A Federal High Court in Abuja has imposed stringent bail conditions on Ahmed Abdulrahman, a lawyer accused of cyberbullying Senator Umar Shehu Buba. Justice Rita Offili Ajumogobia ordered that Abdulrahman must produce two sureties who own landed property in the Federal Capital Territory, complete with Certificates of Occupancy, and deposit these documents with the court registrar. The sureties are also required to surrender their international passports for the duration of the trial. Although Abdulrahman was granted bail in the sum of N5 million and two sureties of the same amount, he will remain in custody until the bail conditions are satisfied.
Abdulrahman and four others are facing prosecution by the Inspector‑General of Police on allegations of cyberbullying, cybercrime, defamation, and advance‑fee fraud. The charges, filed on 6 October, allege that the defendants conspired to commit these offenses against Senator Buba, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence. The defendants pleaded not guilty to an 11‑count charge and were remanded at the Force Criminal Investigation Department. Among the charges is conspiracy to commit cyberstalking, contrary to the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
Specifically, Abdulrahman is accused of intentionally sending a defamatory video via his social media accounts, linking Senator Buba to the sponsorship of banditry. Another defendant, Daure David, is alleged to have attempted to collect N5 million from Senator Buba under false pretenses. The case has been adjourned to 9 December 2025 for further mention. The prosecution seeks to prove that the defendants’ actions were intended to harm Senator Buba’s reputation and safety.
The court’s decision to impose stringent bail conditions reflects the seriousness with which cyberbullying and related offenses are being treated in Nigeria. As the case progresses, it will be important to monitor how the court balances the defendants’ rights with the need to protect individuals from online harassment and defamation.
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