A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday imposed strict bail conditions on Abuja-based lawyer Ahmed Abdulrahman, who is facing charges of cyberbullying Senator Umar Shehu Buba, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence.
Justice Rita Offili-Ajumogobia granted Abdulrahman bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum, but ruled that he remain in custody until the conditions are met. The judge ordered that the sureties must own landed property in the Federal Capital Territory with valid Certificates of Occupancy, and that the original documents, along with their international passports, be deposited with the court.
Abdulrahman and four others were arraigned on October 30 on an 11-count charge filed by the Inspector-General of Police, including cyberstalking, defamation, cybercrime and attempted advance fee fraud. Prosecutors allege that Abdulrahman used his TikTok and YouTube channels to falsely link Senator Buba to banditry, intending to damage the lawmaker’s reputation and incite unrest. Another defendant, Daure David, is accused of attempting to obtain N5 million from the senator under false pretence.
All five defendants pleaded not guilty and were remanded at the Force Criminal Investigation Department. The case has been adjourned to December 9 for further mention.
