A Sokoto Chief Magistrate Court has granted bail to Shafi’u Umar, a former aide to ex-Governor Aminu Tambuwal, who is facing charges of defamation against Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu and his wife. Umar, 37, was accused of circulating false information on social media, including claims that Governor Aliyu’s wife, Fatima Aliyu, was seen “spraying” money during her birthday despite the economic hardships facing citizens. He was also alleged to have shared a document suggesting the governor failed his Senior Secondary School Examination and could not speak English.
Umar, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, had been in custody since the case was first mentioned on August 26. The charges include circulating injurious falsehood and defamation, which violate the penal code.
At the hearing, Magistrate Fatima Hassan granted Umar bail in the sum of N1 million with a surety of the same amount. The surety must reside in Sokoto and provide identification documents. The court adjourned the case to October 10, 2024, to allow the prosecution to complete its investigation. Umar will remain in custody until he fulfills the bail conditions.