A Gombe-based Islamic scholar, Ahmad Mandy Abubakar, has been granted bail after spending a day in custody over allegations of intentional insult, defamation and cyberstalking against a political leader, Engr. Aliyu Muhammad.
Abubakar, a resident of Jekadafari Quarters, Gombe, was initially remanded at the Medium Custodial Centre following an order by Magistrate Court No. 9, presided over by His Worship Aliyu Adamu Galadima.
The defendant was accused of allegedly making insulting and provocative statements against Muhammad through social media platforms, conduct which the complainant claimed 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 constituting offences of intentional insult, defamation and cyberstalking.
“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 prosecutor added.
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 remand of the defendant and other consequential orders.
However, counsel to the defendant, Barrister Hamidu Inusa, filed an application seeking bail for his client.
Although the magistrate initially ordered the defendant’s remand, he was subsequently granted bail and released a day later.
The case was adjourned until November 19, 2026, for further mention.