Zuhair Ali Ibrahim , editor of Leadership Hausa Online A Magistrate Court in Katsina has ordered the remand of Zuhair Ali Ibrahim , edito...
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| Zuhair Ali Ibrahim, editor of Leadership Hausa Online |
A Magistrate Court in Katsina has ordered the remand of Zuhair Ali Ibrahim, editor of Leadership Hausa Online, following a petition filed by Abubakar Nuhu, councillor representing Doro Ward in Bindawa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The remand order was granted at the request of the police, who are currently investigating a report published by the online newspaper on September 7. The article alleged that the councillor defrauded a businessman, Alhaji Ibrahim Sa’adu, of ₦30 million.
According to the publication, Alhaji Sa’adu, who identified himself as a political associate and benefactor of the councillor, claimed that Mr. Nuhu abused the trust built between them to obtain the funds under false pretences.
Mr. Ibrahim, the editor, reportedly made efforts to reach Councillor Nuhu for comment prior to publication but received no response. The newspaper proceeded to publish the report, clearly stating the allegations and the identity of the accuser.
Following the article’s release, the councillor filed a formal complaint with the police. Mr. Ibrahim was subsequently arrested in Zaria and brought to Katsina earlier this week.
In his statement to the authorities, the journalist reportedly explained the circumstances surrounding the report, including his efforts to obtain the councillor’s side of the story.
Efforts were made by several prominent individuals to mediate and resolve the matter amicably. Among those involved in the peace efforts were Alhaji Shafi’u Duwan, Special Adviser to Governor Dikko Radda on Political Affairs; a member of the House of Representatives representing Mani/Bindawa Federal Constituency; Alhaji Yusuf Ibrahim Jargaba; and Malam Danjuma Katsina.
Despite initially expressing willingness to settle the matter out of court, Councillor Nuhu was said to have withdrawn from the agreement, opting instead to pursue the case through legal channels.
Media rights advocates have expressed concern over the development, warning that the councillor’s actions could be interpreted as an attempt to intimidate journalists and deter investigative reporting.
The court has adjourned the case, and Mr Ibrahim is expected to remain in custody pending the conclusion of the police investigation.
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