Gombe Islamic scholar granted bail in cyberstalking case

A Gombe-based Islamic scholar, Ahmad Abubakar, has been granted bail after spending a day in custody over allegations of intentional insult, defamation, and cyberstalking against a political leader in the state, Aliyu Muhammad.

Abubakar, a resident of Jekadafari Quarters in Gombe, was initially remanded at the Medium Custodial Centre following an order by Magistrate Aliyu Galadima.

The defendant was accused of making insulting and provocative statements against Muhammad on social media, which the complainant alleged affected his political activities and caused him emotional trauma.

According to the prosecution, the complainant, aggrieved by what he described as the defendant’s unlawful conduct, approached the court for redress.

The prosecution urged the court to consider the allegations as offences of intentional insult, defamation, and cyberstalking.

It stated that the offences contravened Sections 399 and 391 of the Penal Code Law, as well as Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.

The case, which originated from the office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, was brought before the court with an application seeking an ex parte order for the defendant’s remand and other consequential orders.

However, counsel for the defendant, Hamidu Inusa, filed an application seeking bail for his client.

Although the magistrate initially ordered Abubakar’s remand, he was granted bail and released a day later.

The case was adjourned until November 19, 2026, for further mention.