Cyberbullying Trial of Lawyer, TikTok Influencers Over Senator Buba Case Adjourned
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of an Abuja-based lawyer and four social media influencers accused of cyberbullying and defaming Senator Umar Shehu Buba until January 27, 2026.
The case, before Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, involves Ahmed Abdulrahman and four co-defendants—Daure David, Ishaq Muhammed, Abdulrashid Musa and Nasir Abubakar—who are facing an 11-count charge bordering on cyberstalking, defamation and alleged advance fee fraud. Senator Buba, the complainant, is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence.
At the resumed proceedings, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) formally took over the prosecution of the matter. A Chief State Counsel from the AGF’s office, Abueh Leyii, informed the court that the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, had assumed control of the case from the Inspector General of Police.
Leyii explained that after a preliminary review of the case file, the AGF identified certain issues in the existing charges requiring further clarification. She told the court that the office had written to the police and was awaiting a response, requesting a brief adjournment to allow for proper restructuring of the prosecution’s strategy.
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The charges, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/526/2025, allege that the defendants conspired to damage the senator’s reputation through digital platforms. Abdulrahman, the first defendant, is accused of using his TikTok handle, “Kibanna Channel,” and a YouTube platform to circulate a video allegedly linking Senator Buba to the sponsorship of banditry.
Another count accuses Daure David of attempting to extort N5 million from the senator under the pretext that the funds would be used to “settle” individuals planning a protest against the lawmaker. The prosecution further alleges that the statements made by the defendants through computer systems were intended to cause a breakdown of law and order and instil fear in the complainant.
The offences are said to be punishable under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.
The defendants had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges. Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia granted each of them bail in the sum of N1 million with one surety in like sum. The court directed that each surety must either be a Grade Level 12 officer in the Federal Civil Service or a person of reputable standing with landed property within the Abuja Municipal Area Council, supported by a valid Certificate of Occupancy.
The judge warned that failure to meet the bail conditions would lead to automatic revocation. Pending the fulfilment of these conditions, the defendants are to remain in custody.
With no objection from defence counsel, the court adjourned the matter to January 27 to enable the AGF conclude its review and receive the police response.
By PRNigeria
