The Department of State Services (DSS) has taken legal action against Mubarak Abdullahi, popularly known as Sardaunan Samari, over the alleged circulation of a fabricated letter purportedly written by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the President of the United States.
Abdullahi, described as a supporter of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, was arrested on September 28 after allegedly sharing the disputed document on his Facebook page with the caption, “ATIKU IS COMING.”
According to President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the suspect admitted during questioning that he shared the document and reportedly apologised for his actions.
Abdullahi was subsequently brought before Chief Magistrate Court No. 10 in Kabala Doki, Kaduna, which ordered that he be remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Centre in the state.
The DSS has also filed a three-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime and defamation against him at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
A date for his formal arraignment before the Federal High Court had not been announced as of the latest report.
Onanuga said the development demonstrated the agency’s capacity to identify individuals allegedly involved in spreading misleading information online.
However, the case has attracted criticism from human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who questioned the use of a national security agency in prosecuting a citizen over an online publication. Sowore accused the authorities of using state institutions to suppress dissent.
The allegations against Abdullahi remain subject to judicial determination, and the remand order does not amount to a conviction.
