SAHARA REPORTERS
Shafi’u Tureta, a media aide to former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, continues to be held in a correctional centre over allegations of social media criticism of the state government.
His detention follows his arrest in August by Sokoto State Police Command for allegedly defaming the state’s First Lady, Fatima Ahmad Aliyu.
It had been reported a week ago that Tureta was remanded at a Sokoto Correctional Center by a Chief Magistrate’s Court.
The court’s decision follows allegations that Tureta disseminated defamatory falsehoods against current Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, and his wife, Fatima, via social media.
Meanwhile, the case was initially heard on August 26, with charges related to defamation of character.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the alleged offences occurred on July 18, 2024.
Tureta’s arrest came after he criticised a viral video of the First Lady’s extravagant birthday party, where guests were seen throwing dollars.
The video, attributed to Tureta, caused widespread online outrage over perceived wastefulness during Nigeria’s economic downturn.
A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Abdul-Aziz Na’ibi Abubakar, advocating for Tureta’s release, tweeted that his arrest was due to his comments on the “Sokoto First Lady dancing to the spree of dollars on her birthday” and the governor’s N1.2 billion expenditure on borehole repairs.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Rufa’i Ahmad, confirmed Tureta’s arrest followed a petition by the First Lady, who alleged character assassination.
Ahmad had clarified that Tureta was charged in court the day after his arrest, contrary to claims of prolonged detention.
THIS STORY FIRST APPEARED IN SAHARA REPORTERS
