Court orders arrest of social media activist for defaming minister

By Sylvanus Viashima, Jalingo

The Federal High Court, Jalingo, has ordered the arrest of a social media activist Abdulmumuni Imam for allegedly defaming the Minister of State, Regional Development, Uba Maigari.

In a trending post on his verified Facebook page, Imam alleged the minister diverted ₦16.5 billion contract for the reconstruction of Namnai Bridge in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State, leading to non-commencement of work on the bridge.

Counsel to Alhaji Maigari, Dr Ibrahim Effiong, while addressing journalists in Jalingo on Friday, said that the “self-acclaimed social media activist has made accusations against the minister, pitting him against the people of the state and gravely injuring his reputation.”

He explained that his client only wanted the handler to come and defend his claims before the court so that the records will be set straight.

“As a reputable legal luminary and law abiding citizen, the minister deemed it important for the man to prove his claims before the court. He has been invited and rather than appearing to defend himself, he has gone on the same social media to start making allegations that security people are looking for him. We didn’t approach any security agencies. Rather we went to the court.

“I think it is important for people to be held responsible for their content on the social media. Yes we have freedom of speech, but it comes with a responsibility of utilising it responsibly. That is the only way to protect the sanctity of that space,” Effiong said.