By Uzair Adam
A magistrate court in Kano has ordered the remand of Muktar Dahiru, a journalist with Radio Nigeria, Pyramid FM Kano, in prison.
He is accused of sharing media content on Facebook that is critical of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the reinstated emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II.
Dahiru allegedly posted several controversial audio recordings, including an interview with an opposition politician who accused Governor Yusuf of corruption.
The politician challenged the governor to allow federal anti-corruption agencies to investigate a scandal involving Novomed Pharmaceutical, which is owned by a relative of former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
In another instance, Dahiru shared a broadcast by the governor’s political adviser, Anas Abba-Dala, which speculated on the nationality of Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and made other controversial claims.
Additionally, Dahiru shared content criticizing the emir and accusing former Governor Kwankwaso of financial misconduct.
The journalist was charged in secret at Magistrate Court 24 on Gyadi Gyadi Court Road for criminal conspiracy, defamation of character, and intentional insult, alleged to be in violation of sections 97, 391, and 115 of the Penal Code Law.
The magistrate, Ummah Kurawa, ordered Dahiru’s remand in a correctional facility until a bail hearing scheduled for September 3.