DSS arraigns man over fake Tinubu letter to Trump
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned Mubarak Abdullahi, also known as Sardaunan Samari, for allegedly sharing a fraudulent document purportedly authored by President Bola Tinubu and addressed to the President of the United States.
Abdullahi faces three counts related to cybercrime and defamation at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
His arrest on September 28 followed the dissemination of the fake letter on his Facebook page, captioned “ATIKU IS COMING,” which purportedly aimed to mislead the public.
According to a tweet from Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Abdullahi admitted to investigators that he shared the document and expressed remorse, but his contrition was deemed insufficient by the authorities.
The Chief Magistrate Court in Kaduna has ordered Abdullahi’s remand at the Nigerian Correctional Centre. His formal arraignment date is yet to be determined.
Onanuga emphasized the DSS’s commitment to combating misinformation in cyberspace, stating that they have the capability to track individuals spreading misleading information.
However, the authenticity of claims regarding Abdullahi’s political affiliations with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar remains unverified.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore criticized the arrest, arguing that it reflects an abuse of power by the government.
On his social media platform, he condemned the DSS for acting as a tool for silencing dissent, suggesting that such actions undermine democracy and free expression.
Sowore’s comments highlight ongoing concerns about freedom of speech in Nigeria, particularly regarding the treatment of citizens who criticize the government.
As the case unfolds, it underscores the growing tension between government authorities and social media users, raising questions about the balance between national security and individual rights in the digital age.
