Kano Journalist Rearrested, Sent Back To Prison Over Alleged Defamation Of Governor Abba Yusuf

A journalist, Muktar Dahiru, accused of making a Facebook post deemed “insulting” to Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has been rearrested and remanded in prison.

Dahiru, who works with Pyramid FM Kano, was sent to Kurmawa correctional facility for failing to meet certain bail conditions after his initial release, according to his lawyer, Yusuf Isah, The Cable Reports on Thursday.

Dahiru was first arrested on August 29 and charged with criminal conspiracy, defamation of character, and intentional insult. He allegedly shared multiple audio interviews in which opposition politicians criticized Governor Yusuf.

The journalist was also accused of posting an audio programme in which Muhammadu Sanusi, the reinstated Emir of Kano, was portrayed as living lavishly while claiming to sympathise with the poor.

Ummah Kurawa, the presiding magistrate, had remanded Dahiru in prison pending a bail hearing on September 3.

During the court session, the magistrate granted the journalist a N1 million bail but imposed restrictions, banning him from posting content that could be considered offensive to state government officials.

The defendant was further instructed to provide three sureties, including his wife, the chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and a reputable individual endorsed by the Kano Hisbah Board.