security sources said calm had since returned to the area, while troops continued to maintain presence to prevent a resurgence of violence and ensure stability.
Troops foil mob attack, rescue suspected terrorist in Danmusa in Katsina
Plateau: troops launch manhunt after armed robbery attack in Bassa LGA
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have launched a manhunt for suspected armed robbers who attacked three civilians along the Jebbu–Miango–Rewienko road in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 8:55 p.m. on April 5, 2026, when the victims were reportedly ambushed by armed men who dispossessed them of their motorcycles before fleeing the scene.
Troops of Sector 3 Operation Enduring Peace were immediately mobilised following the distress call but arrived after the attackers had escaped.
Efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects, while patrols have been intensified in the area to prevent further criminal activity.
Plateau: troops launch manhunt after armed robbery attack in Bassa LGA
JNIM terrorists clashes with rival factions in rare encounter in Nigeria’s Kebbi state
Troops foil mob attack, rescue suspected terrorist in Danmusa in Katsina
Plateau: troops launch manhunt after armed robbery attack in Bassa LGA
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